Interest in outdoor living spaces had been on the rise before the pandemic, and it’s only grown since last year. We are all are seeking out ways to extend our homes’ living space, and what better way than creating a space to enjoy those sunny days and starry nights! 

Here are some of our favorite backyard project DIYs for summer. Most can be finished in a weekend so you can begin enjoying them by Sunday afternoon!

Cabana Seating

Photo credit: Homemade by Carmona

Get your vacation vibe at home, pool optional! Cabanas are the ultimate outdoor relaxation station—all you need is a good book and a great soundtrack. Use copper pipes over a daybed-style lounge (the daybed also makes a great DIY). Make it your favorite outdoor perch with fluffy pillows and cushions. Purchase coordinating billowy curtains for an island getaway feel, or make your own using fabric of your choice. Here are sew and no-sew curtain instructions depending on your preference. Pro tip: Keep curtains unlined for soft filtered light.

Fire Pit

Photo credit: Prodigal Pieces

One trend that’s here to stay is renovations that allow families to enjoy more at-home recreation. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy your backyard into the evening, consider adding a fire pit. It’s the perfect perch for keeping cozy after the sun goes down. Roast marshmallows and share ghost stories for a campout feel or serve your favorite vintage or cocktail to stargaze next to the comfort of a crackling fire.

A professionally installed fire pit can be pricey, but thankfully there are several DIY alternatives, like this one that includes instructions for a circular gravel base. Major retailers sell fire pit kits with a steel ring, concrete blocks, top caps, and bolts that you assemble yourself. You can forego the kit and purchase the materials yourself, especially if you have a particular stone in mind. Be sure the interior stone is high-heat resistant or purchase a steel ring for protection. 

Pergola

Photo credit: Shain Rievley for HGTV

Every outdoor living space needs some shade, and a wood pergola is just the thing to create a stylish area of covered seating. Open wood rafters create a soft light-filled environment for relaxing, gathering with family and friends, or as an impromptu home office for an afternoon. Set up your outdoor dining set or a comfy couch with tables and an outdoor rug to define the space.

Even with today’s higher lumber costs, it’s still more cost-effective to do it yourself. All you need is enough pieces for the desired size of your pergola, concrete for setting the posts, and a few tools you probably already own. 

Kids’ Birdbath

Photo credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Get the kids outside with a fun project that will encourage visits to your backyard from the local fauna. This project uses terra cotta pots and saucers that act as a stand and birdbath. Prep the pots with a coat of primer, allow time to dry, then let the kids have at it with their favorite paint colors. Stack a smaller pot atop the first and add some potting mix and flowering plants to pretty it up for the garden. In the evenings replace the water and add floating votives for some lovely candlelit ambiance.

Drink Cart

Photo credit: The Creativity Exchange

You’ll need something refreshing to drink enjoying all your new backyard seating! A drink cart makes a fantastic upcycle opportunity, and this one transforms an older potting bench into a colorful outdoor serving station. A potting bench is a great choice because most already include a shelf for extra storage and a sink area that can be used for ice. 

Paint the drink cart a bright hue for a pop of color, or restain and seal. Add a channel beneath the shelf to hang glasses, a towel bar, and a bottle opener to crack open your favorite beverage. Cheers!