10 Backyard Upgrades That Are Worth The Extra Cost

If you're ready to make an investment in your backyard, there are several different things to consider. Most importantly, of course, will be determining which project(s) you want to complete. However, with the cost of some upgrades, you may be questioning whether they're actually worth the investment. The best way to determine what is and isn't a good value is to look at two key features. "When it comes to upgrading your backyard, the key is investing in features that enhance your lifestyle and provide both immediate enjoyment and long-term value," Nick Smith, an expert in vintage and antique furniture and the founder of Smithers, exclusively tells House Digest. "As an interior designer, I always advise my clients to view their backyard as an extension of their home, where thoughtful upgrades can elevate their daily living experience."

Ahead, you'll find expert advice from designers and real estate experts about which outdoor upgrades are really worth the extra cost. From leveling up your landscape lighting to adding cozy touches like fire pits, their advice will have you wanting to spend more time outside, no matter the season. 

As you're weighing which upgrades are worth the cost, you might want to put outdoor lighting towards the top of your list. When speaking exclusively with House Digest, Brad Holley, the owner of UnDesign, said, "Adding tasteful lighting to your backyard can make it feel larger than it is. It also gives you a sense of security when you know you can see everything as well." It can help you truly transform a plain backyard into an entertainment oasis. As Holley shares, "When you have strong, tasteful lighting in your outdoor entertaining area, it makes the entire space feel so much more intentional, welcoming, and inviting. In fact," he added jokingly, "the only problem you might run into after upgrading or adding good lighting is getting people to leave at a reasonable hour."

If you're ready to start moving forward with this project and want to consider the lighting ideas that will brighten up your deck, it is important to understand the various options. From hanging chandeliers, string or rope lights, radiating landscaping features, solar pathway options, and even illuminated patio umbrellas, there are countless ways to brighten up your yard. Depending on your budget, yard layout, and preferences, you might find one or more of these to be better suited to your needs. For example, adding an illuminated umbrella, such as the ABCCANOPY Solar LED Patio Umbrella, or a strand of string bulbs, like the Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights, will cost under $100, but adding professionally installed fixtures to your landscaping may cost several thousand dollars. As you make your decision, consider the advice Elissa Hall, a lead designer at RedAwning, wisely shares. "When outdoor lighting is treated with the same intentionality as interior lighting, it adds layers of atmosphere that showcase architectural and landscaping details." It might just be worth the extra splurge.

Whether you use your backyard for entertaining or just like to go out there with a partner or the family to unwind after a challenging day, you want a comfortable spot to sit or even kick your feet up. Bree Steele, an interior designer at RJ Living, recommends splurging a bit by investing in built-in seating. "Don't get me wrong, freestanding outdoor furniture is great, but nothing elevates a backyard quite like a custom-built seating," she tells House Digest during an exclusive interview. One idea she offers is to add a custom stone bench around your fire pit. Custom commissions, she says, "are super functional and create a seamless, intentional design rather than making outdoor furniture feel like an afterthought."

Unless you have the carpentry know-how yourself, you'll likely want to hire a professional to complete this upgrade for you. If you have a landscaping company you work with, they may be able to help or offer recommendations of local professionals who can help you turn a vision into reality. Carpenters or general contractors may also be able to provide their services. Of course, the cost to have outdoor seating built into your living space will vary based on the number of pieces you need, your preferred materials, and the complexities of each build. Some smaller projects, such as adding a bench, may work out to be closer to $500, while more involved jobs could cost several thousand dollars.

If you're on the fence about whether the cost to add a fire pit to your yard is really worth it, two of our experts highlight it as one upgrade that you won't regret. According to Zach Shepard, the principal at Braddock Investment Group Inc, the feature "serves to give warmth on cold nights, and it also sets the stage for an inviting get-together. In addition, a fire pit can act as a centerpiece in the backyard and also enhance the beauty of the area." Picture yourself gathering around the dancing flames, roasting marshmallows or enjoying some casual conversation with friends and family. It's easy to see how your investment will pay dividends over the years. If you decide to sell your home in the future, Brett Johnson, owner and licensed real estate agent at New Era Home Buyers, explains that the addition could be a true asset. "I've even seen people choose one house over another simply because of an outstanding outside setup with a fire pit," he shares during an exclusive interview with House Digest.

If you're considering adding one to your space, it's important to know that this isn't a one-size-fits-all purchase. As Shepard says, "From gas or wood burning, to built-in or portable, there is a type of fire pit to suit your budget and requirements." There are pros and cons of the different fuel sources to consider as you decide which is best for you. If simplicity is a priority, then you might want to consider a gas option, like the OPEAK Propane Fire Pit Table. You don't have to pile up timber and sticks and can simply turn the switch to start the fire. However, if you want a true experience that reminds you of a classic campfire, you can't beat a wood-burning option, such as the DENKOE Cast Iron Fire Pit. These models tend to cost less than gas pits because you don't need to worry about connecting any fuel lines. However, you will need to physically start a fire before it will be ready to enjoy. On average, you should expect to spend about $500 on a gas model, but some may cost significantly more. Wood-burning pits, on the other hand, have an average cost that is under $200, though some may be closer to $1,000.

If your yard is not already fenced in, then that is another upgrade you might want to consider adding to your list. While a new enclosure might require a significant investment on your part, Johnson feels that the cost is well worth it. "One of the most valuable amenities is an operational fence, especially for families with children or pets. I've seen people cross houses off the list entirely because the lot was not fenced," he says. Beyond making a backyard safer, these structures offer a range of additional benefits that can make them worth the cost. They can make your space more private, clearly delineate where your property ends and your neighbor's begins, and even increase the aesthetics of your home and improve your curb appeal. As an added bonus, a fence may even increase the value of your home. As Johnson explains, many buyers are looking for homes with this feature.

Before you install a new fence around your yard, there are several things to consider. You can find options made from solid wood, wrought iron, vinyl, and more. Additionally, you'll need to decide on your preferred height — many homeowners opt for a 6-foot privacy fence, while others may find a 4-foot height to be sufficient. Because of these variables, the cost of having a new one installed can vary widely. While the average installation cost is around $3,000, you could pay closer to $5,000 depending on your selections and where you live.

Shepard also highlights the benefits of paying more for high-quality tables, chairs, and other pieces. "It might seem like an unnecessary expense to upgrade your patio furniture, but investing in good pieces can really improve your outdoor space. Cheaper options may not be as comfortable and will not last as long as quality furniture," he explains.

Differentiating between higher- and lower-quality options may seem challenging. However, there are some key pointers that can guide your search for the best products for your backyard. One thing to consider is the brand. While newer brands may also offer durable pieces, finding a reputable company that has a history of producing quality items can give you confidence in their craftsmanship. Second, choosing the most durable furniture materials for your patio or deck is also essential. You want pieces that are made from materials that will hold up well to the element. Grade-A teak is commonly viewed as one of the most durable and weather-resistant options, though you can also consider wicker pieces that were 100% solution-dyed and processed with a UV stabilizer, since both treatments will prevent cracking and fading over time. For woven furniture, you also want to make sure they have sturdy frames made from something like galvanized steel or stainless steel, which will keep them put during windy weather and are both rust-resistant.

There are different materials to consider for a backyard patio. According to Jeremy Martin, landscape designer and owner at Willow Gates Home and Landscape, the extra cost associated with interlocking pavers will be well worth it. "Unless your theme is a very urban, contemporary, or mid-century modern vibe ... upgrade your patio materials from just a concrete slab," he exclusively tells House Digest. Even stained or stamped concrete patios, he says, simply can't compare and won't give your backyard that luxurious and upgraded touch. "Quality concrete interlocking pavers will have a more authentic look and feel."

The cost to install them will vary based on the quality of the materials you choose, the square footage of the area that you need to cover, any surface prep or leveling that needs to be completed, and whether you are required to pull a permit for the installation. You should expect to spend between $8 and $25 per square foot, with the average installation costing $3,400. If you're wondering whether using pavers will increase your home's value, they certainly have the potential to. Many  buyers see them as a long-lasting and attractive upgrade, which means they could be willing to pay more for your home. Plus, the enjoyment you'll get from this upgrade may be well worth the cost.

Adding an outdoor kitchen is not a cheap project. However, according to several of our experts, it is well worth the extra cost. "Outdoor kitchens are a great investment because they extend your living space and add value to your home. Built-in grills, countertops, and storage make outdoor cooking more convenient and enjoyable, especially in warmer climates where entertaining outside is common," Sabrina Phillips, a contractor and the president of Designing Women of Orange County, shares during an exclusive interview with House Digest.

If you decide to splurge and have a new kitchen installed, one of the first things you'll need to think about is which outdoor appliances will help you create the ultimate entertainment space that you desire. This, of course, is a personal decision, and you'll need to evaluate which appliances you'll get the most use out of. But before you start investing in pizza ovens and smokers, there are a few staples you should first install. "For maximum value, every outdoor kitchen addition should include a built-in grill, a beverage cooler, and a trash drawer or receptacle, with at least one or two convenient power outlets nearby," Holley recommends. "Your preferred outdoor kitchen can be as well-appointed as you like, but having at least these minimal features will make your outdoor space much more compelling when it comes to the resale of your home."

As you can imagine, the cost of building an outdoor kitchen can vary widely depending on the specific components and appliances you desire, as well as the quality of the materials you choose. While you may be able to pull off a more basic kitchen for around $6,000, a luxurious, fully-equipped one could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Don't forget the added costs of permitting and following proper building regulations, which you don't want to skimp on. As Diana Melichar, the owner of Melichar Architects, shares, "If there's to be an outdoor kitchen, you should bring in an expert when it comes to locating utilities and observing local fire codes."

If you're like many property owners — especially those in homes that were recently built — there isn't much land separating your house from your neighbors. "With profit being the main driver for everything these days, bigger homes are now being crammed into the tiniest of lots, giving homeowners less usable outdoor space than ever before. And a big and often overlooked downside to this is a glaring lack of privacy," shares Holley. "A big and often overlooked downside to this is a glaring lack of privacy." For this reason, he cites privacy enhancements as a worthy upgrade. "People want to make better use of taller fencing (where allowed), creative/clever screening elements, and even tall vegetation," he says.

The best way to increase privacy in your backyard will depend on several factors, including your design goals, budget, and available space. One option is to incorporate landscaping elements to create privacy in the yard. This may involve planting bushes or shrubs along your property line, adding tall ornamental grasses along the edges of your deck or patio, growing climbing plants along the side of a pergola, or even strategically placing some hanging baskets with flowers. You could even consider using a screen (like the Enclo Freestanding Cedar Privacy Screen with Planter Box) or a folding one that you could move depending on which part of the yard you're using at a given time (like the Suncast Wicker Resin Outdoor Screen Enclosure).

If you design the most updated and luxurious outdoor environment, it won't mean much if you are chased inside by the blazing hot sun in the middle of the summer. "There is objective, tangible value in adding usable shade to your outdoor space, regardless of size or shape. And that's because the real driver of all modern outdoor living is simply 'comfort.' We all want to be able to sit and enjoy being outside, but we want to do so without feeling punished by the sun," Holley explains. "The only thing getting barbecued should be the food — not your family. And for this reason, shade will always be incredibly valuable to everyone."

When it comes to bringing cooling relief to your yard, there are several options to match different design preferences and budgets. One option is to add shade to a patio using a retractable awning. These are particularly appealing because they make it possible to open or close them depending on the sun conditions. Beyond awnings, other ways you can add shade to your space include installing a pergola, setting up a patio umbrella or canopy, or even planting some tall shrubs in a place where they'll be able to block some sunlight.

Continuing with the theme of making exterior spaces more enjoyable, Holley cites outdoor living rooms as a valuable upgrade to consider. "Outdoor living rooms allow you to take your indoor lifestyle and bring it outside to the fresh, open air, giving you an entirely new way to enjoy time with the people you love most," he shares. While each outdoor living room will look different depending on the vision and preferences of the homeowner, some elements you could consider adding include comfortable, weather-resistant seating, an outdoor fireplace, a mounted television, a bar, and various decor items.

As with other upgrades, the cost of adding a living room to your backyard will largely depend on the specific features you add to your space. For example, you could purchase a seating arrangement for a few hundred dollars, but if you want to have an outdoor fireplace built, that could cost $3,000 or more. As for the added value to your home, Holley explains it can be a bit difficult to calculate due to differing expert opinions. He explains, "For many, this can lean more into the intrinsic value column. But the truth is that with more and more people now expecting some form of outdoor enjoyment in their prospective homes, outdoor living rooms are now viewed unquestionably as objective resale-value-adds that bring tangible benefits when it comes to prospective homebuyers."