10 Frugal Ideas to Make Your Outdoor Space More Inviting

Transform your yard with these frugal outdoor space ideas! Budget-friendly tips for DIY, second-hand finds, and creative backyard makeovers.

If there’s one thing Australians love, it’s indoor-outdoor living, where the outdoor patio is an extension of the indoor space.

And as a real estate copywriter, I’m always singing the praises of ‘effortless entertaining’ and ‘alfresco dining in the refreshing ocean breezes’ because that’s what we love. 

(I’m careful not to mention the mozzies and blowies, also an integral part of this outdoor lifestyle. Mosquitos and blow flies for those unfamiliar with Aussie slang.)

But what if your outdoor space feels less like a Stratco advert and more like a backyard graveyard for broken furniture, piles of pots, a tangled garden hose, and the odd abandoned toy…or old bath? (True story.)

The good news is that you don’t need a big budget to give it a new lease on life. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your outdoor area into a space you’ll want to spend time in.

10 Ways to Enhance Your Outdoor Space

Below are ten frugal and achievable ways to make your outdoor space shine, even on a tight budget.

1. Refresh Your Space with a Good Clean and Tidy

This is my number one tip because it’s amazing what a difference a good tidy can make! 

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your outdoor space more inviting. Instead, dedicating a day to these basic maintenance tasks can transform your yard:

• Tidy up kids’ toys, old pots, and miscellaneous items lying around. If you don’t want to throw out the sink, consider stacking the ‘junk-with-potential’ in a corner behind a screen.
• Mow the lawn and trim the edges for a neat, polished look.
• Wash pavers or cement with a power washer or a scrubbing brush and a little elbow grease.
• Pull weeds from garden beds and pathways to instantly tidy up the space.
• Give your outdoor furniture a good clean. Sometimes, all it needs is a rinse or a quick wipe to look brand new.

Over winter, our completely shaded courtyard had become a slippery mess of black and green sliminess. I nearly fell head-over-turkey, which was the wake-up call I needed to clean it before someone (likely me!) got hurt.

While power washers are fantastic, they can be expensive. We’ve hired one in the past, and it made our courtyard look brand new. It wasn’t in the budget this year, so I used straight vinegar and elbow grease, scrubbing the pavers little by little. This also helped kill the weeds naturally.

Our timber garden was also black and gross. Since it was only a small area, we used the 30-Second Outdoor cleaner from Bunnings to scrub the raised bed, and it looked near-new. Getting rid of the black really lifted the look of the whole courtyard and the spray and vinegar cost around $30. 

2. Use What You Have Already Have

No budget for outdoor furniture? 

You can use what you already have around your home. You might be surprised by how many items can be repurposed—even if only temporarily—to elevate your space.

We’ve carried our dining table outside when entertaining in the past. Unless it’s super heavy or you have stairs, etc., transferring the table outside for the day is a great alternative to buying another table.

Another quick win? Take your coffee table outside, pop it on a picnic rug or sheet, scatter some cushions, and you’ve got an effortlessly stylish, elevated picnic setup.

Sheets and towels can be hung temporarily for shade instead of purchasing dedicated shade. 

3. Look for Second Hand Outdoor Items

Our first outdoor setting was a table we picked up for $10 from the Tip Shop and two free benches from a pizza parlour that closed down (pictured above).

You may recognise the table. When it finally broke, I repurposed it as a photography backdrop, so it’s in many of the food images on this blog.

It’s not going to make Vogue magazine, but along with a few pavers that we also picked up from the tip and a bit of sugarcane mulch, our outdoor space was functional, and somewhere we enjoyed summer meals. 

Apart from furniture and pavers, other second-hand outdoor items to look for include:

• Old plant pots. Or you could upcycle household items or old tins into pots. 
• Textiles and cushions. Brighten up outdoor seating with mismatched cushions. 
• Crates, stools, or old side tables could be used as outdoor furniture.

4. Affordable Shade Solutions

Shade is a must in Australia during summer. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

We attached a shade sail ourselves to the wall and fence. It’s not the perfect solution, but it’s lasted 10 years, which is pretty good for under $60. We’re just careful to take it down before storms or strong winds because the old fence is getting pretty rickety.

If attaching a shade sail is not feasible (you’re renting or there’s nowhere to attach it), an alternative is to use a large umbrella or portable beach cabana. Look for second-hand umbrellas or cabanas to keep the cost low.

We’ve also pegged sheets to the fence and bamboo poles stuck into the garden for shade and thrown a blanket over the washing line for shade for the kids to sit under. You can also use rope to tie old bedsheets to nearby trees if you have them.

For a more long-term shade solution, plants like jasmine, passionfruit, or bougainvillea trained over a trellis can create a stunning shade display. 

As a random side note, the shade Bougs in Brisbane were A-MAZ-ING this year. I’ve enjoyed watching them grow from small saplings over the years—what a stunning result!

5. DIY Lighting

There’s something truly magical about fairy lights and solar lanterns. They can instantly elevate an outdoor space in the evening and make it feel warm, cosy, and inviting. Plus, LED lights are an inexpensive and practical addition to any garden.

While not as eco-friendly as real candles, LED tea lights are great, especially during total fire bans. I’ve event seen solar-powered tea lights on Amazon, which I think are pretty cool, although I haven’t tried them myself yet.

Here are a few easy and budget-friendly DIY lighting ideas to transform your space:

• String Fairy Lights : Check sales and cheap shops for affordable options. Drape them in trees, along fences, or under shade cloths/pergolas for instant ambience.
• DIY Candle Holders: Upcycle mason jars or tin cans into lanterns. Punch holes into clean tin cans with a hammer and nail to create patterns, give them a coat of spray paint, and pop in tea lights or LED candles.
• Solar Pathway Lights: These are an easy way to light up pathways or highlight garden beds, and they won’t add to your power bill.

For a whimsical tabletop display, place fairy lights inside clear glass jars to create glowing “firefly” lanterns. It’s an affordable way to add a little magic to your evening gatherings.

With just a few lights and a bit of creativity, you’ll have an outdoor space that feels like a budget-friendly cosy escape.

6. Add Greenery

Plants can transform a barren concrete space into a calming and welcoming natural oasis. And while it’s absolutely possible to drop a month’s wages on plants at Bunnings if that’s your jam, you don’t need to spend much at all to have a beautiful garden. 

Many of the plants in my courtyard (pictured above) were freebies—gifted to me by my father-in-law. Others were bargain finds, like the fern I picked up from Aldi or propagated from cuttings and seeds.

Another great place to find plants is on Facebook marketplace or garage sales. We once bought an established potted shrub from a garage sale. It made a great screening plant for only a few dollars, without having to wait years for it to grow!

Some other plant tips include: 

• Propagate Cuttings: Ask friends, family, or neighbours for cuttings from their garden. Succulents, rosemary, and lavender are particularly easy to propagate, even for beginners.
• Potted Plants as Room Dividers: Use pots to define seating areas or add pops of greenery where you need them. Look for second-hand pots at op shops or garage sales—or get creative and DIY your own planters from items you already have, like old buckets, baskets, or crates.
• Choose Hardy Plants: Opt for drought-tolerant plants that are perfect for your local climate. Succulents make a great, low-maintenance plant.

7. Maximize Space with Vertical Gardens

If you’re working with a small outdoor area—a courtyard like we have or a balcony— vertical gardens are a great way to turn plain walls or fences into lush, vibrant features without compromising on space.

For renters or anyone who doesn’t want permanent fixtures, use S hooks (or something like these Colorbond no-drill hooks—cool but not cheap) or zip ties to hang planters without damaging walls or fences.

Here are some simple, budget-friendly ways to take your garden up a level (literally):

• Hang Planters on Walls or Fences: Use hooks, brackets, or even wire to hang pots directly on fences, walls, or balcony railings. It’s a quick way to add greenery while keeping the floor clear.
• Repurpose Materials: Old shoe organisers, ladders, or even wooden crates can be transformed into vertical planters. I’ve seen a shoe organiser stuffed with herbs, strawberries, and flowers—it’s as functional as it is charming.
• Grow Edible Plants: Hanging pots are perfect for small, practical plants like herbs, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes. Not only do they look great, but they’re also handy for cooking.

DIY Project: Make a vertical herb garden with an old wooden pallet. Clean the pallet, secure small pots to the slats using hooks or cable ties, and plant your favourite herbs. Bonus: Paint or decorate the pallet to match your space—it’ll look as good as it smells!

8. Budget-Friendly Ground Cover Options

It’s amazing how much of a difference fresh ground cover can make to the look and feel of a yard. You don’t need a big budget to tidy things up—sometimes, a simple layer of mulch is all it takes.

In the past, we’ve used sugarcane mulch to cover bare dirt in our courtyard, for an instant lift. You don’t have to spend a fortune on mulch, either. Check with your local council or tree-cutting services, as they often have mulch or bark chips available for free or at a reduced price.

You can also score cheap or even free pavers from tip shops, demolition yards, or Facebook Marketplace. Keep an eye out for people landscaping their yards—they’re often happy to give pavers away just to save the hassle of disposal.

Here are a few other ways to give your yard a tidy, budget-friendly facelift:

• Lay Gravel or Bark Chips: Use them to tidy up paths, cover bare spots, or refresh unused areas. They’re low-maintenance and look neat year-round.
• Use Large Outdoor Rugs: If you’ve got tired concrete or a worn deck, a weatherproof outdoor rug is a quick, stylish fix that hides imperfections and adds comfort underfoot.
• Plant Native Ground Covers: Ground covers are a budget-friendly way to add greenery, reduce maintenance, and soften bare spaces in your yard. Options like creeping thyme (not native but edible), Pigface, native violets, or low-growing Grevilleas such as ‘Bronze Rambler’ are perfect for filling in gaps around pavers, under trees, or along garden edges. Not only do they add a lush, natural carpet to break up hard surfaces, but they also help keep weeds at bay, require little water once established, and create a cohesive, calming look in your outdoor space.

9. DIY Decor

Small decorative touches can add a lot of personality to your outdoor space—whether it’s whimsical (think an old painted watering can as a planter), elegant (like a fountain or stone statue), or somewhere in between.

Here are a few simple and frugal ways to add personality:

• Paint Terracotta Pots: A coat of bright or pastel paint can breathe new life into plain pots and add a pop of colour to your garden.
• Hang Whimsical Touches: Wind chimes, homemade macramé plant hangers, or bunting made from fabric scraps bring charm and movement to your space.
• Add Natural Elements: Use driftwood, shells, or interesting rocks collected from local beaches to create a rustic or coastal vibe. Arrange them as garden borders, stack them for texture, or display them in pots and corners.

With a few handmade or upcycled touches, you can turn your outdoor area into a space that feels both personal and stylish.

DIY Project: Make a garden mosaic stepping stone. Use leftover tiles or broken crockery, embed them into concrete moulds (old plastic lids work well as moulds), and let them set. These handmade stepping stones not only look beautiful but also give new life to otherwise discarded materials.

10. Frugal Entertainment Features

In Australia, outdoor spaces are as much for entertaining as they are for relaxing. But transforming your space into an entertaining hub doesn’t have to be all spa, Sangrias, and Sonos surround sound.

Ok, let’s keep the Sangria. Also, extra money-saving advantage—you’re saving money by not going out for entertainment!

Fire pits are all the rage at the moment, and there’s nothing nicer than snuggling around a fire on a cool winter’s evening. In our area, we can use braziers instead of fire pits. The cheapest ones I’ve seen at Bunnings are around $49, but you can often save money by picking up a second-hand brazier.

If you’re keen to DIY, here’s a YouTube video by a couple of young blokes showing how to build a fire pit from a 44-galon drum. No-frills, Aussie-style, and fair warning: there’s a bit of swearing! Or, if you have the space, you can build a more permanent fire pit from recycled bricks or stones. Arrange them in a circular pattern, as demonstrated in this other video.

Another easy (and affordable) way to elevate your outdoor entertainment space is with music. A portable Bluetooth speaker linked to Spotify can set the perfect mood, whether it’s pub rock for a party or soft piano for an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner.

Bonus Section: Quick Wins

Don’t have time for big projects? These quick wins will give your outdoor space an instant lift without much effort.:

• Create a Hammock Nook: A second-hand hammock hung between two trees, poles, or even a sturdy pergola can instantly turn a forgotten corner into the perfect spot for afternoon naps or lazy weekend reading.
• Add a Splash of Colour: Paint an accent wall, like a fence or shed, in a bold, uplifting shade. Think deep greens, soft blues, or even a sunny yellow—whatever complements your space and lifts your mood.
• Install Hanging Planters: Add height and visual interest by hanging planters made from macramé or upcycled materials like tin cans or glass jars. It’s a quick, fun project that adds a touch of greenery without taking up ground space.

These small changes can make a big difference, helping you create a space that feels fresh, vibrant, and uniquely yours.

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Creating an inviting outdoor space doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity, some DIY magic, and a focus on using what you already have, you can transform even the most neglected backyard into a space you’ll love spending time in.

I’d love to hear how you’ve refreshed your outdoor space on a budget! Share your tips, photos, or clever DIY ideas in the comments—let’s inspire each other to make the most of what we have.