Ottawa springs and summers are a great time to get out and enjoy the sunshine, relax, and embrace outdoor activities.

Long Canadian winters mean that making the most of these short windows of opportunity is a top priority for many Ontario residents looking to embrace the sun.

Start your spring and summer the right way this year with our list of 5 ways to make your outdoor space somewhere you and your family will want to be 24/7:

1. Create Zones for Different Activities

Dividing your outdoor space into distinct zones to accommodate various activities can help it feel more dynamic and engaging. This will give you more of a reason to get out there and enjoy nature while still feeling like you are in the privacy of your own space.

Your backyard is a great place for a spacious deck for family gatherings and barbeques, but also a gazebo to relax in the shade, a cozy fire pit for cooler summer nights, or even a couple of nets for a friendly game of soccer with your kids.

For most, outdoor spaces are left with untapped potential. With a little bit of planning you can help them come alive.

2. Invest in Quality Outdoor Furniture

Comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture sets the tone for relaxation and enjoyment. Look for durable materials such as weather-resistant wicker, aluminum, or teak that can withstand the elements. This is a space where you can experiment with colours that you wouldn’t otherwise see in your home. Have fun with it!

Opt for plush cushions and versatile pieces that can be easily rearranged to suit different occasions. Our favourites are some of the more modular cushion sectionals that are perfect for your new Fence-All deck.

Wooden outdoor furniture outside a modern home

3. Install Ambient Lighting

One of our favourite ways to increase the sophistication & awe of your outdoor spaces is with ambient lighting, giving you more of a reason to use these spaces at dusk or even at night.

Extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space into the evening hours with ambient lighting solutions like string lights, lanterns, and solar-powered pathway lights that can illuminate pathways and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Upwards-tilted lighting that highlights your trees and shrubbery is one of our favourite options in this category and can help elevate your home’s curb appeal in the process.

Consider installing LED lighting fixtures with adjustable brightness and colour options for added versatility.

4. Integrate Water Features

Incorporate the soothing sounds of water into your outdoor retreat with a fountain, birdbath, or small pond. Water features not only add a sense of tranquillity but also attract birds and wildlife, enhancing the overall ecosystem of your outdoor space.

5. Incorporate Entertainment Options

Entertain guests and family members with outdoor entertainment options such as a projector screen for movie nights, a sound system for music, or a gaming area for outdoor activities.

Consider installing a pergola or retractable awning to provide shade and protection from the elements during outdoor gatherings.

A pergola in Ottawa featuring string lights as the sun sets

6. It All Starts With A Deck

A well-crafted deck is a focal point or the centrepiece of any amazing backyard space. A deck is an outdoor extension of your home, perfect for morning cups of coffee, family dinners, barbeques, and get-togethers, and a place where you can get your daily dose of the sun.

A well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing deck makes you want to spend more time outdoors, can increase the value of your property, and can help you enjoy your backyard more often.

We know everything about creating amazing decks specific to your home, needs, and desires, and we understand just how transformative a deck can be.

A Fence All deck project in an Ottawa backyard

Check out some of our past work and just envision what your new deck could look like.

Enhancing your outdoor space in 2024 is all about creating a harmonious blend of comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.

By incorporating these 5 tips, you can transform your backyard or deck into a lively retreat that invites you to relax, unwind, and connect with nature and loved ones.

So, step outside, embrace the possibilities, and let your outdoor space come alive this year!

Click here for a free estimate on your backyard project.