With May finally here and the sunshine creeping through all of those rain clouds, it is time to start getting ready for the long months of summer. One of the best ways to help cut down on cooling costs and soak up some rays is to enjoy time outdoors. Unfortunately, decorating your patio or lawn can be very pricey if you’re looking to completely remodel or start from scratch. There are a few ways to avoid the high prices if you’re willing to think out of the box. With these ten tips you’ll be able to transform your empty backyard, patio or porch or into an outliving room that will make you want to have company over all of the time. So, throw on some shorts and sunglasses and hit the stores so you’ll be ready when the first heatwave hits!
1. Shop Second Hand
When you’re looking to start your outdoor oasis from scratch you may want to begin your search in a local thrift store. There’s usually a few items that have come from different sets of patio furniture, so you will have a nice selection to choose from. Another thing to look for is items that can be transformed into suitable patio furniture. For instance, a nice glass table would make a great cocktail table for outdoors. You could also use the frames of some existing furniture to create a set that is ready to ensure the elements. If you have no luck at the thrift store then you may want to look for yard sales or used furniture shops, as you may find lots of luck here. Another option is to check the listings in your community to see if anyone is selling a set at a price that you can easily afford. Remember, you can always upgrade these pieces later, or add your own special touch to them so they suit the way your home looks.
2. Buy in the Winter
One way to avoid the high prices of outdoor furniture is to do your shopping during the winter months. This may be a bit more difficult if you choose to shop locally as many department and furniture stores will pack away these products during the winter months. If this is a problem then you should start shopping in late August when the sets begin to go on clearance. Of course, if shopping online isn’t a problem then you should wait until the weather gets cold before shopping. A lot of stores, especially those that specialize in outdoor furniture, will knock down the price substantially during the winter months. This helps them maintain business during the off season and helps you save money. You can choose from a wide selection of more expensive models this way without having to feel guilty about the price. So, if you have your eye on a set of furniture during the summer wait it out until winter before you buy. You can even keep the set in boxes until summer hits, so you’ll be able to enjoy the new furniture look during your first barbeque.
3. Cash in on Sales
The good thing about outdoor furniture is there tends to be a whole lot of sales surrounding the items. Summer tends to start out with Memorial Day, which automatically means huge weekend savings around the country. If you really want a set badly before the heat wave really sets in then this is probably the sale to hit. The next major sales period will hit around the 4th of July, but this may be too late to really get the most out of your furniture. Of course, there will be many sales that don’t involve holidays though so it is up to you to keep your eye out on the stores you’d prefer to buy from. A lot of stores may even hold sales welcoming summer, so call around, check online and look through sales papers to find out when you store is having an item at a discounted price.
4. Makeover Old Furniture
If you already own a set of patio furniture then you can easily make them presentable in just a few simple steps. Finding a new cloth for the body could be one easy way to take your drab furniture to the next level. You may even consider switching some of the fabrics or with specialized outdoor fabrics so your furniture can withstand the elements for a whole lot longer. Another great way to mix things up is to paint what you already have. A new coat of paint on wooden furniture not only helps it stay protected from the elements, but will make your yard shine. If you have metallic furniture then you may need to do some extra work to rid it of rust and build up, but this isn’t too hard if you know what you’re doing. Try to look up some tutorials online to help out with this project. Of course, you could always be adventurous and cut some of your larger furniture into single chairs or you may even consider bringing out old interior furniture and remodeling it for the outdoors. The project can even be turned into a bonding experience for the family.
5. Skip the Set
Sometimes it is all too tempting to buy a large set of furniture and call it a day. Sometimes these sets are filled with items you don’t really want or don’t have room for. They also might not fit your particular taste which could lead to disappointment later on. Instead of simply opting for a set try to find some furniture piece by piece. You don’t have to buy a lot to begin with, instead try starting out with a couple of chairs. The chairs don’t even have to match one another if you’re interested in creating a unique look. As time progresses consider adding a lounger, table or maybe even a swing which will help provide ample space for social gatherings or hanging out with the kids on a summer night. You may even find shopping piece by piece allows you to have more pride in your yard and how you present it to those around you.
6. Build Your Own
One of those more rewarding ways to enjoy your backyard is to build your own patio furniture. You may have to start out simple, but with a little practice you’ll have some cool furniture that you’ll be proud to show off to friends and family. If you’re looking to start off simple you may want to consider using some used goods from around the home. For instance, an easy way to make a relaxing swing chair is to strap an old tire to the top of the patio. This is a great place for kids to sit and will add a rustic look to your home. Of course, you can also easily make a basic swing seat from scrap pieces of wood. Another easy item to make is a frame for a simple wooden chair and a wooden table. As you begin to build these things you may find out more about your building skills so you can work with what you’re good at. You may even want to turn furniture building into a new hobby!
7. Shop Wisely
One of the best ways to cut down on the cost of your spending is to shop wisely. You should always have a fair idea of what you’re looking for before you go out, especially if you plan on visiting a furniture store. This will help you ward off the salespersons pitches so you’ll get what you want for exactly what it is worth. Another easy tip is to avoid certain stores altogether. You should start your furniture shopping at a store you know is going to offer great prices. Look for stores like Big Lots or Wal Mart that offer wide selections at prices that won’t make you rethink your budget. Another great thing to do before shopping is to know exactly what you need. This will ensure you don’t overdo it while shopping and buy accessories that probably won’t be used.
8. Invest in Covers
A lot of outdoor furniture certainly isn’t made to deal with some of the harsher elements. This is why you should invest in the proper covers for when your furniture isn’t in use. These covers are great for high end furniture as they will help keep your outdoor furniture looking almost as vibrant as the day you bought it. Covers are also great for areas that tend to have unpredictable weather. So, if you live in one of those regions where its not uncommon to sunshine all week and snow by the weekend, then a cover is a must have. They also protect the furniture during the off season months, which can help if you don’t have a lot of space to store the furniture. You can usually get these covers at a decent price, especially if you shop at a wholesale store. However, if you still feel the price is too much you could also use tarps as a cheaper alternative that will still work wonders on your outdoor living area.
9. Water Resistance
It is important to consider water resistance whenever you choose your patio furniture. A lot of brands will already spray down the cushioning with a water resistant seal, but it is always safe to check before you leave your furniture out in the elements. It isn’t a huge deal if your furniture doesn’t come with a water resistant seal. In fact, you may want to go over your furniture every summer with a water resistant spray anyway. This spray tends not to be too expensive and it doesn’t take a whole lot to get the job done. This product is especially important if you choose to make your own furniture or you buy from a second hand store. Without the seal your furniture could be ruined after the first rain of the season, or by the children simply splashing it with pool water. So, make sure to shop around and find a water resistant spray that suits your budget before you leave your furniture outdoors.
10. Layaway
If you’re already preparing for the summer months, but aren’t quite ready to set up all of the outdoor fun then layaway might be the way to go. This allows a store to hold your item for you until you can pay it off. The best thing is you don’t have to worry about interest charges and a lot of the time you can get the item on sale. It is a better option than purchasing items with a credit card as it will save you money while ensuring the item is already yours. In order to balance your budget you can make monthly payments on the goods which is especially great if you put the item on layaway during the winter months. By the time you pay off your new furniture it will be time to set it up and enjoy it properly in the beautiful weather. It will also allow you to spend some of your extra money on the extras for the yard, like toys for the kids or candles to deter those pesky mosquitoes.
Summer is a great time for bringing families together and letting them enjoy all the fun mother nature provides. With some outdoor furniture you’ll be able to take in the relaxed vibe summer puts off while sharing stories with friends and family. You may even decide to move all of your typical family activities, like dinner or board game night, into the backyard where you can soak up sun and enjoy the fresh air. With these tips you’ll certainly be on your way to a backyard that you’ll love to call home.
