Is your backyard lacking a little somethin’ somethin’? Then it’s time to bust out your DIY skills, because together, we’re going to take your yard from drab to fab.
From furniture to lush plants, these DIYs will help make your summer iconic af.
Attach solar lights to your fence.
So, first up: your solar lighting options. Ditch plug-ins — there’s truly no point to draining your power bill when the sun is quite literally right there.
Or string them around your yard!
Nothing says summer like string lights. Whether they’re solar, LED, or good ol’ fashioned wired lights, string lights will immediately give you some summer vibes. Kick back with your phone and a drink and relax while your lights twinkle away!
Doesn’t that sound so peaceful?
Buy. A. Kiddie. Pool.
This is not a drill. If you have a yard, it is your obligation to me specifically to get a kiddie pool . I live in an apartment and can’t have one, so you gotta do it for me. PLEASE.
Turn your shed into something really special.
Sure, you could use it to store cobwebbed gardening supplies. Or you could turn it into an outdoor retreat, complete with comfy couches and an outdoor bar. Up to you, though.
Fire pit? Fire pit.
I mean, duh. Check out these step-by-step plans on how to build an outdoor fire ring for you and your family! You’re about to roast so many marshmallows, you guys.
Make a gravel patio with minimal effort.
Honestly, this paradise is easier to create than you’d think. All you’ll need is some lumber, some patience for digging, and a lot of pea gravel. Oh, and this tutorial from City Farmhouse.
Time to get planting.
Is this one obvious? Yes. Should you still do it? Yes. Plants totally change the look and feel of a space, especially outdoor ones. Get your gardening gloves on and plant to your heart’s content.
Create some grass art.
YouTubers Evan and Katelyn decided to see what they could do with some wood and some grass, and guess what? It’s actual art. Watch them attempt it and get some ideas for your own grass art here .
Build a Murphy bar.
You’ve seen a Murphy bed, now get ready for: the Murphy bar. This fold-away bar is the perfect solution for a small yard! Get the instructions and supplies you’ll need right here .
Make some outdoor light poles.
Have string lights, but don’t have anywhere to string them? No worries. Utilize planters and wooden dowels to create some pretty amazing looking poles to string your lights around.
Get the instructions here .
Plant an herb garden.
Tired of heading out to the store? Solution: herb garden. This one is framed beautifully along the existing staircase, which is giving me some serious yard jealousy. Can this be mine?
Macrame yourself a hammock.
Been thinking about learning to macrame, or looking to put your macrame skills to even more use? Make a crochet hammock for you to swing all your cares away in.
Hide your hose away with a planter.
Let’s face it: yard equipment isn’t pretty. You know what is pretty? Flowers. This planter brilliantly hides your hose away! Get the instructions to make one here , or buy one here .
Create a plant wall.
It’s different from the grass wall, because it’s made of plants. Smart.
This plant wall DIY guide will help you on your journey. May I suggest adding succulents to yours? They’re so cute.
Build a gazebo.
What backyard would be complete without a gazebo? Over at Instructables , Linn from Darbin Orvar made this beauty with $500 and limited tools. I could see myself spending the rest of the summer sitting here and soaking up the sun.
Make your own patio sectional.
Outdoor furniture is insanely expensive. To make your own, follow this tutorial on YouTube and prepare to have amazing outdoor furniture that is not only comfy, but totally Instagrammable! That’s what matters, right?
Build a bowling alley.
I mean hey, why not? A clever family built their own outdoor bowling alley to keep themselves entertained during the coronavirus quarantine. It even has an automatic bit that picks up the pins!
Build a whole pond.
Yes, really! And it’s a pretty easy thing to do, as long as you follow the instructions . Create a relaxing outdoor space (complete with a waterfall) that will make you the envy of ducks everywhere.
Create a backyard movie theater.
You’re going to need a projector (or a TV, tbh), speakers, and comfy seating. There’s a step-by-step guide that includes materials right here . They advise not using your TV, but not all of us can afford projectors and movie screens!
Make a little outdoor workspace.
Just because you have to work at home, doesn’t mean you can’t work in style. Take your workspace outdoors with a balcony desk or table, a comfy chair, and a long extension cord for your laptop charger.
Make your own planters!
Tired of store bought ones? Picky about colors? Why not buy your own planter mold and learn how to make your own out of cement? Trust me, I’ve tried this, and it’s super fun.
Make an outdoor swing…bed.
I mean, what would you rather have? A swing that you can sit on for a bit, or a swing you can take a whole nap on? That’s what I thought. Learn how to make an outdoor swing bed from Plank and Pillow here .
