Dreaming of a backyard retreat that won’t break the bank? Try a backyard DIY! With just a few simple elements, you can transform your outdoor space into a cozy oasis perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an inviting patio setup using budget-friendly items for around $800 total.
Step 1: Lay Down a Gravel Patio Foundation
Gravel is an affordable, low-maintenance way to create a patio foundation for your backyard DIY. Start by clearing the area, adding a layer of landscaping fabric, and spreading a few inches of gravel evenly. Choose a color and size that complements your outdoor aesthetic, and enjoy a sturdy base for your setup. For our project, we used crushed granite as it’s durable, affordable, and multiple colors were available to fit our needs. We had a 10×10 space to fill and used 40 bags to fill the area about 2-2.5 inches deep. The bags were right around $7 a piece and we had landscaping fabric/ weed barrier leftover from landscaping in the front that we were able to use. Link to our crushed granite – Click Here
Step 2: Add a Conversation Set with a Small Table
A compact conversation set instantly brings comfort and style to your outdoor area. Look for a weather-resistant set that includes comfortable seating and a small table, which can double as a place to set drinks or decor. For our backyard DIY, we found this gorgeous Charlton Home set at Wayfair for $390 – Click Here!
Step 3: Include a Fire Pit for Warmth and Ambiance
A fire pit is a perfect addition for those cozy evenings outdoors. Choose a small, portable fire pit to keep things flexible and affordable. Look for a model that suits your space and complies with local safety regulations. Check your city site to see the local ordinances as many require a screen and to remain within certain sizes. Be sure to also check for drought regulations in your area as that may affect the ability to use the fire pit. We found our fire pit on amazon for $89 – Click Here!
Step 4: Hang Twinkle Lights for a Magical Touch
Add a warm, inviting glow by stringing twinkle lights around your seating area. Attach them to nearby trees, fences, or poles (as we used) to create a canopy of lights overhead. We purchased an adjustable two-pole set to hold up our lights but more poles means more lights so do whatever best fits your overall goal. Solar-powered options can keep costs down and make setup simple, but we chose to go with battery powered ones since our home is tall and may not get the best sun in that spot. We wrapped our lights and used a command strip to adhere the battery pack to an inconspicuous spot on one of the poles. Poles found on Amazon – Click Here
Twinkle Lights found on Amazon – Click Here
Final Touches and Budget Breakdown
Finish off your backyard DIY patio with personal touches, such as cozy throw blankets, outdoor pillows, and a small plant or two. This is where you get to get creative and bring your home vibes outdoors!
This setup is not only visually appealing but also wallet-friendly, with each element carefully selected to create a stylish patio on a budget. Totaling about $800, or even less dependent on purchase options, this project proves that you don’t need a large budget to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space.
For more details on each item and their price points, check out the links above and get ready to transform your backyard into the perfect relaxation spot! Learn more about our new DIY series at https://dunhillhomes.com/2024/10/14/introducing-our-exciting-new-diy-series-at-dunhill-homes/
