An empty patio just doesn’t feel right. It’s like a hole in a pair of trousers or a bed without a mattress. Patios are social areas, so we want to see places where we can relax, have conversations and entertain friends.
Needless to say, once we build a homeowner the patio of their dreams, they’re champing at the bit to decorate it! As much as we’d all love to splurge on a million-dollar patio set-up, most people have a set budget to work within.
That’s why we’ve gathered these tips to help you decorate your patio on a budget and still get fantastic results!
Use What You’ve Got
Before you dash off to Bunnings, have a look around the house and see what you can move outdoors. If some rooms are starting to feel clustered, maybe you can move a table or some durable chairs to the patio.
Shop Second Hand
Shopping second hand is easier than ever. Your local online marketplace or buy-swap-and-sell are treasure troves for second-hand furniture and decorations. There are thousands of relevant items on these platforms at any given moment, plus local Op shops are still goldmines. Just make sure any purchases you make are in a condition you’re comfortable working with.
If you’re a DIY buff, you may have some leeway to repair older items that sold for a fraction of the cost. If you’re not super hands-on, just make sure your second hand items are functional and haven’t sustained any serious damage. It’s never a bad idea to ask if you can inspect an item before committing to the purchase.
Grow FROM SEEDS
If you’re buying truckloads of plants for your new garden, things will add up quickly. The most cost-effective way to garden is to grow from seeds. This is an exciting process and nothing will make you feel as accomplished as looking over a lush garden and knowing you raised each plant from saplings. If you don’t like the idea of your garden looking bald for a few years, buy a few established plants to fill your garden out and plant the seeds around them. You’ll be amazed how quickly young plants cover the area.
DIY Projects
Time to get hands-on! DIY Projects are the easiest way to save money on big price items. There are plenty of tutorials for DIY tables, chairs, planters, decorations and anything else you’ll need for your patio. You may even want to try your hand at a feature wall or structural accessory to make your patio pop.
Whatever you choose, DIYing will be one of the best ways to decorate your patio on a budget. Plus, in our humble opinion, it’s the most fun way too.
Choose The Right Style
The possibilities of what you can do with your patio are endless! There are thousands of looks and styles to take advantage of, but not all styles are made equal. Certain designs cost more by nature. If you want to keep your budget lower, we recommend minimalist-inspired looks or more rustic styles since they are easier to shop second-hand for. We absolutely adore country-inspired and industrial patio designs because they look great and are perfect for DIYers of any skill level.
Make Safe Bets
Budgeting for the future is just as important as making smart money decisions now. Before you go out and buy an expensive, bright outdoor lounge, think about its shelf-life. Is it an evergreen design – or is it trendy and will devalue soon?
It’s better to spend a little extra early and ensure you have an item that won’t devalue quickly. That way, you can sell down the line for better profit or just keep it. Things like hardwood tables, light coloured lounges and simple designs are your best bet when it comes to getting the most worth out of your patio furniture.
Bid On Storage Auctions
Buying second-hand isn’t reserved for Op Shops and Marketplace. Auctions are a great place to steal a great deal on a bulk range of items. Furniture takes up a lot of room, so that tends to be the main thing you’ll find on storage auction sites! Plus who knows what other gems you may find!
You can also swing by Auction Houses since they may have sales on the furniture inside. Often the realtor wants the furnishing cleared out, so they’ll more than likely give you a good deal on some sweet items.
SPLIT SETS WITH A FRIEND
Furniture sets tend to be a great way to save a few bucks here and there. This tip works best for people with smaller patio areas. If you don’t need the entire set, see if any of your mates are happy to split. That means you get bulk-buy savings and you can split the spoils both ways. Chip in for an outdoor patio lounge and one person can take the sofa while the other gets the coffee table and armchairs.
gRAB rECYCLED mATERIALS
Recycled wood is great for the environment and your wallet. If you know where to look, you can get repurposed wood super cheap or, better yet, free. Several construction sites will be happy to get rid of the wood they’ve removed from a demolition. You may be able to grab some rocks for landscaping and other recycled materials. If you know of any demolition sites in your nearby area, try contacting one of the builders and ask if there’s any leftover lumber. If not, you can always find options online, or even at your local home depot site.
Get The Patio Of Your Dreams From SEQ Patio Group
Contact SEQ Patio Group now to inquire about your future patio! The best patio designs have good bones. No matter what you put under an SEQ Patio Group design, you’ll love how the space looks, thanks to the top-quality Stratco materials we use in each build. If you want the patio of your dreams today, give us a call and start the chat.
