Spring is upon us and the sun is shining! If you are itching to spend more time outdoors, here are a few do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to upgrade your backyard this season.

Edge your planting beds.

Landscaping with seasonal flowers, trees and shrubs is a given when adding beauty to a backyard, and edging adds a tidy, finished look to planting beds. Creating well defined lines between gardens and grass also makes it easier to mow the lawn. Best of all, edging is an easy yard project to DIY with professional results, whether you use stone, concrete, timber, rubber or metal.  For lawn edging inspiration from HGTV, click here.

 Install tile over an existing concrete patio.

For a simple and cost-effective way to transform a plain concrete patio, install tile flooring. When shopping online, look for tile flooring that is frost-resistant and suitable for use outdoors. Porcelain is ideal for a patio, because it is durable and does not absorb water like other materials. When installing tile over an existing concrete patio, be sure to use mortar rated for outdoor application and fade-resistant grout.

Make a stepping stone path.

This easy DIY project can be completed in an afternoon. All you need are a few simple gardening tools, like a round nose shovel and trowel. Because the prettiest paths are curved, you also don’t need to be super precise with your measurements.  For instructions on how to DIY a stepping stone path from Better Homes & Gardens, click here.

If you’re feeling creative, dirch the pavers and make your own stepping stones. Start with a fine textured concrete mix and use small cardboard boxes or plastic tubs for molds. Then, decorate with glass baubles, mosaic tile pieces, pebbles or seashells. You can also press hands, leaves or letters to make an imprint. For instructions from Garden Therapy, click here.

Add string lights and seating.

String lights add a soft glow to evening gatherings in the backyard, whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply enjoying a family dinner on the patio. If you have large trees in your yard, or an arbor or umbrella above your patio, string lights are easy to hang. There are also DIY freestanding solutions, like this idea from HGTV that uses planters and posts. In order to spend more time in the backyard, you will also need plenty of comfortable seating and a grill for your outdoor kitchen.

At The RTA Store, we help make your dream home a reality with RTA (ready to assemble) and pre-assembled cabinets and accessories. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, home office, home bar, or TV room, we offer the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store, but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call, and let us make your dreams come true with the help of our free room design service.