6 Ways to Upgrade Your Backyard for SummerBy Delaney, June 18, 2026Summer in Michigan is short, which means your backyard should be working hard for every warm-weather week we’ve got! Whether you’re hosting big family cookouts or just want a peaceful evening spot to unwind and spend time with the kids, a few upgrades can completely transform your outdoor space.Add a Fire Pit or Outdoor FireplaceNothing pulls people together quite like the ambiance of a fire. A well-placed fire pit or outdoor fireplace extends your outdoor season well into fall and creates a natural gathering place in your yard. Gas fire pits are low-maintenance and easy to light; wood-burning models create an authentic crackle-and-smoke experience.Invest in a Quality GrillIf you’re fighting your grill every time you try to cook outside, it might be time for an upgrade. Our showroom offers grills for every occasion and every comfort zone. We have gas grills, charcoal grills, portable grills, griddles, pellet smokers, standing smokers, and more. Our grills offer precision, temperature control, larger cooking surfaces, and all make outdoor cooking enjoyable.Create an Outdoor Seating AreaOne of the most impactful changes you can make is to simply define your space. Adding a table, chairs, an outdoor rug, an umbrella: these are all things that can make your backyard feel “put together” and intentional.Light It Up!Outdoor lighting can help you transition from evening to night. It can be something as simple as adding string lights above your seating area or even just lining your pathway with solar lights. All of these simple elements work together and create an ambiance that makes your yard a place you will want to hang out in, even after sunset.Install an Outdoor Kitchen or Prep StationIf you grill regularly, having a dedicated prep space can change everything. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on an outdoor kitchen if it’s not in your budget: adding a simple cart with storage and a flat surface to prep on can make your grilling experience smoother. If an outdoor kitchen is in your budget, we have anything and everything you would need to fully customize the outdoor space of your dreams. You won’t have to keep walking in and out of the house because you forgot the seasoning you wanted to use or because you have nowhere to set the hot dogs: everything you could ever need is right there at your fingertips!Consider a Hot TubIf you really want to elevate your outdoor living experience, nothing beats a hot tub. A hot tub can truly become the centerpiece of your backyard. Depending on the style you choose, you can relax in your tub year-round. Creekside offers a diverse selection of hot tubs, and our team can always help you find the right fit for your space and for your budget.Summer goes fast in Michigan! Make this the year that your backyard becomes your favorite place to be.Recent Articles See All Grill Like a Pro: How to Choose the Right Grill for Summer Cookouts Grills Author:Delaney Posted:July 13, 2026 At Creekside Hearth, we carry multiple premium grill lines and help customers find the right match every day. Read More 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Old Fireplace (And What to Do About It) Fireplaces Author:Creekside Hearth Posted:June 18, 2026 Here are five telltale signs that your fireplace may be ready for retirement, and what you can do about it: Read More Can I Convert My Woodburning Fireplace to Gas? Fireplaces Author:Creekside Hearth Posted:May 29, 2025 Yes, you can convert an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas, but it must be that — an existing wood-burning fireplace. Wood burning appliances, such as wood stoves, cannot be converted to gas. Why convert? Convenience and efficiency are the main reasons you’d want to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas. Gas fireplaces burn cleaner, are […] Read More Direct Vent vs. Ventless Gas Fireplace Fireplaces Author:Creekside Hearth Posted:May 29, 2025 The two main types of gas fireplaces available today are Direct Vent and Ventless. Direct Vent fireplaces require a venting system while Ventless fireplaces are just that - completely vent-free. Here’s what you need to know to help you decide which type is right for you! MAINTAIN INDOOR AIR QUALITY Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces If […] Read More How Ventless Fireplace Work Fireplaces Author:Creekside Hearth Posted:May 29, 2025 Ventless gas fireplaces don’t require a chimney or venting system of any kind, allowing all the heat that’s produced to stay inside your home. They function on a closed-loop system and rely on natural convection. Cool indoor room air is drawn into the firebox for combustion, then hotexhaust is expelled into the room. Equipped with […] Read More What is a fireplace insert? Fireplaces Author:Creekside Hearth Posted:May 29, 2025 After fielding thousands of phone calls we’ve discovered that there is a lot of confusion around what a fireplace insert really is and what type of installation calls for one. For example, a customer may call in looking for a gas insert, when they really need a gas fireplace and vice versa. So, what is […] Read More