“Nothing says ‘oasis’ more than enjoying quality company over a delicious meal, breathing in fresh air, and admiring the sights and sounds of nature.”
Spring is in full swing. That means longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of gorgeous flowers and trees to admire. If you’re like us, you want to take full advantage of every chance to soak up the beauty from your own backyard. Curating a welcoming outdoor dining space opens up a world of opportunities for doing just that.
We’re sharing a collection of Dunn DIY projects that will help you elevate your outdoor space into an oasis built for entertaining loved ones and enjoying the finer things in life:
Defining your space
The first step in establishing your outdoor space is ensuring it’s leisure-friendly, no matter the weather. You want a space where you can stay dry from the rain and shaded from the hot sun. By adding a patio cover or pergola—or by utilizing the space beneath your deck if you have a two-story home—you can maximize the enjoyment of your outdoor footprint.
How To Build a Pergola
Looking to add architectural interest and function to your home? Pergolas are a great investment. Constructed with long, elevated beams, pergolas create shade and offer sturdy support for climbing plants. Over time, the plants can create additional cover across the top, offering even more shade on hot days.
How To Build a DIY Patio Cover
Rain or shine, this DIY patio cover is the solution you need to make your outdoor space comfortable. Strung between sturdy anchor points, this cover is designed to be easily disassembled if the weather turns blustery or wet.
How To Create a Dry Space Under Your Deck
If you have a two-story deck with usable space below, adding a ceiling beneath the top floor can be a game-changer for keeping your patio dry. The DrySpace drainage system from TimberTech is one of our preferred products for collecting moisture from the spaces between boards while staying hidden under the deck.
Elevate Your Patio Cover With SkyLift Roof Riser Hardware
Adding a pergola or patio cover to your home has its challenges—close proximity to gutters, debris buildup, and the potential to create a low slope that limits vertical clearance. But thanks to SkyLift roof riser hardware, you can easily create additional height above your conventional patio cover. Elevating your pergola off the roof improves air circulation, natural light, and access to your gutter system.
Seating and eating
Does anything compare to eating al fresco? Nothing says “oasis” more than enjoying great company over a delicious meal, breathing in fresh air, and admiring the sights and sounds of nature. Now that you have a durable cover to protect your space from the elements, it’s time to create the heart of your outdoor dining area: the table.
How To Build a Picnic Table
Outdoor furniture can get expensive fast. Building your own picnic table is a classic solution for enabling outdoor dining and seating multiple people. By using rot-resistant cedar lumber, your table can stay outside all year round and serve as a home base for meals, crafts, and more.
DIY Outdoor Dining Table
Building an outdoor dining table doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple but high-impact project is easy to tackle. Want to add a pop of color to your oasis? Paint or stain it to your liking to create a fun focal point for all to enjoy.
DIY Outdoor Dining Bench
Any good table needs seating. With clean lines and a smooth finish, this comfortable bench maximizes your seating without requiring you to build multiple chairs. It works indoors or outdoors, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
How To Build an Easy, Affordable Outdoor Side Table
You’ve got the patio covered, the table set, the seating ready—but do you have a side table for added functionality? This simple but appealing side table is an excellent addition to any outdoor space, offering extra surface area for snacks, drinks, books, lanterns, and more.
Decor
It’s easy to let backyard clutter accumulate—yard tools, trash bins, forgotten flower pots. But your outdoor living space is a great opportunity to extend the beauty and charm of your interior. From storage solutions to decorative elements, these DIY projects will take your outdoor space from messy to magical.
DIY Hanging Plant Stand
Hanging flower baskets add life and visual interest to outdoor spaces. This plant stand brightens up any spot—and it doubles as a welcome sign, creating a warm, personalized atmosphere for your guests.
How To Hide a Propane Tank
As much as we love what propane tanks do, they can be an eyesore. Why not hide it with an easy-to-build slip-over box? This project only takes about an hour and is a great choice for beginners. You’ll get all the benefits of propane while maintaining a sleek look.
How To Make a Decorative Utility Screen
Like propane tanks, clunky household staples like air conditioners, gas meters, and heat pumps can be unsightly. This clever utility screen hides those essentials with a stylish, hinged privacy panel that maintains easy access for maintenance and readings.
How To Make a Wooden Lantern
One of our favorite ways to elevate outdoor dining is with candlelight. But breezy weather can blow flames out fast. These wooden lanterns are a charming, affordable way to shield candles from the wind while creating magical ambiance. Leave them outside in summer and bring them in during winter to enjoy year-round coziness.
Hosting and entertaining
We’ve got the table, seating, and decor. Now it’s time to make your outdoor oasis the life of the party! These projects add smart, stylish upgrades that make your space more inviting for every type of get-together.
How To Make a DIY Patio Cooler Stand
Summer BBQ season is right around the corner! That means juicy burgers, plenty of potato salad, and ice-cold beverages on deck. If you have a cooler and want to keep your outdoor dining oasis looking its best, try your hand at this patio cooler stand. It not only keeps your cooler discrete but also expands your storage and surface area for summertime hangs.
How To Build a DIY Outdoor Cook Station
Want to entertain your guests outdoors while still cooking your delicious meal? An outdoor cook station will bring your kitchen outside so you can be a part of the party without being hunkered indoors. Great for a butane burner and a crockpot, this cook station is an amazing way to prepare slow and low foods without filling the house with unwanted odors.
How To Build a DIY Tiki Bar
No outdoor dining oasis is complete without a place to pour a drink and soak up good vibes. This DIY tiki bar brings major vacation energy to your backyard—complete with tropical charm and practical storage. Whether you're mixing cocktails or mocktails, it’s the perfect way to level up your summer hosting game.
We hope these projects inspire you to step outside and start creating a space that brings joy, comfort, and connection all season long! For more outdoor living inspiration, check out our outdoor category on our Dunn DIY blog.