Having a sprawling backyard laid out behind your home is definitely something to be proud of. Even better if you have a firepit or a hammock for relaxing and unwinding. However, having an expansive backyard is one thing, but making the most of it is another.
If you feel your backyard looks a little empty, maybe it’s time you construct a backyard building. There are plenty of backyard buildings you could put up to give your backyard that oomph. These structures can serve as extra storage, aesthetic highlights, or living spaces for your guest.
Today’s post is a quick backyard building guide on the various structures you should consider for your backyard.
Trellises
Trellises are one of the simplest structures you could build in your backyard. Although simple, they add a heap of charm to your backyard and a dash of elegance.
Trellises serve a purely aesthetic purpose and support shrubs and vine plants. You can build a trellis to accent your backyard and give it some extra flare. Building one is a cakewalk with a little help from family and friends.
Gazebos
Gazebos are one of the most common backyard buildings in American homes. These standalone structures are permanent and require considerable skill and effort to put up. There are tons of gazebo shapes and designs you can opt for.
Gazebos consist of a roof to shield from the sun and elements. Wooden or concrete columns support the roof. Some gazebos may have a cupola or built-in benches and porch swings for added functionality.
Gazebos help you take in the outside beauty while relaxing in your backyard. The roof helps shield you from the scorching sun or rain. It’s a nice place to read your favorite books or just relax and meditate.
Pergola
Pergolas consist of an open roof supported by posts and columns for support with open sides. Just like trellises, pergolas are great for vine plants and trees. However, unlike trellises, pergolas don’t consist of latticework but instead have open sides.
Sometimes pergolas connect with other backyard structures like patios. They’re great for aesthetic effect and are also a pleasant place to relax and pass the time.
Pergolas are pretty similar to arbors but tend to be a bit larger. Pergolas also offer slightly more privacy than arbors.
Ramadas
Ramadas are also known as pavilions and are free-standing structures that use posts and columns for support. They are like pergolas but have closed roofs instead of open roofs.
This makes it preferable to pergolas because the roof shields occupants from the elements. Most homeowners build them next to outdoor kitchens or fireplaces.
Greenhouses
Having a greenhouse is a must for any serious gardener. The backyard offers an ideal space for a greenhouse to facilitate some serious gardening.
A greenhouse is an enclosed structure complete with a roof, walls, and plenty of windows. Greenhouses provide a microclimate and the optimum conditions for plant growth so homeowners can grow flowers, vegetables, and fruits.
With greenhouses, homeowners can have a thriving garden all year round regardless of the season. Greenhouses ensure plants grow under the best conditions for seamless growth and proliferation.
Patio Covers
A patio is a common sight in most people’s backyards. They’re simple to build yet have incredible functionality. Patios extend from another structure(your home) and stretch out into the backyard.
Patios are highly customizable, so you need to find a design that fits your style and taste. You can build your patio cover with a lattice and train climbing plants to grow over the latticework. Adding a solid roof will help shield you from the searing sun or rain when it pours.
Pool Houses
If you’re fortunate enough to have a pool in your backyard, don’t forget about constructing a pool house. A pool house is a standalone structure for storing pool supplies and pool-related items. You can also use a pool house to store random stuff, like gardening equipment.
Pool houses don’t have to be tiny buildings for storing pool supplies and equipment. You can build a pool house with bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a kitchen. The pool house could serve as a guest house or even a rental property for some extra income.
Mother-in-Law Suites
A mother-in-law suite or mother-in-law apartment is a separate building attached to the main house. Some people may refer to it as the granny suite or simple thein-law suite. The term was coined because the structure was a space where extended family members could move in but still give the main family some privacy and space.
It still serves the same purpose, considering 24% of individuals between 55 and 64 choose to live with their children. Apart from housing families, mother-in-law suites can be your guest house for visiting guests. It can also serve as extra storage or rental space to earn you some extra cash.
These extensions to your main home are relatively easier to build, but you might need some guidance. There are tons of resources online for building a backyard mother in law suite. Use them as guiding lights for building your suites.
Hobby Houses
Hobby houses are standalone buildings that act as storage space for your hobby and garden equipment. They’re great for people with outdoor hobbies like hiking, snowboarding, and the likes. You can also store your lawnmower, kids’ bikes, and camping gear in there.
If you’re storing bulky items, consider adding double doors to make it easier to store and retrieve items in there. Also, don’t skimp out on the design if you want it to be an aesthetic highlight in your backyard.
Make a Bold Statement With the Right Backyard Buildings
Regardless of the backyard building types, always consider what it says about you and your family. You want a backyard structure that helps define who you are and matches your lifestyle.
With backyard buildings, you can make a bold statement with a cool backyard shelter or keep things simple with a comfortable patio cover. The options are limitless, so take time to explore every option before finding something that suits your tastes.
For more informative content, check out the other posts on the site.