Summertime means everyone is craving more time spent outside. Yet, when temperatures continue to creep upward, the idea of sitting out in the heat doesn’t sound so relaxing.
Rather than avoiding the sun’s rays altogether by staying indoors, soak them up in the shade underneath a pergola or patio cover.
There are several DIY shade options to consider to create your ideal setup, plus plenty of other updates to help you keep cool and optimize your outdoor space during the height of the season.
Enjoy Backyard Comfort with a Deck/Patio Cover Combo
Gain more usable space from your backyard by adding a deck. Customize it by building one that’s ground-level or elevated, wood or PVC, stairs or no stairs.
Even if you currently only have a concrete slab to work with, a patio cover can help create a cozy space.
Choose from wood patio covers made of Redwood, Western Red Cedar, or Douglas Fir. Or, opt for a pre-stained patio cover kit like the Sage pergola system, which is relatively quick and easy to install.
Either option allows you to choose from a lattice or solid roof, specialized ends and sizes, so it can be tailored to your specific design needs.
Create Sections to Make the Space Seem Bigger
In addition to building a deck and patio cover to embrace backyard living with ample shade, there are other ways to enhance your outdoor space.
Though it may seem counterintuitive, you can make a smaller backyard appear bigger simply by sectioning off different areas.
A railing can be installed to border a deck or to create a distinct property line. There is an outdoor building material for every style and budget, from Trex’s composite lines to aluminum railing, cable, or wood.
Consider Cost-Effective Upgrades
Building garden boxes or using modular panels are also budget-friendly ways to frame different areas of the yard and make them usable and aesthetically pleasing.
Use fencing or decorative panels to camouflage a brick wall, air-conditioning units, or garbage bins. The upgrade will make your backyard feel more like an inviting space to spend time for all your summer activities.
Keep Cool Around the Pool
To protect feet and paws from hot surfaces around a pool, consider installing composite decking designed to stay cooler to the touch.
For instance, Trex decking is equipped with a special heat-resistant technology to keep the temperature of the boards more comfortable underfoot.
It has a clip system that’s easy to install, takes little to maintain, and is available in a range of colors to match the chosen look and feel of your backyard design.
Seasonal Updates for Outdoor Living Year-Round
In Southern California, it often feels like endless summer, so updating your backyard with plenty of shade and places to hang out make it a spot you can enjoy throughout the seasons.
At J&W Lumber, we have all the lumber, prefab patio covers, and any other outdoor building materials you’ll need in stock, every day, and can also special order products based on your project needs.
Not sure where to start? Come in to your local store and get ideas from our friendly, knowledgeable representatives and take a look at our in-store displays as you begin to envision your perfect setup.