Building an Inexpensive Above-Ground Swimming Pool: 3 Essential Components

Inexpensive Above-Ground Swimming Pool

How would you like to have a great-looking above-ground swimming pool in your yard this summer? As with all things, the quality of the swimming pool that you can have depends on your budget. If you simply want to escape the summer heat, you can make this DIY cheap pallet swimming pool. However, if you intend to transform […]

How to build a planter with privacy screen

Planter with Privacy Screen

Sitting in your backyard would be so pleasant if you didn’t have to stare at your neighbors’ garbage cans – or have your neighbor stare at you. The fact is, with growing populations and smaller lot sizes, many of us live closer to each other than we’d prefer.  Fences sometimes do the job but they’re […]

Pallet End Table

Pallet End Table

It’s a simple yet stylish furniture piece for your outdoor living area. This end table is another great project using one of our favorite resources to work with… pallets! This DIY furniture is very easy to build. It’s a perfect project for those working with pallets for the first time. And though this article says ‘pallet’, […]

Build a garden grow box and trellis combo

Garden Grow Box Trellis Combo Main Image

Decorate your yard and grow your favourite vegetable by building a grow box and trellis combo! This idea is great for owners who are living with a limited garden space. You can use any kind of timber for this DIY project since your plants won’t be in contact with it. Here, your soil will be contained in grow […]

Free-standing decks – a great alternative

Free-standing decks can turn difficult to use spots into the best part of your home

One of the first considerations an owner-builder needs to make is what type of deck you want to build. Decks come in all shapes and sizes, and functions. Could a free-standing deck be the right one for you. What is a free-standing deck? Free-standing decks are not directly attached to a house or other structure. […]

Finishing your deck – oil or stain?

A good deck can make a house a home. In this example, the deck is oiled without any tint.

Now that you’re done constructing your deck the only thing left to do is to add the finishing touches. Both oils and stains have their own distinct advantages. In this post we’ll have a look at both finishing materials. A good deck can make a house a home… A good deck can make a house […]

Should you roof your deck?

A wide span, insulated skillion roof

Last time we talked about deck flooring and balustrades. With the flooring and balustrades in place your deck is ready to use. But one vital question remains – to roof or not to roof? Installing a roof isn’t just about protecting your deck from the climate. In fact, as long as you’ve properly weatherproofed your […]

Deck Flooring and balustrades

Have you considered building your seating along with your deck?

So far we’ve covered everything from planning right through to your footings and joists. Today we’ll be tackling a challenge involving two important aspects of deck building. It’s time to install your deck flooring and balustrades. Deck Flooring This deck members (the floor slats) are installed on top of the deck joist. Aside from simply […]

Putting Down your Footings and Joists

Your deck will only ever be as good as your foundations

In the previous post we discussed deck site preparation. Hopefully you’re ready to move forward? Now that your deck site is ready you can begin the construction. The first thing you need to do is establish your footings. These form the support structure of the deck. Regardless of how tight your budget may be, this […]

Preparing your deck site

A little preparation goes a long way

In our previous posts you’ve had a crash course on the basic construction processes involved in deck building. Now that you’ve got the basics down you can begin the construction of the deck. But before you put your hands on any tools you need to prepare the deck site. Dealing with wood boring Insects Is […]