12 Ways to Upgrade Your Backyard on a Budget

Everyone loves a good backyard, but redoing your entire backyard may seem like a daunting job. The good news is there are many affordable upgrades you can make on your own! These budget-friendly upgrades will have your backyard looking cozy and inviting in no time, without breaking the bank!

In addition, if you're trying to sell your home, making these changes to your backyard will definitely please potential buyers! When spaces feel cozy and comfortable, that means a quicker sell!

1. DIY Patio

If you already have a patio or deck, skip to #2. If you're in need of a patio or deck, keep reading!

Patios can be costly to build, however, a gravel patio is by far the easiest, and cheapest way to build one on a budget. A gravel patio is made by clearing your desired space, building a simple border, laying down landscape fabric, and dropping your gravel! Check out these easy instructions from City Farmhouse.

2. Add A Dining or Bistro Set

Large dining sets can be costly and set you back a few thousand. However, you can find more affordable larger dining sets at Ikea, Target, Wayfair, and Overstock!

If you're on a tighter budget, try searching for outdoor bistro sets. These 3 piece dining sets can seat 2 people, and can add instant appeal to any backyard nook, garden, patio, or deck! Check out some affordable dining & bistro sets below:

 

3. Build A Bar!

You may have to be a little handy to do this DIY, but making your own bar can save you a ton of $! You can buy pallets, or, you can search around for some stores who throw away their extra pallets. Some stores have certain rules that prevent them from giving their pallets away, but if you see a few next to a business, it never hurts to ask!

Check out this DIY pallet bar on Pinterest from 1001 Pallets:

4. Add Comfortable Seating

No, we're not talking about fold up chairs! Having comfortable seating will immediately transform your space and make you want to be outdoors. Whether your budget is $30 or $300, you can find very affordable outdoor seating at Wayfair.com and Overstock.com (they give 10-15% off your first purchase online if you sign up for their emails!). You can also try Amazon.com - but make sure you check their reviews to ensure the product and seller is legit!

AMAZON TIP: If you're ever looking at a product on Amazon and start wondering if their reviews are legit, go to fakespot.com and paste the amazon product link into their website. Fake Spot analyzes every Amazon review and will give you a score from A-F on whether they're legit or not (A is the best, F is the worst).  

 

5. Add a Rug

Outdoor rugs are a great way to enhance any space! You can place a decorative mat at your backyard door - these are great for wiping off shoes when coming and going inside. You can find quality, large decorative mats at Home Depot for under $15! 

If you have a deck, check out Amazon, Overstock, & Wayfair for large area rugs. You can find 5'x8' area rugs (and larger) for $65 or less!

6. Build A Fire pit

You can purchase metal fire pits for under $50 - these are great for those who want to move the pit location around throughout the yard. However, for those who want a built-in fire pit, but don't want to spend a ton of money, check out this $60 DIY fire pit from Keeping It Simple Crafts. 

7. Add a Nook!

Everyone loves a good nook! Nooks can be anything from an outdoor mini garden, seating area (bench), pathway, reading area, or hammock space! Adding a nook to your backyard will split up the space, and make it feel more inviting and comfortable!

TIP: Design your nook to fit your hobbies and interests (e.g., reading nooks, garden nooks, nap spaces). 

 

8. Add a Walkway

This can go hand in hand with #7! Purchasing a lot of stones can be costly, however, there are many options to create a walk way on a budget:

• Purchase fewer stones (at around $3 a piece from Home Depot) for a smaller pathway
• Mulch pathway
• Gravel pathway
• Wood Pathway - planks or rounds

Place your new walkways in areas of need - empty space, entry to a nook, entry to a door, wrap to front of home, etc. Check out these DIY pathway ideas from Bob Vila. 

9. Hang Lights

Adding string lights will make your space feel comfortable and soo cozy! You don't need to go overboard and buy hundreds of lights. You can find very affordable outdoor string lights at Home Depot, and all you need is a few strands to light up your space in the night for a great outdoor vibe!

10. Add a Bird Feeder & Bird House

A cute bird house will add a nice touch to your backyard, and even better, you can attract all sorts of beautiful birds! Bird feeders are a little more complicated since different types of seeds will attract different types of birds. Either way, attracting more birds to your backyard will make your space feel like a natural oasis!

11. Add an Herb or Vegetable Garden

This tip will definitely make your backyard feel more homey, but it is surely a bigger task to take on than the rest! If you don't have a lot of time for gardening, trying planting something easier, such as an herb garden (Rosemary, Dill, Lemongrass, Thyme, Basil, etc).

If you're ready to take the next step and grow some veggies, make sure you do your local research to see what grows best in your area (and when it grows best). 

For beginners, check out the 10 Best Vegetables to Grow for Beginners by Our Inspired Roots.

12. Buy a Hedge Trimmer & String Trimmer

This one is worth it, and may sound more costly than it actually is. Hedge trimmers and string trimmers are game-changers, and you can purchase both for less than $100 at Home Depot or Lowes.

Hedge trimmers obviously trim hedges, bushes, etc. String trimmers tackles what your lawn mower can't, like that stubborn long grass or weeds around tree trunks and rock walls. Both of these tools are well worth the money and will make your backyard feel clean and landscaped!