Cost-effective ways to create an outdoor oasis in your own backyard

Seattle’s beauty is undeniable, but let’s face it, the rain can sometimes leave us yearning for a personal escape. The answer is an outdoor oasis in your own backyard. If you’re on a budget, creating a haven of relaxation doesn’t necessarily require a landscaper’s fee. With a little resourcefulness, you can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat without breaking the bank. From lighting and rugs to decking out your deck, here are some tips.

Consider your decking materials

“Considering budget, sun and rain exposure can be overwhelming, but it can impact the enjoyment, maintenance and overall lifetime cost of a deck or patio,” says Chandin Geihsler of Chandin Interior Design. While wood is a beautiful choice, it can be prone to rotting in our wet climate, Geihsler says. It will also need regular maintenance like staining.

“To avoid this maintenance and ensure a rot-free deck for a lifetime, composites are a great option,” she says. “While composites like Trex offer many upsides, they tend to retain heat in the sun and will become very uncomfortable underfoot for people and pets. If you have full sun and decide on composite decking, consider how you will shade it to keep everyone comfortable. Umbrellas or retractable awnings are a great choice.”

Lisa Staton of Lisa Staton Design agrees that comfort is key and prefers using real teak, which ages beautifully.

Buy to last and have a plan

Daniel Jones, co-owner of Ochre Home & Garden, says quality furniture and accessories will far outlast the cheap.

“Good quality furniture and accessories create a much more luxurious, restful environment,” he says. You don’t have to buy it all at once, but make sure you have a plan.

“A plan will keep you from making poor decisions which will affect the sense of peace and rest we’re striving for with a backyard oasis,” Jones says.

Don’t be afraid of color

Decorating a lounge on a deck or patio isn’t very different from indoors, Geihsler says.

“I love oranges and yellows which pop against all of the green and blue we have surrounding us,” she says. “Decorating with plants, solar-powered lanterns and outdoor throw pillows will set up a lounge that is comfortable and a joy to be in.”

Make it easy to clean

“When your stress levels are skyrocketing, the last thing you want to do is pressure wash the furniture before you can use it,” Jones says. “Buy furniture that’s easy to clean, comes with covers and doesn’t highlight minor dust and debris. If your space is uncovered and open to the elements, don’t buy white cushions!”

Think about lounging, cooking and practicality

Having a cozy space with dedicated seating will draw you outside during the summer months, says Kenna Stout of Brio Interior Design. If you have place to hang a swing or a hammock, great. “Otherwise, opt for a chair or chaise that allows you to put your feet up and relax,“ Stout says.

When dining and cooking outdoors, keep it close to the house, make it fun!

Benson Dastrup, co-owner of Ochre Home & Garden, says that the further these two spaces are away from the main kitchen, the less likely you are to use them.

“Nothing beats the enjoyment of a homemade pizza in the garden. It truly is the height of luxury — pizza ovens have come a long way and don’t take up too much space,” he says. “A free-standing wok burner is another one of our other favorite outdoor cooking tools! And you won’t set off the smoke alarms.”

Build a shelter over your grill or cooking area. This extends your outdoor cooking time to nearly year-round, Dastrup says. He suggests finding a local contractor or a best friend to help you.

Make your garden special

“Find those rare and wonderful accents and add them into your garden, but keep it simple, edit and follow your plan,” Dastrup says. To that end, he says to buy the antique concrete gnome, invest in the expensive flower pots — you’ll have them for years — and splurge on the exotic plant.

Add a few planters with herbs and flowers. Herbs will grow and look great all summer and work perfectly to spruce up a cool summer drink, Stout says.

Install a fire pit

Anu Kurup of Persimmon Design says fire pits “evoke memories of ancient gatherings around campfires, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world. The crackling fire and the starlit sky above create a sensory experience that awakens our senses.”

Many loves fire pits, but not everyone has the space for them, says interior designer Natalie Hyde of the design firm MG2.

“That’s why I’m in love with tabletop fire bowls like the many options from Solo Stove,” Hyde says. “It’s a great way to add the element of fire without the large-scale commitment and expense. S’mores, anyone?”

Add a rug

Area rugs can ground and group seating areas.

“Adding an outdoor area rug will personalize your space and give it a comfortable indoor quality,” Hyde says. “Look for flat weave styles that can be washed off easily — 100% solution-dyed polypropylene options offer durability — and there are endless patterns and colors to choose from.”

Kurup likes the cushioned surface rugs provide for ultimate comfort.

“This makes outdoor seating areas much more inviting and comfortable for lounging, socializing or playing games with friends and family,” she says.

Light the way

One of the easiest ways to add appeal to your outdoor living space is through outdoor lighting, Kurup says. “The warm glow of candlelight, portable lanterns, string lights or pendant lights hung from the patio cover will create ambience while extending the usability of your outdoor space into the evening,” she says.

“LED table lights and market lights add a glow,” says Staton.

Hyde recommends looking for rechargeable outdoor lanterns and lamps to extend your time outdoors into the late evening and night. “There are so many on the market right now, including dimmable options,” she says.

While a sprawling, professionally landscaped oasis might be the dream, creating a relaxing space in your own backyard doesn’t require breaking the bank. With these tips, you can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat that reflects your personality and style. Embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, rain or shine, from your very own slice of paradise.

How to manage pollen on your deck

In the warmer months, a buildup of pollen from our local flora can pose a problem to deck owners.

David McCary, owner of Seattle Sustainable Landscapes, says coverings help prevent this.

“These could be roofed or could be side walls. Here are removable plastic side walls that have become popularized in restaurants since COVID that help with pollen accumulation,” he says. “Temporary sails can be added to a pergola to prevent accumulation during the high pollen seasons. They can act as a temporary canvas roof.”

In terms of cleaning, McCary says pressure washing is the most effective method, but depending on the decking, there can be some risk of damaging the stain or paint. “This is a great solution for hardscape patios and composite decking,” he says.

Blowers are also effective, and are less likely to cause damage than pressure washing, McCary says.

Physical removal via sweeping is simple but helpful, McCary says. “These can be done DIY or could be a request for ongoing care from a landscape maintenance company,” he says.