3 stylish outdoor DIY projects for spring

If you’ve glanced solemnly at your outdoor area over winter and wondered how it got so lacklustre, fret not! There are a few easy, budget-friendly ways to instantly refresh and rejuvenate the space.

These three simple and satisfying outdoor DIY projects – textured pots, a striped table and an outdoor furniture refresh – use the transformative power of Resene paint and stain products.

Take some time on an upcoming weekend to reimagine your outdoor space so it’s ready for summer entertaining.

It’s all white

If your outdoor timber-framed couch or coffee table are looking worse for wear due to the harsh sun, look no further than a few revitalising coats of Resene Timber and Furniture Gel. Now available in Whitewash, it’s easy to upgrade faded timber and scuffed surfaces with a little elbow grease and a simple whitewashing technique.

Resene Timber and Furniture Gel Whitewash is ideal for outdoor furniture because it lets the natural grain of the wood show through while giving your setup a fresh, clean finish. If you’re after a breezy, coastal-inspired makeover that’s perfect for spring lounging, this is a simple and satisfying weekend project.

Whitewash is a timelessly stylish, subtle look and adds a touch of visual interest to your furniture, without being too intense. It brings a modern, Scandi-inspired interpretation to your outdoor setting and you can style it with different coloured cushions and throws.

Top tip: Clear stain finishes outside provide little or no protection to your timber. If you want a natural look, opt for a stain or oil as close as possible to the original colour. This will give you a natural look while still protecting the timber.

Walls and trims painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko and outdoor sofa stained in Resene Timber and Furniture Gel Whitewash.

Wall and trims painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko and plant pot painted in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Green Spring.

Table painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Kelp, Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Half Linen, walls and trims in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog and deck stained in Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko.

Top of the pots

Do you have a tired old plant pot on your deck that’s looking worse for wear? Or, perhaps you’re looking to upgrade to a colour and texture that fits better with your current aesthetic. Consider giving pots a makeover with Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect, a gritty, textured paint that can be tinted to a wide range of Resene colours.

This specialty paints from Resene not only add depth and dimension to your outdoor pots but can also help disguise surface imperfections like chips, cracks or fading. The end result? A stylish, modern planter that looks great beside your outdoor furniture and adds character to your deck. Whether your pot is ceramic, terracotta, concrete or plastic, this easy project is a great way to inject personality into your outdoor space.

Top tip: Your secret weapon with pots is applying a coat of Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer to the inside. This gives a long-term water beading effect to prevent water penetrating the pot and causing damage.

Coastal cool

If your outdoor table is looking more weathered than welcoming, don’t rush to replace it. With just a few simple materials, Resene paint and a bit of patience, you can transform a tired wooden table into something that feels right at home in a beachside villa or Hamptons-style deck.

This project is all about clean lines and a sun-drenched palette. Inspired by vintage beach umbrellas, French grain sacks and European deck chairs, the look is laid-back but refined. These classic stripe patterns – typically in muted green, olive or charcoal – evoke al fresco dining, sunset cocktails and long lunches in the shade. The painted stripes become a built-in table runner and an eye-catching detail that completely reimagines and breathes new life into an everyday table.

The base colour of this refreshed picnic table is Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Kelp, an earthy, wood bark green, and the stripes have been painted using Resene testpots in Resene Half Linen and Resene Half Bokara Grey.

Top tip: Choosing hues in a complementary palette creates a calming and cohesive look. If you need help creating your own palette, head into your local Resene ColorShop for advice, or use the free Resene Ask a Colour Expert service online.