How to Make Patio Furniture From Found Items

Since the patio is outdoors, we don't always want to spend a lot of money furnishing it. The cost of tables and chairs, gliders and rockers can really add up. Yard art and other outdoor accessories are often featured in high-end gift shops. But you can display your own individual creativity and make your patio or deck unique by furnishing it with items found in your daily travels.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for big empty spools that hold wires at construction sites. Turned on their side, the spools make great tables that can be put near chairs and benches. They can be painted or left untreated if you want a more natural look.

2. Cruise your local trash dumps. Some people don't have any other way of disposing of their patio and deck furniture or have nowhere to store it, so they take it to the dump. A drive-by should tell you if it is worth stopping or not.

3. Drive by higher-end neighborhoods on trash day. You will be surprised at what kind of stuff gets thrown away. Be prepared to scrape, paint or fix a broken table leg, chair or other furniture item.

4. Turn other items, which are not necessarily made for outdoor use, into outdoor furniture. Pieces such as old milk cans and children's wagons make nice plant holders. Turn old umbrellas into shade-makers by attaching them to the back of a high chair.

5. Make benches out of wood that you may find. Big logs turned on end make good stools and seats for your deck or patio.