10 Easy Backyard Upgrades for Summer

Give Your Backyard a Summer Refresh Before Your Next Block Party

Ready to take your backyard from a bare plot to the envy of the block? It’s time to get started on your backyard makeover. A backyard summer refresh doesn’t have to be a months-long project. There are easy backyard upgrades you can complete in just one weekend. And with all the block parties, lazy afternoon hangouts, and nights spent around the firepit in your future, you’ll want to wrap up your backyard DIY as soon as possible. At Thermacell, we’re all about helping you enjoy your backyard moment, whatever that looks like for you! To help you get outside and enjoy the season, we’re sharing 10 easy backyard upgrades to level up your space. Number 10 is a game-changer — trust us!

10 Easy Backyard Upgrades You Can Make Before Your Next Weekend Party

1. Start with a Clean Slate

A little bit of soap and elbow grease can go a long way. Take your backyard from a dingy dump to a sparkling sanctuary with a good cleaning. Start by clearing out any junk, like rusty patio furniture and broken planters. Next, cut back any overgrown foliage and remove dead plants. To give your patio that brand-new feeling, rent a power washer and watch years of grime wash away. Finally, double-check that there aren’t any places in the yard for standing water to collect, as this can attract unwanted bugs and mosquitoes.

2. Upgrade Your Patio Furniture

Once you have a clean slate to work with, you can start bringing your backyard masterpiece to life. Turn your patio into an inviting place to hang out by upgrading plastic and folding lawn chairs for sturdy wood and metal furniture pieces. High-quality outdoor furniture will last you for many summers to come, so it’s well worth the investment.

3. Refresh Cushions and Pillows

You love a good throw pillow inside. Why not take them outdoors? Give your patio furniture an extra layer of comfort with fresh cushions and pillows. Look for outdoor-approved fabrics that are resistant to sun fading and mildew. Additionally, you may want to store your outdoor pillows and cushions in a closet or chest when not in use to keep them clean between summer get-togethers.

4. Let There Be Light

There’s no reason why your summer soiree has to end at sundown. Illuminate your backyard with twinkling string lights, lanterns, and garden lights. You can easily install these types of outdoor lighting in one afternoon, and many are available in solar-powered options. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could also replace your porch light with a ceiling fan to keep cool on those warm summer nights.

5. Bring in New Plantings

Fresh plantings are a great way to introduce a pop of color into your backyard. Liven up your flower beds with some new recruits, and consider choosing flowers that complement your patio furniture or house color. Additionally, some plants even repel mosquitoes and other unwanted pests. Plants such as lavender, marigold, rosemary, and mint help keep mosquitoes away while adding some color and sweet aromas to your space.

6. Add Some Shade

The summer sun can be a scorcher. Keep cool by adding some shade to your backyard retreat. Umbrellas are a great option to place around dining tables and pool loungers. Sun sails work well for covering a larger area or expanding the shade off a porch roof overhang.

7. Unleash Your Inner Grill Master

Is any summer block party complete without grilling up some burgers and hotdogs? Unleash your inner grill master and upgrade your barbecue pit setup. Make sure you place your grill in a spot with a convenient path to the indoor kitchen but also far enough away from all the action. The last thing you’d want is your grill to be in the pool’s splash zone. Additionally, consider other items such as workstations and drink coolers to round out your outdoor kitchen.

8. Let the Games Begin

Your backyard refresh is really coming together! But what will your party guests do when they get there? Give your guests fun bonding opportunities with outdoor game setups like cornhole, ping pong, horseshoes, and even giant Jenga. These games are instant party starters, and your friends will want to come over again for a rematch!

9. Accessorize and Glamorize

Bring some indoor comforts to the great outdoors. Accessorize your backyard space with decor items like outdoor rugs, decorative planters, side tables, and even art. These small touches will make all the difference. You can even create memorable hangout spots with fun upgrades like hammocks, swing chairs, and a plant wall. Get creative and really pack in your personality.

10. Keep the Uninvited Mosquitoes Away

Now that you have the ultimate backyard setup to host the next neighborhood bash, the last thing you want is mosquitoes crashing the party. These uninvited guests can ruin all the hard work you put into making your backyard amazing. But how can you keep bugs away without the mess of sprays or the smoky smell of tiki torches?

We’re glad you asked because our last backyard upgrade will be the finishing touch on your backyard escape. The Thermacell LIV system is the first smart mosquito repellent system of its kind. Simply install once and use year after year with the click of a button, automated schedule, or voice command. Get up to five repellers to cover 1,575 square feet of your backyard with long-lasting, continuous, scent-free coverage. A backyard entertainer’s dream, this mosquito-repellent system will keep all your guests happy with an invisible protection zone. It turns out the best backyard upgrades are the ones you can’t even see.

Ready to Never Think of Mosquitoes Again?

Shop the LIV Repellent System