This week, I want to share an outdoor project that has been in the works for a while.
Last fall, when our interior renovations and flood recovery were complete and we were able to return home, we replaced our wooden back deck with a more durable decking material. We also doubled the deck’s square footage.
We have always used our deck A LOT.
Our kids play on the deck A LOT.
And now with the bigger footprint, we use the back deck even more.
So I have been thinking about adding some extra touches to the deck since last fall.
But outdoor decor and furniture is so expensive! And here in New England, there is a limited timeframe for outdoor dining and play. Outdoor patio furniture and accessories have to be packed away during the colder months.
In the past, though, I have learned that some items are worth investing in.
We had a patio umbrella on our old deck, for instance, but the base wasn’t great, and every storm would throw the umbrella off into the yard until it finally broke.
I determined to invest in a few decent quality items to outfit our awesome new deck. On the short list:
- An outdoor rug
- A picnic table
- Chairs
- An umbrella
The rug was a major dilemma because the size we needed for our newly improved and enlarged deck was not cheap. And I struggled with the idea of spending that much money on something my kids were going to lay on in muddy clothes. Still, the decking gets very hot in the sun, so this was a must-have item.
Well, while shopping with Joy recently (the queen of bargain hunting), we found patio clearance – a the perfect rug for 50% off!
Thankfully, I also stumbled upon a deeply discounted umbrella at a local hardware store and snatched it up before it disappeared.
To make my existing porch planters more cohesive, I used spray paint to refinish them.
I am still trying to figure out what patio furniture to purchase and would love a large table since we eat outside whenever the weather permits.
For now, though, I am loving this inexpensive porch refresh! The furniture pictured we have had for years and the throw pillows only cost $3.
The best part in my mind? The rug. It adds so much warmth and coziness! I didn’t realize how much I would love it.
It’s almost as good as the view.
