When the weather warms up, is there any place that’s better than your backyard? If you take the time to cultivate your yard into your own little slice of heaven, the rewards are profound. A properly cared-for backyard is a great place to relax, host friends, have fun, and escape from the outside world.

Of course, all of this is true only if your backyard is a welcoming place. Sadly, many homeowners see their backyard as just a chore, the place they need to mow every weekend. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

When your backyard stops being a source of joy and turns into a fountain of frustration, it’s time to consider a renovation.

In this article, we’ll show you how to turn your backyard into your own private paradise and show you some renovation ideas that you may not have considered:

Why Renovate Your Backyard?

Every part of your home should be a place where you feel comfortable. And few places invite comfort like a backyard. While you can’t control the weather and enjoy the outdoors 365 days a year, that actually makes your backyard even more appealing during the days that the weather cooperates. Here are just a few of the reasons why a backyard makeover should be on your to-do list:

Personal satisfaction – The most important goal of any backyard renovation is to make the space what you like. Unless you’re flipping a house or renting it out (in which case, jump to the third bullet on this list), you and your family are the people who will spend the most time in your backyard.

Whatever renovations you do should be tailored to your tastes, interests, and desires. So, if you like to grill and entertain, a luxurious deck or patio setup may be in order. And if you enjoy gardening, then give yourself as much space as possible to cultivate every fruit, vegetable, herb, and flower you desire.

Entertainment options – Backyards are a great place to host parties and entertain guests. Even in large homes, the interior can tend to get stuffy if you have too many people milling about. A backyard space can be renovated to include a deck, a pool, a grill, or spacious seating areas where people can gather around and hang out without worrying that they’ll step on someone’s toes.

Space to run – Backyards are also great places for children and pets to play. If you have dogs or kids, you might consider how you could renovate the backyard to make it more inviting for them. For pets, wide open spaces where they can run are ideal. And if you have kids, they might love a swing set with an attached play place.

Improved home value – While it doesn’t have to be top of mind unless you plan to sell or rent in the immediate future, a backyard renovation can also raise your home value. Though a backyard renovation lacks the curb appeal of a front-yard renovation, it sets a house apart to have a great backyard versus a lackluster one. Backyards are often one of the first things prospective renters and buyers see, so renovating your backyard to be appealing can give your home a major boost.

10 Great Backyard Renovation Ideas

Certain major improvements immediately come to mind when you think of renovating a backyard. But not every renovation needs to be big to make a difference. Here are a few backyard makeover ideas, both large and small, that you should consider when remodeling your yard.

Fencing

Landscaped residential backyard with wooden fence.

Updating your fencing by installing a more appealing fence or even repainting your existing fence can make a huge difference. It changes the appearance of your yard for a fraction of the cost of other renovation ideas. You can even consider adding fencing to create sections in your yard. For example, you might fence off part of the yard where your kids have a play place, where you don’t want your pets to go, or even around a pool.

Pathways

Pathways are a great way to improve the walkability of your yard and protect your landscaping. Paths also have options for all price points. You could go the expensive route and pour brand-new paths that will last a lifetime, or install a few walking stones for a fraction of the cost.

Outdoor rugs

An outdoor rug is an affordable way to spruce up your deck or patio. It adds a pop of color where you might not expect it. You can even put them in creative locations, like directly onto a patch of dirt. Even the blandest of concrete patios can be made colorful and exciting with an outdoor rug.

Patio or deck addition

Wooden patio deck decorated with flowers.

The ultimate in backyard renovations, adding a patio or deck is the perfect way to entertain guests and create a space where you can relax, grill, or chill by a fire pit.

Seating areas

Adding simple benches, lounges, or chairs can make your backyard a more inviting space for friends and family. Looking to spoil yourself a little more than that? A hammock technically counts as seating too!

Trellises

Trellises make a great companion to pathways, and they can even replace or enhance your fencing. Putting a few trellis loops alongside or over the top of your pathways creates a whimsical atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Gazebo

If you want to splurge, add a gazebo to your backyard. This charming element instantly creates a relaxing social space that offers more privacy than the rest of the yard.

Hidden speakers

Today, speakers that are shaped like rocks and other natural elements can be used to add music to your yard without having to lug out visually unappealing or weather-sensitive audio equipment.

Landscaping

Winding stone garden path landscaped with shrubs, flowering plants, and pebbles.

Adding new plants and other landscaping elements to your backyard is one of the easiest ways to improve its look. And landscaping is only as expensive as you make it. If you’re on a budget, consider small changes that will make a huge impact.

Lighting

Wicker patio furniture with blue cushions lit by string lights and candles.

Lighting makes a bigger difference than you might think. Try adding string lights or solar-powered ground lamps to make your backyard more appealing at night.

Backyard Renovation FAQs

How much should you spend on a backyard remodel?

As much as you want! There are plenty of ways to upgrade your backyard for a reasonable cost, and there are plenty of ways to spend more than five figures on a renovation. What you should spend depends entirely on how much you want to change and how much you’re willing to pay for those changes.

Is a backyard remodel worth it?

Yes, a backyard remodel is absolutely worth it. Provided you have a budget in mind and do what you can to stay close to that number, a backyard remodel will go a long way toward improving your home affordably.

How do I modernize my backyard?

There are plenty of ways to modernize your backyard. Some popular options include adding a deck, installing a fire pit, upgrading your lighting, or adding in unobtrusively designed speakers.

How can I make my backyard beautiful on a low budget?

You can make your backyard beautiful on a low budget using creative ideas such as those listed above. Consider affordable upgrades like lighting, pathway stones, fence painting, and minor landscaping elements. These options can require you to be more hands-on, but if done well, they’ll make your backyard look as if you spent hundreds more than you actually did.

Need Help Renovating Your Backyard? Call Neighborly

Need help upgrading your curb appeal or renovating your backyard? Neighborly can help! Our family of brands includes Mr. Handyman® for help with a range of home improvement tasks and The Grounds Guys® for landscaping and other outdoor services. You can also rely on Mr. Electric for all of your outdoor electrical projects and Lawn Pride for any lawn care needs.

Want to see how you can turn your backyard into the relaxation spot you’ve always imagined? Call us at (855) 217-8437 to schedule a service.

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