12 DIY Backyard and Garden Projects to Build This Season
Fun, affordable DIY garden projects and DIY backyard ideas: raised beds, trellises, a fire pit area, compost bin, path, potting bench and more.
Some of the best backyard upgrades are ones you build yourself. These DIY garden projects range from an afternoon to a weekend and can transform how you use your outdoor space.
Garden projects
- Raised garden beds: simple cedar boxes make vegetable gardening easier and neater. See our raised bed guide.
- Trellis or arch: grow cucumbers, beans or climbing roses vertically using cattle panel, wood lattice or bamboo.
- Compost bin: a three-sided bin made from pallets or wire turns kitchen scraps and leaves into free fertilizer. If you use pallets, look for the "HT" (heat-treated) stamp and avoid pallets marked "MB."
- Potting bench: a work surface with shelves for pots and tools.
- Rain barrel: collect water from a downspout for your garden. Check local rules first, as some areas regulate rainwater collection.
- Herb spiral or tiered planter: fits lots of herbs into a small footprint.
Backyard living projects
- Gravel patio: remove sod, lay landscape fabric, add edging and fill with pea gravel.
- Fire pit area: a ring of stone blocks or a steel fire ring on a gravel base. Check local burn rules and HOA restrictions, and keep it well away from structures, fences and overhanging branches.
- Stepping-stone path: set pavers or flagstones level with the lawn so you can mow over them.
- String light posts: set posts in planters filled with concrete to hang lights over a patio.
- Birdhouses and bird feeders: bring wildlife to your yard. See how to attract cardinals and bluebirds.
- Outdoor bench or Adirondack chairs: a satisfying woodworking project. See easy woodworking projects.
Small backyard ideas
- Go vertical with wall planters and trellises.
- Use a bistro set instead of a full dining table.
- Choose a few large containers rather than many small ones for a cleaner look.
- Add mirrors or light-colored fences to make the space feel larger.
Before you build
- Call 811 before digging to have utility lines marked.
- Check HOA rules and local permit requirements for fences, decks and structures.
- Use rot-resistant or outdoor-rated lumber and exterior screws.
Planning a bigger transformation? See our backyard landscaping ideas.
