DIY Builds
DIY Builds
Photo: Karolina Grabowska
¾-inch plywood is considered the industry standard, thanks to it being strong yet inexpensive—especially when compared with some solid woods.
While barndominiums were originally barns converted into homes, shouses are often standard single-family homes with an attached workshop. However,...
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While some larger designs could benefit from a multi-zone central air conditioning system, most tiny houses use smaller, less costly methods of...
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Whether in a home office, bedroom, or living room, bookshelves are handy for storing and displaying books and decorations. But before you grab a saw and begin a DIY bookshelf project, there are a variety of factors to consider. First and foremost, the wood you use for making bookshelves will impact the design as well as the cost of your project. ¾-inch plywood is considered the industry standard, thanks to it being strong yet inexpensive—especially when compared with some solid woods. Unfortunately, plywood is not very pretty, so look for primed, cabinet-grade plywood and expect to finish off the forward-facing edges with a veneer trim, using glue, and possibly nails, to hide any unfinished edges. Poplar trim is easy to work with—it takes paint easily and is also relatively inexpensive. If you are making shelves where the color and grain of the wood is an important part of the design, look for oak, maple, or cherry plywood—these options will still offer durability, but will help keep costs down compared to with non-manufactured hardwoods of the same species. Choose the same wood species to trim the edges, using glue, and nails if needed. Add a clear topcoat finish that will protect the wood from dents and scratches while allowing the color and grain to show through.
You can easily convert your old storage shed into a practical greenhouse with some DIY modifications. Many wooden shed plans are available online...
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The average shed wall height is 8'-1 1/8”. It is based on the standard dimensions of lumber and plywood cladding which is easily available, and...
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These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
Learn More »Avoid using particleboard, MDF, and softwoods like pine for bookshelves. They sag under a lot of weight, dent and scratch easily, don’t offer long-term rigidity, and require extra support for long spans. When choosing wood, avoid boards that are rough-hewn or have knots or poorly graded sides, making them more difficult to finish and paint.
Are Shed Kits Worth It? Most shed kits include the raw materials to build a shed and basic instructions to follow. The idea is that you save money...
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Are Tiny Houses Worth the Investment? Nope. Not if you're thinking of purchasing a tiny home as a long-term investment. But if you're absolutely...
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It is a well established principle that you own the airspace above your land, so if your neighbour's gutters overhang your land then they may be a...
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Farmers are not evil people for tearing down old barns. They are thinking of the safety of their families, their livestock, and machinery when they...
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