Outdoor DIY Seating Ideas You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

No experience solves all seasonal woes like being outside in nature. Whether it is warm summer evenings, cool fall afternoons, or bright spring mornings, every season has some enjoyment. To enjoy that space westart first with outdoor seating that is comfortable, usable, and looks great. A simple search online, will show lots of outdoor seating solutions, with plenty for sale. The down side is, they can be expensive and are very generic. As a result, a lot of home owners and do-it-yourselfers are now embarked on outdoor seating projects, think of boring “outdoor” furniture, as something more creative and more fun.

With a little imagination and some tools, and a little bit of willingness to get messy, we can all create some very unique seating places to personalize our backyard, patio, or garden.

Let’s explore in greater detail how outdoor DIY seating can improve your life, provide you with some ideas by way of inspirations for your next project, and outline some ways you can get started today.

Why Choose Outdoor DIY Seating?

One thing I love about Outdoor DIY seating, in terms of both affordability and having choices, is that you can build what you want, not what some store wants to sell you. Would you like a rustic bench made of reclaimed barn wood? A funky pallet sofa in a multitude of colors? A sleek concrete stool?

When you DIY, the only limit is your imagination. And then there is the affordable aspect; many DIY projects can be completed with materials you have or can access at little cost.

And then, there is the forethought and pride that comes from sitting on something you have made yourself.

It will be a wonderful conversation starter at cookouts and show your creativity. And because outdoor furnishings will need to hold up against the weather, home projects let you choose the materials and finishes that are naturally durable to rain, sun, or snow.

The Classic Wooden Bench

Let’s begin with a classic option: the wooden bench. Nothing says DIY backyard seating like this. A simple bench can be assembled with a few pieces of wood, some screws, and most importantly, a saw. If you’ve never done any woodwork, check out your local hardware store for already cut lumber so you don’t have to think about it.

Options for adding rustic style to your bench include using reclaimed barn wood, or old fence boards. Just sand off any jagged ends from cutting the lumber – I don’t mind leaving the weathered wood edges in a project. You can attach the used wood to frame that is sturdy (2x4s would work excellent for the legs / support) and then finish it with a weather resistant sealant.

You can leave it like that, or paint the bench a bold color that fits your outside decor. Add some cushions or pillows and you’ll have nowhere better to enjoy a bit of morning coffee, an evening chat, or better yet, some star gazing!

Pallet Furniture Fun

Pallets are the ultimate go-to for DIY garden seating! They are cheap (sometimes even free if you know where to get them), easy to use, and so adaptable! A simple pallet sofa starts with stacking two to three pallets for height, securing the pallets together with screws, and then finally, adding a backrest made from another pallet standing upright and angled behind the seats.

The coolest thing about pallet seating is that you can customize the look. You can sand the wood to remove some splinters and soften the edges, then paint or stain the pallets to fit your aesthetic, -for example, bright turquoise would give it a playful feel while dark walnut would create a more vegan/serious aesthetic.

Add cushions or a DIY mattress made from foam and weatherproofed fabric, hang up some fairy lights along the backrest, and you have the classiest lounge set to spend time with friends or curl up with a good book.

Safety first, you’ll want to make sure your pallets are heat-treated (stamped with “HT”) if they are going to be used near kids or pets.

Concrete Statement Pieces

Concrete can provide a new look for Outdoor DIY seating. Concrete is long lasting, easy to maintain, and is also an artistic element to any space. Maybe the easiest outdoor DIY project to tackle is a concrete stool or bench. You’ll need a mold (a plastic bucket to make a stool, or a wooden frame to make your bench), your choice of a concrete mix, and some little pieces of reinforcing wire for strength.

You mix the concrete as per the manufacturer instructions, pour your concrete into the mold and allow it to cure for at a minimum of 24 hours/48 hours punching depending on the size of the project. When you are done curing, you take your mold off, sand down the edges if necessary and then seal it using concrete sealer to prevent moisture from passing through.

You are provided with a perfectly minimal idea that adds a stylish and industrial feel to your room, plus the industrial feel goes great with green or brightly colored outdoor rugs! You can always add a cushion or sheepskin throw for comfort too.

Working with concrete may seem like an intimidating process, but small projects are forgiving, and you will soon find it quite easy to use. And what better way to upgrade your seating for your garden as a DIY project than with concrete?

Upcycled Treasures

Concrete can be intimidating, but doing small, manageable projects, it is beginner-friendly and forgiving of mistakes. And what a bold way to add some DIY garden seating!

The same concept applies to an old chair frame. Remove the worn seat and weave a new seat with rope or paracord for a bohemian vibe. You’ll want to be on the lookout for pieces with potential; scour your local thrift stores, garage sales, or your garage to look for suitable materials. The beauty of upcycled seating is that it will always be one-of-a-kind; each piece will be different.

Tips for Outdoor DIY Seating Projects

Ready to build some durable and comfortable seating? Use these actionable tips for a successful DIY seating project:

• Choose Materials That Last: Your outdoor furniture will take a beating – with exposure to sun, rain, and wind. When choosing your wood seating, select durable woods like cedar, teak, or treated pine, and for your cushions you will want to select outdoor-rated fabrics that are mildew and fade resistant.
• Think Their Way Through and Measure It Out: Think through your design and measure out your space before you cut anything. Knowing what you are going to build, and having a definitive plan will save you time, as well as reduce waste.
• Use Good Tools: You do not need a full workshop but you can make your project simpler by using a drill, saw, and sander in your project! If you cannot buy tools, think about borrowing or renting.
• Protecting the project: After building, seal it (outdoor grade sealant, paint or stain). Check when you need to re-apply, but usually every 1-2 years is good enough to protect and retain the original appearance and durability.
• Comfort is Key: Having the fashionable seating is nice, but being comfortable is what you are after. You may wish to include cushions or pillows, or maybe make a DIY padded top for your seating.
• Start Small: If you are just starting out, just don’t go right into being a sectional sofa. You can actually start with a stool or a simple bench first!

Some inspiration for your next project:

Are you feeling a little less than inspired? Picture a warming fire pit surrounded by homemade deck seating with log benches and plaid blankets, or a circular concrete bench with built-in planters. Or imagine a patio under a pergola shade with a pallet daybed stacked with pillows.

Even a small balcony can use a foldable wood chair that you’ve painted your favorite color.

There are numerous tutorials available on the internet, from YouTube videos to Pinterest boards, so don’t be afraid to hit the search button for step-by-step videos. Many local hardware store locations often hold workshops, too, if you like learning in person.

The Joy of Building Your Outdoor DIY Seating

It’s not just about the product—homemade deck seating is all about the process. There is an undeniable thrill to seeing your pile of wood, stack of pallets, or bag of concrete come to life as something that is now useful and beautiful. This is your opportunity to disconnect, get creative and personalize your outdoor space.

So, grab your tools, choose a project, and start building – whether it’s a rustic bench, modern concrete stool, or an upcycled unique item, your Outdoor DIY seating will be more than just a place to sit – it will be a story that you tell every time you use it. What’s your first project going to be?