Porch sitting, or in our case, deck sitting in the summer with a cold drink, listening to some tunes…that’s what I call living the summer dream. Now, in reality, it’s rare that I get to imbibe, and even rarer still that I’m actually sitting WHILE partaking in an adult beverage. Still, it’s important to always keep dreams alive. So,

in the spirit of summer,

the porches, patios or decks we enjoy the season on,

and last but not least, some good cold brewskys that today we bring you…

a full 24 pack of summer DIY projects for your porch, patio, deck or outdoor living space

Click on any of the project links or images to be taken directly to the tutorials! *This post contains affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy HERE.* The first dozen DIY summer projects are our own, here at the Nest. Then, linked below are a dozen more outdoor, porch/patio DIY projects by the other DIY Housewives!

1. Outdoor DIY rug (only better)

Like outdoor rugs, but don’t like having to take yours in and out all the time to avoid the inevitable mildewy mess that it will eventually become? Don’t do it anymore. We painted a “rug” right onto our deck! No more dirty, unsightly outdoor mold magnets here. This rug can be swept or hosed off and will keep looking good despite whatever weather changes may come it’s way.

2. Potting bench turned outdoor DIY bar

We aren’t much on gardening around here, but we are big on a good, outdoor party. And this potting bench turned DIY bar/outdoor beverage cart is SUCH a great addition to our outdoor living space. A few little modifications of the original product, and this thing is quickly ready to serve.

3. DIY outdoor curtains for a porch or pergola

The outdoor curtains and curtain rods we made for our pergola really soften up our outdoor space and help make the whole area feel more rich and inviting. And what’s great is that these WEREN’T super expensive curtains made from typically very pricey outdoor fabric! Paired with our DIY curtain rods, the ensemble can be put together for a song, and you’ll feel like singing your fave summer tune when you get them put up in your own outdoor space!

4. DIY curtain rods for a porch or pergola

If you’re going to make or buy some outdoor curtains, you’ll need something weather resistant to hang them on. Here’s our inexpensive, DIY solution. A wire curtain “rod” that is discreet, will adjust to any required length, and is definitely weather resistant.

5. DIY outdoor lighting – Our “can-delier”

This outdoor DIY lighting project is one of our favorite projects to date. Made from vintage oyster cans and coffee cans from my grandpa’s garage, this outdoor light fixture is fun, engaging and definitely unique. And of course, we’ll show you how to make one of your very own!

6. DIY garden markers

DIY garden markers, or as my son calls them here “plant tombstones” 😉 made in a couple minutes from wooden spoons purchased for about $1 each!

7. Homemade bike rack

Kids gear can be the ungluing of any Type A parent’s glue. Trust me, I know. Organize that mess with a homemade bike rack that can store lots of those bulky ride ons in one, neat space.

8. DIY patio umbrella painting

Wanna stand, or sit and have a drink, under our umbrella, ella, ella? Seems like just yesterday this thing was on it’s way to the landfill because it was a banged up, faded, all it’s best days were behind it mess. But a little paint, and voila, it has a new lease on life. Which is great, because patio umbrellas aren’t cheap! Check out how you can update your own with a little paint.

9. DIY rescreening

This year, with some scary new mosquito-borne viruses heading around the world, this easy DIY project may be more important to do than ever. Update your old worn out, hole-y window and door screens with just a few DIY supplies.

10. DIY doormat

Decorate this DIY doormat any way you please! Add a monogram, stencil a pineapple, so many fun options! This project isn’t difficult, and it’s super functional to help keep out all the mud and who knows what else those kiddos try to drag into your home!

11. DIY deck cleaning

I cannot tell a lie. Truth is, this project sucks. Cleaning a deck is a dirty, grimy, disgusting mess. BUT, the upside is that once you’re done, your deck will look SO much better. Anyone who can wield a power washing wand can take this project on. It’s more a question of desire. And if you have no desire, consider all the $$ you’ll save to put toward fun new outdoor furniture and such if you tackle this gross but necessary summer DIY project. We’ll share the tools and supplies we’ve found to be particularly helpful to make this job go smoothly.

12. DIY deck staining

There are lots of DIY projects that I’d consider “fun”. Staining a deck is NOT one of them. BUT, on the flipside, it’s probably one of the most important maintenance type projects we can do at home if we have a deck. A wood deck needs to be re-stained approximately every 3-5 years, and if you pay someone else to do it each time, that’s a lot of money adding up over the years. Doing it yourself is not difficult, but it is definitely a bit time consuming. We’ll talk you through what we have found to be the most important aspects of tackling this project, and tips for making the process a little more bearable.