Some Spring DIYs for You
Since the new season is here, it’s the perfect time for you to start creating your own new projects. Whether you’re looking for some new complimentary furniture to place inside your screened porch, or you’re looking for some crafty decorations to add to the doors and walls of your home, we’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to creating and decorating just in time for Spring! Read on to find some quick and easy DIYs for you to accent and decorate your home and porch with.
Wooden Lanterns
https://dreamdesigndiy.com/diy-lanterns/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456904324705161270/
Tools/Supplies:
Measuring tape
Pencil
Saw/Table Saw
Miter saw
Wood clamps
Carpenter square
Nail gun
Drill
2 – 2 x 2 x 8 (large lantern)
1 – 1 x 4 x 6 (large lantern)
1 – 1 x 8 x 8 (small lantern)
2 inch 18G brad nails
1 1/4 inch 18G brad nails
Wood glue
Wood filler
Sander or sandpaper
Paint/spray paint
Wood stain
Sealer
Directions:
Start out by assembling the two rectangular sides. Attach two sides to a top and bottom piece. It helps to use wood clamps to hold it in place. This will create a rectangle. Repeat this for the other side.
Connect the two rectangular sides together using the eight horizontal top and bottom 2 x 2 pieces. This will create a rectangular box.
Add the bottom pieces and feet. Attach the bottom 1 x 4s to the bottom of the rectangular box using wood glue and 1 1/4 inch 18G brad nails. Then attach the feet to the bottom 1 x 4s.
Add a final few pieces of wood (crown) to taper at the top. Draw an outline on the top where you want your crown to sit. I marked about halfway in from the outer edge of the top and then attached it.
Sand and fill any holes with wood filler. Apply your chosen stain or paint. I used a flat black spray paint (see picture below) and finish it off with a sealer. I used a spar urethane sealer.
Repeat for the smaller lantern.
Scrap Wood Outdoor Planter
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456904324705161211/
Tools/Supplies:
A bunch of 1x (1×4, 1×6, etc) scrap boards at least 10″ long and 1 board that is 14″ long…or you can just buy 2 – 1x4x8 if you don’t have a scrap pile and 1 – 2×2 furring strip or 6″ piece!
Brad nailer
1 1/2″ brad nails
Wood glue
Table saw
Miter saw
Plastic liner (optional)
Some rocks (optional)
Directions:
First, you must rip all your scraps down into 1″ strips! Ripping boards on a table saw can be very dangerous. Make sure you know how to properly use a table saw before attempting to rip 1″ strips. You may want to use a feather board or other jig to make it safer to rip the boards! Rip boards at your own risk!
Once you have all your small boards ripped down for your DIY outdoor planter, you will need to cut them down to size on the miter saw.
Once they are all cut to size, 48 at 10″ and 4 at 14″, you can start building the planter. The 14″ are the vertical boards, and the 10″ are the horizontal slats. Attach them with ample wood and just brad nails. It makes for a ton of holes to fill once the planter is complete, but it also makes for a really quick and easy build!
Next, fill it up with the slats. They are spaced at an almost perfect 3/16″!
Repeat the last step to make the opposite side.
Once you have both sides built, you will just attach a top and bottom board to the two sides you just built!
Now the bottom needs something to attach those cute little feet to! Using scraps of whatever size you have laying around, cut them down to 10 1/2″ and just brad nail them as well with plenty of wood glue!
That allows us something to attach the feet to, so attach the feet.
Build a small shelf for the inside of the box to save and conserve soil.
Add any finishing touches (wood stain, hole filler, sealant, etc.) to the exterior of the planter and you are ready to go!
Rustic Birdbath
https://thesummeryumbrella.com/diy-rustic-birdbath/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456904324705151626/
Tools/Supplies:
Wreath
Twine
Plate
Directions:
See visual step-by-step instructions using one or both of the links above!
Wooden Pallet Table
https://homesteadlifestyle.com/diy-wood-pallet-outdoor-table/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456904324705342266/
Tools/Supplies:
2 wood pallets
4×4 scraps
4 caster swivel wheels
Wood screws or nails
Handheld drill
Wood stain or paint
Miter saw
Tape measure
L-brackets
Directions:
Measure the 4 wood legs, about 5 to 6 inches long and use the miter saw to cut them.
Attach one leg to each corner of the top pallet using the L-brackets.
Attach the top pallet to the bottom one, using the legs and some L-brackets.
Flip the table over and attach a coaster on each corner of the bottom pallet.
You can sand down and paint/stain the table top. This step is optional.
Double ‘X’ Outdoor Bench
https://www.hertoolbelt.com/double-x-bench-plans/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456904324705151733/
Tools/Supplies:
Miter saw
Drill
Countersink bit
Corner cat sander
Measuring tape
4 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual lumber dimensions 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
1 – 2″ x 3″ x 8′ board (actual lumber dimension 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″)
8 – 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
32 – 2 1/2″ screws or 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws if you like the rounded heads showing
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Stain/paint
Vaseline – optional
Paint brush
Directions:
If your boards are rough, you may want to lightly sand them before assembling the bench. Drill pocket holes for 1 1/2″ material in both ends of the 34 1/2″ and 27″ boards.
Measure and mark the center of the 13″ and 9″ pieces, also mark the center of both ends of the 34 1/2″ and 27″ pieces. Using wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws, attach the center of the 9″ pieces to the ends of the 34 1/2″ piece. Repeat for the center of the 13″ pieces and the 27″ piece.
Measure and mark 1/2″ in from each 13″ piece end. The legs will inset 1/2″ in from each 13″ piece end.
Use the countersink bit and pre-drill countersink holes for screws to attach the legs to the 13″ pieces. Use either 2 1/2″ or 3″ screws to attach the legs to the 13″ pieces. (Note: the legs won’t fit perfectly onto the 13″ pieces, overhang the same amount on each leg.)
Turn the leg assembly upside down and mark 2″ down on each leg end. Pre-drill countersink holes in the outsides of the legs (I drilled the holes about 3″ down from the leg ends). Attach the 9″ pieces between the legs using 2 1/2″ or 3″ screws.
Measure and mark the center line for the length and width on the 34 1/2″ piece. Mark 3/4″ on both sides of the length centerline mark. Repeat the same marks on the 27″ piece.
Slide 2 of the 16 1/4″ X pieces in between the top and bottom supports, trim the 16 1/4″ pieces if necessary. Line up the ends of the X pieces with the 3/4″ marks and the centerline mark between them. Drill countersink holes in the 34 1/2″ and 27″ pieces, attach each X piece with a 2 1/2″ or 3″ screw.
Flip the bench over, slide the other 2 – 16 1/4″ X pieces in between the top and bottom supports, trim the 16 1/4″ pieces if necessary. Line up the ends of the X pieces with the 3/4″ marks and the centerline mark between them. Drill countersink holes in the 34 1/2″ and 27″ pieces, attach each X piece with a 2 1/2″ or 3″ screw.
The base is now complete - you can flip the bench rightside-up again.
Measure over about 6″ from the 42″ board ends, pre-drill countersink holes to attach the top pieces to the base. The top will overhang 1/2″ from the 13″ pieces on the side and about 4″ from the ends. Attach the top boards to the base with 2 1/2″ screws.
The bench should be assembled and ready to finish. Using stain (or however you are choosing to finish your bench) change the color of your bench and add decor as you see fit.
Have you tried out one of these DIYs? Or perhaps you created something unique and new on your own to add to your screened porch? Make sure to share your DIYs with us on social media!
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