PopularMechanics.com - Home Journal: Woodworking

How to Build a Cold Frame For Winter Gardening (With Plans!)

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Your plant-growing season can start long before warm weather hits-all it takes is a wooden cold frame box with a transparent roof. Here's how to build one of these mini-greenhouses yourself.

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Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0400

How to Turn Easy-to-Make DIY Boxes Into Flexible Furniture

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If you can build a box, you can build almost anything. Build 10 boxes and you can furnish a room. Here's how to turn homemade veneered plywood boxes into a platform bed, coffee table and storage shelves.

Pro Tips For Installing Crown Molding

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Crown molding is not easy to install, but the right trim can transform a room. Here are illustrated step-by-step guidelines that prove that a skillful layout and smart shortcuts can change any apprentice carpenter into a ceiling molding master.

8 Alternative DIY Woodworking Projects

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

These eight alternative woodworking techniques from Instructables prove that it's possible to execute a successful project using down-and-dirty methods that emphasize frugality over formality.

How to Build a Wooden Bench: DIY Woodworking Project

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Here's an easy weekend woodworking project. A simple wooden bench, which features a hinged top above a surprisingly spacious storage compartment. The 14 x 36-inch seat is wide enough to accommodate two adults.

The Science of Flooring: DIY Guide

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Here's a look at recent advances in flooring technology-flat, scratch-free floors that can soundproof a room, snap together without nails and sit cozily on top of concrete-and how it works.

How to Plan and Post a Perfect Pergola

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Pergolas can be the perfect backyard oasis, but they're also fun to build. They're a perfect blend of big honkin' timbers, some pretty neat carpentry and a little landscaping thrown in for good measure. Here's how to plan and post a perfect pergola.

How to Design and Cut Signature Rafter Tails for a Pergola

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

One of my favorite things about pergolas is how unique they can be. This pattern-I'm officially naming it the Clipped Circle-is easy to lay out and replicate accurately for every rafter.

How to Build A Storage Shed: Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Over the years, Popular Mechanics has published several articles about designing and building backyard storage sheds. These articles have always generated a lot of mail from readers looking for specific answers to their shed-building questions.

How to Build a Tough Toolbox: Step-by-Step Plans With 3D

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Toolboxes these days look less and less like boxes. They're bags, usually. This homebuilt box has a nickel handle as beefy as a billy club, a diamond-plate exterior, sturdy oak ends-and there's not a stitch of fabric to be found.

How to Build a Pergola: FAQs

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Pergola expert Mark Clement answers some of the most frequently asked questions on pergola design and construction to help you get started on your own pergola project.

Your Ultimate Guide to the 5 Materials That Make a Modern Deck

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Decking options have grown exponentially over the past several years, with five basic types, each with their own aesthetics, maintenance and price range, now available. We take a detailed look at each.

How to Build a Folding Table: Simple DIY Woodworking Project

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A small table with a folding leaf that's the perfect place to toss your car keys or the day's mail.

How to Build a Bookcase: Step-by-Step Woodworking Plans

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

In-the-wall bookcases are elegant, but they can be difficult and expensive to construct. We show you an easier way to create a classic piece for any space.

How to Build a Cheap, Good-Looking Firewood Rack: 2-by-Guy

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Hone your woodworking skills with this rough-and-ready backyard project.