Backyards have become the place to remodel and turn into a combination retreat, recreation and entertainment area of the home. Homeowners are investing as much money in an outdoor kitchen as in the home’s interior kitchen. Furniture, flat screen televisions and speakers are also moving to the backyard. These placement and care tips will help homeowner’s get the most sound and longevity from outdoor speakers while annoying the neighbors the least.
Sound Placement
For the biggest sound impact, several outdoor speakers should be placed in a ring around the perimeter of the backyard, with all speakers facing the center of the backyard. If two outdoor speakers are being installed, place them on the back of the house angled slightly towards each other. If the speakers are mounted above head high, angle them down slightly. This will help minimize the travel distance of the sound and keep it mainly within the backyard perimeter.
Bass Sound Coverage
Bass sound thins out quickly outdoors. To amplify the lower bass registers of music and keep the bass sound strong and true, place the outdoor speakers against a solid surface wall to reflect the sound.
Care And Maintenance Extend the Speaker’s Life
Outdoor speakers are weatherproof by design, but weatherproof and waterproof are not the same thing. A little care in placement and routine maintenance after mowing the lawn will extend their life and your investment.
Place speakers away from pools or other outdoor water features unless they are specifically designed to withstand splashes. After mowing the lawn, brush the grass clipping and dirt off the speakers and remove fallen leaves or other debris in the autumn.
Expensive Is Not Always Better
The price of outdoor speakers varies widely, and most expensive does not necessarily mean a higher quality product. Shopping around either in-store or online can garner high quality outdoor speakers for $100 or less.
Color And Design
Outdoor speakers come in a wide range of colors to match any backyard décor. Outdoor speakers also come in a many wireless designs that look like faux rocks, flower planters and landscape lighting, to make them blend in with the landscape.
Instead of vacationing, many homeowners are investing their money in remodeling their backyards and enjoying mini vacations at home year around. Soothing or upbeat music from outdoor speakers adds to the ambiance of the vacation environment, and with the proper placement and a little care, the monetary investment in outdoor speakers will provide dividends for years.
