8 Affordable Backyard Ideas to Get Your Yard Ready for Summer

As Canadians, we have a tendency to wait until the heat of the summer to transform our backyards. By the time we finish our backyard projects its often just in time to pack up for winter. With how short our Alberta summers are, all of us at Homestead think it makes more sense to get the outdoor projects out of the way in spring so we can enjoy the space all summer. We also want to emphasize that backyard projects don’t always have to be construction projects. There are many cost-effective ways to enhance your yard. So, we’ve made a list of our top 8 affordable backyard ideas to get your yard ready for summer now, so you can make the most of the short months of sunshine!

1. Stain or paint your deck.

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of stain or paint to give your deck the facelift it needs.  Likewise, painting your outdoor chairs, table and planters can completely enhance your yard and make it feel brand new!

2. Add pillows to your outdoor furniture.

Don’t forget that your yard is more than a place for your kids to play, it’s a place to relax and lounge! Add pillows to your outdoor furniture or buy ready-made floor pillows for your deck. Keep in mind, everything can be a little bolder outside, don’t be afraid of bright colours and patterns.

3. Plant flowers.

Adding planters and hanging plants to your backyard is an incredibly affordable way to take your yard to the next level. Depending on your time and budget you can build your own raised planter beds or buy them new. When you fill them with flowers or vegetables your yard will get an instant pop of colour and beauty that will make it more enjoyable to spend time in.

4. Buy or build a firepit.

People love to gather around a fire. By investing in a fire pit, you are preparing your yard that much more for the memory-making summer has in store. You can get crafty and build your own or buy one that suits your outdoor decor!

5. Create ambience with string lights.

Is there any better backyard idea that sets the perfect mood than string lighting? You can string lights along your fence, on your deck and throughout trees to add some charm to the space for those summer evenings shared with friends.

6. Add an outdoor carpet to your deck.

Durable outdoor carpets are a great way to add a pop of colour to your outdoor space. They also make your deck that much more comfortable to walk across — with or without shoes!

7. Set up a hammock.

A hammock is the perfect backyard addition for both kids and adults. When you set up a hammock on your deck or between trees in your yard, it will instantly feel more relaxing and inviting.

8. Set up lawn games.

Complete your backyard makeover by setting up lawn games. Croquet, bocce ball and ladder golf are just a few of the games you can add to include recreation in your outdoor space. What better way to spend a summer evening than by playing yard games with the whole family!

By following these 10 backyard ideas, you can create a backyard oasis on any budget before summer even arrives!

Check out some of our home improvement projects in our gallery.

Have a backyard makeover project in mind? Contact us!