10 Backyard Makeover Ideas For A Small Budget
Renovating your backyard doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can change your backyard into something you love without spending a fortune. Here are 20 budget-friendly backyard makeover ideas to inspire your next weekend project:
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1. Create a DIY Fire Pit Area
Nothing beats gathering around a warm fire on a cool evening. Building your own fire pit is an easy and affordable way to add warmth and ambiance to your backyard. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a level spot away from structures and overhanging trees
- Dig a circular area about 4 feet in diameter and 6 inches deep
- Line the area with gravel paths for drainage
- Arrange fire-resistant bricks or concrete blocks in a circle
- Fill the center with lava rocks or fire glass
Surround your new fire pit with some inexpensive patio furniture or benches, some outdoor rugs and you’ve got the perfect spot for roasting marshmallows and stargazing.
2. Install Solar Landscape Lighting
Solar lights are a great addition to change the look and feel of your backyard at night. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly and cost-effective option that requires no wiring. Simply stake them into the ground along pathways, around garden beds, or in other key areas. The lights will charge during the day and automatically illuminate your yard in the evening.
- Long-Lasting
- Efficient Solar Power
- Weather-Resistant and Durable
- Easy and Quick Installation
3. Paint Your Fence
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for an old, tired-looking fence. Choose a bold color to make a statement, or go with a classic white for a clean, crisp look. Before painting, be sure to clean the fence thoroughly and make any necessary repairs. Use spray paint for faster, more even coverage.
Also Read: The Summertime Struggle of Outsmarting Flies
4. Create a Vertical Garden
If you’re short on space, go vertical on your flower beds! A vertical garden is a great way to add greenery or make your own vegetable garden without taking up valuable floor space. You can create one using:
- Pallets: Mount a wooden pallet to a wall and fill the slats with small potted plants
- Hanging planters: Install hooks and hang a series of planters at different heights
- Shoe organizers: Repurpose a fabric shoe organizer by filling the pockets with soil and plants
Vertical gardens are perfect for growing herbs, succulents, or colorful annuals.
Each pod is 13 x 5.1 Inch (LXH), and the tray height is 3.54 Inch(H), filter tray is 12 Inch, and total height is 2.52 FT(H), iron chain is 37.5 inch.
- Space-Efficient Vertical Design
- High Quality
- Easy to assemble
5. Build Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are a great option and practical addition to any backyard. They’re easier to maintain than in-ground gardens, can hold plenty of native plants and can be customized to fit your space. Here’s a simple design for your raised beds:
- Cut four 2×6 boards to your desired length (4-8 feet is typical)
- Secure the boards together at the corners using wood screws
- Line the bottom with landscape fabric to prevent weeds
- Fill with a mixture of topsoil and compost
Plant your favorite vegetables, flowers, or herbs for a beautiful and productive garden.
6. Create a Gravel Patio
If a concrete patio is out of your budget, consider a gravel patio instead. It’s much more affordable and can be just as attractive. Here’s how to make one:
- Mark out your patio area and remove any grass or weeds
- Lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds
- Edge the area with bricks or stones
- Fill with a layer of gravel about 2-3 inches deep
- Rake the gravel smooth
Add some outdoor furniture and potted plants to complete your new seating area.
7. Hang Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains can add privacy and create a cozy, intimate atmosphere in your backyard. Use weatherproof fabric and install a sturdy curtain rod between posts or on your patio cover. Choose light, breezy fabrics in neutral tones or go bold with vibrant colors and patterns. If you want that romantic look, you can hang outdoor string lights at the top of your curtains.
2 panels outdoor curtains. Each curtain measures 52 wide by 84 inch long.
- Waterproof
- 100% polyester
- Easy installation
- Light filtering
- Several colors available
8. Upcycle Old Furniture
Give new life to old furniture by repurposing it for outdoor use. An old dresser can become a potting bench, wooden pallets can be turned into a rustic coffee table, and an unused ladder can become a unique plant stand. Just be sure to weatherproof any wood items to protect them from the elements. Visit some garage sales or flea markets for some easy diy project or to get inspired with great ideas. Facebook marketplace can also be a goldmine to find cheap or free things for your diy projects.
9. Create a Stepping Stone Path
A winding path of stepping stones adds charm and functionality to your backyard. You can buy inexpensive concrete pavers or make your own stepping stones using concrete mix and molds. Arrange them in a curved pattern through your garden or lawn, and fill the spaces between with gravel or groundcover plants.
10. Set Up an Outdoor Movie Screen
Transform your backyard into a home theater with a DIY outdoor movie screen. All you need is:
- A large white sheet or drop cloth
- Two sturdy poles or trees to hang it from
- Some rope or bungee cords
- A projector (you can often rent these if you don’t want to buy one)
Add some comfy seating and string lights for the perfect movie night under the stars.
11. Install a Rain Barrel
Collecting rainwater is an eco-friendly way to water your garden and save on your water bill. You can purchase a ready-made rain barrel or make your own using a large plastic drum. Place it under a downspout to collect water from your roof. Add a spigot near the bottom for easy access to the water.
Rain barrel has a 50-gallon rainwater capacity and measures 22 inches in diameter by 30 inches high with a weight of 19 pounds
- Linkable to other barrels
- High-quality metal spigot
- Made of durable BPA-free plastic resin that resists weather and UV damage
- Plastic mesh screens to keep out debris
12. Create a Rock Garden
A rock garden is a low-maintenance way to add visual interest to your backyard, especially in areas where grass doesn’t grow well. Arrange rocks of various sizes and colors in a natural-looking pattern. Plant some drought-tolerant plants like succulents or ornamental grasses for added texture and color.
13. Build a Simple Pergola
A pergola can define an outdoor space and provide partial shade. While professional installation can be pricey, building a basic pergola yourself is doable with some DIY skills. Here’s a simple design:
- Set four 4×4 posts in concrete for the corners
- Attach 2×6 beams across the top of the posts
- Add 2×2 slats across the beams for shade
Once built, you can train vines to grow over it for natural shade and beauty.
14. Create a Butterfly Garden
Attract beautiful butterflies to your backyard by planting nectar-rich flowers. Some butterfly favorites include:
- Butterfly bush
- Zinnia
- Marigold
- Lantana
- Milkweed (also serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies)
Group these plants together in a sunny spot and add a shallow water source for the butterflies to drink from.
15. Install a Water Feature
The sound of trickling water can make your backyard feel like a peaceful retreat. You don’t need an expensive fountain – a simple DIY water feature can be made using:
- A large pot, bucket or container
- A small submersible pump
- Some rocks or pebbles
Fill the container with water, submerge the pump, and arrange rocks around it. The pump will circulate the water, creating a soothing sound. It’s an inexpensive way to implement water features and you’ll invite wildlife to have a wash or drink on a hot day.
16. Create an Outdoor Bar
An outdoor bar is perfect for entertaining, or just to have an outdoor dining area. You can build a simple one using:
- Wooden pallets for the base
- A piece of plywood or old door for the top
- Some bar stools (look for secondhand ones to save money)
Add a small refrigerator if budget allows, or use a cooler for keeping drinks cold. Hang some string lights above for ambiance.
Also Read: 10 DIY Easy Outdoor Kitchen Tips & Ideas on a Budget
17. Make a Tire Swing
If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), a tire swing is a fun and nostalgic addition to your backyard. Remember all those movies with a large tree and a tire swing in the backyard? You’ll need:
- An old tire
- Strong rope or chain
- A sturdy tree branch
Clean the tire thoroughly, drill drainage holes in the bottom, and paint it if desired. Securely attach the rope or chain to the tire and hang it from the tree branch. Always check the swing’s safety before use.
18. Create a Zen Garden
A small Zen garden can provide a peaceful spot for relaxation and meditation. In a quiet corner of your yard:
- Define an area with rocks or edging
- Fill it with sand or fine gravel
- Add a few carefully placed rocks or small plants
- Include a rake for creating patterns in the sand
Sit on a nearby bench and rake patterns in the sand to calm your mind.
19. Build a Compost Bin
Composting is great for the environment and provides free, nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Build a simple compost bin using:
- Four wooden pallets
- Some wire to secure them together
- A piece of plywood for the top
Place your bin in a convenient spot and start adding your kitchen scraps and yard waste.
20. Create an Outdoor Art Gallery
Turn your fence or an exterior wall into an outdoor art gallery. You can:
- Hang weather-resistant artwork
- Create a mural using exterior paint
- Make a mosaic using broken tiles or glass
This is a great way to add personality to your backyard and cover up any unsightly areas. Remember, the key to a budget-friendly backyard makeover is creativity and willingness to do some DIY work.
Start with one or two projects that excite you the most, and gradually transform your outdoor space over time. Don’t be afraid to try new things and let your personality shine through in your backyard design.
