5 Wonderful Backyard Layout Ideas (Number 3 Is Absolutely Stunning)
A lot of us have been spending more time outside than ever this year, so it’s no surprise that so many people are tackling their long-overdue landscaping projects. If your backyard layout is feeling a little stale, you might want to join in on the fun and attempt a full redesign.
Want some inspiration for fun and budget-friendly outdoor features? These five ideas can turn a boring backyard into your favorite place to be.
1. Build the Perfect Pergola
When designing a backyard, nothing creates more instant visual interest than a shady, vine-covered pergola. Building a custom pergola for your home is simpler than you might think. All you need is lumber, stain, hardware, a couple of basic power tools, and a few willing participants to help.
If a pergola is outside your skillset or budget, try covering a small arbor or trellis with climbing plants. Choose dense vines that flower, like wisteria or morning glory, for maximum impact.
2. Use a Path to Shape Your Backyard Layout
Dividing your backyard into separate sections for gardening, recreation, and work is a breeze with a simple stone path. For a rustic look, lay down pavers in a staggered pattern and let the grass peek through in between. For a more streamlined style, dig up the sod where you want your path to go and use DIY poured-concrete blocks to fill the space.
3. Add a Whimsical In-Ground Water Feature
Fountains are fun, but there’s nothing more magical than having a koi pond or creek running through your backyard. For an extra dose of whimsy, line the bottom with river rocks and install a small stone bridge to make crossing it easier. Make sure you include a bubbler or air pump to keep the water moving and prevent mosquitoes.
This is one of the more expensive backyard layouts on the list, so be sure to plan it carefully. Before you start digging and clearing out the area, have the utility and electric lines marked and factor any anticipated tree removal cost into your budget.
4. Stay Cozy Around the Fire
If your backyard plans include evening get-togethers with friends and family, why not extend the outdoor season with a custom fire pit and surrounding patio?
For the firepit, mark a perfect circle on the ground (a hula hoop works well for this) and dig up the sod. Place bricks around the circle with the long sides pointing toward the center, using a two-inch block of wood to space them evenly. Continue placing bricks in alternating layers until you’ve reached your desired height and cover the bottom of the firepit in a couple of inches of sand.
Create a patio by pouring pea gravel, placing pavers, or laying down matching bricks.
5. Go Vertical With a Terrace Garden
Does your backyard have a steep hill that makes mowing and recreation difficult? Turn that incline into an advantage by building a terrace garden.
Dig out sections of the hill until they resemble stairs and use recycled lumber or stone to create retaining walls. Plant a variety of native plants, vegetables, flowers, or low-maintenance shrubs for a unique garden your friends will love.
Inspiration for How to Design a Backyard
Now that you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to draw out a base map of your ideal backyard layout and get to work! How many of these backyard garden designs will you include?
For more fabulous ways to spruce up your home and garden, take a moment to browse through the other articles on our site.
Samantha Gaines wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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