Marks-Woods Construction
Porches, decks, patios and outdoor kitchens — the backyard is where the party’s happening this season for an increasing number of homeowners. In fact, the trend toward reimagining backyard spaces has gotten so strong that there’s a term for it: Backyarding.
“We saw with COVID – people have really connected to their outdoors in a meaningful way. It’s become a valuable space and a safe space,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Alexandria-based Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the TurfMutt Foundation.
About three-quarters of Americans who have a yard (76%) say their family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home, according to a poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages outdoor learning experiences, environmental responsibility and care for living landscapes.
In addition, more than 72% of survey respondents say a spacious yard would be at the top of their wish list if they were looking for a new home. Whether your outdoor space is an acre or just a tenth of that, Kiser encourages homeowners figure out what type of landscape and setup would work best for them (and the people they live with) before plowing ahead with outdoor renovations.
Do you want to make co-workers green with envy with the ultimate Zoom call background, or do you want a space to entertain and relax (with space for a super comfortable hammock for weekend afternoon naps)?
“I have an office outside, which I love — but do you want a firepit, do you want a staycation, do you want a place for the kids to play, do you want space for the dog?” Kiser asked. For people with small backyards, planning spaces that can function multiple ways should be a priority. If there isn’t much room for a full garden, a potted butterfly bush can add color and life to even the smallest space. A table and large umbrella can give you space to work, dine and play games, too. One of the most popular features these days: fire features. From small, portable fire bowls to installed pits or tables, homeowners are making these central to their new, outdoor gathering places.
While the winter is traditionally fireplace season, homeowners are increasingly adding fireplaces and firepits outdoors. Both have grown significantly in popularity in the past few years and can cost anywhere from $50 for the smallest, most basic wood-burning pit to several thousand dollars for a large, custom-built fireplace connected to the home’s natural gas line.
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Here are the different types and considerations:
If you’re looking for a small, movable firepit, look for a steel bowl-shaped one that is raised off the ground. These are typically wood-burning firepits and often come with a screen cover to prevent embers from burning your guests. These are the closest to a backyard campfire you can get.
A fire bowl is similar to a firepit, but it is often connected to an external fuel source like a propane tank. These are usually small and designed to be portable, while offering convenience and minimal cleanup.
A firepit table is a non-portable fire bowl built into or around a table. It has a dedicated gas line or a propane tank hidden inside and is not designed to be moved.
Not all fire pits fit the mold, and there are a lot of non-traditional options available. For example, Del Ray Metalworks’ Warren Wylupski created a modernist wood-burning chiminea from Corten steel (shown below). Raised off the ground and more than 4-feet tall, the chiminea is designed to direct smoke up and away from the people sitting around it. (The chiminea is for sale for $1,995 through MadeinALX.com.)
Warren Wylupski, Del Ray Metalworks
Think Nature
Backyards can be pretty while serving a positive purpose for the environment, Kiser notes.
When landscaping, consider choosing native, flowering plants to attract pollinators. Plants can also help with water conservation (when you plant things that can survive without much of it), help sustain wildlife and even slow runoff.
“Can you use privacy hedges as opposed to building a fence?” Kiser asked. “Think nature and put nature into the equation.”
Kiser, who lives in Alexandria, said he has moved part of his home office outside and has been pleasantly surprised by the nature that stops by, including a variety of migratory birds. “If you just be quiet and give them a little space, it’s amazing the interactions you get – and it’s really a stress reliever,” he said.
Safety Considerations
Here are a few safety tips from the Alexandria Fire Marshal’s Office:
- Keep recreational fires under three feet in diameter and two feet high.
- Confine to a permanent outdoor fire ring, a portable outdoor fireplace, or a commercially-designed chimney or fire pit.
- Residents are also required to use or install a screen to prevent embers from escaping.
- Portable outdoor fireplaces should be at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible materials and should follow all manufacturer's instructions for use.
- Only seasoned firewood should be used as a fuel source; items such as trash, construction materials and yard debris are prohibited.
- All outdoor fires must be constantly attended during use and fully extinguished when completed.
- Location of fire shall not create excessive smoke conditions that become a nuisance or hazard to neighboring properties.
- Be mindful of weather conditions; do not have outdoor fires during periods of high wind.
- Have a garden hose, fire extinguisher, or five-gallon bucket of water nearby.
