Let the Beach Come to You This Summer

summer beach backyard

Are you dreaming of a warm summer afternoon spent with friends and family rather than a dreary and cold winter day?  If so, maybe you are ready to start some planning so you can turn your backyard into the oasis that it was always meant to be.  If you hope to spend more time enjoying your yard this year, here’s an interesting way to liven things up  – think about creating a relaxing “beach getaway” that’s only steps away from your back door.

Yes, the forecast still calls for snow outdoors, but it’s not too early to start planning your spring and summer outdoor projects.  Many larger jobs will require some pre-planning and there’s no time like the present to start (besides, it’ll get you to stop complaining about the cold temperatures and snow outside).

Creating your ultimate at-home vacation spot will require some easily attainable materials, such as beach sand, gravel and Belgian block, as well as a little bit of elbow grease.  Whether you are hoping to add a mini coastal retreat to a corner of your yard or you want to transform the entire space into a beach sanctuary, here are a few steps that will help you build your own private beach from the ground up.

First, decide on the size and shape of the space that you want to incorporate into your overall backyard design.  Once designed, you can use a materials calculator to estimate how many cubic yards of material you will need to complete the project.  Mark off the areas of grass, shrubs or planting beds that you will be removing (wait for the ground to thaw first!).  When it’s time to start your project, you’ll need to excavate approximately 3” of dirt to make room for your beach to be laid.

If your design calls for the integration of other landscaping elements, such as flower gardens or water features, be sure to add a paving stone or Belgian block border to separate your “beach” from the other elements.  You’ll also want to consider adding an initial layer of gravel to ensure proper drainage before laying the sand.  You should also lay a weed barrier in order to keep your yard maintenance-free.  Once this is completed, you are ready for your sand delivery.  Local landscape material suppliers, such as ATAK Trucking, offer delivery in bulk or you can arrange for smaller quantities.

If you have enough space to include dunes in your design, this feature can truly make your backyard feel like a real beach.  You don’t need to replicate the size or quantity of dunes found at your favorite shore location, but you may want a natural-looking way to separate one area from another – for example, the adult area from the kids play area or the entertainment area from the Zen garden.  There is no need to buy tons of extra beach sand to create the dunes.  Instead, you can build up mounds with dirt and then cover the mounds with smaller amounts of sand.

There is no limit to the fun ideas you can try.  If you are a beach volleyball enthusiast, you can create your very own court to perfect your skills.  When building your backyard oasis, just be sure that the sand is deep enough and the area is properly graded to ensure safety and suitable drainage.  If you really want to add some ambiance, consider also adding a fire pit alongside your beach area to enjoy during cool evenings.  This is a great element for friends to gather ‘round and will ensure that your yard is used well into the autumn season.

Why spend your free time cutting the lawn this summer when you can be enjoying your very own beach paradise with friends and family?  If a backyard beach is on your wish list for this year, now is the perfect time to start planning your project.

For more information about bulk delivery of beach sand in NJ and Staten Island, contact ATAK Trucking at 917-912-2900.

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