Summer is underway and it’s time for backyard bonfires, nights outside with family and friends, and stargazing from your lawn.

Is your backyard ready, or are you in need of some sprucing up? 

It can be hard to rework your outdoor living spaces on a budget, but if you’re willing to take one step at a time you might be surprised with what you can do without breaking the bank. 

Keep reading to learn about some of our favorite backyard and patio ideas on a budget!

Add a Fire Pit

What’s better than a warm summer night with the whole crew seated around a fire pit roasting marshmallows and hanging out?

Nothing, right?

While you can get a portable fire pit from any home and garden shop, also consider building your own for true DIY backyard charm. 

It’s a bit of work, but the end result is a cool centerpiece that you can design the rest of your yard around. 

Get Some Shade With a Pergola

Is your backyard feeling just a little bit too open? 

One of our favorite DIY backyard ideas is creating a DIY pergola. This is a bit of an advanced project, but if you do it as a team, it can be a fun way to spend some afternoons. 

A pergola helps to section off your yard into “indoor” and “outdoor” spaces, and it provides a bit of extra shade on sunny days. Leave it alone, add a canopy, or add some vines or wisteria to make it a little more magical. 

Update Your Lighting

There are plenty of ways to light up your backyard without digging into your savings, and lights can totally change the vibe of your entire outdoor space.

If you’re taking the DIY approach, stringing fairy lights around your yard is a popular and cozy way to bring some character to your space. 

If you’re a bit more ambitious and string lights aren’t for you, looking into a landscape lighting service for help and inspiration is also a great option.

A little lighting adjustment can make a big difference. 

Make a Walking Path

Creating a path from the front of the house to the backyard, or from the door to the main backyard area, is an easy way to change up your space. 

Paths come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be completely DIY. When making your outdoor living spaces on a budget, this is one of the easiest and cheapest steps to take. 

Our favorite option is a gravel or dirt path with decorative tiles inlaid, but choose what suits you.

Create a Water Feature

You don’t need a pool to bring a bit of water into the backyard (although a pool never hurts).

If you’re looking for an aquatic centerpiece, consider a small fountain, a natural birdbath, or even a koi pond (just make sure you look into proper care and conditions for koi). 

Outdoor Living Spaces on a Budget Can Look Great! 

No matter what price point you’re aiming for, you can design your outdoor living spaces on a budget that works for you. 

Revamp your entire backyard with any combination of our favorite affordable decoration ideas and you’ll have a space that you’ll be proud to invite your friends into.

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