Summer is here. When was the last time you assessed the furnishings and accessories in your luxury outdoor oasis? If it has been a while, do not waste any more time living without ultimate comfort, memory-making entertaining, and the best purchases your money can buy. Take into consideration these five backyard upgrades to enjoy this summer before the best of the season slips away.

1. What Should You Splurge On?

When it comes to the decision of where to spend the most money outside, arguably an investment in high-quality, durable, comfortable, and gorgeous outdoor furniture is a win. Because families tend to spend a lot of time eating and drinking together, hanging out around the pool or fire pit, or hosting backyard barbecues, we think seating provides the best bang for your buck. There is nothing like a deeply cushioned armchair, supportive lounger, or dining barstool to make you and your guests want to sit back, relax, and stay for a while. Pieces such as the Welles Cushion Arm Chair with Welting pictured above, made from durable tubular aluminum and MGP, are always a welcome addition to any luxury outdoor oasis, especially when upholstered with all-weather fabric.

2. The Importance of Shade

Second in the top five backyard upgrades to enjoy this summer is a shade feature. No matter how comfortable your seating is, no one will want to brave the outdoor heat without having a bit of shade to provide relief from the searing sun. If you do not want to construct a covered patio or porch, the next best thing is adding an outdoor pergola or umbrella. Shown above is a heavy duty, large shade feature that is bound to cover much of your backyard area. Bolted into the deck, this umbrella won’t be knocked over by a strong wind and the weather resistant canopy fabric won’t succumb to sun rot or mildew.

3. A Source of Heat

Although on the hottest days of the year you are unlikely to consider the need for a heating source, do remember that cooler days and nights are headed your way. On the number three spot in our list of five backyard upgrades to enjoy this summer is a patio heater, such as the two pictured above from Infratech, with dual elements. Each of the two heaters delivers a full 3,000 watts of warmth, enough to keep you and your guests warm even on a deck that extends from the covered area of your back porch.

4. Design an Outdoor Kitchen

Unless you prefer cooking inside the house and away from your friends, family members, and guests lounging outdoors, make it easy to entertain by designing an outdoor kitchen. This can be a big investment, but well worth it if you enjoy hosting outdoor parties and barbecues. If your budget allows, go ahead and add a bank of outdoor appliances and plenty of counter and storage space. If not, even a cooktop fire pit table can make a big difference and be a great upgrade to your space.

5. Create Hangout Zones

Not everyone wants to be in the thick of a crowd. By creating a layout divided into zones, the kids can have fun poolside while the adults gather around the outdoor kitchen or dining area and anyone who wants a bit of peace and quiet can lounge in the garden. Just like the interior of your home, the outdoor living space is best designed with several “rooms.”

Your house is likely to be the most popular on the block if you take into consideration these five backyard upgrades to enjoy this summer. Don’t wait any longer – start shopping now.