3 Easy Ways To Turn Your Outdoor Space Into A Retreat - Guest Post By Kevin Jefferson

There are plenty of good reasons why you should turn your outdoor areas into a retreat. For one, spending more time outside has been proven very beneficial for reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Additionally, having your own private retreat will raise the value of your property and increase your options for socializing with your family and friends.

A total makeover of your outdoor space, however, calls for careful planning and loads of know-how. Only if you prepare yourself well can you ensure that your project will be a success and that your retreat will be a fun place to be at! 

1. Install a Deck

Image Source Pexels

Despite requiring a relatively high initial investment, a deck is an excellent way to make your home more fun. It allows you to throw parties, have fun with your loved ones, or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.

While you can expect it to cost anywhere between £3,000 to £10,000, a deck is bound to increase the value of your home by up to 15%.

Suggested Materials

When selecting the materials and furniture for a deck, keep in mind they have to be sturdy and weather-resistant. Don’t try to save by opting for cheaper alternatives because they will let you down in the end.

To get you started, here are some of the top deck material suggestions:

Redwood and cedar: durable, weather-resistant, elegant, pricey

Aluminium: the most durable but also the most expensive

Composite: durable and low-maintenance but comes in limited options

Pressure-treated lumber: popular and elegant but requires maintenance to prevent warping

DIY Vs. Professional

Unless you’re an experienced carpenter who’s no stranger to building decks, you are advised to seek professional help when it comes to its construction. Deck builders are more experienced and know the tricks and potential issues to look out for when setting up a deck.

While hiring a professional will cost you more, they will save a lot of your time. Speaking long-term, they will also save you money by building a deck that will last longer than those built by amateurs.

Unsure about the planning and material selection? Fortunately, most deck builders will be happy to throw in their knowledge and provide you with ideas that best suit your location and preferences.

2. Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Image Source Pixabay

If you’re a cooking enthusiast, you’ll be best off by converting the extra space into an outdoor kitchen. These have recently been gaining a lot of popularity as they give people the opportunity to spend more time outside even when performing basic daily errands, such as cooking.

Outdoor kitchen furniture and equipment suggestions:

-          Dining table

-          Bar table

-          Kitchen chairs and bar seats

-          Cabinets

-          Built-in grill

-          Kitchen sink

-          Fridge or beverage cooler

-          Pizza oven

-          Outdoor LED lighting

-          Side burner

-          Patio sofa

DIY Vs. Professional

If you’re after a simple outdoor kitchen that doesn’t require pulling water lines or electrical wiring, you might be better off taking charge of the makeover. For more complex transformations, however, seek professional help. You can still take care of the design and material selection.

3. Construct a Pool

Image Source Pexels

Having a private swimming pool right at the back of the house is the ultimate dream of many homeowners. Pools offer an excellent retreat and are ideal for those with big families or those who like to invite people over to hang out.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that building a pool can cost you dearly. Depending on the size of your pool, the construction may cost you dozens or thousands of pounds. Additionally, be prepared to pay extra bucks for maintaining the pool.

Pool Types

If you’re determined to build an inground pool, here are the three options you have:

-          Vinyl liner pools

PROS: Durable, low initial investment, and quick to install.
CONS: High long-term expenses, prone to damage by sharp objects.

-          Fiberglass pools

PROS: Low maintenance, low long-term expenses, non-abrasive surface, quick installation
CONS: Limited design options, high initial investment

-          Concrete (gunite) pools

PROS: Highly customizable, permanent construction
CONS: High installation costs, slow construction process

DIY Vs. Professional

For the purpose of safety and legal compliance, only licensed builders should attempt to build a pool. The project is labour-demanding and requires a lot of specific knowledge in areas such as plumbing and electrical wiring.

If you want to participate in the construction, you are advised to help out with the planning and designing. You can also be the one to choose a suitable location and think of other recreational features you would like your pool to have.

Conclusion

If you have unused outdoor space, consider investing your time and money into transforming it into a retreat that will help you relax and relieve your worries. From building a deck and a pool to an outdoor kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make your home more enjoyable!

Kevin is a new homeowner who chooses to tackle much of the work on his house himself. His tinkering has been overseen by his son, and today they are proud to live in a partly dream, partly nightmare home. You can read more of his exploits at PlainHelp.


*Header Image Source Pexels

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