13 Outdoor Projects That Will Drain Your Wallet

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Outdoor projects are a great way to increase the value of your property, up the curb appeal, and to have fun spaces for family gatherings or relaxation retreats. The idea of improving your outdoor space can be exciting, but some projects have a price tag that might have even the most experienced DIYer cringing.

Before you dive into a grand overhaul, it’s worth taking a look at which outdoor undertakings have a reputation for burning up the budget. The following projects often look good on paper but can have costs that can quickly get out of hand.

Retaining Wall

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Building a retaining wall can add depth and character to your garden, as well as prevent erosion, but it’s not an easy (or cheap) task. Heavy duty materials, large stones or concrete blocks, are expensive and proper installation is important so that it does not come crashing down over time. A retaining wall can make your space a little more manicured, and keep your soil in check, but its cost can be as heavy as the stones that compose it.

Outdoor Sound System

An outdoor sound system is a great addition to host parties or just relaxing to music. Outdoor speakers, however, need to be tough, weatherproof, and sometimes need to be professionally installed to run the wiring, which can be expensive. Outdoor rated speakers aren’t cheap, and if you need to run proper wiring or even have Wi-Fi compatibility, it’ll cost you more. It’s a large investment if you’re passionate about audio.

Pond or Water Feature

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If you want a tranquil vibe to your outdoor space, a pond or fountain can do the trick, but if you aren’t prepared to sink a lot of money into it, you might be in deep waters. Excavating a pond, lining it, putting in filtration and maybe even koi pond is expensive. Maintenance for a large water feature, including algae control, water quality, and repairs can be quite the commitment. It’s worth thinking about how much you want to spend to keep that peaceful pond at its best before you take the plunge.

Outdoor Lighting

Adding outdoor lighting can add ambiance and security to your yard, but a full lighting setup can be expensive. The fixtures themselves, and wiring to make them work, add up from pathway lights and spotlights to deck and patio illumination. While solar lights may be cheaper to run, they don’t have the same level of reliability as wired lights. Lighting can help to elevate your space, but it can also feel like you’re burning through cash upfront.

Greenhouse

For the gardening enthusiast, a greenhouse is a dream, enabling you to grow plants year round. But building a greenhouse can be a wallet drainer. The costs depend on the materials — glass and metal framed greenhouses are much more expensive than plastic options, and climate control is another layer of expense. It’s a cozy plant haven, with ventilation, heating, and shelving, but it’s an expensive investment, especially if you want a high end setup.

Outdoor Kitchen

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The expense of an outdoor kitchen may be enough to give you sticker shock, but it can turn your backyard into an entertainer’s dream. It doesn’t take long for costs to add up with installing a grill, countertop space, cabinets and a sink (not to mention things like a mini refrigerator or pizza oven). Plumbing, electrical, and possibly even gas line installations are all professional work that comes with a hefty price tag. And the materials used in weather resistant kitchens tend to be pricier, so if you’re not ready to spend big, you might have to keep this dream kitchen indoors.

Deck Extension

If you’re considering adding or expanding a deck to increase outdoor living space, it’s going to be expensive. Wood, especially high quality wood like cedar or redwood, can be expensive, and if you want a maintenance free option such as composite decking you will pay even more. Then factor in railing, stairs, and any additional features such as built in seating or lighting and you are looking at a significant investment. DIY can help save on labor costs, but it’s important to get installation right for safety reasons, which may mean hiring a pro.

Swimming Pool

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A pool in your backyard can turn it into a tropical oasis, but if you’re on a budget, it’s going to be a really deep dive. The costs quickly escalate from excavation to installation, lining and decking around the pool. That’s just the beginning: there is maintenance, cleaning, heating, and periodic repairs to add. Pools are great in summer but don’t forget that they will be one of the most expensive outdoor projects over time due to the ongoing and hidden costs.

Stone Patio

Having a stone patio in your backyard is a great way to make your backyard feel like a private getaway, but laying it down is no small feat. Flagstone, slate or granite are beautiful — but expensive — materials and the labor involved in installing them properly is costly,too. Although pavers can be budget friendly, costs can increase quickly when you want a more intricate layout or custom shapes.

Fencing

If you want privacy or your pets to be safe, a fence is probably on your list. However, fencing costs can quickly pile up, depending on the material. Premium materials, such as cedar, redwood or wrought iron, will cost more than the basic wood or vinyl options. Also, the installation involves digging posts and leveling, which, if not done right, may have to be repaired later. A fence is practical, but the costs can be a financial hurdle.

Custom Landscaping

Thinking of some manicured gardens, water features and lush greenery in your backyard? But most of us don’t realize that the price of that dream can be surprising. The costs spiral quickly from complex garden designs to fancy irrigation systems and large scale planting, and if you hire professionals, the costs will go up even more. If you have a yard, it will need upkeep, fertilizer, and seasonal maintenance which could run you more money than you might expect.

Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

It’s cozy and charming to gather around a fire, but building a big outdoor fireplace or fire pit isn’t a small investment. Fire pits range from basic and cheap to built in with custom stonework and wood storage and seating and cost a pretty penny. Don’t forget safety requirements – use fire safe materials and set a safe distance from trees or structures. An outdoor fireplace is rustic and inviting, but the costs can mount up as fast as the firewood.

Gazebo or Pergola

Gazebo or pergola, shelters that can provide shade and aesthetic charm, are a costly addition to your home. A good, solid gazebo takes quality materials and skillful labor, and may even require groundwork if the yard is not level. The expense is added to by extras such as lighting, screens or curtains for shade. While slightly less expensive than arbors, pergolas can still be pricey, depending on the wood or metal materials, installation and climbing plants or hanging lights.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.