The 9 Backyard DIYs That Will Give You the Most Bang For Your Buck

Put your garden on wheels! This way, you can move your gardening cart into wherever the sunlight is best. "I've actually done this recently," Chip says. "By creating a mobile cart, it can be very, very easy to shift in the perfect spot, either in close proximity to the house or positioned where [plants] get the right amount of sun and shade."

For Chip, this is the most approachable DIY of them all. He says, "It's one of those elements that gives you immediate function by creating a less maintenance-intensive backyard." There's a hardscape patio for everyone, too. He adds, "The beauty is that there's so many different options out there. You can do anything from a natural flagstone patio to a cast concrete paver patio. [A hardscape patio is] probably my biggest endorsement to do because they are cost effective, look fantastic, and can go down so quickly."

Backyards are often enjoyed when the weather is warm, which is why Chip recommends installing a cooling feature like a fountain or waterfall. Or, Chip recommends a DIY wall of water by modifying an existing outdoor irrigation system. "This is definitely a DIY project you can do in a number of hours to create not only a more comfortable environment for the adults, but also a nice and fun installation for the kids as they run to and from the patio through the wall of water," he says.

Think beyond purpose-built patio furniture. "Oftentimes seating and quality seating can be expensive," Chip says. But it doesn't have to be. He adds, "If you are a DIY novice, creating a bench or multipurpose seating in the yard can be an easy confidence builder. Whether made of expensive materials or just pressure-treated lumber from the local hardware store, a great, easy project is versatile seating in the landscapes."

A constant flow of air will help lend a beach vibe to any outdoor space. Chip recommends thinking big when installing an outdoor fan. "In the past three or four years, there have been a lot of companies that have come out with a larger-scale exterior fans — like an accumulating fan on steroids," he says. "They started out with more of an industrial application. But people are finding use for them in the residential space."

To enjoy backyards during the colder months, find a fire feature that suits your style. Chip recommends thinking beyond just warmth, though. "I love to make them multipurpose, so these aren't just a place where you have a focal fire element." He encourages building in seating or a larger structure to get even more value from the installation.

Make sure to build a backyard that can be enjoyed after the sun sets. Forgo big spotlights, and set a mood with low-voltage LED pendant lights. According to Chip, these options provide "amazing dramatic effect in the landscape that focus on key architectural elements. They really transition a normal space into a magical space with literally a few hundred dollars."

Make gardening much easier by installing landscape beds made mostly of low-maintenance annuals. For colorful accents, Chip encourages scattering high-maintenance seasonal plants around designated focal points. It's less work to keep up and "ultimately is going to give you the best value."