37 Cheap Backyard Makeover Ideas to Do in a Weekend

If your schedule is pretty clear and the forecast is calling for sunshine this weekend, take it as a sign to show your backyard some love. There are countless ways to give your backyard a cheap makeover for as little as $100.

To help spark some inspiration and motivation in you, we've rallied up our favorite cheap backyard makeover ideas that you can accomplish before going back to the office on Monday.

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Build Raised Garden Beds

Homestead and Chill

Building a raised garden bed is a very beginner-friendly DIY project. With three spare hours and less than $300, you can start to grow your own vegetables and flowers. Keep in mind that you don't need to build several garden beds at once. You can start with one to two and then add a few more each year.
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Mulch Your Patio

@createwithkimmy / Instagram

Mulch is a very budget-friendly choice for a patio. So, if there's a spare corner of your yard that can't seem to grow grass very well, you can spend a weekend turning it into a usable space with mulch. The ideal time to mulch your yard is in the early spring, right after a light rainfall.
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Paint Your Fence Black

@insidenumber33 / Instagram

A fresh coat of paint is one way to give your privacy fence high-end and modern look. Just keep in mind that you'll need to commit to repainting the fence about once every two to three years.
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Hang Lanterns and Lights

@sixat21 / Instagram

Stringed lights alone provide such a warm and cozy glow in a backyard. However, if you really want to take this look to the next level, we say go all out with the lights. We love the look of lanterns paired with string lights under an arbor or a porch.

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Set Up a Stock Tank Pool

@brimoysa / Instagram

Stock tank pools are more affordable than an in-ground pool, and they can be more chic than a plastic above-ground pool. After you spend one weekend setting it up, you can devote next weekend to building a small deck for it.
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Paint Your Stock Tank Pool

@daily_disco / Instagram

Most stock tank pools come in galvanized steel. If you want to add a little color to it, consider painting it one solid color, or perhaps two. @daily_disco's pink-striped stock tank pool is a great example.
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Accessorize Your Pool Area

@lollyjaneblog / Instagram

Turn your outdoor pool area into a spa-like retreat. Hang hooks on a nearby fence for your towels, add a comfy lounge chair, and even a bench. And don't forget a chic patio umbrella for times when you need a little shade.
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Start a Container Garden

@home_at_owl_cottage / Instagram

Container gardening is an easier and more affordable alternative to in-ground or raised-bed gardening. You can get everything you need after a trip to your local plant nursery. For a more unique look, think beyond just typical terrtacotta pots and consider more unique containers, such as woven basics.

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Make a Pea Gravel Patio

@katekeeseeoc / Instagram

Installing a pea gravel patio yourself may sound a bit intimidating. However, it doesn't require an advanced skill set, and you should be able to tackle it in two to three days. Pea gravel is an affordable alternative to other patio materials, such as brick or concrete.
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Shade Your Outdoor Dining Area

@maggie_minhas_at_home / Instagram

It is always so enjoyable to dine outside when the sun is starting to set. But if you find that it's just a bit too sunny to eat outside during other times of the day, a patio umbrella is a great solution. It will help you get the most use out of your outdoor dining area.
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Lay an Outdoor Rug

@thehappiesthouse / Instagram

An outdoor rug will instantly add a cozy flair to your backyard. Consider placing one under an outdoor dining table or on a patio with lounge chairs.
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Paint Your Back Door

@koeklilian / Instagram

Front doors seem to get all the attention when it comes to paint, so there's a good chance your back door could also use some love. Painting your back door is a low-stakes, budget-friendly project that makes a big impact.

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Paint a Picnic Bench

@iza.perez_coloresdemialma / Instagram

Picnic benches are such classic, quintessential backyard tables. However, wood picnic tables can start to fade and warp overtime. Painting a new picnic table can actually provide it with a protective coat, especially if you choose an outdoor paint with built-in UV protection.
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Install Stepping Stones

@thekiwihome / Instagram

One of the most affordable ways to build a garden path is by installing stepping-stone pavers. You can even install them directly on top of the soil, but you will need to dig a little to make sure the stones lay flush with the ground.
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Install a Plant Shelf

@plantedinasmalltown / Instagram

Potted plants can look lovely on a patio, but they can also start to overtake it. Purchasing a new hanging plant shelf is a great way to combat this. Or, you may be able to repurpose a thrift find, like @plantedinasmalltown did with this old VHS holder.
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Lay a Turf Patch

@cultofthewildone / Instagram

Utilizing turf in lieu of an outdoor area rug will give an eclectic look to your lounge area. Unlike an area rug, you can apply turf directly to bare soil. Rather than buying a whole role of turf, you might be able to request a sample size for this project.

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Fill In Missing Bricks With Stone

@lauren.knight9 / Instagram

Brick paths are such beautiful features in a backyard. If you're the lucky owner of one, you are probably familiar with the fact that old bricks can start to break down over time. Rather than trying to hunt down reclaimed brick with a similar patina, there are other ways you can fill in the patches. For example, installing river rock or gravel in the missing sections is an easier alternative that will give off a cottagecore look.
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Paint or Commission a Fence Mural

@colourfulsaz / Instagram

Your backyard's fence is sort of like your living room's walls, so consider giving them some pizazz. One way to do so is via a painted masterpiece. Still not convinced? Just take a look at how this fence mural by Sarah Murphy adds a cheerful pop of color to this outdoor space.
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Decorate the Playhouse

@thecozinessconsultant / Instagram

You decorate your own front porch for the seasons, so help your little one do the same. Throw a wreath on the door and add some potted flowers, string lights, or pumpkins depending on the season.
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Make a Crate Wall

@iamhayleystuart / Instagram

If your backyard doesn't have a privacy fence, there are still ways you can create cozy, intimate spaces with decor. For example, you could make your own wall by stacking wooden crates on top of one another. Place a few potted plants inside, and it will look like a beautiful outdoor shelf. It's a budget-friendly backyard makeover idea that looks good and creates some storage.

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Set Up a Garden Table

@featheringournest / Instagram

When shopping for outdoor furniture, it's easy to forget about small pieces like accent tables. An small outdoor table make the perfect spot for displaying some of your favorite potted plants, watering can, and other decor.
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Spruce Up Your Chicken Coop

@emilyyew.co / Instagram

Your chickens are pretty much part of the family, so we say they deserve a cute little abode, too. Update your coop's curb appeal by installing little shutters or painting the accents like the door. If you don't already have a chicken coop and you're feeling extra ambitious, you can also DIY one on a weekend.
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Hang Outdoor Curtains

@this.stylednest / Instagram

Hanging outdoor curtains is one way to give a covered patio a dreamy look. You can let them billow, or install ties on them to keep them in place on extra windy days.
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Stencil a Deck Design

@she.builds.perfectly.imperfect / Instagram

A wood deck makes for a wonderful blank canvas for a stencil design. Applying a stencil creates the illusion of tile and still allows the majority of the stunning wood grain to show through.

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Paint Your Deck a Solid Color

@luckyplot13 / Instagram

If your deck is in dire need of a new stain job, think about painting it instead. Painting a deck only requires about three hours of working time and less than $200. If you want to go for a bold look, choose your favorite pastel color, like pink, and then add matching accents.
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Set Up a Hammock

@brownstoneboys / Instagram

It's hard to name a cozier piece of outdoor furniture than a hammock. Installing one is usually very easy if you have some trees in your yard. If not, there are other creative ways to hang one, such as between one tree and a fence post. Or, you can purchase a stand-alone hammock stand.
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Organize Your Growing Station

@mygardenxx / Instagram

Propagation and growing seeds from scratch requires space. To organize your work-in-progress plants, install some outdoor shelves. Basic metal shelving from your local hardware store can provide a nice industrial look to your backyard.
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Accessorize With Candles

@freiraumglueck / Instagram

String lights and lanterns aren't your only options for curating mood lighting in your backyard. Don't underestimate the big impact a few votive candles can have. You can also opt for citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.

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Add Throw Pillows and Blankets

Practical Perfection

To a cozy backyard makeover, take a nod from one of the coziest rooms in your house: Your living room. You most likely have throw pillows and blankets on your indoor couch, so why not add them to your outdoor couch, too? You can also swap out the colors depending on the season.
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Install an Arbor

@loving_my_garden / Instagram

Arched garden arbors provide a timeless and whimsical flair to a yard. Install one directly in front of your back gate to forge a grand entrance to your garden. Arbors are stunning with plants growing on them, but they also look great bare.
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Hang a Trellis

@chipsgardens / Instagram

Most people use trellises to provide a surface for vining plants to sprawl onto. However, they also can give a nice texture to the side of a shed. You can hang a trellis behind a garden table as a decorative feature, allowing your potted plants to stand out and become a focal point.
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Install a Fire Pit

@updatemycape / Instagram

There's nothing like an evening spent unwinding with friends around a fire pit. There are several easy ways to DIY one. Get a start on it on Saturday morning, and you may just be ready to invite people over the same evening.

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Build a Privacy Screen

@miss_rusticarrow / Instagram

Privacy screens can really improve the feng shui of your outdoor seating area. Plus, a privacy screen is the perfect spot to hang some stringed lights. We've rounded up a list of DIY privacy screen plans if you need some ideas.
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Decorate Your Fence

@33interiorstyling / Instagram

We love how Clare Moorhead from @33interiorstyling transformed this basic privacy fence into an eclectic gallery wall full of personality. Woven baskets, plates, and even odds and ends like skeleton keys and bottle openers make for eye-catching outdoor art that can withstand the elements.
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Install Steps In Gravel

@ann.living / Instagram

A gravel garden path is a budget-friendly choice. However, they aren't always the most comfortable to walk on. Rather than removing all the gravel, you could consider installing wood or stone pavers in the gravel.
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Set Up a Movie Area

@herzenstimme / Instagram

Curating a cozy movie area in your backyard is super simple. You don't even need a spare wall to hang a sheet on, thanks to stand-alone outdoor movie screens. If you want to enhance the ambiance even further, you can drape stringed lights and light some candles.

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Upcycle a Pallet Board

@s.u.s.a.p / Instagram

When you get a piece of furniture delivered, you can easily put the pallet to use in your back yard. A large wooden pallet is a great size for a low-to-the ground picnic table. Just add some comfy pillows for seating.

How Do I Redo My Backyard on a Budget?

To redo a backyard on a budget, choose projects that require few materials and that you can accomplish yourself. As with any home project, labor tends to cost the most, but materials can also add up quickly too. We suggest starting by creating a comfortable outdoor living space, whether that's a lounge area or outdoor dining area.

How Do I Build an Outdoor Living Space on a Budget?

All an outdoor living space needs is comfortable furniture, mood lighting, and a few accessories.

Start with the base of the outdoor living space. If you don't already have a patio installed, you can apply a layer of mulch and add a few stepping stones throughout.

Next, place some potted plants in each corner and throw up stringed lights. You can use patio furniture you already have and give it a second life by purchasing new comfortable cushions. If you don't already have patio furniture, check your local thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, you can install an outdoor dining table rather than lounge furniture.