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Cheap backyard designs


Backyard ideas on a budget: Create an outdoor retreat for less

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(Image credit: Grit and Polish)

Are you searching for backyard ideas on a budget? You are not alone. For anyone who lives in a metropolitan flat or tiny cottage, a backyard seems like a luxury – one that requires time, energy, and, above all else, money to maintain. 

But, while an outdoor space is a great bonus to any beautiful home, it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune. 

Need proof? Have a look at these innovative yet cheap backyard ideas, all of which are beautiful too. Turns out, all you really need to have a gorgeous garden space is time, elbow grease and some creativity.

Backyard ideas on a budget

Our beautiful but cheap backyard ideas will inspire you to update your space and create your ideal outdoor retreat, whatever your style and budget.

1. Create a vegetable garden

(Image credit: Rocky Hedge Farm)

If you’re looking for a budget-conscious backyard idea that will also allow you to save money on your grocery bill, consider adding some raised garden beds to your space.

The beauty of raised beds is that they can be tailored to your specific size requirements, meaning that a vegetable garden can be fitted into even awkwardly shaped spaces and easily integrated into small backyard ideas.

Sarah Blankenship, the blogger behind Rocky Hedge Farm , created several in her yard with a few wooden planks. Once you’ve constructed the raised beds, fill each one with soil and seeds for a homemade vegetable garden.

2. Add an arbor

(Image credit: Farmhouse on Boone)

Another way to dress up your backyard is with an arbor, perhaps incorporated into your garden fence ideas like in this yard's design. This garden detail can add a whimsical charm to your garden, plus it might discourage critters and nosy neighbors from infiltrating your space.  

An arbor might look like a fancy feature, but Lisa Bass from Farmhouse on Boone proves it can be an affordable undertaking. Once you invest in a drill and saw, all you need is some planks of wood, screws, and a fresh coat of paint.

3. Add interest to your patio – on a budget

(Image credit: Hayley Stuart )

Whether you’re curling up with a good book, enjoying a meal al fresco, or simply admiring your garden, a patio never fails to offer an excellent vantage point. But, if you're looking for some fresh patio ideas, consider stenciling a cool design on the floor. 

Not only is this an easy project that can be completed in a weekend, but it can also be done for a fair, affordable price. Let blogger Hayley Stuart show you how it’s done.

4. Build your deck from the ground up

(Image credit: I Spy DIY )

Or, if you don’t have a deck or patio in your backyard, you can always build one from scratch. 

Admittedly, this budget-friendly backyard requires time and a close attention to detail. In fact, levelling a sloped backyard can take a few days. But, as this final product from home decor blog I Spy DIY proves, the results are so worth it.

5. Give your small garden the textured treatment

(Image credit: The Grit and Polish)

Want to make a patio from scratch, but not willing to put in that much elbow grease? This patio refresh from the Grit and Polish offers the best of both worlds, making it the perfect backyard idea on a budget.

Here, husband-wife duo Garrett and Cathy used pea gravel to landscape a backyard with visual and textural distinction from the rest of their grassy plot. For a makeshift patio, the couple covered a portion of the gravel with large pavers.

6. Make a splash with a stock pool

(Image credit: Emerson Grey Designs)

Pool ideas offer endless fun and for many they are a backyard staple. However, building a pool can get expensive. If you’re looking to make a splash for less, add a stock pool a la Bri Moysa of Emerson Grey Designs .  

The designer accessorized a stock tank with homemade steps, tropical plants, and a fresh coat of black paint to make it feel like an intentional addition to the backyard, not an afterthought.

7. Introduce solar garden lighting 

(Image credit: Sugar Maple Notes)

A few strands of twinkling lights are an easy, affordable way to add some style to your backyard. But, unless you have a few trees to hang them from, you might be out of luck. 

Fortunately, this idea from Sugar Maple Notes is a good one, creating clever backyard ideas on a budget by using a planter as a base for a post to drape string lights from. Not only aesthetically pleasing, solar garden lighting ideas will also save energy and keep costs down.

'Our DIY planter posts project is so simple, yet makes a big impact in our backyard,' explains blogger Sarah Harmsen. 'The string lights add just the right amount of twinkle to our patio – much needed for summer evenings on the porch.' 

8.

Set up a spot for outdoor lounging – and garden shade

(Image credit: Future)

A cooling spot for relaxing, entertaining or designed purely as a retreat will make your backyard a joy to use all day long. Think about a planning a shade garden that includes multi-sensory experiences of sight, sound and scent – all that's needed is some draping fabric, wooden posts and a bit of creativity.

If your budget allows, invest in a small pond or water fountain. The trickling water will feel cooling and add a relaxing soundscape to your sensory garden.

9. Enhance a sense of garden privacy

(Image credit: Diana Elizabeth)

For a backyard ideas on a budget that are both affordable and space-efficient, consider decking out your privacy fence.   

'Because of the small footprint, we decided to use vertical garden ideas – and add plants in unique vessels on the fences,' explains Penny D. Francis, designer and owner of Eclectic Home . 

'Half -round brass wall vessels were perfect for the succulents. We created a planter made from white oak that extended the length of the fence that also doubled as a bench for guests.' 

The result? A small yard that doesn’t sacrifice style.

10. Defy gravity with a trellis 

(Image credit: Eclectic Home)

Speaking of your privacy fence, you can also spruce up often overlooked fence or garden walls with a DIY trellis. 

Blogger Diana Elizabeth used floral wire to create a diamond-shaped trellis on her wall, allowing her jasmine plants to reach new heights. It’s a budget-conscious idea that can appeal to all of the senses.

Kelsey Mulvey is a New York-born, San Francisco-based freelance journalist who covers lifestyle and design content. She started her writing career while studying magazine journalism at Boston University, where her work was syndicated by top digital publications like USA Today and MSN. Upon graduation, Kelsey covered lifestyle content The Wall Street Journal, Off Duty and Business Insider. In 2017, Kelsey started her freelance journalism career, where she contributes to design publications like AD PRO, Elle Decor, Wallpaper*, and more. W

37 Backyard Ideas on a Budget

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/23/21

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If you want to spend more time in your backyard, you'll want to upgrade your outdoor space into a place your whole family will love. But, you don't need to spend a lot of money sprucing up your backyard. From garden ideas to outdoor entertaining, we share 37 budget-friendly ways to update your backyard.

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Design of the courtyard of a private house (60 photos): creating a beautiful exterior

Speaking about the plot of a private house, many people imagine a garden or vegetable garden. But that doesn't have to be the case. Today, the arrangement of the exterior of a private house for a recreation area is gaining new momentum. We are already tired at work, so when we return home, we should allow ourselves to relax, and not run to chop the beds or clean the weeds. How to choose the right design for the courtyard of a private house and do it yourself - Dekorin will tell you in this article, and you will also clearly see photos of real courtyards. nine0003

The original design of the yard of a private house (15 photos): a recreation area or a garden

Of course, vegetables from the garden are tasty, healthy and always fresh, and you don’t even need to run to the store. But it is not always worth planting them with all free hundred square meters. You can set aside a small area for a garden, and use the rest of the space for another purpose.

Why don't you dress up your yard? To make it so attractive and comfortable that those passing by also want to look at the light? We offer you a few ideas in the photo on how to make the design of the courtyard of a private house sparkle with new colors and have a good rest. nine0003

makes us proud of our work. Of course, you can trust the designers, but it will be more expensive and more formulaic. Therefore, we suggest you use the following interesting ideas:

  1. Plant the yard with your own hands, making a lawn, planting bushes or arranging flower beds;
  2. Decorate the design of the courtyard of a private house with interesting decorative elements, such as: garden statues, flowerpots, old furniture, handicrafts from improvised materials;
  3. Create an original recreation area for yourself and the kids, inspired by the photo from this article.

Also read: How to make an alpine slide with your own hands

Small courtyard design of a private house - 7 photos with simple ideas

A small courtyard of a private house is not yet a sentence for creating a functional and beautiful design. Since the size of the site does not always allow for a terrace for relaxation or a large gazebo, you can create a small nook with a table and chairs under a tree or near tall bushes that provide shade. Hang garlands, homemade bottle lamps and flower pots on the branches to bring even more comfort.

Also read: How to turn a small courtyard into a cozy place to relax?

Features of the design of the courtyard of a private house in the village (selection of 8 photos) things that can be turned into decor.

It is recommended to finish the paths in the landscape design of a private house in the village with natural stone, tiles or pebbles. Also, the provincial courtyard can be safely decorated with flowering plants, without fear of "overdoing it." nine0003

Since the plot of a house in a village is usually much larger than a city house, you will surely find a place for an orchard and a barbecue with a gazebo, where you can comfortably hide from the scorching sun or rain while relaxing. We offer you some examples to inspire with such a design of the courtyard of a private house in the photo.

Design of the courtyard of a private house - 15 stylish photos

To create comfort and pleasant pastime, it is very important to beautifully design the courtyard in a private house. When decorating the yard, first decide on a place to relax, and then equip the surrounding area beautifully and harmoniously. Natural materials and elements are well suited for this: fire, water, stones, greenery, flowers and trees. In the photo below, see examples of the design of the courtyard of a private house in a modern style. nine0003

More photos here: Landscaping of country houses - planning and photo

Design of the courtyard of a private house | Beautiful ideas (+ 65 photos) !!!

The creation of a harmonious image of the courtyard, located around a private house, belongs to the varieties of landscape design. And if a decision is made to independently translate this creative activity into reality, you should analyze some of its aspects and principles, as well as get acquainted with useful recommendations from specialists who will tell you how to arrange the design of the courtyard of a private house so that it not only satisfies your taste, but also reflects the general site style. nine0003

Beautiful and well-maintained backyard of a private house

Beautiful yard - a fashion trend or a necessity

The external surroundings of the yard plays a significant role, because it is seen by the household and guests entering the house. Therefore, it is important that the atmosphere in this space is conducive to a pleasant pastime and relaxation.

You should carefully consider the arrangement of flower beds and flower beds, green groups, various buildings, decorative elements decorating the garden. The design of the courtyard of a private house should please, attract and be harmonious at any time of the year. nine0003

By adding a small outdoor terrace to the house, you can create a cozy corner for relaxation

A small cozy backyard in the Scandinavian style

A dry pebble stream with an impromptu bridge will be a wonderful decoration for your yard

A comfortable, multifunctional recreation area for complete relaxation

Basic principles of design and planning

Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to order a yard landscape design project from professionals, since this pleasure is not cheap. nine0003

However, if you turn on your creative imagination and devote enough time and effort to transforming the courtyard, everyone can create a beautiful courtyard design with their own hands.

Gathering in the yard near the fire with relatives and friends and watching the dancing flames is one of the favorite activities of the household in the country

Relaxing in the fresh air, in the shade of a large tree, is not only pleasant, but also useful

Original design of the country yard checkerboard

The key point is the definition of the house as the central dominating point of the entire surrounding landscape. It is he who will determine the style of the rest of the buildings, and in this direction it is important to achieve harmony in the future image of the courtyard with the design of the building.

Starting the design of the adjoining territory, carefully study the entire area, since it is important to take into account its features. This will allow you to decide which design elements will be used, for example, in case of elevation changes. nine0003

  • In such situations, terraces attached to the house or detached gazebos look spectacular.
  • The picturesque rock garden fits in no less organically with the design of the courtyard of a private house .
  • Elements of vertical gardening, flowers in hanging pots will be appropriate.
  • A flat surface implies a clear planning of the placement of paths , flower beds , ornamental ponds , plantings .
    • nine0145

    Hanging lamps will elegantly decorate a modern courtyard of a private house

    Comfortable sun loungers will help you relax and have a good time in the garden

    You can organize a place of rest anywhere, including under a canopy of an outdoor terrace

    Good lighting will allow you to spend time outdoors until late pm

    Before proceeding with the design of the yard, you need to decide on the need to build utility rooms with the selection of a place for their location and the definition of design elements that will hide their possible not very spectacular external surfaces. nine0003

    Depending on the area of ​​the site, the number of priority zones is calculated, among which there may be playgrounds and sports grounds, recreation areas, kitchenettes, etc.

    To create a cozy corner for relaxing on your site, it is not at all necessary to allocate a lot of space for it

    Having a separate barbecue area in the courtyard of a private house is the dream of any summer resident

    have fun with the whole family

    Private courtyard zones

    When determining the necessary zones, the area of ​​the plot must be taken into account. If there is not too much space, it will be possible to solve the problem by combining several functional elements. For example, you can successfully combine a terrace with a gazebo, a recreation area with a barbecue and a summer kitchen, a gazebo and a bathhouse.

    Thinking over the possibility of receiving guests, allocate a platform where you can quickly and mobile install a barbecue or barbecue oven, arrange folding garden furniture, fix small hanging umbrellas that save you from direct sun. nine0003

    Evening lighting will create a very special, romantic atmosphere in the garden

    Garden furniture in the yard, perform not only a practical, but also an aesthetic function

    Having decided on all the key elements, they build an exact scheme on a scale. The diagram determines the direction of the tracks connecting the functional areas.

    1. A well-visible area is allocated for children's corners.
    2. Car parking can be placed on the territory in front of the house. nine0032
    3. The recreation area is comfortably located on the side of the house among a group of trees.
    4. A well-lit place is allocated for the beds, one of the sides of the plot is perfect for this.
    5. If there is enough space at the back of the house, then it is convenient to place the greenhouse and vegetable garden there.

    A preliminary plan should be carefully analyzed, the necessary adjustments made, and only after that you can start detailed planning directly on the site. nine0003

    Suspended swing - an essential attribute of a modern garden

    Additional lighting will help make the atmosphere in the yard more relaxed

    A small seating area with comfortable sun loungers

    How to delimit zones in the garden

    Various landscape elements can be used to delimit the courtyard of a private house into different zones , the main thing is that each of them harmoniously combined with each other. The following methods are most popular:

    Arch

    Yard design looks aesthetically pleasing if it has an arch. It is even better if climbing plants are planted next to it, which form beautiful vines. Most often, arches are placed over paths leading to a recreation area or playground.

    Picturesque arch at the entrance to the courtyard - a great way to transform the site

    Openwork forged arch with climbing plants

    Plants

    Low shrubs that lend themselves well to shearing form beautiful green fences. It is appropriate for them to allocate a small area of ​​​​the lawn for outdoor games. If necessary, you can put light furniture here and have a picnic. nine0003

    Beautiful courtyard of a private house with ideally planned areas

    Beautiful garden mixborder of perennial plants

    Unusual design of flower beds in the front yard of the house

    Fence

    Low fence - strict wooden, wicker plastic, painted in different colors , you can designate a sports playground or sandbox. They look good in the role of fencing beds, turning them into a decorative element of the landscape. nine0003

    A decorative fence made of plastic plates is built quickly and easily.

    Smooth curves will give the decorative fence more elegance.

    They can be placed near a decorative pond, placing next to them comfortable deck chairs, rocking chairs, children's swings. If necessary, such screens will allow you to hide from prying eyes. nine0003

    It is possible to make a screen for a dacha with your own hands from ordinary edged boards. They perform several functions, ensuring the safety of movement, and also being an element of the zoning of the site.

    • Equip paths for giving using various materials. The most common option is to fill the paths with fine gravel or pebbles. Increasingly, there are types of this material painted in different shades, which bring amazing color spots to the surrounding space, making the site attractive and bright. nine0032

    Laying river pebbles on a freshly poured concrete mortar, you will get an amazingly beautiful country path

    An original path made of flat stone

    A path made of stones laid on a lawn looks no less impressive

    obtained using paving or concrete tiles. Paths made of cobblestone or brick look no less elegant.

    Wood saw cuts pre-impregnated with anti-rotting compositions look original. Fill the remaining pockets between them with colored bark, sand or pebbles. nine0003

    Such colorful paths can easily become a separate decorative zone, where sculptures from intricately intertwined rhizomes, stumps, combined with plantings of juniper and coniferous species, will be installed.

    A path of saw cut wood will add a rustic flavor to your yard

    Beautiful courtyard design, which photo cannot but inspire

    There are several objects that are increasingly appearing in the yards near a private house. These include:

    • Artificial ponds;
    • Comfortable recreation areas around the fire;
    • Equipped barbecue areas;
    • Multifunctional playgrounds.

    Artificial reservoir in the courtyard

    Water has always symbolized the harmony of life, served as a source of good mood and energy for the whole day, so it is often used when designing the courtyard of a private house with your own hands.

    • Depending on the size of the plot, swimming pool , small pond , cascade , fountain , or regular stream .
    • In spacious areas, it is appropriate to make volumetric stationary pools , choosing reliable materials. Most often, the pit is made concreted, since it is quite problematic to find a large plastic mold.

    Modern hi-tech summer cottage pool

    Concrete pool with outdoor area

    For a decorative small pond, it is enough to dig a hole of any shape and cover it with a double layer of film, providing a sufficiently reliable waterproofing. The banks are reinforced with bricks, pebbles or small cobblestones. nine0003

    Suspended swing over an artificial pond

    Unfortunately, it is not always possible to create stationary ponds, so summer residents are increasingly resorting to the use of inflatable tanks. For decoration, reeds, low-growing shrubs and bright flowers are planted nearby, emitting a delicate aroma.

    Marsh iris looks great with this water composition, and if there is a need to decorate the water surface, then containers with water lilies and lotuses can be placed in the pond. On the surface, such varieties of floating plants as hornwort or duckweed can also be located. nine0003

    A beautiful pond in the yard, made of stones

    What could be better than relaxing by the water on your own plot

    Having a waterfall on the plot creates an excellent corner for relaxation. The murmur of water jets sparkling in the sun relaxes and soothes.

    Important! The waterfall can be purchased as an artificial one, or you can make it yourself by placing a pump in the water tank.

    It takes a lot of effort and time to create such a waterfall in the yard, but believe me, it's worth it

    Recreation area with a hearth

    The area where they equip the stove, outdoor fireplace, barbecue, becomes a favorite place for the whole family. Here you can sit with friends, relax in the home circle, cooking barbecue and other delicious food on an open fire.

    For convenience, a massive table and comfortable benches are installed. Complement such a corner with sun loungers, hammocks. A good solution would be to equip a canopy that protects from rain.

    Grilled food is twice as tasty

    Nice patio with fireplace, stove and BBQ area

    Outdoor dining

    Enjoying outdoor dining doesn't have to be a dedicated dining area. You can level the area under the spreading trees and put garden sofas, a table, chairs there.

    Combined open-air kitchen

    Decorating the yard of the summer cottage (photo)

    If the house is located approximately in the center of the plot, then usually a garage is built at the entrance, in front of which a parking space is organized. Thus, a sufficient amount of space remains on the back of the house, which, with proper design, can be turned into comfortable corners for relaxation. nine0003

    You can get a beautiful plot near the house if you equip it with a dining area by erecting a low wooden platform surrounded by a hedge. Nearby it would be appropriate to break picturesque flower beds and flower beds.

    Important! It is more convenient to use folding furniture in order to remove it as needed, freeing up space.

    Canopy over the table, in case of bad weather, very useful

    If the plot is spacious, then put a massive stable furniture group. It can be built from stone or made from solid wood. Such options look respectable and prestigious. nine0003

    The design of the courtyard of a private house can be decorated with varieties of forged furniture. Chairs, armchairs, and tables woven from wicker or rattan look no less impressive.

    It should be noted that the easiest to care for are plastic items, from which dirt is easily removed with a jet of water. While wooden furniture needs to be constantly updated with paint or varnish. Metal parts also require maintenance and must be protected from corrosion.

    Original retro furniture

    When placing a recreation area in the backyard, it is advisable to level the surface, cover it with ordinary or colored pebbles. Durable coating will provide stone slabs. As a fence, you can make a border of concrete or ceramic blocks. Bright accessories look great on such a platform that will decorate the design of the courtyard of a private house and give it individuality.

    A play or sports corner can be conveniently located next to the recreation area. Here they put a slide, a swing, supplementing them with various sports equipment. Harmoniously located in the backyard barbecue area. Usually they install a stationary hearth with a canopy and select the necessary furniture. nine0003

    Spending time by the fire is very pleasant, so it would be appropriate to organize a recreation area in the country just around it. Illuminated fountains, individual groups of plants, decorative sculptures, and the water surface of reservoirs look especially advantageous in the evening.

When creating platforms for various zones, you can mount LED floor lamps, which in the dark create the feeling of stars glowing under your feet. Incredible mystery and originality are LED lamps mounted in special small platforms in the form of leaves and buds of water lilies, lilies floating on the water. nine0003

Tip! If it is necessary to illuminate the paths, not bright lanterns are used, placed not high from the ground. Poles equipped with bright lights should be installed along the central path. Such multi-tiered lighting becomes the pride of homeowners, as it turns the site into a wonderfully attractive sight.

Yard lighting is an important element of landscaping

Individual illumination of each zone will create a relaxing atmosphere

Beautiful decorative garden lighting

Arrangement of plants in the garden

By arranging plants in different groups, you can create a harmonious image of the territory. This advantage is taken into account during planning.

Important! Coniferous varieties are not placed near playgrounds, verandas and terraces, since fallen needles will have to be constantly cleaned. Deciduous trees are not planted near water bodies, which will keep the water clean for longer. nine0003

The tallest varieties should not be placed in the center. They most favorably set off the distant borders of the territory. It is recommended to use flowering plant species located in containers and hanging planters. They can easily, for example, transform the fence around the site, decorate the gazebo or veranda.

Successful design of a country house plot

Unusual landscape design of the backyard of a house

Decor for a plot

When designing a courtyard of a private house, every little thing should be thought through. One of such important details is the use of decorative elements as decoration of the site. nine0003

The most popular are bright decorative sculptures of animals, birds, and fairy-tale characters. They can be made with your own hands from any material at hand, such as plastic bottles.

Beautiful crafts made from bottles and clay pots

Even an ordinary garden wheelbarrow can be turned into a real art object. nine0003

Gypsum figurines of animals will be a cheerful decoration for any garden

Beautiful decor for the garden



Colorful colorful fairy-tale heroes, various art objects look great inside flower beds, on alpine slides. They give a special charm to playgrounds.

Figurines of fish, frogs in harmony with water bodies. Various dragonflies, bees, birds are perfectly combined with the greenery of trees, placed on their branches.

Unusual composition of watering can and garland

Decorative well made of ordinary boards

If you are engaged in the design of your own adjoining area systematically and without haste, then this activity will turn into an exciting work in which everyone in the household will be able to show their artistic inclinations.

We hope that our article will help you create an original and beautiful design of the courtyard of a private house, photos of which you can later also post on the Internet for everyone to see.

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