How to add an outdoor shower and turn your yard into an oasis

Nothing says serenity and makes you feel like you're at a spa (while still in your own yard) like an outdoor shower. Here Yardzen Pros share the things to consider when adding one to your design plan.

If budget is a big concern, consider free-standing

The absolute quickest and easiest way to add an outdoor shower is a freestanding one like this beauty from Cambridge Casual ($250). Just hook it up to a garden hose and you're good to go. A downside is that it doesn't have a hot and cold water setting, but at that price maybe it won't matter?

Photo: Cambridge Casual/Wayfair

If budget is a concern but you don't want to use a hose, stay close to existing plumbing

If you're set on an installed shower but want to keep costs down and avoid running new plumbing lines (which can get expensive fast), add an outdoor shower where you already have water outside. The most logical place is near an existing external spigot (it's ok if it only has cold water). You'll need a plumber to add hot water.

Photo: Top Notch Plumbing

If you just want your dream outdoor shower, here's what to do

Hire a plumber you trust (or work with your Yardzen concierge to find one) and hook up to the permanent water lines in your house. If possible try to stay as close to an existing hot water source like an interior shower to cut down on the distance your new pipes have to run. If you go this route the world's your oyster.

Photo: Architectural Art Designs

Here's a before and after from a Yardzen customer in Marin County

A young family had an underutilized side yard -- a perfect place to add an outdoor shower. Here's the dramatic -- and gorgeous -- transformation.

3 reasons you should consider native plants in your landscape design

Sure native plants look great in your yard but the benefits of these indigenous inhabitants go far beyond aesthetics. Here are three great reasons you should give them a long look when working with your Yardzen designer on your plan.

1. They're the glue

According to the Audubon Society, "[native plants] are the ecological basis upon which life depends, including birds and people. In addition to providing vital habitat for birds, many other species of wildlife benefits as well."

Translation: Plant them and they will come. Native plants produce nectar loved by butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Photo: Natural Learning Initiative

2. They're low maintenance 

Aside from there being little question if native plants will thrive in your yard -- given they have centuries of proof they can and will -- they require very little water and maintenance once established. 

Photo: Ovsla.com

3. They help the climate

Again, from the Audubon Society: "Landscaping with native plants can combat climate change. In addition to the reduced noise and carbon pollution from lawn mower exhaust, many native plants, especially long-living trees like oaks and maples, are effective at storing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide."

Photo: Blazing Star Gardens

Conclusion: Think not just about how your plant choices will look, but the impact they'll have. Because the impact can be big. 

How to get your yard ready to sell in 4 steps

Photo: DIYNetwork

Are you considering selling your home this year? Maybe you've considered staging your interior, but what about the outside? Our designers share a few tips on how to prepare your exteriors before putting your house on the market.

Clear the path

Buyers need to be able to see the entry to your home in order to find it inviting. Spend some time — or hire a pro for the job — trimming back plants that might block both the view and passage. 

Plant mature

Even a clean row of grasses in a small planting space fronting your home goes a long way in cleaning up your yard. But don't make the penny-pinching mistake of buying 1-gallon plants. Spring for at least 5-gallon plants to make the yard look full and lush immediately, sparing your buyers from having to use their imagination about what it'll look like when grown in.

Do a deep clean

The most obvious — clean up the clutter. If you're like lots of Yardzen clients you have pieces and elements around your yard that no longer serve you. Flower pots, a wood pile that needs to be moved, maybe some of your kids' old sports equipment. 

When in doubt, mulch

There's no bigger indicator to your neighbors that you're selling your home that a layer of fresh mulch spread across your front yard. And for good reason. This quick, easy and effective step makes your yard look fresh and cared for. 

If you need a little help, we’re always ready to provide some advice on whatever design dilemma you’re facing.

Gas Fire Pits vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Image via Curonian

Who doesn't love an outdoor fire pit? Particularly after the sun goes down, people are drawn to the ambiance of a glowing fire like bees to honey. Once you decide you want one, you’ll need to learn about the types of fire pits to choose from. The biggest decision is the fuel source: do you want a gas-burning or wood-burning fire? And if you go with gas: would an installed gas line or a fuel tank make more sense?

WOOD BURNING FIRE PITS

PROS

It's real fire. If you like to camp and get all the feels sitting around a burning fire roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, this might be the way to go

Image via Terrain

CONS

The smell. And the smoke. And you, of course, need to have wood on hand.

Image via Terrain

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YARDZEN’S PICK

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Solo Stove's Yukon Ultimate Bundle

Hassle free and smokeless, create the ultimate backyard fire pit experience with this stainless steel firepit and accessories bundle. Featuring Solo Stove’s Signature 360° Airflow Design™, this 27” wood burning fire pit will give you a smoke free, roaring fire in minutes.

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Environmental impact of wood-burning fire pits

Burning wood does release emissions into the atmosphere, but you can greatly reduce the amount released by choosing seasoned fire wood. Wood is also technically a renewable resource, which is not true for gas. You should also source salvaged wood for your fire—from trees downed by a storm, for example. Some tree maintenance or landscaping companies will give salvaged wood to homeowners—or look for neighbors giving away wood on Craigslist or Nextdoor.

INSTALLED GAS LINE FIRE PIT

PROS

Fire at the push of a button? Sign us up. Also, no smoke or smells. Image via Checkatrade

CONS

More costly to run a gas line. Yardzen customers on average pay $1,000 to run the line, depending on how close the fire pit is to gas. Image via Wayfair

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YARDZEN’S PICK

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RH’s Yountville Rectangular Fire Table

Pairing minimalist geometry with rustic, hand-hewn texture, the Yountville gas fire pit table offers a bold, elemental presence outdoors. Masterfully crafted of concrete composite for the look of weathered stone with natural lava rock, it is a durable, lighter-weight alternative to pure concrete or stone, and is rated at 65,000 BTUs.

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GAS TANK FIRE PIT

PRO

Less expensive than running a gas line. Lets you try out a gas fire pit for less upfront investment. And if you decide you want to run the line later, there's always the option to hire a plumber to convert your set up. Image via Wayfair

CON

Depending on just how much you enjoy sitting by the fire pit, you may be running to the hardware store often to refill your natural gas or propane tank. Image via Pottery Barn

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YARDZEN’S PICK

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Williams Sonoma Home’s EcoSmart Fire Table Ark 40

Masterfully crafted from composite concrete, the Ark 40 operates with three fuel-type options: plumbed natural gas and liquid propane for outdoor use, or eco-friendly bioethanol for indoor/outdoor use.

The round fire table yields a clean-burning flame and ample surface space for holding glassware and appetizers, the modern fire table creates an inviting space for relaxation.

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MORE MODERN FIRE PITS >

Environmental impact of gas-burning fire pits

Gas-burning fire pits are generally more efficient, and release fewer emissions and potentially harmful particles into the atmosphere than an open-air wood-burning fire—but many modern smokeless wood-burning fire pits are designed to burn more efficiently and release fewer emissions via smoke. Neither burning wood nor gas is completely emission-free. If your home’s electricity is not sourced from fossil fuels, the most environmentally-friendly option would be to use an electric patio heater to create warmth in your yard.

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CREATING A COZY BACKYARD DESIGN TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

Yardzen's award-winning online exterior and landscape design service is tailored to homeowners with both large and small yards in all fifty states in the U.S. Our design process begins with understanding your outdoor space, style, and a discussion of your budget and vision to minimize surprises when it comes time to build. 

Our top-notch designers then develop a personalized vision for your yard, shared through 3D renderings, 2D plan drawings, and plant and material lists. Your design will capture the look, feel, and function you are hoping for, all while keeping costs within range. 

Once your design is complete, we'll help you connect with a local contractor from our Pro Network of vetted professional contractors to install your new design.

Ready to enjoy some s’mores around the fire pit in the outdoor living space of your dreams? Create your design profile or explore our professional backyard landscaping and exterior design packages today!

5 ways to add function to your outdoor spaces

Adding functional outdoor spaces is one of the most surefire ways to boost your property value. But even more important is that you and yours will find yourselves drawn to a well-designed yard, spending more quality time there. Here are five simple ways to add function to your outdoor spaces.

1. Keep everyone in mind

Start here: who uses your outdoor spaces? Guests, kids, pets? Think about everyone and how they'll get the most out of your outside. Even a small area of turf or grass goes a long way for kids.

Do you love to entertain guests? Consider an outdoor kitchen space, a dining table and how guests will flow from inside to outside. 

2. Create a designated area for relaxing

Pick one area, wherever it might be in your yard, for socializing and just relaxing. This one element could quickly become the sole reason people are drawn outside.

Take it up a notch by adding a fire or water feature like a gas firepit for evening lounging or a water fountain for serenity and calm. Choose simple patio stones or decomposed granite and voilà. 

3. Adjust for sun & shade

Talk to a homeowner with a property that basks in all-day sun and they'll sing the praises of a pergola or other shade-creating space. And ask a homeowner with just a corner of their property that gets sun and they'll tell you not only plants grow best there but they're drawn to that space.

Yardzen’s expert designers will evaluate your sun and shade patterns to help guide planting and new landscaping elements; helping you get the most out of your space.

4. Find the natural pathways, then make them shine

Maybe your kids use your side yard to get to the front yard. Maybe you traverse the backyard to get to your garden. Whatever your natural traffic patterns are, work with them. Pathways that create better access throughout your yard are a game-changer. 

5. Make space for what you love

A small edibles garden, a place to play catch, an outdoor kitchen, a stock tank pool, a place to store bikes or kayaks. It doesn't have to be over the top to make space for the things you love to do. 

We installed artificial turf and it totally changed our opinion

Sure, artificial turf is just that - artificial. It doesn't smell and feel like natural grass. But we've decided the benefits of this amazing groundcover - particularly the newer materials that look oh-so-real - far outweigh the real grass attributes you give up. Read on to learn why we're such big fans.

Our gorgeous, lush, new turf.

No mow, no H2O

How many hours did you spend mowing lawns as a kid? One of the single greatest things about turf is that it doesn't require any of the maintenance of grass. Think about that for a minute. No more mowing the lawn.

And let's face it: real lawns are water hogs. According to the San Francisco Chronicle one must water 3x per week for 30 minutes to keep a lawn looking great. That's a lot of water! Drought-friendly turf means you can say goodbye to that water and time sink.

It looks great year-round

Artificial turf has come a long way in the last few years. The newest turf can cause you to a double-take. Is it or isn't it? Aside from the fact that it looks almost too healthy and lush to be real, this stuff looks fantastic.

Dare we say it's even more comfortable?

We're speaking from personal experience here when we say everyone loves the feel of turf, kids and pets included. It feels completely comfortable, not ever poky or sharp. And while we're as nostalgic as the next guy about the sensory explosion that is real grass, it's easy to become a turf convert when there's no mud (ever), no grass stains or irritated skin. 

Photo: Artificial Turf Resource

Conclusion: Installing turf might be the single best landscape decision we've made. Definitely give it a second look.