25 Back Patio Ideas on a Budget

Below you will find some of the best back patio ideas on a budget that will help you create a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space without breaking the bank.

Whether you have a small or a large patio, these patio ideas on a budget will transform your outdoor space into a place where you will love to spend your time.

Creating a backyard patio can be a costly project, but with the right ideas and a little bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful outdoor space on a budget.

1. Set up a nice sitting area

The perfect place to sit and sip your morning coffee, or to relax with a good book, a sitting area is a must-have for any back patio.

This back patio from @our.lovefordecor is the perfect example of how to set up a cozy sitting area. A pair of outdoor chairs are set up around a small side table, and a pair of throw pillows make the space extra comfortable.

2. Create a simple deck

A deck is a great way to create a designated space for your patio. It also adds value to your home and is a relatively easy DIY project.

You can use composite decking or pressure-treated wood. Composite decking is more expensive but requires less maintenance. Pressure-treated wood is budget-friendly but will require regular staining.

You can also use a deck as a way to hide an old patio or to cover up a small, awkward space in your yard.

3. Add a fire pit

A fire pit is a great way to add a focal point to your back patio. Not only does it look great, but it also provides a warm and cozy spot to gather with friends and family.

If you’re not interested in building a fire pit, you can purchase a freestanding one. There are plenty of options available, from wood-burning to gas-powered. You can even find fire pits that double as tables when not in use.

If you’re going the DIY route, you can build a fire pit with concrete pavers, bricks, or stones. There are plenty of tutorials available online that will walk you through the process step by step.

4. Create a brick walkway

A brick walkway can add a touch of elegance to your backyard. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your grass looking great.

You can create a brick walkway in a straight line, or you can have it wind through your yard. You can even add a few curves to your walkway to give it a little extra character.

5. Add a water feature

If you have the space and budget, a water feature is a great way to add a focal point to your patio. It doesn’t have to be a huge, elaborate feature. A simple tabletop fountain can have a big impact.

Another budget-friendly option is a DIY water garden. You can find pre-formed plastic ponds at your local garden center for under $100, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can also use a stock tank or other large container to create a water garden. Place it on your patio and fill it with water and aquatic plants.

You can even add a few fish to your water garden if you like. Just be sure to choose plants and fish that are appropriate for your climate.

6. Create a low-cost gravel path

Gravel is a great material to use for many hardscape projects, including patios and paths. It’s affordable and easy to install, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

You can use gravel to create a simple path that leads to your patio, or you can use it to create a network of paths that connect different areas of your backyard.

To create a gravel path, you’ll need to dig a trench where the path will go and then fill it with a base material like crushed stone. Then, you’ll add a layer of landscape fabric to help prevent weeds from growing and top it with a layer of gravel. Rake the gravel smooth, and you’re all set!

7. Add a tree for shade

If you love the idea of a pergola but don’t want to spend the money on one right now, adding a tree to your backyard is a great way to get some natural shade. Trees are also a great way to add some privacy to your backyard.

Consider planting a tree that grows quickly and provides a lot of shade, like a maple or a river birch.

8. Roll out a rug

A simple way to define your outdoor space and add a pop of color is to roll out a rug. Outdoor rugs come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, so you can choose the one that best fits your style and space.

Rugs are a great way to anchor furniture and make your patio feel more like an outdoor living room. Plus, they help to protect your pavers or deck from wear and tear.

9. Add a splash of color

If you want to add some personality to your back patio but you’re not ready to invest in new outdoor furniture, you can easily add a pop of color with some outdoor throw pillows.

You can find outdoor throw pillows in a variety of colors and patterns, and they’re a budget-friendly way to add some style to your patio. Plus, they’re easy to swap out if you want to try a new color scheme.

10. Create a simple and low-cost planting bed

One of the easiest ways to dress up your patio is by adding a planting bed. You can easily create a planting bed by simply removing the grass or existing plants and adding a border to the area.

If you want to keep things simple, you can add a border made of wood, metal, or stone. You can even create a planting bed by simply mounding the soil and adding a border to keep the soil in place.

Once you’ve created your planting bed, you can fill it with your favorite plants. If you’re on a budget, you can fill your planting bed with inexpensive plants like annuals, perennials, or even groundcovers.

11. Add a few container plants

If you’re looking to add a little color to your patio but don’t want to commit to a full garden, container plants are a great way to add pops of color and life to your space.

Plants can also help to soften the edges of a patio and make it feel more inviting and less rigid.

Use a variety of containers and plant types to create a layered look and opt for a mix of flowers, greenery, and even herbs.

12. Create a simple outdoor kitchen

If you love to cook, you might want to add a small kitchen to your patio. Outdoor kitchens can be as simple or as complex as you want, but you can definitely create a budget-friendly option.

For a simple outdoor kitchen, you’ll need a surface for food prep and a grill. An outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to include a sink, fridge, or anything else. You can add those as your budget allows.

13. Add a few outdoor lanterns

Lighting is a great way to add ambiance to your patio, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. A few outdoor lanterns like these from Amazon can be added to your patio space in just a few minutes and instantly make your space feel more cozy.

You can also add string lights, solar lights, or even candles to your patio to give it a warm glow in the evenings.

14. Create a simple trellis for plants

If you’re a fan of plants and flowers, you probably already know that they can get expensive. A great way to save some money and add a pop of color to your back patio is to plant some annuals in pots.

Annuals are great because they bloom all summer long, and you can find them at your local nursery for a great price. You can even plant your annuals in a DIY trellis, like the one above, to add some height to your patio.

15. Add a few outdoor throw pillows

Outdoor throw pillows are relatively inexpensive and can add a pop of color and texture to your patio furniture.

You can even use outdoor throw pillows you already have in your living room to add an extra layer of cozy to your patio.

16. Create a simple outdoor bar

If you love to entertain, consider creating a simple outdoor bar. This patio is a great example of how you can use an outdoor console table as a bar.

Add a few bar stools and a pretty display of your favorite drinks and you have a functional and stylish outdoor bar.

17. Add a few outdoor curtains

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your patio without spending a lot of money, consider adding a few outdoor curtains.

Curtains can add a pop of color to your space and make it feel more put together. Plus, they can provide some extra shade and privacy.

You can find outdoor curtains in a variety of colors and patterns to match your patio decor. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality look!

18. Build a simple pergola

Pergolas add height and a sense of enclosure to a patio without the high cost of a roof. You can even add a retractable shade to a pergola for a fraction of the cost of a roof.

A pergola is a simple structure with four or more posts and a roof grid. You can leave the grid open or train climbing plants to cover it. A pergola can be freestanding or attached to your home.

You can build a simple pergola in a weekend with a few basic tools and some lumber. You can also buy a pergola kit to make the project even easier.

19. Add a few outdoor rugs

Outdoor rugs are a great way to add a pop of color and texture to your patio. They also help define the space and make it feel more like an outdoor living room.

If you have a large patio, you can use multiple rugs to create different zones for dining, lounging, and more. If you have a small patio, you can use one rug to make the space feel larger.

There are lots of outdoor rug options available, so you can find one that fits your style and budget. Look for a rug that’s made from a durable, weather-resistant material like polypropylene.

20. Create a simple outdoor movie area

If you have a blank wall on the back of your house (or a fence), you can easily turn it into an outdoor movie screen.

You can buy a projector for under $100, and all you need is a bed sheet to project the movie onto.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can even build a frame to hang the sheet on.

Add some chairs, a few blankets, and a big bowl of popcorn, and you’ve got a fun movie night ready to go.

21. Add a few outdoor string lights

Outdoor string lights are a great way to add a little ambiance to your backyard. These lights are easy to install and can be hung from the eaves of your home, a pergola, or even from a few shepherd’s hooks.

Outdoor string lights come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose the ones that best fit your backyard aesthetic. And, you can leave the lights up year-round or take them down and store them during the off-season.

22. Create a simple outdoor play area for kids

If you have a family, you might be wondering how to make your back patio more kid-friendly. There are a few simple ways you can do this without spending a lot of money.

You could add a sandbox or a small playhouse to your patio. Or, you could create an outdoor play area with a few toys and games. If you have a large patio, you could even designate a specific area for your kids to play.

This will help contain the mess and keep the rest of your patio looking neat and tidy.

23. Add a few outdoor mirrors

Outdoor mirrors are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your back patio. Plus, they can make a small space feel much larger.

Look for mirrors with weather-resistant frames and hang them on a wall or fence where they won’t be in direct sunlight.

24. Create a simple outdoor gym

You don’t need a lot of space to get a good workout in. A small corner of your patio can be transformed into a simple outdoor gym with the addition of a few key pieces of equipment.

A weight bench, some free weights and a jump rope are all great things to have on hand for a quick and effective workout. And when you’re done, you can simply tuck everything away and enjoy the rest of your patio space.

25. Add a few outdoor wall hangings

Liven up a boring fence or wall on your patio with a few outdoor wall hangings. This is a quick and easy way to add some personality to your outdoor space without spending a lot of money.

If you’re the creative type, you can even make your own outdoor wall hangings to save even more money. There are tons of great DIY outdoor wall hanging ideas to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style and budget.

Conclusion

We hope you were inspired by these 25 back patio ideas on a budget. By adding a few personal touches and keeping it simple, you can create a space that you love.