Affordable Backyard Design Ideas

Redesigning your backyard can be a great way to add value to your home, make it easier for you to entertain guests, and also make your home more enjoyable! There are a variety of affordable backyard design ideas you can use to get the backyard of your dreams without breaking the bank account! Below are a couple of our favorite ways for you to redesign your backyard to make it more entertaining, functional, beautiful, and peaceful!

1. Consider Stone Work Rennovations

If you have stone wall fencing in your backyard, consider doing some renovations to improve the look of your stone fence. Masonry specialists are skilled in fixing cracks, chipped rocks, and bringing out the natural beauty of the stone in your backyard. Some popular and affordable choices for stone in your backyard include sandstone, slate, and pumice. You can even use some more high-end stones such as granite to accent smaller areas in your backyard.

2. Add a Water Fountain

Adding a water fountain is one of the best affordable backyard design ideas that can spruce up your backyard in an instant! Outdoor water fountains can be relatively inexpensive, and you can even buy them used or at a second-hand store. Outdoor water fountains can create a relaxing atmosphere as well as create an effortless centerpiece for your backyard. You can invest in one bigger fountain, or have various smaller water fountains lining your backyard. Both of these ideas can turn your backyard into a meditation wonderland.

3. Add Some Cheap Lighting

String lighting is all the rage right now, and for good reason! String lights are very easy to hang up, come in a variety of colors, and are able to blend right in and provide a relaxing ambiance to your backyard. String lights can be battery powered by 2 AA batteries, and therefore are easily portable. Hang them off of your patio, or hang them on the side of your walls to create a dimly lit area.

4. Build a Cheap Deck

You can easily make your backyard more entertaining by building a cheap deck in your backyard! This is a great DIY project you can do using simple plywood or pallets. You can also build a deck using the help of deck contractors. Whichever route you decide to take, make sure to build a deck and protect it using waterproof deck stain and sealer. If you already have a deck in your backyard that seems worn, you can spruce up the look of your backyard by applying more staining or sanding down your deck to give a smooth look.

5. Use Upcycled Patio Furniture

Your patio furniture can be one of the greatest assets to your backyard, and getting the right patio furniture can complement any backyard theme. Opt for using upcycled patio furniture, whether it’s vintage or used patio furniture or furniture used out of distressed wood. Scouring the internet for hand-me-down patio furniture is one of the most affordable backyard design ideas out there! On sites such as Cragslist and Facebook Marketplace, you might even get lucky and be able to find free patio furniture, although you will have to pay for transportation yourself.

6. Do a DIY Mosaic

Moisaics are beautiful, elegant, and can add a pop of color to your backyard. One of the best affordable backyard design ideas that can be done in as little as a day is to make your own mosaic pathway! Use your favorite pieces of colored ceramic tiles to make your own mosaic walkway or stepping stones in your yard. You can even create mosaic-inspired tiles to line your backyard and as accents. These mosaics might seem expensive, however, they can be made using cheap cement and even recycled polished glass.

7. Install a Vegetable Garden

Vegetable gardens can prove to be worth their weight in gold! Installing a vegetable garden is one of the best affordable backyard design ideas that not only add beauty but also functionality to your garden. Best of all, vegetables can be grown all year round, depending on where you live. If you’re unsure of whether you want to plant your vegetable garden directly in your yard, you can also construct cheap planter boxes to place your vegetables in.

8. Plant Drought-Resistant Plants

If you live in the desert or a hot climate, you might not have the right weather conditions to grow vegetables or flowers. Opt for landscaping that includes drought-resistant plants, such as succulents and cacti. These drought-resistant plants can be easily cared for, and are some of the best options for sprucing up the look of your garden without much effort or maintenance. Best of all, this is one of the most affordable backyard design ideas, as cacti are relatively inexpensive. You can also save on maintenance costs in the long run, as these plants don’t require much watering or upkeep.

9. Install a Shed

If you have several tools taking up space in your backyard, it can be unsightly and even cluttering. One of the best affordable backyard design ideas to clear up space and add a rustic feel to your backyard is to install a shed! A small shed can add storage space and lots of character to your backyard. You can even get the help of a home siding services to construct your shed out metal, wood, or vinyl siding that can be attractive as well as add value to your home! To ensure your shed doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, plant flowers or a small garden around it to make it look warm and inviting, or paint it to match your home or the theme of your backyard! Some good shed colors include red, light blue, yellow, and natural wood finishes. You can even use your shed as an outdoor living space if it’s big enough, or invest in a cheap 10′ shipping container and use this as a storage area or to accent your backyard.

10. Install an Above-Ground Pool

The cost to install a pool in your backyard can be astronomical, but there is a way to install a pool in your backyard without having to shell out tens of thousands of dollars. Installing an above-ground pool is one of the best affordable backyard design ideas to keep you cool during the summers. Above-ground pools can be easily installed without having to dig up your backyard. They can be relatively large and have space for several guests, or come in smaller sizes so you can swim personal laps.

11. Install an Inflatable Hot Tub

Want to create a serene and relaxing outdoor living area? How about setting up an inflatable hot tub outside? Inflatable hot tubs are a great way to get all the benefits of a hot spa and jacuzzi at little cost. Inflatable hot tubs can be set up during a get-together, or they can be set up year-round in your backyard. These hot tubs also have the ability to be put away for later use if you have a smaller backyard. You can even customize your hot tub using custom spa seats, spa pillows, and side tables for maximum comfort!

12. Install gravel

If you’ve recently installed a garden or otherwise have a pest problem, one of the best ways to instantly get rid of pests is to use small pebbles and gravel. Pebbles and gravel help deter pests, who without any food nearby will eventually leave your garden. This is one of the most affordable backyard design ideas also, as gravel and pebbles are relatively cheap and, depending on the state you live in, can also be completely free! If your pest problems persist even after you landscape using pebbles or gravel, contact your local pest control service.

13. Install an Herb Garden

Vegetables might be a bit difficult to maintain, but if you still want a garden to help you cook, why not try a vegetable garden? Installing a vegetable garden in your backyard is a great idea if you’re a home cook and are constantly trying out new flavors. Some relatively easy herbs to plant that are inexpensive and easy to maintain include basil, mint, rosemary, and even sage and lavender.

14. Paint a Mural

One of the most affordable backyard design ideas is to paint a mural on your backyard fence, wall, or even on your concrete patio! Murals are a gorgeous add-on and can be dedicated to your family, showcase your art skills, or add a contemporary touch to your home. You’re free to express yourself however you want with your mural, which makes it a simple yet effective way to spruce up your backyard. If you’re unsure of whether your art skills are good enough to showcase, you can also hire house painters to paint a unique mural, although this will be a bit pricier than doing it yourself. Make sure to plan your painting during the summer months, as the winter rain or snow can make it difficult for your mural to dry.

15. Touch Up Your Home’s Exterior

If the side of your home’s walls is facing your backyard, you should make sure to touch up the exterior paint and siding. No one wants to sit in a backyard facing a dilapidated exterior! Reach out for stucco remodeling services to redo the stucco of your home and create a decorative coating for your wall. If you have siding, a siding contractor can also help you replace your siding with new colors and with insulated siding such as vinyl.

16. Install Sliding Glass Doors in your Patio

Sliding glass doors are a great way to create the look of a bigger backyard. Sliding glass doors allow you to extend your living area into the backyard, making it easier to move back and forth between the living area and kitchen in your home and the entertainment area outside! Installing sliding glass doors is one of the best affordable backyard design ideas that can make your space seem bigger, as well as add value to your home! Shop around for glass door services to get the most affordable price on sliding glass doors.

17. Install a Small Pond

There’s no better way to create a zen backyard than installing a small pond! Small ponds are one of the most affordable backyard design ideas that can create a serene setting, house pets such as fish and turtles, and create a beautiful landscape in your very own backyard. Small ponds are very easy to install with the help of a pre-built pond liner and some digging! You can also opt for an above-ground pond, which is similar to a water fountain but can support more water.

18. Lay Down Some Turf

If your backyard is made of concrete, add some greenery by laying down some turf! Artificial grass is not only attractive but also one of the best affordable backyard design ideas to turn your backyard from cold and uninviting, to green and luscious!

19. Make DIY Cushioned Seats

Make your own cushion covers by choosing your favorite fabric from the local fabric store, placing it over some cheap cushions, and stapling everything together over a piece of plywood! This is just one of the many ways you can design and build your own cheap cushion seat benches for your backyard without breaking the bank! Add flair and a pop of color to your backyard or choose refreshing white fabric to create a relaxing atmosphere for your guests.

20. Do a DIY Fire Pit

Building a fire pit is one of the best affordable backyard design ideas to create a gathering place and add warmth to your backyard. Best of all, a fire pit can be constructed in as little as a day with the help of some brick and a steel fire ring!

Upgrade With Little Cost

Using these affordable backyard design ideas, you can turn your backyard from boring to serene, luxurious, and a gathering hot spot!

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