Thursday, March 7, 2013

Patio furniture makeover for under 50.00

     It's beginning to look a lot like Spring!! Here in Jacksonville Florida, the weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping, and the backyard looks like a jungle. Okay, maybe not that bad. But it's definitely looked better. We stay outside on our deck the entire spring, summer, fall...not winter! Okay, sometimes in the winter. Our deck is fading, the last few weeks of storms and strong winds have knocked the gazebo canopy off, the palm trees are still in the house waiting on the last freeze to come by. It's just not looking hot out there. A few weeks ago I started re staining the deck. At $35.00 a gallon for stain, I've got to wait for our next paycheck to get the rest finished.
     My first project came to me in a big of a panic. We were having friends over for the first time this year, and of course, my patio furniture was old, faded, dingy, and just plain 'ol ugly. I couldn't have our friends see the patio like this. Besides, when I sit on someones furniture, I don't want to feel like I need a bath.
     Last year, during summer clearance (my favorite time of year), I purchased a new set of cushions for my outdoor chairs. They were $8.00 a piece, so I decided on 4. $32.00 for "new" chairs.

Before-Ugly right?

Much better! Excuse the mess, I'll be getting with that shortly.
 
The cushions had been on for maybe 6 months, but with company coming last weekend, I had to hurry and make it all look new. Problem was my couch. I wasn't about to pay 60.00 for a cushion that didn't fit it properly, plus the cost of new back cushions, pillows...You get the point.I went to my much hated Wal-Mart where I was able to get 3 yards of outdoor fabric for a whopping 2.50 a yard. $7.50 to reupholster the couch, yeah buddy!
 
This was taken last summer. These are the palms waiting to come back out and pretty up my deck again. The couch doesn't look back from this picture. Get close to it and you'll see the stains and rips. Not very inviting.
And here is what $7.50 in fabric can do.
 
After the cushions were all replaced, I realized it needed more. To plain and dull. That's when the light bulbs went off. Spray paint! I ran to Wally world again and grabbed 4 cans of glossy black spray paint at .97 a can. I ended up only using 3, but you can never go wrong with a spare. After the deck is completed, I will be posting pictures.
 
Project Total Breakdown-
New chair cushions $8.00 each on clearance-$32.00
Fabric for couch $2.50/yard, 3 yards purchased-$7.50
3 cans of spray paint-$2.91
 
Total-$42.41
 
Do you have any DIY on a budget outdoor projects you've done? I'd love to hear about it!

1 comment:

  1. When I think of decks and patios, I think summer, barbecues and fun times for all. I’m not a fan of the cleaning and maintenance involved though, especially after harsh winters and rainy springs. But I have to say that you’re affordable DIY has me inspired. I love the red and black couch! I’m excited to see how the finished deck is going to look. :)

    -Kylee

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