Budget-friendly DIY ideas for your outdoor space


KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✔ There are many fun, creative and inexpensive ideas you can do to make your outdoor space look great.

✔ Whether you have a backyard or balcony there are DIY projects that can be done in just one weekend.

✔ Used furniture, lighting, art or plants help to personalize a space while making it cozy and inviting. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, just put in a little time and effort.


Got a backyard or balcony that needs a little TLC but don’t want to spend a lot of money? There are some great wallet-friendly DIY ideas to cozy up your outdoor space. You don’t need to be super handy, just a little bit of time and energy and you’ll be on your way to giving your backyard or balcony the makeover it needs.

Here are some budget-friendly ideas to help you spruce up your outdoor space:  

1. Give the space a good scrub

Give your deck, patio stones, railing and outdoor furniture a new life with a deep cleaning. Rent or borrow a power washer, and in a few satisfying minutes, you can get rid of YEARS of built-up grime and make things look new again.

2. Start with some seating

Whether it’s a cozy chair on your balcony or a conversation set in your backyard, great seating can really enhance your enjoyment of the space. Lounge chairs, a hammock, or park-style benches – go with whatever appeals to you most. And don’t forget to include side tables to hold drinks and snacks. You don’t have to spend a ton to get a great result: garage sales and online marketplaces are great sources for used items at discounted prices.

3. Fix up what you already have

Revive furniture with a fresh coat of paint. You may have to do a little sanding, but the result will be an old piece that looks new again. Consider adding colourful new cushion covers to a dated lounger or outdoor sofa to give them a refreshed look.

4. Upcycle used furniture

Don’t have furniture you love? Buy someone else’s! Whether it’s at a garage sale, an online marketplace or you’ve spotted a piece with potential on someone’s curb, upcycling isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s great for the environment, too. Plus, it’s a fun opportunity to get creative.

5. Set the mood with lights

Nothing cozies up an outdoor space like soft, twinkling lights. Use inexpensive string or rope lights to add a touch of magic to any space. Hang them from your balcony ceiling, drape them on an exterior wall, or string them along a fence.  If you’re worried about electrical – there are plenty of inexpensive solar-powered options. And don’t forget about battery-operated candles if you want to amp up the ambiance.

6. Go green

No matter how big or small your outdoor space is, adding plants is always a good idea. Greenery is beautiful, but did you know it’s also good for your mental health? Yep, science says so: having them around reduces stress, improves concentration and enhances your overall well-being.

So go forth and green things up. Try a cute container garden with affordable annuals like herbs, pansies or geraniums. Or create a living wall by hanging planters along a fence or railing. To save money, shop end-of-season sales. And ask friends if they’re splitting their plants this season – it’s a great way to pick up hardy hostas, day lilies and other perennials.

Even if you only have a Juliette balcony or a window that opens up, you can still grow a lovely little garden with planters that sit right on the railing!

7. Deck the walls

Create an outdoor gallery on the side of your house or the wall of your balcony with vintage signs, travel souvenirs, mirrors, birdhouses, canoe paddles, you name it – an exterior wall is a wonderful blank canvas.

8. Get crafty

Doing it yourself will always save you money. And there’s nothing more satisfying than something you’ve made with your own hands.

Want to grow your own tomatoes or plant a balcony-friendly herb garden? Build a planter and start gardening.

Make your own privacy wall – it can double as a place to hang outdoor artwork. If you’re in a rental, try a freestanding privacy screen you can take with you when you move. This article has some great ideas.

Find some wood stumps and sand down the tops – they make great side tables.

9. Have fun with accessories

Colourful cushions, wreaths, outdoor rugs and even garden gnomes can be fun ways to express your style. Add a few citronella candles – they create ambience while keeping pests away. Throw in some inexpensive outdoor plates and glasses to bring the whole look together, and you’re ready to fire up the BBQ!

We are here to help

We hope these budget-friendly ideas help you get lots of enjoyment out of your outdoor space this season. And when you’re ready to tackle a bigger renovation, we’re here for you. Talk to us about a personal loan to fund your next improvement project – just visit your local easyfinancial branch or call us a call at 1-888-502-3279. We are here to help.


This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice on any subject matter.

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