Transform your backyard into a summer retreat with easy, budget-friendly DIY projects. From building a deck to refreshing outdoor furniture, discover creative ways to enhance your outdoor living space using quality supplies from Maxwell Hardware.

When summer rolls around, it's the perfect time to extend your living space into the great outdoors. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy porch, a few smart do-it-yourself upgrades can transform your outdoor area into the ideal spot for relaxing, entertaining, and soaking up the sunshine. At Maxwell Hardware, we’re here to supply you with the tools, lumber, paint, and expert advice you need to bring your outdoor vision to life.

Here are five inspiring summer DIY projects to take your outdoor space to the next level:

1. Build a Custom Wooden Deck or Patio

A wooden deck can turn a patch of grass into a beautiful platform for dining, lounging, or hosting gatherings. Using our high-quality yellow pine lumber, you can create a sturdy and attractive base that blends beautifully with your natural surroundings.

Materials You Might Need:

• Yellow pine treated lumber
• Galvanized nails and screws
• Post anchors and joist hangers
• Stain or outdoor paint for finishing

Visit Maxwell Hardware for everything from joist brackets to weather-resistant fasteners.

2. Create a DIY Fire Pit Area

Gathering around a fire pit is a summer tradition. You can build a basic fire pit using bricks or pavers, or go rustic with a stone design. Surround it with some handcrafted benches or Adirondack chairs for a cozy ambiance.

Supplies to Consider:

• Concrete pavers or landscaping bricks
• Gravel or sand base
• Heat-resistant adhesive
• Wood for bench seating (spruce studs or yellow pine)

Ask our staff for the right tools and adhesives to withstand heat and the elements.

3. Install a Backyard Privacy Wall or Trellis

Need some separation from neighbors or just want a bit of shade? A wooden trellis or slatted privacy wall adds elegance and function. It can also double as a backdrop for climbing plants or string lights.

Recommended Materials:

• Luan or treated plywood
• Wooden slats or lattice panels
• Deck screws and outdoor sealant
• Paint or stain for color and protection

Maxwell Hardware stocks a range of lumber and finishes perfect for outdoor woodworking.

4. Refinish or Repaint Outdoor Furniture

Give old furniture a fresh lease on life with a new coat of paint or stain. With our interior and exterior paint selection, you can color match your furniture to your deck, garden theme, or home siding.

What You’ll Need:

• Sandpaper or sander
• Outdoor-rated primer and paint
• Paintbrushes, rollers, or spray applicators
• Sealant or topcoat

Our staff can help you choose the right paint finish for durability in summer sun and rain.

5. Build Raised Garden Beds or Planters

Raised garden beds are a fun and functional DIY project for all skill levels. Great for growing veggies, herbs, or flowers, these can be crafted from yellow pine, spruce studs, or even OSB sheathing for quick, affordable assembly.

Materials List:

• Cut-to-size treated lumber
• Wood screws and brackets
• Landscaping fabric
• Soil and mulch

Want a garden with style? Ask about staining your planter boxes for added curb appeal.

Summer is the ideal season for outdoor improvement, and there’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a space you’ve built with your own two hands. At Maxwell Hardware, we’re proud to be your one-stop shop for lumber, paint, hardware, tools, and expert advice.

Stop by our Delhi store or contact us online to get started on your next summer project!