Jason Hodges, Adbri Masonry Ambassador, shares his top tips for renovating a backyard on a budget

Renovating your backyard doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether your stepping stones need a refresh, your paved area is looking tired or it’s time to build a new outdoor area, there is a project for all budgets. Here, celebrity landscaper and Adbri Masonry ambassador, Jason Hodges, shares his insights on what you can achieve on different-sized budgets.

Backyard Ideas for Under $500

Having a smaller budget is all about stretching the imagination. Tight funds work for smaller projects that may need a refresh and are DIY-friendly, as they require fewer materials and remove the cost of manual labour.

A great project to complete for under $500 is building a fire pit. Fire pits are one of the best DIY projects to enhance and change how you utilise your outdoor area, creating an instant feature that brings light and heat to your outdoor area. “Fire pits create a wonderful ambience, providing an enjoyable feature for the garden and a natural gathering spot for socialising and entertaining. It’s a great focal point, I like to describe it as nature’s TV and people are naturally drawn to the campfire-like atmosphere,” explains Jason.

Use concrete blocks to start constructing the wall around the pit. This creates a safety barrier for children and pets.

“Choose a block that enables circular walls or has specialty corner units to save you from cutting the units. My first choice for DIY would be Adbri Masonry’s Miniwall blocks. They are easy to stack in a circle, and give a great finish,” says Jason.

Backyard Ideas for Under $1,000

Whether it’s a muddy area up the side of your house, a frequently walked path in the backyard, or additional kerbside appeal for your front door access, a step-stone path is a home project you can easily DIY.

“Paths are very easy to install, especially if you choose a step-stone pattern, as opposed to a solid path. One of the most popular uses for concrete pavers is the side path project. In many homes, there is typically at least one narrow side of the house that gets a lot of shade which often means the grass doesn’t grow. Worse still, during winter dampness or after rain, this area can become a soggy side area. A path made from step stone pavers is a great way to reclaim the area making the space usable, and when decorated with stones, plants or mondo grass, it can also become a visual feature,” says Jason.

To create a stepping stone pathway at home, use the Adbri Masonry Euro® Stone 600 x 400mm paver that features a smooth, lightly textured surface finish providing both slip resistance and an elegant look.

Backyard Ideas for Under $3,000   

Paving is the perfect way to freshen up the backyard and create a low maintenance, multi-functional area that can be appreciated by the whole family and enjoyed day and night. Depending on the size of your backyard, updating the entertainment area pavers is a great option as it extends the livability of your space and acts as an investment project. When undertaking this project, you will need to ensure you pick the right product for your paving project.

“Consider the location of the pavers and the expected frequency of use. In a space like a new entertaining area, where it will be used regularly in a highly visible area, it’s important to consider a quality solution that will complement your home,” advised Jason. To create a premium look, use the Adbri Masonry Euro Honed concrete paver, which is manufactured on a state-of-the-art imported Italian paving machine before being honed and then treated with a light short blast. This process exposes the paver’s natural stones, creating a natural aesthetic with a distinctive surface texture.

Backyard Ideas for Under $4,000  

A healthy budget will go a long way in terms of project ideas and making a standout feature in your backyard. “People overestimate the cost and effort involved in renovating the outdoors. Improving your lifestyle through investment in the backyard space doesn’t need to be daunting. It’s a matter of having a clear plan and sticking to a DIY-friendly project that can deliver cost-effective results,” says Jason.

Building retaining walls with plants and built-in seating is a great functional project that serves as a statement piece in the backyard and an investment in the home. “Retaining walls that are utilised as garden beds but also double up as casual seating in your garden is great for informal entertaining, accommodating additional friends and family,” says Jason. “The Natural Impressions® Duostone blocks and caps from Adbri Masonry are ideal for this project. Duostone has a unique block profile that features a contrast of a natural stone-like texture and a contemporary, smooth surface with the random fusion resulting in finished walls that boast a modern architectural appeal – perfect for achieving that high-end look,” recommends Jason.

“Don’t be put off by budget restraints when considering a backyard renovation. A multi-functional and visually appealing outdoor space is achievable, and considerably easy, on a budget. Just ensure to have a plan in mind and stick to areas that you know will fit within your budget,” advises Jason.

For more information, visit www.adbrimasonry.com.au