We all pay a lot of attention to our backyard. We always want this space to be functional and cozy at the same time. Yes, a cup of morning coffee in a corner of the yard created with your own hands will seem much tastier. Wouldn’t you agree? And if you think about it, it doesn’t necessarily cost a lot of money. So if you want to have such a corner for morning coffee or a full-fledged zone for receiving guests, then budget-friendly backyard patio designs will definitely help to cope with this task. By the way, without unnecessary costs. In this article you will find some DIY projects, ideas for summer kitchens, stylish pergolas, as well as practical solutions for small spaces.
1. DIY projects for your patio
If it’s preferable for you to make your patio with your own hands, you’ll be able to customize it to suit your needs. This is not only cost-effective but also enjoyable. You will be able to save a significant amount of money.
For example, deck pallets. Pallets are quite versatile and can often be found for free. Make a platform out of them of the size you need and decorate with outdoor mats or cushions. It’ll be quick and spectacular. Check out our guide to DIY pallet projects for step-by-step instructions.
You can also consider concrete slabs. You can pour your own concrete patio with minimal tools. On your own, decorate it with stencils or add texture of your choice. This will give the patio a genteel and sophisticated look.
DIY projects are good because they allow you to use affordable materials and recycle old things. And that’s exactly what we strive to do on our Homestead.
2. Сost-effective summer kitchens
Contrary to popular belief that creating a summer kitchen necessarily involves buying expensive appliances or furniture, we’re going to start small and get creative.
Portable grills save space and money. You can always find quality options at a small price. Most importantly, they are easy to move around, which is convenient for small areas. You can purchase a charcoal grill, a gas grill, or a compact electric grill.
For the work area, make countertops from recycled materials. Use recycled wood, just be sure to treat it with a water-repellent coating. Or you can use concrete to create a work area.
To make your kitchen comfortable, attach hooks for kitchen utensils or planters to your countertops.
According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, summer kitchens can increase property values by 10%. Learn more about maximizing small spaces here.
3. Pergolas. Beauty and functionality
A pergola isn’t just for creating shade, it’s an architectural accent in its own right. It has the power to transform any yard. Again, the good news is that a pergola is not as expensive as it seems. Let’s take a look at some ideas.
- DIY Pergola Kits. There are many of these available. You can find them on Amazon or at building stores for $200 and up. You can find wooden, metal, and plastic pergolas as well. The choice is up to you.
- Pergolas with plants. Plant curly plants such as wisteria or grapes. This will create a natural shade canopy that we so desperately need on hot days.
Wrap your pergola with garlands for an atmospheric feel. This will turn your structure into a decorative stylish element.
4. Big ideas for small spaces
Even the smallest yard can be transformed if you pay attention. You can’t even imagine how important thoughtful and clever solutions are in tandem with multifunctional furniture.
Stackable furniture. Pay attention to furniture that can be easily stored or moved, particularly compact tables and chairs. These are always a great need, especially when there are a lot of guests.
Vertical gardens. This will definitely save you space, so make the most of walls or fences to grow herbs, flowers or vegetables. Not only does this save space, but it also adds brightness to the surrounding space.
We transformed a small corner on our homestead, and used just recycled materials and hanging plants to do it. This proves once again that small space patio ideas can be just as important and functional as large-scale projects.
5. Lighting for your patio
Lighting is hardly one of the most important things to set up your backyard. It literally transforms the entire space. We’ll be using everything from inexpensive garlands to solar lights, there are plenty of options.
Solar lights. No one will argue, this is an eco-friendly option that requires no wiring. Just place them along walkways or attach them to a fence. Look around your yard, you’ll find the right place for the lamps.
Lights from cans. They are very original looking and easy to master. Fill glass jars with garlands. It will look fabulous and atmospheric. Think about where you want to place them.
By the way, lighting is often underestimated, and for nothing. It is indispensable for patios in the dark and is important for creating coziness.
6. Textiles for budget-friendly backyard patio designs. Affordable style
A powerful design tool is always textiles. Indeed, rugs unify a space, and pillows and plaids are indispensable for creating seating areas.
Seasonal sales. The secret to saving money is to buy discounted textiles at the end of the season. In stores at this time huge discounts on pillows, mats, plaids. Do not miss the moment!
Materials for the street. Of course, it is worth choosing fabrics that are not affected by weather conditions – sun, moisture, pollution. These are mats made of jute or PVC, polyester with water protection for pillows and plaids, antimicrobial coatings that prevent the formation of mold.
Textiles are one of the easiest ways to regularly update the look of your yard without spending a lot of money.
7. Fire pits. Warmth at an affordable price
Fire is always mesmerizing and appealing, so a fire pit can be the centerpiece of your patio. It will be a popular spot for evenings with family and friends. Here are a few ideas:
- DIY fire pit. Use bricks or stones to create a simple but stylish fire pit.
- Portable campfire bowls. They’re lightweight, affordable and fit well in small spaces.
According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, fire pits are always the most popular backyard item. Not only do they extend the season of patio use, but they add a memorable aesthetic to the entire space.
8. Multi-level patios
This is just the right time when you can use all the unevenness of your yard as an advantage. You can create tiered designs that zone your yard space for different activities.
- Decking boards. You can use them to construct a raised area for dining or relaxing.
- Stone steps. Lay out stones or pavers to connect the levels, which will give the patio a natural and natural look.
You will see that such designs are functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help transform the imperfections of your yard’s surface topography into advantages.
9. Shade without cost
Creating shade is a practical matter, because we need to protect our furniture and plants from the scorching sun. And as always, we use simple and affordable solutions.
- Sail Shades. A universal and budget option. Inexpensive, easy to install and great for modern yards.
- Umbrellas. They are mobile, easy to fold, there are models with a tilt mechanism. With their help we are reliably protected from the sun, while umbrellas add bright accents to our yard.
We, for example, used awnings to protect the seating area from the scorching sun on hot days. It’s budget-friendly and effective.
10. Natural elements budget-friendly backyard patio designs
The most important decoration of the patio, of course, will be nature in all its variety. Plant flowers that grow in your region around the edges or create a small water body for coolness.
Plants of local flora. They are unpretentious, easy to root and well adapted to your climate. From shrubs you can make hedges, and from flowers that bloom at different times of the year, make flowerbeds.
Mini fountains. The trickling of water is relaxing. Turn an old barrel or basin into a stylish mini fountain by installing a pump and some rocks.
Natural elements add harmony and tranquility to your yard.
And all of this you were able to do without spending too much money.
Which of these budget-friendly backyard patio designs did you like best?
Share your thoughts and tips in the comments.
