If you have shopped for any outdoor patio furniture recently you know the prices are outrageously high. In an effort to save money, many resourceful do it yourselfers are building their own. You can do this as well, but the success of your project and the amount you save will hinge on buying the correct outdoor furniture plans.

Today’s wicker outdoor furniture is not only made to suit the outdoors but is excellent for indoor use, too. Now, it is possible to get matching sets of furniture for your garden and living room areas.

Thankfully, there is an alternative. If you would like to turn your hand to woodworking and you do not mind a bit of hard work, then constructing your own items using outdoor furniture plans is the most cost-effective and satisfying option.

It is best to avoid the free plans available on the internet even though you may be on a budget. Believe it or not but the actual plans is the most important part of any project and as the old saying goes you get what you pay for. Free plans typically leave out a lot of important information and are usually hard to follow.

If you are a complete beginner, it may be wise to choose a small project to begin with – garden bench, for example. If this is successful, you may want to move onto something more ambitious, such as an outdoor cooking station or a decked patio.

When it comes fasteners, screws etc make sure they are also suitable for outdoor use. To avoid the fasteners rusting and staining your finished work, use brass, stainless steel, galvanised or plated, your local hardware store will advise you.

There are many wood glues available but not all of them are suitable for outdoor projects. Be sure to use a glue designated for exterior use, that way your finished project won’t fall apart the first time it rains.

Before starting any DIY project, it is a good idea to think about what tools and materials you will need. Good quality plans will provide detailed information on which tools and materials are best for the project.

When shopping for furniture made of wicker, you must also take into consideration the style of the area, room or outdoor space that you are planning to decorate. Plan a theme and make a layout. Take measurements of the specific area as well as the spaces where you want to place the furniture pieces you plan to purchase.