Cacti & Succulents Garden

As I found some small pieces of plywood during spring cleaning, I decided to build a small nightstand. Step 1. Build the Frame and Shelf I try to avoid using screws to keep it clean look. I only use wood glue and finish nail, except screws for drawer slide. I use circular saw to cut the frame with 45 degree finish, so that I can glue them together with clean edges. My frame size is height 13", Width 18", Depth 12". Legs 8". Overall height 21". Before put the frame together, I install the shelf. I use 3/16 rod for the shelf installation (also add wood glue for stronger result). Now we can put all together, clamp it. Step 2. Make the Legs You can use any style of legs. I use 2x2" and 1x2" lumber, as shown below. I trim and sand the 2x2" to make them skinnier at the bottom. Glue the pieces as shown in the pictures. Step 3. Sand, Stain and Finish Wait overnight for the wood glue to do the work. Here it...

The raining season has finally gone. It is nice to try some DIY projects. Here is a plan to build a mini bathroom bench in 4 steps. You may choose to build whatever size you want. It could be bathroom bench, outdoor bench, or for your dining table. I decide to build the size: Height 13", Longth 22", Width 10.5". I use 1x3" and 2x3" lumbers. It is easy to add more width. For instance, use 6 pieces, the width becomes 12.75", 7 pieces for 15". If you decide to build longer bench, you may choose 2x4 for top. Step 1: Cut Lumber I prepared the following cuts by Miter saw (Hitachi 10" is good choice, Dewalt is better, but more pricy). You may also use circular saw (7" will do the work). You can easily find these sizes in Home Depot. I have recycled the lumbers from other projects, so that they are not very uniform --- a little bit more work on sanding. 2x3"  22" long, 5 pieces for top 2x3"  10.5" long, 10 pieces fo...

There is a little bit time for Xmas decorations. Here is one idea to make an environmental friendly Xmas tree from pellet wood in minutes. Materials 1. Pellet 2. paint 3. LED lights 4. tools: marker, circular saw, hammer & nails, sand paper, paint brush Procedure 1. draw the tree shape on pellet 2. cut the tree shape 3. enforce (optional) adding two 2x4 to the sides to make the tree strong 4. sand and paint, use whatever color you like 5. put in the yard and put on the lights

Since we have so many succulents, small pots were everywhere in our backyard. I decided to organize them, not only for better look, but also for easier care/watering. There are many benefits to build the plant shelves by yourself. First of all, of course you can save tens. even hundreds of dollars. Secondly, you can build the size you want to fit your space. Thirdly, you can improve your DIY skills. Lastly, you lower the carbon footprint if you follow my plan by reclaiming pallet wood. Step 1 Let's start from dismantling pallet. Find a pallet in good condition. You need a pair of working gloves, a nail puller and a hammer. Be safe and try this workout. Once you finish, you will have some 2x4 (about 4' long) and 1x6 or 1x4 lumbers. You are ready for the next step. Step 2 Use a circular saw or miter saw to cut 2x4 to build the legs. You may customize the height and lean angle the way you want.  Step 3 You are almost done. The rest is to add ...