Backyard ideas on a budget – create the ultimate outdoor retreat for less (2024)

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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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(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.

Backyard ideas on a budget – create the ultimate outdoor retreat for less (2024)

FAQs

Backyard ideas on a budget – create the ultimate outdoor retreat for less? ›

Landscaping around a stone walkway, planting tall shrubbery, or creating visual appeal with a dry stream are all simple DIY landscaping ideas. Bedazzling garden stones, hanging plants, and installing a garden arbor can transform your backyard living space into a secret garden that fits any budget.

How do you build a good outdoor space in a budget? ›

Landscaping around a stone walkway, planting tall shrubbery, or creating visual appeal with a dry stream are all simple DIY landscaping ideas. Bedazzling garden stones, hanging plants, and installing a garden arbor can transform your backyard living space into a secret garden that fits any budget.

How do I make a cheap outdoor seating area? ›

How to create an outdoor sitting area on a small budget
  1. Preparing the soil. ...
  2. Protect with landscaping fabric. ...
  3. Cover the area with pea gravel or pebbles. ...
  4. Enjoy your new outdoor sitting area. ...
  5. For more outdoor sitting area inspiration, have a look at these two posts:

What are some backyard ideas? ›

Make an Impromptu Seating Area

To landscape your small backyard, make use of vertical space by growing a garden up on a wall or fence. Use floating benches for built-in seating, rather than bulky patio furniture.

How do I turn my backyard into an oasis on a budget? ›

Here are my top 10 tips for turning any outdoor space into an oasis, no matter your square footage or budget.
  1. Set the mood with string lights. ...
  2. Make your space more private. ...
  3. Create a seating zone… ...
  4. … ...
  5. Add plants (real and fake). ...
  6. Tie the room together with an outdoor rug. ...
  7. Get a sprayer nozzle for your hose.
May 12, 2022

What is the least expensive DIY patio? ›

What is the most budget-friendly DIY patio material? Packed gravel is the lowest-cost option.

What is the least expensive type of patio? ›

Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.

What makes the perfect backyard? ›

The best backyard ideas all have one key thing in common: comfort. Whether it's a row of chaise lounges by the pool or a group of Adirondack chairs in an open grass field, a comfortable outdoor setup is the ultimate luxury. But you don't need an abundance of square footage to create a fun and functional backyard.

How do you landscape a sloped backyard on a budget? ›

Groundcover plants

A native groundcover is a great way to make a slope in your backyard beautiful. Groundcover plants are low-maintenance and hardy, so they can withstand a variety of weather conditions. They can be used to fill large spaces or to accentuate other plants in your garden.

How do I make my backyard tranquil? ›

11 Ways to Create a More Relaxing Backyard
  1. Clear the Clutter. ...
  2. Take Advantage of a View. ...
  3. Comfortable Seating. ...
  4. A Water Feature. ...
  5. Shade. ...
  6. The Right Landscaping. ...
  7. Design a More Inviting Patio or Deck. ...
  8. Create Privacy.

How do you make a whimsical backyard? ›

Start by repurposing everyday items into charming garden features. Old teacups become whimsical planters, while vintage ladders serve as enchanting trellises. Embrace your artistic side by painting rocks with vibrant colors or crafting DIY fairy houses to nestle among the greenery.

How much should I spend on an outdoor living space? ›

The cost of an outdoor living space ranges from $25,000 to $96,000 and more. Basic outdoor living spaces start at $25,000. The average one starts at $45,000. High-end outdoor spaces start at $96,000.

How do I maximize my outdoor space? ›

10 Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
  1. Install Lighting. You don't have to hire an electrician to add ambient lighting to your patio. ...
  2. Create Different Living Areas. ...
  3. Fire Pit. ...
  4. Potted Plants and Herbs. ...
  5. Install a Flagstone Patio. ...
  6. Install a Fountain. ...
  7. Add Pillows and Rugs. ...
  8. Install Alternative Seating.
Jun 8, 2018

How do you set up a small outdoor space? ›

Elongate a Space with Tall Furniture

Think vertically with your patio furniture, too! Tall top outdoor tables and chairs help create long, clean lines even in the most cramped spaces. Whether you're working with a small courtyard or mini porch, a tall table can accommodate more people in a limited space!

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