60 Low Budget Backyard Deck Ideas On a Budget [Updated List]

So you’re thinking of building a budget friendly backyard deck, but don’t have a clue where to start? Don’t feel bad most people haven’t got the foggiest idea what is involved when building a backyard deck on a budget.

Here in this article I have listed down list of the top 60 low budget backyard deck ideas on a budget. Before we dive in to the backyard deck ideas, let me tell you how to turn your backyard deck into a real work of art.

After all it is a big undertaking that will affect the look of your property in an area that everyone will see.

Try not to get overwhelmed, I know it can seem quite daunting at first.

Start by assessing your yard and house to see where the best place to build it would be. Do you want it as a standalone or attached to a building. Each has its own set of problems you need to address. Another area to think about is what the primary use of the deck is going to be.

If it is to extend your dining area then placing it outside of the kitchen or dining room would be your best bet. If you plan on using it to entertain friends attaching it to your living room might be a better option.

You will also need to take into consideration the type of weather you’re going to have to endure and what times of year you’ll want to use your deck the most. A north facing deck would be great for hot summer days, but not so good on cooler days.

A south facing one will be hotter, but is usually your best option because it is easier to shade yourself than it is to create heat. In the end your choice should ultimately reflect on the best access to the use of your deck.

When it comes to designing your backyard deck on a budget you want it to be a complement to your home and should be relative in size to it. A good rule of thumb to go by is making your deck about the same size as the largest room in your home.

A deck can range in size to include a hot tub or a gazebo, but it may be too much for a beginner handyman to build a sophisticated deck with all the trimmings and you might want to stay with the basics and add to it as you get more skills.

Whatever you decide before you begin building your foundation it is important to check the local building laws to see what you may need to do or if you require a building permit. It’s not uncommon for the building inspector to want detailed blueprints before they will give you a permit.

Once your backyard deck design idea on a budget has been approved by your local building inspector and you have your permit you can start with the work. It takes some skills at this point and getting a do-it yourself manual would be a wise choice. They are the best tool to have in your arsenal when tackling any big job like this and will go a long way when you run into trouble.

No deck is finished without some well spaced outdoor deck lighting to create that million dollar look. I recommend saving money on electricity by using solar patio lights to finish it up for a perfect touch.

Why Backyard Decking and Patio Ideas On A Budget?

Backyard decking and patios on a budget can add both value to your home and create much required extra space.

If you have a sloping garden or back yard, much of this ground can be wasted – there is not a lot you can usefully do with that space – some ideas to utilize it can be to either build a raised deck or a retaining wall and construct a flat patio space.

As these solutions involve some complicated construction techniques, it is wise to consult with an experienced contractor who can advise on the various codes and regulations that will need to be met. Also, as these are raised platforms, structural issues must be taken in account. You do not want your deck or patio falling down.

Good backyard decking ideas on a budget is to use with a plain-looking property are to include some patio doors straight out of your kitchen or living room space and have the decking extend outwards – this will provide an excellent area to use for entertaining and a relaxed, private space for you and your family.

Both cheap backyard decking and patios allow a beautiful BBQ corner to be built – there is nothing better than to have an outside grill in the summer months and some people even continue to cook outside in the winter months.

Do not forget to include safety barriers and a non-slip surface for your decking or patio. A round or oval backyard deck on a budget can be a super talking point and look both contemporary and smarten up an otherwise dull and boring backyard.

A good twist for a patio is to make it out of cobble stones. Small gaps can be left in these to allow room for planting and this will lead to a more natural appearance which will definitely suitable for a more traditional property.

A modern idea for backyard decking on a budget is to make it black in color. There are new composite materials that can be stained by the manufacturer in a myriad of different colors. This staining will not fade and will not be affected by ultra violet light from the sun. It will maintain the as new appearance for many years and looks amazingly nice directly opposite an ultra-modern kitchen. Just imagine a white marble kitchen floor next to some beautiful jet-black decking – such a contrast will make any home’s outside space look spectacular.

Waterproof Backyard Decor Stickers

Backyard Decals Choose from Custom die-cut stickers from CustomSticker, outdoor wall stickers are perfect for custom backyard wall decor. You can customize your unique style of backyard wallpaper according to the theme of your backyard decoration, and you can also change your backyard wall stickers at any time.

Their outdoor decals are factory-priced and feature premium vinyl that will stick with you in snow, rain, and extreme heat. A variety of material stickers for you to choose from, such as luminous stickers and holographic stickers. Waterproof stickers are also wear-resistant and weather-resistant. Best of all, installation requires no special tools and is as easy as peeling and placing on any exterior wall!

Patios can be made from many different types of materials. Increasingly popular is cast concrete. When polished this leaves a super-smooth surface that maintains its heat in the colder evening periods and allows the owner to walk about in bare feet in comfort. This concrete can be stained to match any color choice and this permeates the entire thickness of the concrete and so never wears out.

Particularly in the United Kingdom, having a water feature integrated into your backyard decking or patio is common. This provides a focal point and in a countryside setting allows wildlife such as toads, newts and frogs to live within your garden. In conjunction with a retaining stone wall, which will allow insects to flourish, putting bird feeders on your decking will encourage local birds to visit.

If you wish to use your patio in the colder months, be sure to investigate patio heaters. These can be either gas or electric and will definitely allow better use of your investment.

Why Low Budget Backyard Landscaping Ideas Are Best?

If your hobby is gardening, you may find landscaping interesting. You can landscape a part of your backyard on a budget and make into a for meditation, games and swimming pool. You can also turn a part of garden into rock garden or bird and butterfly gardens.

The landscape you design should be unique and a place to have fun and peace. There are many resources like the Internet, libraries and courses which will help you with your backyard landscaping on a budget.

One can also landscape with low budget. People who stay close to woods should plant trees or plants which the deer do not eat. This will prevent these animals entering your garden wreaking havoc. The plants like creeping juniper and prickly pear are attacked by deer. So, think about planting trees and plants like red osier dogwood. You can plant creeping junipers, but restrict them along paths and walkways.

If you want more privacy, then a fence can provide it. Opt for tall informal or formal hedges and vine filled lattices. Fencing can provide privacy to an area with swimming pool, or where you want to do yoga early in the morning.

Divide the landscape into parts which can be used to play a sport or for any other activity. Make a circular area with lattice work for meditating. Plant some colorful flowering plants in this circular area. Add a path with stones around it. The colors of the flowers, paths and the circular lines will relax a person. If you are a person who reads a lot, then build a garden bench where you can sit and read peacefully.

An inexpensive patio or backyard deck can be build instead of a garden in case there is scarcity of water or if it is hard task for you to maintain the garden. You can use this area to hold your barbecue or sit in the evenings and enjoy the sunset with your family.

Inexpensive backyard landscaping just needs some time and creativity. And, you should just let your imagination flow to have a backyard that is beautiful, serene and calm.

Beautiful Ideas for Creating Budget Friendly Backyard Deck

A home without a backyard deck has an incomplete feel to it. Having a inexpensive backyard deck makes home life much more enjoyable.

Right from lazing in a comfortable lounge chair and de-stressing yourselves to spending quality time with friends and family is made possible with the addition of a backyard deck in the house.

The very presence of such a deck stimulates the family members to take time out and relax in its soothing ambiance. That is why it becomes extremely necessary to invest time and energy into designing the deck so that it meets all your requirements later.

First of all, you need to decide on a good location for your backyard deck. You can design the backyard deck on a budget keeping in mind your ultimate dreams associated with the deck. Do you dream of getting a beautiful tan in the sun by utilizing the deck or are you looking for a shady area where you can relax and read?

Depending on your wants, you can select a good location for the deck. If your backyard has a pleasant scenic view, having a deck is an added advantage.

However, even in the absence of a good view, you can build it near a charming tree that will lend an artistic touch to the entire area. If you like seclusion and find the presence of neighbors intrusive, then you have to build the deck in a manner that can eliminate or minimize the problem.

Another thing that you need to consider is the location of the deck vis-à-vis the rooms of the house. Ideally, a deck flanking the kitchen or two rooms opening on to the deck simultaneously is a good idea since there is no danger of the living room getting messy due to a lot of foot traffic.

Having the deck adjacent to the kitchen makes it easy to carry food to the deck. Apart from this, you have to see to it that the height of the deck is not above the floor level of the house as this could cause rainwater to flow into the house.

The size of the deck is another area that needs to fit into the overall scheme of the house. Having a deck that is proportionate to the size of the house is a good idea as an excessively large or minuscule deck might seem a bit weird.

Of course, if you are in the habit of holding large parties, then you might have to build a large deck irrespective of the size of the house.

Similarly, you can provide an innovative look to the deck by shaping it on the basis of the architectural style of the house.

Finally, if you cannot afford to engage a deck designer, you can look around at other beautiful decks in your vicinity and modify the look of the deck in accordance with the layout of your home.

Top 60 Low Budget Backyard Deck Ideas On A Budget

1. Build a DIY Backyard Deck or Patio

2. Lay Down an Outdoor Rug

3. Create a Stone Path

4. Construct a Tree Bench

5. Set Up a Trellis

6. Create Shade with a Pergola

7. Invest in a Fountain

8. Use a Stock Tank Pool

9. String Up Some Mood Lighting

10. Get Crafty with Your Fence

11. Paint a Fence Mural

12. Grow Your Garden Vertically

13. Try Xeriscaping

14. Make a Space for Outdoor Dining

15. Include Comfy Seating

16. Heat Up with a Fire Pit

17. Don’t Forget a Hammock

18. Create a Relaxing Meditation Space

19. Set Up a Backyard Theater

20. Flip Burgers in an Outdoor Kitchen

21. Invest in a Portable Bar

22. Add Some Kid-Friendly Fun

23. Set Up Some Lawn Games

24. Plant Bright Flowers

25. Build Color with Containers

26. Add Vintage Hardscaping Elements

27. Simple DIY Backyard Ideas

28. Low Cost Budget Seating Ideas

29. Choosing Less Expensive Paving Materials

30. Choosing A Simple Planet Palette

31. Vertical Gardening Tips

32. Use Off-the-Shelf Materials

33. Backyard Hardscaping Ideas

34. Display a Collection

35. DIY Backyard Accents

36. Vintage Backyard Decor

37. Backyard Lighting Ideas

38. DIY Outdoor Seating

39. Small Backyard Ideas

40. Backyard Furniture Ideas

41. Smart Backyard Ideas

42. Living Fence Ideas

43. Plant Inexpensive Perennials

44. DIY Backyard Fire Pit

45. Cozy Backyard Ideas

46. Make DIY Planter

47. Easy Deck for the Big Easy

48. Decking Out Your Budget

49. Step Up to This Easy Deck

50. Backyard Beach Paradise

51. Do-It-Yourself Diagonals

52. Pallet Power

53. Downsizing to an Easy and Cheap Deck

54. Easiest Deck in the World to Build

55. Simply Designing with Ashley

56. Nesting with Grace

57. Paint a rug on your deck

58. BHG Great DIY ideas for decks

59. Desert Domicile

60. Sugar and Cloth

What is the cheapest backyard deck to build?

Wood decking is the cheapest backyard deck to build amoung all other deck ideas. If you are putting in a new deck, here are few ideas for your wood decking.

Soft wood is very durable than most woods of common use. It is resistant to wear and tear but relatively soft and will weather. When building a deck, preservative treating and sealing is highly recommended.

Again, Redwood will be available in grades which will vary with consideration and appearance as well as quality. Color on wood will very from a lightly toned red to a dark red brown shade as well. The grades in wood decking are as follows: Clear Heart, B-Grade, Construction Heart, and Construction Common.

Having this said, patios hold a lot of weight, as well as driveways. They both require very strong foundations. These require stronger foundations than the ones designed for a light use. As wear and tear decays the wood can take time as they are protected with strong basics such as well wood decking constructions.

Paying close attention of the wood decking design will prevent any damage as time takes the best part of wood. Patio awnings are part of a home and building design. These not only serve a purpose but they also add a signature to your home and make a statement as well.

Being a great idea to build a wood deck on a budget, teak is a very impressive wood which is used in the manufacturing of patio furniture on natural water and insect resistant decks without any chemical treating to protect the wood from decay as well as termites. Take advantage of the fun you will have on building your own deck with wood decking.

What is the average deck installation price per square foot?

The average deck installation cost is about $2,000 to build a 10×10 foot backyard deck, $6,000 to build a 14×20 backyard deck, and $9,000 to build a 20×20 backyard deck. The cost to build a backyard deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, including material cost and deck installation cost. Remember the price also varies based on the materials you used, sizes you pick, level built on, and any extra options like built-in seating or stairs.

Average cost to build a new backyard deck

National Average Cost	$6,000
Minimum Cost	$1,200
Maximum Cost	$15,000
Average Range	$4,000 to $9,000

Average deck cost per square foot

Deck Quality	Cost Per Square Foot
Basic Materials	$15
Average Materials	$25
Premium Materials	$35

Average cost to build a backyard deck by size

Deck Size	Square Feet	Average Cost
8×10	80	$1,200 – $2,800
10×10	100	$1,500 – $3,500
10×12	120	$1,800 – $4,200
12×12	144	$2,160 – $5,040
12×20	240	$3,600 – $8,400
14×20	280	$4,200 – $9,800
16×16	256	$3,840 – $8,960
20×20	400	$6,000 – $14,000

Souce for pricing table: homeguide.com

Common FAQs about installing backyard deck on a budget

Q) What is the cheapest backyard deck to build?

Wood decking is the cheapest backyard deck to build amoung all other deck ideas. If you are putting in a new deck, we have mentioned few ideas for your wood decking here.

Q) What is the average backyard deck installation cost per square foot?

Remember the price also varies based on the materials you used, sizes you pick, level built on, and any extra options like built-in seating or stairs. The average deck installation cost is about $2,000 to build a 10×10 foot backyard deck, $6,000 to build a 14×20 backyard deck, and $9,000 to build a 20×20 backyard deck.

Q) How much does a 10×10 backyard deck cost?

Homeowners are spending like minimum of $1,500 and maximum of $3,500 for installing a wooden backyard deck in 2021.

Q) How much does a 12×12 backyard deck cost?

Homeowners are spending like minimum of $2,160 and maximum of $5,040 for installing a wooden backyard deck in 2021. You can build you own deck to save money.

Q) How much does a 20×20 backyard deck cost?

The minimum cost to build a wooden backyard deck in 2021 is about $6,000 and maximum $14,000. Also it may varies depending on the extra decorations you do.