Upgrading your outdoor space is a great way to add value to your home. Whether you plan on selling in the near future or staying in your home for another 20 years, increasing your house value is always helpful.
After a long day of work or driving your children back and forth, having an updated outdoor area that adds value to your home and makes you feel like you’re on a mini-vacation is what you need.
It’s hard to create an outdoor living space that feels like your own oasis, especially if you’re on a budget. The good news is that there are many ways to upgrade this space on a budget and still add value to your home!
Keep in mind that you’ll want to invest in waterproof materials to protect them from the elements in this space. They may be a bit more expensive upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run.
If you’re not sure how to upgrade your back deck on a budget, here are a few ideas to get you started!
10 Budget Deck Decor Ideas
1. Powerwash and Paint
Never underestimate a powerwasher! They can turn an old and weathered deck into a new and improved space without additional tools. Powerwashing gets up old grime and dirt, taking years off of an old patio and transforming your space.
Once you have successfully power washed the patio, you can add a fresh coat of paint. If you want to keep a rustic wooden look, you can stain the patio in a water-resistant material.
There are tons of stain colors, which allows you to find one that will match your style.
If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, you can paint the deck a solid color like white, red, or gray. Painting or staining the patio is an inexpensive change that can completely change the mood of your outdoor living space.
2. Make Flower Boxes
A great way to save money while updating your outdoor living space is by tackling a few DIY projects.
Making your own flower boxes is an easy and cost-efficient way to add gorgeous decor to your space.
With just a few pieces of lumber cut down to the correct length and a nail gun, you can make simple, homemade flower boxes that sit on your deck railings.
Think of it as a window box for your patio. You can paint or stain them to match the color of the railings and fill them with seasonal flowers and plants.
You can save time and possibly money by finding old wooden crates, putting a liner on the bottom and sides, and turning these into pre-made flower boxes. You can attach them to wide railings or keep them on the patio floor.
3. Update Your Patio Furniture
Outdoor patio furniture is a great investment for your home. It allows you to enhance and update your space while providing a functional purpose as well.
Your outdoor furniture should match your style and become decor all on its own. You can make your deck warm and welcoming or sophisticated and elegant simply by changing the furniture.
Use stained teak wood to create an elegant outdoor space that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, or utilize a mix of wood and metal for a contemporary and modern vibe.
You can make the most out of even small patio spaces by using furniture that matches and naturally invites you to go outside and relax. Using two chairs and an ottoman, for example, is a great way to work with a small space and still feel cozy and sophisticated.
4. Add Cushions To Your Patio Furniture
An easy and cost-efficient way to decorate your deck is with seat cushions. If you have wooden, wicker, or metal patio furniture, adding colorful seat cushions can add an unexpected pop of color and interest to this space.
Outdoor cushions are typically water-resistant, making them a functional addition to any outdoor living area.
They’re budget-friendly, and you can hose them off if they get dirty. If you can’t find a pre-made cushion that fits your style, you can make your own by buying fabric and wrapping your own cushion with the color or style that fits you best.
Even just going with a classic white color will instantly brighten up your space and give it a modern and sophisticated feel.
5. Paint an Outdoor Rug
If you have leftover wood stain or paint, you can create a hand-painted rug on your deck that won’t trip anyone as they walk by!
Painting a simple square or round design on the back patio can act as an outdoor rug without the hassle of having an outdoor rug.
You won’t have to worry about it collecting leaves or dirt, and you won’t have to move it out of the way if you’re re-arranging your furniture.
Other materials can be used for this project, like leftover floor tiles to create a more dramatic effect while putting all house materials to use and saving you money!
6. Install a Bar
A great addition to any outdoor space is a bar! You can easily convert a section of your railing into the perfect place for an outdoor bar.
If you have the time and are willing to put a bit more money in upfront, creating a wet bar with a working sink and mini-fridge will add incredible value to your house.
If you’re looking to keep things simple, you’ll just need a few pieces of scrap wood and a few nails.
Create a bar surface by combining several planks of wood with a section of the railing. Give the bar enough overhang to fit a few bar stools underneath comfortably, and that’s it!
You can tackle this project in a single afternoon and have hours of fun serving your friends their favorite drinks while you watch the kids play in the yard.
7. Add Unique Lighting
Your outdoor light fixtures are a functional need for your space, but they can also serve as an addition to your decorations.
Using floor or table lanterns for light can bring some charm and character into your space and provide you with much-needed lighting options in the evenings.
You can use string lights to provide your deck with light and make your outdoor living space fun and youthful while staying on budget.
If you have a roof or pergola, you can even opt for a unique and antique pendant light that hangs in the center of the patio to instantly upgrade your space.
You can use adhesive LED light strips and add them to your deck railings for a more discreet lighting option. This will illuminate the perimeter of the patio, bring light to a potentially dangerous space for small kids or pets, and create a fun vibe!
8. Utilize an Outdoor Coffee Table or Ottoman
If you want to take your ordinary back deck and turn it into an outdoor living space, add a coffee table or an ottoman.
This turns your regular patio chairs into an outdoor living space because it feels connected to your indoor living space.
Using similar furniture and arrangements as inside the house helps the two spaces feel connected and cohesive.
By simply adding an outdoor coffee table or an ottoman, your area now feels like a second living room, making this area more inviting and relaxing.
9. Incorporate Multi-Purpose Furniture
Whether you have a large outdoor area or a space just big enough for two chairs, you’ll want to use multi-purpose furniture when possible.
In an outdoor space, it’s always a good idea to have plenty of storage options that serve other purposes as well.
While staying on budget, you can make an outdoor bench that provides additional seating options and has storage space underneath.
Using a few hinges, you can have a seat that lifts and allows you to access the storage underneath, which is great if you have dog toys or children’s toys that you like to keep hidden when guests are over.
10. Create Areas of Shade
Adding shaded spaces to your deck is a great way to increase value in your home and provide a functional addition to your space.
Building a pergola is a great way to add shade and keep your outdoor living space open and breezy if you have the time and budget for it.
If you’re looking for a faster and budget-friendly option for shade, investing in outdoor patio umbrellas can be a fantastic addition to this space.
They provide a great amount of shade, and as long as you keep them out of extreme weather, they’ll last you for years to come.
Using a pergola or outdoor umbrella will add functional decoration to your space and provide you with areas of shade that you’ll be thankful for in the summer.
