12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (2024)

When we want to spend time outdoors, its natural that we want to linger on our patios, porches and decks. They are a natural gathering place to enjoy the outdoors with our friends and family, or even for a quiet Sunday afternoon with a lemonade and a book. So it makes sense to want to make those spaces as nice as our budgets will allow! Don’t relegate your outdoor rooms to be the last space you design for living. These DIY backyard ideas for patios, porches and decks will help you to create a space you want to be in whenever the weather allows! (For us, it pretty much has to be blowing snow or a dust storm to keep us inside!)

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (1)

DIY Backyard Ideas

DIY Backyard Deck Decorating Ideas

From Heather at ‘Setting for Four‘ make these easy DIY outdoor curtain rods and add some patio privacy! These outdoor curtains will also protect you from direct sun, and not to mention, they are so darn pretty! Heather says if you follow her tutorial, you can have these curtain rods done in 10 minutes! Oh, and if you are really wanting to make your patio or deck amazing, they have a tutorial for that DIY outdoor dining table too! Also check out our post on14 Best Outdoor Furniture Brands & Stores.

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (2)

Try thisfrom ‘Simply Designing with Ashley‘.Build a porch swingfor the most charming house on the block! An incredible DIY outdoor tutorial for this project! Check out more DIY Front Porch Swings!

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (3)

Here is another example ( and tutorial!) for a DIY painted deck and rug from ‘Nesting with Grace‘. The navy stripes are sophisticated, yet still fun. Be sure to check out all her other DIY deck decor too! Add a simple gate to a deck to create an enclosed retreat with our post on DIY Garden Gate Ideas over at TGG!

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (4)

This idea from ‘HGTV‘ is an awesome idea for anyone whose budget is tight. Paint a rug on your deck, porch or patio! I have done this and it really spruces things up. You can even go to the discard paint bin and pick from there to save even more.

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (5)

From ‘BHG‘, try usingdifferent flooring materials to add interest and create separate spaces. This photo shows using stones as borders around wooden decking. Or you could combine sod, gravel and stepping stones to create a low budget but charming patio space where none existed. Great DIY ideas for decks here!

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (6)

DIY Patio Ideas on a Budget

This next one is one of our favorite front porch ideas. Learn how tobeefup those front porch columns from Anne (and Kenny!) at ‘Planting Sequoias‘. Not only does it improve your curb appeal, it makes the porch feel more grounded and comfortable. This is something most of us can do, and can your columns betoobeefy?

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Caitlin from ‘Desert Domicile‘ posted this DIY corner storage bench in the ‘Home Depot Blog‘. We love the modern lines of this project, and who doesn’t need more storage? This is waaayyyy cheaper than buying a set like this at a specialty store. Detailed tutorial with photos. Love!

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This DIY outdoor wall planter from ‘Sugar and Cloth‘ is just the thing to boost the appeal of your patio or deck. Made from a wooden handrail section from Home Depot, you could plant herbs, succulents or flowers here. It’s also versatile enough to fit into most styles, from modern to traditional. Also, check out our post on Ground Covers (great for borders around the patio) on our sister site TheGardenGlove.com.12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (9)

Love, love, LOVE this Midcentury trellis DIY from ‘A Beautiful Mess‘! This is a perfect DIY backyard patio idea to ring in some style and substance to an otherwise boring area. Great tutorial and lots of photos. Such a fresh look with a retro vibe!

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (10)

DIY Porch, Patio and Deck Decor

From Anna at ‘Home, Heart and Hands‘, make this DIY porch planter with gold dipped legs, for $8! Yep. Eightdollars. This could be used to dress up any of your outdoor spaces, and it’s a pretty simple project.

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (11)

Here is one of our top choices for patio ideas. This DIY backyard table from ‘Bigger Than the Three of Us‘ is the perfect patio or porch project. Who else needs a spot for their glass of wine while sitting outdoors? And we love how it’s also a stylish planter. She has a link to the original free outdoor table plans, that she used as well!

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (12)

Scott at ‘Saws on Skates‘ has this really cute DIY patio planter cabinet tutorial we had to include here! First, we were thinking, why put plants in a cabinet? (Of course, this is so cute, we really didn’t care…) But then he pointed out that he made this for a friend who was having critter issues. We love this idea! In addition, this piece makes the whole patio look even more like an outdoor room. Also, charm. Right?

12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (13)

This DIY cinder block bench will add seating to any area for just a few bucks! From ‘Somewhat Simple‘, this is a good tutorial with photos.

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Now that you have these DIY backyard ideas for patios, porches and decks down, try our post on Budget Outdoor Planter Projects. Don’t forget to save this post for later by pinning our tall image at the top! And if you want more, jump over to our sister site ‘The Garden Glove’ and check out…

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12 DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks • The Budget Decorator (2024)

FAQs

How do you build a good outdoor space in a budget? ›

Landscaping around a stone walkway, planting tall shrubbery, or creating visual appeal with a dry stream are all simple DIY landscaping ideas. Bedazzling garden stones, hanging plants, and installing a garden arbor can transform your backyard living space into a secret garden that fits any budget.

What is the cheapest way to build a patio on a budget? ›

Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.

Is it cheaper to build a porch or patio? ›

Building a patio is typically far less costly than building a deck, costing around half as much on average for labor and materials. On top of that, many deck materials require regular power washing and sealing to maintain their beauty and structural integrity, which adds more maintenance costs over its life span.

How can I decorate my backyard on a budget? ›

Decorate for the Seasons

The easiest way to save money on backyard decor is to purchase items that can be used throughout every season. Purchase a set of Adirondack chairs, and use different pillows and blankets to outfit them for each season.

What makes a yard look nice? ›

Choose an accent color. Easy to grow begonias add just the right amount of color. Keep things simple by anchoring your landscape with an accent color. Choosing one color for elements like the door, trim, outdoor furniture, and flowers can add continuity and cohesion to a yard while uniting the façade with the landscape ...

Is there an app that helps me design my backyard? ›

iScape is the No. 1 app for landscape design. We are here to help you create beautiful outdoor living areas. Whether you're an Industry Professional, or a DIY Homeowner, iScape has you covered.

What is a backyard oasis? ›

A backyard oasis consists of a perfect yard that must have plants, outdoor furniture, shade, some aesthetic appeal, and a cozy spot that provides comfort. It should feel like a resort in some remote tourist destination where you can relax and be peaceful.

How can I make my patio look nice? ›

Keep it simple with a small gravel patio, or make the most of a large space by upgrading a porch with pavers. If you're decorating on a budget, small accents can make a big difference — like using sheer curtains to enclose a tiny patio, layering in gorgeous greenery or incorporating throw pillows.

What is the cheapest patio cost? ›

Gravel patios are the most affordable, at $1.50 to $4 per square foot for materials. Concrete patios cost between $4 and $7 per square foot for materials. Flagstone patios cost between $15 and $27 per square foot for materials.

What is the best material to use for a backyard patio? ›

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are one of the most popular patio materials. Because this indestructible material comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes it's not hard to see why. Whether you want a new outdoor seating area or a new patio surrounding your pool, concrete comes in almost endless choices.

What is the least expensive hardscape? ›

Concrete and gravel are the least expensive hardscape materials, often used to build affordable retaining walls, patios, driveways, and other outdoor structures.

What is the cheapest hard surface for a backyard? ›

Concrete Patio Flooring

When you crave durability, versatility, and strength, concrete patio flooring should be your foremost pick. Apart from its durable feature, it can help to give your patio a ravishing look. And the best part of it all is that most concrete floorings are the cheapest form of flooring out there.

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