10 DIY Outdoor Furniture Ideas
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Doug Levy
Here are 10 ideas for deck and patio furniture you can make yourself—for both beginner and experienced woodworkers.
Warm weather brings everyone outdoors more often and using the deck or patio as an extension of your living space makes sense. To create a homey feeling that reflects your style and personality, and to save a bit of money, try your hand at making one or more of these 10 DIY outdoor furniture ideas. With something for every skill level, you’re sure to find the perfect project for your next free weekend.
The Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture
When you take the time to create a masterpiece, you want it to withstand the elements. So before diving into creating your own outdoor furniture, let’s talk about material choices and their finishes.
Some types of wood are naturally resistant to decay. The best options for outdoor wood furniture are:
CedarWhite oakRedwoodCypressTeak
DIY Outdoor Furniture Ideas
Side table with patio paver top
Courtesy Crafted by the HuntsCreate this simple side table with three 2”x2”x8’ lengths of wood and a 16”x16” patio paver. To brighten your porch and make the table an economical option, choose inexpensive pine and paint it. Give the table a finishing touch by stenciling a design on the top.
DIY outdoor chair
Your bright new table needs a chair. Make one to match using six lengths of 2”x2”x8’ framing lumber and two lengths of 1”x3”x8’. Add some pre-made outdoor cushions, and you have the perfect place to get cozy with a book. Angela Marie Made has all the details.
Rope and tire ottoman
Prop your feet up and rest a spell with this unique and totally upcycled ottoman shared by Style Me Pretty Living. All you need is an old tire and some rope. If you can wield a glue gun, you’ll have no trouble creating this hassock that’ll keep your feet happy and provide additional seating on your deck.
Fast and easy sling chair
Courtesy Woodcraft MagazineUpright chair with cushions not your style? Perhaps you’ll enjoy the more relaxed feel of a sling chair. This design requires a bit more skill than the previous chair but the effort will be worth it. Choose a decay-resistant wood to keep this folding chair looking gorgeous for many years.
Game table
Add some fun and games to your front porch with this easy game table. The urn-style planter used for the base doubles as storage for game pieces. You can paint a game board (tic-tac-toe is shown) on one side of the wooden top and leave the other side plain for general use.
Easy-peasy Adirondack chairs
Nothing says “Relax” like an Adirondack chair on the patio or under a maple tree. Don’t settle for cheap plastic ones that blow away in the breeze when you can easily make your own sturdy chair with TOH’s Tom Silva as your guide. Better yet, make two and enjoy that breeze with a friend.
Modern lounge chair
Erin Longfellow/Courtesy Maker GrayIf you prefer a more contemporary vibe, you can make this cushioned modern lounge chair. If sewing’s not in your skillset, you can buy ready-made cushions or have them made to fit.
Poolside bar
What’s a pool party without a little liquid refreshment? Build this poolside bar by Hillside Design Studios with a couple of pallets. Or buy your lumber new and stain it to match the rest of your outdoor furniture.
Mobile grill cart and prep table
This DIY grill cart is so roomy it doubles as a prep table. It includes casters so you can move it where you want it, a pull handle that can be used for hanging towels, and a lower shelf to store your BBQ essentials. If you don’t plan to keep it covered, choose a moisture-resistant wood or finish pine with an exterior paint or stain.
Easy outdoor dining table
Courtesy Arin SolangeServe amazing BBQ to your friends on this super easy-to-make DIY outdoor dining table. All you need are 2”x4”s, paint, stain, and screws to create this modern table in an afternoon. And, if you have a little more time and wood, make a few benches to match.
