DIY outdoor patio furniture ideas on a budget

by Jan Kennemer 03/09/2025

If you’re in need of outdoor patio furniture ideas that won’t break the bank and look great in an outdoor living room, there are plenty of stylish options to consider. Whether you upcycle items you already own or create them from scratch with your DIY skills, you can decorate your outdoor space on a budget in a variety of ways.

Some of the best patio ideas can be achieved with a simple DIY process and a few inexpensive materials. To help inspire you, here are some great budget outdoor patio furniture ideas:

Crafty crate tables

Wooden crates are a goldmine for DIY furniture inspiration. They fit in recreational outdoor rooms, dining areas and other outdoor spaces. In fact, one excellent budget-friendly option for outdoor patio furniture is to make a coffee or cocktail table from wooden crates. By laying a crate on its side, you can create a surface for food, drink or your favorite book.

At the same time, the open side can be used to store any number of items, from children's toys to potting supplies. The built-in storage is especially advantageous for small patios and yards.

Add a coat of paint in a fun, fresh hue to bring a pop of color to your space. Or, choose a weatherproof wood stain to enjoy the natural wood texture in your outdoor area.

Perfectly painted lawn chairs

Don’t give up on outdated folding outdoor seating. Whether they’re upright or lounge chairs, a quick wash and a coat of outdoor spray paint can completely transform them into stylish outdoor furniture that’s easy to store away when not in use.

Not only is spray paint an excellent budget-friendly solution, it’s easy to change down the road. If you decide to change the color scheme of your patio setup, you can always add a fresh coat of paint. Spray paint also works on a wide variety of surfaces, so you can use this same idea on wicker chairs, woven chairs and more.

Simple slipcovers

Rather than replace the cushions on your patio benches or lounge chairs, try enhancing your sitting area for less by making budget-friendly DIY slipcovers from a variety of fabrics around the house. One chic option for homemade slipcover material is colorful beach towels.

With beach towels, you’ll have colorful pillows in a pinch. They’re also inexpensive and easy to clean. So, when it’s time to wash the slipcovers, simply toss them in the washing machine to make them good as new.

These are only a few ways to upgrade your old patio furniture on a budget. Rather than buy something new, revisit items you may have stowed away. You might be able to give them new life with something as simple and inexpensive as a coat of paint.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.