Patio dull

Question

My patio is 18'x 14' and is covered by a huge oak tree, need something to liven it up, have patio table but nothing else, money is limited.

JC · Answer

Find some local place that gives away wood pallets. Get enough to make seats setting pallets on cinder or foundation blocks.  Put them all around the outside edge of the patio to make seating. You can paint or stain them and add weatherproof cushions or pillows in colors you like.  You can get enough pallets to attach to the seat pallets for backs if needed.  Cost would be low as pallets would be free.  Can always find 'oops' paint at a local hardware store and cushions can come later....maybe add a portable fire pit in the center of seating area when finances permit. Buying end of season cushions for next season is an option as well. And the pallets can be taken apart and rebuilt in a configuration you might like better...Me?  I would leave them together...I am not THAT talented!!!!

Opal · Answer

Try listing what you want on Freecycle (everything is free) and also check craigslist for lower cost items. This should be a good time of year for patio furniture because folks are looking to replace their stuff. I bought most of my stuff used on craigslist. While looking for patio furniture or pallets as suggested above, other options to consider if you are handy are fence boards to build with, paint or stain to finish, yard art, plants, cushions, outdoor carpet, items to re-purpose (changing table or shelf unit to drinks/food/bbq buffet, plant stands to tables, crate for a coffee table,). Also check Ikea if you have one in your area. Agree with JC about pallets, if you can don't take them apart, it is a lot of work and the nails are evil but be sure to wash them well. Have fun with it and I hope you post whatever you come up with.

Maureen estell · Answer

I would encircle the oak tree with colorful flowers, mulch it, place some 'found' rocks for interest, and put 1or 2 solar spot lights shining on the tree trunk. You could enlarge the tree area by curving it into the outside corner of the patio to soften that edge. Perhaps a flower box under your double window, and fill your pots with varying heights of greenery Search your local thrift stores for other interesting pieces or outside furniture. If finances permit, you could even stain the concrete patio a complimentary color.
I like JC's idea of a pallet bench on the edge of the patio.  Have fun in whatever you decide!

Susan Creviston · Answer

I would put ferns or hostas around your tree and flowers in the pots. Purchase a patio umbrella for your table.

Barb Witherspoon · Answer

Build some planters to cover the exposed foundation. Here's one idea using concrete pavers. http://www.dreamgarden101.com/diy-concrete-planter-box/

Mark · Answer

Etch/Paint concrete. Add planter box around tree. Add pallet planters/seating around patio. Add grasses or small shrubs around the perimeter of patio. Example of planters I built http://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/how-to-make-a-pallet-planter-box-6191615

Marilyn H · Answer

Agree about the flowers and hostas. Table, chairs, bright umbrella and oh some cool shutters for those windows and maybe window boxes :)

Mary Ker · Answer

Make some art and hang it on the wall of the house.  Craiglist also has free items.  Maybe get some long poles for the corners of the patio, and hang xmas lights from the house to the poles to outline the porch.

Betty Miller · Answer

I see your are in Kansas so anything you put out there has to stand up to weather.  My suggestion for outdoor furniture is something without cushions. I can't tell which side of house this is if it north shade plants for sure.  South you could have sun plants.  Watch garage sales or Goodwill some times you can come up with some cheap finds for furniture.  Watch this site for re purpose projects.  Ask friends if any of they have perennials or Spring bulbs that  need to be split and get left overs.   Some times if you offer to help dig up old flower bed for a senior you can get some great starts. Good luck.

Dennis Hubbard-hirvilammi · Answer

burn it down start all over lol

Jud1016678 · Answer

Put up Awning (retractable) Add pallet fence! Plant lots of colorful flowers!

Mark · Answer

It looks like your patio is slanted and the step is broken. If you have the money, you could add a deck over the patio. Make it even with the backdoor. Paint the house.

S. Roy · Answer

It looks like you are considering painting the house yellow.That will be more cheerful to start with. Add some white shutters and window boxes with colorfol plants and flowers. Paint the patio concrete green and add an outdoor area rug. Others have already made many good suggestions. Have fun!!

Don · Answer

Well as you know you can't do ANYTHING without spending some cash...or credit but, I like the ideas about plants in different areas (maybe your home supply store has a 'clearance' rack), getting some pallets or discarded wood to make interesting tables/chairs/walls/partial roof. I like the idea of free stuff from any source; craigslists, freecycle, dumpsters, large distributors often have pallet type wood if you can get permission. 
 I also like the idea of the two poles and stringing some lights around to define the area. Maybe getting some cinder blocks and painting them different colors from discarded paint...go to Pinterest or Google do searches on 'free ideas and patio decorations' or, some combination of words. 
 If your strapped for money maybe make this a long term plan...year one get the basics in, year two add to plants, year three have a party...jus sayn. 
Oh, maybe also look for local auctions, yard sales, classified ads, etc.
 Good luck

Margaret · Answer

I too am landscaping on a nickel. The space next to the door is perfect for something decorative. Maybe a large wreath? Lowes puts all of their sorrowful plants at the back of the garden area. Marked down by at least half. Its the perfect place to pick up some color. Inpatients are so nice in the shade. I browse garage sales and thrift stores for anything I can use

Sue · Answer

Bull nose veranda would look lovely...sometimes known as rolled veranda. I have one on a similar home. I have used a dark green long life tin roofing to do this.

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Patio dull

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