Absolutely Fabulous Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget

If you’ve had dreams of relaxing on a backyard deck this summer and are at a little bit of a loss of how to get there, especially if you’re on tight budget, today there’s help. I’ve got loads of backyard ideas on a budget and resources to help you create your dream backyard and an outdoor space you love.

 

Backstory of My Deck

When we bought our home in 2018, it was in need of a bit of TLC.

It was an estate – the woman passed away 6 months prior, she was a widow herself, and the home was as-is. With 3-year-old twin boys underfoot, it was a slow process to get our house updated and cleaned up. I focused a lot on the inside, since that was where we spent most of our time.

 

But the outdoor area was a bit neglected, especially our back deck.

 

This summer, we made plans to put in an above-ground pool, and it was finally the motivation I needed to spruce up the backyard decks.

 

We are fortunate enough to have a few areas we can hang out as a family – a patio off the front carport, multi-level decks including an upper deck off of the dining room and a lower deck, that comes out from our ground level basement.

 

It took me a solid and exhausting 3 weeks to put a fresh coat of paint and prep the area, but the good thing is that not only do we finally spaces we can use but I can share some ideas you can use yourself.

 

What Can I Build Instead of a Deck?

I want to jump to this section before we get into the particulars of my own deck and how to decorate a deck, because often, a patio, a deck, an outdoor space are somewhat interchangeable as far as function goes.

 

So, what I’m sharing today can really apply to any of those types of spaces, not just traditional decks made with wooden boards.

 

If you don’t have a deck and aren’t planning to build one any time soon, here are few DIY deck options to consider.

 

Take a look through and see if you can’t find the best idea for the spaces and budget you have to work with. And, most of these ideas should be able to be done without acquiring a building permit.

 

DIY Deck and Backyard Patio Ideas {If You Don’t Have One Yet}

This post contains affiliate links. See Disclosures for details.

 

Concrete Pavers

You can create your own outdoor space without getting involved in construction. Just lay down some concrete pavers in a designated area, and that will serve beautifully.

 

Choose a level spot or put in a little muscle to level it out. You can even put them right on the grass for a patterned look!  Here’s a tutorial you can follow for some help!

 

Wood Pallets

Yes, you can use wood pallets as a makeshift deck. Wood pallets are an inexpensive idea, and lots of people even give them away for free.

 

This tutorial can guide the way for you to give this a try for a cool DIY backyard patio idea!

Photo Credit: Our Crafty Family

 

Floating Deck

A floating deck is also another alternative you can use to create a deck for your backyard, using actual wooden planks as a free-standing structure, not something attached to your house.

 

We had a floating deck in our backyard in New York and loved it.

 

This would also be an especially cute idea if you need a foundation floor for a she shed, perhaps?

Photo Credit: The Spruce

 

Concrete Patio

A concrete patio is something you certainly can DIY if you have the know-how, but concrete is a great alternative to your standard wooden deck option. Often it is less expensive as well.

 

Gravel Patio

By creating a border, you can fill a space with pea gravel or soft round rocks and create a patio area. This also can serve as a sweet outdoor living space that can work in a small yard, too.

 

Brick Patio

A brick patio is another option you can create in your backyard, if you don’t mind DIY projects. This is similar to a paver patio.

 

Bricks can be stylish, and if you look on Facebook Marketplace, local Facebook groups or apps like Freebie Alert, you can probably score these for not much money or even for free.

 

Creative Ideas for Low Budget Back Deck Decorating Ideas and Upgrades

Ok, now that we’ve explored the actual deck space, let’s get into my favorite part – the decorating.

 

Each person is going to have his or her individual style, so I want to share some common elements that will really bring these backyard deck ideas to the next level. (You can also check out this post right here if you want to see some general backyard decorating ideas, many can be directly applied to decks!).

 

First, you want to decide how you’ll use the space so you can determine the outdoor furniture you will need. 

 

Will it primarily be lounging and socializing?

Will you be adding an outdoor structure like a she shed or screened in porch?

 

Will it be a dining area or a place for a backyard fire pit? A hot tub? A sitting area large enough to fit both? What kind of outdoor seating is required for the space?

 

What are the different uses you’ve envisioned for this area? 

 

 

The good news is that, with a little forethought and planning, even a small backyard deck or a small patio can be transformed into the best place on your property.

 

Backyard Patio Furniture

If you will be dining, you’ll need the obvious. You can check out this post here for some inexpensive patio dining table options.

 

I purchased this one at Walmart over 3 years ago and it has held up beautifully.

 

I purchased another set at Kroger around the same time, at a 4th of July sale. There are definitely deals to be had.

 

Of course, you know I love Facebook Marketplace, so if you have the transportation needed to pick it up and it’s not too far (remember to factor in gas to your deal!), that’s a great way to go.

 

If it’s more of a socializing and relaxing area, a couch, some softer chairs with cushions, a sectional, a coffee table and some side tables … even a few zero gravity chairs make this a fun and functional space as does a portable porch swing.

 

Plastic Adirondack chairs are also an affordable option as well as an easy way to incorporate some relaxing seating.

 

You do not even need to purchase everything to get furniture for your deck. Take a look through your home and see if there might be some old furniture that can also work outdoors!

 

Be sure to include an outdoor rug in this are in order to anchor this section together.

 

Shade

Another thing to consider is the sun factor.

 

How much shade and sun will this area get, and with either prohibit you from really enjoying it? I know firsthand that if it’s super-sunny, it might be the last place you’d want to be in the summer.

 

To that end, think about a covered deck.

I don’t mean a permanent structure necessarily, but how will you provide shade? A large umbrella or two? A gazebo canopy? An awning or a sunshade?

 

You’ll want to think about how to maximize your enjoyment of the area and what would be a good use of your resources and time to create that.

 

In my house, we purchased this pergola for the top deck, which creates a beautiful focal point for the space and is super fun to accessorize (You can read the full review on the pergola here!).

 

For our lower deck, we have a gazebo (held down with concrete blocks) that has worked well for us for going on 3 years! We also have umbrellas for dining as well as a cantilever umbrella for another lounging area.

 

If you are looking to save money, adding some 4×4″ posts in flower pots and connecting a sunshade is a very frugal option!

 

Cheap Backyard Ideas for Accessories

OK, this is one of my favorite parts. Here are easy backyard ideas to incorporate and consider when accessorizing:

 

Colors

When it comes to accessories, it helps to have a theme or color palette in mind, whether you’re decorating a small space or if you are fortunate enough to have a lot of space.

 

I’m typically very neutral in my decor, but for summer, for some reason, those bright reds just speak my language!

 

Some unobtrusive but striking ways to add in color and create a beautiful deck area are in your throw pillows, outdoor rugs, tablecloths, even your flowers!

 

Even if most of the main pieces in your outdoor decor are neutral, these accents can really bring out the color with just a little bit of creativity.

Here’s another patio area that I used with more bright colors.

 

 

Lighting

Including some ambience lighting is a great addition to any beautiful patio decorating strategy..

 

String lights are some of my favorites – you can use globe style or rope fairly lights.

 

Of course, candles are always a cozy feature (citronella work double-duty) as well as tiki torches and lanterns with flameless candles as an affordable option for outdoor use.

 

This is one of my favorite patio ideas that will allow you to enjoy your space well into those summer nights!

 

Flowers

I touched on flowers before, but there are several ways you can add that color and really tie together that space.

 

A vertical garden looks just amazing, and if done right, it can also double as a privacy fence!

 

A small garden of sorts clustered together in pots (check this out for starting an organic garden!) are striking as are hanging flowering plants; this is especially idea if you have a small deck.

 

I also love the look of ferns as well, which are very low maintenance.

 

Fresh flowers in vases on tables is also another inexpensive way to decorate – not only beautiful but charming and rustic.

 

Pre-made potted flowers (or pot your own for a low-cost option!) are a great idea as well.

 

Easy DIY Project

I’m a big fan of DIYs, as you might have picked up on, if you’ve been around my blog for a while. A lot of these options translate into DIY ideas you can create without spending a lot of money.

 

For example, a good idea is a no-sew pillow out of placemats or a DIY mason jar luminary instead of buying lanterns. The coffee table basket in the picture above is also an easy DIY!

 

The best part about DIY is not just that it’s an affordable way to decorate, but it gets your creative juices flowing, and you know that you personally have use an awesome idea of your own to contribute to your own backyard makeover.

 

There are so many positive aspects to including DIY backyard ideas, even if you’re a beginner.

Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget for a Summer Your Heart Needs

As someone who thrives on being frugal, I can personally vouch that you can create a beautiful deck area on a low budget.

I’m going to share some links to what I purchased for my own deck, on a budget, in case you like some of those ideas!

As for my deck makeover, the majority was the paint. The real magic happened in the decorating, that you can see below!

Links are provided below the photos!

 

 

And if you like a good before-and-after, check it out below!

 

Click links to shop the picture!

10×10″ Purple Leaf Pergola

70″ Flowered Tablecloth

Mini Globe Lights

Yellow Melamine Plates

DIY Rope Table Tray 

Table Scarf

Zero Gravity Chair

Red Pillows – Walmart, in-store

Striped Tan Deck Rug – Hobby Lobby, in store

Summer Decorating, Inside and Out

If you are wanting to spruce up ALL of your home this summer, take a look here:

Outdoor Summer Living:  Lovely & Versatile Patio Oasis Ideas

35+ Stylish Front Porch Decorating Ideas for a Summer Oasis

Trendy Spring to Summer Decorating Ideas {+ Before & After Pics!}

Fast, Easy, Cheap Ideas to Decorate Your Home for Summer (Farmhouse Style!)

Front Porch Decorating: Summer Modern Farmhouse on a Budget

Breezy and Chic Summer Decor Ideas for a Small Porch

Backyard Entertaining Ideas

If you love to entertain in the summer, here are a few ideas to get you started for some amazing parties, cookouts, and get-togethers!

80+ Epic Outdoor Backyard Graduation Party Ideas (on a Budget!)

Best Backyard Dinner Party Ideas {Budget-Friendly, Outdoor Charm}

How to Throw a Children’s Farmhouse Birthday Party {On a Budget!}

35 Delicious Summer Cookout Side Dishes {100% Crowdpleasers}

35 Easy Summer Desserts for a Crowd (Perfect for Cookouts!)

25 Best Individual Appetizers for Social Distancing: Party Approved!

30 Incredible Brunch Charcuterie Boards, Guaranteed Crowdpleasers

30 Single-Serving Desserts for Parties (Easy, Safe & Classy!)

60+ of the BEST Trifle Recipes {Last Roundup You’ll Ever Need}

 

 

I‘d love to see how you put together your backyard deck on a budget! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!

Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!