30 Cheap & Easy DIY Backyard Ideas on a Budget (2024)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

Tired of dirty towels around the backyard pool? Keep them dry and clean with this DIY outdoor towel rack!

Nothing beats roasting marshmallows in your own backyard! This DIY fire pit is easy to make yourself in just a few hours.

Finding the right seating around that newly built fire pit can be tricky! Why not build your own curved fire pit bench instead?

Keep leaves and rain out of your fire pit with this easy to make fire pit cover!

I've always wanted a backyard pond with a waterfall! This tutorial shows you how to make your own natural, soothing water habitat.

How cool is this! Set up a simple backyard movie screen, then invite the whole neighborhood for a show!

Amp up the ambiance with these DIY tiki torches! They're simple to make with jars, rope and fuel.

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.

With a little ingenuity and an old, broken playset, you can make an amazing playground for your kids in the backyard!

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!

Give the kids a spot to express themselves in the backyard with this giant outdoor chalkboard!

These drop cloth curtains are a cheap and easy way to give privacy to a sheltered backyard patio!

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!

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!

What kid wouldn't want an ice rink in their backyard? I only wish our winters got cold enough to make this happen!