30 Outdoor Updates to Tackle This Summer

Take advantage of the warm weather by knocking out these outdoor projects that will kick your home's exterior up a notch. From building raised garden beds to resealing your driveway, here are the top outdoor projects to complete this summer.

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July 06, 2022

By: Kamron Sanders

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This Summer, Take the Projects Outdoors

Summer is upon us and if you're anything like us, you're looking for any excuse to get outside and soak up the sun. While summer days lounging by the pool are great, we think it's also the perfect time of year to knock out some outdoor projects. So, in honor of the warm weather, here are 30 outdoor updates to tackle this summer that will make poolside lounging even more enjoyable.

From: Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture

Freshen Up Mulched Beds

One of the quickest ways to make your landscape pop is to refresh the mulch in garden beds. Whether you're a fan of natural bark mulch, dyed mulch or are considering switching to a mulch alternative such as leaves or pine straw, there's no better sight than blooming plants against fresh mulch. Get to know the many different types of mulch, below.

See More Photos: Which Mulch is Best for Your Yard?

Master Garden-to-Table Dining

This summer, it's finally time to install the raised garden beds that you've been dreaming of. Who wouldn't trade a little sweat equity for a summer full of fresh fruits and vegetables? Sprout some new gardening ideas with our inspo, below.

From: Hidden Creek Landscaping

Build a Fence

A new garden calls for an idyllic garden fence. Keep the pests out or simply keep the pets in by putting up a fence this summer. Fall in love with these fresh fence ideas, below.

See More Photos: 50 Fresh Fence Design Ideas

From: Odd Job Landscaping

Light Up Your Landscape

Add visual depth to your landscape by installing strategic landscape lighting. Line pathways, up-light trees and accentuate beautiful features that you simply can't see when the sun goes down. Light up your landscape with our ideas, below.

See More Photos: Landscape Lighting Ideas

From: Hidden Creek Landscaping

Swap Out Your Front Door

Swapping out your dated front door for a new contemporary option is an easy way to breathe life into one of your home's main focal points. Ditch the dated orange woods and opt for something natural like this streamlined Dutch door. Install the door of your dreams with our tutorial, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Install a New Front Door

From: Ashley Ausland

Or, Give Your Existing Front Door a Makeover

Some front doors don't need to be replaced, but a little sprucing up wouldn't hurt. Throwing a new coat of paint on your front door can be done in an afternoon and makes for a major transformation. Give your door a brand new look with our inspo, below.

See More Photos: Popular Front Door Paint Colors

Build a Cozy Fire Pit

Depending on your location, gathering around a fire pit may not be a summer activity. However, once autumn rolls around, you'll be thanking yourself for knocking out this DIY project early. Set your DIY skills ablaze with our how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build a Fire Pit in an Afternoon

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Install a Porch Swing

When we think summer, we think evenings in the porch swing sipping iced tea. While the porch swing embodies Southern style, we think it's high time this trend took off nationwide. Get swinging with our helpful how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Swinging Daybed

Clean Out the Garage

During winter, stuff seems to pile up in the garage. Cleaning out the garage might not be the most exciting thing you'll do this summer, but why put it off until it's freezing again? Step up your garage game with our tips and tricks, below.

learn more: Tips and Tricks to Help You Clean and Reorganize Your Garage

Then, Balance Its Form and Function

To ensure this summer's garage cleanout isn't wasted, consider overhauling your garage's organization. Install shelving, clear drawers and a pegboard to give every item a dedicated spot. Then, follow up with a beautiful paint job that will inspire you to keep the space looking great. Breathe life into your dull garage with our ideas, below.

See More Photos: 55 Easy Garage Storage Ideas for Instant Organization

Or, Turn It Into a Shady Hangout

If your garage has no real use other than a catch-all, forego the organization and take your garage to the next level by transforming it into an indoor-outdoor living room just like the garage at HGTV Urban Oasis 2021. Tour this stunning space, below.

See More Photos: Garage Pictures From HGTV Urban Oasis 2021

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Say Yes to a Stock Tank Pool

If you've never priced a pool installation, let's just say it isn't the most budget-friendly outdoor update. Luckily, a DIY stock-tank pool, while not an even trade-off, is a fantastic (and affordable!) spot to chill in the hot summer sun. Dive into our favorite stock tank pools, below.

See More Photos: 10 Splashy Stock Tank Pool Ideas to Copy This Summer

From: Bri Moysa

Get Your Grass Up to Snuff

For the most part, a lawn can take care of itself. Regular mowing mixed with consistent rain is really all it takes. However, it doesn't take much more to kick your lawn into overdrive. Get started on the lawn of your dreams with our tips, below.

See More Photos: 12 Year-Round Lawn Care Tips

Reseal Your Driveway

Resealing your faded, cracking asphalt driveway is one of the most transformative (and satisfying) outdoor projects you can do this summer. While it's not the easiest project on the list, it will prolong the life of your driveway, saving you money in the long term. Add years to your driveway's life with our how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Repair and Reseal an Asphalt Driveway or Walkway

Or, Just Pressure Wash Your Driveway

If resealing the driveway isn't in the cards because of time and/or budget, a quick pressure washing will suffice. While pressure washing won't protect the driveway like resealing, it will drastically transform its appearance and boost your home's curb appeal. Transform your dingy driveway with our tutorial, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Pressure Wash Your Driveway

Pressure Wash the Deck

While you've got the pressure washer out, head over to your deck. Remove the top layer of grime, mildew or moss from the deck's surface, just be sure to keep your distance so you don't gouge the wood. Wash away the grime with our how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Pressure-Washing Your Deck

Then, Stain and Seal Your Deck

After pressure washing is the perfect time to stain and seal your deck. This will protect the wood, prevent cracking and splinters and give it that new deck shine. Renew your faded deck in just one weekend with our helpful tips, below.

See More Photos: Refinish Your Deck in a Weekend

Build a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls, while primarily functional, can also be a stunning addition to your yard. You can add depth, create dimension and foster flow all by stacking some stones. Discover our favorite retaining wall ideas, below.

See More Photos: 26 Sturdy Retaining Wall Ideas for a Sloped Yard

From: Nilsen Landscape Design

Hang Some Window Box Planters

Window box planters are like beautiful jewelry for your home's exterior. Just install the box, plant some flowers that complement your home's color, then sit back and admire your handiwork. Learn how to DIY your own window boxes, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Custom Curb Appeal: Easy-Swap Window Planter

Make a New House Number Display

If you can't install window box planters or simply aren't a big fan of the look, opt for freestanding planters instead. This DIY doubles as a house number display. Break out the tools and get started on your own DIY planter box, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Wood Planter Box With House Numbers

Freshen Up Your Exterior Finishes

While your home's design may be timeless, finishes and hardware can quickly go out of style, making your home look drastically dated in the process. Luckily, swapping out things like exterior sconces and doorknobs is quick, easy, and has a massive visual effect. Check out our top exterior upgrades, below.

See More Photos: 7 Smart Exterior Upgrades

Show Your HVAC Unit Some Love

Is your home getting too hot to handle? Skip the call to the HVAC technician and do some troubleshooting yourself. Start by swapping out your filter, then head outside and clean your unit. Oftentimes, this is all it takes to enjoy that sweet A/C once again. Cool off with our HVAC maintenance tips, below.

String Up Some Lights

Add instant ambiance to your outdoor seating area by stringing up some bistro lights. They're an inexpensive outdoor lighting option that's available in a wide variety of styles, including solar and dimmable strands so you can tailor the brightness to your mood. String up greatness with our favorite string lights, below.

Learn More: The Best Outdoor String Lights for Every Space

Step Into Stepping Stones

Is there a more timeless landscape addition than stepping stones embedded in green grass? If there is, we want to know. Until then, we'll be working on perfecting this look in our own backyard. Unlock the secrets to designing the perfect path, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Design a Perfect Path

From: Brown Harris Stevens - NYC

Install a Paver Patio

No deck or patio, but you want to create an outdoor living room? No worries, we've got you! Get started by adding a DIY paver patio that'll define your outdoor living area and create a flat surface for placing a cozy furniture grouping. Learn everything there is to know about paver patios with our guide, below.

See More Photos: 10 Things You Must Know About Paver Patios

Clean Your Dingy Outdoor Furniture

No one wants to sit on dingy, mildew-covered outdoor furniture so kick off outdoor lounging season by giving seating a scrub-down. The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda is perfect for cleaning stains off painted outdoor furniture, and a baking soda mixture works well on outdoor fabric stains, too. Get cleaning with our how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Are You Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture the Right Way?

Assemble the Ultimate Outdoor Dining Area

Whether you want to finally set up an outdoor dining area or just want to dress up what you already have, this summer is the time to perfect your alfresco set-up. Our top tip for outdoor dining? Buy a big table and as many chairs as your budget allows. Set the table for sizzling summer celebrations with our essential guide, below.

See More Photos: 50 Stylish & Functional Outdoor Dining Rooms

From: Smith & Associates Real Estate

Overhaul Your Garage Door

Garage doors are big and when they lack visual appeal or simply don't match your home, they can be a major eyesore. Transform your garage door with a bucket of paint or just temporarily alter the look using magnetic garage door hardware and faux windows. Give your home a whole new look this weekend with our tips, below.

See More Photos: 3 Cheap + Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Garage Door This Weekend

Deep Clean the Grill

While the grill gets plenty of use in the summer, regular cleanings often get skipped. Keep your grill in tip-top shape by taking some time to do a deep cleaning. Clean up your act with our grill cleaning guide, below.

See More Photos: How to Clean Your Grill

Update Your Front Porch

When was the last time you updated your front porch's look? Take the warmer weather as a cue to give your home's curb appeal a big boost by freshening up the front porch. Signal your home's style to neighbors and passersby with our best summer front porch ideas, below.

learn more: 40 Eye-Catching Entryways + Front Porches for Summer

From: H. Camille Smith