Spring is right around the corner, so if you’ve been thinking about ways to spruce up your backyard, now is the time to get started. Typically, Southern California winters deliver mild to moderate temperatures with sufficient moisture to prepare the ground for gardens and other outdoor projects.
There are several ways to enhance your backyard and make it feel uniquely yours, with homey touches that can be completed in a weekend or even a few hours.
If you are ready for a refresh but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few DIY outdoor projects that can be customized to fit your space and budget.
Garden Box Kits
It’s simple to start a garden with customizable box kits that are easy to install. The GroGreen Garden Box Kit is available through J&W Lumber in multiple sizes, whether you want to start with one or have planned for several to grow a variety of produce and plants.
It’s made with 100% redwood for a naturally attractive, long-lasting appeal. Plus, other garden accessories are available, such as weed fabric and hardware cloth, which safeguard the box and allow for proper water drainage while also keeping ground critters at bay.
Potting Bench, Arbor, and Trellis
To complement the area, a potting bench adds a functional yet relaxing way to tend to your garden and also reap the rewards of its growth. With 2×4 and 4×4 boards, long screws, and the right tools, you can build a simple potting bench within a few hours.
If you want to continue the expansion of your outdoor decor, an arbor or trellis made of redwood, western red cedar, or douglas fir is a beautiful DIY project that can be done in a weekend without breaking the bank
Sage Pergola System
Since the weather is cooler, now is the time to work outdoors and create a shade system for coverage during the heat of summertime. The Sage Patio Cover Kit offers multiple styles to choose from, each of which can be customized to fit the size and style of your home.
To keep the build budget-friendly, the most popular option is the Catalina, using Douglas Fir, Redwood, or Western Red Cedar lumber for the beams. Additionally, structural elements, including the corbel and knee braces, as well as the hardware, can be mixed and matched to create your preferred look.
Floating Small Deck
Building a floating 9×9 or 12×2 backyard deck can break up an outdoor space. Designate it as an area to relax or dine and accessorize as the budget allows.
For instance, using a floating deck as the base, there’s also the opportunity to add a solid deck cover, hang a swing, or install a bench, all of which create an inviting appeal and welcome more use of the backyard.
Picnic Tables
Speaking of dining al fresco, a picnic table is another budget-friendly outdoor project that’s perfect for spring. Get a preset size or customize a greater length through J&W Lumber. The picnic tables are made with 100% California redwood and are easy to assemble to naturally match the rest of your outdoor decor.
Lodge Pole Fencing or Cedar Split Fencing
Building a two- or three-rail ranching system to line a driveway or use as a partition for a large-acre space sections off the property and keeps livestock from escaping.
Lumber material such as Western Red Cedar is highly durable for outdoor use and weathers beautifully to a natural patina for a rustic look.
Outdoor Projects FAQ
Which kind of wood is most budget-friendly for outdoor projects?
Softwoods like Redwood, Western Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir lumber are budget-friendly choices that are ideal for outdoor projects, long-lasting, and naturally resistant to rot and pests.
At J&W Lumber, materials are always in stock and can also be custom-milled to meet the dimensions needed for your next outdoor project.
What kind of outdoor projects are best for smaller outdoor spaces?
Adding a small side table or accent deck can make a small backyard look bigger.
Extend your living room interior to the outdoors and create specific outdoor spaces to lounge, dine, or entertain with a few simple additions.
As a first-time DIYer, where should I get started with my outdoor project?
DIY kits are the perfect place to start because there are minimal materials needed to build, and everything is included in one package.
If you have something specific in mind or want to pick up a DIY garden or picnic table kit, stop by your local J&W Lumber store. One of our friendly representatives can help you source the materials you need in the right sizes while staying within your budget.