Pallet Board Furniture

Pallet board seats are easy to make, and cheap. Pick up a pallet from a warehouse – make sure you’re getting pieces they obviously don’t need. Just about any shipping yard or large department store has pallets that they won’t use but once. Snag one (ask if you must) and deconstruct it.

Build up the legs and the sides. You can use a basic frame made from steel if you want added strength. Then, cover everything with the pallet boards. It’ll look rustic without the rustic price tag. When it’s finished, stain it, seal it, and it will probably last forever!

Adirondack Chairs

If you get good Adirondack chair plans, you almost don’t need to know how to build a chair. Traditional Adirondack chairs are made from Hemlock (wood), but you could theoretically use something else if that’s not in your budget. A well-built chair will easily last a lifetime.

Some people make the chairs out of cedar fence boards. If you’re looking to recycle woods, get your hands on whatever you can. You’ll also need some outdoor grade wood screws and some waterproof glue.

Aim for 7-8 full-length boards, and 1” screws. Aside from that, you’ll need a saw, drill, tape measure, and a pencil for marking. It should take you no more than a day to make the chair. When it’s done, make sure you stain and seal it to protect it from the rain.

Concrete Bench

Concrete has so many uses, it’s ridiculous. If you’re looking for an easy way to get more out of those concrete blocks you’ve been eyeing down at the home improvement store, here is your next idea: A concrete bench.

Buy a bunch of blocks and arrange them on the ground next to an exterior wall. If you want protection from the elements, arrange them on the porch. make it 2-3 bricks high, depending on how high you want the seat to be.  A lot of people set them on the ground and then backfill the concrete with loose gravel. It looks nice.

Get a piece of upholstered foam and lay it across the top of the bricks. There’s your bench. Now, for the backing, most people use throw pillows. Make sure yours are waterproof so they don’t get moldy during the summer (or if left out in the rain).

Pallet Table

A pallet table is an interesting spin on the pallet chairs you made earlier. If you know how to construct a basic table (it’s not hard), you enhance it with pallet boards by laying them across the top. It’s a rustic look, that can be stained and sealed and will last you a long time.

Cooler Inside A Patio Table

If you have an existing patio table, and you are feeling gutsy, take a saw to it. Cut out part of the middle and insert a cooler. Now, when you have friends over, fill it up with ice, and put some cold ones in there. Instant party.

Make sure your cooler is the type that can be drained from the bottom, because yanking a cooler out of the center of these tables tends to be difficult. Smaller coolers work the best, but you could also use larger ones if you don’t mind losing foot and leg space underneath.

Most coolers that are situated inside of outside tables like this are suspended in the table (sandwiched between the top of the table and the frame underneath. This gives the illusion of a floating insert, which is both cool and classy.

Outdoor Fireplace

You will need some rolled steel for this – 12 gauge. It will be enough to withstand fire. A standard size would be 40” x 20” sheets. These can be welded into a box shape. Once that’s done, you can weld some legs onto the bottom and anchor it into the ground. If the bottom is fireproof (i.e. dirt or gravel), then you can put almost anything in there and it will burn safely.

Most people who do this use a dirt floor for the fire box because it’s simple, dirt isn’t going to explode or pop on you, and it’s cheap. Dirt is everywhere. Odds are, you have some in your backyard right now, waiting for a fire.

Beat Stress with a Hot Tub

A hot tub is an amazing addition and investment to your backyard and can provide lots of fun as well as numerous health benefits. Did you know a hot tub can actually benefit your physical health, relax sore muscles, ease chronic pain, and improve your mood? You can make it seamlessly blend it with your backyard, existing pool and purchase tons of hot tub accessories like this romantic waterfall feature!

Outdoor Patio Bar

No summer party or entertaining is complete without your own outdoor bar! Serve drinks and snacks in style while pulling up bar stools and cooling off to your favorite martini or a tall glass of cold lemonade. There are tons of DIY options available online that you can even make yourself, so do some research before spending big bucks on a store-bought bar.

Lots of Seating Options

Depending on your mood and the time of day, having various types of seating options for your patio is a must! You’ll get the most use out of your patio if you have ready seating for eating, lounging back, suntanning, or just taking a break. Make sure to have at least dining chairs, a chaise lounge or a regular lounge chair.

Sit Next to a Outdoor Fireplace

There is nothing better than anchoring an outdoor living room with a outdoor fireplace. What’s even better about a crackling fire is making s’mores, keeping warm, and not to mention fending off mosquitos!

Dine Alfresco in Style

It all comes down to the presentation of your meals so do it in style with the right table setting. A rustic style is great for outdoors so consider burlap placemats, terracotta bowls and stainless steel glassware.

Keep Warm with a Fire Bowl

A fire bowl is a great alternative to a full blown fireplace if your budget is a little tight. This big concrete bowl is all you need to get your campfire fix this summer and turn up the fun! Just plunk it down on a cemented or gravel surface, insert some logs and light the fire. You can also use gas or propane fueled bowls if you don’t feel like starting up a fire from scratch.

Make a Romantic Atmosphere

You wouldn’t believe how much mood lighting can make a difference to your patio party and overall ambience. Load up on candles, string lights, fire torches and just about anything that creates a flickering light and sets the mood!

Photos By: CM Glover, Lindsey Adams, RJ Aldriedge, Mullin Landscape Associates, LGB Interiors, Barbara Grushow

People often wish they had a magic wand to transform their backyard into a beautiful, welcoming feature.  If one’s outdoor space is more miserable than magical, it’s time to figure out how to change it from jungle to joyful!

Creating a stunning outdoor space that works well for the family and looks good won’t happen overnight – magic wands simply don’t exist. This season we are spending more time outside than ever, which makes it critical to have our backyards in tiptop shape! With a little bit of planning and the right set of quality tools from my fave supplier Psep.biz, you can transform your outdoor space into your own private oasis the whole family will enjoy all summer long!

Analyze Your Space!

Before starting you project take a good look at your backyard space. What time of day does the sun reach it?  Does the yard need more privacy from neighbors?  Does an unattractive view need to be blocked?

Choose Your Backyard’s Purpose

Once you have decided what needs to be changed, take into account the fact that the backyard will be a place for fun and play for a number of years. You may also want the space to be an attractive oasis for relaxation, or a pleasant place for entertaining. The garden may even be transformed into a practical space where one can grow an assortment of fruit and vegetables.

Purchase the Right Tools and Equipment

To start creating your dream outdoor space don’t skimp out on purchasing quality, durable tools! A spade, rake, and hoe will help keep you on top of the gardening, but heavy-duty goods like chainsaws, lawnmowers, and power screwdrivers will help speed up your garden revamp

Create a Stunning Focal Point

The keep to an effective landscaping makeover is to create a focal point.  What this could be depends on the type of garden you want, but creating a seating space or even a water fountain is always a good idea.  Who doesn’t want an attractive, tranquil space in which to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor?

Revive Old Garden Furniture

Give your old garden furniture a quick makeover with a fresh lick of paint and turn some spare fabric into chair cushions, to achieve a new look for next to nothing.

Create a Shady Spot

If the outdoor seating area gets a lot of sun, it may be a good idea to ditch the parasol and construct a more solid structure for shade.  A wooden arbor can make all the difference in making a bland space magical. A small metal barn can add an industrial touch as well. Plant some climbing shrubs like honeysuckle by the arbor and create a gorgeous scented area to enjoy time with family and friends.  Make sure to add some beds or containers full of sweet smelling plants like carnations, lavender, or stocks.

Quick Outdoor Flooring Tip

If you are short on time, a tiled or gravelled section for your seating area is a good choice.  Just add containers full of flowers to add a splash of color, sit back, and enjoy!