A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Tool Shed

by Stephen | Sep 30, 2019 | Building Wooden Tool Shed

If you leave your tools out in the open for an extended period, then even the best rust-resistant coating in the world won’t save them from harm. The good news is that inexpensive materials and modular construction have now made it easy and affordable to build a tool shed.

By constructing a tool shed, you can create a clean, dry and secure place from where you can easily access your tools. Also, if you use cedar to construct the shed, then the shed will be naturally resistant to rot. This means that the shed will protect your tools from both pests and precipitation. Here, we will provide you with all the details about how to build a tool shed. Let’s get started.

Some Tips for Getting Started with the Construction of a Tool Shed

Before we reveal how to build a tool shed, we want to provide you with some useful tips for getting started with the tool shed construction. First and foremost, you should that this is a simple and low-cost construction. You can build the parts for the construction in your garage and assemble them with your own bare hands.

Another reason for the low overall cost of this construction is that it involves modes finishes like fiberglass shingles, composite trim, and OSB siding which are not that costly. Also, since it is easy to build and assemble the shed with your own hands, you can save hundreds of dollars that you would have otherwise spent on labor.

The wood platform foundation and the modular construction of the shed mean that it can be constructed virtually anywhere including on sloping or remote sites. A tool shed has a simple constriction that only requires a circular saw and standard carpentry tools. If you can get a friend or family member to help you with the construction, then you can get the shell and platform ready in two to three days. It will take another couple of days to complete the windows, roofing, doors, trim, and siding to build the shed.

Whether or not you will need a permit for the shed will depend on how it is constructed and the materials you’ve used. We recommend getting in touch with your local building department to find out if you require a permit for the tool shed or not. The last bit of advice that we will give is to choose an appropriate location for the shed. This is important for building a stable shed that can provide the right amount of protection to your tools. We can now start with the step-by-step guide to build a tool shed.

The Items to Gather

The first and foremost thing you need to do to build a shed for your tools is to gather everything that you will need to construct the shed. Following is a list of items that you will need for building the tool shed:

Three 2×4 frames
Plywood shelves
Tongue-and-groove cedar boards
Wood glue
2×6 header
1×2 lumber
1×3 strips
Nails
Circular saw
Hammer
Screwdriver

Once you have gathered the above-mentioned items, you can start to construct the tool shed. The first step to do that would be assembling the framing.

1. Assemble the Framing

The three 2×4 frames will have to be built by you

Make sure the frames you create have a center crosspiece and a top that is angled
Once the frames are created, connect them at the top and bottom’s front and back
Nail the 1×2 lumbers around the openings of the door at the framing’s front side
Take the 2×6 header and glue it across the front using the wood glue. Screw the header as well to ensure it sticks properly
The frame is assembled

2. Build Floor and Shelves

Once you have assembled the framing, the next step would be to build the floor and shelves. Following are the steps to do that:

Cut a plywood piece that can fit into the framing’s base. To allow the piece to align with the 1×2 lumbers in the front, let a ¾-inch be overhung
Level the plywood to allow it to fit around the framing. Use glue and screw to set the plywood in place
Provide the needed support to the shelving by screwing crosspieces into the middle
After it is cut, screw down the plywood shelving

3. Slide the Shed

After you’ve built the floor and shelves, the next step would be to slide the shed. Following is how you need to do that:

Using nails, connect the frame’s exterior with the tongue-and-groove cedar boards. Connect the boards to the exterior on the back and sides
Use a circular saw to cut the boards’ top edges flush with the framing

4. Attach the Roof

Once the shed has been slid, you can start to attach the roof. Following are the steps to do that:

Using nails, connect the top of the frame with tongue-and-groove cedar boards
Overhang the roof on the front and sides

5. Build and Hang the Doors

The fifth and final step to build a tool shed involves building and hanging the doors. Following are the steps to do that:

To get the doors to fit below the header, cut them to the height of the doors
To hold the 1×3 strips together, screw them across the back
Next, attach each door’s frame with a 1×3 frame
Using heavy-duty hinges, attach the doors to the shed

Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to build a tool shed where you can store all your tools and keep them safe from any damage.

Awesome Cedar Bench Plans for Your Outdoors

by Stephen | Sep 28, 2019 | Cedar Bench Plans

If you’re looking for sturdy and durable furniture for your outdoors, then there’s nothing better than cedar furniture. Known for its strength for thousands of years, cedar wood is a great choice of furniture for your patio and garden.

While there are several material options for outdoor furniture, you can’t go wrong with cedar. Its stability, graceful aging, and natural resistance to bugs, decay, and water make it an ideal choice. If you opt for cedar furniture for your outdoors, then you can expect several benefits from it; these include natural properties, ingrained insulation, strength and durability, low maintenance, and affordability.

With the benefits of cedar wood for your outdoors clear, let’s look into some great cedar bench plans for your outdoors that will surely enhance the appeal and value of both your outdoors and home.

1. Simple Cedar Outdoor Bench

The first cedar bench plan on our list is the simple cedar outdoor bench. An easy to build outdoor cedar bench, this cedar bench plan is 36” high, 52” wide, and 28” long. The outdoor cedar bench would sit pretty on just about any deck, patio, or garden.

An extremely sturdy bench with a durable backrest, the simple cedar outdoor bench is one of the best furniture choices for the outdoors. This bench can easily withstand several years of heavy use. Without care for anything in the world, you can rest your back and arms on this bench for hours on every day of the week.

2. DIY Cedar Bench with Table

If you’re looking for an outdoor bench from where you can enjoy the sunset or sunrise while having your breakfast or hi-tea, then the DIY cedar bench with table would be a great choice. This cedar bench can be best described as two cedar chairs joined together with a table resting in the middle. You can build this bench in two days. Additionally, it would cost you no more than thirty dollars to build this outdoor bench.

An ideal bench for your patio or deck, the cedar bench with table is a great investment because of the wood’s durability and strength. While two days are the standard to complete this woodwork project, you can build the bench within a day if you have all the required tools in place and are willing to dedicate most of the day towards the project. The tools list, materials, and instructions for building the DIY cedar bench with table can be found on My Outdoor Plans.

3. Planter Bench

A cedar bench that you can assemble in a day, the planter bench will add a contemporary style to your outdoors. However, the best thing about this DIY cedar bench is that it has a removable lid which features storage space. The planter bench will add great style and appeal to your outdoors: you can count on it. The tools list, materials, and directions for building the planter bench can be found on here.

4. DIY Cedar Garden Bench

If you’re looking for a great bench plan for your outdoors, then there are a few better choices than the DIY cedar garden bench. Made from basic materials, this outdoor bench is the perfect bench for enjoying the outdoors. Constructed using fence pickets, 2×4 boards, and 1×6 boards, the DIY Cedar garden bench is easy to build. The project can be completed within a few days. For this cedar bench plan, we will provide you with the materials, tools list, parts/cut list, and the directions to build the bench here. Let’s start.

Tools List

Rigid table saw
Pocket hole jig
Sander
Clamps
Nail gun
Cordless drill
Miter Saw
Impact driver

Materials

Two 96” 1 x 6 Boards
Two 72” 1 x 6 Fence Picket
Four 96” 2 x 4 Boards
Wood glue
Box of 2 ½ inch screws
Stain or sealer
Box of 1 ¼ inch screws

Parts/ Cut List

Two underside supports
Two 3-inches wide utility handles
Two Cedar picket inner shelves
Standard coat hanger
Two cedar picket shelves
Four long stretchers
Two Inner bench top boards
Four legs
Four short stretchers
Two outer bench top boards

Instructions

Gather all the materials on the list and find a flat surface for the DIY project
Cut the boards as per measurements in the list
Using the upper stretchers and legs, layout the bench’s frame. To ensure that the bench’s part rest on the flat work surface, start assembling the frame upside down
Create holes in each stretcher board’s ends using a pocket hole jig. Next, the jig needs to be set to a 1 ½ stock setting. To eliminate the rough edges and smooth out the boards before assembly, perform a light sanding
Inset the top stretchers quarter of an inch in from the outside of each leg using ¼ spacers. Use pocket screws to attach
Using 2 ½ inch pocket screws, attach the two-short top stretchers
Using pocket hole screws, join together the two underside support boards after measuring in thirteen inches from each leg’s inside
On a flat surface, assemble the support for the lower shelf
From each leg’s bottom, measure three and a half inches and put a mark. Attach each leg at the mark to the bottom stretchers or shelf support
Each fence picket should be cut to a length of 17”. Make six of the pickets the full five and a half inches wide. Shred two of the pickets down to a width of four inches using a table saw. These are for the two centerboards. Use 1 ¼ screws and glue to attach
The top boards of the bench should be cut to a length of 46 ½ inches. Shred the two inside boards’ width to 3 3/8 inches using a table saw
The bench top should be assembled next. Use 1 ¼ inches screws and wood glue for this purpose. A ¾-inch overhang will be present on the right and left side. A ½-inch overhang will be present on the front and back. There will be a slight gap between each
Using a grit sandpaper, sand the finished piece before you stain or seal it
Using your choice of finish, complete the project
Once the finish is dry, attach the hardware
Congratulations, your DIY cedar garden bench is ready

These are some of the best cedar bench plans for your outdoors that you can try at your home.

Top 10 Deck Chair Plans for Your Home

by Stephen | Aug 28, 2019 | Deck Chair Plans | 0 comments

High-quality deck chairs can increase your comfort level outdoors while adding value to your home. Now, you have two options—you can either buy an expensive deckchair from an online or physical furniture retailer or you can build the chair yourself at your home.

If you choose the latter, then you have a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and skills by designing a unique piece of outdoor furniture. As you would know already, there are several deck chair designs and plans to choose from. Therefore, you should choose a deck chair design or plan only after you’ve carefully assessed your needs and preferences.

In addition to design considerations, make sure to use quality lumber such as redwood, cedar, or pine to get the job done in a professional manner. Also, start the project only after you’ve made sure the slats are perfectly straight and in good condition. Moreover, to prevent the wood from splitting, drive in the screws and drill holes in the lumber only after the components are perfectly aligned. With the dos and don’ts of DIY deck chair outlined, we can move onto some great deck chair plans for your home.

1. Adirondack Chair Made from Reclaimed Pallet Wood

The first deck chair plan that we have for your home is an Adirondack chair made from reclaimed pallet wood. The step-by-step guide for building this deck chair is provided by Instructables. The best thing about this deck chair plan is that it is a really simple design that can be completed easily at home without any trouble.

The only things needed to build the deck chair are pallet wood, screws, sandpaper, a saw, and a drill. You can also use paint on the wood if you want. However, it is best to leave it as it is to ensure a natural finish.

2. Scrap Adirondack Chair

Another great deck chair plan for your home is the scrap Adirondack chair. The best thing about this chair is that it has a solid and heavy base. Although this can make the chair difficult to move around, the chair will always stay stable. Once again, the instructions for this deck chair plan are provided by Instructables. As the name suggests, scrap wood is used to build scrap Adirondack chair. Once it is built, the scrap Adirondack chair can be extremely pleasing to the eye.

3. Adirondack Chaise Lounge

Comfort and practicality are two things that deck chairs are designed/built for. For this reason, building a chaise lounge version of this chair is recommended. This deck chair plan featured on Instructables lets you pick between new lumber and scrap wood options for the project. The final decision is left to you.

4. Easy Deck Chair

An easy-to-build deck chair, the easy deck chair is free of curves or unusual elements and can be easily put together. Start by cutting the wood, gather the needed materials, and begin assembling the chair. Start with the legs; then, move to the seat and arms. Finish off at the backrest. Make sure all the pieces of the chair fit perfectly like a solved puzzle. You can look up the complete set of instructions on Instructables to produce the finished product.

5. Adirondack Ski Chair

If you have old skis that you no longer use, then you can repurpose them to make a stunning deck chair. An inspiring project with clear instructions provided by Instructables, the Adirondack ski chair will enhance the appeal of your outdoors. The best thing about this project or deck chair plan is that you can personalize it to add your own unique touch to the chair.

6. Folding Adirondack Chair

If you want to build a deck chair that is closer to the original deck chair in terms of proportions and overall design but features a special mechanism that helps it to stand out, then a folding Adirondack chair is a great option. You can build this deck chair yourself by following the step-by-step guide provided by Instructables.

7. Solid Wood Adirondack Chairs

Paint can add character to any piece of furniture and enhance its aesthetic appeal. With a brightly-colored coat, a solid wood Adirondack chair will add to the overall appeal of your outdoors and home. The instructions for constructing the solid wood Adirondack chair and then adding a lovely coat of paint to it is provided by Instructables.

8. Child-Size Adirondack Rocking Chairs

Comfort is the biggest reason to buy or build a deck chair. This is because all deck chairs have high backrests, wide seats, and a unique angle that provides equips them with the ability of a rocking chair. If you want a rocking chair that looks and behaves like a deck chair, then building a child-size Adirondack rocking chair is a great option. You can find the instructions for this deck chair design plan on Instructables.

9. Classic Adirondack Chair Plans

If you desire an elegant appearance, supreme comfort, easily build, rigid construction, and contoured seat and back, then you should consider classic deck chair plans. Here is a working plan for building a classic Adirondack chair.

10. The Perfect Garden Chair

The final deck chair plan on our list is the perfect garden chair. This is a great deck chair to build if you enjoy spending time in the garden watching your plants and flowers grow. You can sit on this relaxing chair for hours to admire nature at work—not just plants but also butterflies and other interesting creatures that scurry through your garden. You can find the instructions to build this chair here.

These are some great deck chair plans for your home that can help to enhance the appeal of your outdoors and increase the value of your place.

9 Great Table Plans for Your Garden

by Stephen | Aug 18, 2019 | Wooden Table Plans | 0 comments

Whether it is resting in a rocking chair or rolling out a big breakfast buffet on a picnic table, there will always be something special about garden furniture. Most furniture will look good in a lush green garden; however, you must consider your lifestyle before making a choice in this regard. Go for solid furniture if you organize a lot of garden parties; otherwise, stick to small cozy chairs and tables that are easy to build and accommodate.

When we talk about garden tables, one of the best things about them is that they instantly provide an outdoor eating/picnic area for the family. There are several other reasons for building a garden table as well; this includes creating an inviting place where guests can relax, providing kids with a place to eat outdoors, creating comfortable areas for activities and parties, and having a place outdoors where the entire family can gather and have a great time.

Having discussed all the advantages of garden tables, it’s time that we looked at some great table plans that you can use for your home. Let’s begin.

1. Easy DIY Picnic Table from Kleinworth & Co.

An incredibly easy-to-build garden table, the easy DIY picnic table from Kleinworth & CO. can be assembled in less than thirty minutes. Not only is this DIY garden table simple to build, but it has some other qualities that make it a great option for any garden. These qualities include weatherproof stain and seating fixed to both sides of the table. More information about this DIY table is available on Kleinworth & Co.

2. DIY Patio Table with Built-In Ice Box from Remodelaholic

Although this table is meant for the patio, it will look great on your garden too. Not only will this garden table be great to have during parties and hang-out sessions with friends but it will also get all the attention from your guests and visitors. The tools list, materials, and instructions for building the DIY patio table with built-in icebox from Remodelaholic are provided here.

3. Industrial Farmhouse Picnic Table from Twelve on Main

If you have a liking for industrial farmhouse style furniture, then you’d like the industrial farmhouse picnic table from Twelve on Main. This DIY picnic table can provide you with a place in the garden where your family can sit and enjoy all the scenery that surrounds you. If you’re willing to put in a bit of hard work into creating DIY furniture, then you can build an amazing table for your garden in no time. The tools list, materials, and instructions for the industrial farmhouse picnic table can be found on Twelve on Main.

4. Garden Bar from Recycled Pallets

Made from discarded pallets and reclaimed timber, the garden bar from Recycled Pallets is an amazing piece of garden furniture that you can build. The best things about this DIY garden table is that it takes no more than a few days to build. The tools list, materials, and instructions for building the garden bar from Recycled Pallets can be found on Recyclart.

5. Farmhouse Style Picnic Table from Simply Kierste

If you’re looking for an easy-to-build garden table with great function and appeal, then the farmhouse style picnic table from Simply Kierste is a great option. Once it is built, you can use the table for eating/picnicking purpose. You can also use it as a place to keep your outdoor décor. Either way, it is an extremely useful piece of furniture. All the details about building this DIY garden table, including tools list, materials, and directions, can be found on Old Salt Farm.

6. Weekend DIY Picnic Table

The Weekend DIY Picnic Table is a great option if you are looking for a simple garden table which can accommodate your family’s weekend outings. It requires no great skill to build this garden table yet the finished product (if built properly) looks stunning and has a great function. If you’re willing to dedicate most of the day towards the DIY project, then the weekend DIY picnic table can be built on the same day the project was started. The tools list, materials, and instructions for building this DIY garden table can be found on DIY DIVA.

7. Herringbone Picnic Table from a Turtle’s Life for Me

Although it is incredibly simple to build, the herringbone table from a Turtle’s Life for Me will look absolutely amazing in any garden. The DIY garden table can accommodate you and your family while enjoying a mini feast. You can find the tools list, materials, and instructions for building the herringbone picnic table on A Turtles Life for Me.

8. Pallet Wood Picnic Table from Craft Box Girls

You can put old pallet wood to use to create the pallet wood picnic table from Craft Box Girls that will look great in your garden. By following the step-by-step instructions for it, you can easily build the DIY pallet wood picnic table. All the tools, materials, and instructions for building the garden table can be found on Craft Box Girls.

9. DIY Kids Picnic Table from Love and Renovations

Of course, we had to include something in our list that is meant specifically for the kids. The DIY kids picnic table from Love and Renovations is a pint-sized picnic table that can be a great place for kids to eat, draw, and play outdoors. Once the table is constructed, you can paint with a fun design that catches the interest of your kids. The tools list, materials, and instructions for building the DIY kids’ picnic table can be found on Love and Renovations.

These are some of the amazing garden table plans that you can choose from for your garden. You won’t regret it!

8 Free Standing Porch Swing Plans for Your Home

by Stephen | Aug 16, 2019 | Porch Swing Plans | 0 comments

An extremely relaxing piece of furniture, porch swings are comfortable and look good on any porch. A porch swing is a great place to spend some time alone or bonds for hours with a loved one. Additionally, a porch swing built or installed today can be used for several generations to come.

Now, a major problem for most homeowners is that the price of most ready-made porch swings is quite high. Even if they find a porch swing that fits their budget, it may not appeal to them. In order words, it may not be the porch swing design they are looking for. So, what should be done in such situations? The answer is simple: DIY porch swings. Not only does DIY porch swings allow you to build a porch swing of your preference, but it also provides you with a sense of accomplishment.

Whether you are a beginner or intermediate builder, it is fairly simple to build a porch swing. To help you succeed, all free-standing porch swing plans come with clear and detailed instructions about performing the DIY woodworking project.

A DIY porch swing will take no more than a few days to finish. In fact, depending on the size of the project and the number of hours you can commit to it in a day, you may be able to complete the DIY porch swing project on the same day you start it.

If you have a big-sized porch, then you can build and install several types of DIY porch swings. However, this does not mean that your choices are limited with a smaller-sized porch. Following are some free-standing porch swing plans for your home that you can build in your yard or other vacant space in your home.

1. The Elegant White Porch Swing

They say white goes with almost anything and this is true for porch swings. An elegant white porch swing will enhance the appeal of your porch and outdoor area. Featuring a porcelain hue, this free-standing porch swing is equipped with some white rope which enhances its appeal. Once the elegant white porch swing is built, you can add a combination of green and yellow pillows to give it a vibrant look. You can get all the instructions to build this porch swing at A Beautiful Mess.

2. Ana White’s Free Porch Swing Plan

This porch swing plan provides everything that you need to build a stunning porch swing that is pleasing to the eye. Additionally, it is made super comfortable with the addition of an extra high back. This porch swing plan provided on Ana White’s DIY site includes color photos of the complete porch swing as well as tools list, illustrations, cut list, materials, finishing instructions, written directions, and diagrams. You can find all of this here.

3. The Stocky Little Porch Swing

Simple to build, the stocky little porch swing has a bold look. This is especially true for the swing’s arms; they have string yet aesthetically pleasing look. However, you may not like how the backrest sits as it may be too inconvenient for your liking. However, if you can bear this, then the stocky little porch swing can be a great addition to your porch and outdoor area. You can find all the tools and instructions for this DIY porch swing on Simply Designing.

4. Outdoor Pallet Swings from the Sorry Girls

This outdoor pallet swing can be built easily using some basic tools, a rope, two pallets, and paint. This is all you need to construct an eye-catching porch swing that will look good anywhere in your yard. The overall costs of this outdoor porch swing will be just over $20. The photos, written directions, materials list, and tool list for this DIY porch swing can be found on The Sorry Girls site.

5. The Blue Bench Porch Swing

The color of this porch swing is the most eye-catching part about it. At times, it would remind of you of some exotic locales in tourist destinations like Greece. Although the blue bench porch swing has a simple design, it has a unique appeal which can be hard to explain or put in words. In addition to a free-standing porch swing, you can use this porch swing as a bench too. The tools/materials list and all the instructions to build this porch swing can be found on Ana White.

6. Classic DIY Porch Swing

Another innovation by the people at A Beautiful Mess, the classic DIY porch swing has a classy touch. This swing will look good on any porch. A porch swing construction that primarily involves 2×4’s, the classic DIY porch swing isn’t too complicated to build. You can find the color photos, supply list, diagram, tool list, and instructions for building for this DIY porch swing on A Beautiful Mess.

7. The Rustic Porch Swing

A DIY porch with a unique allure, the rustic porch swing looks bulky because of the large wood pieces that it features. You can make this porch swing extremely comfortable by adding fluffy pillows and a crib mattress to it. In addition to the porch, you can install the rustic porch swing in your living room if you want. It will look great there, providing you with the perfect place during winters. You can get the tools/material list and instructions for building on Sawdust 2 Stitches. .

8. BuildEazy’s Porch Swing Plan

The perfect DIY porch swing for beginners, Teds Woodwoeking porch swing plan is fairly easy to complete. However, this does not mean the final product will look bad. Instead, its design will match up with that of any other porch swing. You can find the photos, tools list, and directions for this DIY porch swing on BuildEazy

With these free-standing porch swing plans, you can enhance the appeal of your outdoors and add value to your home.