Weekend Projects: 5 DIYs to Improve Your Outdoor Space

With June officially having kicked off the summer, we look forward to a season under the sun. But if your deck, porch, or patio is lacking basics like tables and chairs, now is your moment to get busy with DIY outdoor furniture projects aimed at making your time outdoors both convenient and comfortable.

1. CREATE STUMP STOOLS

A “natural” accent for any outdoor living area, variously sized tree stump stools are the ultimate in versatile DIY outdoor furniture. Whether you plan to sit on them or to use them as side tables—or both—making a complete setis neither expensive nor time-consuming.

2. MAKE A SWING

Ana White, self-described homemaker (emphasis on “maker”), builtthis swingfrom standard dimensional lumber. Here, it hangs from a tree limb, but if you’re more of a bench person, simply adds legs to the design. Either way, it’s easy to imagine whiling away the weekend on this invitingly oversized seat, isn’t it?

3. BUILD A BENCH-BAR COMBO

There are so many exciting DIY outdoor furniture projects on Ana White’s blog, including a simple cedarpotting bench. Easy to build, even for those with limited woodworking experience, the bench doubles as a bar or barbecue area for summertime get-togethers in the backyard.

4. TILE A TABLE TOP

Cut, glue, and grout your way to stylish DIY outdoor furniture! To achieve a light and lively table top like this one, round up some wood boards and some glass tiles, then get to work following Centsational Girl’s handyhow-to.

5. POUR A CEMENT TROUGH

If you’re curious about, but wary of, experimenting with concrete, this trough-style planter would make a terrific starter project. For one thing, these指令from Curbly couldn’t be clearer. Plus, your modern and minimalist result may be used in more ways than one: A patio planter today becomes a drinks cooler tomorrow, just in time for your Independence Day party!