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Unless you truly enjoy yard work, it can end up being a dreaded weekend chore. Amidst the monotonous tasks that lead to a better backyard, you probably have recurring visions of transforming your backyard into more than just plain space.  Well, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of simple DIY yard hacks that will be sure to create backyard envy.  These yard hacks will help you keep bugs at bay, hydrate the birds, decorate the yard and keep the kids entertained (amongst other things).

 

#1 Whiskey Barrel Tables

whiskey barrel glass table

A chic and inexpensive design, these whiskey barrel tables will be the perfect match to any backyard living space.

You can find similar 18” whiskey barrels from Home Depot, Amazon, or Sears for as little as $30 and Bed Bath & Beyond has 20” glass table toppers for $8.99. Fill the barrel with hay and a couple old wine corks and wah lah!

Add a string of white Christmas lights hidden underneath the hay for mood lighting to compliment your outdoor décor.

 

credit: residenceblog.com

 


#2 Wine bottle citronella candles

Insects beware – we will keep you at bay with empty wine bottles!

Needed Materials:
-1 empty and cleaned wine bottle
-1 Tiki Torch wick refill (thick)
-Tiki Torch citronella lamp oil
-3/8″ diameter metal washer (or adjust washer size if bottle opening is larger/smaller)
-Decorative glass rocks or beads of your choice (optional) *small enough to fit in bottle opening

Wine bottle candles

Place the decorative rocks/beads in the bottle. The more you have, the less oil you will need to use and the sturdier your bottle will be.

Feed the wick through the opening of the washer, leaving about a 1/4-inch of the wick sticking out of the top. You want this to be a snug fit! If you have gaps between the washer and the wick it could allow air in, which may cause the bottle to fill up with smoke. Also, make sure the washer is the same as the diameter of the bottle opening.

Pour the oil into a bottle, using a funnel, enough to cover half of the wick. Feed the longer side of wick into the bottle.

If your wick is thick enough, you don’t have to secure the washer down. Light the top wick and enjoy your new torch outdoors!

Remember to place the bottle in a safe, sturdy area to avoid it from tipping over. Burning citronella indoors is not recommend.

 Credit: When Pigs Fly

 

#3 DIY Hanging Flower Tins

If the endless rows of flowerpots are a little daunting at your local Home Depot, just make your own!  All you need are a few tin cans, spray paint, clothesline, a hammer, nail, drill and metal bit.

hanging flower tins

Once you’ve selected your preferred tin size, punch some holes in the bottom, which you’ll need for drainage.  Drill some additional holes in the back so you can hang the tins.  You’ll want to use your hammer to make the drain holes and the drill for the rope holes.

Make sure the holes in the back for hanging are not too big – just large enough for the rope to pass through.  Spray paint them the color of your choice and then let them thoroughly dry.

Once they are dry, slide the rope through one of the holes in the back and make a sturdy knot.  Determine how long you want the hanging rope to be and cut the other end accordingly, knotting that end through the other hole.

Congratulations – you have a hanging pot.

credit: Stuff Steph Does

 

#4 Yard Twister

diy yard twister

Not all your yard hacking has to be work, how about some fun too!

Here’s an easy way to recreate an outdoor version of the family fun game, Twister.

Grab some cardboard, a mixing bowl, Sharpie and some spray point.  You can probably figure it out from here – cut out some circles, space them out evenly on the lawn and spray paint.


credit: wired.com 


 

 

#5 Backyard Movie Theater

If you really want to be the envy of the neighborhood, set up your own backyard movie theater.  With some creativity and extra space you can create a great at-home movie experience.

Here are the steps towards your new outdoor movie theatre:

backyard movie theatre

1.Pick your spot – things to think about: distance to the screen and interference from better, ideally at the same height as the screen.street and/or other lighting.
2.Mount your projector – elevation is key and the higher you can mount the projector
3.Set up your screen – there are lots of possible options for your screen, which range in cost and quality. A good middle of the road alternative is to frame up a panel of vinyl that is made for commercial bathrooms.
4.Get your system – You’ll need a projector and some accompanying audio equipment.  Your best is an HD projector, preferably with an HDMI input. Since you’re outdoors, good audio and volume level is critical but you don’t need surround sound.

You might already have some of these items around the house – a stereo receiver and speakers can work.  Take a look at Craigslist for used DJ speakers as an option if you want to upgrade without spending a ton of money.

The rest is easy – set up your seating, get some bug spray, pop some popcorn and pick your favorite flick!

credit:giverslog.com

#6 Vertical Vegetable Garden

Are you lacking in space? Then, here’s the perfect yard hack for you! Use a hanging shoe organizer to grow fresh herbs and veggies this summer.

vertical vegetable garden

Needed materials:
-Hanging pocket shoe organizer
-Pole and hanging attachments
-Metal saucepan or utensil hanging hooks
-Good quality compost that holds moisture
-Plants and/or seeds
-Piece of wood 2″x2″
-Trough planter

Directions:
1. Attach pole to wall or shed
2. Attach hanging shoe rack
3. Test drainage
. Pour water in the pockets and make sure they drain properly.  If they don’t, make some small holes in each pocket.
4. Fill pockets with compost
Fill to about 1″ below the rim.
5. Add plants and/or seeds
6. Add a drip aid
Place a piece of wood against the back to make sure excess water flows to the trough placed below.

credit: Instructables.com

#7 Ways to decorate an old tree stump

decorative tree house

“Stump” naturally has a negative connotation in our minds.  Here are a few tips on how to make that old tree stump a welcomed addition to your backyard.

If the stump is tall enough, use it as a raised pedestal for a birdbath or a custom planter pot.  You can create a planter pot directly in the stump if you’re handy with a hammer and chisel.  If not, pick up a planter or flowerpot and place it on top.

Another option – make sure the stump is level then add a tabletop to the base.  Add some chairs and you have a unique table perfect for outdoor dining and relaxing.

 

credit:This Old House

 

#8 Backyard Shower

Whether you need to cool off from the summer heat or rinse your feet, an outdoor shower is a fun and easy DIY yard hack that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it.

Directions:

backyard shower from tree

1. Locate a tree in your backyard that has longer branches and think about the spot you’d like for the nozzle.
2. Snake a garden hose around your chosen a tree branch
3. Fasten a large shower head of your choice to the hose
4. Secure the shower head in place with a small rope
5. Turn on the tap

 

There you have it- a refreshing outdoor shower all summer long!

 

credit: Finecraftguild.com

 

#9 DIY Mason Jar Solar Lamps

Spruce up your backyard or garden path with vintage themed mason jars and solar lights.  These adorable solar powered lights are easy to create and will last you all summer long.

outdoor mason jar solar lamps

All you’ll need is mason jars, solar stake lights, a Phillips head screwdriver and wire cutters. You can find all of these supplies at your local hardware store.

Directions:
1. Eyeball the space you’ll need on the jar lid to slide up the length of the solar light. Use the screwdriver (you may need a hammer) to create an opening.
2. Clip the excess metal from the jar with the wire cutters
3. Slide the lid onto the base of the solar light and screw on the Mason jar.

credit:greenowlcrafts.com

If you have any DIY brillance to share we’d love for you to join the conversation using #backyardDIY 

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