How to upcycle your garden furniture

It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become!

Gardening is such a rewarding hobby, it gives you a chance to get outdoors, breathe in some fresh air, and connect with nature. But to enjoy your garden fully, you need to have the right furniture to sit on, relax and take in the beauty of your garden. Garden furniture can be expensive, and many people buy new sets every few years when their old ones start to look worn out or outdated. However, there is a way to make your garden furniture last for many years and save money at the same time - upcycling!

What is upcycling?

Upcycling an item is where you change something you may no longer want and improve it to make it fit for purpose and more appealing. You can upcycle almost anything, and your old garden furniture is a great place to start. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your old garden furniture into something that looks new, modern and unique. Here are some tips to give your furniture a new lease of life:

• If your garden furniture is made of wood, it is relatively easy to upcycle. Start by sanding down any rough or peeling areas. Give the wood a lick of paint to make it look brand new again. You can choose a bright, bold colour or a more natural wood finish. Take care to choose a paint or stain that is suitable for outdoor use to protect it from the elements. Ronseal has some useful guides about how to upcycle your garden furniture. 
• If your garden furniture has cushions, you can reupholster them to give them a fresh new look. Choose a durable, outdoor fabric that is water-resistant and easy to clean. You could also add a trim, buttons or other decorative elements to make them more unique.
• You could add accessories to your furniture to upcycle the look even further. You can add some colourful throw pillows, an outdoor rug, or even some potted plants to add some natural features to your space.
• If you have old furniture that can no longer be used as intended, consider repurposing it for your garden. For example, an old ladder can be turned into a plant stand, or an old door can be used as a table top. Many people make seating and tables from old pallets. 

Upcycling your garden furniture saves you money and helps the environment. Instead of throwing your old furniture away, you can give it a new life and reduce waste. It is also a fun and creative way to personalise your garden and make it a unique reflection of your style. Ideal Home shows how effective upcycling can be, particularly on a budget. So next time you consider buying new garden furniture, why not upcycle your old pieces? You might be surprised at how easy it is and how beautiful your garden can look with a little creativity!

It doesn't have to stop there! 

Upcycling isn't just about turning furniture into something beautiful, it can involve pretty much anything and one of the most popular things to create in a garden is a planter. You can turn many things into decorative planters, from a pair of wellies to an old toilet! Here are a few ideas:

• Try turning your old wellies into a funky new home for your favourite flowers. You can leave them as they are or give them a coat of paint to make them look bright and colourful. Remember to create some drainage holes with a drill or a similar tool, then fill them with compost and pop your flowers or seeds in the top. Horticulturist David Domoney has put together a guide on how to make your own welly planter. 
• Plastic bottles make good planters as you can cut them down to size and paint them in a design of your choice, they are also easy to put drain holes in the bottom. Bottles make perfect planters for walls and windowsills. 

• Old tin baths look very chic in your garden filled with soil and some bright flowers. If you don't want to drill holes, you can put a layer of rocks in the bottom before adding your compost, just don't overwater them.
• An old toilet! You might not believe it, but toilets seem to be a popular choice for an upcycled garden planter. They are very tough and durable and therefore can withstand the elements and also have a good drainage system. Just make sure you are happy with your chosen location as it will be very heavy once filled. 
• Car tyres have so much potential when it comes to planters as you can stack them, paint them, wrap them and hang them. Kwik Fit has a great guide on how to make them and if you feel like you want to be a little more creative you should check out this handy guide by The Garden Patch.