This post is for you if you’ve wanted to spruce up your backyard but don’t know where to begin! We’ve compiled the 25 best backyard landscaping ideas to help make your outdoor space more beautiful. From rope lighting and seats to stone walls and benches, these simple projects will turn your yard into a serene oasis in no time.
1. Rope lighting and posts
Rope lighting adds ambience to your backyard, whether you put it on the top of a fence or use it as a pathway for lights. Posts can be made from wood, metal or plastic and are usually painted or stained to match the colour of your home.
2. Ornamental kinds of grass and flowers
Ornamental grasses and flowers are probably some of the most straightforward additions you can make to your garden. They add colour, texture and height, so they’re great for adding a natural touch. They also add structure to your garden because they have a vertical element—even though it might not seem like much at first glance!
Here are some ideas for incorporating ornamental grasses into your landscaping:
- Suppose you’re looking for something tall with bold colours that will stand out in the summer heat, go with ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass or red fountain grass. These will give your house some serious curb appeal from the street!
- Evergreen sedum (a type of succulent) makes an excellent ground cover that brings texture to any space. It also thrives in poor soil conditions so it won’t die out during wintertime months when most other plants would perish under a snowfall or heavy rains.”
3. Garden pathway
A garden path can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you like. You can use stepping stones, bricks or pavers to create a pattern or design. If you don’t want the garden path to be the centre of attention, use stepping stones or pavers in the middle of the trail. At the end of your garden path, place one large rock that will stand out and impact visitors entering your yard.
4. Rock-enclosed outdoor sitting area
If you want to create a more rustic, natural look for your outdoor space, using rocks can be an effective way to do so. They come in various sizes, shapes, and stone types, allowing you to use them in multiple ways. They’re also available at your local garden centre or hardware store.
Here are some ideas:
- Use rocks as seating areas: Place flat rocks on top of each other to create an elevated sitting area that is comfortable enough for adults to sit on but low enough for kids to climb onto. Make sure the rocks are stable, so no one gets hurt! If you don’t have large flat rocks available (like we did), try stacking smaller ones together until you have enough space for everyone who wants to sit down at once.
- Create paths through your yard by choosing only a few types of rock with different textures and sizes; this will help guide guests through the yard while adding interest simultaneously!
5. Striped walkway
You can create a striped pattern by painting with two different paint colours and then letting the paint dry.
Or, if you want something more complicated, you can use a stencil to create your design. You can buy stencils at craft stores or make your own from cardboard or paper.
You can also create stripes using concrete pavers cut into various shapes and sizes to form a path or patio area with an exciting look.
Stone patios are also great for creating stripes because they come in many different colours and sizes.
6. Water feature
If you incorporate a water feature into your garden, you will have something soothing to listen to while relaxing outside.
The two most common forms of water features are fountains, which use pumps and electric motors to make the water move, and ponds, which are more natural-looking but require more work. Ponds usually require a liner and sometimes plants or fish as well!
You can build your pond using various materials, including plastic kiddie pools or inexpensive decorative koi ponds explicitly designed for this purpose. The Smart Garden Pond, for instance, is made of all-weather plastic with a lovely stone border around the base and includes everything else needed (filter pump) except for rocks if desired. These can be purchased at any major home improvement store, like Home Depot or Lowes, for less than $100, including required filter pump parts plus whatever is needed if you wish to add larger rocks surrounding the edge perimeter.
The only thing needed would be patience while waiting while it drains out after filling up before turning on the pump system. Depending on size, it will take several hours; if smaller than 5′ diameter, then maybe just 30 minutes max. The Smart Garden Pond comes complete with everything needed except rocks if desired (unless intending to use larger stones which take longer due to weight).
7. Birdhouse and bird feeder
Birdhouses and feeders are excellent ways to attract birds to your garden. They provide food and shelter for the birds, causing them to stay in your yard longer than they would otherwise. You can make birdhouses from various materials, including wood and metal. If you want something long-lasting, use cedar or pine wood because it doesn’t splinter when nails are used to hold it together. Metal birdhouses should be painted or coated with non-toxic paint so that birds don’t eat harmful chemicals while eating their food inside.
A homemade bird feeder is also an easy project requiring little skill since there aren’t any complicated tools for this DIY project; all it takes is creativity! The best part about doing this kind of project yourself is being able to personalise everything about it—even down to choosing what type of material goes into making such a small item like this one! You can use anything from old milk jugs filled with seeds (which makes them easy for kids) over plastic pipes cut into different sizes depending on how much seed mix you want inside each one (these work best if placed outdoors near trees where birds are likely going).
8. Firepit
A fire pit is one way to spend an excellent time outside. One can be built out of concrete, steel, or even an old oil drum. Whatever material you choose, investing in a fire pit cover is a good idea to protect it from the elements.
Fire pits are also great for cooking with charcoal or wood chips, which is why many people have built their outdoor kitchens next to their fire pits. Making an outdoor kitchen isn’t necessary. Instead, think about getting an electric grill.
By creating ambient lighting and heat around the area where people sit down together (or if they’re playing games), a fire pit can help keep you warm on chilly nights and foster great conversations.
9. Built-in grill and bar area
Build a bar area in your backyard that you can use to entertain guests and relax. You can do it with little work by building an outdoor grill and connecting it to a serving area for drinks. Or, if you’re more into mixed drinks than beer or wine, consider creating a pub table with storage for bottles underneath for easy access when entertaining company.
You can also add seating space around this area, so guests have somewhere comfortable to sit while hanging out with friends. If there isn’t much room, think about turning one side of your patio into an outdoor bar so people can assemble there without crowding the front of the home where more events are taking place during the warmer months (or outside during colder ones).
10. Patio tables with a planter in the middle
The patio table is a part of your backyard of grass, trees and shrubs. Use a large planter in the middle of your patio table to give it a personal touch. Place some plants in it, and you will have an outdoor dining area that looks great too! Ensure the planter has a sound drainage system for water to escape from them quickly.
Choose one with easy-to-clean material such as plastic or metal for cleaning purposes. You might want to think about how simple it is to move about and add dirt or plants as needed, as these activities might be difficult for elderly persons whose muscles have weakened due to ageing (like me).
11. Stairs with lights inset in risers
- Use LED lights. Instead of using old-fashioned light bulbs, opt for more energy-efficient and longer-lasting LEDs.
- Use a dimmer switch. No one will notice that the lights aren’t manually turned on if you programme them to turn on at nightfall, stay on for about an hour, and then shut off after everyone has gone to bed.
- Use a timer and remote control: You can use these in conjunction with each other to make it super easy to turn your stairs on whenever you want them to be illuminated.
- Purchase motion sensors: These can be preferable to standard timers or remote controls if you have children or dogs who might wander around your backyard after dark (or if other activities are taking place outside that could result in false alerts).
12. Wood deck with built-in bench seating
This backyard includes a wooden deck and built-in benches. Bench construction can be done with a variety of materials. They can be round or square. They can be low to the ground or tall with backs, and they can be made to accommodate several people at once—the possibilities are endless!
The placement of benches is also quite flexible. They’re great near fire pits or other outdoor focal points; they’ll add extra seating if you’re having people over for dinner, and they make great spots for reading books or enjoying quiet time alone.
13. Seating area enclosed by shrubs
Create an outdoor seating area surrounded by shrubs.
Step 1: Use a circular saw to cut the trunk of a tree growing in your backyard.
Step 2: Use a hammer to drive stakes into the ground at each end of the trunk and tie it down with rope or wire so it won’t move when you’re turning it later on.
Step 3: Place some shrubs around the perimeter of your seating area, watering them with a garden hose after planting them in the soil around the edge of your seating area
14. Stonewall and stone bench seat surrounding the fire pit.
We think this idea is excellent for those who want an outdoor seating area but don’t want to feel like they’re missing out on the view. The stone wall and seat surround a fire pit, allowing you to enjoy both your fire and the picture at the same time. For added warmth on cool nights, place two wooden chairs next to the fire pit.
15. Put a Paver pattern patio floor with a fire pit and wooden chairs.
A paver pattern patio floor with a fire pit and wooden chairs is an excellent option for those who want to create a warm atmosphere in their backyard. This setting is also very cosy and can be used as an outdoor dining area or relaxing spot when you want to read a book. To add some life to your patio design, paint the chairs in bright colours like red and yellow, giving them more character. You may also choose chairs with backs so that they can provide some comfort while sitting outdoors on hot summer days.
16. Trampoline Teepee
A trampoline teepee is a fun way to play with your children, who are sure to have lots of fun bouncing off the walls. You can make one of these teepees using an old, beat-up trampoline that has seen better days. The frame only needs to be set up once, and then a perimeter enclosure can be made by wrapping rope or twine around it.
You can use different colours for your child’s trampoline teepee to be just as eye-catching as they are!
17. Build an Arbour or Trellis
The good news is that building a trellis or arbour doesn’t require you to be an architect because they are relatively simple constructions that may be made of wood or metal. Old doors, pallets, branches, and other recycled materials can all be used as building materials if you don’t want to spend money on supplies and want to get inventive with what you already have around the house.
18. Repurpose your old furniture by making an outdoor bench
An excellent option to reuse old furniture is to build an outdoor bench. Here’s how you can make one:
- Find an old table or chair you don’t mind getting rid of. You’ll want something that has a strong enough base but isn’t too cumbersome.
- Lay down your base piece (in this case, it will be the table) on its side, then place two smaller pieces of wood at either end and drill holes through them into your more prominent wood component. It will form your legs; you can paint these any colour you choose!
- A second piece can be attached using the same technique but with shorter legs so that it can hold whatever size seat cushion (or pillow) you choose. First, think about the shape you want your seat to take. Next, take some measurements to ensure the bench fits the length and width of the table.
The best thing about using recycled materials for things like outdoor benches is that it helps keep our environment safe from unnecessary waste and allows us to express our creativity when decorating!
19. Recycle your tires by making an outdoor tire planter or tire swing.
There are numerous uses for tires. You can make an outdoor tire planter or use the tires to build a swing. You could also make an outdoor tire swing chair, bed or bench with your old tires. Use them for seating at your following picnic table or as part of garden decor!
Not forgetting about safety when using old tires for these projects is essential. Ensure the ground is stable and level under your tyre planter or swing so it won’t topple over in the future due to a lack of balance from being on soft ground terrain below.
20. Make an outdoor bar set from old car tubes.
You can use old car tubes to make an outdoor bar set. If you have the space, this is an excellent idea for those who love barbecues and outdoor parties. You can create your outdoor bar set using a variety of techniques, including:
- Make a bar stool with old car tubes. Cut it into smaller pieces and weld them together at their ends to form the shape of a chair backrest. Then, fuse these two parts at their edges and add legs between them (you can easily find cheap furniture legs online). It will give your stool an industrial look that matches well with most decor styles.
- Make an entire table out of only one single piece of tubing! Cut your tube into three equal parts, then bend each section down 90 degrees so that it forms a triangle shape on top of another piece of tubing which will be used as its base (see picture above). Please repeat this step until all three parts have been bent 90 degrees; then weld them along their edges so they form one long part again: Voila! Your very own table is made out of just ONE tube!
- Create countertops using old car tubes – this idea is handy if you don’t have enough money but still want a great-looking kitchen/bar area! Just cut off both ends from each side using scissors, then fit them together horizontally like shown here and voilà: An instant countertop made out of junk 🙂
21. Repurpose your old kitchen utensils as garden decorations.
- Use old kitchen utensils as garden decorations. You can make a garden stake or trellis from old spoons and forks or hang your tools on a bike rack.
- Use old coffee cups to create planters for succulents, herbs, or small plants.
- Make stepping stones with dishes you no longer use by glueing them to an existing stone (or piece of wood) in a pattern that suits your home’s aesthetic.
- Repurpose gardening tools by making them into trellises for climbing vines and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and peas that need support to grow up the wall instead of out of the ground
22 Turn your old dresser into a flower planter or decorative planter.
If you want to turn your old dresser into a planter, here is how:
- Make two holes in the dresser’s bottom (one on each side) that are big enough for drainage to pass through.
- Cut out four pieces of wood slightly larger than the size of your pot’s bottom and drill holes through them so it is easy to insert them into each corner of the pot’s base.
- Drill an angle-drilled hole into each piece, then attach each separately using screws, as shown above, securing each corner with screws from the inside out (so they don’t protrude). You should now have a square frame inside with no spaces where dirt or water could get caught!
23. Tree Swing DIY
A tree swing is an excellent addition to your backyard. It’s also one of the easiest DIY projects you can do, and it comes with tons of benefits. Not only will a tree swing make your backyard more entertaining, but it’s also a way to bring nature into your space.
Here are the materials and tools needed to make your tree swing:
- A sturdy branch hangs between two trees at least 10 feet apart (the higher, the better!)
- Two pieces of wood (about 4 feet long) for the seat support
- Leather strips or rope for hanging the swing from branches above head height (this is optional—you can hang from branches directly if desired). Using leather straps or string, you’ll need about 2 yards per end, depending on your component’s significance. If you’re using chainsaw-cut logs as seats instead of planks, this step isn’t necessary because those seats already have holes drilled into them and will stay in place without additional work!
24. Backyard movie theatre
How to make a backyard movie theatre:
- You’ll need a projector, screen and sound system for this project. The projector needs to be large enough to fill the screen, which in this case is just a white sheet hung on your fence or wall.
- Place your projector on top of an elevated platform, with no obstructions (such as trees) in its path.
- Hook up your surround-sound speakers or stereo system using speaker wire, then plug them into something that will play movies (like an Apple TV). Or, if you want something simpler, connect everything using some HDMI cables! It’s best not too far away from where people will sit, so they don’t have very long wires running everywhere when trying to watch their favourite films 🙂
25. Create a fairy garden using various miniature items and flowers.
Fairy gardens are a fun and easy DIY project you can do with your kids or on your own. You can add them to any area or create one for each season. They don’t need much maintenance and offer plenty of ways to play around with colours, sizes, textures, and styles.
Here’s how:
- Please choose the location of your fairy garden carefully because it will be there for many years to come. Ensure it receives enough sunlight, isn’t too dark, or isn’t exposed to the wind to prevent plants from drying up too rapidly. That will work if you have a porch, deck, or fence post!
- Pick out pots in various sizes depending on what kind of flowers/shrubs/trees you want to plant in them (but keep in mind these won’t get too big, so don’t worry about not having enough space). Remember that each pot needs drainage holes drilled into its bottom, so water doesn’t build up inside! It also helps if they’re made from terra cotta instead because it doesn’t break as easily when dropped 🙂 Make sure whatever material is used has been cleaned thoroughly beforehand, though, since dirt particles could block up those drainages over time. It would lead directly to our next point: watering!
- Watering needs vary depending on where we live but generally speaking. Most plants will require some moisture daily, which means looking at what kind of soil was used during construction.
Conclusion
You should be able to develop a stunning and helpful backyard garden with these suggestions. Although finding inspiration is not always straightforward, we are confident that your next outdoor project will be a success with the help of these 25 do-it-yourself recommendations!