77% of Homeowners Are Upgrading Their Backyard in 2026. Here’s What They’re Doing

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

More homeowners in Naples & Fort Myers are shaping their backyards around those kinds of moments. Instead of thinking about big, one-time upgrades, the focus is on making the space easier to use on a regular basis.

Fortunately, the cost of making your outdoor space more livable doesn’t have to be huge. A new study by Alan’s Factory Outlet highlighted the most popular backyard improvement projects of 2026.  It found that, right now, homeowners are often working within a modest budget, and they’re prioritizing comfort and function over how it 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 lens 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 the homeowners surveyed say their backyard is “very” or “extremely” important to mental health

For many homeowners, the backyard has become a place to reset, recharge, get exercise, 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 works.

• 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 often the starting point because it changes how a yard feels right away. Seating areas follow because they give you a place to actually spend time. 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 specific to lifestyle; 8% of surveyed homeowners are exploring pickleball courts. 

Outdoor kitchens, backyard gyms or courts, and hobby spaces are also becoming more common, depending on how people want to use their space.

What These Projects Actually Cost

Costs vary, though most homeowners are working within a defined 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 tend to 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: ~$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 use often. A few questions can help guide your decisions:

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

If you’re planning to take on some projects yourself, 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 tends to make the biggest difference. Landscaping, seating, and layout improvements create a foundation you can build on over time. Inherited properties frequently need exactly these kinds of backyard/curb appeal improvements before listing.

If you’re thinking about hiring a pro to help with a backyard project, I’ve got a list of vetted service providers in Naples & Fort Myers that are worth interviewing. Contact me to get the list and keep it handy so you never have to wonder who to call.

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 routine in Naples & Fort Myers.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Backyard Improvements in Southwest Florida

What are the most popular backyard upgrades homeowners are making in 2026?

Landscaping and aesthetics top the list, with 62% of homeowners prioritizing it. Outdoor seating upgrades (48%), raised garden beds (38%), and firepits (35%) round out the most common projects. Most of these improvements focus on making the space more functional and enjoyable day-to-day rather than purely improving resale value.

How much should I budget for a backyard improvement project?

The median backyard budget in 2026 is $1,500. About 38% of homeowners plan to spend under $1,000, while 27% budget between $1,000 and $2,500. More involved projects like hot tubs, saunas, or pickleball courts can push costs significantly higher, so it helps to decide early whether you're optimizing for lifestyle or long-term home value.

Do backyard improvements increase home value in Naples and Fort Myers?

They can, though not all upgrades carry equal return. Landscaping and functional outdoor living spaces tend to resonate most with buyers in Southwest Florida, where outdoor lifestyle is a major draw. If you're improving your backyard with a future sale in mind, focus on upgrades that photograph well and appeal broadly rather than highly personal amenities.

Is it better to DIY backyard projects or hire a professional?

It depends on the scope and your skill level. Smaller projects like raised garden beds or basic landscaping are manageable DIY tasks. For anything structural or mechanical, hiring a vetted professional tends to protect both your budget and your timeline. Data from the study shows failed DIY projects averaged $818 in sunk costs, so being honest about what you can realistically handle matters.

What backyard features are most appealing to buyers in the current Southwest Florida market?

Outdoor seating areas, well-maintained landscaping, and functional layouts tend to have the broadest buyer appeal. Luxury amenities like outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, and resort-style pools can be strong selling points at higher price points, particularly in Naples and the surrounding luxury corridor. If you're preparing to list, it's worth a conversation about which upgrades make sense for your specific price range and neighborhood.