Summer is the season of projects. The longer days, warmer weather, and motivation to freshen up your outdoor spaces make it the perfect time to tackle some DIY goals. Whether you’re planning a full backyard transformation or just want to improve what you already have, this list is for you.

These are six outdoor DIY projects I’ve completed, loved, and highly recommend. I’ve linked to full blog tutorials and resources that’ll help you get started, and I’ve also noted where you can use the Renovate App to stay organized or dive deeper with my DIY Beginner Basics course.

If you’re looking for a summer project list that mixes function, design, and satisfaction—you’re in the right place.

1. Build a Built-In BBQ Kitchen

This is one of the outdoor projects that completely changed the way we used our patio. We built a permanent outdoor kitchen around our Traeger grill using steel studs, cement board, brick veneer, and poured our own concrete countertops. It became the focal point of our outdoor space and allowed us to host with ease all summer long.

have a walkthrough of the project in the DIY Backyard Builtin Traeger BBQ Kitchen Blog Post. If you want a more in-depth tutorial, You can grab the full BBQ Kitchen Build Plans from the shop HERE.

2. DIY Backyard Sports Court

This was one of the biggest and most rewarding transformations we’ve tackled. We used an existing concrete pad to create a combination pickleball and basketball court using epoxy coatings and painted lines. The key is prep work—thoroughly cleaning, acid washing, and applying the right base coat before taping and painting the court.

The blog includes a breakdown of materials and links to every tool and product we used. Read the blog post here and get your sports court ready for summer!

3. DIY Friendly Pergola

This pergola is the perfect addition to any backyard. It also helps you to see how doable building an outdoor structure can be—even if you’re new to DIY. The method is centered around simplicity and efficiency:

• Quick setup: Four posts and overhead beams come together to frame your space in a single day.
• Minimal tools required: No fancy or expensive equipment needed—just basic hand and power tools.
• Low-impact design: Perfect for renter-friendly situations or yards you don’t want to permanently alter.
• Customizable features: Add optional elements like sunshade screens, privacy slats, and hanging planters to fit your style.

Why this works for beginners

• Straightforward assembly: Rail-and-post construction is simple and forgiving.
• No concrete footings: You can anchor it on pavers, patio stone, or through portable bases.
• Design-forward: Clean lines and quick shading—you get structure and style fast.

Want to see how easy it was for us to build? Check out the REEL over on my Instagram!

5. Landscape and Level Your Lawn

Lawn care might not sound exciting, but it makes a massive difference in how your outdoor space feels. A lush, level lawn is the perfect foundation for anything else you add—patio, play area, fire pit, or just weekend lounging.

If you’re not sure where to start, my husband created the Green Grass Playbook as a guide for lawn health, seed selection, leveling techniques, and seasonal care.

6. Refresh Your Patio

This is a bonus project, and a great one to start with if you’re short on time or just want a quick win. Updating your outdoor furniture, adding some planters, rolling out a new rug, or hanging privacy shades can make a big impact with minimal effort.

I walk through the process of evaluating what to keep, what to update, and what materials work best outdoors in the full patio refresh post.

Ready to Start?

Each of these outdoor projects has a clear tutorial, a realistic timeline, and the right support to help you learn as you go. If you’re ready to jump into DIY this summer, here are three tools that will help:

• DIY Beginner Basics Course – Designed for beginners who want to learn how to use tools and complete home improvement projects confidently.
• Renovate App – Use it to organize your projects, create material lists, track timelines, and set budgets.
• Green Grass Playbook – A complete guide for prepping, planting, and maintaining your lawn through every season.
• DIY Project Planner – If you’re someone who loves to keep a paper planner, then this is the ultimate guide to helping you plan out your home DIY projects.

Summer is the best time to start creating the home you’ve been dreaming of, one project at a time. And I’m here to help you every step of the way.