45 Wallet-Friendly DIY Backyard Ideas for a Beautiful Outdoor Oasis

Create the backyard escape you’ve always wanted!

These affordable DIY projects offer inspiration for everything from atmospheric lighting and comfortable furniture to thriving gardens.

Craft a space that feels like your own personal retreat, ideal for unwinding alone or entertaining loved ones – all while staying on budget.

With the best outdoor weather drawing near, it’s the perfect moment to begin.

Get started with our roundup of 45 DIY backyard ideas below.

Garden Tool Shed

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A well-organized garden tool shed is a must for serious gardeners. It provides a dedicated space to store and protect your tools from the elements, extending their lifespan and keeping your yard tidy.

Like arbor benches, cedar is a great choice for a tool shed because it’s durable and naturally resistant to rot. You can opt for off-the-shelf lumber for a weekend project or choose a panelized kit for quicker assembly.

A lean-to design is particularly space-efficient, fitting conveniently against your house near the patio or garden area.

Add windows to your shed to allow natural light inside. Painting or staining your shed can give it a polished look, and adding decorative accents like shutters or a weather vane can personalize your space.

Consider incorporating features like adjustable shelving, pegboards for hanging tools, and a potting bench to maximize functionality. Make sure you have proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and protect your tools from rust.

Patio Fire Pit

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A fire pit can make your backyard into a cozy gathering spot, perfect for entertaining friends and family or enjoying quiet evenings under the stars.

When designing your fire pit, prioritize safety by providing proper ventilation and using fire-resistant materials.

Gauge your available space and local regulations when determining the size and location. Use comfortable seating, weather-resistant cushions, and ambient lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.

Whether you choose rustic stone or sleek metal to build your fire pit, use materials that complement your yard’s surrounding decor. Including a grill grate or cooking accessories can make it more functional.

Weather-Resistant Planter

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Custom-built planters allow you to add greenery to your outdoor space while complementing your home’s exterior design.

Cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is ideal for making outdoor planters because it’s durable, resistant to rot, and easy to use.

When building your planter, add decorative elements like beadboard detailing, and choose a paint color that complements your home’s exterior.

Incorporate tiered levels into your planter design so you can grow a variety of plants in one structure.

Adding wheels or castors can provide more mobility, making it easier to reposition your planter to capture the best sunlight or protect it from harsh weather.

Incorporating a self-watering feature can make plant care easier. This can be achieved by creating a reservoir at the bottom of the planter and using wicking cords to draw water up to the soil.

Pea Gravel Patio

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Using pea gravel is one of the easiest DIY patio ideas on a budget.

If pouring a new concrete patio or adding pavers isn’t an option, roll out landscape fabric, secure it with stakes, and spread pea gravel to create an inexpensive patio area.

Skip buying pea gravel in bags from the big box hardware store and visit a local landscape supplier instead to get it in bulk for less than retail prices.

Most suppliers will deliver it to your house so you don’t have to worry about lugging gravel bags from the store.

We made this hidden beer garden in an unused, secluded area of our yard using leftover gravel and an old vintage table set we refinished ourselves.

Paint a Concrete Patio or Pool Deck

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This DIY painted concrete patio and pool deck we did about 3 years ago is still holding up great!

If pouring new concrete is too expensive for your budget, it’s a good alternative.

Mix in a grip additive to make concrete surfaces anti-skid for safety.

Paint Vinyl Siding

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Yes, you can paint vinyl siding! Just be sure to use a specialty vinyl siding paint as not just any paint will work.

It’s a great solution to extend the life of your siding if you’re not ready to replace.

It has been nearly 4 years since we painted our shed siding, and we’re so happy with how it has held up.

Solar Fence Lights

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Make sure your fence line receives enough sunlight to charge solar powered fence lights, but it is so nice to have an illuminated backyard perimeter, especially during backyard cookouts at night.

Plain Outdoor Rug Upgrade With a Stencil

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Add some interest to a basic outdoor rug with paint! If you have a vinyl cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette, you can create a stencil to make this DIY floral block print rug.

Or get creative with painters tape and brush on stripes or a plaid pattern instead.

You can update outdoor throw pillows with paint too!

Mosquito Net Curtains

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You can get mosquito net LILL curtains at IKEA for just $7 per pair! Hang them on your back porch or pergola with cheap tension rods and Command hooks.

Sew white painted fishing weights into the bottom of the curtains to prevent them from blowing around in the wind.

They’re functional for keeping bugs away but also look so airy and beautiful!

Solar Landscape Uplights

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We love these solar landscape uplights in our yard that have been going strong for 2 years so far!

They turn on automatically at dusk and last until about 11pm and look every bit as good as professionally wired landscape spotlights.

DIY Stone Fire Pit

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This DIY stone fire pit took just two days to complete (including the stone edged pea gravel seating area), and we couldn’t be happier with the end result.

It’s the perfect conversation area snuggled in blankets on chilly evenings as we roast s’mores and hot dogs over the fire with friends and neighbors.

This backyard project idea isn’t just for looks; it’s one that creates lifetime memories.

Build a Bocce Ball Court

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If your family loves playing games in the backyard, installing a DIY bocce ball court is a great project to do that can also double as a horseshoe pit.

Just make sure to rake it smooth before busting out the bocce ball set again.

In case you haven’t played before, bocce ball is like a cross between shuffleboard, croquet, and bowling.

Clean a Glass Patio Table

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Before tossing an old grungy outdoor table, try this method to clean a glass patio tabletop and paint an outdoor table frame.

You might be able to stretch out your dining furniture a little longer or use it on a secondhand find to make it look new again.

Paint Outdoor Ceilings Haint Blue

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If you live in the American South, you’ve probably heard of “haint blue” paint used on many porch ceilings in the Lowcountry to keep the haunted spirits away, according to folklore tradition.

Whatever your beliefs in “haints”, it’s a simple, beautiful way to add charm to a porch. We used the color Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue.

Plant a Raised Bed Garden

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My dad is a raised bed gardening MASTER and has been planting vegetable gardens with high yield results for over 30 years in his backyard and set them up for us and other family members over the years (his love language is definitely Acts of Service).

So he shared all of his masterful gardening secrets in this DIY raised bed garden tutorial. I’ve seen with my own eyes my entire life how well his process works!

Spruce Up Backyard with an Inverted Flower Centerpiece

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Simple as it is, turning a large flower upside-down could be used as a small centerpiece or table for the backyard sitting area.

Paint it in bright colors, add string accent on the top and a vase with fresh flowers.

Construct a Rose-Adorned Wood and Stone Bench

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A small bench will always be useful- both for sitting and decoration stand.

This one is one of the quickest DIY benches ever. All you need is pavers and left-over laminate.

Enjoy Sunsets on a DIY Swing

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Another way to enjoy the sunsets is to sit on a swing on your own.

This is a very simple and quick DIY idea and will look great even only as a decoration when tied to a large tree in the backyard.

Build a Romantic Retreat using a Pergola and Curtains

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via The Created Home

This pergola area can take a person to another place.

It is a private outdoor space where romance rules.

Backyard with DIY Dollar Store Burlap Lamp Shades

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via The Art Of Doing Stuff

Will you believe me if I say that this burlap lampshade has actually be made with supplies only from the dollar store?

Almost for no money, you can make yourself these stylish lampshades for your backyard.

Enhance Your Outdoor Space with a Functional Canopy

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via Sailrite

Make sure to read the tutorial for this functional canopy as it will last for many years, it will provide just enough shade to your sitting area under the pergola and will make it look more sophisticated.

Build a Gardening Station

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This backyard idea on a budget is both practical and pleasing to the eye.

Using reclaimed or salvaged items found from the thrift store or flea market, piece together wooden boards, metal watering cans, and other gardening supplies to create a collected potting station.

The best part about this project—anything goes!

Plus, this potting station can be used year after year, making it a cost-effective addition to your backyard.

Add a Pop of Color

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Consider adding a trellis for a cheap backyard idea.

Whether you create a DIY trellis or purchase one, add a coat of paint to make it pop against the greenery in your backyard.

Choose to match the paint color to the flowers and landscaping, or go for a neutral paint color that will let your garden shine.

Install Hanging Planters

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If you love the look of full flower beds but lack space, install vertical hanging planters.

Purchase or build wooden planter boxes, making sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom of each planter. Attach hooks and chains to the planters to create a stacked look.

Fill the planters with your favorite succulents, herbs, or flowers and hang them from the ceiling of a porch, covered deck, or pergola.

Transform a Garden Shed

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A shed has the potential to do much more than store your garden supplies.

Clean out and spruce up your shed to create a budget-friendly backyard entertaining spot.

Refresh walls with peel-and-stick wallpaper and bring in chairs and pillows to create an indoor-meets-outdoors space.

Go one step further and landscape around the shed to add further appeal.

Decorate for the Seasons

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The easiest way to save money on backyard decor is to purchase items that can be used throughout every season.

Purchase a set of Adirondack chairs, and use different pillows and blankets to outfit them for each season.

Add flannel and knit throws for fall and winter, and swap for linen or cotton fabrics for spring and summer nights.

Create DIY Planters

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Container gardening adds interesting color and layers to your backyard, but large outdoor planters can be expensive. Save a little cash and create DIY geometric planters.

These easy-to-make containers are made from corrugated plastic, costing just a few dollars.

Make it Cozy

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Make your backyard more inviting and cozy by piling on pillows to give wood and metal patio furniture a cozy touch. 

Choose durable outdoor fabrics in bright colors and eye-catching patterns for style that will last throughout the season.

To make this backyard idea more budget-friendly, consider stitching together pillow covers from outdoor fabric to recover old pillows.

Install a DIY Fire Pit

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Enjoy warm summer nights spent around a backyard fire pit. You’ll need a few inexpensive materials to build your own, including angled pavers and gravel for the base.

This easy DIY outdoor project can be completed over a weekend, and your family can enjoy bonfires for years to come.

Check local regulations or your homeowner’s association regarding fire pits before installing one in your backyard.

Plant Inexpensive Perennials

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Perennials come back year after year, which means you’ll save money on landscaping in the long run.

A cheap backyard idea for small yards is to fill your flower beds with colorful perennials and watch them bloom every spring.

When planting, be sure to complete the proper prep work to keep perennials looking their best.

Invest Smartly

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When looking for backyard ideas on a budget, identify one element to invest in to help you create a yard you’ll love for years to come.

Consider spending a little extra on a freestanding fire pit or one special piece of furniture you’ll use regularly.

Finish your backyard with more affordable accents, like pillows and string lights, to complete your space.

Grow a Living Fence

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Try this budget-friendly backyard idea: Espalier a tree to create a living fence for a low-cost, high-end look.

The simple technique involves planting a tree and training it to grow in a pattern.

The result is a custom look that adds visual interest and texture to a blank wall.

Revive Old Furniture

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Outdoor furniture, while made to withstand the elements, can take a beating over the years.

Rather than splurge on new furniture, try a few DIY fixes to revive your existing pieces. This cheap backyard idea for small yards will work for larger spaces, too.

A once-rusted patio table looks brand-new thanks to spray paint, new strapping, and minor cleanup.

Save Space with Two-in-one Furniture

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Here’s one of the best efficient and cheap backyard ideas for small yards. Employ furniture pieces that work in two different ways.

A two-in-one piece, like this bench with a lounger, maximizes space and can be more cost-effective than buying multiple seating options.

Alternatively, select backyard furniture with built-in storage to provide additional seating while hiding away accessories that are used infrequently.

Build an Outdoor Shower

Pin DIY for Knuckleheads

If you’ve always enjoyed taking outdoor showers at the beach, there’s no reason you can’t bring this little luxury into your own yard.

An outdoor shower is perfect for cooling off after hot days or post-pool, and there are various outdoor shower ideas to choose from depending on your home’s aesthetic.

Up Your Gardening Game With a Shed

Pin Funky Junk Interiors

Avid gardeners will appreciate having a special shed in which to store all of their equipment.

This DIY garden shed couldn’t be cuter and is perfectly rustic chic—how adorable is the flower box?

Add unique details like some bright flowers or a container garden to bring color.

Replace an Old Garden Gate

Pin Francois et Moi

Say goodbye to a garden gate that isn’t aesthetically pleasing and go all in with a new design that will bring you joy every time you see it.

If you can believe it, it’s totally possible to DIY your own gate. Whether you leave the wood natural or paint it is up to you.

Build a Ring Dart Board

Pin Board and Brush

Who doesn’t love playing a good old-fashioned backyard game?

It’s easy to create your own ring dart board out of wood for guests to enjoy after they come by for a barbecue.

Entertain Using Your Planting Station as a Bar

Pin Midwest Life and Style

If you’re entertaining, don’t be afraid to turn a planting station into a DIY bar.

Set out all of the food and drinks you plan to serve and embrace this multipurpose solution, which is a major space saver as it prevents the need for additional folding tables.

Make a Trellis Out of Chicken Wire

Pin Victorian Lane Farms

If you’re handy, you can make your own trellis out of chicken wire in the yard.

This is great for adding a rustic touch to any space. Hang a decorative sign for a bit of extra charm.

Skip the Store Bought Coffee Table

Pin Feeling Nifty

Outdoor coffee tables come in handy when hosting but can cost a pretty penny. Save some cash and build your own using a couple of crates.

As a bonus, this setup offers plenty of storage for lanterns, decor, and more.

Add a Romantic Touch With String Lights

Pin Taryn Whiteaker

Jazz up your outdoor area with the addition of some poles and string lights.

It will turn any backyard into a special gathering space that will make your next evening event feel extra romantic.

Play With Kids At This DIY Sensory Table

Pin Our Gathered Cottage

Kids will enjoy playing with a DIY sensory table like this one, which will let their imaginations soar for years to come.

Build a Movie Theater Screen Stand

Pin Effortless Style

Here’s another example of an outdoor movie theater setup that will add pizzazz to the backyard.

This stand was made using galvanized pipes and a blackout curtain liner.

Place Plants on a Two Tier Wooden Stand

Pin Hammer & Handsaw

Plant parents, this one is for you! Design your own plant stand that will let all of your green friends shine.

If you crave something more colorful, just jazz this wooden piece up with a pop of paint.

Add Flair to Your Patio Umbrella Using Pom Poms

Pin Hallstrom Home

If you desire a patio umbrella that’s fun and frilly, this pom pom option is calling your name.

It’s full of personality and will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite outdoor cafe. Just grab some trim and get sewing.

Place Your Umbrella in a Plant Pot

Pin Delia Creates

Consider placing your umbrella in a plant pot to save money on a regular stand.

It will add a touch of charm to the yard as well, and concrete planters often cost just $10 or less.

Build a Planter Box Using Wood

Pin Jaclyn James

Enhance your backyard with a DIY raised planter box that will allow you to pursue your gardening passion.

This one is simple yet does the job wonderfully. Customize it by painting the wood a fun color or staining it for a rustic look.

Place Wooden Posts Inside Planters

Pin Sugar Maple Notes

Instead of just installing wooden posts in the backyard and calling it a day, place them inside of planters to jazz up your space a bit more while still keeping things functional.

You can also paint the posts or add some flair to them using stencils if you would like.

Craft Wooden Chairs for the Whole Crew

Pin Stacy Risenmay

These wooden chairs will make for a perfect weekend project.

If purchasing a matching set of chairs is out of your budget, you can go the creative route and make your own, staining the wood however you please.

Just add cushions and you’re ready to host.

Deck Out With a Privacy Screen

Pin Kezzabeth

Add privacy to your backyard while also taking the ambiance up a level by building a privacy screen with string lights layered over the top.

Place a small table and some seating to create a small nook where you can relax during warmer months.

Sit By Your Very Own Pond

Pin Little Terraced House

Who hasn’t admired a backyard pond and wanted one of their very own?

If you’ve always longed for a setup like this one, this DIY is calling your name. 

Building a pond can be fairly easy depending on how you want to customize it.

Transform the Coffee Table Top With Funky Tile

Pin Boo & Maddie

Transform a dated coffee table top by adding some tiles in a fun pattern and color.

Go bold with a bright pink if you wish—this cheery space is full of life and color.

Opt for a Matchy Look

Pin Hilary Prall

Here’s another example of an umbrella placed in a plant pot.

Note that the stripes on the umbrella complement the accompanying pots beautifully—it’s all about the little details.

Bring in a Herb Garden

Pin DIY Darling

Design a vertical herb garden on your backyard fence to make the most of this barrier.

You’ll appreciate being able to pop outside for ingredients as you cook your meals.

DIY a Garden Fence

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Two Twenty One

DIY your own garden fencing to allow plants and vegetables to thrive.

This darling wooden fence is perfect for small spaces.