Maximize the enjoyment of your backyard with one of these 5 outdoor living trends options.

The focus on outdoor living has seen a huge surge as people design their backyards and look to make the most of their spaces.  Enjoying the outdoors with family and friends is a fantastic way to connect and build relationships.  Here are 5 outdoor living trends that can help you make the most of your space along with some budgeting numbers for each project.

Fire Pits

Gathering around a firepit has long been a favorite pastime among family and friends.  Normally just reserved for camping, fire pits are now transforming backyards.  You have plenty of options as you can choose a wood burning or gas fire pit.  The design possibilities are endless as you can choose between many different materials and different shapes.  Larger fireplaces are great for conversations and make a natural gathering point in your backyard.  These are usually semi permanent but can be both for gas and wood.  The more portable options for fire pits allow use in smaller spaces, but the effect is the same as they are great to gather around. 

Gas fire pits are more expensive because of the additional components. Also, they will be anchored as you connect them directly to a gas line. Gas pits are gaining a lot of traction since you don’t need to supply it with wood and you have no smoke, but they are much more expensive and you will want a budget of $2,500 to start with.

Wood fire pits are going to be the cheaper option and they have much more portable options if you keep them small.   Small portable pits will start around $100 and will go up with size while more permanent pits will start around $400 and go up from there. For a more in depth article on outdoor fireplaces https://sunsetslandscaping.com/wood-fireplace-or-gas-fireplace/

Garden Boxes

Looking to add some fresh herbs to your meals or using homegrown vegetables?  Garden boxes are a great way to make use of limited space.  They can be as big or as little as the space dictates and can be set up for minimal water usage.  The garden boxes make a great activity for families as kids can even select their own vegetables and herbs they want to grow.  A huge side benefit is the healthy eating that you will enjoy.

Garden boxes are great for the budget as you can do simple ones that start as low as $65 per box.  They are very easy to set up as well and don’t require much labor.  If you choose more custom options those will start at $500 per box.  Garden boxes don’t include drip line to install, so that would be additional.

Pergolas

Pergolas are great ways to define spaces and add an element of design.  They offer shaded spaces and can be used in dining, poolside lounges, garden settings, or just an extension of outdoor living.  The material can be wood or metal to help match the design of the home.  By adding lights as well as drapery and you can create a place that can be used all year.  Pergolas with roofs are of particular interest as it allows you to extend use in even bad weather. This is one of the biggest outdoor living trends we are seeing.

Pergola are definitely trending to be larger in the last few years as they are being used as gathering places.  With that cost will increase as well but it is not proportionate as labor is still similar.  You will want a budget to start with at $7,000 and if you want a larger size expect $10,000 plus.  

BBQ Spaces

We aren’t addressing which BBQ unit to choose as that is an entire topic by itself.  This article deals with the space the unit is going in.  The trend has been the bigger the better.  Space for preparing food saves you from trips in and out of the house. Think about your climate to decide if stone or wood is the better choice for your design space. A good tip you want to remember is to take into account the weather in your area.  If you live in a rainy area a covered area is must. No one likes grilling in the rain.  

Counter space is overlooked at times, but if the space is available use it.  It makes outdoor cooking and dining extremely convenient and will encourage you to use the space more.  

BBQ spaces are often incorporated into a pergolas or patio settings.  Since the spacing requirements can vary so much and you might not be able to use cabinets due to climate this will have an impact on your budget.  A good budget will be $2,000 for smaller spaces and can vary substantially depending on material used.  

Pavers

Pavers are such a great way to add personality and a custom look to any space.  Various sizes and coloring give plenty of options to match any style that you are looking to incorporate.  Larger pavers is a huge upcoming trend for 2023 with sizes that range from 7 x 14 and up.  Installers prefer large pavers over small pavers as they require less labor and are completed quicker.

Blacks and grays are going to be huge in 2023.  Their dark colors allow landscape elements to pop and add a great contrast.  House colors have definitely turned toward lighter colors with white being hugely popular and again the dark color pavers add a great contrast and allow the house to stand out.  

Another thing you will want to remember when budgeting for pavers that design can have a huge impact on cost.  If you can minimize cuts to a project it moves much quicker and is less time intensive.  Pavers are calculated on a per sq ft basis and will start around $12 per sq ft.  Smaller projects will have a higher cost as most contractors will set a minimum price point for paver projects.     

Conclusion

Which of these 5 outdoor living trends will you incorporate into your yard?  Combine a few of these suggestions to get even more wow factor at your next friend and family gathering.   Relax, enjoy, and prepare to host all the parties as your yard will be the destination for all the social functions.  Don’t where to get started? Give us a call at Sunsets Landscaping and schedule a consultation for your yard today.