This last weekend I was sitting outside on our upstairs screened in porch and noticed the backyard is a hot mess. There are a lot of things I want to do back there, but right now I have other projects that have a priority. Since I don’t really have thousands of dollars to spend, so I started researching things I can do on a budget and decided I’d share this short list with you.
- Install a hammock or swing chair. Outdoor seating can be uncomfortable. Installing a hammock or rope swing chair not only adds extra seating to your space but can help your backyard feel more comfortable and inviting.
- Change the look with decorative accessories. Getting all new furniture for your outdoor space can be expensive. But you can easily upgrade your outdoor space without breaking your budget by adding new decorative accessories—like throw pillows, a new area rug, or string lights.
- Bring the movie theater to your backyard. Want to make your space feel more entertaining this summer? With a projector, speaker, and foldable screen—all of which you can purchase for less than $100—you can transform your backyard into an outdoor theater.
- Need something to jazz up your concrete patio? Consider a large outdoor rug. Not only is this a good way to include a pop of color in your backyard, but it’s also an inexpensive way to change up a space without having to go through the process of painting or staining a deck.
- Put down materials like mulch, bricks, or stones to create a clear path from your house to the pool or playhouse in your backyard. You can also include a little flair to your pathway by adding yard decorations like glow-in-the-dark rocks or garden stakes.
- A trellis is an excellent idea for adding a little charm to your yard. Create your own trellis out of metal poles or wooden boards, and plant climbing roses on either side to grow your flowers to new heights. Trellises make a great DIY addition to gardens with vertical-growing vegetables, too.
- A pergola is a fantastic idea for your dream backyard. Clear out an area on a deck or in your yard and build your own pergola with this guide from DIY Network. Planning to spend a lot of time outside with your backyard remodel? Add curtains for extra shade to create the ultimate outdoor living room.
- Need some makeover ideas for a small yard? Invest in a fountain! These backyard items are great for adding a water feature to your outdoor space without costing too much or taking up lots of room. Tuck the fountain away in a small garden or place it on an end table to show off your decor.
- If you’re looking to have one of the most beautiful backyards on the block, invest in outdoor lighting. Drape string lights down from a pergola or across your outdoor living room to give it a starry-night feel. You can also line any DIY patio or garden path with torches and lanterns for soft lighting.
- Designing a unique mural on your fence is another great way to make over your backyard on a budget. Just be sure to determine what paints you’ll use and the scale of the mural first in order to properly prepare the fence for your masterpiece.
- If you love entertaining guests, having backyard cookouts, or working outside, then a table is a must for your green space! Buy a patio set that comes complete with a table and chairs, or build your own outdoor table out of a few wine barrels and wooden boards for DIY yard decor.
- Outdoor seating is one of the most important features to include in your backyard transformation. Large outdoor pillows, benches, and rocking chairs are all fantastic pieces to create a cozy space for you and your guests to relax. For a great cheap outdoor seating idea, make your own day bed with a wooden pallet.
- The best backyard designs are the ones that include a fire pit. Show off your DIY skills by building your own fire pit out of wall stones with this simple tutorial, or find a metal one that’s also budget-friendly. Make sure that you include ample seating around your fire pit for roasting marshmallows!
I’d love to see photos of your backyard projects. Text them to Ron Henderson at 816-651-9001.