Hiring a professional to build an outside kitchen, outdoor storage bench or planting arbor can be an expensive undertaking. With some simple instructions and good photographs, these projects, and many others, can be completed by a homeowner who's willing to learn and doesn't mind a bit of sawdust. Easy to Build Backyard Projects, by Monte Burch, shows how to make many wonderful DIY projects for the outdoors.
Tools, Materials and Safety
For a construction newbie, all those project tools are a bit intimidating. Add to that the possibility of nailing a thumb or finger to the new bench, and that's enough to stop many from even trying. The introductory chapter includes about 20 pages on basics, in layman's terms, that will make all those scary home store aisles seem a little more familiar. Follow the safety tips, and keep human digits where they belong.
Choose an Outdoor Project
There's a project here for everyone, including seating, outdoor cooking stations, kids' projects, gardeners' needs, deck accessories, and yard items. The sandbox seems to be the easiest of all, and could be used as a gardening area as well. Making outdoor furniture at home is a fun undertaking.
Seating: Adirondack Chairs, Footstools, Tables & Benches
Detailed instructions and photographs explain how to make Adirondack chairs, footstools and matching tables, as well as deck rail benches and a storage bench. All are useful, attractive items for the deck and backyard.
Outdoor Cooking Stations
An outdoor kitchen can be crafted at home with the directions in this chapter for making a cooking center, BBQ station, picnic table and serving cart. Anyone who loves to grill and entertain outdoors will appreciate this chapter.
Outdoor Projects for Kids: Sandbox Construction
These are not for children to build, but projects that will keep a child happy and busy in the backyard. Instructions include a child-size picnic table and sandbox. Child-free homes could put the sandbox to other use, such as a raised garden bed.
Projects for Gardeners: Compost Bins
The projects in this chapter look fairly easy and incredibly useful for gardeners. Make a planter box, planting arbor, potting cart or compost bin. All are more attractive than the ordinary versions found in home centers.
On the Deck and Around the Yard: Pergola Arbors, Tables
Two final chapters make enjoying the backyard more comfortable and organized. Directions are provided for building a pergola, side table, cushion storage locker, planter bench and raccoon-free trash can locker.
Summary
The short, easy-to-understand instructions will instill confidence in a novice woodworker, and lots of large, clear photographs remove any doubt as to the written directions. The projects are useful for practically any home, and create beauty that adds value to the house itself. A useful book for home improvement do-it-yourselfers.
Title: Easy to Build Backyard Projects
Author: Monte Burch
Publisher: Creative Homeowner, 158 pgs., $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-58011-207-9
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