Outdoor Deck Deck Decorating Ideas

8 Budget-Friendly DIYs for Your Deck or Patio

Tackle these projects and spend more time outside this season.

It's that time of year again: With the weather warming up, you're likely thinking about sprucing up your deck or patio to get more use out of it this spring and summer. Outdoor furniture and decor can be expensive, especially for a space you may only use a few months out of the year. Luckily, you can make a big impact outside with wallet-friendly DIYs. Tackle some of these projects — from privacy solutions to entertaining essentials — and create an outdoor space you'll want to spend time on. Bonus: Many of these ideas are great for renters and small-space dwellers, too.

Upcycled Bar + Buffet

Upcycled Cabinet Mini Bar 01:31

Transform a hutch into an outdoor snack and mini bar.

Have an old hutch or cabinet at home that's just collecting dust? Transform it into an outdoor entertaining station with plenty of storage and serving space. You can even add a mini fridge to keep drinks and snacks cool.

Storage Bench

Who couldn't use more storage outside? This DIY bench with beautiful fretwork panels has a hidden compartment under the seat. Get the lumber cut to size at the hardware store to simplify the project.

Movie Screen

DIY Outdoor Movie Screen 02:12

Make your own collapsible screen for outdoor movie nights.

There's nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars. An all-weather TV can cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, but you can set up a projector and screen for much less. Make this easy DIY movie screen using PVC pipes and a white sheet.

String Light Solution

Café lights add a gorgeous glow to an outdoor living space, but they can be tricky to hang if you don't have trees or other tall objects to string them from. Here's a freestanding solution for hanging lights that uses planters and wood posts. It's totally temporary, so it's perfect for renters.

Plant + Privacy Wall

DIY Plant Wall 02:15

Learn how to make a DIY plant wall in just a few easy steps.

Don't let a tiny patio (or a tiny budget) stop you from enjoying lots of lush greenery on your outdoor space. Make this DIY living wall with a few low-cost supplies, then hang potted plants from it. As the plants grow, they'll also provide privacy.

Easy Rug Update

Outdoor rugs can be pricey, but you can give a plain, inexpensive one a colorful, customized makeover with some paint and tape.

Tabletop Fire Pit

Tabletop Fire Pit 02:20

Create a cozy area on your porch by building a tabletop fire pit.

The warmth of a fire pit can instantly cozy up a patio, but they can take up a lot of room. Make this space-saving tabletop version that's just as beautiful as a full-size one.

Portable Privacy Screen

Can't hang curtains from your deck or patio? Get the look by making this portable privacy screen with PVC tubing and simple, inexpensive bedsheets. You can use any color sheets to complement your other outdoor decor.