Spring is a great time to start spending more time outdoors. If you have your own backyard, think of it as a lucky ticket! With the right organization and an eye for detail, you can create a true extension of your home and spend more sunny days outside.
The best thing is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture. If you like do-it-yourself projects and have a couple of free weekends, you can make durable patio furniture on your own. Here is what you need to know about making the most of your outdoor space:
What to look for
Before you start your DIY project, make sure to take a few things into consideration. For instance, the weather in your region is one of the most important factors. For example, if it’s dry most of the time, avoid making furniture out of wood since it can crack after a few weeks. Also, your aluminum furniture might not survive strong winds.
Weather is not the only important factor when making durable patio furniture. Another important thing is to measure available space in your yard. With the right tutorial, you can even build a little stage for your kids to perform at family parties, but it will be a disaster if you don’t make measurements beforehand.
Once you measure your backyard space, decide on the furniture placement. If you are planning a large-scale project, consider making a 3D model first. A simple sketch can also do the job! Get some inspiration here: https://www.thepattisallgroup.com/sea-pines/
Other than that, think carefully about the materials of your furniture. It’s better if you place matching furniture in your backyard. Also, there are a few things to learn about furniture materials.
First of all, placing pine and other softwoods in an exposed area can cause your furniture to rot on a grassy surface. Moisture from the ground can also cause metal furniture to corrode.
Secondly, consider making your outdoor furniture from materials that don’t require a lot of attention. For instance, materials such as wrought iron, resin, aluminum, and teak can last for a long time and don’t require much cleaning.
Also, think about how you will protect your furniture during the winter and when it rains. In case you don’t have enough storage space in your house or garage, consider making furniture that you will be able to use indoors as well. Another option is to make furniture that can fold flat for storage or buy weather drapers and outdoor curtains.
Outdoor furniture projects
For making furniture for your backyard on your own, you need to get the necessary instruments. There is no need to buy them since you can always borrow the kit from your friends or neighbors.
If you want to make something truly special, consider getting basic woodworking tools. Your perfect tool kit should include:
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Combination square
- Hand saw
- Power jointer
- Rasps
- Joinery gadgets
- A wooden mallet
- Chisels
- Screwdrivers
- A hammer
- A power drill
All these tools will allow every beginner to save money on materials and work efficiently with reclaimed lumber and rough cut. Find a list of easy-to-do outdoor furniture projects below:
Splendor basket swing
Find a big metal ring and durable canvas fabric. If you combine these two things and add sturdy straps, you will get a hanging basket chair. It can be a great spot for reading a book during the warm sunny days.
Picket-fence bench
You can build a bench in the palette style. To do that, you need to cross two pieces together in order to make the back of the bench and comfortable seating area. Consider adding a few pillows and a blanket on top.
A basket table
If you have a retro metal basket, you can paint it and attach the wooden top so that you can use this basket as a little coffee table in your backyard. You can also use it as a stand for plants that need more space for growing. The best thing is that this do-it-yourself project will not take more than half an hour in total!
Cabana lounge
If you are an experienced wood maker, consider building a dreamy outdoor cabana lounge. Besides wood pallets, you should also add an air mattress and blankets. You can either use the cabana lounge as a relaxing spot in your backyard, or you can give it to your kids. Your little pumpkins will love having their own house in the garden (and you will have a chance to relax at home)!
Dining wooden table
Do you like inviting guests for barbecues in your backyard? In this case, a classy wooden table will be a great addition. It seems like a lot of work from the very beginning. However, it can be easier to make if you attach x-shaped table legs with lap joints. Consider making a dining table that you will be able to use indoors during the winter months.
Circular bench
If you have large trees in your backyard, consider making a custom bench around it. It’s recommended to construct the parts of the bench separately and then encircle your tree with them. The circular bench can be a charming accent to anyone’s yard. However, this project is for experienced wood makers only.
A grass bed
Making a grass bed is pretty easy. For this project, you will not have to use your tool kit that much. All you need to do is to find a platform bed frame and add some sod and soil to grow grass from seed. Your kids and guests will love this cozy green oasis in your backyard!
How to extend the life of patio furniture
You probably want your handmade outdoor furniture to last for a long time. In this case, it’s important to learn how to take care of it:
To clean your wicker furniture, scrub it down with a nylon brush and soapy water at least twice a year. After cleaning it, leave it outdoors to dry in the sun.
- To make your outdoor fabrics water-resistant, use the special fabric-protective spray.
- If you decide to make furniture from aluminum and wrought iron, consider refinishing it with wax or a primer once in a while. This simple trick will help you to get rid of rust.
- Use a silicone lubricant on hinges in order to keep squeaks away. That’s how you can avoid rust on chairs, umbrella handles, and grill stands.
- Cover furniture to protect it from rain.
- Store your homemade furniture for the winter season.
- Avoid placing your homemade furniture under the bird nest.
- Wipe down outdoor furniture after using it.
The bottom line
As you can see, it’s easy to make durable patio furniture on your own. All you need is to get a tool kit and the right materials. You can always reuse the materials you already have in your house. Make sure to plan the furniture placement in advance. Also, cleaning your outdoor furniture once in a while will help you to keep it looking brand new.
Your backyard can become that relaxing zone you’ve always wanted to have. So, don’t be afraid to be creative and ask your friends and family for help. It’s time to make your background shine!
