Don’t Start Your Backyard Project Without These Key Planning Steps

Category: Article     Tags: Design, How-To

YouTube Video- Mission Statement
Watch our YouTube video for insights on the first most crucial step in starting your outdoor living space.

Craft a Mission Statement for Your Outdoor Living Space

Let’s face it, we all dream of having the perfect outdoor living space. However, creating that space can be overwhelming without a solid plan in place. That’s why crafting a mission statement is essential. It’s like having a GPS for your backyard design. Do you want a space to relax and unwind after a long day? Or maybe you want a space to host epic summer barbecues and pool parties. Whatever your vision, having a clear mission statement will help you stay on track and make informed decisions about your outdoor living space.

Consider Your Climate When Planning Your Backyard

Mother Nature can be a fickle friend, so it’s important to consider your climate when planning your outdoor living space. After all, you don’t want to be stuck inside on a beautiful day because your space can’t handle the elements.

Hot Climates: Add Shade and a Fireplace (Really, a Fireplace)

If you live in a hot and sunny climate, consider adding some shade with a pergola, umbrella, or strategically planted trees. Ironically, warmer climates also respond very well to outdoor fireplaces. Places that get cool at night, like Texas, Florida, and California, can use fireplaces to enjoy their outdoor space year-round. We sell the most fireplaces in these climates. Once it gets cold in certain parts of America, it is just too cold to enjoy the patio.

Cooler Climates: Incorporate Fire Pits and Heating Elements

If you’re in a cooler climate, consider incorporating a fire pit or outdoor heating element to keep you warm on those chilly evenings. By considering your climate, you can create a comfortable and enjoyable space year-round.

Young girl warmed her hands in front of an outdoor fireplace.

Identify Any Issues or Needs for Your Yard

While planning your list of wants is certainly exciting, it’s important not to overlook your yard’s practical needs. These issues must be addressed to create a functional and safe outdoor living space.

Identify any potential problems or needs in your yard. Are there drainage issues that need to be addressed? Do you need a fence for safety or insurance reasons? Do you need to leave enough space for parking an RV or other large vehicle? Are there any accessibility concerns, such as needing a walkway or ramp?

While these needs may not be as exciting as your list of wants, they are crucial to the success of your backyard design project. Make sure to prioritize these needs and address them first before moving on to your list of wants. That way, you can ensure that your outdoor living space is not only beautiful but also safe and functional.

Creating Your List of Wants and Choosing Your Features (Let Your Imagination Run Wild)

Creating your list of wants is where the real fun begins! This is your opportunity to let your imagination run wild and dream up the backyard of your dreams. Think about what you want to do in your outdoor space. Do you love to grill and entertain? Consider a killer grill station or even a built-in outdoor kitchen. Love to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories around the campfire? A fire pit or outdoor fireplace might be just the thing. Maybe you want a peaceful oasis for reading and relaxation. In that case, a cozy seating area with a pergola or other shade structure might be the way to go.

As you make your list of wants, keep your mission statement in mind. Is each feature you’re considering aligned with your goals and intended use for your outdoor space? If not, it might be time to reconsider. Remember, you want to create a space that’s not only beautiful but also functional and practical.

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds when shopping for backyard features and browsing trendy ideas. But if you stick to your mission statement, you’ll be able to stay on track and eliminate any unnecessary or impractical wants from your list. Don’t worry about fitting everything into your space just yet—you can always prioritize and make cuts later. For now, focus on creating a comprehensive list of wants that will guide your backyard design journey.

Barrington Classis DIY Outdoor Fireplace Kit shown in Cottage Buff Stone color

Fireplaces Kits

Unity series outdoor kitchen components make creating your ultimate outdoor kitchen easy.

Outdoor Kitchens

Tower-Fire-Keep-Hero

Fire Pits

Grill Islands

Fireplace with TV and pizza oven.

Grill Stations

Set a Realistic Budget for Your Backyard Project

Setting a realistic budget is crucial to planning your backyard design project. While it may be tempting to avoid discussing your budget, remember that doing so can lead to wasted time, misunderstandings, and unrealistic expectations.

Don’t be nervous or embarrassed about stating your budget. Your budget doesn’t reflect your worth or what you can afford to spend. It simply indicates what you’re willing to spend on this project at this time. By setting a budget upfront, you can ensure that you can include the features and options that are most important to you while still staying within your means.

At the same time, it’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve with your budget. Not every feature or option may be possible within your budget constraints, but that’s okay. Nobody gets everything they want when and where they want it at the price they want to pay. But you can mix some DIY with some “Do-it-for-me” and save some serious money. Did I mention that is where our Easy-to-build DIY kits come in ;)?

Check out our pre-designed outdoor kitchen layouts for your backyard patio inspiration

Our turnkey outdoor kitchens are the fastest and easiest way to realize your dream patio

Small corner outdoor kitchen design with modular units and Kamado Grill.
Cook's Corner Deluxe 45 degree outdoor kitchen with U shaped wrap around bar and elevated countertops.
Extra large premium and professional stone outdoor kitchen layout.

Setting a budget is not about limiting your options or settling for less. It’s about making informed decisions that help you achieve your goals while staying within your means. So be upfront about your budget, and let us help you create the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Fit Your Plan to Your Budget

Congratulations. You have a great start to realizing your ultimate backyard getaway. You are miles ahead of most people that start a backyard project. Now, we need to work those lists to develop an actionable plan.

Determine the cost of meeting your needs first. You must fix any problems and address any needs before proceeding to your wants. This isn’t always a bad thing. Often a paving area will help assist a drainage problem: a patio space and drainage away from the house. It’s a win-win!

After addressing the needs from your list, we will work to fit all your wants into your budget. You remember the wishlist—it is probably your longest, most expensive list. This list is compared to your remaining budget. Usually, this becomes a further paring down of your wishlist. But don’t think of this as getting rid of the things you want. You are prioritizing the items to achieve your goal. Refer to your mission statement to help determine what stays and goes into your plan.

Like in gardening, pruning is needed and healthy. The most successful backyards often revolve around a central theme or feature. You only need one centerpiece. The use of your outdoor living space should be obvious and natural when you enter it.

Don’t Forget the Plants: Add Greenery to Your Outdoor Space

Adding some greenery to your outdoor living space can do wonders for the atmosphere. Plants not only add beauty and color but also help purify the air and create a relaxing environment. When choosing plants, consider the amount of sunlight and shade your space receives and the climate you live in. Native plants are always a great choice, as they are well-suited to your environment and require less maintenance. Don’t have a green thumb? That is no problem. There are plenty of low-maintenance plant options.

Working in the garden is relaxing and has many health benefits.

Design Your Outdoor Living Space with Purposely Chosen Plants

Learn to Enhance your outdoor living space with strategic plant choices. Softscaping is the soul of your outdoor living and patio areas.

Lighting is Key: Enhancing Your Backyard with the Right Lighting

The right lighting can transform your outdoor living space from good to great. It adds ambiance and style and extends the use of your space into the evening hours. Consider installing string lights, lanterns, or even a chandelier to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to light up any paths or walkways for safety and convenience. You can enjoy your outdoor space with the right lighting long after the sun goes down.

Low voltage lighting creates ambiance that can't be replicated in the daytime.

Revealing Patio 2.0: Tips for Using Low Voltage Lighting to Add Drama to Your Backyard

Don’t confine your patio to daylight hours? Paint with light, and immerse yourself in the enchanting nocturnal magic of your own backyard!

Conclusion

Creating the perfect outdoor living space requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a realistic budget. By crafting a mission statement, considering your climate, choosing the right features, adding some greenery, and lighting up the night, you can create an outdoor living space you’ll love spending time in. So take some time to review your budget and prioritize your wishlist, and let us help you create the backyard oasis of your dreams.

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