If your backyard is looking a little tired but you’re unsure how to breathe new life into it, you’re in the right place. We’ve teamed up with Adbri Masonry and its brand ambassador Jason Hodges to bring you four DIY backyard solutions for all kinds of budgets.

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.”

Jason Hodges

Less than $500: a fire pit

Without any doubt, one of the hottest (pun intended) backyard features in Australia these days is a fire pit. They give new purpose to unused areas of the yard and, most importantly, they’re a fabulous way to bring the family together – and toast a million marshmallows!

The good news is that if you can’t stretch the budget to purchase a premium outdoor gas fireplace, you can actually build one yourself in as little as a day. All it takes is the space and the right materials, and that’s where Adbri Masonry’s concrete bricks are the perfect solution.

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.”

Jason Hodges

Find out how to build a safe backyard fire pit in our step-by-step guide.

Less than $1000: step-stone paths

Footpaths and tracks are often overlooked when it comes to backyard projects, but the truth is, with a little elbow grease and the right materials, it’s possible to turn a muddy, unloved footpath into a Hampton’s style exterior feature.

But we all know that laying slabs of concrete doesn’t come cheap, so the answer to making feature footpaths on a budget is to create a step-stone pattern using a reliable brick such as the Adbri Masonry Euro® Stone paver in a 600 x 400mm size. It has a beautiful smooth look and its subtle texture provides all-important slip resistance (great for soggy areas!).

Less than $3000: budget paving

The right ground covering not only makes a huge difference to the livability of an outdoor area, but it also affects how the backyard looks and feels.

Adding paving to a designated area instantly makes the backyard worthy of entertaining and it’s much easier to maintain than grass and gardens.

The key to creating a fantastic paved area suitable for plenty of foot traffic is to choose reliable materials. Jason recommends the Adbri Masonry Euro Honed paver for its premium textured finish and exposed aggregates that catch the light beautifully.

Throw in a sun umbrella and an outdoor dining table and you have the perfect zone for years of entertaining.

Less than $4000: retaining walls

Retaining walls are as functional as they are beautiful, and they make a fabulous investment for homes looking to increase their value.

But what sort of retaining wall is best on a budget? Well, Jason recommends a wall with a dual purpose, meaning one that works as a garden bed AND casual seating for entertaining areas.

Adbri Masonry’s Natural Impressions® Duostone blocks and caps are perfect for a wall like this because they combine textures with high-level architectural appeal.

So there you have it: 4 different DIY ways to add more wow to your home using reliable, ready-to-buy materials. All that’s left now is to clear a weekend and convince the family to lend a hand!

Happy DIYing!

Adbri Masonry is a proud partner of the Making HOME renovation series.

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