Outdoor Workspace Oasis: Creating an Outdoor Office in Your Backyard
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In today’s remote work era, the desire for a fresh, natural setting to boost productivity and creativity has many searching for outdoor office ideas. If you’re working from home, why not work from home outside? Creating an outdoor workspace can boost creativity and productivity while providing health benefits like increased vitamin D intake, improved mood, and better air quality. Whether you’re hoping for a sun-drenched nook or a shaded retreat, we’re here to help you create an outdoor workspace that’s a haven of inspiration.
This in-depth guide will have you creating the perfect outdoor office in no time, from choosing the best location to ensuring your outdoor office furniture stands the test of time and the elements. Let’s dive in!
1. Choose Your Outdoor Office Location
The location of your outdoor workspace plays a massive role in keeping you productive and comfortable. Consider the following when choosing your site:
Shade
Extended exposure to sunlight is harmful to your skin and eyes. It can also cause electronic devices to overheat or become difficult to see due to glare.
Find a location that offers shade through natural sources – trees and tall shrubs – or consider using umbrellas, pergolas, canopies, or shade sails. Aesthetically pleasing shade solutions can enhance your outdoor workspace, so consider colorful umbrellas or flowering vines over a pergola.
Remember, the sun’s position changes throughout the day – your shade solution for your outdoor workspace needs to be adaptable.
Noise Level
High noise levels can disrupt concentration and increase stress; an ideal workspace minimizes unnecessary noise. Try to keep your outdoor office away from high-traffic areas and noisy neighbors. Natural barriers like hedges or water features can also help reduce noise.
You can also opt for noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block unwanted sounds in your outdoor workspace.
Connectivity
For most remote work, a stable internet connection is vital. It’s frustrating when a video call lags or an email won’t send due to poor connectivity.
Check the Wi-Fi signal strength in your chosen location, and if it’s weak, consider Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks in your outdoor office set up to boost coverage. Always have a backup plan, such as a mobile hotspot.
Choosing your outdoor workspace location is a balancing act. You may have to compromise on one aspect to benefit from another. The key is prioritizing what’s most important for your productivity and well-being.
2. Furniture For Your Outdoor Workspace
The outdoor office furniture you choose for your outdoor workspace significantly impacts your comfort, efficiency, and overall experience. The following furniture will make or break your outdoor office setup:
Desk
Opt for durable, weather-resistant materials for outdoor use. Consider materials like teak, eucalyptus, metal (with anti-rust coatings), or synthetic resins, which can withstand different weather conditions.
Choose an outdoor desk setup that fits your space and meets your work needs. L-shaped desks can provide more surface area, while smaller foldable tables can be suitable for compact spaces or temporary setups. If you use a portable option, store your desk inside if it’s not weather resistant.
Additionally, if you choose a desk with storage compartments for your outdoor office, ensure that any storage sections drain well to avoid water building up.
Seating
Just as with indoor workspaces, it’s vital to have a chair in your outdoor workspace that supports your posture. Look for chairs with adjustable heights, lumbar support, and comfortable cushions for your outdoor desk setup.
If you leave your chair outside, make sure it’s made of weather-resistant materials – treated wood, UV-resistant fabrics, and metal with rust-proofing.
Flooring
Outdoor flooring can define your outdoor workspace, protect your feet from hot or cold ground, and prevent you from slipping on damp surfaces. Consider outdoor rugs; they’re decorative and functional. Look for rugs made of polypropylene or other synthetic materials designed to resist mildew, fading, and water.
If you’re working in the grass, deck tiles are a great outdoor office idea to create a temporary floor on grass or uneven surfaces. If you prefer the feel of natural ground in your outdoor office, ensure it’s even to avoid water collection and keep your furniture level.
When choosing outdoor furniture for your outdoor workspace, the primary objective is to combine functionality with durability and comfort. Investing in quality pieces might mean a higher upfront cost, but they’ll likely be more cost-effective in the long run due to lasting longer and reduced maintenance needs. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your outdoor workspace, this blog will help you turn drab into fab.
3. Protecting You and Your Outdoor Workspace From the Elements
Protecting your outdoor workspace from the elements is critical to ensure your equipment lasts and you stay comfortable and productive. Here’s a detailed breakdown of factors to keep in mind:
Weatherproofing
Use weatherproof covers or cases for your devices. You can invest in waterproof keyboard and mouse options if you’re worried about unpredictable weather affecting your outdoor office.
You can also consider weatherproof storage containers to keep your essential items dry and safe when not in use.
Wind Protection
Set up natural or artificial windbreaks like shrubs, trees, screens, or fences to prevent strong gusts from disrupting your outdoor workspace. Incorporate weights or clips into your outdoor desk setup to secure loose items.
Additionally, ensure your furniture is sturdy enough to withstand gusts, especially if your outdoor office is in an elevated location like a balcony.
UV Protection
In addition to umbrellas, shade sails, or other shading options, wear sun-protective clothing when working outdoors.
Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to any exposed skin. Don’t forget areas like the back of your hands, neck, and chest.
Insect Repellent
Don’t let insects show up in your outdoor workspace. Use natural repellents like citronella, lavender, and marigold to add charm to your outdoor office while keeping the bugs away.
You can also use repellent sprays, lotions, mosquito nets, and screens if you’re in a particularly bug-heavy area. The latter can be especially useful if your outdoor workspace is under a canopy or gazebo.
Protection from the elements isn’t just about enhancing the longevity of your outdoor workspace but also ensuring the environment remains comfortable and supports focused work. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of working outdoors regardless of the season or weather.
4. Equipment
Ensuring you have the right equipment in your outdoor workspace is essential for smooth operations and comfort. Let’s take a closer look:
Power Source
If your primary power source is far from your outdoor workspace, use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. Make sure it’s rated for outdoor use, and keep connections off the ground to avoid water exposure.
You can also use battery packs or power banks to charge devices for a certain period; they offer more flexibility in positioning your outdoor workspace.
Cooling and Heating
Consider using portable fans to provide a cool breeze during hot days; for cooler days, you can use propane or electric outdoor heaters. Just Make sure they’re positioned safely, away from flammable materials.
Incorporate heated cushions or blankets in the colder months to get more personalized in your outdoor office setup. On hot days, cooling towels or personal handheld fans can be refreshing.
Safety needs to be your number one priority when setting up equipment outdoors for your outdoor office. Regularly inspect cords for wear and tear, and keep all electronics safe from water sources or potential spill areas. And, if you want a true high-tech oasis for your outdoor workspace, check out this blog on smart outdoor living.
5. Lighting
Proper lighting in an outdoor workspace sets the mood and helps you work efficiently without straining your eyes from dawn to dusk. Depending on your outdoor workspace location and needs, you could choose ambient lighting such as outdoor string lights or lanterns.
You could also consider accent lighting, which is more decorative in nature. Accent lighting could highlight specific features in your outdoor workspace, like plants or architectural elements.
No matter the lighting option you choose, keep in mind factors such as adjustable brightness and color temperature to cater to various needs and times of day. Additionally, consider whether you want a wired, battery-operated, or solar-powered light source and ensure it’s weather resistant.
When you work from home outside, remember to make the most of your day by creating an outdoor workspace that boosts your mental well-being, creativity, and productivity. Nature has a calming effect and can provide a refreshing contrast to the typical indoor office environment.
Making decisions about your outdoor workspace is about creating an environment where you can reconnect with nature, even as you work. The more seamlessly you can blend your workspace with its natural surroundings, the more enjoyable your work experience will be.
Take Your Outdoor Workspace to the Next Level with LiveWell Outdoors
As you get settled in your outdoor workspace, it’s only natural to dream even bigger. Why stop at a functional outdoor office when your entire backyard can be transformed into a luxurious oasis?
With over two decades of unmatched expertise, LiveWell Outdoors specializes in creating distinctive designs that fuse luxury with nature, making every corner of your outdoor space a slice of paradise. From pools to patios, cozy fireplaces to state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens, we build dreams.
If you want an idea of what your backyard could look like, dive into our portfolio, which showcases our commitment to quality and our passion for creating outdoor oases. Don’t settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is one phone call away – schedule a call with us today.
