Do you have a yard that has seen its best days? Don’t worry, we are not here to judge you. Once the initial joy of having an own yard has worn off, it’s relatively easy to just start slacking off with the mundane (yet necessary) tasks like mowing the lawn, cleaning the furniture and constant watering of the plants. 

Now, if you are attempting to get a grip and put your yard back to its glory days, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve listed 10 inexpensive, realistic backyard ideas that won’t break the bank. 

1. Swap Old Textiles to New Ones

Do you have any pillows or cushioned furniture that look like they’ve seen their better days? Dirty, worn-off and overall unattractive cushions and textiles truly are an eyesore. Therefore, swapping them out for new ones is the perfect way to start your yard project. If the textiles are simply a bit dirty, you could just wash them, but usually getting new ones is a necessity. Note that you do not have to get expensive, fancy cushion covers; opt for inexpensive ones that are made of durable, weather resistant materials. 

2. Utilize the Vertical Space

Unless you happen to own a small mansion, chances are the yard is not that big to begin with. Therefore, utilizing vertical space in creative ways may be needed. One of the best ways to utilize it is to grow herbs and other plants vertically. You can do this by getting hanging vertical gardens that have pouches and other attachments where plants can be safely attached. Utilize random walls on the yard by putting vertical gardens on, for instance, warehouse walls. You can also update some of your plants by getting plants that are ideal for vertical gardens, such as ferns and succulent plants.

3. Consider Mosquito Nets

Beautiful Summer nights invite us to spend time outdoors. It’s also the prime time for annoying mosquitoes at least in some areas of the country. Needless to say, it is almost impossible to relax when all you do is try to not get bitten by mosquitoes. Therefore, it may be worth considering mosquito nets. These nets are very inexpensive, so buying and assembling them shouldn’t be difficult. Assemble them on top of the patio and wherever there’s seating and enjoy fresh air without being bothered by mosquitoes!

4. Get some Paint

If you have some worn-out outdoor furniture or the paint on the warehouse is starting to wear off, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Give a new life to the items you already have by adding a splash of color. Be bold and brave with colors! This is your yard, so you can be playful and try colors you otherwise wouldn’t utilize in home decor. Remember to sand the old paint off first and get all the necessary tools before painting. So, get some paint and transform the look of your yard in a moment!

5. Make an Outdoor Cinema

A classic tip in all yard and gardening related magazines and blogs! Yet, we thought it’s so good that we couldn’t miss it. Watching movies is what people love to do during their free time; you probably also spend quite a bit of time (and money) on various subscriptions. Now, to get fresh air and spice up the regular Netflix nights, why not create an outdoor cinema where you and your family can relax in a fun environment? Use the furniture (or gymnastics mats or trampoline!), get sleeping bags, cushions and anything else you may need for your outdoor cinema. Hang a white sheet on the wall and get a projector for movies. You could even invite your friends and people in your neighborhood. It’s time to watch movies under the stars!

6. Boost the Play Area with a Trampoline

Is the play area for kids looking a bit sad? A simple mailbox swing set and sandbox in the corner of the yard where your kids haven’t played in months or even years? This is the case for many. As kids grow older, the basic swing set rarely does it for those 8-15 year olds. An easy fix for that is to get an outdoor trampoline. 

While the trustworthy, good ones may cost for several hundreds if not thousands, they often tend to entertain kids for years to come, therefore lowering the cost per use. Trampolines can also be utilized as a play area by getting tents, basketball hoops and other accessories to it. Smaller size trampolines tend to be a bit more inexpensive; consider the option as it serves endless entertainment!

7. Draw with Chalk

Do you have asphalt next to your yard or a trampoline in your yard? Cool! Then, we recommend you to get some chalk for your kids and let them be creative! Drawing chalk is a fun way to add some color to otherwise dull surfaces. The best thing is that they can easily be washed away. You could even join and draw together with your kids! 

8. Hang a Hammock

Are you relatively happy with your yard but wish there were more places to relax? Adding a hammock could be an easy fix solution to your problem. Coming in various sizes and price categories, a hammock is certainly a traditional piece of furniture in the garden. Before purchasing, think where and how you’ll attach it as it may have an impact on which one you eventually should buy. It is also recommended to check the weight limits before purchasing a hammock.

9. Stay Protected from Sun

When you think about it, one reason why we opt for going back indoors is because the sun is too harsh. Therefore, some kind of shade is needed. There are various cost-effective solutions to staying protected from the sun while enjoying the yard. The easiest and cheapest option is a large outdoor umbrella that could protect the patio area. If you have a bit more to spend, you could opt for a canopy. A proper canopy allows you to turn part of the yard as an extension to your home. It¨ll provide relief from the heat and enhance the usability of your outdoor space. 

10. Add Little Surprises to Your Garden

At its best, the yard can be a magical place. It’s common to add garden gnomes for protection, but what if you went a little outside of the box and added some fairies, princesses, orcs and other characters from fictional movies and stories? Create a fantasy land of your own and add surprises to your friends and family!