---
slug: Cost-effective-renovation-ideas-for-backyards
title: Cost effective renovation ideas for backyards
author: Sana Naz
author_title: A business management academic with corporate sector experience. Sana has been writing for over six years now and she is a keen blogger.
author_url: '#'
author_image_url: https://i.imgur.com/6oEUEN4.jpeg
tags: [pool, backyard rentals, health]
---

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-1.jpg)

We love our outdoor spaces and spend a lot making them look fabulous. According to a global survey, people spend almost half a billion dollars each year renovating their backyards, including buying expensive decks and patios, swimming pools, plantations, fountains, furniture, and many more. 

But what if you are planning your backyard renovation but tight on your budget? What if your budget doesn't allow you to spend thousands or even a few hundred dollars on your backyard? Derived from research, it is a popular fact that while giving their house a makeover, people often run out of money when it comes to renovating their backyards. 

Backyard renovation does not have to be costly to look luxurious. Therefore, if you do not want to break the banks for your backyard renovation, follow the renovation tips compiled in this article below.

## Expand your patio or build a DIY deck

If you are low on the budget, the best way to renovate your yard is to expand what is already inside it. For example, extend your outdoor sitting space by adding more concrete to your already existing pad. This feature in your backyard would give an attractive appeal to your house in real-time. You can also build a wooden deck and adorn it with colorful ottoman stools. However, there is no need to rip off everything and start building from scratch. 


![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-2.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

If you need something that can jazz up the look of your deck or patio, consider adding a large colorful outdoor rug. Not only is it a way to add a pop of color to your outdoor space, but also it is a much cheaper alternative to changing the look of your patio instead of staining or painting. 

## Upgrade your outdoor kitchen

Though outdoor kitchens serve to be top entertainment spots, that does not mean that they need to be extravagant and huge. If your budget does not accommodate you to build a whole kitchen, there are many ways to make a small DIY cooking area. Just take your existing grill, build short walls of bricks or stones and build a barbecue frame. Voila! Your DIY built-in grill is ready!


![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-3.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

If you need a small dining area to enjoy meals outdoors, a budget-friendly idea would be building your DIY dining table. You just need two or three barrels and a large wooden plank. Buy some basic wooden chairs, and you are good to go with a DIY dining table.

## Use plants more and more

Nothing else would make the yard more attractive than adding lots of plants and flowers to it. Create levels in your backyard that will add a visual appeal to the space. This can be achieved by planting colorful blooms such as roses, tulips, orchids, etc. You can also create sculptures by cascading different plants and pots of different sizes and shapes.

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-4.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

If you have a small outdoor space, go for a vertical garden instead of expanding your landscape. You can make a DIY vertical planter by drilling planter boxes onto a wooden pallet and placing it wherever you like. Do not be afraid of using color. Add lots of flowers for a vibrant touch. 

## Cover that patchy grass

Laying sod is the best method to renovate your lawn area. However, it will cost you a lot. It is not a problem if you do not have the budget to get the sod laying method! You can always look for some alternatives. For example, scratch the patchy area and oversee it. To do so, you need a rake for cultivation, grass seed for overseeding, and fertilizer and water for not letting the ground dry. 

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-6.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

Another quick way to cover patchy grass areas is to create stone paths and connect different parts of your backyard space. Not only will it save you money, but also it will save the time that you need to spend scratching the patchy area before overseeding. 

## Left with some old wood? Reuse it.

If your backyard renovations ask to tear out old wood planks, just do it. Old wood can give you so many budget-friendly ways to be creative and build just anything that adds value to your outdoor space. For example, making a trellis out of old wood is a brilliant idea. All you need is sleek and long wood planks and climbing plants for decoration. 

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-7.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

Another great way of reusing the leftover or old wood is to create benches. If you have trees in your backyard, you can utilize them by building a tree bench out of wood. You need wooden pallets and protective eye gear while crafting the bench. Paint it with any color you like, with chalk paint. 

## Look for privacy options.

If you live in a house where the backyard offers minimal privacy, then create some on a budget using plants. Buy some established plants or bushes in a five-gallon container and fence it around the backyard to add a privacy element to your outdoor space. However, growing plants in the ground is a much more expensive option. Hence you should go for ceramic planters to create a false wall around the backyard.

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-8.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

We would like to mention using old wooden planks again over here. Building fences out of old wood is the best way to add privacy to your outdoor spaces in a cost-effective manner. Do not worry if your wooden planks have holes in them. We have got your back! Drill multi-colored marbles into the holes on the wood. Your fence would light up beautifully when the sun hits perfectly!

## Build patios with decomposed granite. 

Use decomposed granite if you do not have a patio in the backyard but desperately want one. It is a type of finely crushed rock and is very budget-friendly. To build a DIY patio, you need to dig some grass from the selected area for the deck and get some heavy wooden boards. Then just fill it with the granite and wait until it settles down firmly. Keep on adding layers until the desired thickness. Congratulations, your hardscaping is done, costing you as low as $1 per square foot.

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-9.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

You can build just anything with decomposed granite! Our favorite out of so many ideas is creating a small space for an outdoor theater. You do not need to make a massive deck for that. A movie space for two or three people would just work fine. Get a projector, a screen, some cushions, and your favorite food to get your own little DIY movie theater!

## Spend some time caring for your lawn.

Once you have covered the patchy areas by overseeding, you need to care extra for your lawn. The spring season is the best season to plan out the planting, fertilizing, and getting rid of germinating weeds. People get to spend most of their time in their backyards in warmer weather. As Summer arrives after Spring, this way, you would have a lush green lawn for yourself and your family for the whole summer season. 

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-10.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

If you want to save up on your water bills, we have an idea for you. Reduce the use of water by xeriscaping your green space. This is a cost-effective landscaping idea and is easy to do, simple to maintain, and saves up on water. It also looks lovely and adds value to your property. 

## Set the mood with some fairy lights.

Lighting up your backyard would make your daylight-used space transform into an evening gathering spot as well. Adding lights to your backyard would give it a perfect ambiance and a magic element, making your space feel more attractive and welcoming. For this reason, you can buy some tiny string lights with different colors and light bulbs that are available at highly cheap rates almost everywhere. Hang these lights around the patio, your dining table, in the outdoor theater, and even to the trellis if you have any, basically, just anywhere you like. 

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-11.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

A backyard with soothing light is always trending on the top of the list. Hence, consider using solar-powered lights to light up your plants, stoned paths, and anywhere you like to bring the spotlight on. There is no need to make the whole backyard bright with too much lightning as it is old-fashioned now. If your backyard has trees, a great way to light them up is to use moonlights or downlights to give a soft tracery look. You can also line your patio with artificial candles and lanterns for soft lighting. We recommend using solar-powered lights because they are much cheaper than regular lights and would save you up on your electricity bill. 

## A water feature is a must!

We have your back if you want to add a water feature to your backyard, even if you cannot afford a pool. Adding a small water body to your outdoor space is a cost-effective and simple way to add some beauty and zest to the area. For this reason, you can choose a small fountain or a hummingbird water hole for as low as $60.

![img](/assets/img/blogs/Cost-effective-renovation/Cost-effective-12.jpg)

**Editor's pick.**

Here is an excellent idea for you to add your DIY water feature to your backyard. Simply add a fountain commonly known as a watering can. This would serve as a fantastic element to add an attractive water body to your outdoor space. Tuck the water can in your garden or use it as a decor item by placing it beside your table or the deck with lanterns and lamps.

## Summing it up.

When you follow all the tips and tricks mentioned above to renovate your backyard and turn it into a gorgeous space to relax, chances are you will have a lot more time outside in the backyard than inside your home. This way, you can transform your backyard into your oasis, that too without breaking the banks. These affordable solutions will save you a good amount of cash while making your outdoor space somewhere you really want to be, from getting creative with plantations to playing with colors and lights all over the area.
