A backyard barbeque, a swim in the pool or simply kicking back on the patio are some of the ways Americans enjoy the outdoors. Listening to your favorite music while relaxing outdoors makes it even better. You could take your iPod or boombox outside, or you could add patio or garden speakers to your landscape. Outdoor speakers are very popular, easy to install and they easily blend in with your backyard. Here’s an overview of patio and garden speakers and a few links to some of the best outdoor speakers and accessories available.
Patio Speakers
Although outdoor speakers are temperature and moisture resistant, the best place to install patio speakers is under the eaves where they are partially protected from the elements. It’s also easiest to run speaker wires from your receiver to this location. Outdoor speakers such as these models from Klipsch and Yamaha come with a mounting bracket to attach the speakers to a wall or patio. For the best stereo sound install the speakers six to eight feet apart.Garden Speakers
Many garden speakers are designed to look like part of the landscape, disguised as large rocks or hidden inside plant containers. Stereostone offers several models
that blend in perfectly with your garden and Sonance even has an outdoor subwoofer for rich bass performance outdoors.
When installing speakers in the garden or on the patio it’s important to use outdoor speaker wire, also known as ‘burial wire’, which is designed to withstand moisture. Terk has a 50-foot spool of burial speaker wire available online and at some consumer electronics stores.
For a step-by-step guide on installing outdoor speakers, read my articles here and here .