Backyard renovations aren’t cheap, especially if you’re looking to hire a team to do the work. However, there are many patio ideas and projects that you can do yourself. These budget-friendly, backyard makeover projects can immediately spruce up your yard, giving your family the perfect outdoor space to hang out this summer.
7 Simple Backyard Renovations to Do This Year
We put together a list of projects that won’t cost you a fortune or take up months of your time to complete.
Light it up
The Govee Outdoor 32.8ft RGBIC Strip Light is a versatile lighting solution designed to elevate any outdoor space with vibrant colors, making your home the most memorable on the block. Its water-resistant construction makes it perfect for illuminating patios, gardens, or outdoor events. The RGBIC technology allows for stunning color combinations.
Even better, you can add synchronized music to your color ensembles. Easy installation and compatibility with smart home systems make it convenient to create personalized atmospheres effortlessly. Plus, the 30-meter range remote and 64 different color settings make it perfect for lighting your home from any room. And now, Sam’s Club is letting its members save on this product and many more with their Member’s Month markdowns!
Add a stone path
You can easily upgrade your outdoor space (backyard or front yard) with a simple walkway made out of stones. Not only does it protect your grass, but it also creates an outdoor, mud-free path to walk when it rains!
There are many different types of stones you can use for your walkway. Stepping stones come in unique sizes and shapes, which is great if you like that natural, rustic look. Manufactured pavers are more uniform a better if you’re aiming for something more modern or trying to patch a concrete patio.
Build a garden
Planting an array of herbs and vegetables is a fun way to play landscape designer and make a sustainable backyard project. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh produce that you grew yourself.
You can always plant your seeds in simple pots or planters. However, building a garden box or hot house can always expand the types of vegetables you’re able to grow. A trellis can also make a great addition to your garden (and it supports climbing plants and flowers).
If you have the space, you can also plant some beautiful smaller trees in order to really expand the nature in your backyard.
Hang up garden lights
Prepare your backyard for summer BBQs and create an outdoor oasis by adding string lights for ambiance. Hang a set between the trees or attach them to the side of your house for a starry sky every night of the year. Garden torches and outdoor lanterns also work. They can be used to illuminate walkways or to add more visibility while you’re dining outside.
If you’re looking for something more energy-efficient, then we recommend using solar lights instead. They charge during the day and automatically turn on at night. You’ll save big on energy costs, making this one of the best budget-friendly patio projects on this list.
Make your own fire pit
Nothing says summer outdoor entertaining like spending an evening roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Thankfully, stone fire pits are relatively easy to build and can even feature in an outdoor living space. If you want something more modern, get a gas fire pit that you can set up out of the box. Small spaces can benefit from a portable fire pit, while larger yards look great with a table fire pit combo.
It’s important that you set up your fire pit in an open area. Make sure it’s several feet from your home and not near any trees or bushes. And don’t forget to leave room for a seating area!
Set up an outdoor kitchen
This is one of the more time-consuming backyard renovations on this list. However, it’s entirely possible to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget. For starters, you’ll need a BBQ grill. Grill islands are easy to set up and give you that fully equipped kitchen aesthetic you might be looking for.
If you have the space, adding a sink, fridge, or extra counter space can also tie the whole look together. And wouldn’t it be cool to have a wood-burning pizza oven in your backyard, too?
Buy new furniture
Investing in durable outdoor furniture is one of our favorite patio ideas for the backyard. If you’re planning to throw parties or have outdoor BBQs, then a dining set is an absolute must. Couches and lounge sectionals are also handy if you want to spend the day relaxing in the sun (as is a hot tub).
If you live somewhere especially warm, a patio umbrella should also be on your list. Cantilever-style umbrellas are good for large spaces while tilting umbrellas provide shade for 1 or 2 people.
More Home Renovations
Don’t stop with the backyard. Once you’ve got the renovation bug, it’s hard to shake it. If you want to move past being a landscape architect, here are 10 home renovation projects you might want to try. You can also tidy your home and refresh the atmosphere by keeping your space organized and by selling unused furniture or décor items at a garage sale.