Creating the perfect outdoor domistyle can become costly, with the average patio furniture set costing you anywhere between $500 and $1500. However, with a little imagination you can create a beautiful outdoor environment with a few supplies and some handy work. Our Summertime stylist did a little digging to find some excellent DIY Outdoor Decor projects you can put together over a weekend without blowing through your monthly paycheck.
Tire and Rope Ottomans
Pick up some old tires on the cheap from a local auto repair shop. Cut a circular piece of plywood to fit the bottom of the tire and hot glue it to the base. Next wrap the tire in a criss cross formation, pulling tight (no slack) using nylon rope, to form a cover for the center of the tire. Tie off the nylon rope so it holds tightly in place. Starting at the edge of one side of the tire, wrap sisal rope around the tire, hot gluing it to the nylon rope gradually. Continue wrapping until the sides of the tire are completely covered. As you reach the top of the tire, form coaxial circles around the nylon rope base. Glue the sisal rope to itself and the nylon rope to properly secure the top. Trim the excess rope once you’ve reached the center and glue the end in place.
Cinder block Patio Set
With a quick stop to your local hardware and lumber supply shop, you can create a beautifully, modern patio furniture set for under $150!!
To create a loveseat, start by finding a level area of the backyard. Stack four cinder blocks, (two long, two on top) on the first side. Next measure 54 inches (the average outdoor cushion is 18” x 12”) or whatever the dimensions of your cushions. Lay the next four cinder blocks at the opposite end. Feed 4 X 4 wood planks through one side of to the other, allowing for 6 inches of wood on each side. Once you have aligned the blocks evenly, carefully remove the 4 X 4’s and set the cinder blocks in place, using Concrete Adhesive. (tip: use zip ties to hold the blocks in place) Allow the adhesive time to dry, before feeding the 4 X 4’s back into place. For the Back: Lay another cinder block on top of the base on each side (width side up) so you can easily feed two more 4 X 4’s through as the back of the seat. Repeat concrete adhesive steps. Tip: Place a plywood board down on the 4 X 4’s before laying cushions down for a more comfortable seat. Finish off with cushions and pillows. Accent with small succulents in planters or lanterns around the base of the loveseat.
Optional: paint the cinder blocks to match your outdoor decor color scheme.
Pallet Board Table
This is an easy to assemble outdoor table that will come in handy all season. All you need is two square pallet boards, Four 6” inch 4 X4’s, Four Castor Wheels, L-brackets & skrews. Use the L brackets to screw in the four legs (6” 4 X 4’s) to the top of the lower pallet and under the upper pallet. Next, attach the 4 caster wheels, using nuts & bolts,to the bottom corners of the lower pallet. Optional: Stain your table to match the color scheme of your Outdoor Decor.
Outdoor Rope Rug
Start by placing a piece of duct tape securely around the start of the rope. Next apply a ball of liquid nails waterproof caulk to the tip of the rope, bend into the rope so you are forming the start of a circle. Secure the caulked rope with a piece of twine to keep it together while you begin to wrap the rope around itself. As you continue to wrap the rope in coaxial circles, place layers of caulk along the rope to adhere it to itself. Do this gradually to avoid fast drying. Once you have finished wrapping the rope to the desired size, flip the rug over to it’s bottom. Cut out a piece of burlap, the size of the rug. Adhere the burlap to the bottom with the caulk gradually. Once dry, flip over and trim off any excess burlap. This makes a great Outdoor accent next to your furniture or near the door.