When the weather is nice outside, there are few things more rewarding than enjoying nature. Luckily, in the sunny state of California, the sun shines over 70% of the year, which means you get to enjoy the outdoors more than most homeowners across America. Take advantage of the favorable outdoor climate by transforming your backyard.

These three Thousand Oaks landscaping projects that are fun, rewarding, and will change the entire look and feel of any outdoor area. The projects include:

• Outdoor kitchens
• Water features
• Firepits and outdoor fireplaces

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

One of the best things about California is that it is sunny nearly all year round. More than 300 days out of the year are suitable for outdoor activities, and an outdoor kitchen is a perfect way to gather everyone together. If you find yourself frequently cooking up delicious meals outdoors, or you’d like a reason to be outdoors more, an outdoor kitchen can take your experience to the next level.

The cost of an outdoor kitchen depends on these main factors: size, materials, appliances, and labor. A basic setup with a countertop, grill, and patio runs about a few thousand dollars. However, a luxury design kitchen with premium appliances can easily cost several times that amount.

Keep in mind that unlike a traditional grill, an outdoor kitchen requires more setup and “permanent” placement. Because we are talking about a kitchen, things like refrigerators and gas burners can be included on the high end of the spectrum. 

The key is to identify your needs. Determine the space in your backyard, what your ideal kitchen would look like, and decide how much you are willing to spend. In most cases, a professional landscaping company will help homeowners come up with a plan that fits both their expectations and budget. Whether you need help with design concepts or finding affordable options, they can assist you in finding the best outdoor kitchen solutions for you and your backyard. 

What Are Some Creative Backyard Designs? 

For many people, the sound of gentle waters is enough to put them at ease, block road-noise, and help them relax. So, what better way to experience a relaxing environment than with a creative water feature design in your backyard?

Water fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also a relatively inexpensive way to create a unique backyard area. A small fountain can be very affordable, especially if you already have some sort of a water line or irrigation system running in your backyard. In general, water features are among the most cost-effective landscaping installations, making them one of the most popular options for homeowners. 

If you want to be especially creative with your landscape design, setting up a waterfall pond will give your yard a natural vibe and complement your hardscape by contrast. However, a pond is more complex than a fountain, which means more costs and longer installation time.

Firepit vs. Fireplace, Which Makes the Most Sense?

If you have ever been camping, you’ve experienced the comfort of a fire on a nice summer night. Recreating this experience is possible by adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your backyard.  

The differences between a fire pit and a fireplace come down to the different experiences they offer. A fire pit will provide the experience that a campfire provides — people sitting around the fire, talking, and maybe roasting marshmallows. A fireplace provides a more relaxed experience and usually compliments another activity going on, such as watching a TV that has been mounted over the fireplace.

Firepits can either be a permanent addition or a moveable set. The only things needed for a firepit is a source for the fire and something to encase it. Firepits can either be professionally installed or self-built.

Fireplaces, on the other hand, are much larger and more complex projects. A traditional stone fireplace can take up to weeks to create and usually requires professional installation due to its sheer size and weight. 

To learn more about the differences between fire pits and fireplaces, as well as other landscaping projects in Thousand Oaks, contact the professional landscapers at Cat in a Hammock. Their friendly representatives will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule you a free consultation with a licensed expert.