Any tips for cost savings on a backyard remodel DIY?

[SailAway]

So I don't love this house, but we've decided we are staying in it until we retire - 11 years, so I want to try and make it more "ours". The house was a gut and remodel and now that we have the house part of it done, I'd like to tackle the backyard this summer and the front yard next summer, but not break the bank. We can do all the work ourselves.

There is a small deck that needs ripped out, it's rotting and ugly. I'm shocked it's lasted this long. Actually the shed is also rotten and falling down. I'd like to build a beer garden-type patio on the side of the house. So, rebuild the deck, a little bigger, and then step down into a walled off patio. Make it look "sunken" without really being sunken, I guess. A pergola with hop vines for shade. Fire pit or chimnea, maybe.

I think we've decided on pavers or brick for the patio. Other than finding a sale on pavers at one of the big box home improvement stores, is there anything I can try to do to cut costs on this? I assume lumber will cost what it costs. Open a Lowes credit card?

[kendallf]

Haunt Craigslist, find local used building supply places like Habitat for Humanity Restores or similar.  If you're not in a hurry, you should be able to pick up stuff much cheaper than new. 

Try to think outside the box a bit too.. some of the coolest backyards and gardens I've seen were using "found" materials like rocks, old railroad ties, and similar.  What unconventional (and inexpensive) materials can you use?

[Greg]

Go to lumber yards and stone suppliers for your materials, you may find the prices competitive.  Plus free delivery often.  If you have an LLC and/or contractor's license you may get better prices.

[cshaw]

I like concrete myself.  You can color it, you can stain it, you can stamp it, you can dye it.  Lots of options now days to really spruce up concrete.  Depending on the size you can even DIY for a lot of it.  Quikrete makes a couple of different forms for making walkways or pads that look pretty sharp too.

I like concrete block almost as much as concrete.  You can create some great features: half wall, sitting wall, outside kitchen, outside fireplace etc.  Add a little colored surface bonding cement and you get a great stucco like appearance/texture.

I'll second the craigslist suggestion: it's always hit or miss, but every now and then you can find some building materials you might be able to use. Pinterest can also be a source of inspiration.