You might not believe it, but upgrading your backyard doesn’t have to cost tens of thousands of dollars. Whether you want to add a deck or create a garden, a backyard makeover on a budget is possible – all you need is a bit of cash, a plan, and some creativity.

To help you get started, we’ve put together seven inexpensive ideas for creating a gorgeous backyard that you and your family will love and enjoy.

The importance of a beautiful backyard

Here are some reasons why you might want or need to make improvements to your backyard:

• You’re selling – A revamped backyard can increase your property’s resale value.
• Summer is coming – During summer you’ll want a space where you and your family can relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
• It’s run-down – Things like weathered tables and chairs, peeling paint, old light bulbs, and cracked tiles must be repaired or replaced for a functional and stunning backyard.
• You’re hosting a party – You’ll want a great space for entertaining when guests pay a visit.
• You’re tired of staring at the same old scenery – Planting a new garden or adding a deck can make your backyard exciting again.

Let’s improve your backyard

Now you have the motivation to upgrade your backyard, it’s time to get into action. Make improvements to your backyard at a reasonable price with the following ideas.

1. Build your own deck

Decks can make a truly great entertaining space. You can find affordable wooden slabs for your DIY deck at Bunnings or from online classified services. Get a family member or a friend to help you build the deck. If you know someone who has any experience building a deck, ask them if they can offer their services for free or perhaps at a discount.

2. Choose lower-cost options for outdoor furniture

Adding furniture will allow you to comfortably relax in your backyard, and you can do this by refurbishing your old furniture. You can also bring old indoor furniture outside, but you’ll need to apply a waterproof sealant on them or cover them up with a waterproof material to ensure they don’t get damaged. You can also buy used furniture online or from your local thrift or charity store.

If you consider yourself a DIYer, you can make your own furniture. Create tables and chairs from old wooden pallets. If you have unused milk crates, place weatherproof cushions on top to create a seat. If there’s a tree stump in your backyard, pull it out and reuse it as a table or place a waterproof cushion on top for the perfect reading spot.

3. Create a vertical garden

If you have a small backyard or you want something unique, consider a vertical garden. You can create a vertical garden on a budget by placing upcycled terracotta pots on a wooden ladder, or by filling old paint cans with soil and herbs and hanging them up on a wall. You could also install shelf racks on your fence and place potted flowers on them, or repurpose a picture frame to create a vertical succulent garden.

4. Grow your own fruits and vegetables

A little patch of fruits and vegetables will create a homely feel to your backyard. Moreover, you won’t have to go to the grocery store for your fresh food supply, saving you money. For the garden bed you need to grow fruits and vegetables in, you can either build your own using upcycled wooden pallets or repurpose containers like troughs.

5. Add a fresh coat of paint

You can add some colour to your backyard by giving your deck, fence, and furniture (wood, metal or plastic) a fresh coat of paint. You can also paint pots and planters for a brighter, more contemporary-looking garden. To save money, use leftover paint from other projects.

You could also paint the back of your house a colour that compliments your garden. Go for neutral colours such as beige, light grey, or taupe. These colours can also coordinate well with landscaping features like a stone path. Ask your neighbours or friends if they have any leftover paint you can use.

6. Use string lights

Outdoor string lights create a soft, ambient glow that can transform your backyard into a chill summer hangout. Use cheap lighting such as fairy lights, globe lights and rope lights, which come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. They’re also available in LED form, saving you on energy costs in the long run. Consider wrapping light strands around pillars, running lights from your house to a tree, draping a tree in lights, or edging your garden bed or deck with rope lights.

7. Lay stones

Stones are more affordable than grass and plants, so you can use them to reduce your backyard landscaping costs both short- and long-term. As an example, you can use crushed stones or smooth stones to outline a garden area or a paved path. On the other hand, a stepping stone path will be cheaper and more aesthetic than a paved path. Or, you can forego pavers altogether and create a path made completely from crushed stones.

Need some help with your backyard makeover?

With these tips, you should be able to improve your backyard on the cheap. But, if you don’t have enough cash on hand, SRG Finance can provide you with the money you need for your backyard makeover in the form of a personal loan. We can help you DIY your backyard without breaking the bank.