The Top 68 DIY Backyard Ideas

“I don’t have to take a trip around the world or be on a yacht in the Mediterranean to have happiness. I can find it in the little things, like looking out into my backyard and seeing deer in the fields.” –  Queen Latifah

When was the last time you poured yourself a cold drink and hung out in the backyard? Why not turn this part of your property into a pleasant place to be? You could have a romantic garden, an outdoor living room, a reading nook, or a large dining area. The options are limitless when you’re doing the renovation yourself.

Perhaps your backyard is small, and you want to make the most of your limited space. Or maybe you have a large and sprawling backyard with plenty of space for several ideas. Check out these DIY backyard ideas and get inspired to upgrade your property.

1. Budget

The wonderful thing about DIY landscaping ideas is that you don’t have to have a large budget to accomplish them. Because you’re doing all of the work yourself, you save on labor costs. Then many of them show you how to use affordable material to make something amazing. There are also several that use recycled materials that are upcycled into something amazing.

Build a simple DIY hammock stand and give your backyard an instant upgrade. This one project doesn’t require a ton of space. It’ll give you a relaxing place you can lay out and meditate, take a nap, or read a book. Get in the hammock at night and gaze up at the stars.

2. Deck

You can build your own deck with a little know-how. You’ll want to start by checking out backyard deck ideas to get an idea of what you want to build. Then mark out the area in your backyard where you plan to build your deck. Pull out any landscaping that you currently have and level the ground.

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If you aren’t ready to build a custom deck from scratch, you can buy a kit. It will come with everything you need to build your deck. Consider how high off the ground you want to build your deck. If it’s too tall, you’ll need a railing.

3. Firepit

Add a firepit to your backyard and enjoy the outdoors all year long. Having a backyard patio with a firepit creates warmth and light in the winter. You have two options, buy a portable fire pit or build a concrete fire pit. If you aren’t ready to commit to a full fire pit, use a fire pit dining table. This is perfect for creating a modern fire feature without having a full fire pit taking up space in your backyard.

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Place wicker patio furniture around your fire pit to give people a place to sit. Keep them far enough away to prevent people from getting too hot. Lay gravel down to create a solid walkway and reduce the risk of fire from stray sparks.

4. Garden

Create a garden escape in your backyard and enjoy beautiful blooms and delicious produce. Check out backyard garden ideas to figure out which garden design would work the best in your backyard.

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An English garden has a whimsical and almost romantic feel. Choose a variety of flowers and build a stone path that winds through your backyard.

A rose garden will require a ton of work, but it is well worth it to have a garden full of elegant roses. A Japanese garden is perfect for finding your zen. Add water features and build stone structures that blend with your mossy ground cover and blooming trees.

5. Landscaping

You can do your landscaping in your backyard. If you’ve never attempted your own landscaping, check out some backyard landscaping ideas to help you get started. Low maintenance landscaping is a smart choice if you don’t have a green thumb. These plants require minimal trimming, watering, and fertilizing.

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Choose plants that are suited for your climate. Warm and humid climates can foster tropical plants. More arid climates are best suited for drought resistant landscaping. Using well-suited plants for your climate increases the likelihood of your backyard continuing to look beautiful for years to come.

6. Oasis

Create a tropical oasis in your backyard with lush plants. Give your backyard a tropical feel with large palms around your yard’s edge and then smaller bushes and blooms layered in front. Add a fountain or some other moving water feature to create a natural soundtrack.

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Use tropical hardwood for building your deck. Get inspired by tropical resorts with their large patios and luxurious furniture. Hang large bulb string lights high overhead for plenty of ambient light. Build a pergola frame over the patio and use fabric to create an overhead cover or side curtains. This allows filtered light through.

7. Pallet

Old pallets are perfect for building all kinds of structures in your backyard. Start by laying them down and building a platform or raised deck. You’ll need to fill the gaps in the pallets with additional planks. This creates a continuous solid surface across the top of your pallet deck.

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You can also build furniture out of your pallets. Stack a couple of pallets and place three around them in a U shape. Now add a seat and back cushion, and you’re ready for lounging. You can quickly attach the pallets with screws or even reinforce them with corner brackets.

8. Patio

Turn your concrete patio into a comfortable and welcoming space. Modern backyard patio ideas show you how to turn your patio into an outdoor living room. Start by hiding the patio with patio pavers, outdoor carpet, or wood tiles. Then lay down an outdoor rug and arrange furniture around it to create a living room feel.

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Your patio landscaping should be plant boxes that line the edge to create a plant privacy wall. You can also arrange large pots at the corners with tall plants with large leaves. These can also create a sense of intimacy. Arrange seasonal blooms in an outdoor vase to place on a table.

9. Pergolas

Build a pergola gazebo and create a unique space in your backyard. A pergola awning works well when you build it off of your home. It’ll provide you with coverage so you can enjoy an open space that flows from inside to outside in an easy movement.

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Using pergola patio covers lets you use your outdoor space more throughout the year. Choose one that has movable slats on it. Manual ones have you pulling a chord or twisting a handle to rotate the slats. If you have the budget, install automated slats that let you adjust them at the touch of a button.

10. Playhouse

If you have children, then consider turning your backyard into the ultimate playground. There are playhouse kits that you can buy and build yourself. They can be affordable and small with a simple swing and slide. Or they could be an elaborate setup with several towers, swings, slides, and rope climbing structures.

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If you’re experienced with woodworking, you can build your own playhouse. Don’t try to use salvaged or reclaimed wood for this. These tend to have splinters and sharp edges that could injure someone. Once you have your wood, you could go to work building a mini she-shed that looks like a perfect miniature cottage.

11. Pool

If you have a pool in your backyard, then consider pool landscaping ideas. These will create privacy and tie the entire backyard space together into a cohesive design. Consider building a deck around the pool. You can place teak patio furniture on it. Then arrange a few large potted tropical plants.

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Add an overhead cover in one area of your backyard. This will give you an escape from the hot summer sun while you’re enjoying a day in the pool. Place a table and chairs in the shaded area for a cool escape. Lounging chairs are best for the open deck as these are perfect for working on your tan.

12. Small

When you have limited space, you’ll want to focus on small backyard landscaping ideas. They’ll show you how to make the most of your space while also not feeling cramped. Focus on how you want to utilize the space and make the most of it.

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You could turn your small backyard into a peaceful garden, outdoor dining area, living room design, or some other entertainment area. Use features, decor, and smaller outdoor furniture. This will help your backyard to feel comfortable and not overstuffed. A smaller couch, round table, or smaller plants will work well.

13. More DIY Backyard Ideas

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