Tips for Redesigning your Backyard this Spring

May 21, 2024

Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about your backyard and how you can transform it into an outdoor oasis. With a little bit of elbow grease, the right products from Nicolock Paving Stones and some help from the experts, you take an empty backyard and turn it into a place you'll want to hang out all summer. Need a little inspiration? Check out our six tips for redesigning your backyard this spring and discover the possibilities.

Tip #1: Divide and Conquer - Your backyard doesn't have to serve just one purpose. Divide the space up and enjoy different parts for different things. You can have an outdoor living area, an outdoor dining area, a garden and some green space for your kids or pets if space allows. Using furniture and hardscape products allows you to visually break up the space into a multi-purpose extension of your living area.

Tip #2: Add a Heat Source - Extend your outdoor patio season well into the cooler months with a simple heat source. Make it a show-stopping fireplace, or opt for a cozy fire pit with plenty of seating all around. For smaller spaces, a patio heater will be more than enough, delivering targeted heat to keep you warm and comfortable while you enjoy your outdoor areas.

Tip #3: Choose Quality Paving Stones - You don't want your beautiful backyard design ruined by choosing sub-par materials, so spend a little time picking out the best possible products for your hardscape. At Nicolock Paving Stones, we offer paver-shield™ paving stones in an array of colors. The paver-shield™ technology helps eliminate fading and ensures long-lasting, durability.

Tip #4: Opt for Plenty of Seating - If you're wondering if your outdoor area has enough seating, it probably doesn't. When it comes to seating options in your backyard, more is always better. Have different seating options in different areas, so you're not constantly moving chairs or leaving guests standing uncomfortably. Try adding a patio set to your dining area and various seating options around your fire pit. A cushioned Adirondack chair will go a long way toward creating an outdoor oasis you'll love to relax in.

Tip #5: Think About the Heat - You want to be comfortable in your backyard, which might mean beating the heat with some well-placed shade. While trees provide natural shade, a simple sun umbrella or sunshade can also work. Whatever type of shade product you choose, make sure it has built-in UV-blocking capabilities to guard against the sun.

Tip #6: Create a Focal Point - A lot of backyard landscapes can feel unfinished because they lack a focal point. A fireplace, a pool or even a pergola can all act as the centerpiece of the design, drawing in the eye and making an immediate impact. You can accent your centerpiece even more by building your patio around it. If you're not sure where to put your centerpiece, try approaching the space from various points of entry and see where your eye naturally falls.

With a little work and an eye for design, you can turn your backyard into a real show-stopper this spring. Stop into a Nicolock Paving Stones design center to get started or let us help you find a contractor that can bring your vision to life.