Outdoor living spaces can increase your use and enjoyment of your backyard and outdoor areas. It can also increase your home value. Creating a relaxing retreat in your backyard isn’t just about what you build or how you use it; it also needs to take into account noise reduction and privacy. This is particularly true in busy, populated areas. Here are some tips for soundproofing outdoor spaces to consider to help reduce noise in your backyard and outdoor spaces:

1. Install a Privacy Fence

If your backyard doesn’t already have a fence, one of the best ways to add a little privacy and also get some noise reduction is by installing a privacy fence. These are also common reasons to add a vinyl fence around your backyard.

A tall privacy fence increases security and safety, improves your backyard, provides some weather protection, and more. These are all benefits of a good privacy fence. Additionally, vinyl fencing with sound-absorbing insert options is available.

Although it won’t completely soundproof your outdoor areas, a tall, solid fence will offer some noise reduction, in addition to other benefits. You can also consider a retaining wall to add another well-constructed barrier to help reduce yard noise.

2. Upgrade Your Current Fence

If you already have a fence, take a moment to look over it and consider whether it is serving your needs. Ask yourself some of these questions about your fence:

• Is the fence in good shape?
• Is your fence tall enough for your needs?
• Is it made of the right material?

If you see damage, are tired of doing maintenance on the fence, or it’s not right for what you need anymore, consider upgrading your fence to a taller, sturdier vinyl fence. Not only are vinyl fences durable and virtually maintenance-free, but they can also be manufactured to look like other materials.

So, you can get the look you want in a fence without the extra headaches and maintenance that can come with it. Plus, in addition to better privacy, an upgraded fence can help you block and reduce noise in your backyard and outdoor spaces.

In the time-lapse video below, the Zephyr Thomas team installs a new deck with new fencing for this homeowner!

3. Use Plants and Greenery

In addition to a good fence around the perimeter of your yard, you can add more privacy and some soundproofing by upgrading your landscaping with plants and greenery. Trees, bushes, and shrubs can help block wind, weather, noise, and more. Evergreen trees, dense shrubs, and tall grasses tend to be the best foliage for natural sound barriers.

You do want to be mindful of what you are planting and where to make sure plants won’t damage your home or cause issues later down the road. However, using the right types of greenery in the right places can give you privacy and quieter outdoor spaces.

4. Build Backyard Structures

Outdoor living spaces and entertainment spaces are consistent curb appeal trends. Not only do backyard structures increase your comfort and enjoyment of your backyard, but they also add function and increase home value.

Roofed structures, like pergolas or gazebos, can reduce overhead and side noise in your yard. A more effective option is a combination of patios or decks, patio covers, and fencing or partial walls to help provide weather protection, noise reduction, privacy, and shade.

In addition to being one of the top ways to improve your backyard, some backyard structures will also add space to your home. Home additions, sunroom additions, and more add functional square footage to your home. They also often have options to further reduce outside noise and help you create a quiet, relaxing outdoor living space.

The video below shows the Zephyr Thomas team building a home addition with a deck for this homeowner!

5. Remodel or Upgrade Outdoor Spaces

If you already have outdoor spaces and backyard structures, you may not need to add any new ones per se. But, outdoor surfaces can deteriorate over time, and your needs change over time as well. What you currently have may be in need of repair or remodeling to improve it.

Maximizing outdoor spaces is one of the home renovation trends. Not only does this increase the function and your enjoyment of them, but it also increases curb appeal and home value. Consider your current outdoor spaces, how you use them, and ask yourself:

• Are your patios and walkways in good condition?
• Do they look the way you want?
• Are they located where you need them to be?
• Do your current outdoor spaces still meet your needs?
• Do you have enough privacy when you’re using your outdoor spaces?
• Is noise often causing disruptions or getting on your nerves when you’re outside?

If your outdoor spaces are showing damage or wear and tear, or are no longer meeting your needs, it’s time to consider doing some repairs or renovating to upgrade them. This could be anything from a fresh pour on a concrete patio or upgrading to a stamped concrete patio to remodeling a sunroom, or building something new.

And, in doing so, you can also take soundproofing and noise reduction into account. Whether adding walls, awnings, or other structures, building an addition or an enclosure, or implementing other tips for soundproofing outdoor spaces, you can remodel and upgrade your outdoor area to be what you want and need now.

In the video below, the Zephyr Thomas team remodels a home addition for this homeowner, featuring new siding, new windows, a new roof, and more!

6. Enclose a Deck or Patio

Reducing noise in your yard isn’t the only reason to enclose a deck or patio. However, if you’re already thinking about overhauling these outdoor spaces, enclosing a deck or patio is a tip for soundproofing outdoor spaces.

In addition to noise reduction and a quieter outdoor living space, enclosing a deck or patio also provides more privacy, weather protection, and more. If you decide to replace your open deck or patio with a four-season sunroom, you can enjoy your outdoor space comfortably year-round.

Take a look at the video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team replace a deck with a three-season room!

7. Add Retractable Awnings or Shades

From fully enclosed additions to open-air patios, there is a lot of variation in outdoor living areas. For some decks and patios, the open atmosphere is the goal. In this case, you can provide some weather protection, shade, privacy, and some noise reduction with retractable patio covers and awnings.

There is also a lot of flexibility in how you can incorporate covers, awnings, and shades on your patio or deck. Retractable awnings or patio covers can be installed above a deck or patio for an adjustable roof cover. This is a classic place to add an awning or cover. There are also retractable shades available that can be installed along the open perimeter of a deck or patio to act like adjustable and temporary walls.

These upgrade a patio or deck and allow you to temporarily and partially block the line of sight, sun, wind, etc. for privacy, shade, and some noise reduction when you need it and open space when you don’t. You can also look into outdoor acoustic panels, which are designed specifically to absorb sound.

Check out the time-lapse video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team installing a retractable awning over a deck for this homeowner!

8. Use Ambient Sounds to Mask Noise

Another one of the tips for soundproofing outdoor spaces is to use sound masking in addition to other noise reduction methods. With sound masking, you use ambient sounds to mask, or cover, the noise you don’t want to hear.

White noise, sound machines, ambient music, water features, and more can help you drown out less desirable sounds. If you love music, outdoor speakers with noise-cancelling capabilities can be a great option. You can use these to create specific zones of reduced noise in a space. You can even opt for smart speakers that allow you to fine-tune settings

If you prefer the sound and visual of water, but don’t want actual water features in your yard, tabletop water features can be great options. These can give you sound masking in outdoor spaces and the benefits of water features without the installation and maintenance that comes with larger water features, like ponds or large fountains.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Spaces With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few tips for soundproofing outdoor spaces. Not only can they help reduce noise and increase enjoyment in those spaces, but many can also help you add privacy to your backyard and outdoor living spaces.

If you’re ready to get started on some of your outdoor home improvement projects, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate. We can help you improve your backyard and create the outdoor spaces you want and need!