10 DIY Deck Ideas on a Budget

Budget-Friendly DIY Deck Ideas

Many of us have decks and patios of all shapes and sizes, but we might have a limited income to spend on making it stand out. That’s not a problem if you have a creative mind and a little motivation and are open to a few DIY decorating ideas. We’ll give you some low-budget and high-style concepts.

How do I Make My Deck Look Good on a Budget?

Don’t fret – there are a ton of ways you can make your deck attractive and appealing to your friends and neighbours. We have many ideas that will beautify your deck and make your outdoor living space the envy of the neighbourhood, and all are budget-friendly.

1. Alluring Ambiance

Changing the lighting is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make to your deck (and it’s very quick). This can alter the mood and how you and others perceive your outdoor area. New lighting does not cost a lot of money. Get string lights, a candle – or several, and a lantern. Just by placing some lights strategically, you’ve created a different way of looking at your patio or deck space.

2. Fire Pit Fun

Here is one of our favourite patio ideas; it works better with patios than decks. A fire pit is relatively cheap to make. Bricks and pavers come in various shapes, materials, and colours. Place them around either a pre-dug pit filled with sand or a steel fire pit. The bricks and/or pavers will enhance your fire pit and provide protection between you and the flame. Finally, place some patio furniture around for good conversation.

3. Cheery (and Cheap) Chiminea

A chiminea is a freestanding little chimney. It looks old-fashioned and is made with a variety of materials. They can heat up quite rapidly. With the proper insulation, these work well for decks of all sizes. They can be reasonably priced, anywhere from $100 up to $1,000, depending on what you want to spend. A chiminea and some outdoor furniture will transform your budget backyard, patio, or deck into something illuminating – and warm for those cooler nights.

4. Landscape Away!

Have a small backyard and not a lot of money? We have an idea just for you. This requires no building permit or decking material – unless you want to add something. We’re talking about changing up your landscaping. If you have a backyard patio that is on the modest side, dress it up a bit with some potted plants, trellised vines, and smartly placed patio seating. Lush plants are an excellent focal point for your outdoor area and patio.

5. Paint Your Deck

This is a low-cost home improvement project which can achieve fantastic results. Not only will this give you a beautiful deck, but it will help to protect it, especially if you have a wood deck. Choosing a good paint will help protect it from the weather’s harsh elements and make your deck look new again. Also, consider waterproofing it if you live in a particularly humid or wet area. That will add years to the life of your deck.

6. Refurbish and Refresh

Check out any weak spots, wood rot, and potential liabilities your deck may have each year. Even if you have a small deck, it’s worth checking and addressing any developing problems – before it’s too late. Also, use this as a time to do any easy upgrades and makeovers you might have in mind.

7. Shelter and Shade

You want to protect yourself from those UV rays, especially during the warmer months. They not only beam heat straight down on you but can also damage your skin, causing sunburn and premature ageing. So shield yourself by building a pergola. Or, for something fast, try a beautiful oversized patio umbrella. That might do the trick! Note: step-by-step instructions are available through many sites for making a pergola. It’s a relatively short-duration DIY project and goes faster with help from friends.  

8. Awesome Awnings

An awning is another type of shade frequently used for decks, patios, or backyards. You can find a customized awning to fit no matter your outdoor space size. Awnings are retractable, fixed, or portable. A shade sail is another type of awning – which is easy on the budget and looks sharp. Finally, a pop-up canopy is another prospect for protection from the sun’s rays. They are assembled in minutes and are fully portable. They’re wallet-friendly, too.

9. Sunsational Snacking

Just because you have a small backyard, patio, or deck doesn’t mean you can’t have an outdoor kitchen or living room. You can still have an incredible deck space with a bistro area or a coffee table with a comfy seating area. Bring out a dorm-style fridge and a food cart for easy serving and snacking. One of our treasured backyard deck ideas involves a reclaimed wood pallet table with a few soft chairs and an outdoor rug. Imagine drinking your cherished beverage and breathing in the fresh air on a peaceful afternoon.

10. Something Concrete

We haven’t yet discussed concrete patios. Typically they are ground level or just a step above. Sometimes a concrete block (or two) is built with or near a concrete riser, which makes doing a DIY patio redo even more fun! Use the layers and different heights offered here to expand your decorating creativity. Dress up the grey concrete with a pop of colour from outdoor furniture, a rug, and some throw pillows, and use some outdoor lighting.

Choosing Budget-Friendly Decking Materials

All of the suggestions are easy DIY projects. You can find tutorials online for most of these. What about your actual deck? Have you considered a wooden deck versus composite decking? While wood decks might be less expensive, investing in a composite deck will be advantageous years down the road. They are more durable, lower maintenance, and have warranties, which will benefit you in the long run.

Over the past several years, rising lumber costs have swayed the composite decking market. Trex composite is the best choice. It’s available in various colours for deck boards, and the sheer sustainability may be an essential factor in your decision. Trex is so easy that it will outlast many other materials with a bit of preventative maintenance and simple yearly cleaning. This will ultimately be the smartest for your budget.