Improving your yard can feel like a mammoth task — where exactly should you start? Don’t buy in to the overwhelm – like all DIY projects, it’s best to break it up into smaller, bite-size jobs to tackle one by one. Before you know it, your yard will have gone from “meh” to “mind-blowing!” in no time! Improve your yard, one step at a time.
1. Consider the perfect landscaping for your lifestyle
Does your yard flow organically, or does it feel cluttered or disconnected? Understanding how you want to move through your outdoor space should help direct your backyard brief. Do you need special landscaping solutions for a sloped block? Now’s your chance to reshape your yard; ensure you’ve got the foundations right before anything else.
2. Get started with a garden makeover
It’s hard to make your yard look lively when your garden beds look like a graveyard. Is it time to remove weeds or replace struggling plants? For a low-maintenance option, consider creating a DIY drought-tolerant garden.
3. Maintenance matters
Sometimes, all you need to improve your yard is a little tidying — a messy shed or unkempt lawn can diminish the overall result. Work through our complete guide to yard maintenance and see how much of a difference maintenance makes!
4. Create the perfect canvas with DIY fencing
The way you frame your outdoor space can have a dramatic effect on its use. Does it make you feel secure and protected? Does your fence complement your interior style and accentuate your newly rejuvenated garden? If you’re looking to update your fence but aren’t excited by the standard timber or metal options, DIY modular fencing is for you. With easy installation, ModularWalls are designed with the DIY customer in mind. Our wall and fence solutions also offer a level of noise reduction that timber or metal fencing simply cannot match. With a premium aesthetic and the option to integrate retaining, lighting, letterboxes, slats, or infills, this fencing product is truly revolutionary for DIYers.
5. Get cosy with a DIY fire pit…
The season of balmy nights spent out under the stars is fast approaching, and as a backyard feature, nothing beats a fire pit! There’s no need to spend big on an extravagant fireplace with these phenomenal DIY fire pit designs. They’re perfect for prompting connection and conversation and taking the edge off the winter chill.
6. Create a DIY edible garden to improve your yard
Make your garden work for you with a DIY veggie patch! It’s a cost-effective option for fresh produce, gardening becomes incredibly rewarding and, if done with children, it teaches responsibility and healthy eating practices. If you don’t have the space for a whole veggie patch, there are plenty of herbs and veggies that grow just fine in containers!
7. Overhaul your outdoor furniture
Are your outdoor seating options covered in mould or weather stains following a balmy summer period? If you’re looking to improve your yard, you first have to ensure that it’s livable. Our comprehensive guide to creating a comfortable outdoor living space is the perfect place to start analysing what needs updating.
8. Improve your yard by constructing a DIY deck or paving
While you’re landscaping, have a look at your layout — do you have a big enough space with hard flooring? If not, consider building your own decking area. If so, how are the materials looking? Does the deck need to be re-stained? Could you replace dated or damaged pavers with more modern options? Solid, dry footing is an important feature for a functional yard that’s primed for outdoor enjoyment; it’s worth investing time and energy to get this right.
9. Install an outdoor kitchen
We know it sounds like a massive undertaking, but if you break it down into smaller projects, this is entirely doable! Start by installing a BBQ stand or a small pizza oven. Then, add some bench space — perhaps with vegetable planters along the back border. Next, you might want to add a sink or an outdoor table. Before you know it, you have your very own outdoor kitchen!
10. Improve your yard: kid-proof and pet-proof your space
If you have little ones or furry friends in your home, you want to know they can enjoy outdoor spaces free from any potential hazards. Create a safe haven from toxic plants or harmful tools, and make sure your pool area meets safety regulations.
11. Illuminate your space with DIY lighting
Choice lighting quickly transforms a backyard. From simple planters to solar lights to LED strip lighting beneath stairs and benches, our list of striking lighting trends includes every level of DIYer!
12. Improve your yard: get crafty with DIY wall art
If you want to add personality, sophistication or colour to your yard, indulge your creative side with a little DIY wall art! They’re fun, fairly simple and make for great crafternoons with kids or like-minded friends!
13. Create shaded areas for maximum comfort
Aussie yards need to be weatherproof all year. Take a look around: does your space have enough shade or enclosed areas? If not, adding a patio umbrella, awning, or even a pergola could dramatically improve your outdoor lifestyle. For a truly luxe backyard feature, consider building an outdoor room!
14. Zen out with a water feature to improve your yard
They’re soothing, stylish and remarkably easy to DIY. From simple dish designs to entire artificial ponds, you can find a wave of inspiration among these upcycled DIY water feature designs!
15. Think ahead: summer-proof your backyard
The cooler months are the perfect time to prepare your yard for the sizzling summer ahead. From adequate shade to cooling systems to protecting your garden from frying, there are plenty of helpful tips in our list of summer backyard life hacks! Trust us; you’ll thank yourself for doing it well before the heat hits!
