Bringing Your Living Space Outdoors!

How to create a back deck living space on a budget!

Step 1

Find items for free.

My husband and I were driving to the store when we came across a patio set sitting on the curb. A free sign was taped to it.

Upon further investigation we discovered it was an old red wood patio set from pottery barn. You can imagine my excitement!

The only major issue was that two of the legs at the attachment site were rotted through. A quick trip to Home Depot for some new wood and screws would solve this problem.

"You got new legs. New legs!" Lt. Dan: "Yeah. I got new legs."

Forrest Gump

As we were loading up we realized our vehicle would not be big enough so my husband drove the few blocks to pick up the bigger vehicle. As I camped out in one of the chairs waiting for my husband a car drove up.

Out came a cute little old couple. They wanted the furniture too! Fists flew and obscenities were exchanged all for the love of a worn out patio set. Well, I came out ahead. I walked away with this new to me patio set.

O.k, things did not end quite so dramatic. As they approached me they asked if I was taking the furniture, I said "yes." They drove away in their vehicle. Pretty anticlimactic.

Step 2

Shop your house and use items you already have.

I used this candle holder as a plant stand.

I made this pallet table with an old pallet I had laying around.

Step 3

Shop at Second Hand Stores

I found a few of my items at a second hand store for a few bucks. Like the citronella candle stand and a planter.

Step 4

Build it yourself!

If you have the tools and the know how make it yourself. Even if you are not quite sure how to do it give it a try. It is always fun to learn new things. My dad and I rigged the pots with dowels and attached lights for a little ambiance out on the deck.