Power Tools Rater: 15 Outdoor DIY Projects for a Summer-Ready Yard

Summer will be here before we know it and the best part of summer (and our favorite 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 favorite outdoor DIY projects, from outdoor seating and patio tables to pergola designs, arbors, and planters. What’s on your list to build this summer?

15+ Outdoor DIY Projects to Build This Summer

Watch the full DIY tutorial playlist here (and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!) and read below for more links and tutorials, too.

DIY Outdoor Seating

A comfy seat is a must-have 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 easy to build with our tutorial, 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, perfect for a shady corner of the yard

or for a quick and easy DIY, 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 easy patio set with benches and a coffee table.

DIY 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 DIY 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 amazing! (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 beautiful drop-down outdoor buffet table adds just the right amount of serving space, and then folds down when not in use.

Keep it easy! 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 beautiful and sturdy.

Pergola and Arbor DIYs

Defining an outdoor space and adding some structure and lighting makes a big difference in ambiance. Try these DIY 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 easy outdoor lighting.

If you’re building on an existing deck, this modern deck pergola is easy and budget-friendly…

or build your own traditional pergola following Heather’s tutorial.

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 DIY Projects

Add some finishing touches to the yard, and you will have the perfect space for enjoying the outdoor weather and an excuse to invite all your friends over!

As thankful as we are for the modern convenience of air condition, the condenser unit isn’t beautiful. Build this easy lattice screen to hide an AC unit.