Sometimes we're so busy decorating the inside of our homes that we neglect the outside––a porch, patio, or deck is often last on the list. A spruced-up outdoor area, however, will give you additional living space for family fun and entertaining.

Seating Solution
Ample seating is a must for any gathering space. For these homeowners, a plastic table and chairs meant they only used the deck for an occasional meal. Now, with benches, enjoying spring days is a breeze. These pieces, sized to fit the space, and a buffet were made entirely from pressure-treated 2 x 4s and galvanized deck nails. They were stained to match the deck. As an alternative, leave them to weather naturally. Pressure-treated wood is the least expensive outdoor wood option. However, other materials could also be used. The benches have a built-in look but can be moved to clean the deck. All materials for both benches and the buffet cost less than $100.

Cushions were added for comfort and color. Solid outdoor fabrics in primary hues were less expensive than patterned selections. The fabrics were pieced together to create a custom look. Two square floor cushions provide additional seating for children. The homeowners also added some iron outdoor chairs for more stable seating than the plastic ones. They kept the plastic table and cover it when entertaining.