20 fun and easy outdoor and garden projects that take less than a day

Revamp metal outdoor stools by adding a fun, citrus-inspired design.

White plastic chairs are a backyard staple, as they’re budget-friendly and stackable. To transform plain chairs into party-ready seating, all you need is a couple of cans of spray paint.

Upcycle a couple of old tyres by turning them into a glass-topped coffee table. Choose tyres about 650mm in diameter and paint them white to contrast against grass or timber decking.

A small folding table can be painted to make it suitable for use outdoors. Give it a garden theme with a floral top, using a stencil and spray paint in bright blue and white.

Garden furniture has to be tough and durable, as it is exposed to the elements all year round, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.

Plastic flowerpots or fibreglass planters can be painted and used to create colourful outdoor side tables.

A chair with an aluminium frame and plastic armrests is easy to make over.

Remove the existing canvas or webbing from the frame and give it a bright new look using spray paint.

Turn a wicker clothes hamper, about $20 from bargain shops, into a storage basket for outdoor cushions.

Paint the basket, then make a bag liner from laminated cotton.

Add castors to the base and an MDF top so it can double as a drinks trolley.

Use turf to cover timber stools that can double as ottomans like these grass cubes.

The turf is designed for all weather, so use galvanised or stainless steel hardware to keep the seats outside permanently.

Add a little fun to paved surfaces by adding squares of bright colour.

Adding a big, comfy cushion is a fast way to soften up a timber garden bench. To make a simple cushion, all you need is a length of calico, a fibrefill insert and basic sewing skills.