With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor living space and get it ready for backyard barbecues, alfresco dining, and relaxing in the warmer weather. Give your patio, porch or deck a fresh new look with these easy DIY projects that you can tackle in a weekend.
Give Worn Furniture a Makeover
Outdoor furniture takes a beating over the winter. Refresh and revive yours with a coat of spray paint in a trendy, vibrant hue like emerald green or cobalt blue. For wooden furniture like chairs, benches and tables, sand down any rough spots first before spraying on an even coating of outdoor paint. Let dry completely before adding pretty accent pillows to deck chairs and benches.
Craft a Backyard Coffee Station
Create a designated spot for your morning brew with a DIY outdoor coffee bar cart. Look for one on wheels to easily move around as needed. Give it a coat of cheery colored paint or staining. Then outfit it with a French press or pour-over coffee maker, mugs, sugar, spoons and creamer. Add personality with a cute sign, some faux greenery in pots and a tray for serving.
Fashion a Backyard Movie Theater
Transform your patio or lawn into an alfresco home theater with a projector screen and some comfy seating.Stretch a white sheet tightly between two posts or hang from a fence. Get a portable outdoor projector and cozy up on beanbag chairs or Adirondack chairs you already own. Make popcorn on the grill for a fun family movie night under the stars.
Craft Colorful Planters from Upcycled Pails
Add a pop of color to your patio with handpainted planters made from recycled 5-gallon buckets. Clean them thoroughly first before coating the outside with acrylic craft paint in bright hues of your choice. Stencil on fun designs with painter’s tape and paint pens. Once dry, add drainage holes to the bottom and fill with good potting soil and plants.
Fashion a Pallet Wood Sofa
Give your porch or deck an eco-friendly sofa on a budget using wooden shipping pallets. Gather 3-4 uniform-sized pallets. Secure them together at the top and bottom with boards to create a stable frame. Add a plywood top and cushions or outdoor pillows for comfort. Customize with cup holders, side tables, lighting and more.
Sew Boho Outdoor Pillows
Inexpensive floor cushions and pillows lend a bohemian vibe to your patio furnishings. Use boldly printed outdoor fabric, like canvas or linen, and cut into squares or circles. Simply turn the edges under and sew into pouches. Stuff with an outdoor pillow insert or recycled batting. Consider adding tassels, pom poms or fringe for extra flair.
Upcycle Ladders into Shelves
Turn vintage wooden ladders into charming wall shelves for displaying greenery and decor. Mount securely to a brick or stucco wall, angle slightly and add wooden dowels spaced evenly apart for plants to rest on. Hang macrame planters filled with trailing vines or succulents for a touch of boho style.
Make a Sunken Fire Pit
For a cozy gathering spot, create a sunken fire pit from concrete tree rings or landscape blocks. Arrange into a circle and line with heat-resistant stones or bricks. For fuel, use aged firewood, hardwood pellets or a propane fire pit insert. Have seating nearby and be sure to include tools for safely extinguishing embers.
Craft a Backyard Movie Theater
Transform your patio or lawn into an alfresco home theater with a projector screen and some comfy seating. Stretch a white sheet tightly between two posts or hang from a fence. Get a portable outdoor projector and cozy up on beanbag chairs or Adirondack chairs you already own. Make popcorn on the grill for a fun family movie night under the stars.
Create a Conversation Pit
Dig out a circle in your yard and line with landscape fabric. Fill with crushed stone, pea gravel or soft mulch. Add weather-resistant throw pillows and an outdoor rug for cushioning. Arrange comfy chairs around the perimeter or directly in the pit. Install string lights overhead and bring out refreshments to enjoy as you sit around and chat the night away.
Craft Colorful Planters from Upcycled Pails
Add a pop of color to your patio with handpainted planters made from recycled 5-gallon buckets. Clean them thoroughly first before coating the outside with acrylic craft paint in bright hues of your choice. Stencil on fun designs with painter’s tape and paint pens. Once dry, add drainage holes to the bottom and fill with good potting soil and plants.
Make a Backyard Bar from Repurposed Items
Create your own DIY patio pub using salvaged windows and doors. Secure the bottom of a glass door to a sturdy table or countertop to fashion a bar-height standing table. Affix an old window frame above it to display bottles and glassware. Use vintage crates, barrels or galvanized tubs for extra seating and surface space.
With a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can give your outdoor space a complete makeover on a budget. Any of these doable DIY patio and backyard projects will provide a fresh new look to enjoy for seasons to come. Get started on one today so you can kick back with an iced tea in your own slice of paradise soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Space for Spring
What are some quick and easy refresh ideas for my patio?
Some quick patio refresh ideas include:
- Giving worn outdoor furniture a fresh coat of spray paint in a new color
- Using stencils and paint to customize plain terracotta pots
- Refreshing faded outdoor pillows and cushions with new covers
- Hanging string lights and lanterns for mood lighting
- Displaying potted flowering plants like hydrangeas or azaleas
- Laying down new inexpensive patio pavers over existing ones
Should I put gravel or stone around my fire pit?
It is recommended to use gravel or crushed stone around a fire pit. The non-flammable material acts as a safety barrier to contain sparks and embers. It also helps with drainage. Choose a heat-resistant rock like granite or marble if opting for a stone.
What are some good upcycle projects for old ladders?
Old ladders work beautifully upcycled into:
- Backyard wall shelving for plants and décor
- A trellis for climbing vines and roses
- An arbor or pergola for a vertical gardening statement
- Rustic indoor towel racks or display shelves
- A unique holder for flowering hanging baskets
How do I make bohemian pillows for my patio?
To make boho pillows:
- Use brightly colored or patterned outdoor fabric like canvas, linen or cotton
- Cut into desired shapes and sizes
- Sew edges with a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving an opening
- Turn right side out and press flat
- Stuff tightly with polyfill stuffing
- Hand sew the opening closed
- Add tassels, pom poms or embroidery for embellishment
What type of paint should I use for upcycling outdoor furniture?
For painting outdoor furniture, use a specially formulated spray paint for plastic, metal or wood. Check that it offers UV and weather resistance. Rust-Oleum and Krylon are popular brands. Be sure to prep the surface by lightly sanding and cleaning it first before painting.
Conclusion
With just a little imagination and DIY spirit, you can give your patio, porch or backyard a complete seasonal makeover on a budget. The spring is a great time to undertake simple renovations like building an outdoor coffee bar, refreshing worn furniture with paint, or crafting colorful planters from recycled buckets. More ambitious projects like a sunken fire pit, conversation pit or upcycled pallet sofa are also easier to complete before the peak of summer. So pick a project from this list that fits your style and skill level and get ready to spruce up your outdoor space just in time for spring.
