Father's Day reno ideas for the DIY Dad

By Olivia Bowden
June 18, 2015

Father's Day is coming up this weekend, and if you find yourself staring down another pair of socks, it's time to get in into gear and find practical gifts that Dad will love. Starting with those renovations he's always wanted, the DIY Dad can finally transform his backyard and add value to his home at the same time.

With Father's Day being the first day of summer, you want Dad to make the most of the fleeting Canadian warm weather with some outdoor living improvements.

Here are five Dad-centred outdoor renovations that are easy and can be cost effective.

1. Fire Pit

An empty backyard can go from unused to a social hub with the addition of a fire pit. Even if your Dad's backyard is already decked out, a fire pit is a great way to warm up his summer festivities by providing a source of heat for everyone to gather around on cooler nights, and keep mosquitos away! With this addition, the DIY Dad can read or have a drink by the fire, or roast marshmallows in a group. Home blog Boxy Colonial has simple instructions on how to make your own fire pit, using the help of your family and for a reasonable price.

Fire pit_media_960x540

2. Homemade Bench

Depending on the scale of the project, a DIY backyard bench can be put together fairly easily without much cost or hassle. This bench created by blogger and designer Britt for the Home Depot Summer DIY Challenge. If your Dad is the type who like a good building challenge, this more intricate bench may be for him. The plants featured on either side of the bench make it appropriate for outdoor living, and are a perfect match for the cream and green pillows.

DIY Dad

Photo by: My Daily Randomness.

3. Hammock

Being a Dad is hard work, even if the kids have moved out a while ago. Make sure your dad gets the rest he needs during the summer months by installing a backyard hammock. Blogger Stephanie Lynn has instructions on how to make your own outdoor oasis through installing a hammock and proper lighting, along with cold treats to serve the family.

DIY Dad

4. Beer cooler outdoor table

Who doesn't love a cold drink on a hot day? Now Dad can have one without even going inside. Remodelaholic has DIY instructions on how to create your own outdoor dining table with a built in drink cooler inside it. It's a perfect addition to any backyard and an easy tool to keep guests' thirsts quenched.

Beer cooler table

Photo by: Domestic Engineer.

5. Backyard movie theatre

Adding a backyard theatre to any outdoor space means your Dad can now host movie-themed parties on cool summer nights. Backyardtheatre.com has lots of tips and tricks on how to make a theatre that suits your needs and sticks to a budget. It's also a great way to plan family movie nights. Get Dad to grab the popcorn and you'll be all set.

DIY Dad

Photo from: The Garden Glove.

About Olivia Bowden

Olivia Bowden is a freelance writer and is currently an Editorial Intern at YP Next Home. She attends Carleton University and is completing a Master of Journalism degree. Olivia enjoys learning and writing about the Canadian real estate market.

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