Curb appeal isn’t just for sale. Your home can have a dazzling presence in the neighborhood, even if you never plan to put it on the market. Upgrading outdoor features, like your patio, makes your living space more attractive. According to the National Institutes of Health, being outdoors and closer to nature can help reduce levels of stress, depression and anxiety.

Here are some patio ideas that will not only encourage you to get outside and lead a happier, healthier life, but may also impress your neighbors.

Benefits of upgrading your patio

When you upgrade your patio, you improve the curb appeal of your home, which can increase its value. Besides financial incentives, there are a few other tangible reasons to give your garden a makeover.

• If you enjoy being on your patio, it encourages you to get outside more often. Being outdoors is associated with a number of health benefits, such as reducing your stress levels.
• When you upgrade your patio, it gives you a place to entertain friends and family.
• As so many of us work from home, we don’t get the visual stimulation needed to thrive because we’re still in the same environment. Spending a little more time outside on your patio may be just what you need to increase your focus and productivity while working.
• Being outside on your patio can inspire you to engage in outdoor activities like gardening or play games like croquet.
• Upgrading your patio with a grill gives you a second kitchen you can use in the warmer months. In addition to adding variety, cooking outdoors can lower your air conditioning bills in the warmer months.

Are patio upgrades expensive?

Patio upgrades can fit any budget. If you have a big budget, you can add a terrace or a gazebo or build a swimming pool in your backyard to enhance your outdoor living space. However, it is possible to make impactful changes while sticking to a strict budget. Adding string lights, for example, is a simple and affordable way to not only enhance your patio, but also extend the hours of daily use.

8 ways to improve your patio

Hampton Bay Crownhill 11′ x 13′ Hardtop Gazebo with Wood Posts

To improve your outdoor living space, so that it is suitable for weather protection, you need a gazebo with a roof. This popular model has a two-tier roof, sturdy construction – it can hold up to 3,735 pounds of snow – and a ceiling hook for lighting. It’s a patio upgrade that’s sure to impress.

Sold by Home Depot

Samsung The Terrance 55″ Outdoor TV

Imagine watching the World Series outside on a 4K TV while grilling burgers and hot dogs. This smart TV has an IP55 rating to ensure protection against the elements. When you’re connected to your home Wi-Fi network, you can ask Alexa for sports updates, volume up, and more.

Sold by Amazon

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

This grill offers the best of both worlds: convenient gas ignition with a charcoal grill. It features a built-in thermometer, LCD timer, and one-touch cleaning system for added convenience. This model comes on a portable cart with a weather-protected storage bin, so your charcoal is always by your side when you need it.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Sunnydaze Decor Wood Fireplace

For an instant patio upgrade, consider an outdoor fireplace. A fireplace allows you to extend the outdoor season until fall when the nights are a bit cooler. This wood burning option is made from durable steel and has an eye-catching cauldron shape. The fire pit comes with a poker and a spark screen – all you need are the logs.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Greenes Fence Raised Garden Bed

If you want to spruce up your garden and start a new hobby at the same time, gardening is a great option. This raised garden bed is made of untreated cedar, so it’s safe for fruits and vegetables. It is ideal for placement on the terrace and allows you to work without straining your back.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Alcott Hill Clifford Cast Aluminum Garden Bench

This cast aluminum bench features a woven seat and back with scrolled arms to provide a rustic focal point in your yard. It can support 250 pounds and accommodate two people.

Sold by Wayfair

Alpine Corporation 4 Tier Water Fountain with LED Lights

Take your stress reduction to a whole new level. This four-tier rock fountain is suitable for a patio, garden deck, porch, or yard. It creates a soothing, meditative space with the soothing sound of running water. LED lights allow you to enjoy tranquility any time of the day.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Theater Solutions Granite Rock Outdoor 2-Speaker Set

If you want to add some music to your patio, you’ll need speakers. These weatherproof speakers deliver a full range of sound while blending seamlessly into your backyard environment.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.

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