Where is the best place to find affordable outdoor furniture?

Outdoor furniture is the cherry on top of a stylish patio or fire pit area. Start your search by looking at gently used items. Consignment shops and neighborhood sales are excellent places to find new-to-you backyard furniture. Keep an eye on local social media pages to snatch high-quality pieces before a neighbor does! Remember to shop with an open mind. A coat of spray paint or new upholstery could turn an outdated lounge chair or patio dining set into a trendy work of art.

How can you save money on landscaping equipment?

Some landscaping projects — even DIY ones — require power tools or other heavy machinery. Few homeowners have this equipment sitting in their garden shed or garage. First and foremost, don’t use any machinery that you don’t know how to safely operate. It’s better to spend a little extra money to get the job done safely in these cases! If you have the skills but lack the tools, consider renting the necessary equipment from a local landscaping center. (Also, be sure to ask around with friends and family first. You never know what you could borrow for free!)

23 Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget

They say that curb appeal is responsible for up to 11% of a home’s resale value. But you shouldn’t wait until it’s time to sell your home to invest in the beauty and function of the surrounding property.

The backyard is an invaluable part of any home. Big or small, the backyard is the perfect space to entertain family, visit with friends, or relax after a long day at work. And for households with children or pets, a backyard can be a welcome distraction from causing havoc around the house!

Yes, landscaping is expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading for our favorite backyard landscaping ideas on a budget!

1. Thrift a Garden Statue

Scour local thrift stores or yard sales to find an affordable garden statue, adding a touch of classical charm to your backyard. Position it as a focal point in a flower bed or at the end of a pathway for a striking visual impact.

White Buddha statue in a garden with various green plants and square stepping stones on artificial grass, creating a tranquil and serene setting — Source: @barefoot.landscape via Instagram

Two elephant statues stand on green grass under sunny skies, with trees and a wooden fence in the background — Source: @estatues via Instagram

2. Add a Trellis Wall

Installing a trellis against a bare wall or fence creates a vertical garden space. Train climbing plants like ivy or roses to grow up the trellis, creating a living wall that adds both privacy and beauty.

Cozy garden setting with wooden chairs around a fire pit, surrounded by lush greenery and string lights overhead — Source: @puntodereves via Instagram

3. Get a Small Pool or Pond for Movement

Introducing a small pond or stock tank pool brings dynamic movement to your backyard. This water feature doesn’t need to be large; even a modestly-sized pond can provide a serene focal point and attract wildlife.

A backyard pond with clear water, surrounded by rocks and greenery, leading to a small house with a patio and glass doors — Source: @phillip_johnson_landscapes via Instagram

Small on budget garden pond with water plants, surrounded by stones and lush greenery — Source: @anneguygardendesigns via Instagram

A backyard with a stock tank pool, stepping stones, potted plants, and purple flowers, featuring a chimney in the corner — Source: @rootedrevivalhomestead via Instagram

4. Wood Pallet Plant Box

Repurpose wood pallets into rustic plant boxes for a cost-effective and eco-friendly gardening solution. These boxes are ideal for growing herbs, flowers, or small vegetables and can be arranged to define spaces or create borders.

A wooden raised garden bed next to a house with planted herbs and flowers surrounded by rocks — Source: @stormi.makes via Instagram

Backyard with a fire pit, a folding chair, and tiered wooden planters filled with colorful flowers against a wooden fence — Source: @teetee2gnp via Instagram

Narrow backyard with brick wall, wooden fence, and tiled path featuring raised wooden planters with greenery on both sides — Source: @culverlandscaping via Instagram

Small backyard playground with a white wooden playhouse, slide, climbing wall, and greenery, enclosed by a wooden fence — Source: @culverlandscaping via Instagram

5. Install a Simple Backyard Deck

Constructing a simple wooden deck can transform your backyard into a versatile outdoor living space. Design it for dining, lounging, or as a platform for a fire pit, ensuring it complements the existing landscape.

Wooden deck with outdoor sofa, chairs, and a coffee table, surrounded by trees with sunlight streaming through the leaves — Source: @insideout_designbuild via Instagram

Wooden deck with a sofa, a table with chairs, and a large umbrella; surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden fence — Source: @billingsley_home via Instagram

Small fenced backyard with green lawn, wooden deck, and dark wicker furniture with blue cushions. Plants line the fence on a sunny day — Source: @earthandsole via Instagram

Cozy backyard with a wooden deck, glass table with umbrella, chairs, and a pathway leading to two patio chairs under trees — Source: @earthandsole via Instagram

Top view of a backyard garden with a grassy lawn, bordered by flower beds, a deck with potted plants, and a small shed visible — Source: @vikys.pics via Instagram

Wooden deck with dining table and fire pit, surrounded by a lush green garden and tall trees in the background — Source: @tilly_design via Instagram

6. Landscape a Rock Garden

A rock garden is a low-maintenance and drought-resistant option. Select rocks of various sizes and shapes, and arrange them with drought-tolerant plants for a natural, zen-like environment.

Garden patio with stone steps, plants, and outdoor seating, trees and greenery are visible in the background — Source: @landscapecreationsdupage via Instagram

Stone garden wall with lush green plants and palm leaves, set against tall trees; neatly arranged slabs with gravel path in the foreground — Source: @soulargardening via Instagram

7. Add a Small Pergola

A pergola offers both shade and architectural interest. Build it over a patio or along a garden path, and consider adding climbing plants for a lush, green canopy.

Wooden pergola on a deck with two black chairs, set in a backyard with a brick house and fenced garden — Source: @macraemartin via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wooden pergola, white chairs, and lounge chairs, surrounded by palm trees and a wooden fence in a grassy area under a clear sky — Source: @staugustine.homes via Instagram

8. Landscape Along Fencing

Introduce a variety of floor plants to create a natural screen and soften the harsh look of your fence. Choose a mix of shrubs, flowers, and foliage to add color and texture.

Consider layering the plants to create a visually interesting and dynamic effect. The best part? This landscaping approach is versatile and works with different fence styles, from wood to chain-link to vinyl.

Garden with various plants and rocks along a wooden fence, bordered by a brick walkway — Source: @blair41790 via Instagram

Backyard with a wooden fence, rows of potted plants beside the fence, and a well-manicured green lawn on a sunny day — Source: @juhbaree via Instagram

Green backyard with a wooden fence, blooming plants in mulched beds, a turquoise lounge chair with a patterned cushion, and trees — Source: @louasisliving via Instagram

A colorful garden with various plants and red flowers, bordered by stones and a wooden fence, featuring a hanging decorative lamp — Source: @thesuburbangardenerhouston via Instagram

9. Install Flagstone Steps

Flagstone steps are both functional and aesthetic. Use them to navigate slopes in your yard or as a charming path through your garden, complementing the natural landscape.

A garden with a stone pathway, colorful flowers, wooden chairs, and a bench on the grass — Source: @floral_palace via Instagram

Garden with a stone path, colorful flowers, and a small rock waterfall near a white house surrounded by trees — Source: @greenjaylandscaping via Instagram

A cozy garden scene with a patio table and chairs under an umbrella, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant foliage — Source: @helena.karlanda via Instagram

Lush garden with tropical plants, a stone pathway, and vibrant foliage under bright sunlight — Source: @kare_bear_florida via Instagram

10. Brick Garden Retaining Walls

Build retaining walls with bricks to manage sloped areas and create raised garden beds. This adds structure to your landscape and can be used for both ornamental and practical planting.

Backyard garden with raised stone beds, green plants, gravel paths, and a patio with potted plants; trees and shrubs line the perimeter — Source: @jnlandmaintenance via Instagram

11. Use Adirondack Chairs for Outdoor Seating

Adirondack chairs are a classic and comfortable choice for backyard seating. Made from wood or recycled plastic, they are durable and stylish. Place them around a fire pit or in a cozy corner to create a relaxing outdoor retreat.

Two blue Adirondack chairs with floral cushions face a small glass table and umbrella stand in a brick-paved garden space — Source: @bluedoorbungalow_stay via Instagram

12. Cheap and Easy Landscaping

Focus on low-cost, high-impact projects like mulching, planting perennial flowers. Use native plants for a garden that thrives with minimal care, and repurpose materials like stones and bricks for pathways and borders.

Garden with red tulips, lavender foliage, yellow ground cover, and rocks along a wooden fence — Source: @marypowdesigns via Instagram

Lush garden border with colorful flowers and greenery, adjacent to neatly mowed lawn

A yellow wheelbarrow with flowers and gardening tools on grass, flower pots, and plants against a white fence in the background

13. Build Wooden Raised Garden Beds

Construct raised garden beds from untreated wood to create defined spaces for vegetable or flower gardening. These beds improve drainage, reduce pest problems, and make gardening more accessible and back-friendly.

Garden with wooden deck, slate pathway, raised flower bed, pink hydrangeas, small statue, and ambient lighting against a brick wall — Source: @sampearsongardenprojects via Instagram

14. Landscape with Pebbles

Pebbles are an affordable ground cover that requires minimal maintenance. Use them in walkways, as mulch in garden beds, or around water features for a clean and modern look.

Lush garden with a bistro table set on a stone patio surrounded by flowers, a small rock path, and a decorative wooden trellis — Source: @landscape_josh via Instagram

Garden with a winding stone path, bordered by mulch and various plants, leading towards trees in the background — Source: @lets.grow.for.it via Instagram

15. Hang Plants

Utilize vertical space by hanging plants in baskets from tree branches, pergolas, or along the fence. This adds layers of greenery and can be used for both decorative and edible plants.

Lush backyard with hanging plants, colorful foliage, and a path surrounded by greenery under a clear sky — Source: @plant_edinthecity via Instagram

16. Vegetable Garden with Mesh Screen

Protect your vegetable garden with a mesh screen to keep pests out. This practical solution ensures a bountiful harvest and can also serve as a climbing support for certain vegetables.

A lush garden with leafy plants, a wooden fence, small potted flowers, and vibrant greenery under tall trees — Source: @small_paradise_garden via Instagram

17. Add Stepping Stones

Stepping stones create a simple and natural-looking path through your yard. Arrange them through your lawn or garden for an inviting walkway that encourages exploration.

A small garden with stone path, green plants, and a wooden fence, next to a building exterior — Source: @vinca_landscape via Instagram

A landscaped garden with stone steps, mulch beds, and young plants under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds, with a wooded area in the background — Source: @mitslandscape via Instagram

Stone path with square slabs on gravel, leading to a wooden deck attached to a gray house; grass surrounds the walkway — Source: @tommymorrowjr via Instagram

Backyard with circular patio, stone path, metal shed, and water tank; newly planted bushes surround the area; lawn in the foreground — Source: @locolandscapedesign via Instagram

18. Concrete Pavers

Use concrete pavers for a durable and versatile patio or walkway. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for creative patterns and designs that suit your backyard’s style.

Contemporary backyard with gray patio tiles, artificial grass, wicker furniture, and potted trees against a brick wall — Source: @batts_building_and_decorating via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wooden dining table, chairs, lounge chairs, potted plants, and a turquoise ottoman on stone tiles — Source: @earthandsole via Instagram

Backyard patio with an umbrella-covered table and chairs, additional seating area with chairs and cushions in the background — Source: @stonearchlandscapes via Instagram

Backyard scene with patio, barbecue grill, and wine glass; lush green lawn surrounded by plants and neighboring houses — Source: @toddedward via Instagram

19. Install Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is a low-maintenance alternative to a traditional lawn. It’s ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or where growing grass is challenging, offering a year-round green appearance.

Small garden with artificial grass, outdoor seating, potted plants, a raised planter, and a coiled green hose against a light-colored fence — Source: @blue_trogon via Instagram

20. Use Fence Sconces

Attach sconces to your fence for ambient outdoor lighting. This not only improves the aesthetics of your fence but also adds safety and comfort for evening gatherings.

A nighttime view of a backyard with a wooden fence, illuminated by lights, where plants and shrubs line the fence, and a garden hose lies on the lawn — Source: @juhbaree via Instagram

A backyard with trees, wooden fences, and a small shed, the ground covered with artificial grass, and lights on the fence — Source: @kerenabu.mecontracting via Instagram

21. Build an Outdoor Garden Bench

Construct a simple garden bench as a DIY project. Place it in a quiet corner for a serene retreat or in the midst of your garden to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Outdoor patio with a table and flowerpot. White blossoms cover the ground, creating a snow-like effect, trees and a fence in the background — Source: @jhchow1 via Instagram

22. Arrange Container Plants Around Your Patio

Container gardening is a flexible and easy way to beautify your patio. Mix and match pots of various sizes with a variety of plants like annuals, perennials, and small shrubs to create a dynamic and lush patio border.

A sunny backyard patio with potted plants, a variety of flowers, and steps leading to a green lawn surrounded by tall trees — Source: @ourwalkwithbuddha via Instagram

23. Design with Shrubs and Grasses

Use a mix of shrubs and ornamental grasses for a modern, low-maintenance landscape. These plants offer year-round interest, require minimal care, and can be used to create natural borders, focal points, or a privacy screen.

Modern backyard garden with wooden fence, patio furniture, stone pathway, and neatly arranged plants and shrubs — Source: @earthandsole via Instagram