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Backyard Makeover On A Budget

With the weather finally looking up, we can't wait to spend every available moment outside this summer. If your backyard could do with a sprucing up but you don't have the funds to finance a complete renovation, there are plenty of ways to upgrade. Not only will you save yourself some money, the sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you did it all from scratch will make that post-DIY beer taste all the better. Roll up your sleeves and let the makeover begin...

Fire Pit

Having a central space for your and your friends to socialize in the summertime is a great idea, but building a deck isn't so friendly on the wallet. A fire pit is a great way to create a communal space without breaking the bank. You can easily purchase a metal fire pit from retailers like Home Depot or Bed Bath Beyond, but where's the fun in that? With just a few bricks, you can easily knock up your own over the course of a weekend - leaving you free to toast s'mores for the rest of the summer. 

Update Your Deck

While we probably wouldn't recommend installing a deck entirely without assistance, you can do a lot to customize an existing one that has seen some wear and tear. Try staining your deck or brightening things up with a pop of pastel colour. If your deck is raised, you can also build a skirt to hide the unsightly space beneath. Screens can help to add privacy, while a new railing can quickly class things up - plus, a few potted plants never hurt. 

Herb Garden 

Building an herb garden is a great way to make your backyard aesthetically pleasing and functional - simply grab your scissors and snip thyme and parsley when you're cooking dinner. From raised beds to tiered walls, herb planters will create plenty of space for your growing veggies, plants, and herbs, and you can even write the name of the herb on the front for ease. Untreated cedar is a good wood to use as it's naturally rot and insect-resistant, and it won't leak any toxic chemicals into your plants. 

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