Build It Archives - Page 16 of 54

Cordless Drill Storage Center

This cordless drill storage, together with the circular saw stand, make it easy to find the tools I need.

Cordless Drill Storage Center

Keep your tools contained and extra batteries close at hand with this cordless drill storage center! It provides space for three drills, batteries and a charging station, so you can keep everything powered up and ready to go.

Hi there, Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Vineta from The Handyman’s Daughter, back with another tutorial for you! I have a series on my blog called Workshop Wednesday, where I share ways to make your workshop more organized and efficient. This month I’m bringing Workshop Wednesday over to Pretty Handy Girl with this Cordless Drill Storage Center!

I’ve found the best way to keep track of tools is to give each their own home. So far, I’ve built a circular saw stand and a sandpaper and sander storage unit, both of which have done wonders for my workshop’s organization.

Now it’s time to give my cordless drills and batteries a home of their own!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Cut list:

To save money, I used a melamine shelf left over from a previous project. It wasn’t pretty, but workshop storage doesn’t need to be! The shelf was 9 ¼” wide, making it the perfect size for my drills. Feel free to substitute your own 3/4″ material.

1 – 9 ¼” x 17 ¾”
1 – 9 ¼” x 16 ¼”
2 – 9 ¼” x 12″
2 – 9 ¼” x 8″
Cut a piece of 1/4″ plywood to 17 ¾” x 12 ¾” for the back.

Instructions:

Before starting this project, I drew a quick sketch on the whiteboard wall in my workshop. This is handy to have as reference during the building process! The back of the box is taller than the front in my original plan, but that detail isn’t necessary.

Drill pocket holes along one 9 ¼” side of the 8″ and 12″ pieces.

Attach the two 12″ pieces to the ends of the 17 ¾” piece with pocket hole screws. The two 8″ pieces should be spaced about 5″ apart in between the two 12″ pieces.

Drill three pocket holes into each end of the 16 ¼” piece. Set this piece on top of the 8″ center pieces with the holes facing up and attach it to the sides with pocket hole screws.

At this point, your cordless drill storage box should look like this…

Add the 1/4″ plywood back with 1 ½” brad nails. (I used leftover whiteboard on mine.)

To accommodate my two battery chargers, I attached an extension cord with two outlets to the back of the box.

Now the Cordless Drill Storage Center is ready to be loaded up! Two drills and an impact driver each have their own slot.

The top holds two battery chargers and at least two extra batteries. Plenty of power for my next project!

Now I can easily grab the tool I need and get to work!

The Cordless Drill Storage Center fits perfectly next to my circular saw stand. Much better than a jumble of tools on the shelf!

Don’t forget to check out my other Workshop Wednesday posts over at The Handyman’s Daughter!

Until next time!

~ view more of Vineta’s projects ~

September 6, 2017/3 Comments/by Vineta Jackson

arts and craft, Build It, Crafts, decor, Popular, Stashbusting, Trash to Treasure, Upcycling

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

If you make things out of wood you know almost every project leaves scrap wood. Why not use up those scraps by making some of these 71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects?

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

These projects definitely won’t break the bank and they will keep the scraps out of the trash. As a bonus, most make a great gift idea. Enjoy!

Relax in style with this Rustic Wood Bathtub Tray.

This Rustic Pallet Serving Tray is beautiful and functional.

Have some family fun with these DIY Yard Dice.

Make this Switches and Locks Playboard for a little one in your life.

Simple Create Art Block Holders for your craft area or to give as a gift.

Make this unique and clever DIY Feather Art using old yardsticks and scraps.

This cute Rustic Wooden Caddy with Branch Handle can hold anything.

Celebrate fall with a beautiful DIY Fall Leaf Art Sign.

Make this White Washed Window Box from a discarded wine crate.

Love your city? Create the perfect Coffee Serving Map Tray.

A few boards are all you need to make this Personalized Wall Shelf with loads of storage.

Build an adorable House-shaped Mailbox.

Forget a wreath, remind everyone that home is where the heart is with this House-shaped Door Decor.

All these amazing Storage Options using just one board!

Get organized with these simple DIY Drawer Dividers.

Show your appreciation to a teacher with this Wooden Sign Teacher Gift.

Brighten up your Springtime table with these Bunny Place Cards.

Repurpose and make a Mousetrap Memo Pad.

Make a Valentines Wreath from tree branches for a loved one.

Customize this Rustic Farm Crate Sign for your home using new scrap wood (plus, learn how to age the wood.)

Make this Decorative Shelf using Crown Molding.

This DIY Lollipop Stand is sure to be a hit at your next party.

Share your love with this Valentine String Art Engraving.

This DIY Marble Toss Game would be fun for anyone.

Be the coolest parent around by making these DIY Kids Scooters.

A Jewelry Organizer is simple yet a must-have.

Organize your fruits and veggies with this DIY Produce Rack.

These whimsical DIY Owl Bookends add fun to any room.

Keep your keys close at hand with this magic State Pride Magnetic Key Holder.

These Snowflake Christmas Trivets are perfect for your holiday dinner.

What kid wouldn’t love this DIY Spider Stool?

An Apple Pencil Holder would make a great gift for your favorite teacher.

This Doorstop With a Handle makes an adorable stop that also helps keep your door open.

Super cute! This Rustic Home Sign can be made in any size using scrap wood.

Create a Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign for perfect holiday decor.

Add some character to your room this fall with Framed Pumpkins.

These Easy Gold and Faux Marble Coasters are modern, clean and you can make them with scrap wood!

Make these incredibly simple 4×4 Picture Frames to display your memories.

Forget the skirt, make a Christmas Tree Crate to hold your tree.

Have a fair amount of scraps? Make this Lost and Found Center for your local school.

Make a Rolling Plant Caddy so you never have to carry heavy planters again.

This Candle Lantern From Leftover Trim is sleek and modern.

Does your kid need a DIY Karate Belt Display? Make one easily!

Your furry friend will love this DIY Cat Scratcher Post.

Make this Folding Guitar Stand to keep your instrument accessible.

These adorable Toddler Animal Stools would be loved by any child in your life.

Make this Are you Woman Enough? Plywood Sign for your shop, or customize the wording easily.

Make a Tray Gift Box for your next present.

This Rustic Wood King Headboard is simple and affordable.

Make this fun summer display for a party or lemonade stand. Who doesn’t love Giant Citrus Fruit?

Let the kids play for hours with this Hot Wheels Car Racing Ramp.

Create this Wood and Copper Cake Stand for an awesome display of your baking masterpiece.

Rustic and soft Fabric and Wood Coasters are easy to make for gifts.

Build some Rustic Wooden Box Crates for your cabinet or shelf.

How sweet are these Floating Wood Block Picture Frames?

You can make this Easy Wooden Chalkboard Sign for any season.

These Rustic Wood Lanterns are the perfect decor for any room.

Find free driftwood at the beach and make your own Driftwood Gift Crates.

Endless options with these Scrap Moulding Trays.

Wow your visitors with these Plywood Frames with Glass.

Use various scraps to make an adorable Scrap Wood Christmas Tree this year!

This Reclaimed Wood Wall Hook and Vase would look great in an entryway.

With a bunch of scrap wood you could Install a Scrap Wood Wall.

Keep your device upright with this Scrap Wood iPad Tray.

This Scrap Wood Wine Holder is simple, but oh so handy.

Keep your tools, cleaning supplies, and so many other things organized in this Scrap Wood Caddy.

This Two Tiered Plant Stand is a modern and stylish way to display your plants.

This Industrial Ironing Board Rack would save space and keep you organized.

Display memorabilia in this awesome DIY Shadow Box Frame.

This Scrap Wood Planter Box is a quick and easy way to grow your own herb garden this year.

Keep your recipes or notes at eye level with this Easy Clipboard Stand.

If you like these projects, please share! Here’s an image you can pin it on Pinterest:

Which were your favorite scrap wood projects? And other ideas you have for using up scrap wood? I’d love to hear it.

Here are some other round ups you may like:

35 Upcycled DIY Gift Ideas

25 Ideas for Tabletop Gardens and Terrariums

Pin for later!

September 1, 2017/8 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Build It, Furniture, Mudroom

DIY Mobile Mudroom

Hello Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Sarah from The Created Home, and I’m thrilled to meet you. I love versatile designs that makes life a little easier. This mobile mudroom is sure to help keep your entryway more organized. It’s a simple storage solution that combines form and function. Best of all this is the perfect project for someone who rents or isn’t ready to take on a custom build.

How simple is it? Well, I have a secret. This DIY Mobile Mudroom is actually an upcycle project.

You can build this from scratch (that’s how I build 98% of my projects), but sometimes it just makes more sense to use existing furniture. You can create this mobile mudroom using an old dresser or buffet and a minimal amount of lumber. The savings in time and lumber will be well justified!

There will be some differences in structure depending on what you start with, but the basic idea will be the same. Be creative, have fun, and please ask if you have any questions!

Let’s get this party started and build a DIY Mobile Mudroom!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ plywood
v-groove planking
stain
paint
hat hooks
2 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′ boards
Kreg jig
5/8″ brad nails
1 ¼” pocket hole screws
wood glue
brad nailer
circular saw
speed square

Instructions:

The first step is locating an old dresser or sideboard/buffet. I picked this one up from the Habitat Restore and have been using it for shop storage. Other sources for cast off furniture are Craigslist, side of the road, and family members (or is that just mine?!)

You’ll want a piece that has three basic sections like the dresser pictured below:

Deconstruction:

Remove the middle section by pulling out the drawers and cutting out the shelf supports.

Depending on the dresser construction, you may have all drawers on either side or cupboards. The deconstruction should be fairly straight forward. (This was an Ikea piece, so it came right apart and only required a hammer to take apart.) If it doesn’t come apart easily, grab a pry bar or saw and cut the center pieces out. Leave the bottom support intact to maintain the shape of your piece.

Assess the condition of the top. If it’s dirty or rough, go ahead and clean it and sand any rough spots now.

Creating a seat from the dresser top:

Mark the top where it intersects with the middle section walls using a speed square. Use a circular saw to follow these lines and cut the top middle piece out. (You can see the top has been cut and is now resting in the middle in the photo below.) The middle piece should sit approximately 18″ off the ground for seat height.

DIY Mobile Mudroom Tutorial

Use scrap wood supports on either side to help you set the piece. Attach the middle section to the sides of the main body using pocket holes and screws. (New to using pocket holes? Follow Brittany’s tutorial on How to Use a Kreg Jig.)

Build the back board:

To create the back section, cut out a piece of 1/2″ plywood the width of your overall dresser. The exact height is up to you, though I found 42″ works well. Allow the plywood to overlap the dresser back by at least 6 inches. This gives you enough to attach to the mudroom base. You can use 3/4″ plywood here for more stability, but it will be heavier, and I’d recommend taking the plywood to the floor in that situation. Attach the plywood to the dresser using screws or bolts. Use at least two fasteners on each side, plus another two in the middle section.

Frame in the holes:

Use the leftover plywood to frame in under and behind the seat (shown below in red.) Attach with screws. You may need to run the plywood behind the seat a bit wider depending on how the back of your dresser is built. Just make sure there are supports for the screws to attach to.

DIY Mobile Mudroom Tutorial

Use the 1″ x 4″ boards to frame the back piece of plywood. Here’s a look at the framed plywood near its finished state:

Step 4: Add the shiplap (v-groove)

The v-groove planking is where the real magic happens. You can pick planking up at Lowes or Home Depot in economy packs. Typically they cost $10 per pack of six. Clad the plywood back with the v-groove planks using glue and brad nails to secure. Leave an inch or two of the bottom back unclad. (Shown in red below.)

Overlapping Back Mobile Mudroom

Create an overlapping v-groove piece that extends the same distance above the bench back (shown in blue above.) Then secure the plywood to the overlapping v-groove with screws.This will allow you to remove the back of your mobile mudroom. When assembled, the entire mudroom is difficult to get through doorways and around corners. This step allows you to take the back off to move.

If your dresser has inset side panels go ahead and add v-groove planking to the sides for a more cohesive look.

That’s it for the structure of the mudroom! All that’s left to do is the cosmetic work.

Fill the holes and finishing:

Because this is a repurposed piece, you will have holes leftover from the previous structure. Use wood filler to eliminate those spots and give a smooth finish. I prefer Bondo if you are painting your mobile mudroom. If you are staining it, use a stainable wood filler.

Of course you can finish your mobile mudroom any way you like. To achieve the aged and distressed look, stain the wood, then paint. After the paint dries, sand back some of the paint at edges and give it a distressed look that continues to look great even after being used and abused.

For a seamless finish, caulk any seams. If you are planning to remove the back, don’t caulk where the top plywood back meets the bench seat back. I did add a little caulk to where the v-groove meets the edges to make it look perfect. (My secret is out!)

Add a cute little pillow on your bench to invite little ones to sit down.

Add hooks to the back, making sure to attach them high enough for coats scarves and hats.

The spot below the bench is perfect for more storage if you add a basket.

You’ll find plenty of storage in the drawers, cabinets or shelves in your mobile mudroom. Close the doors or drawers to keep your mudroom looking nice and clean.

The sky is the limit with how you want to customize your own mobile mudroom. Replace the feet with something you like better, change up the back to give it any look you like. If you move, you can take your mobile mudroom with you! I’ll leave you with a shot of the mudroom in action. If you build one of your own I would love to see it!

DIY Mobile Mudroom Tutorial

Like this mobile mudroom? You might also like Brittany’s shoe storage bench made from kitchen cabinets:

Happy building!

August 16, 2017/1 Comment/by Sarah Home

Build It

How to Build a Chunky X Farmhouse Table

There’s something about 4×4 lumber that makes furniture look amazing. Maybe it’s the sturdiness, maybe it’s the shape. Whatever it is, I love it! A friend of mine recently asked me to build her a new dining table, and I was happy to oblige. She liked the X-Base Pedestal table I built my sister, but wanted a rectangular shape with a heftier top. So I edited the plans a bit to make two straight bases with a stretcher, and used some posts around planked 1×12’s for a beautiful, solid table. It’s certainly heavy enough to last a lifetime! In this post we are gonna learn How to Build a Chunky X Farmhouse Table.

The base uses the same measurements from Ana’s plan. I decided to use 2×6’s for the top and bottom to make it even more sturdy looking.

Another nice change this time was splurging on pretty hardware. I used 5″ lag screws instead of screws, and it really does lend the table a professional feel.

The top was quick and easy to put together. I just have three 1×12’s planked together with kreg pocket holes, and used the same pocket holes to attach the posts. Then a few more carriage bolts on the sides help keep the posts together.

This is such a gorgeous set, and may be one I have to re-create for my own dining room! I was happy to build for a friend, and love that it will have a good life in its new home.

You may want to construct the table top and the legs, then move the table into place before connecting the legs to the top. This table will be large and heavy.

Materials you’ll need to build your own Chunky X Base Table:

Please note, using nominal US lumber (i.e. 2×6’s = actual 1.5″ x 5.5″), the finished size of this table should be 41 1/2″ wide x 80″ long x 28″ tall.

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Lumber:

3 – 2x6x8′
5 – 4x4x8′
3 – 1x12x8′
2 – 1x3x8′

Hardware:

44 – 1/4″ x 5″ lag screws
Box of 1 ¼” pocket screws
Box of 2½” wood screws (to assemble bases)
Wood glue

Tools:

Cut List:

4 – 2×6 @ 30″ cut at a 30 degree angle (top and bottom of table leg bases)
2 – 2×6 @ 30″ cut at normal 90 degrees (spacers for on top of table leg bases)
4 – 2×6 @ 6″ cut at a 45 degree angle (feet)
8 – 4×4 @ 13″ cut at a 45 degree angle (cross bracing for the X shape)
2 – 4×4 @ 21 ¼” (center upright support of the table legs)
3 – 1×12 @73″ (table top)
3 – 1×3 @ 34 ½″(cut this after your 1×12’s are attached to be sure of measurement as 1×12’s can be 11 ¼” to 11 ½”)
2 – 4×4 @ 80″ (long border pieces for table top)
2 – 4×4 @ 34 ½″ (cut this after your 1×12’s are attached to be sure of measurement)
1 – 4×4 @ 61″ (stretcher to connect table legs. Cut after legs and table top are built later in instructions).

Instructions:

Important Note: I highly recommend pre-drilling all holes before driving lag bolts or screws. Choose drill bits that are slightly smaller than your screws and lag bolts. This will prevent the wood from splitting.

Table-Top:

Lay the 1×12’s on a flat surface.

Connect three 1” x 12” x 73” with several pocket screws (adding wood glue at the joints) as roughly shown below.

Add additional pocket screws along the perimeter of this table top surface for connecting to the 4×4 border lumber.

Cut two 4×4’s to the same width as your 1×12’s now that they are joined. The measurement should be close to 34 ½”. Cut your three 1×3 cross pieces to the same width.

Drive two lag screws through the corners of the 4″ x 4″ x 80″ lumber into the two 4x4s you just cut. Then secure the three 1×3 cross pieces (using wood glue and/or the 1 ¼” screws) you just cut to the underside of the 1″ x 12″ boards. Space them evenly for the best support, but leave space on the outer edges of your table top for connecting the legs later.

Legs:

Use four 2 ½” wood screws driven through the 2″ x 6″ x 30″ top and bottom pieces to connect to the 4″ x 4″ x 21 ¼” upright support.

Attach the 4″ x 4″ x 13″ angled pieces to the top and bottom 2″ x 6″s and the upright supports using lag screws (two into the top and bottom of each 4″ x 4″ angled into the 2″ x 6″ pieces.)

Attach the 2″ x 6″ x 6″ feet to the bottom of the table legs with four 2 ½” wood screws on each foot.

Repeat for the other table legs. Your table legs should look like this:

Attaching Table-Top to Legs:

Use 2 ½” wood screws to attach the 2×6 @ 30″ spacers to the underside of the table top where the legs will eventually attach. (This will elevate the table top so you can see all of the table leg as shown when the table top is secured.)

Measure the inside dimension of the table top from one spacer to the other. Cut the last 4×4 to this length (should be approximately 62″.) Attach the two table legs to the 4″ x 4″ x 62″ stretcher and two lag bolts through each leg and into the stretcher as shown below.

Add the table top and secure the legs to the spacers with 2 ½” wood screws through each leg top into the spacer.

And your table is built!

Wrap-Up:

To build benches for your table, you can follow Shanty 2 Chic’s X farmhouse benches which are the same style.

I hope you liked this tutorial for How to Build a Chunky X Farmhouse Table. Be sure to have a helper on hand to help you move this beast! It is definitely made rock solid.

~ Read more of Brooke’s Tutorials ~

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll love the instructions to build your own farmhouse table.

Or How to Build an Indoor/Outdoor Modern Bench:

August 14, 2017/88 Comments/by Brooke KillerB

Build It

Easy DIY Footrest using Scrap Wood

Hi, everyone! Anika back again from Anika’s DIY Life. In case you haven’t noticed, I love making easy and quick projects. It’s a bonus when the project helps me use up scrap wood from my ever multiplying pile. Recently, I built myself a new desk. The height of the desk and chair left my feet not quite reaching the floor. Previously, I was using a piece of scrap 2 x 2 to keep my foot on (notice the pattern with me and scrap wood)? It was high time I made an easy DIY footrest using scrap wood! Footrests are also great to relieve pressure from your legs.

The important thing about an ergonomic footrest is that it should be angled and the whole foot should rest on it. Footrests available in the market generally have a variable angle between 10° to 20°. Mine isn’t going to be variable so I settled on a 15° angle. If you are making this, I would urge you to think and try out what angle is best for you.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

¾” plywood or 1″ x 12″ board – at least 12″ long
1″ x 3″ boards – Total 4 cut at 12″ long
Jig saw
Miter Saw
1¼” finish nails
Hammer or brad nailer
Wood Glue
Paint/stain of your choice

Instructions:

Measure and draw lines for the side supports per the picture below. (The tall side should be 6 inches and the short side will be 2 inches.)

Cut the side support shapes out with a jig saw.

Attach a 1″ x 3″ slat starting at the bottom of the side supports using wood glue and finish nails.

Attach remaining slats using a ¾” scrap piece for spacing.

The footrest is ready! Paint or stain in the color of your choice.

I decided to whitewash my footrest to coordinate with my DIY desk.

How simple was that Easy DIY Footrest using Scrap Wood?

Don’t you just love quick projects that are functional? Let’s not forget . . . it was free! If you are looking for more easy projects, you will love my collection of scrap wood projects.

Want another posture perfecting tutorial? Learn how to make your own back pillow!

Until next time!

~ Read More of Anika’s Tutorials ~

August 9, 2017/6 Comments/by Anika Gandhi