• DIY projects are a great way to add functionality and style to your backyard without spending too much money or time.
• Doing your own project also means you can customize it to fit your outdoor space perfectly.
• Building simple projects like a fire pit, herb garden, and outdoor furniture can add practicality to your space.
• Installing a DIY pool fence is important to keep your family safe.
When you think of backyard projects, you envision hours spent toiling away in the hot sun, sweating and swearing as you try to put together a complicated piece of furniture or equipment. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of easy DIY projects that you can complete in an afternoon that will add functionality and style to your backyard.
Why DIY Home Projects Are Great
DIY projects are great for the budget-minded and those who like to get their hands dirty. Plus, they can be done in the afternoon or over a weekend, so there’s no need to set aside days to tackle such projects. And if you have limited outdoor space, DIY projects can help maximize your backyard by adding extra seating, storage, or a play area.
Build a Simple Fire Pit
A fire pit is the perfect gathering spot for summer evenings spent outdoors with family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to keep warm on those chilly autumn nights. All you need is a metal bowl, sand, and stones. Put the bowl upside down on the ground and fill it with sand. Then, arrange the stones around it in a circle. That’s it! You’ve just created a beautiful and functional focal point for your backyard.
A fire pit also doubles as a grill, so you can make s’mores or cook up some burgers for your guests. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some seating around the pit, especially during colder months when you’ll want to cozy up around a warm fire.
Create an Herb Garden
Are you looking for a way to add some edible plants to your backyard? Then consider creating an herb garden! Herbs are easy to grow and require minimal care, so it’s still doable even if you’re busy or have limited space. All you need is a raised planter or container, soil, and favorite herbs. Plant them in the soil, water them regularly, and soon enough, you’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips!
Herb gardens are great for sprucing up your outdoor area with bright colors and fragrant smells. Plus, when you’re cooking, you can easily snip off a few leaves to add flavor to your dishes. An herb garden is a great way to make the most of your backyard and add some practicality too!
Upcycle Old Furniture
If you need more outdoor furniture to accommodate your guests, try building your own! This project is incredibly easy and requires only a few supplies you probably already have around the house. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start by finding two large pieces of wood—they can be old fence posts, 2x4s, or anything else sturdy and roughly the same size.
- Nail or screw them together at the top to form an “X.”
- Take four smaller pieces of wood and nail them or screw them into the large pieces at an angle to form legs for your bench.
- Add a seat by nailing or screwing a piece of plywood or particle board across the top of the bench.
Voila! You’ve just built yourself a brand-new bench for your backyard oasis! This is great for hosting impromptu barbecues or just kicking back and relaxing.
DIY Pool Fence Project
Another great project to add functionality and safety to your backyard is a DIY pool fence. This is a great way to keep kids and pets safe while allowing plenty of sunlight to enter your pool area. Make sure that your materials are tough and resistant to the elements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wood or metal posts
- Fence panels
- Screws, nails, or brackets
- Gate Hardware
Install the posts into the ground first, then attach the fence panels with screws, nails, or brackets. Finally, add a gate and secure it with hardware for easy entry into your pool area. Make sure that your fence is BOCA-compliant and safe for your family. This means it should be at least 48 inches tall and have no gaps larger than four inches.
There are endless possibilities regarding backyard projects—regardless of your skill level or budget. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start adding some functionality (and fun!) to your backyard today!