3 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Backyard Escapes
But what’s an outdoor lover to do when they are concerned about costs and limited space? Actually, there is a wide range of options open.
1: Budget pergola and fireplace kits can be half the price of custom ones and you can get a clear picture of what they will look like before hand. Such kits can produce a beautiful outdoor stage for a Great Room – the perfect spot for star gazing and sharing good times with family and friends. Such kits come in a wide range of styles -- from elegant classic column and beam arbor style to Douglas Fir and Redwood stained kits for more rustic charm.
2: A hot tub can be an ideal budget option to a pool. In addition, by surrounding it with rocks and a small garden, or creating a ‘spa deck’ or ‘spa patio’ it can suggest that “in-ground” look even if it’s not.
3: Gas fire pits are a good choice over wood-burning ones because they are smoke-free and sparks and embers don’t blow around whenever there is a puff of wind. They can be plain or you can get kits to give them the kind of appearance you like.
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Wm Flanneryon Nov 30, 2015"Budget Friendly" is a relative idea and this budget friendly project is for families making $100,000+ a year with moderate to light monthly expenses. The Bullfrog Spa costs around $6,000 (on the cheap end). Composite deck boards (1"x5.5"x16') are almost $40 (a board) X's about 110 boards equals $4,400. Countersinking, stainless steel decking screws (350 count) around $64 (you'd need around 3,000 of these). Pergola, posts, cement, whatever was laid down to prevent weeds from growing, the small railing, bench, etc... all more money. I was surprised to see the 10 person outdoor dining table set. That's another $3,500-$4,000. Add the costs of delivery, assembly, and installation and you easily have yourself a $20,000+ project. Now, does it look nice? Sure (minus the big blue umbrella). Is it cheaper than a pool? In most cases. Is it really budget friendly? Not for most families. Also, quick safety note, you should NEVER have a real fire on a composite deck. I'm not sure who thought it would be cute to place logs in a circle of rocks so that this scene could have a "fire pit" in it but that is an excellent way to burn down your "budget friendly" project. Possibly your house as well. Let's be a little more responsible than that.
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Best Hot Tubs "Hot Tub and Pool Experts"on Dec 1, 2015Thanks for your thoughts. Whether or not readers will find each suggestion cost-friendly is, as you say, subjective. However, we stand by our ideas as opportunities to fully enjoy outdoor living is less costly ways.
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