Are you searching for backyard ideas on a budget? You are not alone. For anyone who lives in a metropolitan flat or tiny cottage, a backyard seems like a luxury – one that requires time, energy, and, above all else, money to maintain.
But, while an outdoor space is a great bonus to any beautiful home, it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune.
Need proof? Have a look at these innovative yet cheap backyard ideas, all of which are beautiful too. Turns out, all you really need to have a gorgeous garden space is time, elbow grease and some creativity.
Backyard ideas on a budget
Our beautiful but cheap backyard ideas will inspire you to update your space and create your ideal outdoor retreat, whatever your style and budget.
1. Create a vegetable garden
(Image credit: Rocky Hedge Farm)
If you’re looking for a budget-conscious backyard idea that will also allow you to save money on your grocery bill, consider adding some raised garden beds to your space.
The beauty of raised beds is that they can be tailored to your specific size requirements, meaning that a vegetable garden can be fitted into even awkwardly shaped spaces and easily integrated into small backyard ideas.
Sarah Blankenship, the blogger behind Rocky Hedge Farm, created several in her yard with a few wooden planks. Once you’ve constructed the raised beds, fill each one with soil and seeds for a homemade vegetable garden.
2. Add an arbor
(Image credit: Farmhouse on Boone)
Another way to dress up your backyard is with an arbor, perhaps incorporated into your garden fence ideas like in this yard's design. This garden detail can add a whimsical charm to your garden, plus it might discourage critters and nosy neighbors from infiltrating your space.
An arbor might look like a fancy feature, but Lisa Bass from Farmhouse on Boone proves it can be an affordable undertaking. Once you invest in a drill and saw, all you need is some planks of wood, screws, and a fresh coat of paint.
3. Add interest to your patio –on a budget
(Image credit: Hayley Stuart )
Whether you’re curling up with a good book, enjoying a meal al fresco, or simply admiring your garden, a patio never fails to offer an excellent vantage point. But, if you're looking for some fresh patio ideas, consider stenciling a cool design on the floor.
Not only is this an easy project that can be completed in a weekend, but it can also be done for a fair, affordable price. Let blogger Hayley Stuart show you how it’s done.
4. Build your deck from the ground up
(Image credit: I Spy DIY )
Or, if you don’t have a deck or patio in your backyard, you can always build one from scratch.
Admittedly, this budget-friendly backyard requires time and a close attention to detail. In fact, levelling a sloped backyard can take a few days. But, as this final product from home decor blog I Spy DIY proves, the results are so worth it.
5. Give your small garden the textured treatment
(Image credit: The Grit and Polish)
Want to make a patio from scratch, but not willing to put in that much elbow grease? This patio refresh from the Grit and Polish offers the best of both worlds, making it the perfect backyard idea on a budget.
Here, husband-wife duo Garrett and Cathy used pea gravel to landscape a backyard with visual and textural distinction from the rest of their grassy plot. For a makeshift patio, the couple covered a portion of the gravel with large pavers.
6. Make a splash with a stock pool
(Image credit: Emerson Grey Designs)
Pool ideas offer endless fun and for many they are a backyard staple. However, building a pool can get expensive. If you’re looking to make a splash for less, add a stock pool a la Bri Moysa of Emerson Grey Designs.
The designer accessorized a stock tank with homemade steps, tropical plants, and a fresh coat of black paint to make it feel like an intentional addition to the backyard, not an afterthought.
7. Introduce solar garden lighting
(Image credit: Sugar Maple Notes)
A few strands of twinkling lights are an easy, affordable way to add some style to your backyard. But, unless you have a few trees to hang them from, you might be out of luck.
Fortunately, this idea from Sugar Maple Notes is a good one, creating clever backyard ideas on a budget by using a planter as a base for a post to drape string lights from. Not only aesthetically pleasing,solar garden lighting ideas will also save energy and keep costs down.
'Our DIY planter posts project is so simple, yet makes a big impact in our backyard,' explains blogger Sarah Harmsen. 'The string lights add just the right amount of twinkle to our patio – much needed for summer evenings on the porch.'
8. Set up a spot for outdoor lounging –and garden shade
(Image credit: Future)
A cooling spot for relaxing, entertaining or designed purely as a retreat will make your backyard a joy to use all day long. Think about a planning a shade garden that includes multi-sensory experiences of sight, sound and scent – all that's needed is some draping fabric, wooden posts and a bit of creativity.
If your budget allows, invest in a small pond or water fountain. The trickling water will feel cooling and add a relaxing soundscape to your sensory garden.
9. Enhance a sense of garden privacy
(Image credit: Diana Elizabeth)
For a backyard ideas on a budget that are both affordable and space-efficient, consider decking out your privacy fence.
'Because of the small footprint, we decided to use vertical garden ideas – and add plants in unique vessels on the fences,' explains Penny D. Francis, designer and owner of Eclectic Home.
'Half -round brass wall vessels were perfect for the succulents. We created a planter made from white oak that extended the length of the fence that also doubled as a bench for guests.'
The result? A small yard that doesn’t sacrifice style.
10. Defy gravity with a trellis
(Image credit: Eclectic Home)
Speaking of your privacy fence, you can also spruce up often overlooked fence or garden walls with a DIY trellis.
Blogger Diana Elizabeth used floral wire to create a diamond-shaped trellis on her wall, allowing her jasmine plants to reach new heights. It’s a budget-conscious idea that can appeal to all of the senses.
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Backyard Ideas on a Budget
Creating a beautiful backyard doesn't have to break the bank. With some creativity and a little effort, you can transform your outdoor space without spending a fortune. Here are some budget-friendly backyard ideas:
1. Create a vegetable garden
Adding a vegetable garden to your backyard can be a cost-effective way to save money on groceries while enjoying the beauty of homegrown produce. Raised garden beds are a popular choice as they can be tailored to fit any space and are easy to maintain. You can construct raised beds using wooden planks and fill them with soil and seeds.
2. Add an arbor
An arbor can add a touch of whimsical charm to your backyard while also providing some privacy and deterring critters from entering your space. Building an arbor can be an affordable undertaking with just a few materials like wood planks, screws, and paint .
3. Add interest to your patio
Stenciling a cool design on your patio floor can instantly add visual appeal to your outdoor space. This is a budget-friendly project that can be completed in a weekend and at an affordable price.
4. Build your deck from the ground up
If you don't have a deck or patio in your backyard, building one from scratch can be a rewarding project. While it may require time and attention to detail, the end result can be worth it. Levelling a sloped backyard and constructing a deck can create a beautiful outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment.
5. Give your small garden the textured treatment
Creating a patio from scratch doesn't have to be labor-intensive. Using pea gravel and large pavers, you can create a textured patio that adds visual interest to your backyard. This is a cost-effective way to create a makeshift patio with a unique look.
6. Make a splash with a stock pool
Building a traditional pool can be expensive, but you can still enjoy a refreshing dip on a budget. Consider adding a stock pool, which can be accessorized with steps, plants, and a fresh coat of paint to make it a stylish addition to your backyard.
7. Introduce solar garden lighting
String lights can add a magical ambiance to your backyard, but if you don't have trees to hang them from, you can use planters as bases for posts to drape the lights from. Solar garden lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient and cost-effective.
8. Set up a spot for outdoor lounging and garden shade
Creating a shaded area in your backyard can provide a cool and relaxing spot for outdoor lounging. You can use draping fabric, wooden posts, and some creativity to design a retreat-like space. Consider adding a small pond or water fountain to enhance the sensory experience.
9. Enhance a sense of garden privacy
If you have a privacy fence, you can make it more visually appealing by adding vertical gardens or unique planters. Using vessels like half-round brass wall vessels or repurposed materials, you can create a small yard that combines style and functionality.
10. Defy gravity with a trellis
Spruce up your privacy fence or garden walls by adding a DIY trellis. By using floral wire, you can create a diamond-shaped trellis that allows climbing plants to reach new heights. This budget-conscious idea adds beauty and greenery to your backyard.
Remember, these are just a few ideas to inspire you. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your backyard into a beautiful and inviting space without breaking the bank.
