7 Easy DIY Porch and Patio Projects to Make Summer Quarantine Feel Like a Breeze

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The days are getting warmer and, if you’re lucky enough to have a tiny square of patio to call your own, you’re probably spending a good bit of time outside.

But even our outdoor spaces can start to wear thin after a while—especially if they’ve taken a beating from the winter months, or you’re just sick of looking at the same sad sofa cushions.

Now that you’ve had a chance to tackle some indoor DIY projects, why not move your home improvement plans outside? This week, we’re bringing you a final bit of quarantine DIY inspo so you can spruce up your front porch or back patio, just in time for all the nice weather ahead.

Here are seven patio projects you can do yourself in a weekend’s time.

1. Build your own flower boxes

Porch railing planters are a great way to get in a bit of extra garden space—even when you don’t have a full garden to begin with.

“This is a great DIY project,” says designer Kayla Goldstein of Kayla LLC. “Besides working up a sweat, it’ll give your porch a lot of personality and privacy.”

Paint them to match an accent color or to contrast the colors of your porch. Just be sure to get plants that are easy to maintain and can survive your climate, Goldstein cautions.

Follow this deck planter guide to get started.

2. Install new porch lights

You won’t need to spend a whole day on this project, but that doesn’t make the payoff any less impressive.

“Outdoor lighting takes a beating after years of being exposed to the elements,” says Vineta Jackson, home improvement expert for The Handyman’s Daughter. “A new porch light can perk up an entryway in as little as an afternoon, as long as you know how to wire the fixture safely.”

Shop this collection of outdoor lighting from Home Depot, then get all the details in this step-by-step guide to instantly upgrade your front porch.

3. Add a porch swing or bed

Swings aren’t just for the kids; in fact these very-adult nostalgic decor pieces are just about guaranteed to breathe fresh life into your tired porch scheme.

“You can buy these, but they’re actually very easy and inexpensive to make,” says Carmen Smith, owner of Living Letter Home. “If you want a new take on the swing, try your hand at a porch swing bed. They’re so comfy and inviting and may be even easier to make than your swing.”

4. Repaint the front door

There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to refresh your front porch, especially if that means adding color to a main focal point—like the front door.

“Paint can go a very long way,” says Smith. “Whether from a distance or up close, a small pop of color on the front door can be a super way to make your home seem just a touch more cheerful. The color you choose is also a great way to show your personality.”

Plus, if you end up hating the color, paint is cheap—so you can just try again.

Shop this collection of colors from Sherwin-Williams to find a fresh color for your front door.

5. Hang some whimsical curtains

Make your front porch feel like an outdoor oasis by hanging a set of sheer curtains.

“Curtains on a front porch can completely change the feel,” says Smith. “If you’re in the South, curtains can be both a design choice but also a necessity to help keep bugs out. Opt for lightweight, sheer curtains so as to avoid blocking light.”

Check out this selection of patio curtains from Wayfair to find just the right ones for your front porch.

6. Get a bar cart

“If you can’t go out to the bar, bring the bar to your backyard,” Jackson says.

This DIY outdoor end table features a built-in planter box that can be swapped out for an ice bucket in seconds.

Not feeling the DIY energy right now? Check out this Britanna patio bar cart from Target, and while you’re at it, make sure to stock up on these quarantine cocktail essentials, too!

7. Buy new outdoor furniture

If your porch furniture is feeling as tired as you are after all these days in quarantine, it might be time to switch things up.

“This is a bit more expensive, but changing out your furniture can completely give the space a new feel,” says Smith.

You can go with a modern style with clean lines, or the more traditional style with wood or woven material.

If you’re unable to buy all new items, get a fresh look by rearranging your stuff or buying new pillows or cushions for your existing furniture.

Looking to save a bit of cash? Check out this DIY outdoor sofa and love seat instead.

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