Harness your New Year’s momentum and put your energy to work sprucing up your home and yard. Tackling a DIY lumber project is a great way to freshen up the look of your house without a major remodeling investment. Here are our top ten DIY lumber projects to put on your own 2020 home improvement list.
Number 10. Upgrade Your Patio Cover
Patio covers aren’t just there to block the sun and rain. A decorative patio cover can expand your usable outdoor living area by creating an inviting gathering space. Pick a patio cover design that complements your home’s aesthetic and provides the perfect blend of sun, shade and decoration to match your taste. J&W Lumber has all the materials you’ll need including wood, hardware, aluminum, finishing trim, and pre-fab kits. Download our useful Patio Cover Project Basics guide before you start.
Number 9. Repair Your Deck – Or Build a New One
The new year is always a great time to check your deck. Crawl or walk under your existing structure and check for signs of decay on the posts, rust stains around the hardware, and any loose connection points. Replace rusty hardware with outdoor-rated galvanized steel and swap out rotted posts or planks with fresh lumber. For a quick upgrade, replace your handrail with new lumber and hardware. If your backyard doesn’t currently feature a deck, think about installing one. Low decks that sit directly on the ground are easy to design and build yourself. Redwood and cedar are attractive, cost-effective materials, while composites like Trex decking can withstand weather without requiring much ongoing maintenance. Meanwhile, Mangaris hardwood, Ipe hardwood, and Moso bamboo decking offer a sophisticated modern look. Before you dig in, check out this handy list of Top Decking Mistakes to avoid.
Read More: Which Trex Decking Colors Should I Consider?
Number 8. Replace Damaged Siding
Your siding takes a beating throughout the year, causing it to require replacement. Walk the perimeter of your house, paying special attention to areas that see high wear and tear: areas where kids play, door and window frames, and spots where siding meets the ground. Bring in a small sample of your siding and we’ll help you find the right replacement. If you’re thinking of performing a major overhaul – due to damage or just because you’re in the market for a new look – here are some helpful Tips to Pick the Right Siding.
Number 7. Build a Beautiful Garden Box
A garden box is a great lumber project for the first time DIYer. Made of high-quality redwood that can withstand the elements and ground contact, their simple structure helps less experienced builders understand basic construction and assembly techniques. We offer raised and on-ground garden bed kits that include all the pre-cut pieces of wood and hardware you’ll need. Read more to find out why these relatively easy DIY projects are fun for the whole family.
Number 6. Fix Up Your Fence
Your fence is the first thing you see when you come home and the last thing you see each day when you leave. Show it a little love. Examine your fence posts and planks for damage. If your fence needs repairs, bring your measurements down to the lumber yard to obtain replacement materials. Now is a great time to strike up a conversation with your neighbors about splitting the cost of installing an entirely new fence in 2020 that looks fabulous from both sides.
Read More: 12 Steps to Estimate How Much Board Fencing You’ll Need.
Number 5. Get a Great Gate
Your fence gate is the first point of entrance to your home. Make sure it looks stunning. If your gate has problems like broken boards, a latch that’s out of alignment, scrapes the ground, or general discoloration, remember: you’re not stuck with it. Save the time and design headache by selecting a craftsman-designed pre-fabricated Sederra™ Western Red Cedar gate that matches the look of your home. These gates give you the opportunity to install a creative, polished-looking gate without the major investment of building one from scratch.
Number 4. Expand Your Outdoor Seating Area
Don’t let your backyard sit empty during the cold months – and don’t underutilize it during the warmer seasons. Sturdy, weather-resistant outdoor seating creates an inviting gathering area any time of year. Build a picnic table for outdoor dining, install benches or low wooden storage boxes, or assemble pre-fab wood or composite outdoor furniture to spruce up your space and increase your outdoor seating. Talk to the specialists at the lumber yard about the type of seating you want, and they’ll help you select the best materials and design for the job.
Read More: How to Create an Awesome Private Outdoor Space.
Number 3. Install an Interior Feature Wall
Don’t limit yourself to using wood only outdoors — lumber looks great in interior spaces as well. Create a warm, inviting focal point in your family room by installing a Coeur d’Alene Wood feature wall. This decorative, lightweight wood undergoes a special “aging” process to give new wood a weathered appearance. Because Coeur d’Alene Wood is available in lots of colors and textures, you can mix and match materials to create a one-of-a-kind pattern.
Number 2. Incorporate Lighting
Shorter days mean may want to spend more time in your backyard after sunset. Add Trex deck lighting to enhance the feel of your outdoor space. Or, add string lights up on your patio cover for a soft outdoor lighting scheme that adds a bit of romance.
Number 1. Pretty Up Your Space with a Privacy Screen
Don’t limit yourself to a basic fence when there are so many attractive privacy screen options. Made of durable Australian hardwood with multiple colors and privacy levels, weather resistant decorative panels add visual interest to your garden while performing double duty as a fence. Choose the color and pattern that fits your outdoor area, keeping in mind that you can choose to surround your space with privacy screen, or install just a single feature wall. No matter what, privacy screens allow air flow and sunlight while creating an eye-catching backdrop for your yard. Download the OUTDECO® catalogue for design styles and inspiration.
Usher in a new year—and a whole new decade—by upgrading the aesthetic and function of your home. Talk to the specialists at your local lumber yard about your ideas and inspiration. They’ll help with all the materials and know-how you need to turn your ideas into reality.
Fixing the gate and building a garden box is my usual take away. Having a green thumb, I always tinker with my and see what I can come up with. If there is nothing to repurpose,
Hi Mark! Repurposing what you have around the house for projects is a great idea!
Happy Building!
Thanks for sharing your valuable experience with us. You are so creative, love these DIYS.