Prep Your Patio for Summer

Summer includes family cookouts, weekend barbecues, neighborhood block parties, birthday bashes, afternoons in the sprinkler, campfires, and more! Here are our best tips to help you prepare your backyard and patio for amazing events and priceless memories.

Spring Clean for Summer.

Wipe down your outdoor tables and chairs so that you begin the season without the grime of Winter. Simply use an old rag and a solution of mild water and dish soap. Refresh your cushions from the garage or attic by (carefully) beating out the dust with a broom, washing the slip covers, or giving them a good scrub with a damp brush. Dust off your patio umbrella, or paint it with a new design for the new season.

Add More Comfort.

You can never have too many pillow for your patio furniture! Add a few new pillows to your collection by getting creative with the shape, size, and patterns (as long as it’s outdoor fabric!).

Set up your umbrella in the perfect spot to offer just the right amount of shade from the warm sun. Even better if it your umbrella stands doubles as a side table!

Add a new rug, like this DIY Rope Rug, so you can walk right out your backdoor without even slipping on your shoes.

Don’t forget about seating around the fire pit, such as these glow-in-the-dark log stools or this DIY curved bench.

Don’t Forget the Night Light.

Speaking of fire pits, clean out the old ash and debris from your fire pit so it’s ready for the first bonfire of the season. Don’t have a firepit? Why not create one yourself!

Refill your tiki torches so they can burn all night long. Bonus if the liquid includes citronella and repels those pesky mosquitoes.

Consider adding new lights, like these DIY Wine Bottle Citronella Candles, String Lights, or Candle Lanterns.

Splash in Some Fun.

Add flower planters, hanging plants, or delightful hand painted pots for a pop of color. This DIY Deck Railing Garden Planter is perfect for your flowers or little herb garden.

Hang rustic signs to personalize your outdoor space.

Create these windchimes and place them in a spot where they are sure to catch the summer breeze and delight you with their music.

And if you have the room, why not add a mini bar! Your kids will love the cool juice boxes and your friends will appreciate the cold drinks.

And remember, any backyard bash isn’t complete unless it includes yard games! Make your own cornhole set, farmer’s golf, or kube, and your guest won’t want to leave the fun!

So whether you are refreshing your patio from last year, adding more design pieces. or creating a whole new look, this summer is sure to be a blast with your fresh backyard!