
Cheap backyard makeover ideas after removing old deck? Need help visualizing options
I recently tore out and disposed of an old deck in my backyard, so now I’m trying to figure out the best way to clean this area up without spending a fortune. I know the grading where the deck was is poor and will need to be corrected first, especially near the house, but after that I’m looking for realistic budget-friendly ideas.
I’m open to mostly grass, a small patio area, stepping stones, mulch beds, gravel, simple landscaping, or anything else that would make this look cleaner and more usable. I don’t need anything fancy — just something that makes the yard look intentional instead of torn apart.
The wood pile in the picture is already gone, so ignore that part. Main focus is the old deck area, the side of the house, and how to tie it into the rest of the yard.
What would you do here on a budget? Any layout ideas, cheap materials, or before/after examples would be appreciated. Looking for ideas that are DIY-friendly or at least not crazy expensive.