5 Fun Backyard DIY Projects to Try This Summer

You’re eagerly anticipating the warmer temperatures of summertime. Plus, you’re looking for excuses to treasure every second that you can outdoors. Consider these fun backyard DIY projects this summer—they will let you take advantage of that fantastic summer weather and unleash your creativity at the same time.

Backyard DIY Projects To Try This Summer

1 – Plant an herb garden

When you think of herbs, you probably think about culinary herbs. While they are fantastic for seasoning your food, herbs can also be grown as ornamentals, to dry and make herbal teas, or even to deter pesky mosquitoes.

You don’t need an especially green thumb or garden equipment to plant an herb garden. These plants are unfussy, forgiving, and can grow anywhere that they can have sunshine and water.

Invest in some vertically stacking pots that create an herb tower for an impressive look. Or, plant them in small, colorful containers near your back door.

So, if you’re still mind-blown by the reference to repelling mosquitoes, plant basil, lavender, and peppermint for that exact purpose.

2 – Set up an outdoor kitchen

Do you love grilling every chance you get during the summertime? Not only is grilling healthy and tasty, but it also prevents you from firing up the stove and, therefore, heating up your home.

If you have decent tools skills and a little bit of patience, you can transform your grill into an outdoor kitchen.

You’ll need bricks or flagstone and a slab top to build a counter. This area will provide you with essential food prep space. Add seating for your friends and family, and the countertop will double as a bar for entertaining.

If you really want to take it to the next level, you can hire an electrician and plumber so you can have power and a sink with running water.

3 – Fresh paint, please

There is nothing that gives your home a transformative facelift as quickly or easily as a fresh coat of paint.

Most homes today have a stone veneer or vinyl siding that’s virtually maintenance free. Because of the ease of care, we forget about painting altogether. Over time, the door jambs, doors, shutters, and trim work fade, crack and peel.

Pick up a gallon of paint that’s close to your original trim color, scrape away loose paint, prime, and repaint all those things that need a boost. Or, if you want to give your home a pop of color, select a fun and on-trend accent color that pops against the colors of your home.

Have older kids? Make it a family project and teach them how to paint—a valuable life skill.

4 – Create concrete stepping stones

A fun project for the whole family is to create concrete stepping stones. For just a few dollars, you can purchase shaped forms and quick setting concrete. It takes only a few moments to mix the cement and pour it into the molds.

But, before you pour the mixture into the forms, get the kids involved. Let them use colorful marbles or rocks to create a design in the bottom of the mold. After the concrete sets and you remove the stepping stones, those design elements will serve as the top of the stepping stone.

This is one project where you’ll be ok with the kids getting a little bit messy. And, you’ll have unique stepping stones to place in your yard.

5 – Build a fire pit

There’s something magical about sitting around a campfire and watching the gentle flickering of fireflies on a summer evening. You can recreate the camping out experience without leaving your backyard.

Clear an area of flammables like leaves or debris. Use patio blocks or bricks and stack them attractively. Your goal is to build up a small ring to keep your burning logs contained to the immediate area.

With just one afternoon of work, you’ll have an area prepped for roasting hot dogs or toasting marshmallows over an open fire.

You’ll find gratification in knowing that you’ve accomplished a task that enhances your backyard. But the best part of this sense of accomplishment is the chance to build summertime memories with family and friends.