5 Budget-Friendly Tips for a Super Spiffy Patio

As much as all the new comfy furniture for sale beckons, it’s just not in my budget to start over entirely—nor does it need to be. It’s amazing and satisfying to see how you can turn your space into the beautiful oasis you want with some of these easy changes.

Get started on your season of summer outdoor living by trying these 5 Budget-Friendly Tips for a Super Spiffy Patio.

1. Freshen Your Furniture

Patio and porch furniture takes a beating from the sun, rain and, at my house, yellow pollen. Begin by giving your outdoor furniture a good cleaning. While you’re at it, take time to tighten any screws or bolts that need it.

Spray painting your furniture is an easy DIY project if cleaning didn’t achieve the look you wanted. Wood, metal and even plastic lawn furniture can be easily painted. Be sure to look for cans labeled for the material you want to paint and follow all manufacturers’ instructions.

2. Get Comfy

Fabric cushions probably have taken the biggest beating on your furniture. The great thing about it they can be replaced or covered without buying new furniture.

To get started, remove your cover from your existing patio cushion. Examine the foam or padding to see if it is in good shape. If it is solid and not crumbling, you can order just a slipcover. Measure the cover to see what size to choose.

Or, if it is time to replace the whole cushion, measure the cushion and choose a replacement in the same size. Replacing just the cushions is a budget-friendly option compared to buying new furniture.

3. Work from the Top Down

Cleaning makes a huge difference in appearance. Before placing your spruced-up furniture back on the porch, take time to give the area a deep clean. Work from the top down so that you don’t knock dirt onto clean surfaces.

• Begin by dusting any ceiling fans and remove cobwebs. Give the glass on exterior fixtures a cleaning.
• Hose off brick or siding walls to remove dirt.
• Clean windows until they sparkle.
• Finish by rinsing or mopping off your deck or patio floor.
• Allow everything to dry and then arrange furniture.

4. Go Green

Nothing says outdoors like flowers and plants. It’s the icing on the cake for your patio! There are a number of thrifty ways to add in plants:

• Keep in mind many pots can be painted, just like the different types of furniture. If yours are worn, brighten them up with some spray paint.
• Don’t throw out your old soil. Instead, dump it in a wheelbarrow and mix in one new bag to add some nutrients back into it. Stir well and then fill your pots.
• There are inexpensive options for filling your planters:
  • Look for 4- or 6-packs of flowers, which are less expensive than one bigger pot. Remember they will grow!
  • Grab something from your yard. For example, divide a hosta and put half in a pot or dig up some ivy and let it trail out of a hanging basket.
  • If your porch is shaded, you can use potted houseplants. This is an economical idea because houseplants can spend the winter inside and come back outside next year.

5. Add a Fun Design Element

With the furniture arranged and plants filling your pots, it is time to add a fun element to your porch to give it some pop. Try an outdoor rug or hang some string lights across the space. (You can use leftover holiday lights if you don’t want to buy new ones.) Add some weatherproof art to the exterior walls by using removable adhesive hooks or brick clips for hangers. Dig into your candles and pop some into clear jars to set on the patio table.

A thrifty patio refresher is a fun way to make your outdoor area into a space where you’ll want to hang out all summer long.

 

Guest post by Lea Schneider, an organizing expert who writes for Home Depot about decluttering your home. She shares budget-friendly tips on refreshing your outdoor space by updating your patio cushions, repainting your flower pots and mixing up your decor.