Deck Plans - Island Style

A stand alone deck… Very cool idea.

island deck plans

Black and Decker offers free plans to build an island style deck. This deck would be an ideal plan to follow if you are looking to build a deck in an open area, or near a water feature such as a pond, river, creek, or stream.

You can learn a number of framing techniques when building a deck. Building one that isn’t attached to a structure is a good way to hone those skills without attaching something to your house.

Enjoy.

Written by boblaw on August 27th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans and Uncategorized.

Free Mission Style Shelf Plan

This free bookshelf plan is for a very nice mission style (Arts & Crafts or Craftsman style) bookshelf that is reminiscent of the furniture produced by Stickly or other Roycrofter’s during the early 1900’s. If you have a love for mission style furniture, you will appreciated the simplicity of this woodworking plan. As always, this is free.

mission bookshelf plans

The material list is short and the skill level is beginner. Give this free wood working plan a try.

Material List

     
1 Posts (4) 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 32
2 Center Slats (2) 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 30
3 Shelves (3) 3/4 x 11 x 40
4 Slats (4) 3/4 x 3/4 x 30
5 Screw Hole Plugs (30) 3/8 x 1/2
6 Square-X Screws (30) #6 x 1-1/2

Written by boblaw on August 23rd, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Indoor Plans and Uncategorized.

Lumber Storage Rack

If you are like me, your lumber storage can get out of hand, especially this time of the year.  When you have multiple projects going on, it is too easy to just set down your scrap and continue working.  Well, this isn’t the end all solution, but it should help.  The key is to utilize whatever lumber storage that you have.

Lumber storage rack

The above lumber storage rack is a nice project that will keep your lumber organized, off of the ground, and close at hand.  Good luck. Click the image for the full lumber storage rack plans.

Side tip: Keep any lumber storage bins shallow.  Anything too deep will hide your scrap lumber from view. Remember, out of site, out of mind.

Written by boblaw on July 31st, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Workshop Plans.

How about a Backyard Theatre

After having a new patio installed and staring into the night sky, I thought about how nice it would be to be able to watch the football games from the patio this fall.  A standard television doesn’t make a lot of sense since the space is not sheltered.   A flat screen could probably be mounted somewhere, but the cost involved and protecting it doesn’t make sense.  The ideal solution is a projector that is portable.  Home depot has some nice plans to build your own outdoor movie theater.
Outdoor movie theatre

Good luck and enjoy your show!

Written by boblaw on June 22nd, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

Backyard Pergola Plans

Home depot and Lowe’s have really stepped it up with the free plans.  Here is a nice pergola (sometimes called an arbor) plan from Home Depot.

Pergola Plans

Written by boblaw on June 18th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

Shed and Gazebo Combination Plans

I have always been a fan of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA.org).  I used their site as a reference for a site way back in 1998.

Over the years, they have improved their site and offered a lot of great content.   They even include free plans.  Hoping to get you to buy more cedar, of course.

Cedar is a great choice for most outdoor projects.  When a project calls from Redwood, you can usually save a few dollars by swapping Western Red Cedar.  In my area, the cost is about 40% lower for cedar.  You will have more knots in the material, but some people prefer that look anyway.

gazebo shed plans

These plans are for a gazebo/shed.  Use it as you see fit.  It is a beautiful structure and should be a fun one to build.  This is great for your backyard, a local park, or community center.  Have fun.  Click on the picture for the full set of plans at wrcla.org.

Written by boblaw on May 18th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

Building Deck Stairs

It is summer project time and many of you are probably in the middle of building a new deck or modifying an existing one.  If that is the case, you might want to read up on how to build stairs.  The technique to build stairs is about the same for any project, but a refresher is always in order.

Deck stair plans

Keep it safe and have fun with your projects.

Written by boblaw on May 9th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

Outdoor Privacy Screen Plans

These plans are for a mirrored privacy screen and are from Home Depot.  The mirrored concept is… well… interesting.  If I had a small space, I would probably consider it, but without the right kind of mirror, it could pose a safety hazard.  Don’t forget about the glare from the sun.  Like the mirror, or not, this is a nice simple plan.

The image links directly to the PDF file at the Home Depot Outdoor Living Site.

 mirrored outdoor privacy screen plans

Written by boblaw on April 28th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

Free Gazebo Plans

These are plans to build your own 8′ Octagon Gazebo.  If you want this in your back yard or are working on a community park project, this is a great project and plan.

Free plans to build a gazebo

Good luck!

Written by boblaw on April 27th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

Fence Gate Plans

Here are some free fence gate plans. Eventually, even the most well made fence gate will break down, fall apart, sag, etc. If this is the case with yours, maybe it is time for a replacement.

Fence gate plans

These plans also give you advice on hanging your gate. Obviously this is something that you will skin with material that matches your current gate, or fence. Heck, while your at it, you might want to consider a whole new fence for your yard.

Written by boblaw on April 26th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Outdoor Plans.

« Older articles

Newer articles »