16 Best Backyard Ideas on a Budget (All Under $500!)

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These backyard ideas on a budget will have you loving your lawn!

bali outdoor fire pit backyard ideas on a budget customer photo

Need backyard ideas on a budget? Try these tips!

The outdoors calling your name? You don’t have to pay thousands to make your space inviting. If you need backyard ideas but are on a budget, Hip2Save is here to help! Transform your yard into a haven with these money-saving purchases and projects.


1. Set boho vibes with an eye-catching teepee.

cotton teepee engagement photo shoot with mountains

CO-Z Super-Large TeePee Play Tent – $84.99 (regularly $89.99)

Love the boho-chic style? This pretty cotton teepee is calling your name. Use it outside when sunny and dry. This roomy 85″ high teepee is easy to set up and looks fantastic in photos. Use it on date night, for a photo shoot, or any time you want to lounge. With this one simple piece, you’ll have one of the most eye-catching lawns on the block. It’s one of our favorite backyard ideas on a budget!

Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

“This teepee was perfect for adults and for quite a number of children. Quality material. I purchased this teepee for a family picnic. Three of my adult sisters were able to fit inside. We loved it!”


2. Add tranquility with a cozy Brazilian-style hammock.

two people sitting in a hammock

2-Person Brazilian Style Double Hammock with Stand$89.99 (market price $119.99)

Sink into your very own cacoon with this cozy Brazilian-style hammock. For less than $100, this comfortable hammock is a solid investment for any yard. It comes with a steel stand and carrying case. Read a book, watch a meteor shower, or cuddle with a loved one.


3. For cheap patio furniture, consider this wicker set.

cheap patio furniture natural expressions wicker set

Natural Expressions 5 Piece Wicker Patio Sectional Furniture Set Blue – $429.99 (regularly $454.99)
Clip the extra $25 off coupon
Final cost just $404.99

*Shipping is $69.99 

PE rattan wicker furniture is lightweight and rust-proof, making it an excellent choice for outdoor patio furniture. It’s also REALLY affordable! The 5 piece set above is highly-rated and comes with a glass top coffee table.  

Need a matching bar to serve drinks? You can score a wicker bar with two stools for less than $200 on Amazon.


4. Improve your ambiance with creative lighting.

string lights on a patio backyard ideas on a budget alitade

Lighting can give your outdoor space an inviting feel. For under $20, you can buy a string of lights and there are so many neat ways to use them! Hang lights over your patio or deck for an intimate setting. These LED lights can last up to 30,000 hours!

backyard ideas on a budget rope lights christmaslightsetc picture
Photo: Christmas Lights, Etc.

Have a stone or dirt path? Christmas Lights, Etc. suggests using rope lights to illuminate your walkways. This lighting is both pretty AND practical!

firefly lights by ashley hacksaw budget landscaping ideas
Photo: Ashley Hackshaw

Put fairy lights in mason jars for a whimsical effect. Hang on strings or display them on your patio. See the full DIY tutorial from Ashley Hackshaw.


5. Spend only $1 on these DIY concrete planters

diy concrete planters

These trendy concrete planters will give your patio or deck a modern vibe.  For the quantity you can make, they cost less than a dollar! Talk about backyard ideas on a budget! Read our full DIY for instructions.

Need more cheap planter ideas? Household items that can be upcycled into planters include old wagons, wheelbarrows, teapots, and wooden crates.


6. Save money with multi-purpose furniture.

backyard ideas on a budget bali outdoor firepit customer review picture

BALI Outdoors Fire Pit Patio Furniture Table$239.99
Clip the coupon to save 5% off at checkout
Total cost just $227.99 shipped!

Get 2 for the price of 1 with multi-purpose furniture. This good-looking propane fire pit doubles as a table. When you aren’t using the fire, cover the center portion with the lid and use the table to play cards or serve food! This fire table comes with blue decorative glass rocks for an upscale look.

convert a bench bench to table

Convert-A-Bench Gen II XL Designer Series Bench-To-Table – $178.95 (regularly $206)

*Shipping is $15.50

Another example of multi-purpose furniture is this hardy outdoor bench from QVC that turns into a table. It’s made of durable material so it can withstand the weather and it holds up to 1400lbs while in bench mode!


7. Revive old accent pillows with new pillow covers.

backyard ideas on a budget vigvog pillows

Freshen up your look for under $20! Don’t blow money on new pillows. You can change the look of your patio by simply using new covers, like these unique pillowcases from VigVog. Choose from a variety of styles like florals or mandalas.


8. Find serenity listening to your outdoor fountain.

naturefalls outdoor fountain

Give your backyard the wow factor with this tranquil outdoor fountain made of lightweight, weather-resistant resin. You’ll love the peaceful sound of the waterfall. It stands at 39″ high and comes with 6 LED lights to illuminate the bowls of water. This modern fountain is the perfect addition to your back porch or flower garden.

Here’s what one customer had to say:

“This fountain surpassed my expectations. It is thoughtfully designed and very well made. I could not be more pleased.”


9. Serve guests at this $40 low-budget DIY outdoor kitchen.

diy backyard fridge cooler

For about $40, you can turn an old refrigerator into a super cool serving station. Read our review of the DIY or head over to Instructibles.com to get the details.


10. Hang loose on your patio with DIY hanging plants.

plants hanging in DIY macrame plant holders

These simple macrame hangers are one of our favorite backyard ideas on a budget. You can hang many plants with just one spool of cotton or hemp. Make them in 5 minutes or less when you follow our full DIY instructions.

If you prefer using a plant wall to hanging plants, we have a DIY for that too!

Hip Tip: Painting terra cotta pots can add personality. Check Dollar Tree for cheap paint!


11. Care for plants at your personal potting station.

topeakmart potting station budget backyard ideas customer photo

Topeakmart Outdoor Garden Potting Bench – $109.99 (regularly 172.99)

Love to garden? This cute potting station made of real cedar will come in handy. It includes a removable tub and a tool drawer. It comes varnished, but you can add extra protection with waterproof sealant.


12. Bring on the fun with backyard games.

battleputt putting green portable

From corn holes to volleyball, there are tons of affordable backyard games for your family to enjoy. This GoSports Battleputt game will be the hit of your next party. This 11″ portable putting green comes with 2 putters and 2 golf balls. See which team can make the holes first!

Here’s what one customer had to say:

“A great game for the whole family. This is a high-quality set. The putters, turf, and balls are all top-notch. The whole set folds up nicely and is easy to store. It’s a clever design, really. Great way to combine beer pong and golf! Had fun playing all weekend. Kids and adults both loved it.”


13. Get a cheap backyard makeover when you add a privacy fence or trellis.

ivy privacy fence from amazon

ECOOPTS Artificial Ivy Privacy Fence – $51.98
Clip the coupon to save 15% at checkout
Total price is $44.18

Cover your fences or pergolas with faux greenery. It looks real from a distance and can give you the privacy you seek. This one from ECOOPTS is easy to install and looks plush compared to competitors.

Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

“We needed something for privacy and to help block out the heat on one side of our lanai. This ivy was so simple to hang up and it’s already stayed sturdy through one Southwest Florida summer storm.”


14. Take a relaxing soak in your inflatable hot tub.

saluspa miami model backyard hacks

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub – $479.49 (regularly $599.99)

Hot tubs can cost thousands of dollars. Skip those high prices! Getting an inflatable model means you don’t need to worry about water lines or construction. This model comes with 120 jets, puncture-resistant material, and a cover to keep the dirt out. With FREE shipping, it’s less than $500!


15. Add charm with an arbor.

athens arbor backyard budget idea

Vita Athens Vinyl Arbor$132.64 (regularly 149.99)

Don’t want to spend much? A statement piece can make a noticeable change. This charming arbor is up for the job!


16. Have an outdoor movie night with this movie projector.

vamvo movie projector outdoor movie night backyard ideas

Vanmo Movie Projector – $67.99 (regularly $79.99)
Clip the coupon to save 10% off at checkout
Final cost just $61.19 shipped!

For under $100, you can host a movie night in your backyard! This handy projector connects to your preferred devices to watch movies, stream TV shows, play video games, or showcase photos on a screen up to 200″!


Do your kids love the water? Check out these deals on pools and floats!


About the writer:

Kara is a writer and photographer from the Midwest. Her creative work has appeared in various publications over the past decade. With a background in finance, she loves to be money-savvy.


Join The Discussion

Comments 3

  1. Gscribble

    Iā€™d been looking for the outdoor lights, thanks!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      Oh perfect! You’re so welcome!

  2. chick106

    Nice looking lights but draws the bugs.

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