10 Ways to Update Your Porch or Patio on a Budget
Spring has sprung for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere (even if we don’t think so), and if we’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, we’re probably thinking about sprucing it up. But whether you want to make your deck or patio more comfortable or just give it a fresh look to kick off the season, updates can be expensive. Luckily, there are a few things you can do, even if you don’t have the budget for a major renovation, to spruce up the place and make your yard, deck, etc. look that much better.
Add some lighting
If you already have outdoor outlets or lights, you can simply add some string lights ($35.99) or upgrade your outdoor wall sconce ($42.65) with a new one. If you don’t have outdoor outlets, solar panels allow you to add some sparkle to your porch or patio. Adding a solar lantern (two for $23.99) or a set of string lights ($9.99) is as easy as finding a sunny outdoor spot to install them.
Lay down the carpet
To make your space more comfortable for morning coffee or lemonade after splashing barefoot, the outdoor rug ($28.95 for a 3-by-5-foot rug) is just what you need. You can also use a larger rug ($59.49 for an 8-by-10-foot rug) to demarcate your outdoor furniture space from your entertaining areas. A good outdoor rug is waterproof and can be cleaned with a hose for ease.
Hang curtains or curtains
By hanging curtains, you can create shade and make the space look more elegant. You can add weather-resistant curtain panels ($13.29 per panel) by hanging several outdoor curtain rods ($17.99 for an extendable curtain rod, 66 to 120 inches long). You can also use roller shades ($49.98 for a 7-by-6-foot panel) instead of a stiffer sunshade. Curtains can also help reduce some of the wind and make outdoor dining more comfortable.
Add a pot
Adding a large planter ($49.99) in which you can plant a porch-sized tree ($44) can become a focal point and add some greenery to your patio or porch. Remember that if you are planting a tree, you will either need a tree that is suitable for your local climate or a tree that can be stored indoors for the winter. An alternative to one large pot is to use several smaller planters (set of three for $58.03) to scatter some greenery ($9.99 each) or flowers ($19.47 each) around the space.
Make your furniture cozier
Porch furniture is essential for warm spring days, but to keep it cozy when the weather is still a little chilly, you’ll need reinforcements. Using a few outdoor blankets ($15.99) as well as pillows ($49.99 for two) and pillows ($18.99 for four) can make your time outdoors in the spring a little warmer and nicer. If you have an outdoor patio, even if your textiles are waterproof, using a tarp or bringing pillows and blankets indoors when it rains will make your furniture more comfortable without waiting to dry.
Give your furniture a fresh look
Outdoor furniture goes through a lot of abuse. It’s exposed to sun, moisture, and lots of BBQ guests (if you’re lucky). If your furniture is durable but starting to wear out, you can use paint to give it new life. Painting metal furniture with spray paint ($6.19) is a fairly simple DIY process, but you’ll probably need a rag ($9.99) to clean up any excess splatter and a wire brush ($3.47 USA) to prepare the surface. If you have wood furniture, you can also use acrylic paint ($34.98/gallon) to give it some protection. If you don’t want to paint the entire piece, you can choose to paint using acrylic or latex, or paint some accents instead.
Paint your floor
To freshen up a concrete floor or old deck boards, a coat of paint can really help. Using a stencil ($15.99) and some paint ($18.99), you can give your old concrete floor a pattern. For the decking, you can choose a paint color ($17.49) with an optional anti-slip handle ($9.24) to make your porch safer and more colorful.
Get a bar cart
Whether you prefer coffee or liquor, a small outdoor bar can make your outdoor space more comfortable. Consider this bar cart ($39.99) for serving cocktails or lemonade to enhance your porch or patio experience.
Turn on the fire function
I love the fire feature for outdoor entertaining. You can even add a small pedestal fire ($99.99) for a little warm glow, or opt for a table-sized fire ($156.99). Remember that fire safety equipment should be located at least three feet away from flammable objects, and you should follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Or maybe a heater
With even cooler mornings and evenings, a patio heater is a great way to liven up your outdoor space in the spring. You can use a small infrared heater ($55.99), which uses electricity to use energy efficiently, or you can choose a heater that runs on propane ($99.99). Be sure to follow all manufacturer safety instructions to avoid any possibility of fire.