If you are like most people, then you spend a great deal of time in your backyard. Whether it is a BBQ in the summer or enjoying the hear from a fire pit in the fall, there are some frugal ways that you can turn your backyard into a wonderland.
The Patio
Use the patio as a base for the backyard. Don’t make it too small because you want to have room to place furniture so that guests can visit. Plants can be placed around the edge of the patio to take up room if you feel that it is too large until you have company over. A gravel base is the least expensive. You can find used wooden patios online or at salvage companies that sell items from homes where the owner has sold the property or upgraded.
Covers
Instead of spending a lot of money buying a gazebo, get a few patio umbrellas to place over the patio area. The best time to get these is at the end of summer when they are on sale. A plain white umbrella will be the least expensive and the most versatile. It will also help keep more heat and light away from the area in the summer.
Play Area
This is where you can get creative. Make a swing out of an old tire and some rope instead of buying a swing set. If your children want a slide, then get a piece of metal from a hardware store. You can find Laguna tools here that can be used to shape the edges so that they are folded down and smooth, and attach the metal to a ladder or a set of older steps. Make sure there is a base under the slide so that it is stable as the children go down. You can use a large plastic box for a sand area.
Connect It
If the backyard is not easily accessible from the driveway, gather a few bricks or stones to make a path. You can also use pieces of wood to make the sides of the walkway and fill in between the wood with gravel from creating the patio area. If you get a large load it will cost less than if you have several smaller loads delivered.
Extras
When it is time to decorate the area, look at thrift stores to find fake plants and items that can be placed on the patio table or in the corner. You can get items like grills and swings at reduced prices at the end of the summer season.
Your backyard can be an oasis if you use a little imagination and ingenuity. Look at your options before making a final decision. You also need to compare prices and materials before settling on one way to makeover your yard.