20 Backyard Ideas on a Budget

Are you looking for new ways to improve your backyard without the need to spend a lot of money? Well, if the answer is yes, then you are in the right place. We have created a list of DIY backyard ideas that you can do on a limited budget in order to create your dream outdoor area. With enough creativity, there is no limit to what you can do with minimal investment.

The simplest ideas are usually the best ones. For example, creating a basic seating area where you can get cozy and hang out with your friends and family is a cheap yet great way to elevate the looks of your backyard. That being said, let’s get to work.

Amazing Backyards on a Budget

Creating a beautiful backyard does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. No matter what type of backyard you are working with, there are plenty of options to go with. We will provide you with décor ideas that cover small backyards on a budget as well as large backyards on a budget. If you want to transform your backyard into a beautiful yet useful outdoor space, here are some backyard ideas you can use.

#1 Creative Backyard on a Budget

Make your backyard cozier with some simple yet creative ideas. For example, add a pop of color to your backyard patio with some vibrant pillows and blankets. Try to go for bright colors that have interesting patterns that draw attention. Using a durable fabric is recommended as they will be constantly exposed to outdoor elements. If you have some old pillows you can always repurpose them and make your own covers from another material that can endure the outdoors. This is a cheap and easy way to improve the look of your backyard patios that will definitely receive positive comments from your friends.

#2 Incorporate More Plants for Awesome Backyards on a Budget

With the addition of some simple backyard gardens, you can completely transform the look of your backyard. Planting some everblooming flowers can keep your backyard looking beautiful throughout the growing season. With this, you will most definitely save money as there will be no need to constantly landscape your yard. This is one of the more popular ideas for small yards because you can do so much with so little time and money.

#3 Create a Living Fence

Continuing with the plant theme, implementing a living fence is a great way to create a high-end look with minimal effort. A simple living fence can make the entire space feel completely different, especially if your backyard lacks greenery. With the addition of other garden ideas, you can create a truly beautiful custom look from an otherwise boring wall.

#4 Utilize Limited Space

When you have a smaller yard it means that you are working with limited space. In a case like this, you have to carefully plan how to execute an idea. This is where multipurpose furniture comes in. Adding a simple bench can go a long way. However, why not add a bench that has a built-in lounger. With this, you can create a multipurpose area which is in turn cheaper compared to buying separate pieces of furniture. It is cheap and easy and it will not take up too much outdoor space.

#5 Seating Backyards Ideas on a Budget

Buying furniture for a backyard can be very expensive. However, there are some cheap yet amazing furniture ideas that you can implement with minimal effort. With some basic DIY outdoor furniture, you can add a beautiful modern look. For example, you can create a simple bench using a cinder block. Simply stack them and add a wooden board on top. Additionally, you can put another more comfortable layer on top with some pillows to transform it into a cozy outdoor seat.

#6 DIY Backyards on a Budget

If you are not a fan of modern looks, then going for a more vintage look can be a great alternative. Transforming the look of your patio into a more vintage one can easily be done with some decorating ideas. For example, taking some vintage-looking sheets and transforming them into outside curtains can help protect you from the sun during the summer while also bringing forth that classic vintage look. Another great option is to add a vintage outdoor rug on your patio.

#7 Add a Conversation Starter

A simple backyard makeover does not have to set you back too much financially. Creating a simple conversation starter can be just what you were looking for. If you have a collection of plants you can make a simple backyard decor display. This will most certainly draw the attention of your guests and can be a great addition to a conversation while also providing a vibrant color palette to your backyard. There are various design ideas that you can implement to create simple yet effective focal points for your backyard.

#8 Get Creative with Simple Materials

Adding elements to your backyard can get expensive really quickly. This is especially true with certain custom elements. Well, the good news is that you can create these elements for a fraction of the original price. Take some DIY backyard ideas and get creative. For example, stack some concrete blocks to create pillars and add a hard surface on top. With this simple addition, you have created an easy DIY outdoor bar. On top of that, you can add some outdoor decoration to further enhance the overall look making a beautiful outdoor retreat during the summer.

#9 Utilize Evergreen Foliage

If you want a garden that will remain lush and beautiful year-round, consider adding evergreen plants. Garden ideas do not have to include only deciduous plants. With evergreen plant life, you can enjoy a beautiful garden any time of the year. They will also serve as home decor contributing to the overall looks of your backyard. Another great way to utilize evergreen foliage is to create vertical gardens. They can bring to life an otherwise boring wall.

#10 Landscaping Ideas for Small Backyards on a Budget

Landscaping ideas done on a budget can really elevate your backyard. For example, fire pits can be a great addition. Even though they can be quite expensive, with some simple fire pit ideas you can most certainly make a custom DIY fire pit that will look amazing. With some simple seats around it, you can create an amazing atmosphere where you can sit around a fire during the fresh summer nights.

#11 Play with Different Lighting

If you are looking for easy backyard modifications, then exploring different lighting ideas can help you significantly. In general, garden lighting can be very mundane as it serves only one purpose, and that is to help you see in the dark. With the addition of simple string lights, you can change the overall outdoor lighting setup with a minimal amount of work. This is just one of the many DIY backyard lighting ideas that can provide you with a breathtaking atmosphere after the sun goes down.

#12 Emphasize Different Parts with Details

Backyard landscaping does not have to be complicated. With some strategically placed accents, you can create a unique design that is subtle yet expressive. Play with different design ideas, materials and shapes to create a pattern you like. Add some stepping stones to create a well-thought-out path through your yard on which you can place some outdoor furniture to create various focal points throughout your yard.

#13 Consider Paving Materials

If there is an area in your yard without grass, consider covering it with some kind of paving material. Hardscaping is usually considered very expensive depending on the surface area you are working with. However, if you just want to cover a certain area with some paving material, there are some cheap ones you can go for without sacrificing the overall look.

The most common paving material is crushed rock. However, considering how expensive it is, many people go with gravel instead. It is a much cheaper alternative and if you pick the right kind you can make some amazing hardscaping changes. One of the more popular choices is pea gravel. Combining larger pieces of rock with the gravel can help you create simple yet beautiful scenery in your backyard.

#14 Deck and Patio Ideas for Small Backyards on a Budget

An outdoor patio is an essential part of any backyard. It is a place where you can relax while you read a book or simply spend time and enjoy the nature around you. If you do not have a patio, building one can be done easily on a budget. There is no need to build a complex deck or a porch. Simply put a base of gravel on the ground and put some chairs or a bench to create a basic gravel patio. If you wish so, one of the common patio ideas is to build a simple roof to protect yourself from the sun.

If you already have a patio built, there are some DIY outdoor patio changes you can do to freshen up the space. For example, if your patio is made from concrete blocks, putting on a fresh coat of vibrant paint on a few squares in a random pattern can bring life to the gray blocks. On the other hand, if you like a more neutral look, a common pattern people go for is a simple checkerboard look. If you have some time on your hands, check out a few DIY patio ideas and find something that suits your taste.

#15 Brighten up Your Backyard with Some Water

Water features are a really simple yet effective way to add home decor elements to your backyard. When it comes to the water features, you can go as small or as big as you would like. Whether you enjoy the sound of running water or just like the overall ambient it brings, implementing a small fountain is an easy DIY project anyone can do. With simple tips and tricks, you can do a lot with very little.

However, if you want to add something bigger, a stock tank pool is a great choice. In general, a stock tank pool brings a lot of value. First of all, by installing a pool, you can host parties for your friends and family during the summer. On the other hand, when it comes to the aspect of real estate, your property will only increase in value.

#16 Backyards on a Budget with a Kitchen

Building an outdoor kitchen is an amazing way to enjoy great summer weather while you do the cooking. An outdoor kitchen can cost a lot depending on your choices. However, there are some cheap and easy outdoor kitchen ideas you can implement in your backyard. There is no need to commit to building an expensive structure. Going for a simple yet effective movable unit is a great and cheap alternative.

With a movable unit, you do not have to designate a specific place for an outdoor kitchen that might become a nuisance later down the line. If you already have a grill, incorporating some additional storage next to it can also do the trick.

#17 Unconventional Garden Style

Planting your own garden is one of the most popular DIY projects that many homeowners go for. However, there are so many options you can go for when you build a garden in your backyard. If you live in a climate that is not forgiving of regular plant life, going for a rock garden is a viable option.

With a little bit of creativity and by using rocks of various colors, you can create a rock garden that will definitely receive compliments from your friends and family. If you are not sure how to create a rock garden, there is always the option of hiring a garden designer.

#18 Screens Make Beautiful Backyards on a Budget

Not willing to put up a fence? No worries, you can always choose a screen. They are less expensive than a fence and they can bring so much more to your backyard. A DIY home screen helps you increase the privacy of your backyard without the need to sacrifice sunlight.

There is no need to break the bank in order to create a stylish screen. Finding the materials to build a screen can be easily done with a simple visit to the home depot. However, if you have some pallets of wood lying around, you can repurpose them to build a beautiful handmade screen.

#19 Add a Drawing

Do you like to draw or paint in your free time? If so, why not use your talents to improve your backyard? Adding a simple mural or a drawing on a wall in your backyard is an amazing way to add depth as well as create a focal point that can spark a conversation. Budget backyard ideas do not get cheaper than this.

#20 Cool Backyards on a Budget for a Movie Night

Everyone loves watching a great movie. Now, imagine if you can do just that in the comfort of your backyard. With this simple cheap backyard theater idea, you will leave everyone speechless. Simply hang a large white sheet on a wall and secure it well. Put down some pillows and blankets around a coffee table or an improvised one using a wood pallet and you are good to go. Invite your friends and enjoy a fun movie night in your freshly made little backyard oasis.