These renter-friendly backyard ideas will transform a generic outdoor space into a backyard oasis! Below, you’ll find beginner and budget-friendly outdoor projects that you can complete on the weekend. From DIY fire pit ideas and outdoor string lights (that don’t require electricity) to DIY planters and non-permanent garden structures. There’s something for everyone!
Each project comes with a step-by-step tutorial and pictures to help you recreate your favorite backyard upgrades with ease. Whether you’re after a relaxing space to enjoy the outdoors, or landlord-approved home garden ideas, this post has you covered!
You might also want to check out DIY Renter-Friendly Upgrades for inside your house, too!
Reversible Renter-Friendly Backyard Ideas
Outdoor Living
Here are some cozy backyard ideas to help you get more use out of your green space, patio, or deck. Find ideas for backyard patio privacy, DIY water features, and more!
Fire Pits
1. Washing Machine Drum Fire Pit
If you are replacing your washing machine, do not toss that washing machine drum! Transform it into an awesome fire pit instead! Another idea is to see if you can pick one up at an appliance repair shop or scrap yard, or see if anyone in a local Facebook group is replacing their washer.
2. Whiskey Barrel Fire Pit
Tauni & Co transformed a whiskey barrel into a firepit and it’s amazing! She’s got a detailed tutorial on how to make your own and I love the creativity of this one.
If you’re able to install a more permanent fire pit, you can find some additional projects in this post, DIY Fire Pit Ideas, that are easy to build for beginners.
RELATED: 15 Eco-Friendly Home Decor Hacks
Relaxation
1. DIY Patio Lighting and Curtains
Southern Crush at Home has detailed instructions for how to create this renter-friendly upgrade for a boring patio to add some privacy and coziness to your space.
2. DIY Bubble Fountain
This is a pretty neat project that adds a nice ambiance to your backyard, and is a fraction of the cost compared to buying one pre-made. Tap the link above for detailed instructions, including diagrams.
3. Decoupage Wind Chime
The tin can wind chime is very easy to make and costs almost nothing. All you need are some old tin cans in a variety of styles and an old spoon or fork. It’s an easy project to do with kids, perfect if you don’t want to devote a whole weekend to it!
Recreation
4. DIY Swing Set
This DIY swing set is the perfect addition to your backyard and will give you and the kiddos hours of enjoyment. With easy-to-find supplies and a bit of manual labor, you’ll have your own swing set in no time.
Home Garden
Here are some backyard garden projects that will bring color and life to any outdoor space. Find large and small planters, raised garden beds, and more!
Planters
1. Rustic Cedar Planters!
This cedar planter uses rough cut lumber and is a great way to increase curb appeal and and put a smile on your face every time you walk by. If you are looking to make your own planters, you can easily adapt this design to make any shape or size of planter!
2. DIY Farmhouse Planters
Learn how to save money and make your DIY farmhouse planters. If you’re into DIY and farmhouse style (and saving a little cash as well), check out my thrifty decorating ideas for outside.
3. 19 Ways to Make Your Own Planters
There are so many creative ways to make your own planters. Whether you’re an expert gardener or just want to add a few flowers to your porch, there’s a DIY planter for you!
4. Monogram Succulent Planter
This gorgeous DIY Monogram Succulent Planter is a fun project from The Flying Couponer. You can use any type of wood that you can find for this, so it’s budget-friendly and great for renters because you can take it with you when you move!
5. Upside Down Tomatoes
If you have a place to hang an upside down tomato planters, you can make these in about a half hour using a 5-gallon bucket!
6. Edible Miniature Garden
If your rental doesn’t have a lot of room in the backyard and you want to maximize your garden space, grow a miniature edible garden so you can pick fresh herbs and lettuce all summer long. You might also like: How to Grow a Mini Indoor Herb Garden on Your Desk
7. Vertical Garden Ideas
This post has a lot of vertical garden ideas, most of which can be made by leaning the base against the wall. Renter-friendly! You might also like: Aesthetic Indoor Plants for Small Spaces
Non-Permanent Garden Structures
These renter-friendly garden structures will help you create a dream garden that also keeps your landlord happy. Find pallet wood potting stations, raised garden beds, and more!
You can see a full list with more permanent outdoor structures in this post on DIY Garden Project Ideas.
1. DIY Potting Bench
Upcycled pallets make a great potting bench. Use my tutoring for painting an outdoor potting bench to make it pretty!
2. DIY Tomato Trellis
If you’re going to be renting in one place for a while and are allowed to use the backyard as a personal garden, this vegetable trellis is a great addition.
3. T-Post Garden Trellis
And here is an easier garden trellis that requires less work and can be inserted into any garden.
4. Vertical Garden Wall Planter
Here’s another vertical planter that gives you lots of options for planting boxes in a small space.
5. DIY Lettuce Table
If you don’t have a lot of space for gardening, or if you are not allowed to make any changes to the soil in your backyard, you can build this lettuce table from an old table or desk.
6. DIY Raised Garden Bed
Use cedar fences and 2×4s to make this raised garden bed with step-by-step plans.
Easy and Useful Plants to Grow
If your rental has existing flower beds or garden areas, here are some of the best beginner-friendly plants to grow.
- Draw in pollinators with plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Protect your space with plants that repel mosquitoes.
- Plan a low-maintenance flower garden with the easiest flowers to grow and the best full sun annuals.
- Deer-proof your garden with deer-resistant shrubs and flowers
SAVE THESE IDEAS ON PINTEREST!
