Most of us are really busy, and if we end up spending several weekends in a row having to work on backyard ideas & projects, they tend to not get finished. I like simple, and fast for most of the DIY projects I do…probably because, if you ask Steve, I have an issue with patience. And procrastination. But that’s another post. :)
In any case, the first thing I want to do in the garden each year is all those projects that sounded so perfect at the end of last season! So let’s jump right in and find some great DIY one day backyard ideas that are perfect for beginner DIY’ers, and give us all quick gratification. And who doesn’t love that in the garden?
‘I Spy DIY‘ must know how much we love a vertical garden! This is an amazing DIY project for a small backyard or a patio space. You can use it to grow edibles that are easy to access from the kitchen, or just to bring your love of plants into your outdoor living area. Jenni also shows you how to make these simple paint markers as well. Tons of other backyard ideas at their site, so spend some time looking around there!
We have the perfect backyard idea for you! From ‘A Beautiful Mess‘, build a fire pit in an afternoon! Here is another fire pit tutorial. Or, make a DIY tabletop fire bowl for a small garden space. These are the kind of outdoor projects that make your family time more memorable. Totally worth a little elbow grease!
From ‘Sarah Hearts‘, you have to check out this DIY patio idea. This is simple, eye-catching, fast, and budget friendly. (And, it looks fun!) Go check out her how-to’s for this backyard project. So much better than chalk drawings in the street. :)
Use this DIY backyard idea from ‘Love Grows Wild‘ to create privacy, or just add some beauty to your outdoor space. This DIY trellis planter has a complete tutorial, is a simple one day project, and requires just a few tools and supplies.
Need some outdoor furniture? This DIY project has complete plans and instructions. Build this stone top table from ‘Family Handyman‘ and make your backyard a little more special than it was before!
Now if you are looking for a backyard idea or DIY project to fit a larger group, try this DIY picnic table from ‘Dunn Lumber‘. See this petite woman building this outdoor table? You don’t have to be big to hold a saw and a drill.
Make this DIY AC unit cover with this tutorial from ‘Taryn Whiteaker‘. This is a simple backyard idea that can take a yard that was unfriendly and turn it into an area you can use as a mini patio or play space. No more embarrassing ugliness showing!
Love this backyard idea from ‘Shelstring‘ on Hometalk. This DIY project is a wooden bench made from logs, lumber… and a few well learned lessons! Read their tutorial, this would be amazing in a shade garden for quiet summer afternoons. Or fall afternoons. Winter mornings. Or…
This easy outdoor project can change the whole look of a yard. Add a garden walkway in one afternoon! Want ideas? See our post on DIY Walkways & Paths! This tutorial is from ‘ZenSchmen‘.
This is one of our original projects, and still one of my fav DIY garden projects we’ve done so far… It’s come along way since this photo was taken, so Ill try to update this season with all the plants filled in. But if you are looking for something simple and more contemporary, try our DIY Project: Contemporary Garden Water Feature – Less than $30.
Also from here at ‘TGG’, try this outdoor project! DIY concrete garden globes are easy, fun to make and look great anywhere in your yard. We give you a concrete recipe (four, actually!) to make different textured globes as well.
Finally, we love this cobblestone path from Home is Where They Love You. Made with a form and pre mixed concrete, this is a budget DIY project as well!
Thank you for reading our post on One Day Backyard Ideas & DIY Projects! We know you will also enjoy our posts on 12 Inspiring Backyard Lighting Ideas and How to Build a Backyard Playhouse!
Note: This post has been refreshed with updated projects.
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Couldn’t find plans for outdoor bed.
Love the idea to be under a gazebo looking at fountain in my lake!
Please advise as to how I can acquire the plans.
Thanks!!
Robbie
Hi Robbie! That post has been updated with newer projects, if you can email us a photo or a Pin of the outdoor bed, we will try our best to send you to the instructions!
The concrete formed cobblestones is a bad idea. Lots more work than it looks and they only look good for a few years. I helped my neighbor do this at his house 15 years ago and he has since replaced it with stamped concrete (which costs a lot more but looks much better.
Anyone else have experience with this?
Actually self-made cobblestone path is not bad idea at all, BUT – as with all builing/concrete-related tasks it requires some knowledge and preparation. The guy from the picture does it all wrong, you can’t just mix cement with water and expect it to last for long – it requires additional sand and gravel if you want to use it as your path, not just a decoration. Also it requires preparation of the ground below it, don’t just put it straigt on the soil if you expect it to stay intact. Can’t see any fillers in this expample also – those faux cobblestones need gap filling!
All in all great idea but, as I already said above – requires some preparation and minimal knowledge.
Good luck!
Hi Kathy, just to let u know how glad i was for having stumbled on to your site. Guess what, these pebble stone pavement, bench etc has been a favourite. I pinned it yesterday, and was gladly surprised that there were 5 pinners who pinned from me! Grest! I’m new to pinterst. T Q. From Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
Where do you get the foam for the cobblestone?
I LOVE the cobblestone . Where can I get a form to try this ?
lowes or home depot has them
.
I purchased the coble stone form about 15 years ago at Busy Bee, its OK for a small path. I have made a large area 25 X 25 ft.
Great ideas for our garden! And on a budget too. I love the bamboo waterfall but in The Netherlands ALL gardens are flat. :D
You are amazingly talented. I am so glad I found this site and am going to follow you on Pinterest. THANKS
Thx Janet!
I came here because of the peak in my stats, and wondered where they were coming from. I’m so delighted that you found my bench! It has truly gotten more attention than I ever thought it would and the funny thing is, it really was done in a day. Thank you for all the wonderful ideas. I particuarly love your water feature and think I might give it a go!! ;)
Yes – This post has been very popular! Loved your bench! Thanks Michele!
How did you remove the grass?
Which project Vicki?
I am absolutely gobsmacked by the simplicity of these projects particularly because I have never seen them elsewhere! I absolutely can’t wait to give them a go!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Some great projects there. I’ll bookmark this and have a go at some myself. :)
I love your project. You are very talented person and one should get inspired from your great patience. Obviously, this backyard project is perfect for beginners. Great ideas.