Backyard Ideas for Guys

Backyard Ideas for Guys

Not all guys are blessed with a bachelor pad or a "man cave." Sometimes the house is just too small or maybe there are conflicting opinions about what should be done inside. There is however one place where rules tend to be a little more relaxed. The backyard! By using these great backyard ideas for guys, you will live for the day you get sent to the doghouse!

When implementing these backyard ideas, make sure if there are others in the house, that the ideas chosen will not keep others from wanting to go into the backyard.

Technology

When it comes to guys and technology more the merrier. Outdoor speakers are an absolute necessity, but make sure you have some way to controll them without having to go inside. This can be achieved by a laptop computer and a wireless network or having a portable stereo outside. Incorporating a television or projector may not be for everyone, however it is a great way to watch sports outdoors. Next is lighting, although many guys would be perfectly fine with flood lights, you should other forms of lighting. Hanging lanterns (either battery operated or fuel based) and low level lighting for pathways and obstructions will provide a good source of light. Also for lighting, though not very technologically advanced, another option would be citronella bug candles.

Outdoor Refridgeration

On those hot summer days you won't want to keep running indoors for your beverages. You could use a full sized refridgerator, but more likely a small fridge would work just as well. Other options could include a kegerator (a small fridge designed to hold a keg of beer) or even an ice machine.

Outdoor Kitchens

This is a very important backyard idea for guys. Many cases this is the only time a guy cooks. (Stereotypical, I know. It may not be the only time, but we do cook outside a lot.) The outdoor kitchen should have a sink. It's not just for hunters and fishermen, an outdoor sink will be used more than you may think.

Fire

This section is primarily about Grills, but other ways to contain fire is also important. The grill is one of the most important backyard ideas. It is a necessity for any backyard. There has to be some way to cook food back there, whether it be a grill, smoker, brick oven, or fire pit, charcoal, gas, wood, you name it. There are pro's and cons to every form, so use your personal preference. Just make sure you have fire!

Keeping Cool/warm

Set up a way to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You will enjoy your backyard more. For the summer, install misters on the eaves around your patio or deck and if your patio is not covered you can place them on the ground around your decking pointing up. These are amazing tools and will perform multiple tasks. They keep you cool, they will keep away flying insects like mosquitos and house flies, and they will even water your landscaping. For the winter or cool nights portable heaters really do a great job of keeping you warm. They have come down in price significantly since they first came out. Other ways to keep warm are Chimineas (small portable fireplace) - very popular in the southwest, fire pits - these can be built into landscaping or portable, and don't for get the simple space heater.

Outdoor Activities

This would solely be based on your personality and activity level. Don't skip this step even if your idea of activity is weightlifting 12 oz. in each hand. Your guy friends may enjoy other activities. Horse shoes, boccie ball, and other lawn games are great because they don't require much yard space and can easily be taken down. If you want to get serious about your backyard sports and have the space, you can build a basketball court or install a pool. If you are a golfer a putting green is perfect for small backyards, or for larger yards you can even practice your chipping onto the green.

You can use any combination of the above, but I would use at least one idea from the above topics. Soon you will have a backyard fit for inviting over your friends, spending time with the family, or just enjoying it by yourself.