21 Easy DIY Outdoor Projects for Your Weekend
Build your dream backyard with these 21 beginner-friendly outdoor woodworking projects. From planters and furniture to fun games, all are easy and perfect for DIYers.
Summer is meant for sunshine, fresh air, and spending time in your backyard. And if you’re anything like me, that time feels even better when you’ve built something with your own two hands.
Outdoor woodworking projects are some of my absolute favorites to tackle. They’re fun, functional, and a great way to ease into DIY—especially if you’re just getting started with power tools. Plus, there’s nothing like relaxing on a bench or planter box you built yourself.
This collection of 21 beginner-friendly outdoor woodworking projects is packed with ideas you can build over a weekend using simple tools. Most use budget-friendly materials like 2x4s and fence boards—so you don’t need to break the bank to build something beautiful.
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What’s the Best Wood for Outdoor Projects?
When building outdoor projects, it’s important to choose wood that can handle the elements. Cedar and redwood are top picks because they’re naturally weather- and pest-resistant. Pressure-treated lumber is another great option—especially for budget builds—but be sure to seal or paint it for extra protection.
No matter what you use, always finish your project with an outdoor-rated sealer or paint to help it last longer.
See more about wood types here.
Easy DIY Outdoor Furniture Projects
I love building outdoor projects because they check all the right boxes—practical, budget-friendly, and beginner-approved.
- Most DIY outdoor furniture can be made using basic 2x4s or other structural lumber, which keeps costs low.
- There are rarely any tricky cuts.
- You don’t need fancy tools or complicated joints—just a saw, drill, and a little time. (Check out my list of 7 beginner woodworking tools.)
That’s exactly what makes these projects such a great starting point if you’re new to woodworking.
1. DIY Outdoor Bar/Potting Bench
If you’re looking for a weekend project that’s equal parts practical and fun, this DIY outdoor bar is a must-build. Using only about $70 in lumber, it’s a budget-friendly way to add function and charm to your patio or backyard.
It’s designed to be versatile—you can use it as a serving station during outdoor gatherings or as a dedicated potting bench for your gardening projects.
Get the details and the plans: DIY Outdoor Bar
2. DIY Modern Potting Bench
This DIY modern potting bench is not only functional but also adds a clean, stylish touch to your outdoor space.
It’s a compact project that fits perfectly on a patio, porch, or backyard corner, and it’s easy to customize with paint or stain to match your style. Plus, it’s a satisfying weekend build using basic materials and tools.
And guess what! It can also serve as a simple, stylish table for gatherings if you like!
Get the plans here: Modern Potting Bench
3. Outdoor Storage Box
This DIY outdoor storage box is perfect for your patio, porch, or deck to store toys, packages, and tools.
The slatted design allows wet items to dry when inside, and it will fit an 18-gallon outdoor tote so you can also seal it up in the winter months when not using the toys to keep the critters out.
Makes great additional outdoor setting too!
Get the plans to build here: DIY Outdoor Storage Box
4. Easy $15 DIY Outdoor Coffee Table
This simple DIY outdoor coffee table is the perfect beginner project. Built with just $15-$20 in lumber and a few pocket holes, it’s quick, affordable, and functional.
Finish it in a few hours and enjoy a sturdy, stylish piece that’s perfect for your patio or backyard seating area.
Get the plans to build here: DIY Outdoor Coffee Table
5. $20 DIY Outdoor Dining Table
This compact DIY outdoor dining table is designed to comfortably seat four people, making it perfect for small patios or balconies.
Built with just $20 in lumber, it’s a budget-friendly weekend project that’s easy to customize. A great way to add style and function to your outdoor dining setup.
Get the plans: DIY Outdoor Dining Table
6. 2×4 Outdoor Dining Chair
Built entirely from 2x4s, this DIY outdoor chair is sturdy, stylish, and beginner-friendly. It pairs perfectly with the DIY outdoor dining table and is designed for comfort and durability.
Whether you use redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated lumber, it’s a great project to practice cutting angles and assembling with pocket holes and dowels.
Get the plans: Easy DIY 2×4 Chair
7. DIY Patio Table With Fire Pit
No more bending over a firepit! This clever DIY patio table doubles as a coffee table and fire pit stand—perfect for making s’mores and keeping warm on cool evenings. Built with 2x4s, it’s a beginner-friendly project designed to fit a 14″ portable grill.
Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying family time outdoors, this functional piece adds warmth, style, and a cozy gathering spot to your backyard to roast up some smores!
Get the plans: DIY Patio Table With Fire Pit
8. DIY Water Table Plans
This DIY water table is a fun and functional project that any toddler will love! Whether you fill it with water, sand, or sensory balls, it offers endless hours of hands-on play.
It’s a simple, beginner-friendly build that you can complete in a day using basic tools and materials.
Get the plans: DIY Water Table Plans
9. DIY 2×4 Bench – How to Make an Indoor/Outdoor Bench
This DIY outdoor bench is a twist on one of my most popular builds—and for good reason! The X-leg design is not only stylish but also super sturdy. Made entirely from 2x4s, it’s perfect for adding extra seating to your porch, patio, or backyard. With just a few basic tools, you can build it in a single day.
Get the plans: DIY Outdoor Bench
10. Easy DIY Hammock Stand Using 3 Tools
Nothing says backyard relaxation like a hammock—and this DIY hammock stand makes it easy to enjoy! Built with just 4×4 lumber and three basic tools, it’s a quick and sturdy project. I used redwood for its natural weather resistance, but treated lumber works great too—just don’t forget to seal it!
Get the plans: DIY Hammock Stand
11. DIY Outdoor Towel Rack With Shelves
Let’s be honest—no one wants soggy towels draped over their patio furniture. This DIY outdoor towel rack is the perfect solution! It keeps wet towels off your chairs and neatly organized by the pool, on the deck, or even indoors. It’s a quick, beginner-friendly build that adds both function and a clean, clutter-free look to your outdoor space.
Get the plans here: DIY Outdoor Towel Rack
Easy DIY Outdoor Planters
No outdoor space is complete without a little greenery—and building your own planters is a fun and easy way to add it.
These beginner-friendly DIY planter projects are perfect for patios, porches, or garden corners and can be made with just a few tools and materials.
12. DIY Planter Bench
This DIY planter bench is the perfect combo of seating and greenery—ideal for small patios or backyard nooks. Built with redwood for its natural weather resistance (or cedar as a great alternative), it features two planter boxes on either side of a cozy bench.
It’s a simple yet impactful project that adds both function and charm to your outdoor space. Great for beginners and weekend builders!
Get the details and plans: DIY Planter Bench
13. DIY Self Watering Planter
With this clever DIY delf-watering planter, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to water your garden. Its built-in sub-irrigation system delivers water through drip irrigation—just fill the reservoir every few weeks and let it do the work! It’s a fun and functional project that’s perfect for beginners, and a great way to get kids excited about gardening in the backyard.
Get the plans and tutorial: DIY Self Watering Planter
14. DIY Tiered Raised Garden Bed
Short on space? This DIY tiered raised garden bed is perfect for decks, balconies, or small backyards where every inch counts. With two planting levels and a lattice back, it gives you plenty of room to grow vegetables, herbs, or vining plants vertically. It’s a simple yet smart outdoor woodworking project that you can easily build over a weekend—no fancy tools required!
Get the plans: Raised Tiered Garden Bed
15. $10 DIY Tiered Planter Box
Made with just three cedar fence boards and a couple of 2×2 furring strips, this DIY tiered planter costs about $10 to build and comes together super quickly.
The three tiers are perfect for showing off flowers, herbs, or whatever plants you love. It’s small enough to fit just about anywhere—your porch, patio, or balcony—and easy enough for beginners to knock out in an afternoon.
Get the plans: Tiered Planter Boxes
16. DIY Lattice Planter Box
This DIY planter box has a little extra personality thanks to its decorative lattice sides! The double-layered lattice not only adds visual interest but also cleverly hides the corner posts for a clean, polished look. It’s an easy build that makes a big statement, and you can paint or stain it any color to match your outdoor vibe.
Get the plans: DIY Lattice Planter
17. Modern Outdoor Planters
If you love a clean, modern look, this trio of planters is the perfect weekend project. Each one is made with cedar fence boards—naturally pest- and weather-resistant—so they’re built to last outside.
The sleek design is topped off with bold black accents that give them a contemporary edge. Easy to build with basic tools, these planters are beginner-friendly and look amazing individually or grouped together on a patio, porch, or balcony.
Get the plans to make these planters:
RELATED: 45 Amazing DIY Wooden Planter Box Ideas
Quick & Easy Outdoor Woodworking Projects
These Quick & Easy Outdoor Woodworking Projects are perfect for when you want to build something fun and functional without spending all weekend on it.
From backyard games to practical accessories, these small projects add big personality to your outdoor space—with minimal time and tools required.
18. Lightweight DIY Cornhole Boards
Cornhole is a summertime classic—but traditional boards can be bulky and tough to move. This DIY lightweight version keeps the same regulation size while using a smarter design to cut down on weight. It’s easy to build, super beginner-friendly, and totally customizable with paint, stain, or decals to match your style.
Perfect for backyard parties, BBQs, or family game nights!
Get the plans: DIY Lightweight Cornhole Boards
19. DIY Solar Light Post Using 4×4 Boards
Got a few leftover 4x4s? Turn them into stylish DIY solar light posts! This quick and easy project adds both charm and function to your outdoor space—perfect for lighting up patios, walkways, or porches. Just add solar lights on top, and you’ve got an instant glow-up using scrap wood.
Learn how to make them: DIY Solar Light Post Using 4×4 Boards
20. How to Make a DIY Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
This quick 15-minute project is a backyard party essential! Mount this DIY bottle opener to a post, fence, or wall for easy access whenever you need to pop open a drink. It’s simple to make, super handy to have around, and also makes a thoughtful (and functional) handmade gift!
Get the plans: DIY Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
21. DIY Ring Toss Game
No backyard party is complete without a few fun games—and this DIY ring toss is a crowd favorite! Made from scrap 2x4s, it’s quick to build, easy to customize, and even easier to disassemble and store when the fun’s over. A perfect beginner project that brings big backyard energy!
Make your own: DIY Ring Toss Game
Whether you start with a simple planter or a backyard game, these projects are all about making the most of your time outside. Which will you build first?
More Outdoor Project Ideas
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
