How to Give Your Backyard a Makeover on a Budget

Designing a backyard is no easy task. Your backyard space should be a charming outdoor sanctuary, and it’s no wonder that so many people decide to renovate their backyards to turn it into just that. But your outdoor living space shouldn’t break the bank. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you approach your design efforts without spending too much. Here are some tips on how you can achieve this:

Use an Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug is the ideal focal piece for a budget-friendly backyard piece. If you don’t have the means to build a deck or reshape your foundation, this is a great alternative. This can help you define your outdoor room; they’re very durable and with so many styles and sizes, and their versatility allows you to find the perfect rug for any type of space. Choose a rug that works with your outdoor furniture, and pay special attention to the care instructions on your rug.

Incorporate Ambiance With Lighting

Your outdoor lighting helps create the mood and adds ambiance to a space. String lights are a cheap and effective way to do this, adding a starry night aesthetic to your outdoor space without the need for expensive outdoor lighting systems. Candles (insect repellent if necessary), hidden LED lights, lanterns, and pottery that double as light sources are other inexpensive ways to infuse light into your backyard in a unique and stylish way.

Add a Tree Bench

If you have a tree in your backyard, why not utilize that space with a tree bench that’s cost-effective and stylish? You could create a crafty outdoor bench with a few simple wooden pallets. This is also a great idea if your tight on space, and need to use the resources you have to make your backyard feel bigger than it actually is.

Create a Vertical Garden Wall

Outdoor plants are not only proven to improve your mood and creativity, but are also nice to look at, creating a nature-infused patio space. You can use pallets to build your own vertical garden, or invest in a pre-made vertical garden. These aren’t expensive, and help save space. Check out these awesome ideas for putting together a vertical garden wall.

Invest in Outdoor Furniture

Of course, your overall goal is to save money. However, many people don’t realize that there are plenty of outdoor furniture sets that won’t cost an arm and a leg. “Once you’ve identified a palette, theme, and style, one of the first things you’ll want to do is start looking at comparable pieces in your price range,” says Houston Home & Patio, a provider of outdoor furniture in Houston. “Often, you’ll find that there are always pieces that are just as nice as some of the more expensive brands, without compromising quality.”

Build a Patio

A patio or deck can increase the resale value of your home. There are two major costly components of building a deck or patio: materials and labor. Building a deck often requires concrete for fittings, which can be very expensive. Alternatively, you can use deck blocks instead, which are much cheaper and easier to place. They offer strong support and have enough space to drain water away. If you aren’t savvy with construction, you can hire an independent worker to do the job for you. Try using an app like TaskRabbit to find reasonably priced helpers, and scan local classifieds and Craigslist ads.

Build an Outdoor Fire Pit

Who doesn’t love a cozy outdoor fire pit, where you can enjoy a night of s’mores with your family or drinks with your friends? Although you may be able to find an independent contractor who’s willing to work within your budget, it’s also possible to build your own outdoor fire pit. You’ll need concrete retaining wall blocks, cinder block caps, a concrete fire bowl, and a dirt floor fire ring. You can create a dirt floor fire ring for free if you find your own stones.

Keep Track of Your Budget

Budgeting your renovation is key to ensuring you stay on track with your finances. Fortunately, there are plenty of budgeting apps to make it easy for you to see where every dollar of your renovation is going. Start by choosing a realistic budget and analyzing your current expenses. Then put together a Pinterest board of ideas, and start searching for materials and laborers to allocate where each dollar of the budget will go.