By: Author Vineta Jackson
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These 30 cheap and easy DIY backyard ideas will transform your outdoor space on a tight budget and a short timeline!
Looking to spruce up your backyard without breaking the bank? You're in the right place! From simple lighting tricks to mini garden makeovers, we've got a list of 30 cheap and easy DIY backyard ideas that will transform your outdoor space.
How to Make a Pea Gravel Patio
Pea gravel is the easiest way to get a backyard patio in no time! Just dig out the grass, add a border, and dump in the pebbles! You can learn more about pea gravel patio pros and cons here.
DIY Outdoor Plant Stand with Arbor
Need a little privacy from the neighbors? Instead of a solid fence, try this outdoor plant stand with an arbor for hanging baskets to block the view.
DIY Cornhole Boards
Cornhole boards make playing in the backyard fun for both adults and kids! They're easy to make with a couple of precut plywood boards and 2x4s. I customized mine with Game of Thrones decals for the ultimate battle for Westeros!
DIY Cornhole Scoreboard
Arguing over the score is no fun, so I made this scoreboard to help us keep track. Oversized clothespins clip to the sides to make it easy to see the score at a glance.
DIY Nerf Storage Rack
Get ready for backyard battles with this Nerf storage rack! It's super easy to make with PVC pipes and connectors, and can be customized to fit all those blasters.
DIY End Table with Built-In Planter or Ice Bucket
Keep cold drinks nearby with this end table with built in ice bucket! You can also switch out the planter box for beautiful flowers instead.
Add Outdoor Rope Lights to a Deck Railing
Give your backyard deck or patio instant ambiance with outdoor rope lights that change color at the click of a button! Attach them to the deck railing where they'll be hidden from view until the sun goes down.
DIY Potting Bench with Sink
Avid gardeners know what a pain it can be to repot plants on the ground, and then run inside to wash up. This DIY potting bench features a built in sink that connects to a hose, so you can have running water at the faucet both for gardening and entertaining!
DIY Mini Greenhouse
This little greenhouse is perfect for even the smallest of outdoor spaces! You can start seeds and grow plants in just a few square feet of space on your patio or deck.
DIY Vertical Garden Wall Planter
This vertical garden does triple duty! Planter boxes can hold a variety of herbs or flowers to spruce up your backyard space. The tall planter wall can also be used as a privacy screen to block out nosy neighbors. And the bottom box can hold outdoor toys or even more plants!
Easy Fence Trellis
Tired of staring at that boring, flat fence surrounding your backyard? Turn it into a living wall by making this simple fence trellis! Just cut lattice strips to various lengths, and attach them in a random pattern. Climbing vines like clematis will cover this spot in no time!
Under Deck Storage with Removable Fence Panel
This spot under our deck stairs was filled with clutter, leaves and weeds. By fencing it in with a removable panel, we have more storage space in the backyard that's hidden from sight!
Photo Credit:sugarandcloth.com
DIY Outdoor Succulent Wall Accent
Here's another easy way to spruce up your backyard fence on a budget! This simple project will add succulents to your space and provide visual interest to an otherwise neglected area.
Photo Credit:www.loveandrenovations.com
DIY Backyard Bar Cart
You'll never believe what this cart looked like before! With a little elbow grease and paint, it's now the perfect backyard bar cart!
Photo Credit:h2obungalow.com
DIY Outdoor String Lights on Poles
If you don't have a deck railing for those outdoor rope lights, try this instead! Hang outdoor string lights from poles encased in planters to surround your backyard with the perfect ambiance.
Photo Credit:www.anikasdiylife.com
DIY Outdoor Towel Rack with Shelves
Tired of dirty towels around the backyard pool? Keep them dry and clean with this DIY outdoor towel rack!
Photo Credit:thriftdiving.com
How to Build a Fire Pit
Nothing beats roasting marshmallows in your own backyard! This DIY fire pit is easy to make yourself in just a few hours.
Photo Credit:abeautifulmess.com
Build Your Own Curved Fire Pit Bench
Finding the right seating around that newly built fire pit can be tricky! Why not build your own curved fire pit bench instead?
Photo Credit:www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com
DIY Fire Pit Cover
Keep leaves and rain out of your fire pit with this easy to make fire pit cover!
Photo Credit:www.kenarry.com
DIY Pond with Waterfall
I've always wanted a backyard pond with a waterfall! This tutorial shows you how to make your own natural, soothing water habitat.
Photo Credit:princesspinkygirl.com
Backyard Movie Theater
How cool is this! Set up a simple backyard movie screen, then invite the whole neighborhood for a show!
Photo Credit:adventures-in-making.com
DIY Tiki Torches
Amp up the ambiance with these DIY tiki torches! They're simple to make with jars, rope and fuel.
Photo Credit:themerrythought.com
DIY Canvas Tent
Turn your backyard into a camping hideaway with this DIY canvas tent! Add some string lights to create a magical setting you'll never want to leave.
Photo Credit:www.frugalmomeh.com
Upcycled Shipping Crate Playscape
With a little ingenuity and an old, broken playset, you can make an amazing playground for your kids in the backyard!
Photo Credit:abeautifulmess.com
Slat Wood Privacy Fence
It's hard to relax in the backyard with the neighbors watching. This simple slat wall gives you the privacy you need while looking good at the same time!
Photo Credit:www.loveandrenovations.com
Giant Outdoor Chalkboard
Give the kids a spot to express themselves in the backyard with this giant outdoor chalkboard!
Photo Credit:www.girljustdiy.com
Drop Cloth Curtains
These drop cloth curtains are a cheap and easy way to give privacy to a sheltered backyard patio!
Photo Credit:thecreatedhome.com
How to Build a Super Frugal Pergola
Create an outdoor room by adding a pergola over your picnic table! This gorgeous version adds lights, a chandelier and curtains for the ultimate hang out spot!
Photo Credit:jenwoodhouse.com
How To Build A DIY Floating Deck
Sometimes you'd rather have a wooden deck than a grassy backyard. Here's how to build a floating deck that sits a foot off the ground!
Photo Credit:rogueengineer.com
Backyard Ice Rink
What kid wouldn't want an ice rink in their backyard? I only wish our winters got cold enough to make this happen!
Check out these other outdoor project ideas!