I am so inspired this year to turn our outdoor spaces into perfect outdoor rooms. However, paying for one in college and a major move in our future doesn’t leave a lot of room in our budget. We found some amazing DIY patio ideas & decorating projects you can make to help you transform that deck or patio into perfection. (Without spending a lot of money!) Now the problem is just choosing one to start with! From cheap patio shade, to patio decorating ideas and even patio curtains, rugs and decor, we found plenty of tutorials for all you DIY’ers. Now let’s make those patios pretty!

DIY Patio Ideas

Gravel Patio Idea

First things first, if you don’t even have a patio, or yours in in dire need of a refresh, start there. Amy at ‘‘ shows you how to make a simple pea gravel patio that anyone can do. You can kill a plot of grass to put this over, add it right over dirt, or even on top of an aging, cracked concrete patio. This DIY patio idea is inexpensive too! Don’t forget the edging they use, it makes this project look professional. You can also jump on over to our post over at TGG.

Paver Patio

If you want a more solid surface, then follow the step by step directions for this DIY paver patio by ‘‘. They make this a simple weekend project with all their photos and tips. They used porcelain pavers which make this patio look like an extension of the indoor space.

Patio String Lights Ideas

Adding patio string lights is one great way to make your outdoor space gorgeous long after the summer (or spring, or fall!) sun goes down. This DIY patio idea will make you feel like you get to hang out in a trendy bistro cafe! From ‘‘ make this planter string light idea for your patio! The weight of the planters filled with soil steady the patio light poles, which in turn allow you to place this charming lighting wherever you wish. Full instructions for building the planters, then attaching the lights to the poles as well.

Cheap Patio Cover Idea

Never use your patio because of the heat of the sun? You can make (yea, make!) this retractable shade canopy from PVC pipe and sail cloth with these easy instructions from ‘‘. Way less expensive than building a permanent cover. And this allows you to pull the canopy back to allow sun to light the interior, nourish patio plants, or just bathe in the luxury of a warm afternoon! See more over at TGG!

Patio Curtain Idea

Another way to control both sun and privacy is to add patio curtains. You can easily DIY these with this tutorial from ‘‘. In fact, these are more than just a tutorial for the patio curtains and poles. The top of each pole has a solar light! Oh, and these are just cheap plastic whiskey half barrels holding those poles. Never would have guessed, would you?

Patio Decorating Ideas

Now, the fun part! Let’s get into some patio decorating ideas!

Outdoor Basket Light DIY

From ‘‘ is a tutorial for these super cute, Serena + Lily type outdoor patio basket lights! These are battery powered, super simple to make, and really cheap! We love the group of three, though of course, you could use just one. But why would you want to?

Outdoor Pillow Covers

Learn how to sew a simple outdoor pillow cover from ‘‘. Pillows are expensive! Make them yourself, and you don’t have to buy whatever is on the shelf at the local discount store.

DIY Outdoor Rug

You know those really cheap outdoor rugs you can buy at Costco? The ones that look like they belong on the floor of a local Pep Boys? Well, this is what you can do with them with a little spray paint and a good stencil. Find out how to make this super cute patio decorating idea over at ‘‘!

Pretty Patio Planter

This patio decorating idea uses one of our fav things… plants! Make a cinder block patio planter with stencils and paint from ‘‘. This is a great way to add color, pattern and… well, plants, to your outdoor space!

DIY Patio Lantern

Use old glass jars and an LED candle to create super gorgeous ambiance with these DIY patio lanterns by ‘‘. The hanger is simple macrame knots, and she has a how-to video to show you just how it is done. Inexpensive jute twine from the dollar store and recycled glass jars! So perfectly pretty!

We hope you loved our post on DIY patio decorating ideas & projects! You might also want to check out our post on DIY Backyard Ideas for Patios, Porches & Decks, or jump on over to check out our posts on TGG!

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