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We may be halfway through fall, but it’s never too late to transform your al fresco hangout into a midsummer dream. By adding comfort to your deck, patio, or backyard, you’ll ensure that you’re getting the most out of your precious outdoor space during the precious time that you can use it.
As a recovering city dweller now living in the countryside (with a garden and terrace, by the way!), I can no longer take these days of soft summer breezes and soothing birdsong for granted.
To make sure I squeeze every ounce of energy out of August, I’ve been working on my backyard. A well-placed bit of audio tech for better sound, a structure for shade, and some improved seating, and your humble backyard blossoms into a suburban oasis.
This is what I added to my space to get the backyard ready for the second half of summer.
Provide shade under a pergola
Enjoy a wonderful atmosphere this summer under this pergola made of 100% cedar wood.
A pergola not only provides shade, but also instantly adds ambiance and coziness to an outdoor space with a place for climbing plants to explore, hanging plants to hang from and lights to twinkle. I set it up this Sunjoy cedar pergola kit in less than 5 hours with the help of a friend. The instructions were clear and the final construction was sturdy and gets many compliments from guests and neighbors.
Ceiling fan, but outside
With an outdoor ceiling fan you can make your veranda, pergola or patio a lot more pleasant during a heat wave.
Summers are hotter than ever, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors. When there’s no wind to be found, a hanging outdoor fan like this one is a great choice. Harbor Breeze Valdosta provides a sultry air and a cool breeze blowing over your red cheeks.
Make better sound
An outdoor performance is nothing without good sound quality.
You can’t overstate the importance of quality sound in setting the mood in your backyard, patio, or outdoor space. Even if you’re not planning on blasting your tunes, a premium Bluetooth speaker like Hyperboom from Ultimate Ears Gives even your softest music the clarity and balance the Gods intended.
Relax, Adirondack style
Adirondack chairs are an easy way to enhance your backyard.
I don’t know who invented the Adirondack chair, but I’d like to give them a high five. Standard patio chairs are fine, but there’s something about the slope of a sturdy Adirondack that just beckons you to relax. I’ve outfitted my backyard with several Adirondacks, and they get used more than any other piece of furniture.
This Psilvam polymer Adirondack chair is reasonably priced at $170 and can be assembled out of the box in less than 20 minutes. Or take it with you modern Adirondack chair from Solo Stove ($300.) It is sleek and sturdily built and sits a little lower to the ground than most other units.
Plant a fire pit with a dual purpose
A fire pit with grates to cook on will take you back to a simpler time.
If you’re planning on putting a fire pit in your yard (and you should), add a fire pit — why not choose one with added functionality? This cast iron Cowboy fire basket from Bespoke Post doubles as a grill. With its modular design, the cooking grates can be raised or lowered to accommodate a variety of cooking styles. Slow-cook a rack of ribs or lower it and sear burgers and steaks to feed your Cowboy campfire buddies.
Give yourself a flat top
Yes, now you can cook bacon on the grill the way you’ve always dreamed.
We at CNET have no problem with grills — big fans of them actually — but flat-top grills have become very popular in recent years. I recently tried one and can report that I officially is baked-peeled.
The flat cast iron surfaces of outdoor grills are great for smashing burgers, sizzling veggies, and flaking fish without anything falling through the grates. Griddles are also easier to clean and provide more consistent heat.
I love everything Weber and the grill gurus over there have produced. bright gas grillAvailable in three or four burner sizes, Weber’s griddle is easy to assemble, light, operate and clean.
Warning: Once you’re flat, you may never want to go back.
A range of smart lamps
These $6 string lights are well worth the cost.
There’s no easier way to make your backyard more inviting than with soft lighting. $6 Pixie Outdoor Lighting reviewed by CNET Home contributor John Carlson are a real bargain, and a bargain that’s well above their price. I’ve already rigged my outdoor space with a pair of these, and for that price I’ll probably buy more.
Raised planters
Carefully placed planters can add a border of bright flowers and privacy to your outdoor space.
If you have an open or awkward space that you want to add boundaries to, raised planters can do just that. Get one or two of these raised beds and plant dense flowers or landscape grasses to give your outdoor space structure and privacy. Or plant herbs so you’re never without fresh basil for that next backyard pizza party.
