
Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.
Summer will be here before we know it and the best part of summer (and our go-to part of our house!) is lounging and playing in the yard. So to get you and your yard ready for summer, we’ve gathered 15 of our go-to outdoor Handmade projects, from outdoor seating and patio tables to pergola designs, arbors, and planters. What’s on your list to build this summer?
15+ Outdoor Handmade Projects to Build This Summer
Watch the full Handmade walkthrough playlist here (and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!) and read below for more links and tutorials, too.

Handmade Outdoor Seating
A comfy seat is a worth keeping for an outdoor space, whether it’s just for you or whether you’ll be entertaining. Add a bench, a lounge chair, or an entire outdoor sofa!
This outdoor sectional sofa is straightforward to build with our walkthrough, plus it uses readily available cushions AND provides storage to keep them out of the elements when not in use.
Build a concrete and redwood outdoor bench for a classic style seating, well fitted for a shady corner of the yard
or for a quick and straightforward Handmade, this 2-board farmhouse style bench will look great in the garden or inside, too!
If you’re looking to maximize your deck space, build space-saving deck benches and side tables that don’t take up existing deck space.
Kick up your feet on a reclining outdoor lounge chair with storage,
or follow this building plan to build an straightforward patio set with benches and a coffee table.
Handmade Patio Tables
A patio table is a big deal to create a welcoming and comfortable outdoor space! Whether you’re building a full dining table, a coffee table, or a side table, you can Handmade a patio table and save yourself some serious cash.
Whether you’re dining with just the family or inviting the whole neighborhood over, this patio table with built-in ice boxes is brilliant (and get the building plan here).

We build a smaller version pallet wood outdoor coffee table with planter or drink cooler and it’s been memorable! (See more cooler tables here.)
If you’re looking for more magazine style, this octagon coffee table with lattice X legs is so stylish, for indoor or outdoor use!
For hosting a barbecue, this striking drop-down outdoor buffet table adds just the right amount of serving space, and then folds down when not in use.
Keep it straightforward! This outdoor coffee table with a bucket base can easily be built in an afternoon.
Here’s another fold down serving table, which doubles as decor when it’s not in use.
This outdoor serving table is upcycled from an old door, an old sink, and some scraps. So don’t think you have to go to the store to start building!
We loved this outdoor coffee table with X base so much that we wrote up building plans so you can make your own!

For a bit of added table space, this concrete side table with X base is striking and sturdy.
Pergola and Arbor DIYs
Defining an outdoor space and adding some structure and lighting makes a big difference in ambiance. Try these Handmade pergola and arbor structures and add some of our picks for outdoor lighting for instant charm!
This viral firepit pergola with swings is what summer dreams are made of!
Or make a modified version and hang straightforward outdoor lighting.
If you’re building on an existing deck, this modern deck pergola is straightforward and modest-cost-friendly…
or build your own traditional pergola following Heather’s walkthrough.
And don’t forget to add shade to a pergola using this tip!
Create an entrance focal point to a yard or garden with an affordable arbor using construction lumber
or this gothic arch vegetable arbor, which will look great while providing a trellis for your climbing vines or vegetables!
Other Outdoor Handmade Projects
Add some finishing touches to the yard, and you will have the well fitted space for enjoying the outdoor weather and an excuse to invite all your friends over!
We love finding hidden Mickeys in the Disney parks… so we brought a not-so-hidden one to our grandma’s yard! See how straightforward it is to build a character shaped planter bed (or use the same technique for any size or shape).

As thankful as we are for the modern convenience of air condition, the condenser unit isn’t striking. Build this straightforward lattice screen to hide an AC unit.
Add ambiance easily with this Handmade outdoor chandelier for a pergola, patio, deck, or porch.
Keep the littles safe with this outdoor baby gate.
Gather everyone together for a game of YARDZEE with Handmade yard dice,
and then watch your go-to summer flicks outside with this straightforward Handmade outdoor movie screen.
More outdoor projects + inspiration:
Stylish Affordable Outdoor Light Fixtures
20 memorable Backyard Lighting options




































