Six DIY Backyard Projects that Can Be Done Over a Weekend

Revamping your outdoor space doesn't have to be a long and difficult undertaking. There are plenty of easy ways to transform your backyard oasis from drab to delightful in just a day or two. All you need are some basic supplies and a creative vision. Whether your yard needs a pinch of flare or a few upgrades, here are six DIY garden projects you can tackle this weekend.

Beckon the birds

Want to attract birds to your outdoor space? Tempt them with a birdbath–a place where they can take a dip or a sip of cool, fresh water. You can fashion a unique bird bath using repurposed household items like bowls, pedestals and vases or add some glam to your garden with a reimagined mosaic birdbath covered in pieces of old DVDs.

You can also attract birds to your garden by creating a birdhouse or bird box. Just make sure you place it high up, away from predators and strong sunlight and wind.

Hang some style

The soothing sounds of wind chimes can easily be created by going through your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Upcycle a silver plate and mismatched spoons to make a garden plate flower wind chime. Not a fan of the noise? Repurpose a tired chandelier by giving it a fresh coat of bold paint, replacing the lamp holders with painted terracotta pots filled with fragrant herbs. Or get crafty with some fallen branches to make a rustic twinkling garden chandelier that will instantly add a golden glow to your patio or porch.

Set up seating

You don't have to spend thousands on outdoor furniture. Build an outdoor sectional sofa using pallets. For a large, L-shaped seating plan, you'll need about nine wooden pallets. Don't need that crib mattress anymore? It'll make a perfect cushion for your new seating area once you cover it with colourful fabric. If you're tight on space and don't have room for a large sectional, make a hanging lounge chair using a few oak dowels and some canvas cloth. Add some contrasting throw pillows and your luxury setup is complete.

Make an entrance

Invite visitors into your garden or create a lovely corner focal point by building an Asian-inspired arbor using old shutters and scrap lumber. Leave it as-is or plant climbing vines to envelop it in lush greenery. If you're up for a larger project, make a pergolafor your patio or lawn to create a private, covered area perfect for dining with guests or taking an afternoon nap. 

Put a lid on it

If you're tired of the torn, stained cover on your cloth gazebo, replace it with a stylish, permanent fix: a tin roof built from weathered sheets of metal. Although this requires some basic carpentry skills, once you've put it together and hung up curtains and string lights, it'll be well worth it.

Fire it up

Image by travel4foodfun from Pixabay

A fire pit is a great way to entertain in your backyard (s'mores, anyone?) and can keep your outdoor space functional even when the weather cools down. Make this summer one to remember and build your own backyard fire pit with some simple, inexpensive materials. Be sure to check your local bylaws, as some municipalities have restrictions on open-air burning.

Source: Realtor.ca