Getting your backyard for summer doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. In fact, there are many things that you can do that will cost very little and will make a massive improvement in your outdoor living spaces. Here are awesome hints for decorating your backyard in the summer.
From planting a small flower garden to sprucing up your outdoor furniture, many of these projects will take you less than a day to complete and some may not cost you anything at all if you have a few basic supplies on hand.
Whether you choose one project or choose them all, we are certain that you will find something that will instantly improve your outdoor décor and give you a great reason to get outside this summer.
1. Put Up Cupcake Lights
Whether you are planning a summer evening get-together or you just want to add a sweet little decorative element to the backyard, these cupcake lights are divine. You just run a string of lights and then cover the lights with cupcake liners.
Note: For outdoors, you’ll need to remove the liners whenever it rains but these are great for outdoor entertaining. You can use different colors and designs or just make them all the same. It’s a sweet way to decorate your outdoors without spending a lot of money.
2. Make A Rainbow Trampoline
You can make your backyard trampoline much prettier (not to mention safer) by cutting pool noodles and inserting them around the edges of the springs. Pool noodles are about a buck each at the Dollar Store and you won’t need very many. Just cut them the length needed to cover the springs and then make a slit on one side to insert it.
If your trampoline has a net, you can also cover areas of that and make it really rainbow-ish. This makes it much safer for little ones who may get hurt on metal springs and it brings a lot of color to your backyard.
3. Add Steel Pipe Garden Edging
This is one of the most unique and least expensive ways to pretty up your flower gardens. It gives you a lot of added planting space as well. You just take old steel pipes and insert them into the ground around your flower bed. Then just fill the inside of the pipe with potting soil and use that to plant smaller flowers or succulents. You can actually paint the pipes first with spray paint if you aren’t a fan of the old, rusty look but either way, this is a beautiful way to frame your garden and add some extra space as well.
4. Paint the Patio
It will cost very little and take very little time to add a bit of color to your patio. If you have a tile patio, you can simply paint a few of the tiles in bright colors, which will instantly add an interesting element. Choose colors that will match your home’s exterior or your patio furniture. This is a great way to bring a bit of the tropics into your backyard for summer and since it’s cheap and easy.
5. Build a Backyard Couch
With just a few cinderblocks, a few pieces of lumber, and some cushions, you can create a beautiful and very comfortable couch for your backyard. You just have to stack the blocks and insert the boards through the holes. You will want to use concrete adhesive to ensure that they don’t fall when someone sits on the couch. Then just add a cushion or two and you have a wonderful couch that is both attractive and cheap to build. It’s also really easy. It should only take an hour or so to complete or longer if you are planning to make the cushions.
6. Build an Outdoor Coffee Table
A metal bucket and lumber will enable you to create a lovely coffee table for your deck or patio and one that has additional storage for things that you don’t want to get wet in the rain. You can find an old galvanized bucket at yard sales, flea markets or thrift stores if you don’t already have one and the lumber is really inexpensive. You can also use any plywood that you already have on hand, which will make this little project cost absolutely nothing. You’ll have to cut the plywood into a circular shape and ensure that you get it the right size. Overall, this project shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.
7. Build a Living Tee Pee
You can use any number of materials to create a living tee pee and your children will adore playing in them. From bean poles to twigs, there are several things that can make up the base, and then you just have to choose what you want for the cover. If you want to plant beans, this is a great way to give your backyard a little pick me up and grow some fresh veggies at the same time. You can also do this with flowers, which will look beautiful when they are blooming, and give your yard a burst of color along with a playhouse for the kids.
8. Make Chair Planters
Old chairs, flowers, and your backyard spell fun, color, and beautiful outdoor décor. If you have some old wooden chairs that can’t be used any longer (if you don’t you can get them pretty cheap) then you just have to remove the seat and turn those old chairs into beautiful planters. You can paint them different colors if you really want a lot of colors outdoors and then add container plants that will bloom in contrasting colors. The chairs look great in flower beds, on decks and patios, or just sitting in the yard under a tree.
9. Create a Terra Cotta Pot Table
You can create a beautiful side table from a terra cotta pot, a terra cotta tray, and some outdoor paint. The actual size of the table will depend on the size of the pots that you use. If you want a relatively large table, choose a large pot and tray. Once you have this all assembled, which doesn’t really take very long, you can use it for additional storage. Just lift up the top and put whatever you want inside. If you have an old pot and tray on hand, this one won’t cost anything. Even if you have to buy them, it’s still a really inexpensive table that is perfect for the backyard.
10. Make an Old Fashioned Rope Swing
Having a rope swing hanging from a tree in the backyard is a great sight. Your kids will absolutely love swinging on it, too. You don’t need a lot in order to make this swing, either. You need a pine disc cut into a circle which you can find at your local hardware or home improvement store – or you could cut one yourself. Make sure that there is a hole in the center of your disc and then just knot the rope on the bottom and hang the other end over a sturdy branch.
11. Add a Water Blob
No, that’s not a type – you can add a wonderful water blob to your backyard and give your kids hours of fun this summer. A water blog gives the kids somewhere to jump and play without worries of actually being in the water and trust us when we say that they will love this. You can make the blob from the painter’s plastic and if you take an iron to the edges before you add the water, it won’t leak. Just make it the size that you want, fill it with water and then let the fun begin.
12. Diaper Your Hanging Planters
Yep, diaper them. If you have planters hanging from the back porch or deck, they are sure to leak from time to time, leaving you with unsightly wet spots everywhere. A better way, and one that actually helps to keep your plants healthier, is to add a diaper to the planter before adding the plant. The diaper will soak up water, ensuring that there are no leaks. The diaper also holds the water so your plants will not become dry as quickly, which makes them look healthier and more beautiful and ultimately makes your backyard more attractive.
13. Make a DIY Splash Pad for the Kids
There is no better way to cool off in the summer than with a DIY splash pad. Not only does it provide great cooling water for the kids, but it’s also easy and very inexpensive to create. Instead of spending a small fortune buying a splash pad, just make one yourself. You actually just need a large tarp and a sprinkler. Make sure that the tarp is not ripped or torn and if you have a kids’ sprinkler, that may work better than one for the lawn.
14. Make Your Own Passing Game
Whether you have a little football or softball player in your midst, this passing game is a great backyard addition. Not only will it help them with their throwing and tossing, but it also gets them outside for some fresh air. You need a water-resistant tarp with grommets, rope, colored duct tape, a permanent marker, and a ruler to create the game. You can choose to make it a passing game for football or if you prefer softball, make the holes a bit smaller if you want. The kids are sure to enjoy passing and this is a great game for outdoor parties.
15. Make a Noodle Croquet Set
Outdoor games are a must for summer fun but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune buying them. This life-size croquet set is made from inexpensive pool noodles and is great fun for kids of all ages (even adults). You need to cut the pool noodles in half right down the middle and then again to make two arches from each half. Garden stakes will keep them in place. Then just grab some kick balls and let the fun begin. Kids will adore playing croquet kickball style and it’s great exercise.
