Concrete Patio Summer Dining Tablescape, DIY Pool Deck Update, and a Roundup of the Best Outdoor Furniture & Decor Finds from Walmart
This backyard has come a long way, and this summer feels like a true fresh start.
If you’ve been following along since last spring, you might remember how it looked before the updates.
After we painted the vinyl pool shed and replaced the pool liner, things finally began to look up. We did hit a bump when an early DIY concrete paint attempt didn’t turn out as planned, but we learned from it and kept going.
Now the concrete pool deck and patio are repainted properly and look refreshed, so the whole backyard feels like it belongs again.
Because we often host friends and family outdoors, we realized we needed a longer dining table and more seating. We chose a wooden extension-style outdoor table from Walmart that includes two hidden leaves, so it can stretch to seat up to ten people when needed.
Right now the table is set up to seat six, but it’s easy to extend without needing to store the extra leaves separately. The flexibility makes it perfect for impromptu gatherings, long family dinners, or holiday entertaining outdoors.
The French bistro armchairs we added are surprisingly comfortable and very sturdy. They have the look of wood but are actually made of metal for better weather resistance, which makes them a practical choice for a busy outdoor space.
To celebrate the end of the school year and the chance to welcome a few friends and family back into our backyard, I set up a casual cookout tablescape. We’ll be spending many summer days smoking barbecue on our grill, and these little moments feel sweeter than ever after the last couple of years.
We refreshed our back porch a couple of years ago and, until recently, were still using an older patio table that had been left by previous owners. It’s such a pleasure to finally have this side of the yard updated too—everything feels cohesive and welcoming now.
I’m hopeful that our biggest DIY flubs and the chaos that 2020 brought are behind us, and that the rest of the year will bring plenty of good, low-stress days spent outside.
If you’re curious about the items shown in this outdoor space, here are the main sources used:
- Extension Outdoor Dining Table (with hidden leaves)
- Outdoor French Bistro Stacking Arm Chairs
- Gas & Charcoal Combo Grill with Smoker
- Galvanized Beverage Tub (similar option)
- White Outdoor Melamine Dinner Plates
- Wood Cutting Board (similar option)
- Blue Linen-Blend Napkins (similar option)
- Citronella Votive Candles (similar option)
We’ve come a long way: three years ago this area looked very different, two weeks ago it was nearing its final look, and now the space is ready for summer gatherings.
Cheers to summer and happier days ahead!
If you’re planning your own outdoor refresh, here are a few practical tips that guided our choices and can help your project:
- Pick durable, weather-resistant materials for year-round use—metal chairs that mimic wood grain offer the look without the upkeep.
- Opt for furniture with modular or extension features so the layout can adapt to different group sizes.
- Choose easy-to-clean dinnerware like melamine for outdoor meals, and keep a few backup napkins and cutting boards on hand for impromptu gatherings.
- Use citronella candles or other natural repellents to make evenings more comfortable, and select lighting that enhances ambiance without attracting insects.
- When repainting concrete, follow product instructions carefully and allow adequate curing time to avoid peeling or early wear.
Enjoy the process—outdoor spaces evolve over time, and thoughtful updates will keep yours welcoming for years to come.