With everyone spending more time at home, families are starting to take advantage of their outdoor living space. While the space has been there all along, it may not have been utilized to its full capability. Homeowners are beginning to recognize the potential of their space and are investing more money into outdoor projects to provide a more comfortable, relaxing space to enjoy or entertain during the warmer months.
Spending just a little more can get you a lot in return – and we mean more than just money. Investing money into worthy updates can provide you with more comfort, space, and confidence in your backyard. Read on to learn more about backyard updates that are worth investing in.
1. Landscaping
The best update you can make in your backyard is investing in landscaping. Without tidy landscaping, you most likely won’t be inclined to spend any time in your yard. It’s also important to keep up with your landscaping for reasons other than aesthetics. Learn more about why you shouldn’t neglect your landscaping and the average costs of lawn maintenance for your home to help you see the benefits of landscaping.
Below are the average costs of Landscape Contractors & Designers services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $8,581 | $1,200 | $40,000 |
| Calgary | $10,015 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $5,936 | $102 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $11,382 | $105 | $50,000 |
| Oshawa | $8,223 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Ottawa | $10,506 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $11,047 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $10,053 | $145 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 3751 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
2. Grill
If you don’t already have a barbecue or an outdoor kitchen in your backyard, it’s worth investing in. Cooking inside during summer months only creates more heat in your cool home and can cause a chaotic kitchen. Investing in an outdoor grill set-up that includes a barbecue and some counter space provides you with another way to cook and prepare food while enjoying the company and not being stuck inside. You can really enhance the space by building a fully loaded outdoor kitchen. Check out the associated costs here.
3. Dining
Along with your grill set-up, investing in a dining table with chairs is a great alternative to standing around pop-up tables or sitting on outdoor furniture with plates in your lap. A set table can provide more comfort for you and your guests enjoying the meal. Tip: Investing in an umbrella for the area is a must. Protecting everyone from the sun is important on hot days and can make the space more usable during all hours of the day.
4. Furniture
Apart from your outdoor dining table seating, having an area that is more casual, such as outdoor sectionals or chairs is worth investing in, especially if you’re planning on spending more time outside. Quality outdoor seating is worth the money for the time that you will be spending on it. Plus, having comfortable seating will encourage you to spend more time outside.
5. Fire Pit
Enhance your outdoor seating by adding a fire pit to the space. Fire pits will last a lifetime and are well worth their money. They will let you enjoy the space during the night time and will keep you outside even throughout the fall season. Plus, who doesn’t love a roasted marshmallow over the fire?
6. Lighting
Adding quality lighting to your outdoor space will extend its use past sunset. Investing in overhead lighting will enhance the space and allow for conversation and comfort when the sun has set. If you want to go all out, you can connect with a landscape lighting pro who can really light up your life.
A little goes a long way when it comes to investing in your backyard. Not only will it provide your home and family with more space and comfort during the summer months, but adding such amenities can increase the sale of your home in the future. Invest some money into your space today, so you can enjoy it tomorrow.
Article Updated June 2022.
