Outdoor Living Resource Library

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

When improving a backyard, it’s easier to think more is better. More furniture, More features, More Upgrades But the spaces that feel the best usually aren’t the ones with the most added – they are the ones where a few key things were done well. If you are looking to improve your space, focus on the upgrades that actually change how it feels and how it is used. Start With Layout (Before anything else) Before adding anything new, look at how your space is currently arranged.

Most backyard projects start with buying something—a fire pit, new seating, maybe lighting. But without a plan, even good pieces can feel disconnected. A backyard that works well isn’t built all at once. It’s built by understanding how the space is used—then making decisions that support that. Start With How You Actually Use the Space Before thinking about furniture or features, step back and ask: Do you host often, or is this mostly for everyday use? Do people sit and stay,

Picking a grill sounds simple—until you start comparing options. Different fuel types, sizes, and features can quickly make the decision feel more complicated than it needs to be. The goal isn’t to find the “best” grill. It’s to find the one that fits how you actually cook. Start With the Basics Before looking at specific grills, step back and think about how you plan to use it: How often do you grill—quick weeknight meals or occasional hosting? How much space do you realisti

Lighting is often the last thing people think about when setting up a backyard space—but it’s usually what makes everything feel complete. The right lighting doesn’t need to be complicated. A soft, warm glow can turn a basic setup into a space people want to stay in. Start with the right approach Most backyard lighting comes down to two simple options: · Plug-in (or hardwired) · Solar or battery powered The best choice depends less on the product—and more on how

Winter has a way of lingering longer than we expect. The cold hangs on, the days feel shorter than they should, and it’s easy to push outdoor plans further down the line. Most people wait for the “right time” to start thinking about their space—warmer weather, longer days, a clear weekend. But the truth is, your outdoor space doesn’t need perfect conditions to begin. Start with What You Have Getting ready for better gatherings doesn’t start with a full redesign. It starts wit

A fire pit can quickly become the center of a backyard gathering—but only if it’s built and planned correctly. Small oversights early on can lead to safety concerns, unnecessary costs, or limitations in how you use the space later. Here are some of the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them. Starting with a weak base - A fire pit is only as stable as what it sits on. Without a properly compacted base and drainage, shifting and erosion become likely over time. Not allowing

Most people don’t realize their seating is the problem until guests start arriving. Not enough space. Too far from the fire. Or everything feels disconnected. A fire pit brings people together—but the seating determines whether they stay. Start with the Basics: Fixed vs. Flexible Before buying anything, it helps to understand the two core approaches. Fixed Seating Built-in or permanent seating installed around your fire pit. Anchored in place Consistent layout Low maintenance

You like the idea of a fire pit—the look, the atmosphere, the way it brings people together. Now it’s about choosing the option that fits how you actually live and host. Start with the Setup Before choosing wood or gas, consider where your fire pit will live. Is the ground level and able to support the weight? Is there proper ventilation and safe clearance? How close is it to seating and traffic flow? A good setup makes either option work better. Wood Fire Pits: Experience Fi