36 DIY Patio Ideas to Transform Your Backyard and Create Your Outdoor Oasis

When it comes to creating a beautiful outdoor space for your home, a DIY patio can make all the difference. However, it doesn’t have to break the bank or take up all your time. By incorporating unique surfaces, one-of-a-kind furnishings, and decorative accents, you can transform your backyard into a space like no other. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 36 DIY patio ideas that will help you create an outdoor oasis that you’ll love to spend time in.

Table of Contents

Lay Pavers as a Foundation

Who: Not Just a Housewife
What: Building a patio out of pavers
Why: Provides a great outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining

If you’re looking to add a patio to your yard, laying pavers can make a huge difference in the total design of your outdoor space. Not Just a Housewife tackled this project by adding seating, planters, and string lighting, creating a wonderful place for both relaxation and entertaining.

Redesign From Roof to Floor

Who: Jamin and Ashley Mills of The Handmade Home
What: Completely redesigning the yard with a patio
Why: Provides separate dining and lounging areas

Jamin and Ashley Mills of The Handmade Home decided to revamp their yard from top to bottom, including a 10-foot by 10-foot concrete paver patio. This DIY project created two distinct spaces for outdoor furniture, including a porch swing, and added a DIY firepit to encourage conversation.

String Some Lights

Who: Young House Love
What: Swapping out a back deck for a gravel patio
Why: Budget-friendly and easy to do yourself

Young House Love ripped out their back deck and replaced it with a pea gravel patio, adding outdoor furniture, landscaping, and ambient string lights for a cozy atmosphere. This project is a great option for those looking to create a patio on a budget.

Assemble an Outdoor Living Room

Who: Home Stories A to Z
What: Creating an outdoor living room
Why: Extends your home with comfortable outdoor seating

Home Stories A to Z showcases how a patio can be an extension of your home by adding a sectional, chairs, end tables, and an outdoor rug. This DIY patio idea is not only easy to put together but also adds a stylish and comfortable outdoor living space to your home.

Create Decorative Focal Points

Who: A Piece of Rainbow
What: Building a planter to create a focal point
Why: Adds visual interest to your patio space

A focal point is what catches the eye in a space, and incorporating plants and flowers onto your patio can create a stunning focal point. A Piece of Rainbow provides directions on how to build a planter that enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space.

Make It Modern Style

Who: The Merrythought
What: Painting the fence black and adding modern furniture
Why: Modern yet cozy design with clean lines

The Merrythought demonstrates how to take a patio and give it a modern makeover by painting the fence black and adding furniture with clean lines. This modern design is complemented by cozy pillows and blankets to create a welcoming outdoor space.

Put Up a Two-Tiered Space

Who: Savannah Kay Designs
What: Creating a two-tiered lounge area
Why: Provides a resort-like feel to your backyard

Savannah Kay Designs’ two-tiered lounge area is a beautiful DIY patio idea that transforms your backyard into a resort-inspired space. With comfortable seating and heavy-duty patio umbrellas, you can enjoy this inspiring patio all day long.

Choose Alternative Furniture Materials

Who: Afro Bohemian Living
What: Creating outdoor seating from wood pallets
Why: Adds a unique and welcoming touch to your patio

Afro Bohemian Living inspires you to create your own outdoor seating using wood pallets, along with plants, pillows, and a rattan roof to enhance the style of your patio. This DIY project adds a creative and inviting element to your outdoor space.

Build a Pergola

Who: Ursula Carmona of Home Made by Carmona
What: Styling a pergola with climbing vines and string lights
Why: Provides shade and adds charm to your patio space

A pergola is a great way to create a cozy outdoor space that offers shade during the hot months. Home Made by Carmona styled their pergola with climbing vines, string lights, plants, and wind chimes, adding a touch of charm to their patio area.

Add All the Decorative Details

Who: Fynes Designs
What: Adding decorative elements to your patio
Why: Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere on your patio

Fynes Designs suggests adding decorative details such as trays, plants, and drinks to make your patio feel comfortable and cozy. By incorporating these elements, you can enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space.

Build a DIY Firepit

Who: Studio DIY!
What: Embracing color with colorful cushions and a DIY firepit
Why: Adds a focal point and provides a gathering space

Studio DIY! shows how to create a stunning backyard with colorful cushions, two patios for dining and lounging, and a DIY firepit. By incorporating lots of plants, this outdoor room feels comfortable and inviting for gatherings.

Upgrade in a Weekend

Who: Jessica Welling Interiors
What: Weekend patio makeover with string lights and accessories
Why: Quick and easy way to refresh your patio space

Jessica Welling Interiors demonstrates how to upgrade your patio in a weekend with a rug, string lights, a vertical wall planter, and accessories. This DIY project offers a fast and simple way to give your outdoor space a fresh new look.

Mimic the Surroundings

Who: H20Bungalow
What: Creating a coastal-themed patio
Why: Blends with the natural surroundings of a lake

H20 Bungalow showcases how to decorate your patio based on the surroundings, such as creating a coastal-themed patio that complements the view of a nearby lake. By incorporating furniture and accessories that align with the theme, you can create a cohesive and inviting outdoor space.

Make a Patio Out of Bricks

Who: Amber Tysl
What: Building a patio with bricks and a fire pit
Why: Adds a rustic and charming touch to your backyard

Amber Tysl illustrates how to create a lovely patio with bricks nestled in a garden, complete with a fire pit, seating, and accessories. This easy patio makeover adds a rustic and cozy element to your outdoor area.

Decorate the Entire Patio

Who: Design Improvised
What: Planning and decorating the patio
Why: Creates a cohesive and stylish outdoor space

Designed Improvised showcases a perfectly decorated patio, from the rug on the ground to the table settings on the dining table. By maintaining a color scheme and adding thoughtful details, you can transform your patio into a stylish and inviting retreat.

Use Concrete for the Base

Who: The Sweetest Occasion
What: Creating a simple concrete base for the patio
Why: Affordable and quick way to achieve your dream patio

The Sweetest Occasion demonstrates how a simple concrete base can serve as the foundation for your patio oasis, complete with lots of seating and string lights for a cozy ambiance. This DIY project offers a cost-effective and efficient way to elevate your outdoor space.

Look at the Smallest of Spaces

Who: The Merrythought
What: Designing a tiny backyard patio
Why: Proves that even small spaces can be transformed into a cozy patio

The Merrythought showcases a gravel patio in a tiny backyard, demonstrating that you can create a beautiful patio out of virtually anything. With plants, loungers, and a rug, this small space feels full yet uncluttered, perfect for relaxing outdoors.

Choose Tile

Who: Lovely Indeed
What: Using tile to makeover a brick patio
Why: Unique choice that adds a pop of color and style

Lovely Indeed transforms a brick patio with colorful tiles, creating a bold and eye-catching design that complements the outdoor space. By adding a table, chairs, and potted plants, the tiled patio becomes a vibrant and inviting area for relaxing and entertaining.

Add Seasonal Decor

Who: Jessica Welling Interiors
What: Changing patio decor seasonally
Why: Easy way to refresh your patio with new accessories

Jessica Welling Interiors showcases a boho-style patio redesign for the summer, demonstrating how seasonal decor can instantly update your outdoor space. By incorporating new accessories, you can create a fresh and inviting atmosphere for each season.

Use Every Corner

Who: Lovely Indeed
What: Creating a patio in a small corner with brick pavers
Why: Maximizes space and creates a cozy retreat

Even the smallest corner of your yard can be transformed into a patio with brick pavers, as demonstrated by Lovely Indeed. By adding chairs and a fire pit, you can create a cozy nook perfect for relaxing with a loved one.

Paint the Concrete

Who: The Turquoise Home
What: Painting the concrete patio for a fresh look
Why: Gives new life to the patio and enhances the outdoor space

The Turquoise Home revamps a concrete patio with a fresh coat of paint, creating a new and inviting outdoor room right outside the back door. By adding new seating and a rug, the painted patio becomes a stylish and welcoming area for relaxing and entertaining.

Wheel Out a Bar Cart

Who: The Inspired Hive
What: Building a DIY bar cart for the patio
Why: Adds convenience and style to your outdoor space

The Inspired Hive shows how to create a bar cart for your patio using a laundry basket frame and wood top, providing a simple and functional solution for serving beverages to guests. This DIY project is perfect for smaller patios and adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor area.

Hang a Macramé Planter

Who: The Inspired Hive
What: Creating a DIY macramé plant hanger
Why: Adds a decorative touch and elevates your patio decor

The Inspired Hive demonstrates how to make a simple DIY macramé plant hanger using jute and a metal container, providing a rustic and stylish addition to your patio. By incorporating basic macramé knots, you can create a beautiful hanging planter for your outdoor space.

Create Outdoor Storage

Who: Chatfield Court
What: Easy IKEA hack for outdoor storage
Why: Provides extra storage space for your patio essentials

Chatfield Court offers an easy IKEA hack for outdoor storage that can be completed in an afternoon. By painting, adding wheels, and unique handles to the storage unit, you can create a functional and stylish piece for organizing your patio accessories.

Stencil an Outdoor Rug

Who: A Joyful Riot
What: DIY stenciled rug for the patio
Why: Adds a personalized and decorative element to your outdoor space

A Joyful Riot shows how to transform an existing rug into a stenciled masterpiece for your patio, offering a unique and creative way to enhance your outdoor decor. By spray painting and stenciling the rug, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that elevates your patio design.

Treat Your Backyard Birds

Who: Delia Creates
What: Building a small bird feeder for the patio
Why: Provides a decorative element and attracts birds to your outdoor space

Delia Creates presents a DIY bird feeder made with simple supplies, offering a modern and functional addition to your patio decor. This small project serves as both a decoration and a bird-friendly spot for feathered visitors to enjoy.

Build a Simple Sofa

Who: Vintage Revivals
What: Constructing a platform couch for additional seating
Why: Adds versatility and comfort to your outdoor seating area

Vintage Revivals showcases a platform couch that can be used indoors or outdoors, providing additional seating on your patio. By following the building instructions, you can create a stylish and comfortable sofa for relaxing and entertaining guests.

Hang an Herb Garden

Who: Simple Stylings
What: Creating a hanging herb garden
Why: Adds greenery and functionality to your patio space

Simple Stylings offers a DIY hanging herb garden that is both decorative and useful for cooking purposes. By hanging the herb garden on a wall, you can save space and enjoy fresh herbs right at your fingertips for culinary creations.

Whitewash Terracotta Pots

Who: Tidbits
What: Stylish whitewash treatment for terracotta pots
Why: Adds a modern and bright touch to your patio decor

Tidbits showcases a simple and stylish project for whitewashing terracotta pots, offering a fresh and modern look for your patio plants. By whitewashing and filling the pots with flowers and plants, you can create a visually appealing display that brightens up your outdoor space.

Plant a Sculpture Garden

Who: The Garden Glove
What: Creating a sculpture garden with cinder blocks
Why: Provides a budget-friendly and modern addition to your patio

The Garden Glove demonstrates how to build a sculpture garden with cinder blocks and strong glue, offering a creative and cost-effective way to add a modern touch to your patio decor. By arranging the blocks vertically, you can create a unique planter-sculpture hybrid for your outdoor space.

Uplevel a Pallet

Who: Funky Junk Interiors
What: Building a loveseat from wood pallets
Why: Adds a rustic and reclaimed touch to your patio seating

Funky Junk Interiors showcases a loveseat built from wood pallets, providing a rustic and unique seating option for your patio. By following the design tips and styling suggestions, you can create a cozy and charming outdoor seating area for relaxation and socializing.

Hang Mason Jar Lights

Who: A Piece of Rainbow
What: Creating hanging mason jar lights
Why: Adds a warm and inviting glow to your patio evenings

A Piece of Rainbow offers a tutorial for making hanging mason jar lights, providing a simple and affordable way to illuminate your patio space. By assembling the lights with common supplies, you can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.

Add Privacy Curtains

Who: Polkadot Chair
What: Installing soft, billowy curtains for privacy
Why: Enhances privacy and creates a cozy outdoor room

Polkadot Chair demonstrates how to add soft curtains to your patio for privacy and comfort, transforming your outdoor space into a cozy retreat. By following the DIY instructions for making curtain rods, you can create an intimate and stylish oasis for lounging and relaxing.

Shine an Outdoor Chandelier

Who: Hey There, Home
What: Upcycling an outdoor chandelier
Why: Adds elegance and sophistication to your patio space

Hey There, Home provides a tutorial on how to upcycle an outdoor chandelier, offering a budget-friendly and stylish lighting solution for your patio. By disassembling and repainting a chandelier, you can create a stunning and customized light fixture that enhances the ambiance of your outdoor area.

Brighten With Hanging Luminaries

Who: Polkadot Chair
What: Installing hanging star luminaries
Why: Adds a whimsical touch to your patio decor

Polkadot Chair showcases a project for creating hanging star luminaries, offering a festive and enchanting addition to your patio space. By inserting lights into paper lantern stars, you can brighten up your outdoor area with a charming and magical atmosphere.

Transform Timber Into a Table

Who: Francois et Moi
What: Repurposing timber into a side table
Why: Adds functionality and style to your outdoor seating area

Francois et Moi demonstrates how to transform a piece of timber into a stylish side table for your patio, providing a practical and visually appealing addition to your outdoor space. By following the project instructions, you can create a unique and versatile table for holding drinks and decor on your patio.

By incorporating these DIY patio ideas into your outdoor space, you can create a personalized and inviting oasis that you’ll love to spend time in. Whether you’re looking to add seating, lighting, decor, or functional elements to your patio, there’s a project for every style and budget. Let these DIY ideas inspire you to transform your backyard into a beautiful and relaxing retreat where you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style.