Summer Decorating: Budget-Friendly Deck Refresh

Budget-friendly updates you can make to refresh your summer deck and outdoor decor for less! 

A huge thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post and giving me the kick in the pants I needed to refresh our deck! 

Last year, I got rid of our old four piece wicker conversation set with the goal of getting all new deck furniture this summer.   That idea quickly changed when gas and groceries prices increased and I just couldn't justify spending unnecessary money on something I didn't actually need.  

Instead, I decided to do a little power washing, planting, cleaning and painting and make a few budget-friendly purchases to refresh our deck for summer. 

I gave the backyard garage door area a $200 makeover, built a modern trashcan screen, overhauled the exterior of the shed and shed deck and now it was time to tackle the large deck!

Here's how the deck looked just before I started cleaning and painting the old wrought iron furniture that I've had for almost 20 years. 

Thanks to Walmart and their affordable tools, project supplies and stylish outdoor decor,  I was able to clean the deck, update our existing furniture and purchase a few key pieces to improve the look and comfort of our outdoor living. 

Budget-Friendly Ideas To Update Your Deck For Summer

1. CLEAN & POWER WASH 

A few years ago, we bought a Sun Joe Presser Washer and a Ryobi Leaf Blower and they have been instrumental in helping us keep up with the maintenance of our home.  From easily blowing off pollen and leaves to effortlessly removing dirt, grime and mold.   They are my go-to items when it comes to cleaning the outside of the house. 

This year, in an effort to save money, I decided to try out the pressure washer on our very dirty and neglected outdoor cushions.  They have been outside for a few years now and I wasn't sure how well they would clean up, but I figured it was worth a try.

I sprayed each cushion with Resolve Upholstery & Multi-Fabric Cleaner, let them sit for about five minutes then sprayed them down with the pressure washer.  There were a few rust stains that didn't come out completely, but overall, they cleaned up nicely. 

2. PAINT OR RESEAL OLD PATIO FURNITURE

I have an old wrought iron patio set that I've had for over 18 years.  It's solid, sturdy and I LOVE that the seats rock.  It's still structurally sound, but being outside for 18 years has taken a toll on its appearance.  Luckily, wrought iron patio sets are easy to update in just a few simple steps. 

Wood or teak outdoor furniture sets can be restored with a good power washing, sanding,  staining and sealing.

STEPS TO UPDATE AN OLD WROUGHT IRON PATIO SET 

1. Scrape off loose rust with a stiff wire brush. 

2. Lightly sand rust spots with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any roughness.

3. Use a Pressure Washer to thoroughly clean furniture and allow it to dry.

4. Spray furniture with multiple light coats of spray paint.  I used five cans of Rust-oleum Flat Black Spray Paint to do a table and four chairs. 

3. CLEAN AND REFRESH OUTDOOR DOORS AND TRIM

Weather can do a number on outdoor doors and trim.  A good cleaning to remove any dirt and mold and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders.  This year, I FINALLY tackled painting the outside of our deck doors with Iron Ore to match the rest of the doors.  It instantly gave the doors a fresh new look! 

4. ADD A RUG AND PILLOWS

I ordered a new gray diamond woven outdoor rug from Walmart and I couldn't be happier with the quality, especially for the price.  It grounded the space under the table and pulled everything together.  

Rug / Planter / Round Cutting Board / Tabletop Tiki Torch

I also ordered four of these designer look pillows for the extra chairs and loungers.  They're soft and textured and aren't itchy like traditional outdoor pillows.  If you're looking for great outdoor pillows that won't break your budget, these are it!

5.  INCORPORATE PLANTS & FLOWERS

Walmart has a nice selection of affordable outdoor plants and a variety of outdoor planters, which made it super easy to add fun textures and plants to the deck.

This Everly basket is my favorite and since it's made of resin it will hold up to all weather conditions.   I added a plant to it that wasn't doing well in my bedroom, but has been thriving outside.  I also bought a set of the Savana round planters to break up all the black and add a little more texture. 

6. STAIN

Just like paint, wood stain is a super affordable way to drastically refresh and update old wood, especially if it's never been stained or treated. 

When we built our deck we chose white vinyl railing and Evergrain composite deck boards for low maintenance upkeep, however, the deck supports were basic pressure-treated lumber and needed a good cleaning and staining. 

Last year, when I power washed and stained the shed deck I decided to also stain the deck posts.  The difference is night and day and the overall look of the deck drastically improved.  

It's been SO nice to look out the kitchen window and see a clean and refreshed deck!  It had been neglected for so long and now it's actually a space we will use and enjoy. 

FAVORITE WALMART SUMMER DECK DECOR

     

    

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