Stuck at Home? Try One of these DIY Building Projects!
Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” order is still in effect here in Oregon. As of this writing, three Portland-area counties have yet to apply to reopen their economies under the governor’s phased reopening plan. Therefore, many Portlanders are still self-quarantining to help curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The weather is warming up, and while homeowners may not be able to go out, they can certainly pass the time by starting a new building project. Can’t think of anything? We’ve got you covered. Try one of these DIY building projects and make your home your own.
8 DIY Building Projects Perfect for Quarantine
When it’s a sunny spring day in Portland, it’s nearly impossible to stay indoors. Get outside and moving with one of these DIY projects. Shur-way Building Center is open and able to provide building supplies and expert advice for your project. Call us today to get started!
Build a Wooden Bench
If you’re new to woodworking and building, a simple wooden bench is a great way to get acquainted with your tools. This design only requires two boards and eighteen screws. Even novice builders can finish this project in a day, making it a perfect family activity. If you don’t have all of the tools needed for the project, many neighborhoods in Portland have local tool-lending libraries, such as the North Portland Tool Library. Keep in mind, though, that some of these resources may be limited or unavailable due to the current COVID-19 crisis. Contact the organization directly to inquire about their available services during this time.
Build an Arbor With Built-In Benches
Need a place to call your own in a crowded house? This arbor with built-in benches can provide shade and privacy in your yard. This project is appropriate for novice builders, but it does require a circular saw to cut the pieces. Your new arbor will take two weekends to complete, which gives you plenty of time to decide what plant you want to weave through the trellis. If you use pressure-treated wood, you can build this project for under $250.
Build a Backyard Picnic Table
Looking forward to the day you can have friends over for a barbecue? Be prepared with a new picnic table, such as this design from Family Handyman. The Craftsman style is timeless, and the table is suitable for both casual gatherings and nice dinners with friends. While this table can be completed in a weekend, it’s best for a moderately-experienced woodworker due to the complexity of its design. Depending on the materials used, this table costs between $100 and $500 to build. Happy building!
Build a Folding Chair
Need more places to sit? How about a portable option? Check out these plans for a foldable wooden chair. This project is suitable for beginners, and it can be completed in an afternoon. Its portability means that you can fold it up and safely store it during those Portland May showers. Depending on the type of wood you use, you can build this chair for $20! Contact the experts here at Shur-way Building Center to get started!
Build a Coat and Mitten Rack
Skip the Netflix this weekend and start a new project with your partner! Call Shur-Way Building Center today for expert advice!
Looking toward the winter? Or maybe you need somewhere to hang those rainjackets after an afternoon walk around the neighborhood. Enjoy some outside time with your family while you build this coat and mitten rack next weekend. Beginners won’t find this project too complex, and it’s easily completed in an afternoon!
Build Suspended Bookshelves
Have you been ordering books to stay busy during the stay-at-home order? Now it’s time to build storage for all of the new additions to your library! These plans for suspended bookshelves are easily modifiable to fit the design of the room. Have fun customizing your new bookshelves; this project is good for beginners and typically takes a weekend to finish.
Build Box Shelves
Is the house getting too cluttered with everyone at home all the time? Build these simple box shelves to help organize knickknacks and other personal belongings. Depending on the materials you use, you can build plenty of these shelves for less than $100. Call a building expert today at Shur-Way Building Center for advice and high-quality building materials!
Build an Outdoor Side Table
Are you tired of having to put your evening drink on the ground? Build this simple outdoor side table in just a day; the project only requires 3 boards and can be easily completed in an afternoon. This project is one of the most cost-effective of our list, so consider adding it on to another project and building it with leftover material.
Tips For Your Next DIY Project
Before starting any building project at home, keeping the following in mind can ensure a safe and smooth process for all.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Before making any cuts to your boards, ensure that you measure and mark the appropriate length more than once, just to be sure. You can’t make a short board long again.
Lay Out Materials and Tools Before Beginning
To ensure a smooth process for your project, make sure you get everything you need out and organized before you even start to measure your boards. This way, you won’t have to stop in the middle to find the right screw or hand tool.
Safety First
Make sure to wear the appropriate protective equipment when operating hand tools and power tools. No project is worth an injury to you or a loved one!
How Can Shur-Way Building Center Help You?
Shur-Way Building Center is a product of decades’ worth of experience in the lumber and construction industry. We are a local, family-owned company with two locations: Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. If you need building materials for your next project, give us a call today!
