10 DIY Patio Furniture Projects To Build This Summer

Tired of overpriced, cookie-cutter patio furniture that looks like everyone else’s? Yearning for a comfy, unique outdoor space that reflects your personality? DIY patio furniture is the answer! Forget the stress of furniture stores and the frustration of limited options. With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can craft stunning, personalized pieces that will become the envy of your neighborhood, all while saving a ton of money!

10 DIY Patio Furniture Projects to Build This Summer

Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy those long sunny days than with a comfy and stylish patio? You can transform your outdoor space into a haven of relaxation and fun with some DIY patio furniture, and the best part is, you can do it all yourself!

Before

Imagine your patio: a drab, concrete slab, maybe with a few mismatched chairs and a rickety table. It doesn’t inspire much joy, does it?

After

Now, picture a cozy patio, furnished with charming tables and chairs you built yourself. A hammock strung between trees, an inviting sofa crafted from reclaimed wood, and a fire pit for cool evenings. All of this, made by you, with your own vision and creativity.

Bridge

Ready to turn your vision into reality? We’ve compiled 10 DIY patio furniture projects, from beginner-friendly to more advanced, to help you get started.

1. Pallet-Inspired Coffee Table

Start with something simple! Pallet coffee tables are a classic for a reason. They’re budget-friendly, require minimal tools, and offer a rustic charm that’s perfect for outdoor spaces.

What you’ll need:

• A standard pallet
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Optional: Wheels for mobility

Instructions:

1. Clean and sand the pallet, removing any rough edges.
2. Apply your chosen stain or paint.
3. Attach wheels, if desired, for easy movement around the patio.

Pro tip: You can add a glass top over the pallet for a more refined look, or create a unique piece by repurposing old window panes for a rustic-chic vibe.

2. Upcycled Tire Ottoman

Give those old car tires a new life as stylish ottomans! This project is a fun way to recycle and add eco-friendly charm to your patio.

What you’ll need:

• One or more old car tires
• Rope or fabric
• Staple gun
• Scissors
• Optional: Foam padding for extra comfort

Instructions:

1. Clean and sand the tires to remove any grime or sharp edges.
2. Cut the rope or fabric into strips slightly longer than the circumference of the tire.
3. Staple the rope or fabric around the tire, creating a tight, even layer.
4. Add foam padding for a softer seat, if desired.

Pro tip: Get creative with the fabric! Use colorful patterns, natural materials like burlap, or even old jeans for a unique look.

3. DIY Hanging Planter Chair

A hanging planter chair adds a touch of whimsy and comfort to any patio. It’s also a great way to showcase your gardening skills!

What you’ll need:

• A sturdy woven basket
• Rope or chain
• Hooks or a strong branch for hanging
• Plants of your choice

Instructions:

1. Securely attach the rope or chain to the basket, ensuring it can handle the weight.
2. Hang it from a hook or branch, making sure it’s secure.
3. Fill the basket with your favorite plants, creating a lush and inviting hanging chair.

Pro tip: Choose plants that are suitable for hanging and can thrive in partial shade.

4. Rustic Wooden Bench

For a classic and timeless look, try building a rustic wooden bench. It’s a perfect addition for a cozy corner or a relaxing spot by the fire pit.

What you’ll need:

• Wooden planks (2x4s are a good choice)
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the planks to the desired length for the bench seat and legs.
2. Attach the legs to the seat using screws.
3. Sand the wood smooth and apply stain or paint, if desired.

Pro tip: Use reclaimed wood for a truly rustic look, or create a more modern vibe with sleek, clean lines and paint.

5. Recycled Bottle Mosaic Table Top

Add a splash of color and a touch of whimsy to your patio with a recycled bottle mosaic table top. This is a great project for using up those empty wine bottles.

What you’ll need:

• Empty glass bottles
• A sturdy table base
• Mortar or concrete mix
• Grout
• Gloves and safety goggles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the glass bottles.
2. Cut the bottles into uniform shapes (be careful!), or use them whole.
3. Apply mortar or concrete mix to the table top, pressing the bottle pieces into the mixture.
4. Allow the mortar to dry, then grout the spaces between the bottles.

Pro tip: Use different colored bottles to create a mosaic pattern, or arrange them in a design.

6. Inexpensive Concrete DIY Patio Furniture

Concrete may seem like an unusual material for DIY patio furniture, but it can create sleek, modern pieces. You can build everything from side tables to benches with a little creativity.

What you’ll need:

• Concrete mix
• Molds (plastic, metal or wooden)
• Release agent
• Tools for smoothing and finishing (spatulas, trowels)

Instructions:

1. Grease or oil your molds to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the concrete according to the instructions.
3. Pour the concrete into the molds.
4. Smooth and finish the concrete as desired.
5. Allow the concrete to fully cure before removing it from the molds.

Pro tip: Experiment with different molds to create unique shapes and textures.

7. Wooden Pallet DIY Swing

A pallet swing is a fun and easy DIY patio furniture project that adds whimsy to your outdoor space. Combine it with some comfy cushions, and you’ve got a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine.

What you’ll need:

• A sturdy pallet
• Rope or chain
• Hooks or a strong branch for hanging
• Optional: Cushions and pillows for comfort

Instructions:

1. Securely attach the rope or chain to the pallet, making sure it’s strong enough for hanging.
2. Hang the pallet from a hook or sturdy branch.
3. Add cushions and pillows for comfort.

Pro tip: Use a softer pallet or add padding to the seat for extra comfort.

8. Repurposed Wicker Chair Makeover

Give a tired wicker chair a new lease on life with a paint makeover! This project is a great way to add a pop of color or a touch of vintage charm to your patio.

What you’ll need:

• Wicker chair
• Paint (spray paint or brush-on)
• Sandpaper
• Gloves and a mask (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and sand the wicker chair to prepare it for painting.
2. Apply a primer, if desired, to ensure better paint adhesion.
3. Paint the chair in your chosen color.
4. Allow the paint to fully dry before using the chair.

Pro tip: Use a bold, vibrant color for a statement piece, or choose a muted, earthy shade for a more subtle look.

9. Cinder Block DIY Patio Furniture

Cinder blocks are a surprisingly versatile material for DIY patio furniture, offering a minimalist and modern aesthetic.

What you’ll need:

• Cinder blocks
• Wood planks for seating or table tops
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange the cinder blocks to create your desired shape, using additional blocks for stability if needed.
2. Attach the wood planks to the top of the cinder blocks using screws.
3. Sand the wood smooth and apply stain or paint, if desired.

Pro tip: Experiment with different arrangements of cinder blocks to create unique designs.

10. DIY Outdoor DIY Bar Cart

Make entertaining a breeze with a DIY bar cart. It’s not just practical, but also serves as a stylish focal point on your patio.

What you’ll need:

• A sturdy base (old dresser, recycled wood, or store-bought)
• Wheels
• Additional wood for shelves or a top
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint

Instructions:

1. Prepare and reinforce the base.
2. Build the shelves and attach them to the base.
3. Attach the wheels to the base.
4. Sand, stain, or paint to fit your desired style.

Pro tip: Add a touch of personality with decorative hooks, baskets, or a personalized sign.

Conclusion

With a bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform your patio into a stunning retreat with DIY patio furniture. These projects are not only budget-friendly, but also allow you to express your personal style and create a space that truly reflects you. So get those tools ready and start building your dream patio oasis!