How to Build a brick workshop

If you are like me, you really care about your car and you want to keep it clean and shiny. However, my friends, this is hard and almost impossible considering the rain, the dust, the birds, the leaves, and so on.. But, I have the answer for you: a garage with an automated door, so you can save time.

This type of garage, built on a concrete foundation with rebar beams, is not going anywhere. The brick walls are very strong, and the cement render on the inside makes them smooth and extra strong.

The garage has polystyrene insulation on the exterior, so it keeps the heat during the cold days, and it stays chilly in the summer. Since this is a garage / workshop combo, the construction has 2 large windows on each side of the garage. In addition, there is a 36" man door to the front, for an easy access inside.

You should also check this video, because it show you how to demolish a building and clear the site for the future garage. You need heavy machinery for this job, such as a back how digger and a tipper truck.

Overall, I hope you enjoy this little project that took us 3 months to make from start to finish. I can report this is way better than I have expected. This garage is roomy and it is a perfect fit for my SUV. In addition, the workshop area is amazing for storing my tools and equipment. Really nice and a big improvement for me, at least.

How to Build Concrete Walkways

If you have a new or old house and you want a quick but essential upgrade, building walkways is The Project. You can build the walkways with concrete or pavers, and thus protect the house foundation from the elements.

You can build the walkways by yourself because the process is relatively easy. However, an extra pair of hands will help and speed up the process. You will need to mix concrete and then pour it around the house.

You can see the step by step process with lots of tips and tricks, by checking out my video.  The video covers everything starting with removing the vegetation layer up to the formwork, pouring the concrete layer and then installing the pavers.

You can also see a full tutorial with written instructions and images HERE. If the ground around the house has a slope, you need to make steps. No need to worry, my friend, because they have you covered with everything!

Make a simple garden path with stone

If you are like me, you will be continuously searching for new projects that will make your garden stand out. Being a constant struggle I have been always searching for the best projects to tackle. Recently I have developed an obsession on stone projects and I love everything that is related to it. Stone is such a nice material and it will add tons of value to your property.

You can choose from tons of stone colors and textures and everything that is built with it will last for hundreds of years. Below you will find a project that shows you all the steps needed build a super simple path with stone.

Building a garden stone path will help you make your property stand out. I can assure you will not be disappointed with this project because it is very durable and it makes a huge difference on your garden design.

Building a concrete driveway

If you want to build a nice driveway for your property, you can follow this video and save tons of money by making it by yourself. The most important thing about this project is to have a really nice and sturdy support for the driveway. Therefore, remove the top layer of soil and then compact it properly.

When you pour the concrete form you need to make a nice formwork and level it thoroughly. Screed the concrete along the form slats and let it dry out for a few days.

Install the concrete borders along the concrete driveway and level them with a spirit level. Next lay a 1" thick layer of sand and screed it. Compact the sand. As a tip, you need to make sure the sand is moist, otherwise you can't compact it thoroughly.

Install the pavers using a mallet. Work in small portions and check the rows are properly installed. After you install all the paver blocks you need to fill the gaps between them with fine sand. The fine sand will lock all the pavers together tightly.

How to build a simple brick wall - DIY Tips

If you want to build a brick house or fence, the masonry techniques will help you save time and get a quality project. Using large blocks to make the wall needs some basic skills that you can develop by following my tips.

First of all, you need a strong foundation for the brick wall. Therefore, use an engineer to determine the depth of the foundation and the rebar configuration. In addition, I recommend you to make strong forms for the foundations, so the elevation is plumb and durable.

Secondly, you need to sink the blocks in water before installing them because they will bond together better. Mix mortar in a wheelbarrow and then use a trowel to apply it to the foundation. Start laying bricks at both ends of the row and then use a guiding string so you can lay the rest of the bricks straight.

Use a spirit level to check if the wall is plumb.

Remove the excess mortar so you can save money and get a professional result.

Form the columns and then pour concrete so you strengthen the structure. Let it dry out for a few days and then make sure you remove the forms.

Last but not least, you can finish the brick wall as you desire. You can install natural stone or you can render it and apply decorative paint.

How to Build a Brick House

Building a brick house has numerous advantages over a light wooden structure. First of all, a brick house is built on a super durable and strong concrete structure that is reinforced with rebars. Therefore, a brick house, if properly maintained, will last for hundreds of years. In addition, a brick house is more resistant to the elements and to potential fires.

On the other hand, a brick house construction is a time consuming process that takes 1-2 years, because there are steps that you cannot skip over. Being a heavy construction, you need proper foundations that are expensive and take a few months to make. In addition, building a brick house is more expensive than a wooden house, because it requires tons of rebars and tons of concrete for the ceilings, foundations and pillars.

The video above shows you what it takes to build a brick house from the ground up. Starting with the foundation, up the to first floor walls, the concrete ceiling, the second floor walls, the second ceiling and the roof, this video covers all steps, so you can really build the brick home of your dreams.

DIY Chicken Coop - Videos!

Today is a great day because... we have chicken coop! I have spent the whole days gathering together a super nice collection of chicken coop videos. If you are like me, videos are 10x better than written articles, because you can actually see how everything comes together and how it looks like when assembled.

I cannot even tell you how cool is to raise your own chickens and have fresh eggs every single day! It is not self sustaining yet, but it is a small step towards that direction. In addition, if you have small kids, they will be more than impressed with the acquaintance. The chickens are lively, colorful and very loud! That sums up what kids enjoy!

Some of the following coops come with a run, which is handy, because you don't want the chickens running all over the place and destroying your flowers and plants. In addition, some coops are elevated while others look more like a shed.

This is by any means a super complete list, but it is a very nice step in that direction. You can find here many types of chicken coops and several sizes. However, most of these coops are relatively small... just great for a family.

Make sure you check out everything before you start building, because each video has its own approach on building the chicken coop. This is an eclectic collection so be prepared to be carried through a large array of designs, sizes and structures. 

Most Common Shed Sizes - With Videos

If you are here, you must be interested in shed building plans and tips. Or... you might have end up here due to the latest google algorithm... haha Joking!

I have seen a lot of sheds in my life and with all modesty, I can attest that these are good and solid choices if you want to add storage space in your backyard.

As you probably already know, these sheds come is several shapes: lean to, gable, gambrel, run in and even saltbox. This is a list of the most common shed sizes outthere, along with the corresponding videos.

Therefore, if you want a small storage shed you could choose a 8x12 structure. Moreover, you can build a 10x10 shed if you love a square shape. If you are serious about storing your garden tools and other items, you need to go for a 12x16 shed. I have two ideas for you: a lean to shed and a gable shed,

As you can notice in the videos, you can place the doors on the front or on the sides. Moreover, you can build double or single doors for easy or difficult access to the interior of the shed.

DIY Concrete Fence with Wooden Panels

I am totally new to concrete projects but I am super eager to join the this wagon along with other makers that have focused on these type of projects. Concrete work rocks!

So people this is a fence that is built 80 percent of concrete and 20 percent of wooden boards. The gates are made of metal, but that is another story.

I have a very good opinion about this fence because it is sturdy and it will help us make history. This video carries you step by step along the building process. It is super exciting, so make sure you take a look over the instructions.

DIY Pergola Plans - Top 3

Hello everybody! It has been a while since I have last wrote something on this awesome, awesome blog. You know how they say it... life happens... and it usually takes time for life to happen... However, I am back again alive and kicking and I have an interesting topic to talk (actually write) about. If you have a house but you still love nature more, you can build an attached pergola to add more living space while keeping the costs low.


You probably know that pergola projects are expensive so you should really check out these attached pergola plans, because they will show you how to save tons of money by making the project by yourself. If you are like me and have a few tools in the box, you should complete this project is less than one week. Make sure you work with attention and plan everything from the very beginning.

Everyone wants to find love, but that feeling of deep satisfaction should not be found in another person, as you have so many other possibilities of self expression. Building, making or creating are all great option to go to the next level and feel yourself fulfilled.

See plans for a 10x10 detached pergola Here. If you really want to create some shade in your backyard, this pergola is the right solution for your needs, as it is easy to make, sturdy, beautiful and it comes with step by step instructions. I really love how well is everything put together, so if you want to go with no issues, this is the project to follow.

This is the last project I have selected for this article. A super nice Japanese style pergola that you can build super quickly with construction lumber and a few nice tools. The road to greatness is hard but so are the rewards. That is why I recommend you to start building and give yourself time to improve and learn all the tricks and tips.  See free pergola plans here!

Building a 12x16 lean to shed

Building a 12x16 lean to shed could be one of the best home decisions you have ever taken. This shed is super easy to build and it will help you organize all your tools, equipment properly. If you have many items to store and the house isn't large enough any more, building a basic shed with 2x4 framing is the right choice.

If I would build a shed for myself, I would pour a concrete floor, because I see it as more durable and somehow heavy duty. That is why, with some large double doors to the front, you could use the storage shed for ATVs, bikes or even motorcycles.


12x16 Lean to Shed - Video

I love building and I have a few tools in my collection. However, for this shed you mainly need a drill and a saw. Of course, you also need a spirit level and a tape measure and a carpentry square. If you in need for a smaller shed, because of the local building codes or you just don't need that much of a shed, I have you covered with another nice tutorial.

I have found free plans for a 10x12 lean to shed, and I guarantee for them that they are accurate. This will be much cheaper to build, as it is a scaled down version. Make sure you get some help from a handy friend, because assembling the shed frame and maneuvering the materials is quite time and energy consuming.

Picnic Table Plans - Simple Design

If you want to build a picnic table and you have found the traditional 6 ft design, I would recommend you to take into account a new approach. Therefore, you have right here a design that adds up a picnic table with a covered roof structure.

This must be one of my favorite designs lately and that is why I am super excited to share it with you guys. And from what I see in the video, the plans are really easy for anyone to make in one weekend or so.

The second design refers to a cool kids picnic table with sandbox included. As you can see in this step by step video, this picnic table is sturdy and easy to build. I really want to hear your opinions about these 2 designs. You can be really honest, because this is the only place in the world where you are free to share your 100 percent honest thoughts.

Fixing small drywall homes

If you are a homeowner you probably know how common is to accidentally make dents or holes in the walls. Either you are moving furniture or you party too hard, it can happen to anyone. If you ask a contractor about fixing a large hole in drywall for you, then you are looking at a few hundred dollars in labor, not to speak about the cost of the materials.

In this article, I will show you an easier method that you can do by yourself while keeping the money in your pocket. In addition, the few tools you need for the job are an investment, as you can use them anytime an issue occurs to the walls.

Tools for drywall repair

In order to fix holes in drywall as a professional, you need a few drywall repair tools. These tools will not only help you save money, but they will also fix the holes in the wall as they did not exist in the first place.

First on your list should be a cutter or an utility knife. You need the cutter to clean the holes and to give them a more common shape.

Then, you need putty knifes of various sizes. If you had to buy only one, then I recommend you to choose the 6" wide one. It is an excellent compromise and it should help you to fix almost any size of holes.

Last but not least, you need a good sander so you can smooth the putty before painting the wall. You need to use several grits of sandpaper so that you smooth the patched surface until it gets super fine. With these tools in your bag, you will be the carefree homeowner, as you can really repair any hole in the wall that might accidentally appear.

How to build a carport

A wooden carport will keep your car under a nice shaded area and will protect it from rain, snow or excessive sun. Make sure you read the local building codes, as such a permanent construction requires a building permit. You must follow the recommendations, otherwise the inspector won't accept your construction.

In this article, we will cover many aspects regarding the construction of a free standing single car carport. From our experience, you need to select a location that is level and to remove the vegetation layer. Pouring a concrete slab is a great idea, especially if you give it a slight slope, so the water can drain easily.

Fitting the posts is important, so make sure you set them properly in concrete. Dig 3 feet holes, 12" in diameter and fit tube forms. Set the posts into place, using temporary braces and plumb them with a spirit level. Pour concrete and let it dry our for several days. Smooth the surface with a trowel, in order to get a professional result.

CLICK HERE to see a full tutorial about building a simple lean to carport.

After setting the posts, you need to install the 2x6 support beams. Clamp the beams to the top of the posts and drill pilot holes through the components. Insert carriage bolts to lock everything together, making sure there are no gaps between the components. Align the edges before inserting the carriage bolts, to get a professional result.

Continue the project by fitting the rafters to the structure. Use metal hardware to make sure the joints are rigid and durable. Fit the 3/4" tongue and groove plywood sheets and secure them to the rafters using galvanized nails. Cover the structure with tar paper and asphalt shingles, if you really want to get a professional result.

If you leave in a windy area, make sure you add braces to the structure, as described in the diagram. Make sure the corners are square and the posts are plumb, after fitting each component into place.



Here are some amazing videos that illustrate the construction of the wooden carports. The first video is about building an awesome flat roof carport for a single car.

The second video is about building a double carport, so you can protect your both cars from bad weather, while keeping the cost under control and making the most of the backyard space.

As you can easily notice in this article, building a wooden carport by yourself is easy and it will help you save a great amount of money. However, if you don't have enough expertise in the field, you should definitely leave it to the professionals.

Building a picnic table for kids

There are many designs and plans to choose from when building a picnic table, so make sure you have a few options before starting the construction of the components. Work with attention and invest your money wisely if you want to get a durable and professional result.

As you can see in the video, we recommend you to invest in weather-resistant lumber, such as pine, cedar or redwood, and to lock the components together tightly. Work with attention and pre-drill the components before inserting the screws.

Adjust the size and the shape of the picnic table to suit your needs, before starting the actual assembly. Sand the edges with a piece of sandpaper and or a router. Countersink the head of the screws before inserting them into place, otherwise the end result won't raise up to your expectations.

Fitting braces to the picnic table is a great idea, as it will make the whole structure more rigid. Work with attention and check out the full project here.

Free Outdoor Plans

Choosing the right projects

There are so many plans for a dream garden, that I don't even know what to begin with. From our experience, building different woodworking projects for your garden will not only add value and enhance the look of your backyard, but it is also a great way to reduce stress and to spend great time with your kids. There are many diy projects that you could do with your kids and pass down important techniques.

Taking into account the alternatives, you should really consider the options and your budget, before starting a woodworking project. From our experience, you need to invest in quality materials and use professional tools, otherwise you won't get an accurate result.

1. Build a deck. A deck is one of the most common outdoor projects, as it is easy to build and it really pays off the investment. A properly built deck will last for many years and it will really add value to your property. Expand the living surface of the home with a nice deck, by using professional plans and instructions. See a good tutorial here.

2. Build a greenhouse. If you want to eat fresh vegetables every week or you just want a great hobby for the weekends, you should consider building a nice greenhouse. First of all, you should start with a basic raised garden bed, as to learn the basic techniques and to see if you like gardening. Afterwards  you can try on a larger scale, by building a small greenhouse. See a detailed guide about building a greenhouse here.

3. Build a gazebo. A gazebo is one of those unique projects that have the power to transform any backyard. If you choose the right plans for your needs, you can really impress your friends with a beautiful outdoor construction. You can choose from a large variety of shapes and designs, starting with a square gazebo up to a complex octagonal gazebo. See step by step projects here.


Building a rectangular gazebo

Simple Greenhouse Plans

A basic greenhouse will not only add value to any garden, but it is also a great source of fresh vegetables with vitamins. In addition, numerous studies have proved that gardening is a great way to reduce stress levels and to change your lifestyle towards a healthier approach.

Simple Greenhouse Plans

Therefore, you should start with selecting the right small greenhouse building plans for your needs. There are so many choices when speaking about the size or the shape of the greenhouse, that it is really hard to select the one that fits your needs. From our experience, a small gable greenhouse is a good start with a want to grow a large variety of vegetables and herbs, but you don't have enough time for this hobby.

Generally speaking, you can harvest a significant quantity of legumes even on a small surface of raised garden beds. Just imagine what a properly built greenhouse can do for you and your family. If you are really determined to grow fresh vegetables, you should remember that not any location is proper for a greenhouse.

First of all, a greenhouse should receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight everyday, otherwise the plants won't be able to develop properly. In addition, it would also be a great idea to analyze the ph and the structure of the soil. There are many cases, when the soil is not good enough to grow some vegetables, so you should know these things from the very beginning.

Building a greenhouse

Building a small greenhouse is similar to making a small shed. Therefore, you should build the walls of the greenhouse on a level surface, using 2x4 weather resistant lumber. Drill pilot holes trough the plates and insert 3" galvanized screws into the studs. Check if the corners are right-angled, otherwise you won't be able to get a professional result. 

Secure the walls into place with braces and lock them together with screws. Use a spirit level to check if the walls are plumb. Build the door using 2x2 lumber and secure it to the frame with metal hinges. Last but not least attach polyethylene foil to the exterior of the frame and stretch it properly. 

If you want to automate the ventilation process, we recommend you to install an automatic vent opener. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get the job done as a professional. Alternatively,  you could also build a lean to greenhouse, if you have a tight space around your house. 

Greenhouse Plans - Video

Building a simple cold frame

Build a cold frame 

If you want to protect your little plans from cold weather, you should build at least a small cold frame. Use 1x8 or 1x10 boards to build the frame, making sure you cut the side walls at about 15 degrees. In this manner, the sun rays will warm the inside of the cold frame and create a proper climate for the plants. Choose proper cold frame plans from the very beginning, if you want to get the job done quickly.

You could adjust the size of the cold frame according to your needs. Irrespective of your choice, you should use quality materials (cedar, pressure treated lumber, pine or redwood). Build a small frame from 2x2 lumber and attach 1/4'' poly-carbonate sheets to build the lids of the cold frame.

After building the cold frame, you should choose a proper location. Basically, the frame should get enough light for at least 8-10 hours a day, otherwise the plans won't be able to grow properly. Don't forget to ventilate the cold frame in the sunny days, when the interior temperature increases.

Building a basic greenhouse

On the other hand, you could build a small greenhouse, if the right plans and techniques are used. A greenhouse will provide you more space for your plans and therefore you could grow tomatoes and peppers, while in a cold frame you could only grow plans like lettuce or herbs.

In order to build a basic greenhouse, you need to use common materials, such as 2x4 lumber. Build the side walls on a level surface before fitting them into place. In order to join the frames together, we recommend you to drive 3 1/2'' into the adjacent frames.

Basic Greenhouse - Video

Choosing the right shed plans

Preliminary Steps
Building a shed is one of the most complex projects you could do in your garden, so special attention has to be paid to the preliminary stages. From our experience, anyone with basic woodworking skills can get the job done in just a few days, if the professional plans are used, as well as proper tools and materials.

The first step you should do before choosing the right shed plans is to go to the building office, to learn more about the legal requirements. In some case, small shed don't require a building permit, while large constructions require one in any situation. After knowing these requirements, it is a lot easier to select the most appropriate plans for your needs.

Lean to Shed
If you have a narrow backyard, building a lean to shed is a great idea. In addition, if you attach the shed to an existing building, you could save even more space. A lean to shed implies little work and skills, as you need to make just a few cuts and join the components together in a professional manner. See here some plans.

Gable Shed
A shed with a gable roof provides many advantages, as it is one of the most common types of constructions.any one has see a building with a gable roof and the framing structure. If you choose the right angle  you could even add a loft, as to increase the storage surface. See here some plans.

Gambrel Shed
A traditional barn shed could add character to any garden, if the right tools and techniques are used. From our experience, we strongly recommend you to use professional plans, otherwise it will be quite hard to build the rafters at the right angle and size. Adding decorative trims to the shed will also enhance its look and change the appearance on any backyard. See here some plans.

Large Shed 
A large shed is a complex construction, but very useful, as it can be used as a workshop or as storage space.   Building a large shed (more than 16x16) requires a significant investment, but the techniques required are basically the same. Usually the large sheds have a gable roof, as it is easy to build and has a beautiful look. Nevertheless, in most of the cases, you need to ask an engineer to plan the roof trusses, due to their size. In addition these rafters have to support a lot of weight, so you need to ask an expert before getting the job started. See here some plans.

Firewood Shed
Storing firewood properly requires a proper shed, usually called firewood shed. This constructions is basic, as you just need to build a durable floor and cover it with a lean to roof. In addition, if you want to protect the firewood from bad weather, it would be a great idea to add wooden walls to the sides and teh back of the shed. See here some plans.

Dog house plans free

Choosing the right plans

Taking into account the wintertime is here, you should considered building a proper dog house for your favorite pet. In addition, an insulated dog house kit is expensive for most of us, so a diy project is a good solution for most of us.

Generally speaking, dog houses come in many shapes and sizes, so you should choose the ones that fit the needs of you pets. If you choose professional plans and quality materials, you can get the job done is leas than a day investing less than 150 dollars. If you are an amateur builder, you should build a simple dog house.

Place the dog house on several concrete slabs to lift the box about 2'' above the ground. In this manner, you will protect the dog house from bad weather. If you place the opening on one side of the dog house, you will keep the inside warm. Check if the dog has enough room to enter the dog house.


Building an insulated dog house

Building an insulated dog house is relatively easy, but it will change dramatically the comfort of you pet. In addition, you just need to build the frame of the wooden box out of 2x2 lumber and fit rigid insulation boards between the studs. Align everything at both ends, if you want to get a professional result.

Attach 1/4'' plywood inside the dog house, to build the interior walls. Drive in the finish nails trough the 1/4'' plywood, making sure the head of the screws are level with the surface of the walls, otherwise your pet might injure.