how to patio on a budget

Spring is slowly arriving here on the West Coast, and that means it’s patio season. The patio is a great place to entertain guests, have a lovely meal with family or just relax and put your feet up with a good book and soak up some sun. If you’re looking to spruce up your patio with new patio furniture, a new BBQ, or some cozy outdoor lighting, there are many options to help you design a patio on a budget.

BBQs for every patio budget

BBQThere’s nothing like a BBQ dinner. For some reason they make me feel relaxed and the clean-up seems much easier. They’re also perfect if you’re hosting a family dinner or having friends over for a fun evening.

BBQs have come a long way over the years with many options and features to choose from. You can take a look at the BBQ buying guide for more on how to buy a BBQ, but your first choice is whether you’ll need propane heat, charcoal, or gas if you have an outdoor hook-up in your home. We chose our current BBQ because of the durability of the cast iron grills and we love having a side burner for side dishes. We find the side burner a must on those sweltering days when you don’t want to further heat your house.

A good quality BBQ is one of the biggest investments you’ll make besides your patio furniture, so I recommend a BBQ cover to protect your BBQ from the elements. This will also extend your BBQs lifespan.

Patio shelters for shade and privacy

patio gazeboAnother way to add some design to your patio on a budget is by creating a shelter for shade or creating some privacy with an umbrella or gazebo. While it’s nice to get some sun, too much sun can cause sunburn or heat stroke and isn’t good for your skin long-term. With an umbrella or gazebo, you can enjoy the heat without direct sun exposure.

A gazebo is a perfect complement to your patio furniture and having one gives you a way to enjoy some outdoor living space year-round as well. They are sturdy and durable and will keep you dry on rainy days. Summer doesn’t always mean sunny skies, we do get some rain, but I love that it’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. Take a cozy blanket and a great book and get some fresh air under your gazebo.

Umbrellas are another option for privacy and shelter. You can find ones to fit into a designated umbrella stand for your patio set to enjoy a meal al fresco or choose a larger free-standing umbrella to create a large, shaded area. Many umbrellas also have a button that when pressed allows the umbrella to tilt, allowing you to then move the umbrella with the sun to always provide shade where you need it.

Light up your patio with patio lights

outdoor patio lightingOutdoor lighting creates a beautiful inviting patio and gives a nice glow as the sunsets. There are some beautiful lighting options to choose from such as plug-in string lights, wall sconces, tiki torches, lanterns, and a variety of smart lights to suit your patio vibe.

Smart outdoor lighting will allow you to turn your patio lights on and off using a smartphone app for convenience and energy efficiency. If you have a lot of trees in your yard, string lighting is the way to go and I love solar lights as well to light up a walkway or path.

Giving your patio a little spruce up this season will create the perfect warm and inviting place for yourself and your loved ones to enjoy.

You can find some amazing patio design pieces for outdoor living at Best Buy online.

Lindsey Reed
I am a mom of two boys who loves reading and trail runs. I am passionate about health, fitness and food and write about these topics and more on my personal blog www.organicfitnesstips.net.

2 COMMENTS

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