Tag: DIY

10 of the Most Gorgeous Backyard Waterfall DIY Projects

This waterfall is a combination of a small stream and a waterfall, actually. This is nice because you can get both features in one build. It also imitates the downhill aspect of a waterfall and stream, which I really like. It makes the water feature seem more natural and in the right spot.

If you don’t have much space to work with but still want a waterfall, try an isolated pond. There won’t be much room to sit around the waterfall, but it still looks good and gets that nice relaxing sound we all love. This works well on the side of the house or in a small yard.

My favorite part about this is the log that comes over the top. It makes it feel like a really naturally-occurring waterfall. Not all water features have to seem like they’d really be found in nature, but this one does a great job of that. It proves you can make your own waterfall and still have it look natural.

I look at this waterfall and I just think “Zen.” It seems so calm and relaxing to me. I can almost smell the cool air and feel the water lightly splash against my feet. If you need a place to relax and unwind, this is definitely the waterfall to build.

This high-tiered waterfall is very elegant and classy. It takes a bit more know-how to build, but don’t let that intimidate you! The rocky border around the edges of the waterfall really helps complete the whole experience and look.

This lily pond waterfall feature reminds me of the sprawling backyard of an English cottage. It just seems so cute and quaint. This would be my choice if I was going for a water feature I could spend time with my friends around.

Just because you have a small backyard or garden doesn’t mean you can’t have a waterfall. This one is really small, but it still gets the job done. The waterfall may be tiny, but the grass and greenery around it make the who feature perfect.

A central and elevated waterfall is great for a large yard or garden. It can be seen from the entire space, and the water creates a unifying element to the lawn. Not only that, but the sound of the rushing water will be great background noise for fantastic dinner conversation, I’m sure!

Here’s a waterfall idea that’s a bit more modern and fun! It’s a bamboo structure where the water falls out of the top. It’s not a natural-looking waterfall, but I still love it. The bamboo really makes it look nice.

Dryer and browner climates can try this waterfall that builds on a rock foundation. There’s not much greenery required to spruce up the area, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance and upkeep. But the water feature is still astounding.

How to DIY a Pergola and Save Thousands!

A pergola is a great addition to any yard, but it can be expensive to have one built. But if you do it yourself, then you can save thousands of dollars, as long as you know how to do it. The follow guide was brought to us by our friends at Popular Mechanics. Enjoy!

First, you want to place the posts and tightly secure the anchors into the ground so that the pergola is strong and sturdy. There are a few different ways to do this (and different materials you can try out), but the anchor is vital in order to have a safe pergola. Once the anchors are secure, place the support beams in them and attach securely.

After the posts are in, it’s time to attach the safety beams. These keep the posts securely in place and prevent them from toppling over in high winds or other inclement weather or sudden movement. Make sure the support beams are even and flush with one another so that the pergola is straight all the way through.

Next are the crossbeams for added support and a nice aesthetic appeal. If you’re handy with a saw, and want a nice look, curve the ends so that you don’t just have a straight piece of wood sticking out.  Attach the other trim and braces around your pergola for maximum security and appeal.

Now it’s time to fit the slats into the top of the pergola to get that rustic and charming look that you’re probably going for. Make sure the slats are screw tightly to the frame in order to prevent them from falling out or breaking off.

Lastly, you can cap the posts to give the pergola a more finished look. This isn’t necessary, but I like it because it makes it look more elegant and professional. Go ahead and paint or decorate the pergola however you want. You’re all finished!

5 Homemade Products to Use in Your Garden

Seed tape is really nice, and now there’s no need to go out and buy some. You can make your own! Use a roll of (biodegradable) toilet paper as DIY seed tape. Simply place the seeds on the paper, fix them in there, and then roll up. You just have to throw them out on the garden when you’re ready.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

10 Cute and Easy DIY Fences

You guys, I can never get over how cute a good ol’ fashioned picket fence is. Don’t they just remind you of a simpler time? I love how they so neatly border the whole yard and garden, creating your own little piece of paradise.

Vinyl is another suggestion that’s just as fancy as a picket without so much upkeep. The material makes it really weather-resistant and strong. You can even get kits and materials that are super easy to install.

If you already have a fence but want to add a little something to it, try this. Drill small holes and fill them with marbles. When the light hits them just right, they cast an amazing rainbow of colors on your yard. They’re beautiful to look at.

I’ve always loved shutters, so being able to use them as a fence is perfect! You’ll need shutters tall and strong enough to actually make a fence, but it shouldn’t be too hard. The combination of colors and textures adds such a fun aspect to any yard.

If you want a classy and elegant fence, then look no further. A wrought iron fence is exactly what you need. It’s crisp, clean, and creates an amazing ambiance for your yard. You can’t go wrong with a wrought iron fence.

Add a touch of unique personality to your yard with a bamboo fence. There are quite a few ways to do this, actually, so choose which style is your favorite. You can have just sticks of bamboo, walls of bamboo, or anything in between. You’ll be surprised at how effective and cute this fence is.

For those on a budget, consider a upcycled pallet fence. You just take the strips of wood from old garden pallets, paint them, and create a fence. You’ll just need to get the posts and longboards, but that’s not hard at all. Or you could use the full pallet to make the fence. There are lots of options.

I have a friend who collects doors. I know, weird, right? But I saw this idea and immediately thought of her. A door fence is actually so cute! I love it. Now I may start collecting doors until I have enough to build my own one of these.

I saw this idea and thought it was so fun! All you have to do is paint your fence white and then hang small planks of black wood. It looks like a piano! If you and your family love music, then this is such a clever idea for a fence.

Add some class and style to your backyard with this gabion fence. It’s definitely more work than a lot of the others (plus more money), but it’s so worth it. A gabion fence is effective, gorgeous, and will last for a long time.

12 DIY Weekend Projects for Your Backyard

No yard is complete without a swing, am I right? It reminds me of my childhood when my siblings and I would swing from the tree all day. That, and of summer nights. Swings just make the yard so much better!

If you’re an avid gardener, then make your own potting bench. They make life so much easier. Seriously. You don’t have to bend over and be in the dirt the whole time when working on your plants, which is a lot easier for your knees and back.

I would also suggest building a compost bin for your garden. This is a great way to put your food waste to use, and it also helps the environment. You don’t have to feel guilty about throwing away all those leftover fruit and veggies, or even their peelings.

There are about a thousand different ways you can add lighting to your yard, and all of them can be done in a weekend. I personally like string lights, but you could do lanterns, tiki torches or anything else.

If you and your guests spend a lot of time in the backyard, consider making a beverage cart. It has all the necessities for a nice drink without having to go back inside all the time. Your guests will be so amazing at how handy you are and how accessible the cart is.

One of my favorite memories as a kid was gathering around our firepit in the backyard to roast S’mores. Build your own firepit, with quite a few different ideas and tutorials, to bring the same fun memories to your yard this summer.

Build a tool organizer that you can use to keep all your stuff neat and orderly. If you already have a shed, build it on the wall. If not, you can easily build one under a deck or on the side of your house.

I love hanging out on my back patio, but the bugs and mosquitos sometimes drive me CRAZY! I found this cool tiki torch idea that uses citronella oil to repel them, though. I think it’s a great DIY project for anyone facing the same problem.

No need to go buy expensive planters from the store when you can just make your own! That’s right, it’s easy and pretty cheap to do. You can paint the planter to be any color or style you want.

If you have the space in your yard, you could consider making a pathway over the weekend. You could use stepping stones, wood from a garden pallet, or other materials. There are tons of ideas and lots of options.

Create a garden bench out of some posts and a few cinder blocks. Slap a cushion on the top and you’ve got a super comfortable bench. Paint the wood and/or blocks to make it even more unique!

If you have kids who just keep begging for a treehouse or something similar, you can try this. It’s a garden playhouse that they’ll love hanging out in. And the best part is that it gets them out of the house, so you get more peace and quiet!

15 Ingenious Hacks that Will Take Your Backyard to the Next Level

Put your old wine bottles to use. You can save your time and the environment with this idea. Fill the bottles with water and place them upside down in the soil. They will automatically water your plants for you.

Make these fun and cute glow orbs that you can place around your yard and garden. They create a fairy tale feel. You could also make glow-in-the-dark planters. I like the orbs more though; they’re more magical.

If critters keep breaking into your garden and eating your plants, try this. Stick some plastic forks in the soil. Cats, deer, and other critters will have a hard time getting to your plants after that.

A cheap way to add some lighting to you yard is with string lights. You don’t need to buy fixtures, bulbs, or anything like that. Just get the lights, plug them in, and string them up!

Pool owners are going to want to look at this hack. It’s a super cheap way to keep your pool warm. Put some black plastic in hula hoops and place them in the water. They’ll absorb the sunlight and heat up your pool. The more you have, the quicker they heat.

Build some lawn games that you and your guests can play in your backyard. I personally think a private bowling alley in the lawn is a great idea, but I know that takes a bit to build. However, you could so something like giant Jenga, chess, or something similar.

Install a bed swing that everyone can enjoy. Make sure it’s mounted well and can hold the weight. Add pillows, blankets, and other cozy items to really enjoy it as best you can.

This table cooler is pretty much the best thing invented. It’s just a small slice opened for holding drinks, but it’s amazing in the summer. Drinks will stay cool and within arm’s reach.

Here’s a fun project for you and the kids. Make tin can lanterns that can be placed around the patio and yard. They’re cheap and easy to make, and your kids will love seeing their artwork displayed. You can make all sort of cute patterns in the cans.

I love movies and I love being outside, so this is the perfect backyard idea. Just hang a sheet from a tree branch, or make a full-on cinema. The choice is yours. I like the idea of an antique popcorn maker for the yard, too!

Hate seeing all that water wasted that drips out of your potted plants? Hate having to water them ALL the time? Place a diaper at the bottom of the planter. It will absorb the water and keep your soil moist for longer!

Install some mosquito repelling tiki torches in your patio or yard. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outside. You can use recycled wine bottles and citronella oil in the fuel to repel mosquitos.

Here’s a way to make your yard seem bigger: hang mirrors up on the fences. They’ll reflect the light and space around them, creating the illusion that your yard is bigger. Isn’t this such a clever idea?

Use cinderblocks to make a DIY planter for gardening on your patio. You can even paint the cinderblocks to make them more decorative. Stack the blocks or arrange them in rows, whichever suits you best.

I suggest getting some storage furniture that you can use outside. This will open up your space and allow you to keep things stored away that you don’t need. It can have blankets for chillier nights or even supplies for cooking s’mores around the fire!

20 Cute and Fun DIY Garden Bench Ideas

I’ve seen these gabion benches all over the place, it seems. I think they’re starting to become really popular. So jump on that wagon and make your own gabion garden bench. They’re cute, classy, and very elegant.

Stack some cinderblocks and put wooden posts in between them. This creates a nice base for your bench. You can also create a backrest the same way, but it’s not necessary. Place a cushion on the posts to make it more comfortable.

You could also just skip the posts all together and make a bench solely out of cinderblocks. Obviously, you’ll need pillows and cushions to make it more comfortable. Paint the blocks, if you want, to make the bench more appealing.

Take an old storage cubby and turn it into a garden bench. All you have to do is turn it on its side and you’re good! Paint it to make it look brand new. You can even still use it for storage, things like shoes and boots.

You can never go wrong with a simple garden bench. This one is just a piece of wood and cement legs. Nice, easy, and it gets the job done. Feel free to decorate it, but you don’t have to.

For those of you with young kids, this might be a great idea. It’s a combination between a sandbox and a garden bench! If you imagine hard enough, you could sit on the bench and pretend like your at the beach. You can also build the bench to fold down so it covers the sandbox when not in use.

Upcycle an old bedframe to make your garden bench. This won’t even cost you any money. There are a few ways to do this, depending on how much of the bedframe is usable. Look around and find the best tutorial for you.

This unique bench uses planters as the legs. That way you can get a bench and add some green to your yard or garden. Choose plants that aren’t too intensive and that don’t spread a lot. You want to actually be able to sit on the bench.

If you have a beautiful tree in your yard, make a bench that rings it. You can do this from old chairs, leftover pieces of wood, or get brand new material. A circular tree bench is just so fun and really adds a nice touch to your yard.

Speaking of trees, if you just cut one down, maybe use the wood for a bench. It gives your yard and garden even more of a rustic look, and the material should blend right now. I like how it still feels woodsy yet manmade.

Old chairs are a great resource when it comes to building a garden bench. You’ll just want to make sure they’re in good enough condition to sit on. If so, you can merge two together, or just use the backs of a few. The choice is yours and the options are limitless.

Use an old door to make a new garden bench. Depending on how many you have, the door could be used as both the seat and the back rest. But it’s up to you. Try to use doors that are sturdy so they don’t break when sat upon.

Don’t throw away your garden pallets. Instead, use them to make a bench! You can take the pallet apart and use the individual plies, or you can use the whole pallet as one. There are so many choices, and they all look great!

Be unique and make a hanging garden bench! This takes a bit more time than other benches, but it’s so fun to have around! Add pillows and blankets to make it the most comfortable spot in the yard!

Put those car parts to use by making a bench out of them. An old tail gate can be used as a garden bench or back. License plates can be used as decorative arm rests. There are so many great ideas!

Crates and cushions are a fun and easy way to make a modular bench. It provides storage, is comfortable, and can easily be moved around when needed. Just make sure to get heavy-duty crates!

I absolutely fell in love with this rustic wicker bench when I saw it. I l love how it looks like it’s made straight from the branches in your yard. If you want a fairy tale-esque garden bench, then look no further!

This isn’t so much a bench as it is a platform. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great idea. Lots of people can relax on this garden bench, and it’s so relaxing to lay out underneath the canopy of trees.

If you want an intensive but rewarding garden bench project, then try this. It’s an arbor, so you get a bench and a super cute piece of décor. You can decorate it with vines, flowers, or string lights for an even more romantic addition.

Take apart that picket fence you have and use it for your bench. Paint the wood, if you want, or keep it looking used and distressed. Make sure the support beams are strong enough, and add some pillows for comfort and color.

10 Fun and Easy DIY Patio Furniture Ideas

One of my favorite things about my backyard is the hammock chair. It’s where I go to think, relax, and just get away from life for a bit. It’s easy to make, and it’s also a cute decoration for your yard or patio.

This foldout bar is pretty much the most genius thing I’ve ever seen. Now you don’t need to keep on going inside to get drinks and freshen up beverages. And, since it folds up, it won’t ever get in the way!

If a foldout bar isn’t your style, then get a beverage cart. You can access all the drink essentials, and it rolls! No more need to even get up from your comfy seat anymore! That’s what I call fantastic.

There are pretty much a billion different types of benches you can make for your patio or garden. I like this cinderblock one because it’s easy, fast, and looks great. It especially is cool if you paint it. You can build a bench solely from cinderblocks, or you can also use wooden posts. Just make sure to add pillows and cushions for maximum comfort.

Combine comfort, accessibility, and sociality with a table that has a built-in drink cooler. You can use it to store drinks that people may want, or you can use it to cool drinks you already have. Either way, this is a great idea.

Grab an old rug and spruce it up to make an amazing new patio rug. Use tape and some paints to make a new design or pattern on the rug. Have fun and be creative on this project. It’ll look great on your patio.

These Adirondack chairs are perfect for summer lounging. And they’re a pretty easy DIY project, so that’s even better. Get some cushions and a nice drink, and you’re all set.

A side table may seem like a small thing, but it can really change your whole patio. The table adds a nice decoration, and it also gives you a place to put a drink or book instead of on the ground. These X brace table is gorgeous, too.

A mobile storage ottoman is just one of the many storage devices you can make for your patio. It can be moved out of the way, it can store pillows and blankets so your patio doesn’t seem crowded, and it also adds sitting space. There’s really no downside to this.

If you have the space, I suggest a day bed. These things are so comfortable! I could seriously spend all day just lounging around in mine! Choose fun and colorful bedding and pillows for a nice touch.

12 Fun and Creative DIY Stepping Stone Ideas

I think a stepping stone in the shape of a leaf is a cute and clever addition to any yard or garden. What I like is how the shape brings in the natural elements and the cement or plaster (or whatever material you use) brings in the urban feel. You can do this in any size or shape.

A mosaic stepping stone is a fun way to express yourself and put some of your unique art in your yard. You can just do an assortment of fun colors or choose a mosaic design specific to each stone.

You guys, these footprint stepping stones are pretty much the cutest thing I’ve seen in my entire life! Aren’t they just precious? I love how you can take just normal rocks and create such an adorable idea. Press them into the ground or cast them in a mold for best results.

Use your stepping stone project as a chance to make memories with your kids. Not only will they love the project, but you can immortalize their name, handprint, footprint, or whatever else you want in the stone. Then, years down the road, you can look back and remember that moment.

If you’re like me and have about a billion knickknacks sitting around, then use them in your stepping stones! You can create a fun theme (like games), or just do matching colors. Whatever the idea, have fun and make the stepping stones look great.

I loved playing hopscotch as a little girl, so when I saw this idea, I just fell in love! It’s such a fun and easy way to bring color, fun, and hopscotch to your yard without much work at all.

If you’re careful, you can take broken pieces of vases, plates, and other similar items and mold them into a stepping stone. Obviously, you want to make sure no sharp parts are sticking out, but this is a great way to upcycle some of those things you thought were broken for good.

Go for a quaint rustic look by making stepping stones with a nice layer of moss. It’s actually a lot easier than it looks, and it can make your backyard feel like one of those cottages in the countryside of Ireland!

There’s no need to settle for round or square stepping stones. You can make them in whatever shape you want. In fact, you could even make butterfly-shaped stepping stones for your yard. It’s all up to how much work you want to put into them and how much time you have.

If you REALLY like making customized stepping stones, then make some for the seasons. You can do heart-shaped stepping stones for Valentine’s day, snowman ones for Christmas, etc. Imagine how impressed everyone will be when your stepping stones match the holiday!

I think square stepping stones are a classy and elegant addition to the yard, but they can sometimes seem bulky and industrial. But if you add some fun designs and colors to them, then the whole game changes. It can be as simple as a few leaves or as crazy as a rainbow. It’s up to you!

When I first saw this interlocking path made from stepping stones, I fell in love. There’s something about how they’re separate pieces that make up a bigger whole that I find amazing. Plus, the color and curve of the path makes the yard so much more gorgeous.

14 Terrific DIY Bird Feeders for Your Yard

Upcycle that old chandelier that you have sitting around, and use it to make a bird feeder for your yard! You don’t have to spend any money, and you can feel good that you didn’t add to the local dump.

A nice way to add a bird feeder without disturbing the “theme” of your patio could be to use terra cotta pots. They’ll match the other pots you may have, and they’re actually very functional when it comes to being a bird feeder. You can even use some old ones you have lying around.

I thought this was such an adorable bird feeder idea! It’s a monogram so you can decorate and bring birds to your yard. Use colorful seeds and ingredients to make it even better.

An old lamp post is a super great option for a DIY bird feeder. Remove the glass (if needed), and simply place a bowl of bird seed in the bottom. You can attach the post to a wall or into the ground.

Wine bottles can be upcycled for a fun and creative project. Turn them into bird feeders with just a bit of work and place them around your yard and patio. They’re easy to make, cheap, and look good.

If you have kids who like to watch birds, then this window attachment is a perfect idea. It looks like a birdhouse, but it sits on the window with a tray for food so you can see the birds come and go.

This wreath bird feeder is amazing. I just love it so much. The best part is that it adds practicality and art to your yard. Hang it from the porch, a tree, or anywhere else.

An incredibly simple yet functional bird feeder just involves some rope and a bowl. Place the feed in the bowl, and tie it up using three lines. It doesn’t take much time at all.

I bet you didn’t know you could use an orange as a bird feeder. But you can! In fact, you can use the inside of a pumpkin or any other fruit/veggie that you think would be great. If you use a shell that the birds will eat, that’s even better!

Use cookie cutters to make any and all kinds of shapes for your bird feeders! You can do seasonal decorations like hearts, or you can just use normal cookie cutters. The choice is yours, and you have so many options.

A plastic bottle is a cheap, simple, and incredibly easy bird feeder idea. You don’t really have to have any crafting skills to make this DIY project. A few simple tweaks to the bottle, and you’re good to go.

I love how you can upcycle even an empty roll of toilet paper to make an effective bird feeder. This idea is so easy! Simply roll the tube in peanut butter and then stick the seeds and other ingredients on it. Hang it up, and the birds will flock to your yard.

If you’ve recently updated your teacups, or you have some broken ones, use them to make a bird feeder. I think it looks cute if you attach the saucer to the bottom of the teacup. But you can really do whatever you want.

One of the simplest bird feeder ideas is using an old Bundt cake pan. It’s easy to hang up requires no modifications, and can hold lots of bird seed. You can paint or decorate the pan if you want, but it isn’t necessary.