A backyard renovation can be exciting. It allows homeowners to give the outdoor space a fresh look while increasing the entire property’s value. Planning the makeover with a professional remodeling company, however, can cost a fortune in most cases. Thankfully, one can take the DIY route and execute their own affordable backyard makeover ideas to save money. All that is required is a little creativity, hands-on effort, and just a fistful of dollars.
Add a DIY Porch Swing
When it comes to budget makeover ideas for any part of the house, DIY additions stand out as an ideal choice. They not only help save money but also let people get in touch with their creative side and personalize their living space. A particular DIY backyard makeover tip that works most of the time is to install a porch swing. Porch swings are fairly easy to make. All one needs is some wooden pallets or reclaimed lumber and basic tools like a saw, drill, sandpaper, screws, and strong ropes or chains for hanging. A porch swing will easily transform the look of the backyard and become the focal point. To add a little more flair, one can use attractive wood stains or paint colors that complement the backyard decor.
Build a Fire Pit
Adding a DIY fire pit is another simple way to transform a backyard without overspending. Like porch swings, fire pits make for decent focal points. By designing a seating area around the pit, one can make a cozy and alluring gathering place in their backyard. Recycled bricks or concrete blocks and some gravel are the most important materials to make a fire pit. Before starting this project, one must ensure they adhere to the local safety regulations, such as keeping the pit at a safe distance from flammable materials.
Repaint Old Furniture
This is among the most effective backyard upgrades under $500. Over time, the constant exposure to sunlight and other weather elements can make the outdoor furniture look quite dull. The paint starts fading or peeling, giving the entire space a worn-out look. Repainting the furniture is an inexpensive way to breathe new life into it, considering a can of paint costs only around $25. One can give their backyard a unique look by choosing lively colors that match the garden’s flowers or other decor elements.
Hang String Lights
Another inexpensive way to give the backyard a warm and cozy look is to install string lights over the seating space. One can hang these lights in different patterns depending on how they want the yard to look. Draping them along a fence, wrapping them around trees, or stretching them overhead in a crisscross pattern are excellent ways to get the most out of this cheap outdoor decorating idea. To add a little more pep to the overall look, one can also hang a few lanterns here and there. Regardless of the kind of lights one chooses, they should be weather-resistant and energy-efficient.
Add a Small Table
If the backyard does not have a table, adding one can be a game-changer. Outdoor tables—even without the seating furniture—can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the backyard but also add practicality. One can use the table as a serving space or just another stand for potted plants. Either way, it will be a fun addition. Adding a table is an affordable backyard makeover idea, considering one can easily make it from pallets or reclaimed lumber. If one plans to move the table around, it is better to ensure it has a foldable design.
Make a Vertical Garden
A vertical garden is an inexpensive backyard improvement project that is fairly easy to implement. It can be a perfect addition if someone has an empty wall in the backyard or fences they wish to cover. A vertical garden allows for the creative use of vertical space, especially in small backyards, while adding greenery and life to plain surfaces. For this project as well, one can use wooden pallets to create the plant’s pot hanging structures. One can also install custom-built frames or shelves to support the plants. One must choose plants well-suited for growing in a vertical garden, such as herbs and drought-resistant succulents.
Replace Broken Bricks
When it comes to backyard landscaping, brick paths are a common choice to add an aesthetic appeal to the space. But a common issue with them is that, over time, the bricks become loose, crack, or break due to regular foot traffic. For such cases, homeowners can rely on a simple, budget-friendly backyard landscaping idea—replacing broken bricks with stones or gravel. Stones not only blend well with outdoor surroundings but also add a touch of rustic charm. Plus, they are durable and low-maintenance. Combining stones with bricks creates an interesting, intentional contrast in texture and color, giving the backyard path a refreshed look.