If you have a lot of free time on your hands, a great way to get busy is with various DIY projects. With a large outdoor area in your home, there are many upgrades that you will be able to add. Depending on your skill level, some of these projects can be easy or difficult, but they are all worth the effort.
A Deck
Decks may seem complicated, but they are only raised platforms. You only need a solid foundation and a deck made of timber to make it more visually apealing. The main deck floor will be all wood, which you will need to treat so that it can survive the elements. There are many deck plans available online, and you can follow them. There are even kits that provide you with all that you need. It will take a few days or even weeks to set-up, but it will be worth it once you have everything done. You can place some chairs and provide some shade to turn your deck into the perfect relaxation spot.
A Backyard Swing
If you have children or you are a child at heart, then adding a simple tree swing to your backyard can be a fun project. It doesn’t need much. The essential components are a solid tree to hang the swing on, some rope, and a piece of wood. You’ll need to do some secure tying, but this should be a simple afternoon’s work. It also helps that all the materials are cheap. This is also a perfect beginner’s DIY project. You can also take the easy way out by buying a swing set that you can assemble, but nothing beats something you made with your own hands.
A Flower Box Planter
The exterior of your home can do with some brightening up. A good way to do so is with natural flowers and plants. While you can plant them around your home, you can spread them out better with the addition of a flower box planter. Install several of these around your windows, and you get a great exterior decoration. The process should be simple. It involves two steps. The first part is building the box planter. This is easy since you will be making a basic box. You don’t need to add any special decorations for it since the flowers will be what draws the eye. The next part is the installation of the planter on your window. This is a bit harder since you need to make it look like it is part of the window, but adding the support brackets first should help with that.
Once it is ready, you can start placing the soil and planting seeds for the flowers. It would be best if you were careful not to overload the planter, or it will fall. Flowers don’t need that much soil anyway. Petunias or fuchsia would be good choices for what you will plant.
A Gazebo
Another major project is to install a gazebo. You can make one from scratch, but it is better to use a kit if you are a beginner to DIY projects. The kit will provide all the materials pre-cut and have definite instructions. All you need are some tools and a few friends. You will not be able to build a gazebo without assistance, mainly because of the roofing. One person won’t be able to get the materials to that height without help.
If you do plan to build one, there are several things to keep in mind. First, always catalog the materials that come with the kit. Unpack it slowly and keep the parts separate and clear. This ensures that you don’t lose any parts. Second, read all the instructions thoroughly and follow them. This will make it all much easier. Finally, you’ll want to follow several safety rules like wearing helmets and protective gear. This is a big project, and it can be dangerous with all the heavy material.
An Outdoor Bench
If you want a project that is not so demanding, a basic bench should be easy to make. Having a nice place to sit for some relaxation in your backyard can be a good idea. If you make it big enough, you can even use it as a place to nap. Blueprints for benches are easy to find online, so look for some, and it will be up to you how big you want it.
DIY projects are a great addition to any home. They are a great way to show your skill and add a personal touch to things. It also makes you feel proud of your work. Try some of these ideas out now to brighten up your house.
