Create an outdoor dining area on a budget

With spring upon us we have started some outdoor projects, and because we love to dine al fresco for as many months as possible throughout the year we wanted to create an outdoor dining space. Our back patio was in need of some love and it was the perfect space for a dining set. I love our brick patio and I was excited to transform this drab corner of our home into something spectacular. I love the idea that living well can reach further than the walls of your home.

My goal was to create a beautiful space without spending a ton of money and so we DIYed every inch of the space and created an outdoor eating area that is both comfortable and stylish.

*This post is sponsored by Krylon. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to create inspiring content while featuring products I actually use & love!

Here is how we created this backyard retreat!

First step was deciding on a dining set. After spending hours looking online at expensive outdoor furniture I knew that we could create the same look for much less. We decided to build the table and bench out of cedar that would withstand the elements. For the table and bench we roughly followed Ana White’s Farmhouse Cedar Table and Beginner Farm Table furniture plans changing them slightly based on the materials we had on hand.

Once the table was complete we made sure to seal it with Minwax Helsman Urethane so that it would be properly sealed and protected from the elements and potential dinner spills.

For the rest of the transformation I used items that we already owned and used spray paint to transform the look of this outdoor space and tie all the décor together. I had some old dining room chairs that were the perfect size but needed some TLC.

I went with a monochromatic and classic look of black because I loved how it popped against the natural wood, patio brick, and the green of our home, but adding splashes of color would be really fun too! I choose my favorite spray paint Krylon Fusion All-In-One in Satin Black to transform these chairs and complete the outdoor dining set. I love how the black chairs contrast with the cedar dining table and bench creating a collected and casual look. The color was the perfect choice and I’ve used Krylon Fusion in the past and know that it’s super durable and can be used outdoors which was important. Krylon Fusion All-In-One with 5x stronger adhesion doesn’t require sanding or priming, protects against rust and has a no peel guarantee. You can find it at your local retailer and look for the new 5x stronger benefits.

I sprayed the chairs in even thin coats until they looked good as new (only took about 2 coats!). Below is a before and after of the chairs. They not only look great, but I saved easily over $200 by refinishing these chairs instead of buying new ones.

Next I moved onto the fun stuff, the accessories! I had an old lantern, candle holders, and serving tray that would really elevate the space and add some decorative details. These items were also in need of an overhaul. I decided to also paint these items in the same Krylon Fusion All-In-One in Satin Black for a timeless and cohesive design. Here is a fun video to show the transformations.

Let’s not forget about all the finishing touches. We added some ambiance by stringing bistro lights and adding some candles to the table. Bring indoor living outdoors with place settings, table runner, and some cozy throw blankets in case it gets chilly.

Creating an outdoor dining area is super simple, even just adding a table and chairs to an outdoor area will extend your living area and create a new space for everyday living. We are excited about this extension of our home for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family. Whether your space is a small patio or balcony, large deck, or an expansive poolside you can create a dreamy alfresco retreat you’ll love relaxing in.

For more Krylon project ideas and inspiration…

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