How to Make Over Patio Furniture

It may be old and worn, but don't say good-bye to that patio furniture just yet. With a little bit of work, you can have your patio furniture cleaned up and ready to go for another season of barbecues, parties or just sitting outside and enjoying the view.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Wash patio furniture well with soap and water. After washing, rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid washing unfinished wood, though, as water is not good for the grain.

2. Lightly buff rusted metal with steel wool or sandpaper. Treat badly rusted metal with a chemical treatment.

3. Use a car polish or wax to return sheen to metal furniture.

4. Clean resin chairs and tables using orange oil. For white furniture, you can also try a diluted bleach solution.

5. Give wood tables and chairs a glossy new exterior with a coat of wood stain. Sand down uneven parts first to give the piece a consistent texture.

6. Paint metal, wicker or wood pieces of furniture with an outdoor paint or spray paint. Choose a bold color to really give pieces a bright new look.

7. Add a colorful design to chair backs or a tabletop by stenciling on a unique pattern.

8. Replace or recover old chair and bench cushions. If your chairs don't have cushions, add some. This simple change will give your seating an entirely new look.

9. Enhance the comfort and style of your chairs or bench by adding a few throw pillows in vibrant shades of summer.

10. Embellish your tabletop with a weather-proof tablecloth or a pot of your favorite flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• Store patio furniture indoors or cover it well during the winter or when it's raining to keep it looking new.
• Use a vinyl protectant to give your vinyl furniture a longer life.
• Wear gloves and goggles when using a chemical treatment on metal furniture.
• Experiment on an inconspicuous part of the furniture before using chemicals, steel wool or sandpaper all over.