Patio Essentials You Can Learn How To Build Yourself

It’s definitely awesome to have a great patio and to spend time outdoors whenever you want, alone or with friends. But this is just the first step. In order for a patio to be functional and welcoming, it needs furniture, beautiful decorations and accessories. We’ll show you how you can make all these things yourself with these DIY patio essentials.

Get your privacy straight

wood-privacy-fence-diy

First of all, you need to have plenty of privacy on your patio so you and everyone else can feel comfortable there. One way to achieve this is by building a wall. You need some wood slats and the basic tools like nails and a hammer. You can then decorate the wall with planters.{found on designdininganddiapers}.

easy-patio-screen-privacy

Similarly, you can use lattice panels. Measure them and build frames for each one in case you need several. You can also paint them. Then haul them to the patio with screws and chains. Don’t they look awesome?{found on organizedchaosonline}.

Use-bamboo-fencing-to-make-a-privacy

A bamboo privacy screen also sounds really interesting. You need thin wood strips, wood stain, bamboo fencing, some small L brackets and cup hooks. Measure everything, build the frames and stain the wood. Secure the panels to the patio and enjoy.{found on christinasadventures}.

Privacy-screen-and-subway-planters

Want something more flexible? Build a privacy screen. You can use some old doors. Paint them, remove the old hardware and connect them with hinges. If you want you can paint each door a different color and also attach planters to them.{found on tatertotsandjello}.

striped-fabric-patio-privacy

Even easier would be to make a fabric privacy screen for the patio. You can start with simple white canvas drop cloth and then paint colored stripes on it or any other pattern or design. Use latex paint and tape. You also need a grommet kit and grommet refills.{found on homedepot}.

patio-curtains-for-privacy

Curtains are another great option. The hard part is installing the curtain rods but once you do that you just need to find or make the curtains. White seems like a perfect color choice here, being all breezy and simple.{found o polkadotchair}.

Build a bar

standing-outdoor-bar-from-pallets

A thing that completes any outdoor space and makes it that much more enjoyable is a bar. And one of the most versatile things you can use for such a project is a wooden pallet. So combine the two and build yourself a lovely outdoor bar perfect for parties or for private use.{found on stackeddesign}.

hanging-outdoor-bar

This is also a bar made out of pallets. You have to first disassemble the pallets and select the quality wood. You also need some pieces of lumber, wood glue, hinges, bolts, screws, washers, a drill, a saw and some nails and a hammer. The bar features a fold-up shelf.{found on hgtv}.

fold-down-wall-mounted-outdoor-bar

If you need something smaller and simpler to make, take a look at this pallet bar. It has a simple design and a fold-down door that doubles as a prep area when you’re mixing cocktails.

how-to-build-a-bar-from-cinder-blocks

No wooden pallets? Use concrete blocks instead. They’re really versatile too and you can arrange in a manner that also lets you have built-in planters. Plus, if you have leftovers, you can make a bench too.{found on designsponge}.

Build a table

diy-green-pallet-table-for-patio

Obviously, your patio also needs a coffee table. There are lots of different possibilities and designs you can try. For example, make a pallet table. You need two wooden pallets, four castors and some paint. The bench is also made of pallets and it looks great and super comfortable. Easy-to-build seating has never looked more attractive and comfortable.{found on placeofmytaste}.

old-tires-for-your-patio-design

Or you can use those old tires you keep in the garage. Stack two tires and add a round glass top. And here’s a quirky idea: paint the tires a funky color that makes them stand out. You can match them to the bench or other elements on the patio.

wooden-spoon-table

If by any chance you can get your hands on an empty cable spool, you can use it to make a table to put out on the patio. Add a glass top and you don’t even need to paint or stain the table unless you want to change its rustic look.{found on camelotartcreations}.

wooden-crate-on-wheels

A wooden crate can also be transformed into a coffee table. You’ll also need caster wheels, hinges, a handle, plywood for the top, some sandpaper and paint and outdoor polyurethane to seal it.{found on simplicityinthesouth}.

large-terra-cotta-table

A large terra cotta pot can make a lovely table for the patio. To get this look you need a large pot and a large tray plus some outdoor paint. Make sure the pot has the right height and that the tray can sit on top without sinking in.{found on dukesandduchesses}.

milk-can-table-for-patio

Remember those milk cans that looked something like this? They’re antiques now and if you’re lucky enough to find one you can build yourself a unique table for your outdoor patio. Paint it, add a top and turn it into a centerpiece.{found on fussymonkeybiz}.

wooden-barrel-table-and-cooler

Since we also mentioned ice buckets and coolers in this article, here’s a table that has one integrated in its design. The table is made from an old wooden barrel that’s been carved out. It looks amazing and it’s not that difficult to build.

outdoor-cooler-table-diy

But if you want a bigger table, try this design. It’s a dining table with built-in drink coolers. You can make the table from scratch or you can try to modify an existing one. The tricky part is finding the right cooler insert. Use planter boxes. They’re perfect in size and shape. The table needs a well-designed frame to support all the accessories.{found on domesticated}.

Patio seating options

summer-patio-made-from-cinder-blocks

And now let’s get to the important part: the seating. A patio needs to be comfortable and there are several ways in which you can make that happen. One solution is to build a simple bench using cinder and wooden blocks. Add a comfy mattress on top and you can even turn this into a casual sofa.

patio-cinder-blocks-design

This sofa is built the same way. It was placed against the wall and this allowed the cushions to have something to rest on for increased comfort. But if you don’t have a wall to use, just use this as a bench.{found on behappybeme}.

corner-pallet-sofa-for-patio

For large groups, a sectional would be nice. But the large ones are expensive so you can try to find alternatives. For example, use a bunch of pallets to make both a large sectional sofa and a matching coffee table. Paint the pallets black and add seat and back cushions.

Vertical flower garden for patio

If you want, you can also build a daybed and place it in a corner on the patio. Use reclaimed hardwood to cover the frame once you build it. Then add a chipboard top and a mattress. You can even give your daybed built-in storage underneath.{found on apprenticeextrovert}.

Planters and decorations

old-drawers-into-patio-planter

Once you have all the big pieces all figured out, it’s time to take care of the little things. For example, you can turn some old drawers into planters. Actually you’ll need a bit more than that. Perhaps you also have an old table and you can use the legs. Some scrap wood is needed for the base.{found on myrepurposedlife}.

vertical-flower-garden-for-patio

A vertical planter would also look beautiful on the porch. You can build a freestanding one which can be buried deep into the dirt to make it stable and secure. Let it lean against a wall and fill it with cute little colorful flowers.{found on theidearoom}.