How Do You Make A Backyard Cooler? (PRO Tips)

Keep your cool this summer with our pro tips on how to create the ultimate backyard cooler. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a relaxing day outdoors, our blog post will guide you through the process of designing a stylish and functional cooling solution for your outdoor space.

Discover how to integrate this feature with other backyard enhancements, such as a restored deck or a rented space for a party. Dive into our blog and stay refreshed all season long with your personalized backyard cooler.

How to Make a Patio Cooler Ice Chest
Takeaways
Natural Materials Can Help Cool Down Your Backyard
Fans and Misters Can Be Effective
Shading Structures Are a Great Way to Block Out Sun
Choosing the Right Plants Can Help Keep Your Backyard Cool
Proper Lighting Can Make Your Backyard More Comfortable

Plant Trees

Trees can be used to provide shade and help reduce the heat island effect. Planting trees in a backyard is a great way to provide added benefits for your family, friends and wildlife. 

Trees can serve as refuges for birds and other wildlife, some of which are endangered or threatened species. You may also want to consider planting trees that help reduce the urban heat island effect.

Choose Your Colors Wisely

When choosing your paint colors, you want to make sure that they are not too bright. Bright pink or yellow might look nice on a piece of paper at the hardware store, but once you get it home and start painting everything will look off (and possibly nauseating). 

Also, be sure to pick colors that complement each other. If you have an outdoor area with a lot of green grass, try using green paint for the cooler and maybe even some blue accents.

Finally, choose outdoor paints that will last over time and won’t fade in UV light or attract bugs!

Natural Water Features

Creating a natural water feature is a great way to add some interest to your backyard. You don’t need much to get started; a few rocks and plants will do the trick!

A natural water feature can be as simple as a pond or as grandiose as an elaborate fountain with multiple tiers. Before you start building, keep these points in mind:

Research what type of wildlife you want to attract. Some plants are toxic to mammals and birds, so if you want those animals around your yard then avoid those types of plants (and vice versa).

Think about how much maintenance the water feature will require. Some have filters that need weekly replacement while others require no maintenance at all!

Start With A Good Design

When it comes to designing a backyard cooler, the first step is to start with a good design. That way your backyard will be able to properly cool down the drinks and food that you need it for! You can use any of these methods:

Use an internet search engine like Google or Bing, and type in “backyard cooler blueprints.” This should bring up dozens of blueprints from which you can choose one that fits your needs.

Ask a friend who’s into home improvement or architecture if they have any spare blueprints lying around—you never know! Also, if they don’t have any on hand but know someone else who does (or knows someone who knows someone), maybe they could help connect you with them.

If none of those options work for whatever reason (no internet connection/allergic to paper), try going through some magazines at the library for inspiration before making anything yourself

Best Shading Structures for Your Backyard

Shading StructureHow it Works
PergolasProvide partial shade and can be covered with shade cloth or plants
Retractable AwningsCan be adjusted to provide the right amount of shade
Shade SailsProvide flexible shade and can be customized to fit your backyard
GazebosProvide full shade and can be used for outdoor gatherings or relaxation
UmbrellasProvide portable shade and can be used to create small shaded areas

Use Indoor Materials Outdoors

One of the easiest ways to make a backyard cooler is to use indoor materials outdoors.

This is especially true for materials that are meant to be used outside, like patio furniture and planters. 

If you have these items stored away in your basement or garage and want to bring them out into the middle of your yard for an extra dose of color or functionality, this is a great way to do it!

If you’re planning to host an outdoor event like a wedding or a party, it’s important to keep your guests comfortable. Learn about the cost of throwing a backyard wedding in our article on how much to throw a backyard wedding to ensure that you can provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone

Add Plants

To make your backyard cooler, you’re going to want to add some plants. Plants can help cool down the air around them by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere. 

If they’re native plants that are resistant to bugs and require very little maintenance, they’ll be even better at their job!

Here are some ideas:

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an easy-to-grow vine with heart-shaped leaves that works well indoors or out. It doesn’t need much water and has a long lifespan—if it gets rootbound in its pot, just repot it!

The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is another good choice for indoor use; it takes care of itself pretty well once established, but will appreciate being watered occasionally if you feel like it. 

You can also put jade outdoors during winter months when temperatures stay above freezing point so long as you bring it inside again before frost hits or move it somewhere shadier with less direct sunlight (like under trees).

Installing turf in your backyard is a great way to create a new and inviting outdoor space. However, it’s important to consider the comfort of your guests and yourself when spending time in your new space. Check out our article on how to put turf down in your backyard for tips on creating a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor area

Add Some Shade

Do you find yourself drenched in sweat every time you step outside, no matter how mild the weather is? If so, it may be time to invest in some shade. Shade can be provided by trees, umbrellas or awnings. 

Shade is important because it lowers your temperature and keeps cool air from escaping through your windows or doors.

If you have a patio or deck space that gets sun all day long, try adding some kind of overhead coverage for protection against harmful UV rays. 

This will make it much more comfortable for everyone who uses the space—even when it’s hot outside!

Are you interested in building a greenhouse in your backyard? A greenhouse can provide a cool and shaded space for you to relax and enjoy your outdoor space. Check out our article on how much a backyard greenhouse costs to learn more about the expenses involved in creating your own backyard oasis

Types of Natural Materials That Can Help Cool Your Backyard

Natural MaterialHow it Helps Cool Your Backyard
Shade TreesBlock out the sun’s rays
MulchInsulates soil and helps retain moisture
RocksAbsorb heat and release it slowly
Water FeaturesProvide a cooling effect through evaporation

Add An Outdoor Fan

A misting fan can help you cool off during the summer. Misting fans are a good option for cooling off during the summer, especially in areas where it’s hot and humid outside. These fans allow you to cool down quickly and easily by spraying water on your skin from above.

They can be used inside or outside. While traditional box fans stay stationary in one place, misting fans are often portable and moveable, so they’re particularly useful if you want to move them around throughout your house or yard while keeping yourself cool at all times.

They’re easy to install: You’ll just need an extension cord (or two), which isn’t included with most models of this type but is still relatively inexpensive (less than $15). 

Once it’s plugged into an outlet near where you plan on setting up this device, all that remains is connecting its power cord into another extension cord that leads back outside where there’s access to running water it doesn’t matter whether it’s a hose bib or outdoor spigot since both work equally well! 

Then simply set up your new machine anywhere within reach so nearby children won’t accidentally get sprayed while playing nearby without getting wet themselves!

Creating a modern and stylish backyard can be a fun and rewarding project, but it’s important to ensure that your outdoor space is also comfortable and functional. Our article on creating a modern backyard offers ideas and inspiration for creating a contemporary outdoor living space that is both stylish and comfortable, including strategies for keeping your backyard cool and inviting

Invest In A Misting Kit Or System For Your Patio Or Deck

Mist cools the air, which can help keep bugs away. It’s also a great way to stay cool on a hot day.

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your patio or deck cool during those hot summer months, investing in a misting kit or system is one of the best choices you can make. 

In fact, many homeowners are finding that these kits are so effective at cooling off their outdoor spaces that they’re turning their patios into year-round living areas and loving it! 

Misting systems are ideal because they’re easy to install, work indoors and outdoors (depending on if there’s enough humidity), and provide plenty of cooling power without having to rely on electricity or batteries like other types of fans do.

Creating a more spacious and open backyard can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your outdoor space. Our article on making a backyard more small-space friendly offers tips and tricks for maximizing the potential of your backyard, including strategies for keeping it cool and comfortable.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make your own backyard cooler. It’s so easy when you know how! 

Remember that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, either. For example, if you don’t have room for a full-sized patio but want some of the amenities it offers (such as shade), go ahead and install some plants around your deck or porch. 

If you only have time for one project, choose what will work best with your lifestyle and budget (maybe try a plant or two?). No matter where you start from – remember to take care of yourself first before trying any DIY!

Further Reading

Here are some related articles and resources you might find helpful:

How Much is a Backyard Greenhouse? Find Out: Learn about the cost of building a greenhouse in your backyard and the benefits of having one.

How Much Do Rocks Cost for Backyard? Explained: Find out the cost of using rocks in your backyard landscaping projects and how to choose the right type of rocks for your needs.

How Do You Put Turf Down in Your Backyard?: Learn how to install turf in your backyard to create a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn.

How Do I Transport Concrete to My Backyard?: Discover different ways to transport concrete to your backyard for various DIY projects, such as building a patio or walkway.

How Do I Build a Cheap Backyard Fence? Easy Tips: Learn how to build a fence for your backyard on a budget using simple materials and techniques.

What to Look for in a Cooler: Check out this article to learn what to consider when choosing a cooler for your outdoor activities.

DIY Backyard Cooler Tutorial: Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a simple yet effective backyard cooler using a plastic storage bin.

FAQs

What is the best type of container to use for a backyard cooler?

The best type of container to use for a backyard cooler is one that is insulated and can hold ice for an extended period. Plastic storage bins, wooden boxes, and metal tubs are all popular options.

How do I choose the right size of container for my backyard cooler?

The size of the container you choose for your backyard cooler will depend on how many drinks and food items you plan to store and how much ice you want to use. Consider the size of your gathering and the space you have available for the cooler when choosing a container.

Can I decorate my backyard cooler?

Yes, you can decorate your backyard cooler to match your outdoor decor or party theme. Some popular decoration ideas include painting the container, adding stickers or decals, or wrapping the cooler in fabric or ribbon.

How do I clean my backyard cooler?

To clean your backyard cooler, empty out any remaining ice and remove any food or drink containers. Wipe down the inside of the cooler with a damp cloth and mild soap, and rinse thoroughly with water. Allow the cooler to air dry before storing it away.

How long can a backyard cooler hold ice?

The length of time a backyard cooler can hold ice will depend on various factors, such as the size of the container, the amount of ice used, and the outdoor temperature. It is recommended to check and refill the ice as needed to ensure that the drinks and food stay cold throughout the duration of the event.