What do you need for outdoor living?

Author: Dr. Aimee Langworth  |  Last update: Sunday, February 16, 2025

There are many products available that make outdoor living spaces more functional and beautiful such as stone surfacing, decking, outdoor kitchen appliances, outdoor lighting, furniture, and fireplaces. A design professional is knowledgeable about these products and how they may work in your setting.

What is included in outdoor living?

An outdoor living space is also often referred to as an outdoor living room. It simply describes a backyard that has been designed as a living area. Often, there will be a patio, deck, landscaping, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, pool, lighting, or some combination of these.

How much does outdoor living space cost?

The average cost for an outdoor living space is $7,800 , but costs range widely from $1,500 to $180,000 . If you're looking to upgrade that collection of folding lawn chairs, here's what you can expect to budget for some of the most popular setups.

How do I build an outdoor living space on a budget?

By incorporating deck tiles, outdoor lighting, and outdoor rugs, you can achieve a stylish and comfortable outdoor space on a budget. These simple yet effective changes can transform your patio into a welcoming retreat where you can relax and entertain all year round.

Does outdoor living increase home value?

A well-designed and maintained outdoor space not only boosts your home's curb appeal but can also significantly increase its market value.

Fireplaces SUCK! Here's why

What is the ROI on a backyard patio?

Deck or Patio Addition:

ROI: 70-90% Adding a deck or patio can provide additional living space and improve the overall appeal of the backyard. The ROI can be influenced by the quality of materials and design.

Is it cheaper to build your own patio?

Yes, it's less expensive to build your own patio. If you hire a professional to do it for you, the labor cost for the project could add 45% to the total price. How much does it cost, on average, to build my own patio? The average cost to build a patio varies greatly depending on the materials you use for your patio.

Can I build a living space in my backyard?

A backyard home in California can stand no fewer than 150 sq feet and no larger than 1200 square feet. Thus, ADUs can accommodate more residents and lifestyles than tiny homes.

What are outdoor living spaces called?

Patios are often used as a sort of outdoor living room, so adding some outdoor sectionals, sofas, or chairs will really help make it all that much more comfortable. Like a porch, lanai, or veranda, a patio perfectly suits outdoor dining and relaxing of all kinds.

How much does it cost to build an outdoor room?

The Cost Of An Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living spaces cost anywhere from $35,000 to $125,000 and up. The cost mainly depends on the total square footage, overall design, structure choice, materials, upgrades, and accessibility. Basic Outdoor Living Space Cost – $35,000.

How much does a backyard enclosure cost?

Average patio enclosures cost

Adding screens to enclose an existing covered deck or patio costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average or $10 to $25 per square foot. Building a new screened-in patio enclosure costs $50 to $175 per square foot. An enclosed patio with walls and windows costs $100 to $350 per square foot.

How much space do you need for an outdoor living room?

The larger the area you can devote to an outdoor living room, the better. We recommend a 16' square foot space at minimum so you have enough room for a large sofa and coffee table plus a couple of recliners.

How much to create a backyard oasis?

If you want your backyard oasis to be more dramatic, it's going to cost you. Professional sources estimate anywhere from $5 to $40 per square foot, which means a typical patio of 500 square feet, including labor, costs between $2,500 and $20,000.

What are outdoor living skills?

Introduction to basic outdoor living and camping skills. Major topic areas include homeostasis, rope craft, backcountry cooking, use of fires, health, hygiene, and nutrition, safety, map and compass, navigation, proper selection and use of equipment, shelters, environmental awareness, and Leave No Trace ethics.

What is an outdoor living wall?

A living wall is a vertical vegetated wall system with irrigation. A living wall system is variable depending on the climatic conditions and there is no proven formula for plant specification, even the most successful walls have evolved from the time of initial installation with the plant palette changing.

What are non living things in the backyard?

5 Non-Living Things found in our garden
  • Stones or Rock.
  • Flowerpot.
  • Hose.
  • Gardening Shovel.
  • Fertilizers.

What is a porch without a roof called?

If the entrance to your home doesn't have a roof or similar cover but features a floor, typically made of concrete or pavers, it's called a front patio. This term is specific to structures on the ground floor of the home. You may also refer to these types of features as verandas or terraces.

Can a porch be in the back of the house?

While porches can be located on the front, side, or back of a home, patios are most often only on the side or the back. However, a front patio can also work within the right home's design. Otherwise, both porches and patios can function relatively similarly in your day-to-day life and entertaining needs.

What does a lanai look like?

A lanai is a covered patio that can serve as an outdoor living space for your Florida home. To be considered a lanai, this ground-level space must be located at the back of your house, covered by your home's roof, and be open to the outside on at least one wall.

Can I legally live in a shed?

maybe. Different states, counties, and townships have varying zoning laws, so the best practice is to check your local statutes before making any decisions about turning a storage shed into a habitable space.

What is the cheapest option for an ADU?

Garage conversions are often touted as one of the most budget-friendly methods to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). These conversions involve repurposing an existing garage into a functional living space, offering several advantages, cost savings, and key tips for a successful transformation.

Is it legal to build a house in your backyard?

You will need to review your local zoning code (sometimes titled a "development code" or "zoning ordinance"). This should spell out what uses are allowed in what zones. For instance, if your property is in a typical California residential zone, lawful uses will include single-family dwellings and home occupations.

Is a concrete slab cheaper than a deck?

A: Pouring a decorative concrete patio is usually cheaper and has many benefits than assembling a deck, and it can be more durable than a wood deck. It also requires less maintenance and can be easier to clean.

What is the simplest DIY patio?

PAVERS are the best option

For a do-it-yourself patio, a simple square design with one size of pavers is a lot easier to install than one with various sizes and curves because you will not have to cut the pavers, which takes time and skill. Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install.

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