Patio Ideas
I believe that patio ideas and inspo can come from anywhere. See how I found this matching twin bed set that my neighbor was not willing to tackle, and turned it into a long bench. Now the question is, “Can I really waterproof it? Is it worth the effort?” Check out the progress and weigh in on the debate.
Before Patio Ideas
How is this for patio ideas…be resourceful and creative. I found this twin bed set propped up against my neighbor’s trash can while I was on my Friday morning run a few weeks ago. It seemed like too good of a piece to pass up so I grabbed it (with my neighbor’s blessing- She hated throwing it away, so is excited to see if I can salvage it).
I also need to show you the before pics of our patio. We have been so busy making over our home for the last two years that our small back yard has taken the back burner.
My husband set up the shed on the patio when we moved in. For two years we have discussed moving it and this week I enlisted my teenager’s help as we pushed it to it’s new location (still needs to be stablized and beautified).
This left little room for the patio furniture, which was a generic set we picked up from Target about 5 years ago. There was nothing wrong with the set, but it didn’t have any personality.
Patio Ideas | Progress
To convert the two twin beds into one long bench I cut the foot boards of the twin beds to make arm rests. I drilled new dowel holes and used the original cross braces. I also cut down the headboards to match the height of he new chairs I picked up. I really like the look
The Debate | Is it worth the risk of time/effort?
My orginal plan was to strip the entire piece and then add several coats of oil to waterproof it. Unfortunately, this plan will not work with veneer. I might have more luck with Spar Varnish, but I hear it may take up to 5 coats to properly seal it. Even then there is no guarentee. If it does work I’m wondering if this will change the look of the finish and look. Let me show you how pretty it looks and you can tell me if it would be risk of time and effort for you to try.
You can see that the veneer is already starting to peel on the right, but I have been able to preserve most of the pieces and should be able to wood glue them back on. Would Spar Varnish do the trick to protect the rest of the piece? Maybe???
More Patio Ideas
You may recall that I am working on our deck as well, so the over-all vibe needs to jive with this zone. To add cohesion, I have ordered a second matching white umbrella that should get here in a few weeks, and I will likely build a custom coffee table to fit around it.
If we find out that we are not moving this next summer we plan to level the entire backyard and probably lay a cement pad with a removable firepit and basketball hoop. We also need to address the grass and develop a plan for flowers along the back space. It is good to have long term goals to simmer on and plan and I am finding joy in tackling little bits at a time.
Worth the risk? Let’s find out.
So what do you think? Should I take the time to see if Spar Varnish does the trick?
I think I will start with a small arm rest section and give it a go. I will keep you posted on how it works out. Fingers crossed! Worse comes to worst I can put it right back at the curb where I found it. 🙂
Hey Jewel, how are you today? I love the bed bench and a sucker for the striped silk cover 🤪. Seriously though, no bueno for the rug (sorry) Remember to soak your ferns in an epsom salt bath each month, they need a little something 😉 Have a good week!
Epson salt? Awesome Tip! I’ll have to look into that. Thanks
You’re basically a design genius. How do you come up with these amazing concepts and excute them so perfectly!?! Loooovvve all your work❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. Not done yet!
Jewel, darling, you can do no wrong! You are by far one of the most talented and daring designers I know. Try the varnish. It’s worth the risk. I adore how you envision repurposing treasures in your surroundings.
Can’t wait to see what happens. Cheers 🥂
It’s turning out so cute!! Keep going! By the way where is the rug from? I love it!!
This bench is absolutely amazing!! What a great idea! Can you just bring it in when it’s winter? And get a cover for when the seasons are changing?
Very clever! This looks very Boho which is probably why it appeals to me I would think that when sealed this would be fine on a covered or screened porch, but probably not outside where it would be exposed to rain or snow. I think the veneer would buckle up and peel off. For some reason it seems like Morrocco – very exotic.
Maybe, but it really rains a ton here. I would definitely want to treat it with something.
Thanks so much Tiffany. It’s just a little Target one.
You are so supportive my friend! Thank you!
Thanks Ellen. It’s my fear as well. Maybe I’ll store it until Spring and try it out then?
I think the rug is lovely🌸🌸 As a history/ antique lover, I hate to see those lovely “beds” be ruined in the elements. It all looks great!
What an amazing repurpose. I love this daybed and personally I would move it inside. Please try the Spar and if you decide to put it back on the curb at least list it for sale. Someone would love having your great design in their home. Thank you for sharing all of your talent.
Thanks so much Christa!
Thanks so much Shera! I appreciate it.