DIY Rustic Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture can allow you to enjoy your yard while still remaining comfortable. However, a lot of outdoor furniture supplied by major retailers is expensive. Plus, many of these pieces are highly finished, lacking the rough-hewn qualities of traditional cottage style items. You can recapture the past by making your own outdoor furniture. The real surprise is how available the material may be and how simple it is to put the furniture together. You do not have to be a master carpenter, only be willing to scrounge for natural solutions for your furnishing needs. Does this Spark an idea?

The Recliner

Everyone needs a place to kick back. Having room to stretch out and take a nap can turn an outdoor area into a lovely place to lounge or snuggle. One way to put together a rustic love seat is through woodcraft. The base can be composed of a large planed stump. The back and arm rest can be crafted with stout, dry vines that are nailed in place. To soften the sitting area, use down filled cushions. You will be surprised at how comfortable and cozy this arrangement can be.

End Tables

A small end table is probably one of the easiest pieces of rustic furniture to build. Drill holes into the bottom of a flat piece of driftwood. Align these holes with brackets attached to two, wide based legs. Use high quality wood screws to secure the legs to the table surface. This table will work well in both indoor and outdoor settings. Depending on the piece of driftwood you use, these pieces can also stand out for their gorgeous appearance. Remember, however, the legs must be checked for level once attached to the underside of the table. Because driftwood tends to be irregularly shaped, you may need to saw down a little on the legs once they are attached. Make sure the legs are long enough when initially installed to leave length enough for this.

Ottomans

You do not exactly build rustic ottomans, so much as discover them. Large pine knots can serve well as a place to prop your feet after a long day outdoors. Also, pieces of elaborately twisted driftwood and large mossy stones work well in your sylvan design scheme. The main thing to be cautious of is anything that might lead to injury. Wood easily splinters and stone is prone to cut. Make sure the rock edges are rounded off and that the wood is sanded down. Some furniture builders might even opt for a coat of varnish.