Delight is often in the details. Whether you’re planning a big DIY project or a small one for your outdoor living space, giving time and attention to details will always make a difference. For instance, if you’re building a backyard birdhouse, decide in advance what kind of bird you’d like to attract, so the entrance hole is the right size. If you’re planning a deck, add butyl tape to make your substructure — the joists and beams — last longer.
If you have a free weekend coming up, a few tools, and some handy skills, your options for DIY are plentiful. Where to start? Consider one of these ideas:
-
Replace the mailbox
One of the easiest ways to make a great first impression is to make sure your mailbox is shiny and welcoming. If you have peeling paint or missing house numbers, a quick trip to your local hardware store will supply your needs for an upgrade. Explore your options and pick the style that most complements your home.
-
Put up a tree swing
A tree swing can be a simple project, but ensuring safety begins with choosing the right tree. Pick a tree with a branch at least 8 inches in diameter, growing parallel to the ground. The branch should be about 10 to 15 feet off the ground — higher than 15 will make the swinging arc unsafe.
-
Build a potting bench
A potting bench offers utility and can elevate the aesthetic of your porch or deck. To begin, find a potting bench plan you like. It may be a simple bench or a decorative Victorian style. Determining what you will use the bench for (more work or more storage?) will help you decide.
-
Update the entry
Your home’s entryway contributes greatly to its curb appeal. However, making a few simple updates can turn a plain or old-looking front door into a welcoming spot for guests. For example, you might simply paint the door you have or update it with a new style. Today, a craftsman-style door tops the lists in popularity but choose what’s best for your home.
-
Green up the lawn
Creating a more lush and green lawn begins with understanding your soil’s PH level. If your soil is too acidic, you may need to add a base such as lime (but only according to the PH level, which you should test first). Once you know the soil’s acidity, talk to your local gardening center about the best treatment. Next, add the right fertilizer and consider aerating and overseeding to ensure the best results.
-
Install window boxes
Window boxes can transform your home into an adorable cottage or chalet, but choosing the right material is essential. Using typical treated wood may not be the best option since the wood will often be wet and deteriorate over time. Once you’ve chosen a material that is more weather-resistant, such as MDO (medium density overlay), then you can find a plan that will create the look you desire. After the boxes are built and installed, follow good container planting guidelines to fill your window with thrillers, spillers, and fillers!
-
Build a birdhouse
Building a backyard birdhouse can be a fun and creative project, with as many styles and designs as you can imagine. Begin with a plan like this one and decide what kind of birds you want to attract. The size of the entry hole, the interior room, and the box placement will help determine the type of bird your house will attract. Once the birdhouse is complete, mount it in a safe spot for your feathered friends, and you’ll enjoy watching them come to visit.
-
Add a deck
While this may be one of the biggest DIY projects on the list, it also provides the most value and versatility. Remodeling Magazine lists a deck addition as one of the best home improvements you can make based on return on investment (ROI).
Whether you choose a wood or composite deck, you have many design, color, and style choices. Begin by selecting a layout and getting a building permit. If you have a two-story deck, consider adding an under-deck drainage system that will allow you to create a completely dry space under the deck. Depending on your landscaping, you might use the underdeck space for entertaining, dining, creating a play space for your children, or enclosing it as storage. A drainage system is a network of troughs and gutters that take away water from your deck’s joists and beams.
-
Warm-up with a fire pit
Building a fire pit begins with finding a safe spot in your yard, at least 15 feet from any structures. Once you’ve found a good spot, mark the layout. Next, prepare the location by building the base and laying the block. If you don’t have a lot of experience in construction, consider buying a pre-designed fire pit ring kit, which comes with blocks. Once you’ve built your fire pit, surround it with comfortable seating, but avoid cushions that might get damaged by the fire’s embers.
-
Light the night
No matter what your outdoor living space, adding lighting can provide practical safety and also add beauty. You might go for something that will need electricity, such as strings of Edison bulbs or fairy lights in the shrubs or something solar such as end caps on your deck or beautiful lanterns along your walkway. Here are some simple, affordable DIY ideas.
PHOTO: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h3evxxo3sy7470q/HS3.jpg?dl=0
Now, you have an idea of what you’d like to do. Make time this weekend to bring your DIY dreams to life!
