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duminică, 6 octombrie 2019

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!

luni, 24 iunie 2019

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.

sâmbătă, 4 mai 2019

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. 





miercuri, 3 aprilie 2019

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!



luni, 18 martie 2019

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.




sâmbătă, 16 martie 2019

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.


joi, 31 ianuarie 2013

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


duminică, 21 octombrie 2012

How to fix a small hole in drywall

Choosing the right solution for the damaged area


Being a homeowner doesn't only imply great moments spend with our families, but also a great responsibility  Taking into account the inherent drywall damages, anyone should know how to fix at least the small holes in the wall, as to save money and get the job done quickly.

Nevertheless, as to obtain a proper result, as to not being able to tell where the repair is, you have focus on a few aspects, which we will be referring in this article. On the other hand, rent yourself a 6'' scraper, a a keyhole saw and  a sharp utility knife. You will see in just a a couple of moments where we will use them and more importantly how. Fixing small holes in drywall is easy, so make sure you pay attention to our tips.

How to fix a small hole in drywall

Fixing a hole in drywall
Firstly, you ought to check the damaged surface and see how bad is in fact. Roughly speaking, if the hole is less deeper than half an inch or narrower than 3 inches, you could fix it easily without securing a piece of drywall to a backer support.

After you clean the area thoroughly, you have to buy a repair kit from one of the large diy stores. Read carefully the instructions, before repairing the hole. Moreover, remove all the residues and the fragments that is loose, before installing the patch over the hole. We recommend you to sand around the holes, otherwise the compound isn't going to stick to the wall properly.

Attach the patch over the small hole and press it tightly, as to remove all the pockets of air. Next, prepare drywall compound in a small bucket and apply it to the dent with a large 6'' knife. Apply the first coat with great attention, as you need to cover the whole area and remove any air pockets. Let the compound to dry out a little, before spreading the second layer of drywall compound. Make sure the joints between the wall and  the patch are smooth  otherwise the repair will be highly visible by anyone. Leave it harden overnight and sand the compound with good judgement, making sure there is a great transition between the wall and the the repaired surface. See more about how to fix large holes in drywall, by clicking the link.

Use fine git sandpaper to remove the irregularities, apply the primer and paint the small area with the appropriate color. Work with great care, if you want to obtain a professional result.


Fixing holes in drywall

See a detailed video about fixing small holes in the wall. As we have already pointed out, you need prepare everything form the very beginning, if you want to get a great result. If you use random techniques and wrong tools, you will repair the damaged are poorly. The secret of getting a professional repair and a smooth wall, it's to spread the mud as thin as possible, making sure the transition is gradual.