Do you want to transform your backyard into something beautiful, but you’re struggling for cash and ideas? Let’s be honest, it would be great to get in a landscape contractor, but that is out of many peoples budgets. It can be hard to know what to do with that bit of dirt and grass at the back of your house, so we’ve come up with some fun and financially-friendly ideas and inspiration to spruce up your space. For something a little different, read on.
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Backyard Movie
If you’ve ever been to a movie night under the stars, you’ll know how magical it is. Now you can bring a little of that charm back to your own home. You’ll need a projector, a screen that you can tack to a wall or fence (you can use a bed sheet, a drop cloth or a shower curtain!), and a video source like a phone or computer. All that’s left to do then is grab your popcorn and settle down into a beanbag to enjoy the show.
Inexpensive Garden Shed
Create a cheap space to store all of your gardening tools and equipment so you won’t have to look at that ugly lawnmower anymore. Building a garden shed might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than it seems. You’ll probably find that you have most of the materials you need on hand already, and you can find hundreds of shed plans online. Some of the materials you might need are pallets, tarp, nails and a nail gun, a saw and some measuring tape.
DIY tree bench
If you’re struggling for places to sit in your garden, then how about creating a little shady spot under a tree? This offers more seating than a traditional bench, and you can lounge around reading under the shady branches all day. Protective goggles, wood pallets, and a saw are just a few of the items you’ll need for this bench. When you’re finished, paint it in a bright color, add some pretty, comfy pillows, and relax!
Skateboard Swing
This is an excellent idea for kids big and small. Most children have a skateboard or two lying around and, if they aren’t being used for their original purpose, put them to good use as a swing! You’ll need a drill to make some holes in the skateboard, some rope to loop through the holes and some wooden dowels for your little ones to hang onto. The best part is it only takes about 20 minutes! Cowabunga dude! Handy tip: If you have more than one little person and want to avoid fights over whose turn it is, you could use a pallet instead of a skateboard!
DIY kids playground
While we’re on the subject of swings, there are loads of other cool and creative backyard ideas to keep the kids busy and happy and you can let your imagination run wild. Here’s a couple of the best
- If you have an empty wall, make use of by creating a climbing wall with some screw in climbing holds. Add some rubber mulch so that if the kids fall, it’s onto a soft surface.
- Mount a whiteboard or chalkboard on to a spare fence so they can hone their artistic talents.
- Create balance beams out of scrap wood, or a tight rope between two trees!
Vertical gardening
If you’re struggling for space in your garden or can’t think of how to design a good layout without a landscape contractor, vertical gardening might solve all your problems. You can wire pots full of pretty flowers to whatever you find, whether it’s an old ladder or pallet. If you don’t have pots and are on a very tight budget, you could spray some old paint cans in colorful shades and fill them with soil. This is an inexpensive idea that will instantly cheer up your backyard.
Firepit
What’s better than sitting around a crackling fire, toasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories? Now you can make your very own fire pit in your back yard! This is such a simple idea and will save you heaps of money (the store bought ones cost over $100.) All you need to create a fantastic fire is some concrete blocks, a steel ring, and a shovel. To make it even prettier, you could use some rainbow fire crystals to create psychedelic flames.
A Pallet Pool
Here’s a thrifty idea for the summer months. Not many of us can afford to have a fancy swimming pool put in, but if you and your family are struggling in the sweltering heat, the next best thing is a DIY pallet pool! You’ll need around nine pallets, some nails, and some tarp to line the pool. Fill it up with the hose and splash in.
