8 Ways to Blow Out Your Backyard for the Second Half of Summer [CNET]

We may be halfway to fall, but it’s never too late to turn your al fresco hang space into a mid summer’s dream. Fortifying your deck, patio or backyard with comforts will ensure you get the most out of your precious outdoor space during the precious time you can use it.

As a recovering city dweller now situated in the country (with a yard and deck, to boot!), I can’t take for granted these days of soft summer breezes and soothing bird songs. 

To be sure I squeeze all the juice out of August, I’ve taken to gussying up my backyard space. A well-placed piece of audio tech for better sound, a structure for shade there and some upgraded seating and your modest backyard space blooms into a suburban oasis. 

Here’s what I’ve added to my space to blow out the backyard for the second half of summer. 

Serve shade under a pergola 

A pergola doesn’t just add shade it also adds an instant vibe and coziness to an outdoor space with a place for climbing plants to explore hanging plants to hang from and lights to twinkle. I set up this Sunjoy cedar pergola kit in under 5 hours with the help of a friend. The instructions were clear, and the final build was sturdy and draws loads of compliments from guests and neighbors. 

Ceiling fan, but make it outdoors

Summers are hotter than ever, but that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the outdoors. When there’s no breeze to be found, an outdoor hanging fan like this Harbor Breeze Valdosta will keep the muggy air moving and a cool wind blowing on your rosy cheeks.  

Make better sound

You can’t overstate the importance of quality sound to set the mood in your backyard, patio or outdoor space. Even if you don’t plan on blasting your tunes, a premium Bluetooth speaker such as Ultimate Ears’ Hyperboom gives even your mellowest music the clarity and balance that the music Gods intended.

Take a load off, Adirondack-style

I don’t know who invented the Adirondack chair, but I’d love to give them a high five. Standard patio chairs are fine but there’s something about the lean of a sturdy Adirondack that beckons you to relax. I outfitted my backyard with several Adirondacks and they get more reps than any other furniture. 

This Psilvam polymer Adirondack chair is reasonably priced at $170 and can be assembled out of the box in under 20 minutes. Or bag this modern Adirondack chair from Solo Stove ($300.) It has a sleek and solid build and sits a little lower to the ground than most. 

Plant a fire pit with dual-purpose 

If you’re going to add a fire pit to the yard — and you should add a fire pit — why not choose one with extra functionality? This cast iron Cowboy fire pit from Bespoke Post doubles as a grill. With its modular design, the grill grates can be lifted or lowered for a rage of cooking styles. Slow cook a rack of ribs or lower it down and sear burgers and steaks to feed your Cowboy campfire friends.

Give yourself a flat-top

We have no beef with grills here at CNET — big fans of ’em actually — but flat-top grills have hit the big time in these last few years. I tried one recently and can report that I’ve officially been griddled-pilled. 

Outdoor griddles’ fitted flat cast-iron surfaces are great for making smash burgers, sizzling veggies and flaky fish without any of it falling through the grates. Griddles are easier to clean, too, and offer more consistent heat. 

I love all things Weber and the grilling gurus there have churned out a fierce gas griddle, available in three- or four-burner size. Weber’s griddle is easy to assemble, ignite, operate and clean. 

A warning: Once you go flat, you might not go back.

A string of smart lights

There isn’t a simpler way To make your backyard space more inviting than some soft lighting these $6 Pixie outdoor string lights reviewed by CNET Home contributor John Carlson are a true steal and punch well above their price. I’ve already stocked my outdoor space with a few strings and, at that price, I’m bound to buy more.

Raised planter beds

If you have an open or unwieldy space that you’d like to add boundaries too, raised planter beds can do it. Haul in one or two of these raised beds and plant dense flowers or landscaping grass to give your outdoor space structure and privacy. Or plant herbs so you’re never without fresh basil for that next backyard pizza party.