Outdoor Upcycles: 60 Ways to Reimagine, Repurpose + Recycle for a Beautiful Yard on a Budget

(Almost!) free is fantastic when you freshen up your great outdoors with our ideas for landscape, hardscape, gardening, entertaining and outdoor decor upcycles.

June 07, 2022

By: H. Camille Smith

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Get a Trashed Grill Ready to Chill

In just a few steps — and for less than $30 — you can turn that dusty, old kettle grill into a stylish way to ice down your favorite summer sips. Learn how to craft your own portable (and pretty!) patio bar, below.

get the how-to: Upcycle an Old Charcoal Grill Into a Chill Patio Bar Cart

From: H. Camille Smith

Easily Assemble a Lemonade Stand

Seriously, how cute is this?! Teach your kiddo a bit about making a buck by turning wood crates, a pine board and dowels into an outdoor kiddie bar that you can quickly construct, then break down again in a flash.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Perfectly Portable Lemonade Stand

Reimagine That Plastic Flamingo

Add a tropical twist (hello, flamingo!) to your front porch or back patio with this faux boxwood topiary that starts as a standard plastic flamingo, then gets a crafty update to create a boxwood topiary that needs no maintenance to keep its playful good looks.

Get the How-To: Kitschy-Cool: How to Craft a Faux Boxwood Flamingo

From: H. Camille Smith

Plain Patio? Paint It!

Has your concrete patio seen better days? You could cover it with an outdoor rug or try this long-lasting DIY. With a can of concrete stain, a plastic stencil, a high-quality stencil brush and a few hours of work, you can totally transform the look of a porch, sidewalk or patio with a stylish, custom tile design — we'll show you how, below.

Get the How-To: How to Stain & Stencil a Concrete Patio

Turn a Stock Tank Into Party Central

Give your backyard 'vacay, every day' vibes with a stock tank pool. Just two feet deep, the shallow pool is perfect for a refreshing dip with friends or splashing with small kids. Get all our tips for turning what is essentially a water bowl for livestock into a colorful backyard oasis — complete with an above-ground pool filter and drain.

get the how-to: Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool

Easily Transform a Plywood Board Into Outdoor Art

Does your patio, porch or deck have a case of the blahs? With minimal supplies and in just a few steps, you can turn a plywood board into colorful outdoor art that can stand up to the elements. Get our full tutorial, below.

get the how-to: Turn a Plywood Board Into Easy DIY Outdoor Art

From: H. Camille Smith

Upcycle Change Into a Garden Guardian

One of the most common garden pests, slugs are bad news — especially for vegetable gardeners but they're also fond of munching on ripe fruit and all types of seedlings. So, whether you're hoping for a landscape filled with flowers or edibles, slugs are a threat. Deter them with our DIY penny ball that uses the magic of copper to ward off these insatiable eaters.

Get the How-To: Make a Slug-Repelling Penny Ball for Your Garden

Keep Bugs at Bay

Using inexpensive supplies and leftover wine or liquor bottles, you can quickly create tabletop torches filled with citronella oil to deter pests while beautifully brightening up the night.

Get the How-To: Turn Old Glass Bottles Into Citronella Torches

From: Chelsea Faulkner

Turn a Throw Rug Into a Handy Hauler

Follow our tutorial, below, to turn a small flat-weave rug into a sturdy tote for transporting firewood — no sewing machine required.

Get the How-To: Make Your Own Firewood Carrier

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Repurpose a Cutting Board as an Address Plaque

Is your cutting board a bit too small to make the cut? No problem. In just a few steps, you can upcycle it into a stylish stand-in for a front door wreath that also doubles as a pretty address plaque.

get the how-to: How to Upcycle a Cutting Board Into an Address Plaque

From: H. Camille Smith

Turn a PVC Pipe Into a Window Box

With a slim silhouette and fun, round shape, this upcycled window box is a budget-friendly fix for brightening up any backyard. Get all our tips for prepping the PVC pipe, below.

get the how-to: Make a Cool Cottage-Style Window Box Out of PVC Pipe

Or, a Woven Basket Into a Pretty Planter

You’ve seen it on all your favorite design sites and in catalogs: a wicker basket as a planter. But water + natural woven fibers = leaks and a rotten mess in short order. Learn how to protect your pricey basket while still achieving a trendy look with our waterproofing tips, below.

get the how-to: Turn a Woven Basket Into a Pretty Planter

From: H. Camille Smith

Transform a Pallet Into a Space-Saving Bar

Upcycle free wood pallets into a space-saving outdoor bar that — bonus — folds securely closed to keep beverages and glassware protected from the elements when not in use. Now you can raise a glass to happy hour anywhere — even small outdoor spaces.

Get the How-To: Build a Hanging Outdoor Bar

From: Sam Henderson

Use Backyard Leaves to Sculpt Concrete

Turn over a new leaf in your garden with this craft that uses large leaves (like elephant ear, shown here) to cast quick-drying concrete into an organic shape that'll look right at home in your backyard.

Get the How-To: Crafting With Concrete: Easy DIY Leaf Bowls

DIY a Pretty Potting Bench

If your outdoor space is well protected from the elements, you can safely bring indoor pieces out and turn an old dresser into a colorful potting bench — or even an outdoor buffet. Damaged mirror? No worries — replace it with pegboard to provide vertical storage space for gardening gear.

Get the How-To: Transform a Dresser Into a Potting Bench + Buffet Station

Repurpose a Planter as a Tabletop Fire Pit

Give your outdoor get-together a little ambiance (fast!) by transforming a large ceramic planter into a tabletop fire pit in under 15 minutes. Learn how to light up the night with our tutorial, below.

Get the How-To: Make a Tabletop Fireplace for Your Party in 15 Minutes

Throw the Birds a Tea Party

Don't toss it! Give a pretty but chipped or permanently stained tea cup new life as an outdoor bird feeder. Use permanent, outdoor-rated glue to attach a china teacup, on its side, to a saucer. Following manufacturer's instructions, allow the glue to fully set, then fill with birdseed and hang the feeder with ribbon threaded through the teacup's handle. Hang near a window so you can keep an eye out for squirrels and enjoy watching our feathered friends help themselves to a snack.

See More Photos: 20 Easy Upcycles for Old Kitchen Gear

From: Heather Baird

Or, Give Bees a Bath

That's right, bees like baths too — or, more accurately, they appreciate buzzing by for a sip. Pollinating (aka saving the world) is hard work for busy bees; provide them with a spot to rest and drink clean water with a shallow plate, attached to a peony stake, and topped with pebbles or beach glass so they can safely sip without wetting their wings. Get more tips for turning your backyard into a pollinator hot spot, below.

See More Photos: Attract a Host of Pollinators With a Backyard Pollinator Garden Perfect for Containers

From: H. Camille Smith

Repurpose Those Pool Noodles

Our quick video and step-by-step instructions, below, will show you how to turn PVC pipe, a water hose and pool noodles into a summer-heat-beating outdoor water park for your kiddos.

Get the How-To: Crank Up the Fun With a DIY Kiddie Car Wash

Sub a Canvas Tote for a Wreath

Canvas totes are not only handy for weekend trips and shopping outings — with our waterproofing tips, below, you can turn one into a pretty planter and make your front door bloom.

get the how-to: How to Turn a Canvas Tote Into a Pretty Planter

From: H. Camille Smith

Pretty Up a Terra Cotta Pot

Give a plain terra cotta pot a trendy, high-end Chinoiserie makeover using just paper napkins and decoupage medium. Learn all our tricks, including how long to let the decoupage medium cure, below.

get the how-to: How to Decoupage a Chinoiserie-Style Planter Pot

From: H. Camille Smith

Turn a Tree Stump Into a Planter

Sculptural and organic, this repurposed planter makes the most of having to remove an old tree by turning the trunk into a gorgeous, oversized planter with midcentury-inspired hairpin legs. Learn how to upcycle the old trunk in your yard, below.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Planter Out of a Recycled Tree Stump

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Organize Your Gardening Gear

Don't waste time searching for your missing glove; instead use that time teaching weeds (ugh, weeds!) who's boss. A scrap piece of wood, clothespins and a bit of wire are all you need to ensure your gardening gear must-haves are easy to just grab and go.

Learn More: Weed Wars

Turn a Twin Sheet Into a Collapsible Pup Tent

Surprise: Just like you, your furkid's skin can burn in the sun — and they're much more likely to overheat on a warm, sunny day. Help them keep their cool and prevent a painful sunburn with this totally portable pup-sized bit of shade. Learn everything you need to craft it yourself, below.

Get the How-To: Perfectly Portable Pup Tent for Easy Summer Shade

Reuse Those Recyclables

Tin can lanterns are one of those summertime crafts that we all remember making as kids — but do you remember them looking this stylish? For an almost-free outdoor update, pull large metal cans out of the recyclables and give them a chic upgrade following our tips, below.

Get the How-To: How to Make Tin Can Lanterns

Inverted Bucket = Tiered Planter

Put a leftover hardware-store plastic bucket to work to turn two or more planters, in graduated sizes, into a sturdy vertical garden. We filled ours with food, water and shelter to draw in a wide range of pollinators but this trick can be used to boost growing space in any container garden.

See More Photos: Attract a Host of Pollinators With a Backyard Pollinator Garden Perfect for Containers

From: H. Camille Smith

Build a Bench With Cinderblocks

Cinderblocks: the handy (but heavy!) concrete blocks many of us have just taking up space in our garage or garden shed. Reclaim your space and put them to work to create a sturdy bench, that — surprise — doubles as a planter.

Get the How-To: Talk About a Block Party: DIY Cinderblock Bench

Use a Towel as an Outdoor Throw

Yes, you read that correctly, trendy Turkish towels beautifully combine form with function and are a perfect substitute for an outdoor throw. Also known as a fouta or hammam towel, their quick-drying 100% cotton construction and massive size make them perfect for working in a bit more color or cozying up an outdoor chair. Plus, rain isn't a worry because they dry in a flash and are easy to pop in the washer for a freshen up.

Learn More: Patio, Perfected: 11 Amazing Amazon Finds for a Shady Outdoor Oasis

From: H. Camille Smith

Or, Use a Shower Curtain as a Beach Blanket

Water-resistant fabric + sand and surf = a stress-less day at the beach. Follow our tips, below, to turn a colorful, patterned shower curtain and pom-pom trim into your new beachy BFF — no sewing required.

get the how-to: Turn a Shower Curtain Into a Water-Resistant Beach Blanket

Don't Toss That Old Tire

Turn it into a chic planter instead with a little paint and a few basic supplies from the hardware store. Our tutorial, below, walks you through the steps.

get the how-to: How to Turn an Old Tire Into a Pretty Planter

Repurpose an Old Door as a Porch Swing

Get ready to relax. Our tutorial, below, shows you how to turn a beautiful old door, hardware-store staples and some spindles into an oversized porch swing.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Porch Swing Out of a Door

Or, Turn Old Doors Into a Pergola

Give your backyard timeless charm by repurposing a pair of old solid wood doors into a pergola. Allow blooming vines, like climbing rose, wisteria or jasmine, to soften the structure or simply place it where you want to frame a view. Our instructions, below, provide all your need-to-know tips.

Create Colorful Supports for Climbers

One of the oldest tricks in most gardens is assembling a pyramid- or tripod-style structure to support climbing edibles, like peas, runner beans and cucumbers. Painted in bright colors, the wood supports here are topped with a painted plastic pot and small wooden finial to both secure the wood pieces and add a decorative finishing touch. Learn more about how to trellis veggies, below.

Learn More: Sky’s the Limit: Trellis Your Veggies

Give New Life to That Old Crib

Don't toss your kiddo's old crib. Use the rails to create a DIY bike rack with bonus storage for helmets, bike locks and other gear. Our tutorial, below, shares all the steps.

Get the How-To: DIY Bike Rack: Upcycle a Crib Rail Into a Bike Stand

Pinecones = a Tasty Treat for Birds

It's a snap to turn pinecones, a bit of wire and pantry staples into a tasty snack for our feathered friends. Hang near a window so you can enjoy taking a closer look at the visiting diners. Bonus: This easy project is a great one to make with even the littlest crafters.

Get the How-To: Valentine's Day Birdseed Treat

Turn Broken Lamps Into a Birdbath

Our tutorial, below, shows you how to turn a couple of old lamps and a trash can lid (or large, glazed saucer) into a chic spa for our feathered friends. Place your new bath near a tree, shrub, fence or other area where birds can easily find shelter. A shady spot will keep the water cool and prevent evaporation along with algae buildup.

See More Photos: Make a Recycled Birdbath

Send Mosquitoes Packin'

Easily whip up a few of these canning jar luminaries to keep mosquitoes from crashing your party. Place a few slices of lemons and limes along with sprigs of rosemary into a jar of water, then add several drops of essential oil. We recommend citronella, lemon or lavender. Top with a floating candle and enjoy a bug-free fête.

See More Photos: Party Like a Pro: Our 55 Fave Entertaining Ideas

Repurpose Pallets as Sturdy Seating

Wood pallets are one of those rare, readily available and free (seriously, what's not to like about free?!) castoffs that can be upcycled into so many useful items. From a wine rack to a mobile pet bed, the DIY design options are nearly endless. Get our tips, below, for turning those freebies into outdoor seating.

Get the How-To: How to Make Stylish Outdoor Pallet Seating

And, Get Growing in a 5-Gallon Bucket

A ridiculously easy DIY planter that's also ridiculously cute? Sign us up! This project takes less than an hour and uses five simple materials you probably already have sitting in the garage.

get the how-to: Upcycle a 5-Gallon Bucket Into a Fun, Fabric-Covered Planter

Pill Bottle = Key Hider

Upcycle an empty pill bottle into a clever key hider and never lock yourself out of the house again. Remove the label and glue a rock to the top of the lid using heavy-duty super glue. Once dry, drop a key into the bottle, replace the lid and bury until only the rock is visible.

Turn a Tarp Into a Backyard Game

Expecting company? Backyard games are a surefire way to break the ice between guests who may be meeting for the first time. Badminton, croquet, bocce or horseshoes are all safe bets — or, turn a leftover tarp into a fun-for-all game that folds flat for easy between-party storage.

Get the How-To: How to Turn a Tarp Into a Fun Party Game

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Turn Pool Noodles Into Play Time

Get crafting to silence cries of "we're bored" with this easy upcycle that uses a yoga mat, pool noodles and chip cans to create a fun and colorful backyard bowling alley. A few simple materials and you’ve got a fun activity the kids can do on the patio, deck or yard. It’s also perfect for rainy days indoors.

Get the How-To: Turn Pool Noodles Into a Backyard Bowling Alley for Kids

Delight Your Inner Child

Feel like a kid again by turning pressure-treated lumber and rope from your garage into an adult-sized rope swing. A great project for a woodworking beginner, our tutorial, below, shares all the steps.

Get the How-To: How to Make & Hang a Simple Outdoor Swing

Get Paper Lanterns Ready to Party

With just a few inexpensive supplies and a little creativity, you can whip up these colorful lanterns while binge-watching your favorite show. Learn how to add the watercolor patterns, below.

Get the How-To: Dress Up Paper Lanterns With Watercolors

From: H. Camille Smith

Wheelbarrow = Sips à Go-Go

Put your wheelbarrow or garden cart to work as a handy drink station you can easily move around the yard. Just rinse it clean, then fill with ice and easy-to-grab sips. Use a bit of twine to tie a bottle opener onto one of the handles so everyone can just help themselves.

See More Photos: 50 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Backyard Get-Together

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Turn Tubs Into Planters

Take a cue from designer Emily Henderson and give old galvanized wash tubs new purpose as oversized planters. Or, follow our tutorial, below, to turn metal trash cans into a mobile container garden.

Get the How-To: Create a Mobile Container Garden

From: Emily Henderson

Stack a Small Fountain

Ahh ... the Zen-inducing sound of running water. Boost your patio's relaxation quotient by turning a pair of glazed pots into a tabletop fountain. Our tutorial, below, will help you craft a water feature — without soaking your budget.

Get the How-To: Dress Up Any Outdoor Space With a DIY Fountain

Repurpose Their Old Sandbox

Quite possibly the easiest raised garden, ever — just drill drainage holes in the base of your kiddo's old sandbox, then plant it with herbs, flowers or other low-growing edibles. Get all our tips for growing a kid-friendly garden, below.

See More Photos: Upcycle a Sandbox Into a Kid-Friendly Garden

Fitted Sheet = Windproof Tablecloth

Make outdoor party set-up and clean-up a snap by subbing an inexpensive fitted sheet for a tablecloth. When the party's over you can just throw it in the wash. Best of all: the sheet's fitted corners keep it from shifting or flapping around in the breeze.

See More Photos: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Repurpose That Old Pallet

Get gardening gear in order by repurposing a (free!) shipping pallet into a vertical tool rack. Add a few hooks, then attach it to the wall of your garage or garden shed. Tip: Don't toss any broken tools when getting organized. Look closely: the head of a bow rake was also upcycled to hold hand tools.

See More Photos: Turn a Wooden Pallet Into a Garden-Tool Rack

Or, Turn Pallets Into Planters

Old shipping pallets are a great (and often free!) source of weathered lumber — perfect for upcycling into a rustic planter box. Paint the slats in watery shades of blue and green for a beachy backyard update that you can build in about an hour.

Get the How-To: Upcycle Old Pallets Into Colorful Planter Boxes

Upcycle a Tin Can Into a Windsock

Save those soup cans to fashion fun outdoor decor. Cut the top and bottom from a thoroughly washed and dried standard tin can (non-stackable works best). Spray paint or cover the can using durable vinyl-coated contact paper. Use hot glue to attach long, flowing lengths of ribbon to the inside bottom of the can. Punch four holes in the can near the top with a nail and loop twine through the holes. Tie it to a tree branch and watch it sway on a windy day.

See More Photos: 20 Easy Upcycles for Old Kitchen Gear

From: Heather Baird

Reimagine That Old Laundry Basket

Has your plastic laundry basket seen better days? Give it new life as a chic, nautical-inspired planter. Drill a few holes into the base of the basket for proper drainage, then wrap the basket in jute rope for a beachy update.

See More Photos: 3 Oversized Planters You Can Make From Upcycled Items

Light Up the Night

Fill clean, glass soup or sauce jars with small votives and pebbles or sea glass for an easy-to-make outdoor lantern that'll add sparkle to the garden by day and illuminate a pathway by night. Get our tips for crafting them, below.

Get the How-To: Create Glass Lanterns for the Backyard

Turn Your Fire Pit Into a Game Table

Easily craft this colorful gameboard top to give an unused fire pit year-round functionality by turning it into an outdoor coffee table that's great for entertaining guests or family game time.

Get the How-To: Turn an Unused Fire Pit Into a Custom Game Table

Dress Up Your Doormat

Give your existing, plain sisal or coir doormat a personalized upgrade with a monogram. A letter printed off your computer, a few craft store supplies and two bowls are all you'll need.

Get the How-To: DIY Monogrammed Doormat

Personalize Your Planters

Boost your curb appeal while making it easier for delivery folks to spot your house by adding your house numbers to a grouping of planters. Get all our tips, below.

Get the How-To: Make Your Own Modern House Number Planters

Get Growing With Dollar Store Baskets

If your gardening space is slim, go vertical with this stacked basket container garden idea that works for both homeowners and apartment dwellers. Get all our tips, plus watch the short video, below.

Get the How-To: Upcycle Dollar Store Baskets Into a Unique Hanging Planter

Stack a Cinderblock Bar

Create an outdoor bar that can stand up to the elements with our tutorial, below. By staggering the depths of the cinderblocks, you can even create mini planters to fill with seasonal potted plants so they're easy to swap out.

Get the How-To: How to Make an Outdoor Bar + Planter for Less Than $100

The Easisest Upcycle? Paint!

Paint color is hands-down one of the easiest changes you can make to any area of your home — and it offers the biggest bang for your buck. To really make your home's curb appeal stand out from the neighbors, consider an atypical front door color, like this light coral, which sets a cheery tone (and is sure to get the neighbors talking!).

Take Our Quiz: What Color Should You Paint Your Front Door?

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Shop This Look

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

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