Build projects for DIY enthusiasts

by Ellen Garcia 06/08/2023

Some of the best home DIY projects are as useful as they are satisfying to build. Projects requiring power tools might seem intimidating, but they're really just like cooking: once you have all the materials, just follow the recipe! If you’re a home DIY enthusiast, new project ideas can be super beneficial, stretch your DIY skills and provide useful additions to your home.

Polished concrete tabletop

Concrete is an incredibly versatile and affordable alternative to materials like natural stone. To put this concept into practice, consider making a polished concrete table. Using treated lumber, construct a simple base and table legs sturdy enough to hold the weight of concrete.

Measure and build a form for your tabletop, and mix the concrete according to the instructions. Once it's set and cured, you can put the pieces together and have an elegant yet practical table.

Build a shoe storage booster stool

What could be better than hidden storage space built into another useful furnishing? A combination shoe storage and step-stool makes a helpful addition to a mudroom, entryway or closet. Using wood glue and nails, you can make a rectangular box out of your choice of lumber and add smaller compartments, which are perfect for shoe storage.

Tile-top table

A Tuscan-style tile top table offers an excellent combination of traditional woodwork and tiling techniques. You can even upcycle an existing table by adding a custom tile design. Lay your choice of tiles onto the surface using grout and finish it off with simple wood trim molding around the edges.

This particular project can take several days, but your time and effort will be well-rewarded with a beautiful and unique table. Try it with matching tile or a mixture of bold colors for a funky aesthetic.

Build a raised garden bed

Growing fruits, vegetables and other plants outside is much simpler with a raised garden bed. Rather than deal with the ground soil, you can custom-build your ideal planting environment in whatever size or shape you desire.

First, select a location and calculate the size and footprint of your raised bed. If you're using wood for this building project, measure carefully to ensure you cut the correct lengths. If you opt for galvanized metal for your garden, have it professionally cut to size unless you have experience with the right tools.

These are only a few easy DIY home projects to consider. Using basic tools and techniques, you can accomplish these crafting projects and more.



About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION