20 Backyard Ideas on a Budget | Wayfair (2024)

Say goodbye to overpriced popcorn and loud whisperers, and say hello to a backyard movie theater! This DIY entertainment option is perfect for any size yard and any budget since it doesn’t consume too much space. The best part about this backyard idea is that it’s super versatile in how you arrange the setting. All you need is your favorite movie, a projector and screen, your favorite yummy snacks, and a place to sit. Don’t have the space for outdoor furniture? Lay down a blanket and throw pillows to stay comfortable.

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Porch swings make excellent backyard budget ideas since they range in price and provide a simple way to enjoy the outdoors. These swings can be installed to hang from the ceiling of your deck, and require no installation since some come with mounted hardware. Porch swings allow enough room for just you or up to three people to sit together and enjoy the tranquility of your backyard. For added comfort, place a few outdoor pillows and cushions on your swing (if yours isn’t padded).

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Are there any better backyard ideas on a budget than entertaining with a grill? Investing in a grill for your outdoor space is a smart move since grills last for several years and have enough surface area to feed a crowd. Similar to porch swings, grills range in price so there’s one to fit every budget, especially because not all grills stand on wheels. If you’re working with a smaller budget and a smaller yard, opt for a tabletop grill so you can still enjoy the seared meats and veggies while conserving space.

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If you’re looking for the best backyard ideas on a budget, we highly recommend placing a dining table in your area. Outdoor dining tables serve more purpose than only eating in your backyard. With their flat top and generous space, the outdoor dining table provides the ultimate room for tabletop games, conversation, and enjoying everyone’s presence. If you don’t feel like splurging on an outdoor dining table, invest in a set under $250. Outdoor dining tables under $250 come in a variety of sizes so you’re able to find a table with enough room for your space (and guests), while still having a high-quality table that will last you years to come.

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Already have a pool in your backyard? Up the entertainment budget-style with a brand new chaise lounge chair. These poolside chairs provide the ultimate relaxation experience with their comfortable cushions and length. Chaise lounge chairs allow you to spread out to soak in the sun and develop a nice tan before taking another dip in the pool. Plus, these chairs are made with high-density polyethylene and other rust-free materials that allow them to be exposed to water without causing damage.

Elevate your backyard by throwing in a few backyard planters. There’s no better way to spruce up your outdoor space than by inviting more plants into this area in pretty planters that can also serve as decor. Mix and match your planters with different colors, prints, and tiers for a visually balanced area.

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Just because you’re operating on a budget doesn’t mean your backyard can’t see luxury or comfort. Whether you have guests over and want to lounge outside yourself, a patio conversation set under $250 is perfect for backyard entertaining on a budget. These high-quality pieces come complete with a small table and at least two seats and a small sofa. That is plenty of room to relax comfortably and keep refreshments nearby thanks to the table.

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Need some place to shield from the sun? Beat the heat and UV rays in your backyard thanks to a patio umbrella. These umbrellas, when fully opened, provide a large surface for at least two people to sit under and be fully shielded from the sun. Having the extra shade on those scorching summer days is a must to stay cool and feel refreshed. Plus, the biggest bonus is that these umbrellas are very budget-friendly. Don’t forget to pair your umbrella with a base to keep it sturdy and in place.

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Sometimes the best budget backyard ideas aren’t how you style your backyard, but what you style it with. Mixing in a pop of color to this space helps to keep the outdoor area vibrant and bubbly, like these two aqua adirondack chairs. Blue or pink Adirondack chairs provide a nice pop in contrast to the earthy outdoor hues while also providing a place to relax. These chairs sport a deep, sloped seat with a laid-back backing to keep you comfortable as you sit. Plus, these chairs are made with ultra-strong plastic and resin materials so your investment will last for years to come – even with outdoor use.

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Small backyard ideas on a budget are all about utilizing the space you have in a big way. Using a corner is one excellent way to make your small backyard suitable for relaxing. Corners have the same cozy feel as nooks do, especially once you place a cozy chair or hammock chair in this area and add a garden stool. Swing chair hammocks are just like porch swings, but smaller in size that is perfect to fit in a corner. Not to mention, they’re usually made with comfortable padding so you can enjoy your lounging. With the rocking motion and plush padding, it’ll be hard to keep your eyes open as you enjoy the peaceful outdoors. Garden stools function very similar to an end table, but typically feature ceramic materials and more design. The flat tops of these stools are ideal for a nice beverage or smaller items you may need to keep close by.

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Don’t have enough room or a big budget for a large patio dining set? Compromise with a bistro set. Bistro sets are typically less expensive since they are meant for smaller sections of your backyard or patio, so they don’t include as many materials (or as big of a build). Patio bistro sets mostly feature a table and two chairs in a set that conserves space and still provides a place to snack, dine, or relax.

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Relaxing in your backyard on a budget is a difficult task, but one that hammocks make possible. These backyard seats are extremely friendly to your wallet and provide a superior lounge option. Hammocks are a combination of rocking chairs, porch swings, and outdoor sofas all in one. These yard loungers encourage you to lay down and enjoy a gentle breeze while rocking back and forth. Hammocks are very versatile in placement and can be placed wherever you want in your yard. Trust us, you’ll love napping your hammock!

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Backyard planters are the ultimate budget-friendly hack for decorating your yard. As mentioned earlier, planters allow you to liven up your area by bringing in more live plants, but the planters themselves are a cheaper way to decorate your backyard and make it pretty for entertaining. Planters with three or four in a set allow you to play with the setup of these yard staples. Planters come in a variety of styles and sizes, which means you can also tier your planters for a visually appealing aesthetic. Or if you prefer to keep things unison, opt for planter sets with the same three or more planters as you experiment with placement. The best places to display your planters out back are in corners, the ends of your patio steps, or on a table. These placement settings ensure you focus on the details and spruce up overlooked areas that can tie your concept together.

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Keep the vibe going all night long thanks to a set of outdoor string lights. String lights make great backyard ideas on a budget since it creates a mood without a hefty price. The warm glow of these lights make any backyard feel cozy once the sun goes down and allows you to enjoy your outdoor area longer at night. Plus, you can get creative with where you hang your string lights! Drape them over the top of a pergola, wrap them around a tree or your deck railing, or hang them from the awning so you’re always able to see once the sun has set.

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Speaking of a glow, why not enjoy the cozy feeling from the warmth of a backyard fire pit for less than $100? Fire pits are great for backyard entertaining since they provide warmth and can be used for fun foods like roasting hot dogs or marshmallows. Since fire pits under $100 are smaller in size, they don’t require as much maintenance or produce a lot of hot heat because they do not use as many logs. These luxurious backyard items can be enjoyed year-round for a cozy feel any time of day.

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Whether you’re planning some backyard entertaining or trying to enjoy your space on a budget, a patio bar area makes your space more relaxing and convenient. Patio bar serving carts under $150 makes it easy to keep your favorite beverage nearby as you unwind on your new patio furniture and saves you a trip indoors. These carts are made with wheels on the bottom to transport easily around the yard or patio while also having a frame made of wooden, wicker or other weather-resistant materials to preserve their exterior while outdoors. Patio bar carts have several shelves with enough room for all of your beverage mixers, cups, and components to make it easy to whip up your favorite co*cktail while staying seated.

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Now you can take a mini vacation without ever leaving home – how’s that for budget backyard ideas? Create a DIY campsite in your backyard with your fire pit and Adirondack chairs to make it feel as if you were away from home. If you really want to create a DIY scene, use a lot of landscaping rocks to break up the grass around your fire pit and Adirondack chairs for the coziest backyard camp site.

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Make a dramatic statement in your backyard by draping greenery garland vines around the top of a pergola. Faux garland is very budget-friendly since you’re opting for artificial plants that do not require maintenance like live plants do. Draping garland over the top of a pergola utilizes vertical space in a breathtaking way that adds extra decor to your outdoor space without a hefty price tag.

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Backyard ideas on a budget are just as much about the details as they are about the bigger items. While crafting the perfect spot for backyard entertaining and dining, be sure to select colorful and whimsical tableware for a gorgeous tablescape. Outdoor tableware is made with melamine materials, which is basically a shatterproof plastic, that makes them perfectly durable for the outdoors. These plates and cups make dining outdoors a fun experience and dress up your table with the fine details to complete your backyard space.

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Is your backyard patio a concrete slab or majorly made of wood? Adding in an outdoor rug is a beautiful way to break up the material,protect your floors, and incorporate a nice decorative touch. Outdoor rugs contain prints and patterns full of vibrant colors to make the outdoor space more lively. Outdoor rugs are one of our favorite backyard ideas on a budget since they are low in price and high in quality. Plus, most outdoor rugs are built with a non-slip backing to prevent slips and falls if the patio becomes slick from rain.

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