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Are you looking to upgrade your bare patio with eco-friendly recycled furniture? You’re not alone!
In recent years, more and more people have been following sustainable living. One of the easiest steps to do that is by using recycled furniture on your patio.
Whether you’re repurposing old wood, reclaiming metal, or using recycled plastic, there are so many ways to convert your patio into an eco-friendly place.
Recycling just one piece of furniture can save about 240 pounds of CO2 emissions! If you’re someone like me, passionate about living sustainably, you’ll love these ideas.
I’ve used recycled furniture in my own patio, and I even made my parent’s patio, who live in the suburbs, a recycled hub.
So, without any further ado, here are some of the innovative recycled patio furniture ideas that will be okay for your style and also environment-friendly!
Why Choose Recycled Patio Furniture?
Recycling materials minimizes what is taken to the landfill and preserves our resources. That would be furniture that is skipping the dump and some of it saving a whole heap from heading there too.
Furniture that is made from recycled materials is usually less expensive than new furniture. I mean, some of these projects could be DIY and that only saves more money.
Another thing that is cool about using recycled materials to make this patio furniture, is that your furniture will be one the kind.
Upcycled Wooden Pallets for Patio Seating
If you’re like me, a good DIY project is irresistible! The wooden pallets when used to form a furniture pattern can be the cheapest and the sustainable way to make your patio or deck seated furniture. Here’s how to do it:
1. Firstly, You Need Pallets: Look for pallets that are in good shape and untreated, and get them from the market or nearest businesses. Ensure that it can hold weight.
2. Assemble the Seating: Sand down any jagged edges. Stack two pallets for the base and another to form a backrest Screw or bracket them in place.
3. Go For Cushions: Top it off with eco-friendly cushions or pillows comprised of organic cotton or recycled materials.
4. Appearance: Leave it as is, or paint or stain the wood to match your decor using a non-toxic eco-friendly paint.
A few years ago I made my own pallet sofa for my patio, and it is the perfect spot to lay with a book in the summertime. And the whole project only cost me a couple of bucks!
Reclaimed Metal Patio Tables and Chairs
For something timeless yet contemporary, seek out reclaimed metal furniture. Make your own following this guide:
Here’s how to do it:
1. Obtain Reclaimed Metal: It can be from local junk yards, flea markets, or online platforms like Craigslist. Find metal pieces with strong bones–rust can be cleaned away.
2. Clean and Sand the Metal: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rust or dirt.
3. Refinish the Metal: Prime with a rust-resistant primer, then spray on eco-friendly paint in the color of your choice.
4. Protect It: Finish with a clear, non-toxic sealant to protect the metal from outdoor weather.
My friend Clara found an old rusty metal vintage bistro set at a trash sale and refinished it for her patio. The final result now looks much more modern and streamlined.
Repurposed Wooden Furniture for Rustic Charm
If you love the warm, rustic look of wood, why not repurpose old indoor furniture for your patio? Here’s how:
1. Find Old Furniture: ALook around your home, at garage sales, or in thrift stores for wooden tables, benches, or chairs that need a new purpose.
2. Sand the Wood smooth by rubbing with a power sander or sandpaper However, always remember to first strip away any old finishes.
3. Weatherproof the Furniture: Use a weather-resistant finishing oil or exterior polyurethane for outdoor furniture to keep the wood from getting wet and sun-damaged.
4. Personalize It: A fresh coat of paint, a couple of layers of stain, or even new drawer pulls and hinges will make the piece your own.
My parents live in the suburbs, so I repurposed an old wooden coffee table (it was mine) onto their patio. It’s perfect for a patio and adds a charming rustic touch.
Recycled Plastic Furniture for a Modern Look
Recycled Plastic Furniture Is Durable, Weather-Resistant, and Virtually Maintenance-Free While you can buy it from eco-friendly brands, you can also DIY simple plastic furniture projects.
Recycled plastic furniture Making:
1. Source Recycled Plastic: You can find large recycled plastic sheets or blocks at home improvement stores. Companies like POLYWOOD even offer pre-made recycled plastic furniture kits.
2. Cut and Attach: If you are using plastic sheets then use a circular saw to first cut the plastic sheet according to your required size or shape. Use weatherproof screws or bolts to put your furniture together.
3. Sand the Edges: Sand down any rough edges so there are no sharp corners.
These are lightweight, easy to move, and perfect for hosting friends.
Vintage Finds: Giving Old Furniture New Life
Sometimes, the best furniture isn’t new—it’s vintage. Restoring vintage patio furniture can be a rewarding project.
1. Identify Your Pieces: Hunt around for vintage patio furniture at thrift stores, estate sales, or flea markets. Look for solid frames that need a little cosmetic work.
2. Strip Old Paint: Apply a paint stripper to remove old, chipped paint from metal or wood.
3. Sand and Clean: Sand the furniture so it is smooth to touch. Wipe clean
4. Repaint: Use the eco-friendly outdoor patio color of your choice.
I found an old rocking chair at a yard sale and gifted it to my father. Now it’s his go-to spot for sipping coffee.
# DIY Recycled Furniture Projects for Your Patio
Feeling crafty? How about building your patio furniture from scratch using recycled materials?
Chairs Made from Tires
Use eco-friendly spray paint, For the metal frame you can either purchase or build a frame, ensuring it’s strong enough to hold the weight of the tires and the person sitting.
The armrests are optional, but they add comfort and style. Attach the Tires to the Frame.
Drill holes through the tire sidewalls and into the metal frame, then secure the tires in place using bolts or screws.
For the criss-cross pattern Drill small holes evenly spaced around the tire’s rim. can be made from durable webbing or rope. Weave the rope or webbing in a criss-cross pattern.
Barrel Chairs
Try to locate old wooden barrels or even metal ones at a winery, distillery, or an online disposal site. Cut The Barrel Horizontally.
You can cut vertically if you want to create a more open seating arrangement. the edges may be sharp or rough. Sand down the edges with sandpaper.
Place a cushion inside the barrel for comfortable seating. If the barrel is wood, coat it with a weatherproof sealant to keep it in great condition.
Old Door Table
You can often find old wooden doors at salvage yards, online marketplaces, or even at garage sales. Seek out one that is not cracked and still works.
You can either purchase ready-made table legs from a hardware store or salvage the legs from another old piece of furniture.
Screw and bracket the legs to the bottom of the door. use corner braces to reinforce the connection between the door and the legs. You could always give your door table a fresh outdoor appropriate paint or stain as well.
Eco-Friendly Patio Furniture Fabrics
It’s not just about the furniture—your outdoor cushions and fabrics should also be eco-friendly. Look for outdoor cushions and pillows made from organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester.
Make your cushion covers or recycle fabric remnants/old clothes to sew new ones each year. This is a simple way to recycle fabric you may already have.
Protect your cushions from inclement weather using natural waterproofing sprays that contain beeswax or are produced with different eco-friendly substances.
Building your patio with repurposed furniture is an environmental feel-good (ish) opportunity. With the use of recycled materials, you lower waste and conserve natural resources by opting for an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Not only the methods mentioned in this article, there are endless possibilities to design a patio that’s both eco-friendly and uniquely yours.
So, why not start today? Your patio could be the next great example of how sustainable living and style can go hand in hand.
