As temperatures cool and the days get a little shorter, you’re likely looking to extend your fall outdoor living. Just because it’s getting darker earlier and it’s a little chillier doesn’t mean you have to pack it in for the season. There are plenty of options to help you comfortably enjoy your backyard for the months ahead. Here are just a few fall patio ideas to extend your fall outdoor living.
Try a Backyard Fire Pit
While you can build a fire pit, you can also find less expensive ways to make it a reality for some good fall outdoor living. In this Done-In-A-Weekend Projects video, host Doug Scott shares how to create an outdoor space for a portable fire pit. Scott suggests adding fall patio decor—furniture and accessories, such as chairs, blankets or flower pots—to make it a personal extension of your home. For a complete fire pit, check out Today’s Homeowner host Danny Lipford explaining how to make an easy DIY fire pit—complete with Adirondack chairs to accompany it!
String Patio Lights for Ultimate Fall Outdoor Living
Daylight Savings Time doesn’t have to ruin your outdoor routine. Outdoor lights were created just for that purpose. Although there are many high-end lighting systems you could install, they usually come with a hefty price tag. There are ways to utilize lights to add backyard pizzazz without breaking the bank. Lights are easy to string around a patio setting, along a fence, or in trees. Done-In-A-Weekend Projects host Doug Scott walks you through the DIY steps of stringing lights around a patio space.
Get Comfy, Even in the Fall
Whether you’re watching sports with family, friends—or, solo—this fall, focus on these two things to make your outdoor living a comfy experience: pest control and climate control. In most areas of the country, pests will retreat as the temperature drops. But if you’re not so lucky, keep some citronella candles or patio torches on hand.
Build an Outdoor Kitchen for True Outdoor Living
If your backyard’s decked out with lights, an AV system, weatherproof TV cabinet, and a cozy outdoor gathering space, an outdoor kitchen area might be your next project. Not only will this prevent “heating the outdoors” by minimizing times you have to walk inside and open the door, an outdoor kitchen island also keeps everything close. A cooler always comes in handy, and you can even add a grill to your setup. In this Done-In-A-Weekend Game Day Tips episode, ESPN commentator and host Matt Stinchcomb outlines an easy, cost-effective, outdoor cooking island build.
Plant Fall Flowers, Native Trees, and Shrubs
If you’ve put in the work to create a comfortable outdoor living space, then beautiful plants and greenery are also a nice way to extend your fall outdoor living. So, consider replenishing those containers and garden beds with a few chrysanthemums and cosmos or other similar flowers that will extend your outdoor fall living by providing color through to the first frost. While you’re at it, you’ll likely want to plant a few pumpkins and fall squash. Fall is also a great time to plant native trees and shrubs that can serve a dual purpose. Not only do they provide aesthetic enhancement; they can also up your bird watching options by providing food and shelter for species that are migrating through—or, wintering in—your backyard.
