With summer in full swing, you’re probably starting to think about all of those projects you want to tackle this year. There are many potential options, but to keep things manageable, it’s a good idea to refine your list down to 2 or 3 things.
When you’re building or creating something new there’s probably going to be some old stuff you’ll need to get rid of. One of the easiest ways to do this is by renting a dumpster. Here are 15 summer projects you’ll need a dumpster for divided into 4 different types of projects. If you can, it’s best to tackle your projects one after the other so that you only need to rent a dumpster once.
What can you build in your backyard?
1. Building a Wooden Deck
One of the best outdoor summer projects you can take on to turn your backyard into your own personal oasis is the addition of a wooden deck. The cost of lumber can be a bit expensive, but the end result is usually worth it. Even a simple deck can add a lot of character to your backyard. If you're replacing an existing deck you can place all of the old material in your rented dumpster as you work.
![Wooden deck Wooden deck](/thumb/700~//img/nongallery/2022 blog/1185_1.jpeg~Wooden deck)
2. Building an Outdoor Kitchen
When BBQ season hits, who wants to cook inside? Building your own outdoor kitchen is one of those outdoor summer projects that may seem like a dream, but it actually isn’t that hard of a project if you have some DIY skills. If you don’t, and you have the budget to hire a pro, it’s a great addition to any backyard.
3. Building a Gazebo
A gazebo is a great outdoor summer project if you don’t have a lot of natural shade in your yard. Even if you love soaking up the sun, it’s nice to be able to head to that shady spot for some relief once in a while. First, you have to prepare the area and level the ground. Any excess material can go in the dumpster you’ve rented for your summer projects. There are all kinds of different gazebo styles to choose from so you’re bound to find one that fits nicely with the test of your yard.
4. Building a Shed
If you don’t have a garage, building a decent size shed in your backyard is a great solution. Even if you don’t have the skills to build one from scratch, there are plenty of prefab options available. This is one of the larger outdoor summer projects you’ll probably take on so you’ll want to determine your budget ahead of time and make sure you can commit the time needed to see it through.
5. Adding Walkways and Concrete Patios
Another great way to spruce up your backyard this summer is by adding walkways or a concrete patio. You have countless options when it comes to concrete these days. The materials you choose for your dream patio are only limited by your imagination. You can opt for stamped concrete, colored concrete or stick to a more traditional look if you prefer.
What is the least expensive way to build a patio?
6. Replacing Worn Out Patio Stones
Probably one of the cheapest summer project ideas if you want to build a patio is to add patio stones. If you do the work yourself all you’ll have to do is remove any sod in the area you want to add your patio, level the ground, perhaps add a layer of stone screenings and you're ready to build your patio. Simple stones will cost between $5 and $10 per tile, so you can add a decent size patio for $200 to $400.
![Patio stones for walkway Patio stones for walkway](/thumb/700~//img/nongallery/2022 blog/1184_1.png~Patio stones for walkway)
7. Re-sodding
If you want to set up your patio on your grass so that the area can be quickly repurposed when needed, you'll want to at least make sure the area is level. You may need to re-sod to replace worn out and unlevel sections. Using a grass area as a patio isn’t ideal, but it can work on level ground and it will save you a lot of money on expensive concrete or lumber.
How can you make your backyard fun for kids?
8. Preparing and Grading Land for Above Ground Pool
For the ultimate backyard makeover for kids, nothing beats a pool. Before you can put that pool in though, you’ll need to prepare and grade the land. Dropping a pool on uneven ground is never a good idea — it can cause the walls to collapse. Any extra dirt and sod can also go in your dumpster. Believe it or not, adding a small above ground pool can be one of those cheap summer project ideas that pays for itself in keeping your kids entertained all summer.
9. Installing a Pond
If your kids love fish, adding a backyard pond can be a fun project that they can help you with. Ponds can be as simple or elaborate as you like. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even consider adding a waterfall. You’ll be surprised how much extra dirt you’ll have as you dig the area out for your pond. If you don’t have somewhere else in your yard to put it, a dumpster is one of the easiest ways to get rid of it quickly.
![Pond in the backyard Pond in the backyard](/thumb/700~//img/nongallery/2022 blog/1183_1.png~Pond in the backyard)
How do you entertain a small backyard?
10. Adding a Sunroom
Some outdoor projects are a little more expensive than others and a sunroom definitely qualifies. If you have the budget though, it’s a great way to transform a small backyard into a nice area to entertain guests. Best of all you can use it year round.
11. Tree Removal
If you have too many trees in your yard it might be hard to enjoy that summer sun. Removing one or two of those trees can make a world of difference. If you have a small yard, it will also open up space for you to entertain this summer.
In terms of outdoor summer projects, it’s probably one of the ones that requires the least amount of DIY ability. It can be hard work though and it’s a good idea to make sure you have a chainsaw or at least rent one. Even one tree can produce a lot of lumber so that rental dumpster will really come in handy for this type of project.
12. Clearing Out the Shed
A large shed is another great potential spot for entertaining. You can add a bar on the exterior and perhaps a card table or game room inside. It will mean you’ll have to keep all of those garden tools in the garage, but it will make a nice addition to your backyard entertainment options. If you’ve been keeping tons of old junk in that shed, a dumpster will really come in handy.
![Wooden shed in a backyard Wooden shed in a backyard](/thumb/700~//img/nongallery/2022 blog/1182_1.png~Wooden shed in a backyard)
13. Clearing Out the Garage
If you have a garage, it can be a great alternative to entertaining in a small backyard. Clearing out that garage can be a big job, but it’s a lot easier with a dumpster a few feet away. Once you have it completely cleared out you can turn it into a nice entertainment area. When it’s nice out you can open up the garage and enjoy the fresh air or close it if it's cold and raining.
14. A Yard Overhaul
If you’re happy with your deck, but your yard is in need of a makeover, a yard overhaul is probably in order. You can put all of those weeds, bushes, old sod and any other yard waste you have in your rented dumpster. If you don’t have a wheelbarrow, it’s probably one investment you should make before getting started.
15. Add a Privacy Fence or Trees
One other outdoor summer project that can really transform your yard is the addition of simple privacy. You can add a fence or some trees for privacy. If you have an existing chain link fence, it may be as simple as attaching some privacy lattice to that existing fence. These sheets are relatively inexpensive, but if you do plan on removing an old fence to build one that gives you more privacy, you’ll appreciate having that dumpster in your driveway. Although it takes time for trees to grow, they make for a beautiful wall of privacy and a great addition to your backyard.