So many of the best parts of being at home happen in small moments. Sitting outside with a cup of coffee. Enjoying a bit of privacy while the sun and fresh air wake you up. Spending time with family and friends in a space big enough for everyone.

More homeowners across Long Island are shaping their backyards around those kinds of moments. Instead of focusing on big, one-time upgrades, the shift is toward making outdoor spaces easier to enjoy every day.

The good news is that creating a more livable outdoor space doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. A new study by Alan’s Factory Outlet highlights the most popular backyard improvement projects of 2026. Right now, homeowners are working within modest budgets and prioritizing comfort and function over how things might look in a listing photo.

Your Backyard Isn’t Just a Backyard Anymore

Backyards are becoming part of everyday life. Homeowners are thinking more intentionally about how they use that space and what would make it more enjoyable.

What’s driving those decisions is simple: how it feels to be out there.

62% prioritize relaxation
38% want more time with friends and family
31% are thinking about home value

There’s also a practical side shaping these upgrades.

34% see their backyard as a functional outdoor area
31% see it as a place to relax
22% see it as an extension of indoor space

Wellness plays a role here, too. Half of homeowners say their backyard is very or extremely important to their mental health.

For many people on Long Island, outdoor space has become a place to reset, recharge, get some movement in, and spend time in a way that feels more natural.

What Homeowners Want Most in 2026

When you look at what people are actually prioritizing, the most popular upgrades are the ones that get used often and improve how the space functions.

62% prioritize landscaping and aesthetics
48% plan to upgrade outdoor seating
38% are considering raised garden beds
35% are adding firepits
19% are upgrading sheds
19% are improving storage

Landscaping is usually the starting point because it changes how a yard feels right away. Seating comes next because it gives you a place to actually enjoy the space. Garden beds and firepits add both function and personality.

Wellness features are also gaining traction, especially for homeowners who want more out of their space.

12% plan to add hot tubs or plunge pools
5% are considering outdoor saunas

Some upgrades are more lifestyle-driven. About 8% of homeowners are even exploring pickleball courts. Outdoor kitchens, backyard gyms, and hobby spaces are also becoming more common depending on how people want to use their space.

What These Projects Actually Cost

Costs vary, but most homeowners are working within a clear budget range.

Median backyard budget: $1,500
38% plan to spend under $1,000
27% plan to spend between $1,000 and $2,500
23% plan to spend more than $5,000

Here’s how common upgrades typically break down:

Landscaping: $3,517 average
Seating areas: $1,500 to $10,000+
Raised garden beds: $300 to $1,500
Firepits: $200 to $3,000
Shed upgrades: $2,000 to $15,000+
Storage: $500 to $3,000
Hot tubs: $2,000 to $11,000
Plunge pools: around $28,000
Saunas: $3,000 to $10,000+
Pickleball courts: $20,000 to $50,000

Some trends are also picking up attention online:

Cold plunge: 1.08M searches, 227K TikTok posts
Raised garden beds: 1.16M searches

How to Decide What’s Worth It

With so many options, it helps to keep things simple. The best upgrades are the ones you’ll actually use.

Ask yourself:

Will I use this every week?
Does this make my space easier to enjoy?
Does it fit my budget?

If you’re planning to DIY, it’s worth being realistic about the work involved.

9% reported a DIY project that didn’t go as planned
Successful DIY projects averaged $1,928
Failed DIY projects averaged $818

Starting with the basics usually makes the biggest difference. Landscaping, seating, and layout improvements create a foundation you can build on over time.

Closing Thoughts

Your backyard doesn’t need to be overbuilt to be valuable. What matters is how often you use it and how it fits into your daily life on Long Island.

Most homeowners are focusing on simple upgrades that make their space more comfortable and easier to enjoy. One improvement at a time is enough to completely change how your backyard feels.

The best backyard is the one you naturally find yourself using without even thinking about it.