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6 Chic Budget-Friendly Backyard Ideas

Summer is just around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about sprucing up the backyard as a haven for relaxation and entertaining. Creating the perfect outdoor retreat doesn’t have to be costly. Read on for six easy, budget-conscious updates to make your backyard chic.  

Clean up the clutter. The first step in beautifying your backyard is to think out with the old and in with the new. Start by pruning out-of-control bushes and removing dead branches and leaves. Power wash your deck and walkways to instantly clean your space. From there, take inventory of what you have, and make a list of what you still need. This is the perfect opportunity to create a budget for your fresh new space, prioritizing what is most important for your yard.  

Update what you have. No budget to modernize your outdoor furniture and accessories? No worries! Achieve an instant refresh by reupholstering chairs. A clean coat of paint can also rejuvenate furniture or that dingy looking planter. The point is to start with what you have, and look for alternative ways to bring new life to your backyard without blowing your budget.  

Consider drought-resistant plants. Planting drought-resistant plants such as catmint, lavender or succulents helps preserve water, saving you money on your water bill, and giving you some spare cash to put toward other garden updates. When planning where to place your drought-resistant plants, place the fullest plants in the front and taper toward the back. This gives your garden the illusion of having more plants without having to fill every empty space. 

Take a DIY approach. Sites like Pinterest offer tons of easy budget-friendly DIY projects to update your backyard on a dime. You can follow different boards and pins to find the right project for you. Try painting inexpensive cinder blocks and adding soil and seeds to make budget-friendly planters. Or try making a bench out of an old shipping pallet. You could also put a personal flare on a DIY project by adding your initials to a custom steppingstone that would be more costly if you had one made at the store. Repurposing used wine corks is another instant update to any garden. Corks hold in moisture to garden bedding without any additional cost to you. 

Integrate shade. Basking in the sunlight is great, but shade can be a huge relief in high temperatures. If built-in awnings aren’t within your budget, consider adding a chic umbrella to your yard for a comfy outdoor hangout. Many stores such as Ikea, Target, and Lowes offer colorful, inexpensive umbrellas that add a great pop of color as well as create a haven from the sun. 

Add light. Backyard fun does not have to end when the sun goes down. Make sure to leave room in your budget for ways to enjoy your space into the evening. Installing permanent lighting can be pricey so try adding outdoor lighting that can change with the seasons. Tiki lamps are a fun, festive and inexpensive way to add some light and atmosphere. And for just $20 – cafe string lights are a trendy and affordable way to add a chic touch to your backyard. 

With just a little bit of inspiration and creativity, building a backyard oasis can be easy, fun and budget friendly.