Hello, Pretty Handy readers! Anika from Anika’s DIY Life back again with a quick and fun project that is useful and will improve your posture! Do you use a laptop? If so, you will help your neck and back immensely by making a DIY Scrap Wood Laptop Stand!
About a year ago, I built myself a desk that I love! My work set up uses a large monitor tethered to my laptop in a dual screen mode. Unfortunately, there was one problem; the laptop screen wasn’t at the same level as the monitor. I temporarily solved it by putting a few of my old books to good use. (Sometimes you work with what you’ve got!) Did I say temporarily? Truth be told, that’s how it has been for a whole year!
It was high time to fix this situation with a permanent solution. So I went into my workshop aka garage and whipped up a quick project using scrap wood. Want to learn how to make your own DIY Scrap Wood Laptop Stand? Let’s get making!
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.)
Step 1: Cut out all your boards to the dimensions in the material list.
Step 2: Start by attaching one 1″ x 3″ board to the 1″ x 4″ board at a right angle using wood glue and finish nails (as shown below.)
Step 3: Layout and attach the remaining 1″ x 3″ boards, using a ¾” board to space between them.
Step 4: Attach the second 1″ x4″ board to the other end of the 1″ x 3″ boards using wood glue and finish nails.
Step 5: Sand and paint (or stain) your laptop stand. (I chose to paint my stand with a coral wood stain to add some color to my workspace.)
You can always add a little industrial details by attaching metal corner braces to the laptop stand.
I love the functionality of my new DIY Scrap Wood Laptop Stand! My desk looks a lot less cluttered and I have space underneath to keep notepads and sticky notes close at hand. Let’s not forget the biggest advantage of all, having the laptop screen at eye height.
I’m not sure why I waited so long to build this. It was such a quick and simple project!
If you love quick and easy builds, be sure to check out the collection of easy scrap wood projects on my blog including that mason jar pencil holder in the picture.
How to Turn a Desk Organizer into a Charging Station
Do you have multiple devices that need charging every day, but they are cluttering up your counter or table? Luckily I have the answer to that problem and it involves this simple desk organizer.
Would you believe that wooden organizer is now a stylish charging station!
Here’s what a typical desk organizer holds. Functional? Maybe, but by thinking outside the box I came up with an even more useful option for our home.
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.)
(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.)
Instructions:
Follow this simple video tutorial (or read below for the step-by-step instructions.)
Start by giving your organizer a good cleaning. Make sure there is no dust or dirt.
Place all your devices into the organizer to determine where you want them to rest when charging. Next, plan where you want the USB charger to go.
Mark the spot where the charger cord will need to come through the back of the organizer by tracing around the plug end.
Determine the size of bit you need to create the holes for the plug. You want it to be about the same size as the width of the plug. (Depending on the shape and size of your plug, you may need to drill two holes next to one another.)
Put on your safety glasses. Drill the plug hole. Be careful not to let the bit sink too deep into the organizer to prevent damage to the other sections.
Insert your USB charger cord into the hole to make sure it fits. Wipe off any sawdust and sand any rough edges.
Paint your organizer any color you desire. I highly recommend using at least two coats of paint.
After the first coat of paint dries, lightly sand it before applying the second coat.
Optional: You may wish to use a vinyl cutter to create some fun lettering for your charging station.
Place your USB charger into the organizer. Insert the cord through the back and plug it into the charger. Use adhesive velcro to attach the charger to the inside of the organizer.
Time to plug in all your devices and get them powered up!
Now you have a beautiful and stylish charging station to organize your devices and keep them from cluttering your kitchen counters.
I hope you love this charging station as much as I do.
I’m curious where you charge your devices? Is the kitchen where they all get deposited or have I been doing this all wrong?
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/charging-station-from-desktop-organizer.jpg487730Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2018-02-26 07:00:002018-09-23 19:46:02How to Turn a Desk Organizer into a Charging Station
Pegboard walls are the bomb, aren’t they? They provide a ton of storage organization without taking up valuable floor space. Pegboard can be used in a variety of spaces successfully. A garage or shed aren’t the only places that can use this fantastic vertical storage. I’ve seen some amazing craft and sewing spots that utilize pegboards. Heck, even a kitchen can use some pegboard storage like this example from Curbly:
Today, I’ll show you how to install pegboard walls anywhere you want! I’ll be showing you the process on an open stud wall. If you have a finished wall, simply screw strips of wood into the studs before installing your pegboard. Easy peasy! Ready to get started?
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.)
Installing pegboard is ideally done on exposed studs walls. If you don’t have exposed studs, you can secure 1″ x 2″ boards (or other wood strips) to the studs in your wall. This will create the hollow space behind the pegboard for the hooks set into.
Add blocking to the corner if needed for something to nail into. To secure the blocking, drive screws through studs into the blocks as shown below.
Measure and cut your pegboard panels insuring that each side will line up on a stud.
Start in one corner. Run a bead of construction adhesive along all the studs that will hold your first pegboard panel.
Set scrap wood below the pegboard to raise it off ground (this will prevent liquid spills from soaking into the pegboard. It will also allow for some expansion.)
Nail one side of the pegboard to the end stud. Place nails every 9 – 12 inches.
Continue adding pegboard panels following the same process (construction adhesive, then hammer nails to secure.)
Continue until all your pegboard panels are hung.
Add pegboard hooks and hangers. (To help me get my shed more organized, National Hardware sent me a wide selection of pegboard hooks and hangers. I can honestly say, they have all the bases covered with their assortment of storage products.) Hang all your items on the wall, for instant vertical storage.
Having all the lawn and garden tools on the wall frees up the floor for two mowers. Don’t ask me why we have two mowers. That’s Pretty Handsome Guy’s department.
But, I guess I can’t judge, I do have duplicate tools. Doesn’t everyone need two drills and two power sanders?
Anyway, now that you know How to Install Pegboard Walls, are you ready to add some pegboard walls to your home?
Happy New Year! It’s time to store away all those awesome gifts and maybe create more storage solutions. I’m not sure about you, but our garage was definitely bursting at the seams. That’s why I’m super excited to share with you how to Build a Cute Garden Shed. Before you think that you could never build a shed, I beg to differ! This shed comes in a kit. Most of the pieces are pre-cut for you. And it comes with detailed instructions. It does help to have a friend to help with a few of the heavy lifting steps, but the majority of the build can be done by one person.
Let’s get down to the details. I’ve partnered with Lowe’s Home Improvement to show how you too can build a cute garden shed. Don’t be fooled by the half dozen sheds that are on display in the Lowe’s parking lot. Lowe’s has more than 150 wooden shed kits online waiting for you to explore them! Once you purchase a kit shed, you can customize it to your desires. For example, I looked at tons of sheds online and in person, but ultimately narrowed my choice down to the Cambridge Shed from Lowe’s Home Improvement. The shed wasn’t exactly cute, but it had potential.
For fun I photoshopped this rendition of the shed with some bright colors on it in our yard. (Note: The windows, cupola and weathervane were options that must be purchased separately. Also, for your needs, the shed kit can be purchased with wood joist flooring system or no flooring if you are building it on top of a concrete pad.)
Then I called my neighbor and ran the idea by them since they would see the shed every time they came and went from their house. I nearly choked when the wife said, “Brittany, I’m sure whatever you build will be very tasteful and adorable. It’s not like you would paint the shed a neon green color.” At that moment, the husband opened my email with the green shed picture and he frantically waved to his wife to hush. We all had a good laugh about it, but ultimately I decided to tone down the shed colors to avoid it looking too “noticeable.”
After I received my neighbors’ okay to proceed, I checked our survey and called 811 to have the utilities marked in the yard. Luckily the only thing moved was our compost pile.
To prepare the site for the shed, I hired a landscape company to install a retaining wall. This helped to level the slope.
Because the shed was supposed to be a cute GARDEN shed, IÂ built two rot-resistant raised planter beds in front of the shed site. (If you have an eagle eye, you can see the gravel pad behind the planter beds.)
Then life happened and I had a very complicated sinus surgery in Houston, Texas. Thankfully all is well and I can breathe (and smell) so much better. Unfortunately the shed was put on hold until I was given the okay to lift heavy items again. Once I had the doctor’s okay, I jumped into action the next day! (I’m not sure he knew I’d be lifting heavy sheets of siding and hand nailing rafters, studs and roof shingles or he may have made me wait longer. LOL.)
If you are my friend on Instagram, you saw some of the progress pictures from this shed build last summer. I admit, I’m behind in posting about this fabulously cute garden shed. I hope you’ll forgive the delay.
How to Build a Garden Shed from a Kit:
This shed kit was by no means a difficult project for an average DIYer to build. But, it will take longer than a weekend. You will also need to get a helper for several of the steps. Especially when lifting the walls and trusses. Otherwise, most of the shed can be built by one person. Your shed kit will be delivered from Lowe’s and dropped in your yard by a wide forklift machine. Make sure the location you want it delivered is near where you want the shed built and that it can be accessed by the forklift (it needs an 8′ wide radius to maneuver through trees, etc.) Open your box and find the instructions. All the hardware, nails and fasteners should be included in the kit. (Although I did end up needing to buy another box of nails when we ran out: possibly because we bent too many or I used more than necessary.)
Preparation:
Call 811, your local utilities marking service to have all your utilities marked. Check with your city or county Building and Development office to find out what the requirements are for accessory structures on your property. Find out what your setback is and if you need a permit (in our area, the set back is 10 feet and a permit is required for structures over 144 sq. feet.) Level your site and add drainage rock to create a firm base that will not allow water to pool under your shed.
Lay out your site and put up stakes and level strings to delineate where the shed support is to be constructed.
Lay your sleeper posts on the ground and concrete pads or footers if necessary to level.
Take your time with this process. A good foundation is important for a well built structure.
Building the Shed Floor:
Follow the instructions for your shed. Build the floor system with 2″x6″ pressure treated lumber. Check that your flooring structure is square by measuring from corner to corner.
Repeat for the opposite corners. The two measurements must be equal before proceeding.
Lay the plywood flooring on top of the floor joists. (Pro-tip: Use a chalk line to mark where the joists are under the plywood. This will make nailing the flooring to the joists super simple.)
Nail the plywood flooring to the floor joists.
After the plywood flooring is completely installed. Build your roof trusses. Follow the instructions. To build the trusses identically, use shipping blocks to create a template to use for each truss assembly.
Once the trusses are built, set them aside.
Build your walls according to the plans. Add the exterior panels before raising your walls (with the exception of the front wall).
It’s helpful to mark out your stud locations on the top and bottom plate to assure your walls are built plumb and square.
Have a second pair of hands help you erect the walls one at a time. Brace the walls after checking for plumb. Then secure the walls to the flooring by nailing or driving fasteners through the bottom of the wall.
Now give yourself a big pat on the back! The shed walls are up!
Add the exterior sheeting to the front of the shed.
Call in your assistant to help you raise the trusses onto the garden shed.
Trusses are installed, but rain was threatening, so we threw up the tarp to cover the shed.
Install the door hardware to hang the sliding doors. Honestly, this was the toughest task. In fact, I’d recommend installing the sliding door track BEFORE adding the roof panels (opposite of what the directions tell you to do.)
Then you can nail the OSB roof panels to the roof trusses.
Attach the felt paper on top of the roof. (Trim the overhanging tar paper.)
Be sure to install drip edges along all the edges of your roof (not shown).
Install the trim on your shed.
Paint your shed any colors you fancy.
Add your roof shingles starting from the bottom first and work your way up.
Install a cupola and weathervane if you like. After the cupola is installed, add the ridge vents, and shingles onto the ridge vents.
I recommend adding the shingles and weathervane to the cupola AFTER installing it on the shed. This keeps the weight on the cupola down when you have to lift it onto the roof.
If you noticed the rooster changed colors, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. I spray painted the weathervane a copper color to make it stand out better.
Now stand back and admire the cute garden shed that you built!
Feel free to add windows and window boxes for a more cottage style feel.
Paint Colors:
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal Gray
Benjamin Moore Calypso Blue for the door and shutters
I painted the floors the same color as the doors and primed the walls and ceiling.
The shed holds all our garden and landscaping tools. I’ll put up a tutorial for adding the pegboard wall next week. For maximum organization, l used pegboard hooks and hangers to maximize the storage.
Of course, there is additional storage in the rafters. We have enough room for boogie boards, sleds, and beach umbrellas up there.
I love how my garden shed turned out.
But, best of all, my neighbor likes it too.
I added a fake mirrored window on the back of the shed. Some day I’ll add shutters to the mirrored window.
Hope you found the encouragement to build your own garden shed. I’d love to stick around and chat, but the leaves are piling up and need to be raked.
If you want to see the time-lapse video of the shed build, here it is:
Until next time.
Disclosure: This project was sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement. I was provided with materials to build the shed in exchange for sharing the building process with you. I will always let you know if a project is sponsored. All opinions are my own.
January is the time of year where we focus on making the next year better than the last. Often that involves new workout goals or resolutions. Other times it means getting more organized. There is something intensely motivating about being organized and saving yourself small bits of time. With that in mind, here are 29 hacks to help you get more organized for the coming year! Learn how to make your own bins, trays, and more to complete those organizational projects! I hope this helps you start your year off on the right foot.
Not enough closet storage? Consider building a Personalized Wall Shelf for jackets, backpacks, and knick knacks.
Having your morning coffee supplies on a tray like this Rustic Map Serving Tray keeps them looking less cluttered and easy to find even on those mornings that come a little too early.
Build these DIY Rolling Storage Stools for extra seating and hidden storage! They can be useful in any room!
This rustic Ladder Display Shelf is perfect for organizing and displaying keepsakes or supplies. (Not to mention taking advantage of vertical storage.)
Turn a spare Closet into a Reading Nook with some under seat storage to keep your child’s room neat, organized, and adventurous!
Make this DIY Produce Rack to keep fruits and veggies fresh, accessible, and off your counter.
Improve the space in your bathroom drawers with these DIY Drawer Dividers.  They’d work beautifully in the kitchen as well!
Make this rustic DIY Decorative Ammo box to add a cool conversation piece to your room with bonus hidden storage inside.
Encourage those little readers by keeping kids books in sight and organized with this DIY Wall Bookrack.
Build some Rustic Wooden Box Crates to store your paperwork, magazines, or anything you want to store out of sight.
Don’t throw it away! Turn a Cardboard Box into A Decorative Bin to store anything you like. This has to be the most economical storage solution ever.
Build this Tall and Skinny Storage Cabinet to solve storage problems in a small space. Imagine the storage possibilities in a bathroom, guest room, or kitchen!
 Make a new and unique Cork Jewelry Holder to organize all your necklaces. This little holder is perfect for the back of a door or a small spot between doorways.
One board is all you need to make this DIY Storage Organizer that can be used in many different ways.
Build a Scrap Wood Caddy for any supplies you need to keep organized and transportable. Think cleaning supplies, art & craft supplies, office supplies and much more.
This Scrap Moulding Tray is one way to use up those casing and trim scraps. Plus, it’s an attractive way to corral and store project supplies.
I hope this helped give you some more organization ideas! Do you have any great organizational hacks? Share them in the comments please!
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/29-hacks-to-help-you-get-more-organized-social-media-image.jpg6281200Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2018-01-05 07:00:002017-12-29 13:52:5129 Hacks to Help You Get More Organized
How to Turn a Desk Organizer into a Charging Station
How to Install Pegboard Walls
Build a Garden Shed
Build a DIY Tray Box
There are so many awesome garage storage ideas in this one post, like this 
