The garden - or any outdoor space you possess - is the perfect place to get creative and try your hand at DIY. And you don’t need to be particularly skilled in DIY to master most DIY outdoor furniture ideas, at least the basic ones anyway.
But of course, there are plenty of more advanced garden furniture ideas more suitable for serious DIYers. But even if you stick to the simpler designs, you can create some of the best garden furniture that’s going to be forever special and personal to you because you’d made it with your bare hands.
And that’s exactly why we at Ideal Home love an easy DIY project – that and the fact it’s a budget-friendly way to elevate our homes.
DIY outdoor furniture ideas
‘For a first-time DIY builder, I'd always recommend starting with a basic bench or planter-style coffee table,’ says Ionel Giuran, Fantastic Gardeners' landscaping expert and designer. ‘These teach you the basics of measuring, cutting, bracing and finishing without being overwhelming. Once you master that, you can move into more detailed styles with built-in storage or moving parts.’
1. Choose the type of wood wisely
Not all wood is created equal – which is exactly why you should choose yours carefully before using it to make your garden furniture. Teak and acacia are widely the highest recommended as they are the most long-lasting styles of garden furniture but they can be on the pricey side – so there are more affordable alternatives, too.
‘For outdoor furniture, it's best to use woods that are naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. Teak is at the top of the list because it’s dense, has natural oils that repel water and weathers beautifully into a silver-grey patina if it's left untreated. However, it’s also expensive. Cedar and redwood are more affordable and still highly weather-resistant. They contain natural compounds that deter insects and fungal growth, making them ideal for humid or rainy climates. Acacia is another good hardwood that’s budget-friendly and durable, though it requires regular oiling to prevent cracking. Untreated woods, such as spruce or birch, are not suitable unless you're using them in a covered area or you're willing to do a lot of sealing and maintenance,’ Ionel at Fantastic Gardeners says.
2. Create industrial-style concrete designs
If you want to create something more artistic, advanced and impressive, why not give concrete a try? It’s the perfect material for modern, minimalist garden furniture designs that are sure to look expensive.
‘Concrete is another interesting DIY material for more modern or industrial-style furniture pieces, such as benches or coffee tables, even though it’s heavy and a bit trickier to shape for beginners,’ Ionel says.
3. Update your furniture with a new coat of paint
If you want something super easy to do that also doesn’t take that much time then giving your old garden furniture a lick of paint is a good way to go. But you can still go for some creative paint ideas and paint anything from patterns to something like a wavy or scalloped edge. Or you can just go for a cool new shade that will brighten up your garden.
‘For painting outdoor furniture, you should always use exterior-grade paint, which is formulated to withstand sunlight, moisture and temperature changes. Acrylic latex paint is one of the best choices because it’s flexible, water-resistant, adheres well to wood and doesn’t crack easily with weather changes. It also dries faster and is easier to clean up than oil-based paints. Before painting, always make sure to use a primer made for outdoor use, especially if you're painting bare or pressure-treated wood. After painting, it's strongly recommended to apply a clear outdoor polyurethane or spar urethane sealer, especially for high-traffic pieces, such as tables and chairs,’ Ionel at Fantastic Gardeners advises.
Frenchic's Al Fresco outdoor paints are the Ideal Home team's go-to for their matt, chalk finish and lovely colours. And this soft sage green is not only one of the bestsellers, it's also one of our favourites.
Soft blues are not only having a moment in interiors but also in our outdoor spaces - so why not paint a bench or a set of chairs in this light wood paint shade from Cuprinol, specifically designed for outdoor use?
£10 for 5 litres of paint?! This bargain of a price has us wondering whether we've encountered a glitch in the B&Q system or if it's the standard price for Ronseal's large tub of outdoor wood paint. Either way - run, don't walk!
4. Use pallets to make simple garden seating
Put together a relaxed seating arrangement for a patio or deck using a salvaged wooden pallet idea. As with any project that uses salvaged wood, check the wood thoroughly first to make sure that there are no protruding nails or staples and give the surface a light sanding over to get rid of any rough edges and wood splinters.
Creating a simple outdoor bench like this one is super-easy to do. You’ll need three pallets of roughly the same size. Start by stacking two pallets, one on top of the other, to form your base and use a drill and screws to secure them together. Use the third pallet, propped in a vertical position to create the back of your bench, securing it in place with the drill and screws.
Style your pallet seating by painting it with a colourful wood finish or try a natural wood stain for a more rustic look. Then simply add cushions and throws to make it super-comfy.
5. Build your own corner seating set-up
Building your own outdoor seating using reclaimed timber is a great way of cutting costs and also allows you to tailor the arrangement perfectly to suit the size and layout of your outdoor space. While it’s not a project for a novice, it should be a fairly simple build for a competent DIYer to put together.
A corner arrangement like this makes great use of space in a small garden and creates a sociable layout positioned around a coffee table or fire pit. Including lift-up seats with space underneath for storage will also give somewhere to stash garden cushions and throws when they’re not in use.
6. Make garden cubbies from old crates
Find a new use for old wooden fruit crates by making mini wall shelves for a patio area or inside a potting shed. You can even paint the crates in cheery colours, using exterior garden paint to give them a weatherproof finish. Secure crates to the wall using wooden battens on the reverse, or add a couple of wall brackets if you intend to stow weightier items inside.
Smaller-sized crates like these are great for displaying planters or garden bric-a-brac and look effective in mini groupings on a wall. Alternatively for something more robust, use large wooden wine crates to create a bigger arrangement, securing them onto wall brackets for extra stability.
7. Spruce up a table with smart stripes
If your wooden garden table has seen better days, instead of replacing it, try an easy pick-me-up and give it a fresh lick of paint. Painting a panel of contrast stripes to run along the centre will create the look of a table runner and is an easy way of adding more of a decorative twist.
Give the table’s surface a light sanding and wipe down before you start painting. Then give the whole table a couple of coats of white paint, using an exterior paint for a weatherproof finish. Once dry, use small tester pots of paint in contrast colours to create the striped runner effect. Use masking tape to help create the stripes and give a neater edge.
8. Create outdoor shelving
Brighten up a dreary exterior wall by creating a display area for plants and garden ornaments. Reclaimed scaffold boards are a sturdy, all-weather option for an outdoor space and will add a rustic look to a patio dining or seating area.
Add extra wow to your wall with a creative garden paint idea by painting it a bold, standout colour. Greenery and shelving will pop against vibrant shades of blue or dark green and will bring the whole space to life. Arrange scaffold-board shelving at staggered heights and fill the space with a mix of plants and planters in assorted shapes and sizes.
9. Make your own garden cocktail bar
Opt for a garden bar on a budget by upcycling an old potting bench to create a fun outdoor drinks station. Shelves underneath give plentiful storage for drinks supplies and glasses, while a row of drawers gives a handy place to stash utensils and cocktail making kit.
Use exterior paint in a bright, cheery shade to give your bar a touch of the tropics. Try tiling the work surface or cladding it in a sheet of stainless steel to give a practical, wipe-clean prep space for cocktail-making duties.
10. Repurpose a step ladder
Make a vintage-style display stand for the patio by upcycling an old wooden step ladder. Use assorted lengths of timber scaffold boards to create the shelves and you’ll have a lovely, rustic showcase for displaying garden plants and flowers.
Start by giving your ladder a quick scrub and sanding it down to remove any rough edges and splinters. Then add shelves, using different lengths of board in increasing sizes, screwing them onto the ladder’s rungs to secure. Leave the wood in its natural state for a worn, weathered vibe or add some colour by painting the ladder and shelves in a bright outdoor paint if you’d prefer something livelier.
11. Make an easy outdoor mirror
Adding a garden mirror idea is an easy way of brightening up a small outside space or enclosed area. A mirror will help to bounce incoming light around and make the space feel sunnier and more spacious.
Try making your own window-pane style mirror using a simple frameless mirror and a piece of garden trellis. Start by cutting your trellis to size using a small hand saw. Then use a paintbrush or small roller to paint trellis with a couple of coats of exterior paint. Once dry, use grab adhesive to stick the trellis onto the front of your mirror. Leave to dry and then secure to an outdoor wall or fence panel.
12. Make a display out of old drawers
Find a new use for an out-of-action chest of drawers by using individual drawers to make colourful wooden planters. Try mounting a slimline drawer on brackets to create a fun wall display, or alternatively use the base of an old table, chair or suitcase stand to make a quirky raised planter.
Use exterior paint to spruce up your drawers in a cheery colour. Before painting, drill a couple of holes in the base to provide drainage for plants and line drawers with plastic membrane to protect the wood from rotting.
13. Set up your own DIY outdoor kitchen
Make a kitchen work station to sit alongside your outdoor barbecue area so that all your cooking essentials are close to hand. Use a couple of slatted fence panels to act as the backdrop for your kitchen. It will help to keep the set-up contained and the slats provide a useful surface for hanging utensils and chopping boards.
Finish off your kitchen with an outdoor table or bench to act as an outdoor prep space. Fix shelves on the timber panels so you'll have storage for cooking oils and condiments and stand a couple of wooden crates and baskets underneath for bulkier cookware, pans and grills.
FAQs
What can I use for outdoor furniture?
Pallet wood has become increasingly popular for garden projects as it is often free and readily available. While wooden pallets are designed to be stored outside when in use for packaging and shipping, the wood isn’t treated for long-term outdoor exposure, so will need weather-proofing if pallet furniture is to be left outdoors all season long. Use a timber stain or varnish if you want the wood to retain its rustic look, or alternatively try exterior paint if you’d prefer a splash of bolder colour.
Pallet wood can often be dirty and stained, so should be thoroughly cleaned before use. Loose staples and protruding nails are also a problem and can be quite sharp, so check over any wood fist, removing these to make it safe. It’s also worth giving the surface a light sanding to get rid of any rough patches and splintered wood.
How do I make my patio furniture look good?
Protecting outdoor furniture from the elements is the best way of keeping it looking tip-top. While weather-proofing treatments will protect outdoor timber from rain and sun damage, it’s inevitable that after a long summer spent outdoors, furniture will end up looking past its best.
Investing in outdoor covers is an easy way of protecting outdoor seating, with covers easy to zip on or off when the weather is inclement. Removable cushions are a good idea too as they can be popped away in the shed or a storage chest when there’s a shower. Opt for zippable covers that can be machine washed or water-repellent and mildew-resistant fabrics so that they’ll stay looking good for longer.
Clean garden furniture regularly to keep it looking its best. Bring out the vacuum if you have woven furniture, which will help to remove dirt and dust that’s trapped in the weave. Use a stiff brush to clean wooden furniture and then wipe down with a damp, soapy cloth. Avoid using a jet washer on wood as it can make wood swell and loosen the joints.
So which new creation or upcycling ideas for the garden are you looking to try first?
