How To Get Your Deck/Patio Summer Ready

The title of this post should really be how to get you patio summer ready on a budget, but we can talk about that later. First let’s talk about the difference between a deck and a patio. A deck is a big porch that’s attached to the house, but it does not have a roof. On the other hand, a patio is a place on the ground. Patios can be attached to the house, but they don’t have to be.

My deck is situated on the second level of the house. To paint a picture for you, we walk from our family room to the deck, but the basement is located right below the family room, and then we have the bedrooms and bathrooms on the third level of the house, above the family room. To get your patio summer ready, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. But you do need is a picture of what you want and a way to get it.

How To Get Your Deck/Patio Summer Ready

1. Have a picture of what you want your place to look like

Sometimes it’s hard for people to believe in your dreams because they cannot see what you see. The picture that you are looking at right now is a picture that I’ve had in my head for over 15 years. I have always known what I wanted my favorite outdoor space to look like, but I never had the money to make it happen. That’s why I mentioned above that you need to have a picture in your head. My project cost me less than $1000 and I thank God for providing the means for me to make it happen.

     2. Get a Gazebo if you need one

If you have a deck like I do, you might need a gazebo. Sunny days require a roof. We got ours from Walmart, but Amazon has tons of them. The total price for mine was about $340. We bought it in early February because they get more expensive around Spring and Summer time.

      3. Shop for patio furniture

My husband and I had to decide between a dining set and a conversation set for the patio. I know we will be doing a lot of cooking and eating outside during the summer, but the whole point of having this outdoor space is comfort. I want to be able to go outside and read my book or work on my laptop. So we decided on a conversation set, which you can find in my shop. This set also comes with covers, so you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty during pollen season. We paid $72 for the faux grass carpet at Home Depot. I am pretty sure you can find it at Walmart, too.

 

4. Find the perfect center piece for your table

To add a tropical vibe to my décor, I bought some sea shells and a glass bowl at Walmart. The yellow see shells were spray painted by me and the kids. They are a great addition to keep the color scheme going and they cost me less than $20.00.

5. Get your patio summer ready with an Ottoman

This rainbow Ottoman has to be my favorite piece on the deck. It’s colorful, multi-purpose, and it is durable! I use it to add colors to the patio, and I also use it to store the furniture covers.

 

6. Don’t forget the accent pillows

Add accent pillows for comfort and style. I got these two at Walmart for about $37. These 18″X18″ outdoor pillows are durable and I love the materials. They really feel as good as they look.

7. Coasters can be fun, too

At less than $5.00 for 7, you cannot go wrong with these coasters. But I have to admit, they add more colors than actually getting the job done. I would not recommend them for absorbency.

8. Add a bistro set on your deck

Create a little corner for morning coffee while listening to the birds sing. I bought this set at Walmart for $150, now it costs over $200. That’s why it’s important to buy patio furniture during off seasons. I got the Conch shells from a neighbor who was moving to a different state.

9. Beautify your place with some plants

I spent about $15-20 on planters. I got some at Walmart, and the big ones holding the palm trees at Home Depot. The palm trees cost me $19 each, also from Home Depot. What’s tropical vibes without palm trees, right!? I bought the indoor palm trees so I can bring them inside during the cold season. They were less expensive, too.

10. Add a bench to watch the sunset with your partner

This bench that I paid almost $130 for,  to watch the sunset with my husband, is my mother-in-law’s favorite. She loves everything about it, the size, the color, where it is located on the deck. She just loves it! I don’t blame her. The bench is well-made, and the mint green color makes it look so attractive.

Getting your patio summer ready requires time and money. But most importantly, it requires having a picture of what you want in your head. Spend time to explore different ways to get what you want. Spend your money wisely. And definitely spend time to enjoy the view!

Don’t forget to share your tips with us below!