A Green Guide to an Easy Patio Transformation
Summer is in full swing, and it's the perfect time of year to spend as much time outside as possible. If your patio or backyard is in need of a serious makeover this year, you're in the right place! We've rounded up some of the easiest and greenest DIY patio projects to completely transform your outdoor living space. From naturally-insect-repellant plants to DIY concrete staining, this guide offers projects for any home (or apartment!) and any budget. Read our green guide to an easy patio transformation for plenty of ideas for making your outdoor space an oasis!
DIY Concrete Patio Stain
Plain, ugly concrete can do a complete 180 with a concrete staining project! Getting your concrete patio professionally stained can cost upwards of $2000. But why would you empty your pockets for someone else to do it, when you can save hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars by doing it yourself? Pair ECOS Concrete Stain and Concrete Sealer with this DIY concrete stain tutorial, and you'll be well on your way to completely transforming your concrete patio.
Plant Lemongrass to Keep Mosquitos Away
Lemongrass contains the naturally bug-repelling citronella oil, and planting lemongrass around your patio can help keep pesky mosquitos at bay. If planted in pots, the long grass can provide a privacy barrier and - as a bonus - you can move it around to suit your needs! Read about more plants that naturally repel mosquitoes.
DIY Recycled Mosaic Patio
A DIY mosaic is the best way to reuse and recycle pieces of broken pottery, glass, mirror, tiles, and more. With a bag of cement, grout, some material pieces and some extra time, you can completely transform your patio into a gorgeous, completely customized mosaic masterpiece.
Don't have a flat floor surface to work with? You can still create a beautiful recycled mosaic on your patio table's surface!
Deck and Patio Stenciling
One of the most fool-proof ways to totally transform your deck or patio is to paint it using a stencil. Pattern your deck railings all the way around, create a tiled look by alternating stenciled squares with non-stenciled, or stencil a giant "rug" in the middle of your patio - the options are endless, so be creative! This inspo photo from Houzz shows a beautiful rug pattern which the homeowner stenciled directly onto the deck.
Recycled Pallet Patio Furniture
Pallet upcycling is all the rage, and it's no wonder why! You can often find pallets for $5 each or less (sometimes free) and they're very sturdy, making them a perfect contender for DIY recycled furniture projects. Stack pallets and add cushions for chic patio seating, use pieces to form a recycled-wood walkway, or stand two on end and top with a flat surface to make a DIY wine bar. Whichever pallet project you choose, you can feel good about recycling wood materials. The sky is the limit!
Painted Fence Mural
Fences are great for added security and privacy, but they can get a little boring to look at after a while. A DIY painted mural will spice your fence right up! You don't have to be an artist to give your fence a facelift. If you like the look of complex patterns, use a stencil or an overhead projector. Even a basic coat of all-over paint will completely transform the look of your fence and make your patio space feel completely new and fresh. Use a glossy exterior paint to make your design pop and ensure it will hold up against harsh weather.
