6 Outdoor DIY Projects To Tackle This Summer

In the summer, everything shifts outside, even DIY projects. The warm weather is great for doing outside remodels, renovations, and other home improvement projects.

Here are six DIY outdoor projects you should consider completing this summer, both to improve the appearance of your home and for your own enjoyment.

Outdoor project 1. Create a window box

“I propose making a window box to highlight one’s eye-catching botanicals,” says Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and main designer of Sho & Co., a Washington, D.C.-based interior design firm. “It has the potential to significantly improve an outdoor space.”

If you’re handy with woodworking, you can construct your own or buy one ready-made. Shapiro prefers cedar boxes because they are lightweight yet long-lasting, and they are naturally resistant to wet and insects.

“It’s vital to carefully select blossoms that can tolerate the growing circumstances near your window, such as petunias, geraniums, and begonias,” Shapiro says. “Apply a finish that matches the color palette of the outdoor furniture and is resistant to the environment.”

Outdoor project 2.  Refresh the front door

Painting the entrance door is another simple undertaking that may transform the appearance of your home. “Once you’ve decided on a color, you’ll need to buy paint and primer.” “Make sure both are appropriate for external usage and for use with them other,” Kevin Busch, Mr. Handyman’s VP of operations, says.

He suggests painting on a sunny, dry day with moderate temps. “Begin by removing your door’s hardware and cleaning it down with a moist rag — then if necessary, sand any rough patches or areas with loose paint.”

After the door has been cleaned and dried, apply a coat of primer. Busch suggests using a mix of brushes and rollers, depending on the type of the door, to reach those small recessed places. “Once the primer is entirely dry, apply your first coat of color using the same technique, and repeat the process as needed to add additional coats.”

While you’re about it, why not reconsider the door knobs and knocker? According to Michael DiMartino, senior vice president of installs at Power Home Remodeling, a national contracting organization specializing in exteriors, changing out the hardware can assist update and modernize the design of the door.

Outdoor project 3. Build a fire pit

Summer may appear to be an unusual time to use a fire pit (entirely too hot, unless you live in a clime where it gets nippy at night). However, now is the ideal time to construct one. “With a fire pit, you can extend the life of your backyard and make it a continuous option for hosting guests and enjoying your outside area all year,” says Sarah Gaffney, design and development director at Next Stage Design in San Jose, Calif., a design business specializing in outdoor projects.

You can purchase a ready-made fire pit (basically a large bowl), put up a fire pit table, or build your own. Making it from scratch can be time-consuming, but you can alternatively make a good one from a prefab kit, complete with a rock or stone ring. “The amount of commitment actually depends on the project,” Gaffeny explains, “but there are enough possibilities to determine your level of effort.” “Some pre-made kits can be assembled in a single weekend.”

Outdoor project 4. Develop your green thumb

Gardening is a terrific summer DIY hobby for yourself and your family, according to Lindsay Pangborn, gardening specialist at plant source Bloomscape. “You and your family can take on this activity as another way to freshen your home together by adding colorful greenery and fresh blooms to your outdoor space.”

All five senses are stimulated in the best outdoor places. Flowers and plants, of course, offer visual interest. She also mentions “fragrant plants like gardenia, lavender, and scented geraniums that can fragrance the air while delivering stunning blossoms.” “Edible plants like pineapples and mint can serve as both a decorative and functional garnish for drinks.” (Talk about reaping the benefits of your labor.)

She also claims that gardening has other advantages. Gardening not only gets you outside in the fresh air, but it can also “exercise your sensory development and increase motor, emotional, and cognitive skills because there is plenty of interaction and strength required to get the task done.”

Gardens do not have to be expensive to install. However, Pangborn recommends “setting yourself up for success by picking up crucial care products with plants.” “Gardening gloves, pruners, fertilizer, a good watering can, and a pest control set are all recommended.”

Outdoor project 5. Install a greenhouse

Nina Edwards Anker, associate AIA at Brooklyn, NY-based nea studio, has a clever concept to complement that garden: Install a prefab classic glass greenhouse kit, which includes a simple metal or wood framework as well as glass (or plastic) walls and ceiling. It makes little difference what style your house has. “It will merge effortlessly because it is transparent and timeless in architectural design,” she explains.

The viability of a greenhouse is dependent on the amount of available outdoor area. Modern greenhouses, on the other hand, come in a variety of sizes and can serve multiple functions: they are no longer just for plants. “Ideally, you have time to be a gardener, but in any case, you can arrange it with a table and chairs to use it as a sunroom/breakfast room,” Anker says.

Outdoor project 6. Paint outdoor furniture

Matt Kunz, president of Five Star Painting, a national contracting organization, recommends painting and staining hardwood and/or wicker outdoor furniture as an easy DIY job.

The first step is to thoroughly clean the furniture. “You will most likely have mold or mildew stains or other types of stains that require cleaning using a water and bleach solution or any of the spray-on and hose-off cleaner solutions available at home improvement and paint stores,” he says. He suggests going over both the top and bottom of the furniture and allowing it to dry completely.

The following step is surface prep, which comprises sanding the surfaces to remove loose paint and rough edges.

“Your old finish may not require much hand sanding in many circumstances, but if it does, an orbital hand sander will save time and do a decent job on flat surfaces.” (Fortunately, he claims that wicker rarely needs sanding.) “Follow this up with priming if necessary with an all-purpose primer if using a solid stain or paint, but not if using any semi-transparent stain.”

Kunz suggests solid “deck-rated” stains for outdoor furniture staining since they are resilient and apply with a brush and roller. “Aerosol cans are another option for applying paint, and many of these come with primer, which is very useful for painting metal furniture to prevent rust,” he says. “If feasible, dry the furniture in a dust-free place (such as a garage) to prevent dust and insects from resting on the surfaces until they are no longer sticky.”