Backyard Decorating Ideas on a Budget

Create a beautiful deck or patio on the cheap with these inexpensive ideas and DIYs.

By: Jordan Lawson

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Unique DIYs for Outdoor Living

Outdoor furniture and decor can be expensive, especially for a space you may only use a few months out of the year. Luckily, you can make a big impact outside with wallet-friendly DIYs. Tackle some of these projects — from privacy solutions to entertaining essentials — and create an outdoor space you’ll want to spend time on. Bonus: Many of these ideas are great for renters and small-space dwellers, too.

Make a Galvanized Tub Planter

Keep your budget intact by making planters instead of buying them. It's easy to turn metal washtubs and buckets into planters. Start by drilling holes in the bottom for drainage. Then add furniture feet and use a stencil to paint on a custom pattern.

Get the How-To: Transform a Galvanized Tub Into a Chic, Summery Planter

Lay a Stone + Gravel Pathway

New hardscaping adds practicality and style to any yard. A combination of pebbles and stone pavers is the most inexpensive type of pathway to create, and it is also the easiest to DIY. Don't worry about perfection and straight lines when installing your walkway, freeform curves and shapes are more appealing and more in sync with nature.

Find More Ideas: 40 Ideas for Creating the Perfect Pathway in Your Yard

Build a Concrete Fire Bowl

Get the fire pit feel without the hefty price tag. This easy DIY can save you some big bucks while still bringing the warmth and festiveness of an expensive fire pit.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Concrete Fire Bowl

Upcycle a Hutch Into an Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Have an old hutch or cabinet at home that’s just collecting dust? Turn it into a beverage and food station for your outdoor entertaining area. Add a mini fridge and wine glass racks, and you’ll have yourself a multifunctional piece of furniture for serving and storage in no time.

Get the How-To: Upcycle a Hutch Into an Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Hang Cafe Lights

Add a gorgeous glow to your backyard with a string of inexpensive patio lights. It will transform your space in the warmer months into your friends' favorite hangout. If you don't have a place to hang them from, here's an idea: Use planters and wood posts to create that cafe feel. Plus, it's perfect if you're renting so you can remove them easily.

Get the How-To: How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights

Get a Tropical Feel With This Sail Shade

Take your patio from too hot to enjoy to the perfect shady spot to relax with this DIY sail shade. Plus, a few additions makes it into a stylish piece for your backyard.

Get the How-To: Beat the Heat and Add Privacy With an Embellished Shade Sail

Plant a Privacy Wall

Not ready to invest in a full privacy solution? Keep nosy neighbors at bay with a hanging plant wall. Prying eyes will focus on the pretty green on one side of their wall instead of you enjoying your backyard.

Get the How-To: How to Build an Outdoor Plant and Privacy Wall

Set Up an Outdoor Movie Theater

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars. An all-weather TV can cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, but you can set up a projector and screen for much less. Make this easy DIY movie screen using PVC pipes and a white sheet.

Get the How-To: DIY Outdoor Movie Screen

Don't Spend a Fortune on Furniture

An easy way to create a beautiful backyard on a budget is to not spend your entire bank account on furniture. Look for pieces at garage sales, thrift stores and even furniture friends and family may want to give away. Refinish, paint and turn something old into a new-to-you piece for your backyard.

Find More Ideas: 15 Outdoor Seating Ideas You (+Your Booty) Will Love

No Pool? No Problem

Create water fun for the kids (and for you) with these inexpensive and ingenious backyard games.

Get the How-To: Summer Backyard Water Games for Kids

Outfit an Outdoor Bar

Keep guests satisfied by creating an outdoor bar with a table from inside and some accents to make the space — no expensive bar installation needed. Plus, you'll spend more time having fun with your friends and family and less time fetching drinks from inside.

Find More Ideas: 30 Outdoor Bars That Will Tempt You to Sit and Sip

From: Tiffany Brooks

Add a Water Feature

Create a zen space in your backyard with this easy-to-make water feature. You can customize it just for you and it will look great in any outdoor space.

Get the How-To: Easy DIY Water Feature

Don't Forget the Games and Activites

You don't have to spend a fortune on premade outdoor games when you can easily make your own. This backyard bowling alley was crafted from pool noodles and a yoga mat.

Find More Ideas: 50 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages