Outdoor Living Resource Library

When people think about outdoor living, it's easy to picture long summer afternoons, backyard cookouts, and evenings that stretch well past sunset. But some of the best backyard moments don't happen at the beginning of summer. They happen after routines begin to settle again. The calendar changes but gathering with the people you enjoy doesn't have to. In many ways, your backyard is just getting started. Gatherings Change with the Season Summer gatherings often happen becau

You have probably spent more time in your backyard this summer than you did a few months ago. Maybe you added furniture, created a comfortable place to sit, put up some shade, added lighting, or simply made a few changes that made the space work better for you. Now that you've had a season to use it, there's another part of the process worth thinking about - protecting what you've built. Outdoor furniture and accessories spend their lives exposed to sun, rain, humidity, dirt,

You’ve spent the season building a space you love - choosing furniture, arranging seating, adding cushions, lighting, rugs, planters, and all the little touches that make your backyard feel like your backyard. Whether you invested a lot or a little, whether you bought brand‑new or “start where you are,” one thing is true for everyone: Your outdoor space is an investment worth protecting. Protection starts now - while your space is dry, clean, and in daily use. Below is your p

Backyards can look beautiful and still sit empty. The difference between a backyard that people admire and one they actually use often isn't always a major upgrade. Sometimes it comes down to how easy the space makes it to step outside and enjoy. The best outdoor spaces tend to remove the little obstacles that keep people from using them. Maybe the chairs aren't comfortable enough for a long conversation. Maybe the shade disappears at the time of day you want to be outside. M

Some of the most memorable gatherings don't happen because everything was perfectly planned. They happened because people felt comfortable enough to stay a little longer. Nobody remembers whether the chairs matched. They remember laughing around the table. They remember one more story before everyone went home. They remember not wanting the evening to end. Make People Feel Welcome A welcoming backyard has very little to do with its size. It comes from simple things: Comfort

One of the biggest misconceptions about creating a great backyard is thinking that it must be finished before you can enjoy it. The best backyards usually grow the same way life does - one improvement at a time. The longer you spend enjoying your space, the more you begin noticing the small things that could make it even better. Not because anything is wrong. Because you've lived in it long enough to know what matters. Maybe one chair is always in the afternoon sun. Maybe you

A small backyard doesn't have to feel crowded. In many cases, creating a more open feeling isn't about adding space - it's about making better use of the space you already have. A few thoughtful changes can help a backyard feel more inviting, comfortable, and surprisingly larger without a major renovation. Keep Walkways Open One of the quickest ways to make a backyard feel cramped is by blocking natural movement. Leave clear paths between seating areas. Avoid placing furnit

Outdoor spaces are meant to feel relaxing, but cushions, grilling supplies, blankets and seasonal accessories can quickly create clutter. Even a well-designed backyard can start to feel messy when everyday items do not have a designated place. A few smart storage solutions can help keep everything organized while making the space easier to enjoy. The goal isn't to hide everything; it's to create simple systems that make the space easier to use. Start With What You Use Most

Outdoor spaces are often where family and friends gather - but for many of us, pets are a part of those gatherings too. Whether it's a quiet evening on the patio or friends stopping by for a cookout, pets often become part of those moments too. Creating a backyard that works for everyone—including them—doesn't have to be complicated. Creating a Comfortable Place to Rest Provide shade areas during warmer weather. Keep fresh water available. Add a comfortable outdoor bed or bla

Bugs can quickly make even the best outdoor spaces less enjoyable, especially during warmer evenings when people naturally want to spend more time outside. The goal is not to eliminate every insect, it’s to reduce distractions so your backyard stays comfortable without relying on harsh chemicals or overpowering solutions. Reduce Standing Water Empty containers regularly Keep gutters clear Avoid water collecting near seating areas Small changes can help reduce mosquito act

Privacy can make a backyard feel calmer, more comfortable and more inviting. The challenge is creating separation without making the space feel smaller or closed off. Thoughtful layers, natural elements and strategic placement can provide privacy while still keeping the backyard open and enjoyable. Use Layered Privacy Instead of Solid Barriers Mix plants, lighting and partial screening Avoid fully enclosing small spaces Create softer visual separation L

A small backyard doesn't have to limit what you can create. In many cases, smaller outdoor spaces simply require a little more intention. The goal isn't to fit everything into your yard; it's to make the space work for the way you actually want to use it. Whether you're hoping to relax after work, grill with family or create a comfortable place to gather with friends, a few smart decisions can often make a bigger difference than adding more. Think About How You Want to Use

Shade can completely change how comfortable a backyard feels. Without it, even a well-designed space may not get used during warmer parts of the day. The goal isn’t to block all sunlight - it’s to create comfort where shade matters most. Start With Where You Spend Time Focus on the areas people use most. • Seating areas • Dining spaces • Grill or gathering areas Shade is most useful where people naturally stay the longest. Use Simple Shade Solutions First You don’t always

A small backyard doesn’t have to feel crowded. The way a space is arranged often matters more than the amount of space itself. A few simple choices can make a backyard feel more open, comfortable, and easier to use. The goal isn’t to make the space bigger - it’s to make it feel more open, comfortable, and usable. Start With Layout How furniture and features are arranged has a big impact. • Leave room to move comfortably • Avoid blocking natural pathways • Keep the layout s

When improving a backyard, it’s easy to think spending more will lead to a better space. But that is rarely how it works. Some things make a noticeable difference. Others look good at first, but don’t improve how the space is used. The goal is not to spend more; it is to spend on the things that matter. Start With How the Space Is Used Before Deciding where to spend, think about how your backyard is actually used: Is it for relaxing or hosting? Do people stay

A grill setup doesn’t need to be large to be effective. Most people focus on the grill itself, but how the space is set up matters just as much. What matters most is how easy it is to use. The goal isn’t bigger setup - it’s a better one. Start With Function Before adding anything, look at how you currently cook: Do you have space to prep? Are your tools easy to reach? Can you move comfortably? A simple setup that works is better than a large one t

A fire pit can quickly become the center of your backyard. But how it’s set up determines whether people actually gather around it. The goal isn’t just to have a fire pit. It’s to make it usable and inviting. Start With Placement Where you place your fire pit matters. Close enough to seating to feel connected Far enough for comfort and safety Positioned where people naturally gather Think about how people will naturally approach and gathe

Outdoor lighting doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. A few well-placed lights can completely change how your space feels – and how often you actually use it. The goal isn’t to add more lighting. It’s to add the right lighting in the right places. Start With Where You Need Light Before choosing fixtures, think about how your space is used at night: Where do people sit? Where do people walk? What areas feel too dark? Lighting should support how a space is used –

Choosing outdoor furniture can feel overwhelming. There are endless styles, materials and price points – and it’s easy to focus on how something looks instead of how it will hold up over time. The goal isn’t to find the “best” furniture. It is to find what works for your space, your habits and how you use it. Start With How You Use It Before looking at materials or styles, think about use: Is this for everyday sitting or occasional gatherings? Will it stay outside year-roun