Let's Talk Backyard Summer Projects
A well-placed fire pit, a modest deck, a pergola to sip your morning coffee under, or a run of cedar planters to frame…there’s certainly no shortage of DIY projects you can accomplish on a weekend out at the cottage.
We’ve highlighted five of our favourite backyard projects, ranging from effortless to ambitious. If one catches your eye, come talk to us, we'll help you get the materials list right and steer you toward the products built to last.
1. The Fire Pit Patio
What can be more comforting than a fire pit to huddle around at the lake?
A gravel or paver base, a ring of stone or steel, and you've got a gathering spot that pulls double duty as a fire pit and casual seating area. If you are looking to create a more substantial project we have connections with great contractors who can help with a Natural stone fire pit.
Weekend difficulty: Easy
Worth knowing: Manitoba cottage areas often have provincial or municipal rules on distance from structures and shoreline, plus seasonal fire bans, so it is worth checking with the local municipality or cottage association before building.
2. Modest Deck Extension
Extending an existing deck by even a few feet, enough for a second seating area, a hammock, or just breathing room around the barbecue.
This is where material choice really matters. Composite decking has come a long way, and if you're building somewhere that experiences cold winters and moisture, it's worth the conversation. We stock Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and Deckorators – all solid, all different in finish and feel, and all built to handle a lake-country climate better than a standard pressure-treated board.
Weekend difficulty: Moderate
Worth knowing: The boards are rarely what fails first on a deck, it's the substructure underneath. Get that right and the rest holds up for decades.
3. Pergola to Provide Shade
A pergola doesn't need to be elaborate – a simple post-and-beam structure over a patio or deck corner changes how that space gets used, especially through the hottest weeks of July and August.
Cedar is the classic choice here for a reason: it weathers beautifully, resists rot naturally, and only gets improved in its appearance with a season or two in and out of the sun.
Weekend difficulty: Moderate to ambitious, depending on scale
Worth knowing: Plan the footing depth before you plan the aesthetics.
4. Cedar Planter Boxes Along the Path
The lowest-effort, highest-charm item on this list. A run of simple cedar planters along a walkway, deck edge, or dock approach does more for how a property feels than almost anything else you could build in an afternoon. Cedar stays strong in wet climates so your florals and greenery can thrive.
Weekend difficulty: Easy
Worth knowing: Build them slightly larger than you think you need. Undersized planters dry out fast in full summer sun – the roots need room to hold moisture.
5. Railing Refresh for the Deck or Dock
If your deck or dock railing is dated, cracked, or just not doing your view any favours, this is a project that punches well above its difficulty level. New railing changes the whole look of a space without touching the structure underneath it.
Inspiration:
We stock Vista as our go-to line here – it holds up well against the kind of weather lake properties actually get, and it comes in finishes that don't look like they're trying too hard.
Weekend difficulty: Easy to moderate
Worth knowing: Building codes around railing height and baluster spacing exist for a reason and vary by application – worth a quick check before you buy materials, especially near water.
None of these projects need to be complicated, but they all go smoother with the right materials on hand before you start. If you're not sure what a project actually needs, that's a conversation we're always happy to have. Bring us the idea and we'll help you land on a materials list that gets it built once, properly.
Come see us, or give us a call at (204) 349-2294.
