A backyard gives you the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors, relax, and entertain. While gardening is a favorite pastime for many, there are plenty of other ways you can enjoy your backyard space. From a work shed to a treehouse for the kids and more, it’s easy to update your backyard with a few simple steps. Read on to discover some backyard projects that will make spending time in your backyard even more enjoyable.

Assessing your space

Before you do any outdoor remodeling, it’s important to make a full assessment of your available space. Start by measuring the size of your back yard so that you know exactly how much space you’re working with. Getting a feel for the back yard and how much it can handle is a good starting point before beginning any project. A full backyard renovation takes time, so it’s vital that you’re fully prepared before you start to do any work.

Measuring

It’s always smart to get the total square footage of your backyard before beginning any type of backyard renovation. The square footage will help you determine just how big your build can be and how much space you have to work with. Measure the length and width of the available backyard space, record the total square footage on paper, and draw a layout to help you with the placement of your new project.

Doing basic plans

You don’t need to be an architect to devise some basic plans for your backyard transformation. Simply use a pencil and a piece of paper and draw out a few different ideas of what you want, and where you want it to be located. Feel free to get creative and come up with several different plans until you find one that works best for you. Remember, this is just the beginning phase of your project, so have some fun and take your time as you go. You can also find a few software programs that can help you with your backyard design. Don’t forget to include landscaping so it’s easier to see how and where everything will be laid out once everything is complete.

Project Ideas

If you need a few ideas for backyard renovation projects, here are some concepts to help you get started. Whether it’s an outdoor shed, a treehouse, or a hot tub, you can transform your backyard using some basic materials and following simple building instructions. Remember to get accurate measurements for each individual DIY construction plan so you have the correct amount of materials you need for a successful build.

Work Shed

An outdoor shed is a great way to enjoy your back yard. This structure provides you with a space to work on projects and store tools.

Materials required

To build your shed, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

  • A box of 16d nails
  • Several pieces of 8-foot long plywood in various widths
  • 3-inch screws
  • Caulk
  • Composite trim
  • Fiberglass shingles for the roof
  • 6d galvanized box nails
  • Hinges
  • Several sheets of 3/4-inch treated plywood
  • Flashing

How to set it up

To build your work shed, start by pouring the foundation. A good starting point is a foundation that’s 16 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 13 feet long. Dig two trenches and center them 66 inches apart, then fill each trench with a three-inch layer of gravel. Compact the gravel with a hand tamper, and repeat until the trenches are full, then cut your lumber and set them down on the gravel so each edge is parallel.

Once your foundation is complete, start building the outside walls, then attach the flashing to the side seam. To make things easier, attach the siding to the exterior walls before standing them upright. Continue building each wall or section of your shed, attaching the siding as you go. Once the structure is complete and in place, you can build and attach the rafters and soffits for the roof. Build a door frame and attach the hinges. You can insert a clear acrylic sheet for a window if you choose. Finally, install the shingles on the roof and the exterior trim, and enjoy spending time in your new shed.

Treehouse

A DIY treehouse is a fun project that gives the kids an amazing backyard space to play in. This is a wonderful option for parents and provides children with a fun outdoor space where they can explore and use their imaginations.

Materials required

Gather these materials before building your DIY treehouse:

  • Sturdy lumber or timber
  • A variety of washers and galvanized lag screws
  • Rafter ties
  • A few boxes of nails and deck screws
  • A pulley for the kids to use when the treehouse is ready

How to set it up

Start by choosing a sturdy tree that will provide ample support for the treehouse and its occupants. The first step is to build out the supports by designing a basic floor using the lumber and attaching it together with deck screws. Add some braces underneath the support platform by attaching them at an angle to the tree. Once the platform feels sturdy, you can attach the flooring using the decking material and screws.

Continue building the treehouse by attaching the walls, adding a roof, and installing railings around the edges for safety. Make sure you include at least one window or cutout so the kids can look outside. You can also build a custom wood ladder or securely attach a rope ladder for easy access. Keep in mind that younger children may have difficulty using a rope ladder. Apply a coat of exterior paint to your new treehouse in a variety of fun colors for a fun finishing touch.

Barbecue Station

If you love to grill and cook outside, a barbecue station is a great choice. This simple DIY backyard project will make barbecuing easy and fun.

Materials required

Here are some basic materials you’ll need to build an outdoor barbecue station:

  • 6mm thick plywood sheets
  • 64 feet worth of 2×2 lumber
  • 2 ½-inch nails
  • 143” rebar
  • 33 pounds of concrete
  • Wire
  • 16’ of 1×6 lumber
  • 2-inch metal brackets
  • 2 ½-inch screws
  • 2 garden cart-style wheels

How to set it up

Use your grill to determine the exact dimensions of your barbecue station. You can build a countertop made of concrete or craft one from plywood or lumber. Build a rectangular-shaped frame to the left of the countertop, then repeat the same process for each remaining side based on your grill’s measurements/size. Once the frame is complete, use rebar to reinforce the countertop, making sure that it’s completely connected whenever it intersects with another piece.

Fill the frame you built with concrete, and allow it to fully set before beginning the next step. Cut your lumber to make legs for the base of your barbecue station, and drill holes in each leg to attach them with screws. Add holes for the garden cartwheels, and use washers to prevent the wheels from falling off. Make sure that the legs on your base are the same length to keep your grill level. Continue to attach each section of the outer frame together until it forms a complete enclosure. You can add lumber to the bottom to create open shelving. Finish the station with wood varnish in your choice of color for a beautiful look.

Art Studio

If you love to paint, draw, or work with crafts, an outdoor art studio is a wonderful way to enjoy your backyard. This project is an exciting choice that gives you the freedom to practice your art outside of the home.

Materials required

Before you build an outdoor art studio, find out if you’ll need a building permit. Next, gather the following materials:

  • Several pieces of 2×4 lumber (quantity will vary based on size)
  • Heavy-duty nails and exterior screws
  •  Plywood
  • Drywall
  • Siding (OSB is recommended)
  • Shingles
  • Concrete for the foundation
  • Prefabricated doors and windows
  • Caulk and/or weatherstripping

How to set it up

Once you decide on the location and size of your art studio, you can pour the concrete for the foundation. Lay out pieces of lumber to match the size, then fill in your outline with concrete and allow it to set. Build the frame for each wall separately, and attach the siding to the exterior as you go. Make sure you cut holes for windows and a door for natural light and easy access. Attach flashing to each upper part of the walls before attaching the sections together.

After your frame has been set up, you can install the rafters for the roof. Cover the roof frame with plywood, then using a staple gun, add shingles in layers until the entire roof is covered. Attach the drywall to the interior walls and include insulation behind the drywall if you choose. Install your windows and doors, making sure that the holes are cut to the appropriate size. Seal the doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping to keep your art studio comfortable.

Hot Tub area

There’s nothing as relaxing as an outdoor hot tub. This DIY project gives you a fun place to sit back and soak your cares away.

Materials required

  • A container for water (it can be an old bathtub, a water tank, a small pool, etc.)
  • Concrete, cinder blocks, and mortar
  • Cedar planks or stone (for the exterior finish)
  • Outdoor propane or wood-burning stove
  • Metal piping
  • Thermometer to monitor water temperature

How to set it up

Start by building out a frame using lumber for the foundation of your hot tub. Fill in the frame with concrete and allow it to fully set. Choose your water container and place it in the center of the foundation. Build a wall of stone or cinder blocks around it, using mortar to hold each piece of cinder block or stone together. Continue building the wall around the entire perimeter and wait for everything to set up so it’s solid. For a nice finish, attach cedar planks around the base of the hot tub using a drill and exterior screws.

You can use a wood-burning stove to provide warm water for your hot tub. Place the stove near the hot tub and attach metal piping that runs from the stove to the water. You may use a natural gas or propane stove as an alternative fuel source. Make sure you have a thermometer to monitor the water temperature, ensuring that it never reaches higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Sit back, and relax as the water warms up.

Whether it’s a fun treehouse, a backyard barbecue station, or an artist’s studio, these are just a few ways you can enjoy your backyard besides gardening. Remember to take accurate measurements of your yard and your project to ensure that you have ample materials to get the job done right. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can completely transform your backyard into a space you’ll love.