Monthly Archives: June 2019

5 Essentials for Your Backyard Remodel [Plus July 4th Discount]

5 Essentials for Your Backyard Remodel

Summertime has finally arrived, and with it, longer days, warmer nights, and every reason to spend more time outside. There are several things you need to remember to think about before you make a plan. For instance, do you need a hardscaping project as an outdoor space to sit and eat? Do you need to call in Aardvark Electric or someone similar to sort your exterior electrics out for a nicely lit area and some heating for the chilly evenings? What sort of look are you going for, and what furniture do you want to invest in? Then, once you have made your plan, you can get to work! Of course, if you are still stuck, then keep reading for some excellent tips. With the 4th of July approaching, it may be especially worth looking into having essential maintenance such as flagpole maintenance and backyard tiling to make sure you can wow on a special day. Create a comfortable outdoor space for you and your loved ones to enjoy with these backyard remodeling ideas.

Additionally, you may take up a home exterior project since it can reflect on your backyard remodeling project. You can explore a few exterior cleaning companies such as Aqua Pro Company or another service provider near your location to pressure wash the house’s outer walls. It can enhance the appeal of your home and make it look cleaner.

Outdoor Dining

Pool parties, summer BBQs, family get-togethers–there are so many different occasions for which an outdoor dining set will come in handy. You could set up a couple of folding card tables before your guests arrive, or you could invest in a quality outdoor dining set that will serve you and your guests for many seasons to come.

Use these ideas for backyard updates to create the perfect outdoor dining area:

  • Design a space that can comfortably seat the average number of people who will be using it the most. You can store additional tables and chairs for bigger events.
  • Surround your dining area with pest-repelling plants to keep those bugs from impeding on your evening. Try petunias, lavender, marigolds, and other fragrant greenery.
  • Protect your dining set with outdoor furniture covers when not in use so you can keep it in prime condition year after year.

Fire Feature

Is there anything better than roasting marshmallows over a fire on a starry summer evening? Bring that joy to your own backyard by adding a brand new fire feature. You can buy a stunning fire table that will match the rest of your beautiful patio perfectly, or you can build your very own out of old brick!

Here are a few tips for adding a fire feature to your backyard remodel:

  • Plan your backyard design before you choose your fire feature, so you don’t end up with clashing color schemes or styles.
  • Replace those bland fire pit rocks with glass fire rocks for a lovely and affordable upgrade.
  • Choose a fire feature that comes with a cordoning ledge — like these fire tables — so you and your guests have somewhere to set your drinks, plates, and s’mores fixings. This also makes for a nice footrest that won’t melt the bottom of your shoes!

Shading

While summertime typically provides enjoyable weather, sitting outside beneath the sun’s beating rays can quickly become uncomfortable. Don’t forget to consider a shade as you plan your backyard remodel. If you’ve got enough space, you could get a quote for a new roof and see if that looks good in your backyard. There are a number of different ways you can do this, so we’ve provided you with a few options below.

  • For a more permanent fixture, you may want to consider adding a patio awning to the structure of your home.
  • Plant some tree saplings around your patio for a long-term solution and a beautifully natural way to shade your backyard.
  • For quick and easy shade, opt for a durable patio umbrella that you can easily move as the sun strolls across the sky.

Comfort

If you want to create a space that people will actually make good use of, then you need to make it comfortable and hospitable. Forgo the cheap plastic lawn chairs and complete your backyard remodel with a high-quality outdoor furniture set. Use these tips to blend comfort and function.

  • Purchase a complete patio furniture set; that way all of your pieces coordinate with your overall design, rather than creating contrast between the mix-and-match.
  • Don’t be afraid to get soft, plush, deep-seated sofas, chairs, and loveseats. Not only will you and your guests thoroughly enjoy spending time outside, but you can keep the fine furniture protected with durable covers.
  • Measure your patio space and double check your measurements before you place an order for a brand new furniture set.

Little Details

Last but not least, don’t forget about all of the little details that complete a backyard remodel. It’s the little things that can make the biggest difference, so take these additions into consideration as you’re wrapping up your big backyard update!

  • Lighting
  • Landscaping
  • Entertainment options, such as a hot tub, in-ground trampoline, etc.
  • Accent pieces, such as table centerpieces, fire glass, or end tables.
  • Outdoor furniture covers to keep your new patio set looking gorgeous for years to come.

Save Big on Your Backyard Remodel

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor furniture set to top off your remodel? Save big with our 4th of July celebration sale! Between the 3rd and 8th of July, you can save up to 30% on fire features, dining sets, patio umbrellas, and more! Here’s the savings breakdown:

  • Save 20% on purchases of up to $1,499
  • Save 25% on purchases of $1,500 – $3,499
  • Save 30% on purchases of $3500 or more

We hope this article provided you with some useful backyard remodel ideas and tips! If you’re looking for more inspiration, browse RST Brand’s selection of comfortable outdoor furniture, stunning fire features, and more!

Outdoor Lighting Tips [How to Stage Your Backyard]

Outdoor Lighting Tips

No backyard design would be complete without outdoor accent lighting. This crucial component of outdoor esthetics is key to creating the perfect atmosphere outside your home for summer barbecues, late-night pool parties, and time together under the stars.

In this landscape lighting design guide, we’ll show you how the right lights can complement your patio furniture, create a cozy space for entertaining after dark, and also improve your home’s security.

Layout and Design

The first step to DIY landscape lighting is to plan your layout and design. Without a detailed plan, you could spend hours wandering through your local hardware store trying to come up with an idea for what you might need.

For this part of the process, it’s important to think about the purpose of the outdoor lighting. Is your objective to create a well-lit area for late-night pool parties and other entertaining events? Or would you rather create a secluded backyard sanctuary with just enough light to add a touch of romantic ambiance to the setup?

Either way, understanding why you want outdoor lighting will help you design the space just the way you imagined it.

Once you have a feel for your desired lighting, you get to choose which type of outdoor lights to install-this is the fun part. Nowadays, there are so many options when it comes to outdoor accent lighting. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Strands of lights draped overhead
  • Rustic battery-powered lanterns on coffee tables and ledges
  • Mounted outdoor wall lights
  • Mason jars stuffed with LED light strands
  • A stunning fire feature

What if you want to use your backyard for entertaining and romantic moments with your sweetheart? Get the best of both worlds by incorporating a variety of different outdoor lighting tips to set the scene for different occasions. And depending where you want the lighting to be, it might be a case of having to have the wiring rerouted to suit your needs, so also consider getting in touch with someone like Wenbrooke Services in the process.

String lights overhead for a starry date night, install wall lights for family get-togethers where more light is necessary, and top it all off with a warm, cozy glow from a fire feature-just make sure you educate your guests on safety tips for fire pits.

Complementing Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Lighting Tips

Choosing the type of outdoor lights to use is always fun, but selecting the design is even more so. As you flip through landscaping catalogs or scroll through outdoor accent lighting on Pinterest, try to find the type of lights that will complement your outdoor furniture set.

Pay attention to defining styles, such as rustic, contemporary, or mid-century modern. Once you’ve identified the style of your patio set, it will be a lot easier to find complementary lights that complete the look.

If you’ve turned to our landscape lighting design guide because you’re completely redesigning your patio, make sure to pick your new outdoor furniture set before you jump ahead to lighting.

LED Lighting

No landscape lighting design guide would be complete without the mention of LED lighting for outdoor use. LED light bulbs are, in our opinion, the best way to light your backyard. These lights last much longer than traditional bulbs, they’re far more energy efficient, and they deliver a higher quality of light.

In addition to these benefits, LED lights also provide you with more options to choose from. For starters, you could check out sites like www.neonfilter.com that could provide customized LED lights. This way you can equip your outdoor space with soft, dim, intimate lighting and bright lighting for security purposes or those after-hours pool parties.

Perhaps the best use for LED lights is DIY landscape lighting-you know, those creative fixtures embedded in flower beds and decorative landscaping features, or the fixtures that light a walkway or stairs. With LED lights, you’ll rarely have to change the bulbs in these creative outdoor lighting solutions.

What Color Temperature Is Best for Outdoor Lighting?

One of the most important outdoor lighting tips is to choose your color temperature wisely. What is color temperature? Essentially, it determines how warm or cool the light is that the bulb emits.

The ideal color temperature range for outdoor lighting is anywhere between 2500k-4000k.

Is Warm or Cool Light Better?

2500k-4000k is quite a broad range. How do you know which end of the spectrum will make your backyard look just how you want it to?

For architectural elements, such as your patio setup, we recommend using warmer temperatures on the lower end of the scale. For outdoor accent lighting among plant life, such as trees and flowerbeds, cooler temperatures look the most natural, as they closely resemble the moonlight.

Can Any Light Bulb Be Used Outside?

Not every type of light bulb can withstand the outdoors. Extreme temperatures and various forms of weather can easily ruin a bulb that was made specifically for indoor use.

Before you begin screwing in light bulbs, make sure your bulbs are approved for outdoor use. If you’re not sure, check the packaging-it usually clarifies outdoor or indoor use right on the box. If you’re still confused about whether these bulbs are appropriate for your garden, you can hire an electrician to assist you or do the work for you. If you’re not sure where to look for an expert, try searching for “electrician near me” on the internet.

Outdoor Lighting and Security

As we’ve mentioned, outdoor lighting can also greatly contribute to the security of your backyard. Just because there’s a fence around your property, doesn’t mean your outdoor items are entirely immune from theft and vandalism, nor does it make your back door burglar-proof.

With smart home technology today, you can install smart LED lights around your backyard that will automatically turn on and notify your phone when your motion sensors detect an unwanted guest. Just make sure your wifi is up to scratch, or you won’t receive a notification in time. Take a look at Spectrum internet if you need a new provider – the peace of mind this will give you is more than worth it. In addition to motion detection, you may also want to leave a semi-bright light on all night long near your back door to deter would-be criminals.

Without backyard lighting, you provide potential criminals with complete cover of darkness and uninterrupted access to your outdoor possessions, like patio furniture, equipment, and lawn toys. Pair your LED motion-sensor lighting with an outdoor security camera, and you’ve got a solid security setup to protect your home and yard.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for Outdoor Lighting?

We’ve discussed the optimal color temperature of your outdoor lighting, but what about the intensity? Lumens is how we measure a light’s brightness, and the last thing you want is to install blinding lights around your romantic outdoor loveseat and fire feature setup.

Depending on the purpose of the outdoor lighting, the ideal range would be between 100-300 lumens, give or take for different use cases. For example, lights that guide visitors up the steps or along a walkway should be on the low end of the scale at 12-200 lumens. Motion sensor lights and floodlights for security can be up to 1300 lumens for an effective spotlight.

For all other areas of the backyard, it should be fairly easy to find the sweet spot between 100-300 lumens. The less light you need, the lower you go. Distant accent lights can range from 12-100, while patio lights can be a higher lumen count of around 250.

How Far Apart Should Step Lights Be?

Step lights are a fantastic way to accentuate the depth of your backyard while also guiding visitors along a pathway in the dark. By installing step lights, you can prevent accidents wherein your guests could easily hurt themselves by tripping over obstacles they didn’t even see.

As a general rule of thumb, we urge you to place step lights at least six to eight feet apart. Of course, you can always shorten the distance between lights if you feel it isn’t enough, or you’d like to really add a visual effect to your outdoor pathways.

How Much Does It Cost for Outdoor Lighting?

After reading our outdoor lighting tips, you might be wondering how much all of this is going to cost. We wish we could give you an easy answer, but in reality, the cost is going to depend on the size of your backyard, your needs and preferences, the type of lights you choose, and whether or not you’re going to do any DIY landscape lighting made from scratch materials.

To give you a very general idea of how much outdoor lighting could potentially cost you, we’ve referred to a breakdown on Fixr.com. According to their data, the national average cost to light a backyard of 800 square feet with 20 light fixtures is about $3,800.

How Do I Choose an Outdoor Light?

So, let’s simplify and recap so you can choose the perfect outdoor lights for your backyard. Here are our top outdoor lighting tips broken down into a simple bullet list for your quick reference:

1. Define the purpose of your outdoor lighting (ambiance, entertaining, etc.)

2. Decide which types of outdoor lighting you would like (wall lights, accent lights, light strands, and so on)

3. Determine the style of your outdoor furniture so you can choose lighting that complements your design

4. Choose the right color temperature and lumens for different areas

5. Have fun with it!

Design the backyard patio of your dreams with RST Brands outdoor furniture, fire features, and so much more. Choose from plush sofas, comfortable lounge chairs, outdoor dining sets, matching coffee tables, end tables, and everything else you need to design a stunning space for you and your guests to enjoy for many years to come.

Browse our catalogue of top name brands to start planning your design today.