Easy Patio Upgrades for a Fun and Relaxing Summer

Does your backyard patio need a sprucing up, but the thought of expensive, time-intensive patio upgrades get you down? Instead of spending summer thinking about what could’ve been, follow some of our great tips for an assortment of ways to get your deck up to your standards.

Some of these upgrades will take mere minutes. Others may involve a little more investment; however, when you’re finished, your outdoor living space will have new life.

Easy Patio Upgrades

Sometimes the only update your patio needs is a deep clean. Perhaps your lounge chairs are speckled with green growth, or your outdoor carpet is dusted with dark mold stains.

Simply removing stains caused by mold, mildew, moss, and algae can make your outdoor living space feel new again. At the very least, it should eliminate any musty odors or unsightly splotches of black and green.

Now, you may be tempted to grab a bottle of bleach and spend a sweaty summer day scrubbing on your hands and knees. Or you may be eager to blast the problem away with a heavy-duty power washer.

However, in both cases, you are likely to cause more problems than you are to solve them. Bleach, for example, may end up staining your furniture, carpet, or grass, and power washers can chip away at surfaces, making them more susceptible to organic growth in the future.

Instead, use a gentle, effective outdoor cleaner like Wet & Forget Ready-to-Use. To clean your living space’s outdoor furniture, thoroughly spray outdoor surfaces, allow them to dry, and then give them a quick rinse before your next use. Wet & Forget will work over time with the rain and wind to gently clean up the green and black stains.

The spray is safe on virtually any outdoor surface, including outdoor carpet, fabric, and vinyl.

If it’s not the smell or stains but the style that’s affecting your patio’s ambiance, then the next step is to upgrade your outdated outdoor furniture. Skip over the uncomfortable plastic chairs and go with something that looks a little more high-end and cozy.

Even the simple addition of an outdoor rug can help tie a space together. And, to keep everything in ideal condition, make sure to use Wet & Forget Outdoor at the first sign of mold and mildew.

Patio Upgrade Ideas for DIYers

Beyond outdoor furniture and carpet, another relatively simple patio upgrade idea is to improve the lighting. New outdoor lights can create the ideal vibe for your patio parties, whether you want something bright and festive or soft and intimate.

String lights, for example, can make your deck feel more rustic, while an outdoor chandelier can help class up a joint. There are dozens of lighting ideas for you to explore.

Another trendy option is solar lighting. Instead of plugging anything into your home’s electrical system, you can use the power of the sun to energize lights and keep the party going all night long. 

Solar lights are a great way to help light a path, mark stairs, or simply bring a new atmosphere to your deck or patio. There’s little to no maintenance involved, and you won’t have to fear accidentally increasing your electricity bill because you want to see your backyard at night.

In most cases, installing new lights shouldn’t take more than an afternoon. So, even if you wait until the very last minute before your get-together, you can still add some lighting to the pomp and circumstances. 

Finally, we have the most intense outdoor lighting option: fire. Fire pits are a popular patio upgrade because of the sheer range of options available, from pre-built, portable ones to permanent outdoor fireplaces. 

If you’re a DIYer, you can put together a pretty simple version of a fire pit after a single trip to your local home improvement center and a few tools you probably already have on hand. Of course, before starting any construction, make sure to check local codes and any HOA regulations.

Some fire pits have the benefit of serving as a cooking surface. While they may not be ideal for grilling significant meals if all you need it for is a couple of hot dogs or s’mores, a fire pit can save you the cost of a new charcoal or propane grill.

Outdoor Living Space Ideas for Foodies

Speaking of food, perhaps the ultimate patio upgrade idea is an outdoor kitchen. We’re not just talking about a simple charcoal grill, though.

Instead, think of prep surfaces, a sink, a fridge, and a bar. Even when you’re working on a budget, you can transform your backyard into a place where dinner is cooked entirely outside.

If you are trying to keep costs down while getting a high-level bang for your buck, try to procure salvaged material for any structural additions. You may not only find reusable stone or wood but potentially still-good outdoor appliances like sinks and mini-fridges.

Another way to keep costs down here: install a ceiling fan. It’ll keep things cool when the grill is hot, repel pests, and provide outdoor lighting.

That said, don’t be afraid to splurge on a single item. A high-quality, custom grill or beautiful stonework can elevate the look of an entire space.

Of course, you should also make sure that any material you use is water- and weather-proof. Stainless steel is a classic choice here, but you may find some polymer-based materials that will add elegance and durability.

Even if you don’t want to go all out, upgrading your grill can pay major dividends. A built-in grill with prep surfaces and storage can prevent the constant in-and-out that leads to bugs getting inside and dogs running out unsupervised.

When it comes to a new grill, it’s hard to go wrong with either charcoal or propane.

Propane can be more reliable and simpler to get started. But nothing quite beats the flavor hot charcoals impart on burgers, hot dogs, and veggies.

Easy Patio Upgrade Ideas Can Transform Your Backyard

No matter your budget, you can spruce up your outdoor living space with some of our favorite patio upgrade ideas. Whether your deck needs a cleaning or a complete makeover, you have plenty of options to choose from.