Cheap Outdoor Furniture Ideas

If you want an outdoor space that is as welcoming as your living room, but you do not have the budget to invest in big ticket furniture items, there are still ways you can create an attractive outdoor area. These days getting good deals on furniture is easy if you know where to look; here are three good and cheap outdoor furniture ideas.

Buying used

You know that anything purchased retail loses a significant portion of its resale value the moment it leaves the store. The same is especially true of outdoor furniture because it is not a necessity like a bed or couch. For that reason, finding great deals on used outdoor furniture is easy. Auctions, garage sales and Craigslist are all ideal places to get good, barely used outdoor furniture for pennies on the dollar.

Repurposing

Repurposing is a great way to give a fresh new look to furniture you already own, or to used furniture that is worn or dated. Weathered wood furniture always looks good outside. You can distress newer furniture with a bad finish simply and easily by stripping it and lightly applying a white wash. For a low-cost bistro set, look for an indoor dining set with metal chair and table frames; the ripped upholstery is easily replaced or hidden with store bought seat cushions. Finally, new benches are expensive but old church pews are plentiful and cheap. You can easily transform an old pew into a new outdoor bench with a bright paint job, a new matte finish and a patterned or solid colored cushion.

Getting attractive outdoor furniture does not have to put a strain on your budget. By shopping flea markets, garage sales, auctions and Craigslist, and cleverly repurposing old and dated furniture you can get pieces that look a lot more expensive than they actually were brand new.

Getting good deals on furniture is easy if you know where to look

by Bane Briller, Home & Garden writer