Backyards are a natural extension of your living space; they can provide a place to gather or wind down for the evening.

If you are looking for a project that requires little work but yields significant results, here are six ideas to improve your backyard quickly.

1. String Lights

Improvements do not have to cost a fortune; string lights, for example, are visually attractive and a super low-cost addition that can help create a calming space on your patio.

If you don’t have an existing structure where you can string the lights, a few simple stakes in the ground can serve as anchors and help define your seating area. 

2. Outdoor Theater

While this can sound expensive, it is a reasonably cheap idea to improve your backyard quickly. The setup only consists of a video projector and a white screen, and this whole project can come in under one hundred dollars. Your outdoor theater will become a space for friends and family to gather and create great memories. 

3. Al fresco Fireplace

There are many different ways fireplaces improve your space. For one thing, they allow you to utilize your newly updated space year-round. Finding the right fireplace for your area is essential that you should consider thoroughly before purchasing. 

4. Dry Creek Bed

If you have a problem with drainage in your yard, creating a dry creek bed will solve this issue and provide a beautiful addition to your backyard. These creek beds, made of simple river rocks, can be purchased at your local home goods store, making this the perfect weekend project.  

5. Gravel as a Patio

Building a deck can be expensive and time-consuming, and pouring cement may require permits and expertise. Another idea that involves using rocks as the material of choice is a gravel patio.

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This project allows you to make a lovely secondary destination in your backyard space quickly and easily. When complete, your patio won’t look like a low-cost option, and walking over the gravel can have the same soothing effect as listening to dribbling water. 

6. Outdoor Rug

How long a rug lasts depends on where you put it. They often work best in a space with an outdoor covering and can last three to seven years, though this time frame may be shorter if you live in a humid climate.

Shop for a rug made of 100 percent polypropylene; it is the same plastic used in ropes and helps make the rugs weather resistant. Many outdoor options look as beautiful as the rugs inside your home, making it easy to extend your living space.

Bonus Tip: Privacy Screens

If privacy is a concern, wood and laser-cut metal privacy screens are helpful. They can be as straightforward or as intricate as your budget allows. Installing these screens creates privacy by blocking your yard from view or blocking out direct sunlight, creating a more comfortable shaded area. You can also use smaller screens to frame specific spaces within your backyard.