20+ Budget Backyard Ideas: Deck, Pool, Dog-Friendly, and More!

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20+ Budget Backyard Ideas: Deck, Pool, Dog-Friendly, and More!

Need some budget-friendly backyard design inspirations? Here are 20+ budget backyard ideas, including upgrading patios, sheds, decks, landscaping, pools, and back porches for an outdoor oasis.

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Is your backyard in need of renovation? Or, you're looking to upgrade the yard space to make it perfect for pictures? If yes, you need some budget backyard ideas that can turn the basic green space into the ultimate outdoor retreat. You can also plan outdoor parties, invite your guests, or plan a movie night in a well-manicured backyard.

But how to start building a DIY backyard? Whether you want to add plants and flowers, build a fire pit conversation area, or light up the garden with twinkle lights, this guide is for you! Here, we will walk you through the modern backyard ideas on a budget for decks, pools, and landscapes. We will also include the tools and essentials that you need to build a DIY backyard design.

Jackery Solar Generators for backyard makeover listed below:

Budget Backyard Ideas

Upgrading the backyard does not have to be costly or time-consuming. With only a few affordable backyard ideas, you can turn the basic space into a unique setting. Check out some affordable landscaping tips to create a backyard you'll love.

DIY Backyard Fire Pit

A fire pit in a backyard is like having a cozy spot where everyone can gather around and spend cold nights. It's easy to build: all you need is gravel for a base and angled pavers. It can be completed in a weekend — so your friends and family members can enjoy bonfires for years.

diy fire pit budget backyard idea

Plant Inexpensive Perennials

Perennials come back every year, meaning you'll save a lot of money in the long run. If you're looking for a budget backyard idea for small yards, fill the flower beds with beautiful and colorful perennials. They'll bloom every spring, so you don't have to plant new flowers. Before planting, it's essential to complete the preparation work to keep perennials looking best.

Invest Smart in Furniture

When working on the best backyard budget idea, invest in the elements that make your yard look beautiful for years to come. For example, you can consider spending a little more on one unique piece of furniture that can be used regularly. If you want to add an extra touch of beauty, simply add some affordable accents like string lights and pillows.

invest smart in furniture budget backyard idea

Backyard Outdoor Seating with Pool

A pool and TV set up in the backyard is something that will give the space an extra charm. It's a great outdoor setting where you can enjoy a movie night with friends and family.

Use Vintage Or Handmade Backyard Decor

If you love a comfy setting, try decorating the backyard with fabric and vintage finds. For example, you can sweep fabric curtains made from sheets, yardage, or any other suitable material to add beauty and elegance to the space. You can repurpose vintage elements into decorative focal points.

vintage or handmade backyard decor

Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget

We all know a deck is an excellent addition to the backyard. It can improve a home's value, increase living space exponentially, and encourage outdoor living. Most traditional decks are made with composite decking (which combines plastic and natural wood) or wood. Here, we will discuss some backyard deck ideas on a budget:

Add a Pergola

In order to create a beautiful deck or patio drastically, all you need to do is add a pergola to the outdoor space. The structure provides shade and enough space to add decorative elements like lanterns, latticed vines, and lights.

add a pergola budget backyard idea

Lighting Additions

Proper lighting is a must. It illuminates the space so everyone can safely navigate during the night. If you want a simple backyard deck idea on a budget, try adding lighting! This inexpensive deck idea can improve your desk's appeal at dusk and beyond.

adding lights for budget backyard ideas

Built-in Deck Features

There are many patio deck ideas on the budget that will help you improve your guests' outdoor experience. You can also incorporate hanging flower baskets, a trellis, and planters. Stick to small seating options, like bistro-style tables, chairs, and a couple of garden benches, to finish the overall look with style.

Add an Outdoor Rug

Outdoor rugs are one of the budget-friendly ideas that can make a statement and make your small backyard deck seem cozy. They are a great way to delineate how you want a space to be used by setting boundaries and showing lounge areas and pathways. They are also excellent small deck ideas where there's limited room.

Refresh Surrounding Fence

A privacy fence is one of the forgettable features that blends well with the surroundings. It can also enhance your design's overall look and feel, ultimately improving the home's worth. If you want something that adds a modern touch to the space, try a fantastic horizontal slat fence. On the other hand, if you wish for a fence that compliments an English garden, go for a decorative lattice fence!

fencing budget backyard ideas

Backyard Pool Ideas on a Budget

Backyard pools are one of the best forms of escapism: They make your home feel like a vacation. However, adding a new pool can be costly, depending on creative comforts like lavish landscaping and what you wish to install. If you want to upgrade your backyard with a pool but don't have a high budget, here are some of the best backyard pool ideas on a budget.

Natural Pool with Floating Wetland

If you already have a chlorine pool in the backyard, consider upgrading it with a floating wetland, which typically costs $1400. A natural pool with a floating wetland can naturally clean the pool, meaning there's no need to invest in expensive chemicals that cost around $960 to $1800 per year.

Above-Ground Pool with a Deck

Above-ground pools are usually more affordable than in-ground pools, costing between $700 and $3600. If you want to add more charm to the space, choose a custom in-ground pool with a deck around it.

above ground pool with a deck budget backyard idea

Shipping Container Pool

As the name suggests, this pool is made from a shipping container. The interior can be coated with steel for extended durability. The containers are easy to transport, making them a quick and cost-effective solution.

Precast Plunge Pool

The plunge pools are compact, making them ideal for small yards. If you don't have a high budget but still want to cool off after a long day, install the cost-effective and compact precast plunge pools.

Budget Small Backyard Ideas

The smallest upgrades in the backyard can make the space look usable and beautiful. For example, you can add small plants or tackle a DIY project, like building a backyard sleepover to make the backyard feel luxurious. Check out these budget-friendly small backyard ideas:

Hanging Flower Pots

If you've a green thumb and want your backyard to be filled with plenty of lush plants and color, add hanging flower pots to the porch ceiling or fence. It does not require you to install the hardware. All you need to do is simply install the "S" hooks and hang pots of colorful flowers.

hanging flower pots small backyard idea

Relaxing Hammock Nook

Want a quiet sanctuary or a little getaway in the backyard? Try setting up a hammock and adding some pillows for a comfortable and relaxing nook. For a more peaceful stay and beautiful ambiance, add blankets, string lights in trees, and even a food basket.

Charming Garden Nook

Your garden shed does not have to be an eyesore. Instead, it could be a feature everyone can check out. Some ways to create a charming garden include window boxes filled with beautiful flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the door, and twinkle lights.

hanging flower pots small backyard idea

Backyard Sleepover

Even if you don't own a tent, you can enjoy a backyard overnight. It uses sturdy branches or a tripod to create the structure. You can then tie a large sheet to the top. Also, add some blankets, candles, and pillows if you want to enjoy a romantic or solo night in the backyard.

Dog-Friendly Backyard Ideas on Budget

You don't have to choose between a well-manicured lawn and a happy dog. With some changes, you can make the backyard puppy safe. Here are some of the easy dog-friendly backyard ideas on a budget:

Install a Dog-Friendly Fence

Dogs love large spaces where they can roam around. A dog-friendly fence is a great addition that helps your dog safely stretch their legs while ensuring complete privacy. While installing the dog fence, make sure it is tall enough and does not have sharp ends.

install a dog friendly fence

Grow Dog Safe Flowers

Your dog-friendly garden is incomplete without plants. However, it's important to note that some plants or flowers are poisonous if ingested by animals. Dog-safe flowers include marigolds, sage, tiger lilies, zinnia, and cilantro.

plant dog safe flowers in backyard

Install a Water Feature

Your dog needs water to stay hydrated. So, make sure to add a water feature to the backyard. This will keep the dog hydrated and offer hours of entertainment during the warmer months. Some budget-friendly water systems for backyards include a sprinkler, decorative fountain, dog pool, and a dog watering system connected to the outdoor hose.

Tools for Budget Backyard Ideas

If you have some basic construction skills and want to improve the look of your backyard, it's essential to invest in the necessary tools. Here are some standard tools:

  • Circular saw
  • Electric drill or driver
  • Electric grinder
  • Power miter
  • Jackery Solar Generators

Jackery Solar Generators combine Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels to charge various outdoor appliances and power tools. When the free sun's rays are on the monocrystalline silicon solar cells of the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, the free solar energy is converted to DC electricity. The Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations then convert DC to AC electricity to charge electrical appliances.

how jackery solar generator works

Here are some Jackery Solar Generators to execute the budget backyard ideas:

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery of 2042.8Wh capacity with a surge power output of 6000W. It can power 99% of outdoor tools, including a belt sander (1200W), bench grinder (1400W), circular saw (1400W), impact wrench (1200W), radial arm saw (2000W), high-pressure washer (1200W), etc.

If you want more power or wish to run outdoor tools for long hours, the battery capacity of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station has an NMC battery of 1002Wh with 2000W surge power output. The portable power station weighs only 22.04 lbs (or 10 kg) to carry the power source anywhere you want.

It features multiple output ports to charge 8 devices simultaneously. You can charge a chainsaw (900W), airless sprayer (600W), electric drill (900W), and jigsaw (300W). If you want a portable power generator for small to midsize outdoor tools, this Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station might be a great choice.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery of 288Wh and weighs only 11 lbs to carry anywhere. It has multiple output ports with dual PD ports to charge small outdoor appliances.

For example, this portable solar generator can supply electricity to small devices like outdoor string lights, TVs, projectors, and smart speakers to plan an outdoor movie night in the backyard.

Product

Output Rated/Surge

Capacity

Appliances

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

3000W (6000W Peak)

2kWh-24kWh

Belt Sander (1200W): 1.4H

Bench Grinder (1400W): 1.2H

Circular Saw (1400W): 1.2H

Impact Wrench (1200W): 1.4H

Radial Arm Saw (2000W): 52 Min

Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station

1000W (2000W Peak)

1002Wh

Chainsaw (900W): 57 Min

Airless Sprayer (600W):  1.4H

Electric Drill (900W): 57 Min

Jigsaw (300W): 2.8H

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

300W (600W Peak)

288Wh

Outdoor String Lights (150W): 1.6H

TV (100W); 2.4H

Projector (200W): 1.2H

Smart Speaker (10W): 24.4H

Budget Backyard FAQs

What's the cheapest way to do the backyard?

Some of the cheapest ways to improve the backyard space include investing in patio dining sets, fire pit kits, perennials, string lights, and outdoor rugs.

How can I improve my yard on a budget?

Some budget-friendly ways to improve the yard include planting perennials, adding sustainable hardscaping, laying down roots with native plants, upcycling functional landscape decor, and considering colorful containers.

How do I build an outdoor living space on a budget?

Building an outdoor living space on a budget requires adding an outdoor rug, setting up affordable garden furniture, and adding a water feature to make the atmosphere more relaxing.

How can I upgrade my yard cheaply?

There are many affordable ways to upgrade the backyard, such as building a DIY deck or patio for entertainment, adding paths, starting a garden, building a pergola, and even building a DIY fountain.

Conclusion

Only a well-designed and maintained backyard can transform the outdoor space from "just a yard" to a "cozy extension of your home." With a smart design and a little creativity, you don't have to break the bank to get the backyard you've always wanted! These budget backyard ideas can offer landscaping inspiration for everyone, regardless of their budget. If you've decided to transform the backyard space, ensure you've all the outdoor appliances and a portable power source like a Jackery Solar Generator. They are lightweight, compact, and have a large battery to charge most outdoor tools for hours.

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