Creative Ways To Spruce Up Your Backyard On A Budget

This year we are putting a lot of energy into our backyard turning a large chunk of it into a functional urban homestead while leaving some areas for entertainment so we can spend more time outside this summer.

To help keep this on a budget and still create a fun oasis we are working slowly and looking for creative ways to spruce up your backyard on a budget to help make the most of our space.

Creative ways to improve your backyard on a budget

Outdoor Wall Art

If you’re artistically inclined, a mural on a bare outdoor wall can really tie your outdoor space together. This cactus painting adds a pop of color to this outdoor dining area while infusing it with a Southwestern or Mexican vibe just perfect for our home in Mexican Town.

My sister is working on designing a mural for the side of the house to go along with he many great ones the city has to offer on more public buildings.

Stock Tank Pool

Traditional pools can be expensive and require a lot of upkeep. A fantastic alternative is a stock tank pool. We are on the hunt for a stock tank to turn into a small pool for our backyard. We had thought about one of those easy set ones with PVC frames but this would last longer and give the space a more relaxing feel perfect for after a long hard day on the homestead.

DIY Water Feature

You can create a simple water feature using a large planter, a water pump, and some river stones. The sound of trickling water can make your backyard feel more serene.

We have an old kiddie pool that is really too small for the kids that we are looking to use a solar water fountain to help keep running smoothly while adding a nice cool water source for the chickens to cool off in this year.

Hanging Flower Pots

If you love a backyard bursting with color and lush plants, consider hanging pots of vibrant flowers on your porch ceiling or fence using S hooks. This adds an extra splash of color without needing to drill any holes.

While the garden is bursting with veggies and edible flowers we are hanging pots for things like strawberries that the chickens will eat faster than the plants can produce and some fun things like and flowers that are just for looks and to help feed local pollinators.

DIY Firepit

A firepit is a must-have for any backyard, especially in cooler climates. However, they can be expensive. You can create your own firepit at a fraction of the cost by surrounding a metal firepit bowl with cinder blocks or pavers in a staggered pattern, mimicking the look of a high-end stone firepit.

We have built a few simple DIY fire pit with a galvanized tub and this year we have one that is made with a ring of bricks to help contain the fire.

Seasonal Pillows

You’d be surprised at how much a pop of color can transform the entire look of your backyard. Brighten up your outdoor furniture seasonally with vibrant pillows for spring and summer, and more earth-toned pillows for fall and winter.

Garden Potting table

If gardening is one of your favorite hobbies, setting up a potting station can make your gardening more efficient and even prevent back pains. Use an old table or scraps of plywood to create a space to hold pots, planters, soil, and gardening tools.

Make sure the surface is about waist high to make it easier on your body when you’re gardening. This can make up potting and taking care of seedlings in the garden much easier on your back. You can even find really cute potting tables that can double as a space for serving treats at bonfires.

Hammock

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a quiet sanctuary; you can create your own little getaway right in your backyard. Set up a hammock, add pillows, string lighting in trees, blankets, and even a plate (or basket) of food for when you get hungry to create a place you can quickly sneak away to enjoy some quiet time.

Pallet Furniture

Old wooden pallets can be transformed into outdoor furniture. You can make a simple bench, a daybed, or even a swing. Save some money by taking a DIY approach and using upcycled pallets for furniture, base to a decking area, or another large project.

Painted Stones

Gather some stones and paint them in bright colors or with fun patterns. They can be used to create a pathway, border a garden bed, or just as decoration. This is a great project for the kids and can really make garden beds, fire pits, and other areas with rock edging pop.

DIY Bird Feeders

Use old teacups, bottles, or cans to create bird feeders. Hang them from trees or place them on a table to attract birds to your backyard. We tend to keep these toward the front to help encourage birds to stay away from our chicken and quail flocks.

Outdoor Chalkboard

If you have kids, an outdoor chalkboard can provide hours of fun. You can make one using a large piece of plywood and some chalkboard paint.

Tire Planters

Old tires can be painted and used as planters. They can be stacked, hung from a tree, or placed on the ground. We had several old tires. While we will not grow edible plants in there’s they make a great place for overflow or pest-repelling plants like marigolds, and decorative plants, and if we want to be able to use the plants we can put a 5 gallon bucket in the center to stop the leaching of the rubber into our edible foods

String Lights

String lights can create a magical atmosphere in your backyard. Hang them from trees, along fences, or over your patio area. We have solar fairy lights we got on sale all over different areas of the yard.

It makes it easy to check areas in the yard from our windows at night while at the same time making the most of the lighting when we relax outside in an eco-friendly way that does run up the power bill.

DIY Compost Bin

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can make a compost bin using old pallets or a trash can. Composting can help to improve your garden soil for more blooms in your backyard.

Outdoor Movie Screen

Hang a white sheet and use a projector to create an outdoor movie theater. We found an old pull-down screen and screwed hooks into the side of the house to run movie nights all summer long.

Transforming your backyard into a beautiful oasis doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and some DIY spirit, you can create a space that’s both inviting and functional. From DIY water features and pallet furniture to homemade wind chimes and a recycled container garden, these budget-friendly ideas prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a backyard you love. So, roll up your sleeves and start planning your backyard makeover today!