How to Maximize Outdoor Space with Minimal Maintenance

Having a backyard is fun. This is especially true if you have kids, like spending your time in the outdoors, looking at nature, or even having that backyard party/BBQ.

Well, it is fun until maintenance (e.g., trimming, mowing, cleaning, etc.) kicks in. Then, it becomes quite the opposite. Even if you find maintenance fun, it can still be very overwhelming, because it (usually) requires a lot of time – time, which we usually don’t have.

In this article, we’ll cover the most important and most effective ways that you can do to clean/maintain, prolong durability, and make maintenance generally much easier (than it needs to be).

3 Ways of Getting the Most Out of Your Space

A well-organized backyard with no clutter sounds ideal, right? And that’s exactly what you need for minimal maintenance – no clutter and multifunctional structures. Here are some tips on how to get started.

1. Think About Your Space and Needs

The first thing to do is to take a close look at the space you’re working with and think about what you want to do with it.

Do you want to host parties, have a peaceful haven, or an outside dining area? See what your goal is and then go from there. If your backyard is large, it would be a good idea to divide it into zones, with each zone serving a different purpose. You can do this with hedges or planters, so you have natural barriers that go with the aesthetics of a backyard. Zones make sure that every inch of your space is used and you’ll avoid overcrowding.

2. Choose Structures that Have Multiple Purposes

If you’re tight on space or you just want the least amount of furniture and structures possible, then go for something that’s multifunctional. A pergola, for example, can give you shade and be a nice place for outdoor dining. A vinyl gazebo can be a spot for relaxing, but it can also be a place for an outdoor kitchen or a bar.

Focus on features that are versatile and that can make your backyard more functional, but not cluttered. Built-in seating, a small fire pit, and string lights can make all of these spaces even more usable; plus, they look beautiful and they make everything more cohesive.

3. Optimize Storage and Declutter with Outdoor Sheds

You have to have a place where you keep all your gardening supplies and seasonal items, which means – a shed. But for a low-maintenance backyard, you need a low-maintenance shed. For this, choose one either from aluminum or vinyl because these materials are durable and need very little upkeep.

3 Quick (but Powerful) Maintenance Tips

Minimal maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, so no matter how you design your backyard, it will still take some work to stay looking nice and tidy.

1. Regular Cleaning

This might be an obvious one, but beyond simply cleaning, try to aim to clean the place, but with minimal effort. And the choice of materials will determine the time you spend on this activity.

Some materials require more work than others. For example, vinyl, composite, and plastic usually just require a good rinse, and that’s it. Perhaps, if it’s really filthy, you might have to bring out the bucket of soapy water and a scrub. And, of course, don’t forget to wipe it down so that the material doesn’t stain because of water spots. It’s not a chore; not really, anyway. The above-mentioned materials,unlike wood, don’t require sealers/coats and don’t require to be refinished as time progresses.

2. Deterioration Prevention

If you want your outdoor structures/furniture to last as long as possible (up to their maximum durability), then you’ll need to try preventing possible damage to the best of your abilities.

The easiest thing to do it to install some weather-resistant covers over the seating areas. This will help protect the furniture from the elements (e.g., sun, rain, snow, hail, etc.).

You can also use a UV protectant. This usually comes in a spray bottle in the form of a clear coat. If you go for this, ensure you’re wearing a mask because these chemicals are highly toxic.

For metal surfaces, ensure there is a primer or protective spray to make them rust-proof. If you do see rust, it is easier to immediately deal with the issue, before it eats up the metal surface (even under the paint).

3. Seasonal Checks and Quick Fixes

A few things you do seasonally can go a long way toward preserving your outdoor space. In the fall, remove leaves and debris from pergolas and other structures to prevent mold from building up. During winter, check for any wear or damage, like cracks or rust, and repair everything quickly. If you take care of minor issues early, you’ll stop them from becoming big, expensive problems down the line.

Conclusion

This article could’ve been a whole book. There is really so much more to say. But that wasn’t its purpose. The goal of this article is to give you a basic idea of what’s possible. Then, once you’ve got the foundation covered, you can expand on that. Plan everything out, make sure the materials you use are durable, but don’t need a lot of maintenance, and try to incorporate as much multi-functional furniture and structures as you can.

Before you know it, you’ll be stretching out in your stylish gazebo, relaxing, and enjoying the view on your peaceful yard with no clutter.