"Plus, cedar naturally repels insects, which is a nice bonus when you're hanging out in the backyard at dusk..."
Can confirm! Built a cedar picnic table last summer, and it's been bug-free bliss ever since. Bamboo does look pretty sleek at first, but I just don't have the patience for yearly touch-ups. Speaking of backyard bars though, anyone tried incorporating lighting? I've got string lights now, but they're kind of basic and keep getting tangled up every time there's a storm. Wondering if something more permanent—maybe built-in LED strips or those recessed deck lights—would be worth the hassle. Or would it just end up looking like a cheesy outdoor club? Decisions, decisions...
"Wondering if something more permanent—maybe built-in LED strips or those recessed deck lights—would be worth the hassle."
I've seen some pretty nice setups with recessed deck lights, and honestly, they don't have to look cheesy at all. A neighbor installed them along the edges of his patio steps and bar area, and it's subtle enough that it feels cozy rather than clubby. Plus, they're weatherproof, so no more untangling string lights after storms... Could be worth checking out if you're tired of dealing with tangled messes.
I totally agree recessed deck lights can be a nice touch, especially if you're sick of dealing with tangled strings or replacing bulbs every season. But I wonder about the cost and hassle of installation—wouldn't you need to drill into the deck or patio surface to set them up? That could get pricey if you have to hire someone, and DIY might be tricky if you're not super handy.
On the other hand, built-in LEDs seem like they'd last forever, so maybe the upfront cost balances out over time. A friend of mine put some recessed lights around his outdoor kitchen area, and it really elevated the whole space. It wasn't flashy or anything, just gave off a nice, warm glow. Definitely made it feel more inviting for evening hangouts.
Still, I'd probably want to see some setups in person before committing. Pictures online always look great, but it's hard to tell how bright or subtle they'll actually be in real life...
"Still, I'd probably want to see some setups in person before committing. Pictures online always look great, but it's hard to tell how bright or subtle they'll actually be in real life..."
You're spot on about seeing them in person first. We installed recessed LEDs around our deck last summer, and honestly, I was pretty skeptical at first (mostly worried about drilling into my precious deck boards, lol). But once we got past the initial anxiety—and one weekend of careful measuring and drilling—it turned out awesome. The lights aren't overly bright or harsh; they just give off this cozy, welcoming vibe that's perfect for chill evenings outside.
As far as DIY goes, it's really not as intimidating as it seems. If you can handle basic power tools and follow a YouTube tutorial without panicking too much, you're probably good to go. And yeah, upfront costs can sting a bit, but since LEDs last forever and use almost no electricity, it kinda evens out over time. Plus, no more untangling those nightmare string lights every season... worth it just for that!
Totally agree with checking setups in person first. Last year, I built a DIY pallet bar in my backyard—pics online made it look super easy, but turns out pallets aren't exactly straight, lol. Still turned out decent, but yeah... reality check needed.
"mostly worried about drilling into my precious deck boards"
Haha, same anxiety here. Did you seal around the lights afterward to prevent moisture issues?
