Summer isn’t over yet – which means there’s still heaps of time to take advantage of the hot sun and good vibes. And one of the best ways to do that is to relax in your backyard. You’ve probably already got an exposed aggregate driveway – but what about the concrete in your backyard? In today’s blog, we’re going to be listing some fun features that’ll turn your backyard into the best location for any summer party or hang.
Shade
Whilst the sun can be great, it can also get pretty hot sometimes. This is why organising shade is important. This can be in the form of a marquee, an umbrella or even a more permanent fixture like a gazebo or concrete roofing.
The type of shading you organise will obviously depend on the size of your backyard as well as your budget – as a permanent structure will cost significantly more than an umbrella that you can just pack away. This solution will ensure that maximum comfort is achieved for you and your guests and also reduce the risk of sunburn –remember to still keep the sunscreen handy, though.
Water features
Whilst a pool is probably the ultimate backyard feature for summer, they can be quite costly and take a while to install. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper and quicker alternative, then why not look at inflatable pools to cool your feet in or even sprinklers. These features can still offer fun in the summertime for your friends or kids (dogs love them too) and are inexpensive to maintain.
If you’re adamant on a pool, however, then you there are endless possibilities when it comes to designing the surrounding areas. You can use exposed aggregate like your driveway to ensure the concrete around it is slip-resistant, for example. The pool itself can also be shaped and sized to suit your backyard – as not all pools have to be large and rectangular.
Lounges and outdoor seating
Chairs, lounges and other sorts of furnishings are essential to relaxation in an outdoor environment. There are several styles you can look at making it easier to match to your exposed aggregate concrete whilst also finding something that’s comfortable. Place these under shaded areas or in the sun for some sunbathing (just be sure to use sunscreen).
If you want to do something a little different, then why not consider a hammock? Some people think you can only install a hammock if you have two strong trees close to each other. But, in reality, you can always install the bases of the hammock manually if you don’t have any trees that meet the requirements. Sure, it won’t look as natural or like they do on television, but it’s the same principle.
Decks
Building a deck in your backyard adds a great aesthetic as the natural wood finish complements most other surfaces – as well as being extremely practical. Decks are the perfect place to relax in summer (and even every other season for that matter) and the ideal location for an outdoor living room. Before you know it, you’ll be spending most of your time on your deck rather than inside. Depending on the size, you can also install an outdoor kitchen or BBQ with a fridge – truly making it the ultimate space to relax.
Outdoor speakers
With technology at the stage it is, it’s so easy to control music from your phone and have it play anywhere in the house or even on a portable speaker using Bluetooth. If you’re outside a lot, consider installing outdoor speakers that you can control via Bluetooth or Apple Airplay. Just be sure to cover the speakers and cables appropriately to protect them against unwanted weather.
For a smaller-scale alternative, you can just use a portable Bluetooth speaker – the sound quality won’t be great, but it will be portable, which has its own benefits. Music is a key ingredient in social gatherings and even helps some people relax.
Do you need an exposed aggregate driveway installed?
A Better Driveway are the masters of exposed aggregate driveways. But we also believe in summer fun, so we hope you can gain some backyard inspiration for the last few weeks of the season. If you need an exposed aggregate driveway installed, then our experts can help you realise your vision and also help you select the aggregate combinations – as there are so many – to ensure you’re more than pleased with how your driveway will turn out.
If you’d like to get in touch with us, then please call us on 0412 537 776. You can also contact us by filling out the form on our website.