7 Thrifty Tricks to Achieve Patio Perfection
Summer is meant for sipping a cold drink on the patio. But maybe your patio needs a little TLC before that can happen. After all, our poor patios go through a lot during the off-season. Trees fling their leaves onto them in the autumn. Snow piles onto them in the winter. And birds? Let’s just say they’re no respecters of persons or patios. No wonder they’re a little bedraggled by springtime! We’ve got you covered if you’re on a mission to whip your patio into shape.
What’s the average cost of redecorating your patio?
According to Fixr, the average cost of remodeling your patio ranges from $3,500 to $20,000. For smaller patios, the cost of remodeling runs anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. Meanwhile, the cost of patio furniture tends to fall into the $200 to $5,000 range. Slightly more extensive renovations, such as installing new flooring, are usually around $1,080 to $5,180. The price you pay is dependent upon the materials you use. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of patio furniture (per Fixr):
- Chair: $40-$500
- Hammock: $50-$500
- Table: $100-$3,000
- Sofa: $300-$2,000
1. Buy secondhand furniture.
If you’re giving your patio a makeover, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is purchase new furniture. However, new furniture can be a little costly! According to Ovios, the average cost of patio sets, by material, is:
- Plastic: $100-$800
- Metal: $200-$1,500
- PE Wicker: $300-$1,800
- Wood: $400-$2,000
If you want the most bang for your buck, go for secondhand pieces! Check out thrift stores or your local Goodwill. You can even search the internet! Sites like Kaiyo and eBay are good places to start. And don’t be afraid to get pieces that need a little TLC. You can always reupholster fabric or exchange pillows for a brand-new set. However, don’t get pieces so broken down that you’ll wind up paying just as much as you would for a brand-spanking-new counterpart. Secondhand is great, but it’s not always the solution!
2. Paint (or stain) pieces you already have.
Trolled all the thrift stores in your area and left empty-handed? Don’t go to the furniture store just yet. Instead, go out to your patio and take a good, hard look at the pieces you already have. Are they totally beyond repair? Or could a coat of stain or a fun new color be the answer to their boringness? If you decide to take the painting route, remove rust and use a primer first. You can always use spray paint for extra convenience!
3. Buy artificial flowers.
Want a piece of décor that’ll beautify your patio all year round without wilting or fading? Then buy some artificial flowers! You can put them in pots and arrange them however they’d like. They’ll add splashes of color and be a beautiful reminder of springtime, even in the dead of winter. A great place to buy artificial flowers is Etsy. You can also check Afloral and Amazon, as well! Artificial flowers run anywhere from $15 to $120 for more premium options. However, since they tend to be on the cheaper side, you can easily buy in bulk and have enough fake flowers to make an artificial garden.
4. Hang string lights.
String lights are cheap, durable, and beautiful. In other words, the perfect addition to any patio! You can wrap them around posts or stretch them from corner to corner. They’ll add a warm, cozy glow to your patio that you’ll be sure to appreciate. You can also hang fairy light curtains, like this one from Amazon, which is only $15.99*! And remember, with lights, the bulb matters! LED bulbs are the most cost-effective, energy-saving option, so look for fairy lights that use them!
5. Repurpose items.
New doesn’t always mean better. Unless an item is damaged or unsafe, there’s no reason you can’t upcycle it into something else! Rather than throwing out your throw pillows, reupholster them. If a flower pot is rusted and looking a little worse for wear, paint it. If a table is weathered and in need of some serious TLC, cover it with a tablecloth. There are countless ways you can make your furniture look brand-new without spending a dime.
Other fun upcycling ideas:
1. Add a little flair to your concrete.
Let’s face it: There’s no better descriptor for concrete than “boring.” If you’re tired of staring at that boring gray slab but don’t want to spend a lot of money to replace it, dress it up! Add stamped concrete patterns, flaked chips, stenciled designs, or anything else that your creativity conjures! Sprinkle color, glitter, and life in between the cracks and transform your dull concrete into a work of art!
2. Hang a few plants.
Greenery is like nature’s accessory, so if you want to enhance your patio, buy a few hanging plants and let Mother Nature beautify the space. You can get a hanging basket plant stand or even hang the plants from a tree! If you want to go really thrifty, you could always make planters out of old plastic or glass bottles. Visit Family Handyman for more ideas!
3. Plant flowers in an old chair.
Sometimes, chairs are beyond hope, beyond DIY fixes, and beyond restoration. If one of your chairs falls into that category, don’t throw it away just yet. Instead, turn it into a glorified planter. It’ll be a fun, unique piece that’ll really complement your patio.
4. Use an old ladder as a display rack.
Is there a ladder sitting in your garage, collecting dust? Dust it off and put it on your patio! No, not so you can easily clean the leaves clogging your gutters, but so you can display things on it! Line a few small plants on the rungs. You can also refer to tip number two on this list and hang a few plants from it! Whatever the case, it’s an easy (and cost-effective) way to add a little flair to any patio.
6. Put down rugs.
Never underestimate the power of a good rug! They can bring a space together and make your décor pop. If you want to revamp your patio without spending a small fortune, get a new rug or two. The right rug can make a dull space more interesting. Make sure that you choose rugs meant for the great outdoors. The best rug for your patio will be weather-resistant, durable, and beautiful. You don’t want to buy a rug that looks pretty but will need to be replaced by next summer!
7. Hang wreaths on the walls/windows.
If money is tight for you right now, there’s a pretty good chance you can’t afford any extra luxuries. Unfortunately, some décor falls into that category. However, you’re not out of options yet. You can spruce up your patio by way of a wreath! Simply hang it on the wall or a window, and you’re set. So, if there are wreaths gathering dust in your garage, dig them out of storage, shake them off, and hang them. You might be surprised at the difference they make.
Looking for more?
If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:
- 10 Thrifty Gifts for Your Grandchildren Under $25 That’ll Make Memories Without Breaking the Bank
- 10 Thrifty Decorating Hacks for Retirees
- 10 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money on Groceries
- 10 Thrifty Tips for Saving Money After Retirement
*-Price at time of publishing.
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Originally published May 08, 2025
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