How to Build

Are you looking for help getting started on a DIY building project? Whether it's cabinets, doors, or planters, we have what you're looking for. Check out the discussion boards, video tutorials, slideshows, and collections of top, new, and best building projects. You'll find all the tips, tutorials, and hacks you need.

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Top DIY Building Projects

Are you searching for the top DIY building projects? Look no further.

How to Build Gorgeous Concrete Countertops Two Ways

With the high cost of remodeling a kitchen or bath, many homeowners are turning to DIY options instead. One modern solution is concrete countertops. The process of making DIY concrete countertops is surprisingly straightforward, and the material cost is low. Concrete countertops are also low-maintenance and completely customizable for your layout or color scheme.

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The Absolute Easiest Wooden Fence Installation Tips

Fences are a lovely addition to any landscape. They’re a great way to add curb appeal, frame your yard, provide privacy and a safe enclosure for pets and kids to play. Unfortunately, prefabricated fence panels and professional contractors can be budget busters, but don’t let that get in the way of your outdoor decorating dreams.

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How to Build a Quick Outdoor Hairpin Leg Bench (with Storage!)

This week, I was out in Pittsburgh helping my husband's brother and sister-in-law prep their new old house for their baby-to-be! These two love to sit outside on the porch, but needed more seating for when guests are over. That's why I decided to make them this beauty of a bench with a wheeled storage bin. This project is quick and mostly consists of screwing treated wood slabs together and attaching the correct hardware. It does have a higher price-point because of the hairpin legs, but there are cheaper alternatives you can look to if you are under a tight budget.

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Versatile Pallet Plaque With Mason Jar Hangers

I love projects that are easy to make but are also versatile! This spin on the ever-so-popular pallet sign as well as the timeless Mason jars can be made to look shabby chic, rustic, nautical, or modern--whatever your taste is, this is the perfect addition to your home or garden.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Outdoor Organization Rack From a Pallet

Here is another project that I made for my in-laws' new backyard oasis. As mentioned in a previous post, they just got rid of their pool and have created a hang out/fire pit/bar area where the pool once stood. My mother-in-law saw this concept and wanted me to make her one in order to hang items on outside and also for potential storage (the area between the pallet and the fence can be used to lay gardening tools such as shovels and rakes through--or if you have a pool, you can lay your pool noodles through there instead). She was really excited about how her organization rack came out and I was pleased as punch for another check in the box for pallet projects I've been able to do!

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How to Clean Window Screens Like a Pro

By Marilyn SyartoCleaning window screens is probably a must-do on your to-do list. But you may wonder—isn’t cleaning the windows enough? The screens actually protect your windows by grabbing all the dirt, dust, and pollen that gets blown around in the air during rainstorms, dust storms, and any other times during the seasons when allergens are floating in the air. But thanks to all of that protection, in the end, screens are a lot like bed pillows—they harbor all kinds of gunk and grime that you really don’t want to inhale.This guide will take you step by step through the best methods to clean your window screens like a professional.

Marilyn Syarto

How to Make DIY Floating Shelves for Less Than $20!

Floating shelves are a great way to add a minimalist and clean look to your home, and you can make them for your home for less than $20 a shelf! They aren't complicated to make and just take some woodworking skills and careful measurement to ensure that the shelves are sturdy and floating, without any brackets showing. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to build gorgeous, inexpensive floating shelves!

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Framing Your Favorite Things

We all have favorite things around our home that we love to see every day. They remind us of a special person or a favorite place. What better way to honor those things then to make a unique space for them to be displayed.

Alicia W

How to Build an Easy Clothing Rack

Since having our son, Bo, almost 2 years ago, I’ve been trying to get his room looking tip-top but that just hasn't happened. We live in a roughly 850 sq. ft. house with two rooms, so I’m constantly trying to think of ways to save space. Bo doesn’t have a closet, because I use the closet in his room for my clothes. I have a dresser in his room as well (Rob uses the dresser and closet in our room), so I’ve always used a little wicker basket cabinet/drawer thing for his folded clothes and a hand-me-down baker’s rack from my mom for his hanging clothes. It has worked for us for the past 2 years, but now he’s growing like a weed, which means his clothes are getting bigger and harder to stuff in the wicker drawers. Thus, this amazing clothing rack! Rob was the mastermind in coming up with the detailed plans and doing most of the carpentry work (because apparently I can’t cut the boards perfectly with the chop saw), so I helped as his assistant with this one.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Floating Nightstand

We completely gutted our master bedroom and want to put it back together without spending a ton of money. We invested in great blackout curtains and a fabulous mattress. Everything else has been sourced from sales or, in the case of our new nightstands, made from simple materials for optimal impact. We don't have a ton of space on either side of our king sized bed (the giant bed was non-negotiable for my husband), so we didn't want anything boxy or bulky. So we started to think about something flush against the wall that could provide us with at least one shelf for our morning cup of coffee and to keep our latest book within arms reach. Our final design consists of planks of wood secured to two wooden braces on the backside that hang from a support we mounted to the wall. A very simple 8" deep wood shelf gives us just enough space to hold a few items near the bed, but not too much space where it will collect junk overtime. We kept the colors simple and in line with our cozy smoky blue wall color. This design is great for any small space!

Sarah K., Hometalk Team

How to Build Gorgeous Concrete Countertops Two Ways

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The Absolute Easiest Wooden Fence Installation Tips

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How to Build a Quick Outdoor Hairpin Leg Bench (with Storage!)

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Versatile Pallet Plaque With Mason Jar Hangers

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Outdoor Organization Rack From a Pallet

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How to Clean Window Screens Like a Pro

Marilyn Syarto

How to Make DIY Floating Shelves for Less Than $20!

Best Of Hometalk

Framing Your Favorite Things

Alicia W

How to Build an Easy Clothing Rack

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Floating Nightstand

Sarah K., Hometalk Team

DIY Building Videos

Here you can watch step-by-step video tutorials of how to build a variety projects.

4 Fast Home Builds That Will Make You Want to Do It Yourself!

You don't have to be a master DIYer to accomplish these quick builds. By the end of the video you're going to be running to the store to buy your materials!

Kara S.

HOW TO BUILD A GREENHOUSE

This greenhouse is a relatively simple design and is a great project if you're jusr getting started with construction materials and framing. Framed completely from 2x4's this sturdy greenhouse is completely customizable to fit your needs. Want a bigger greenhouse? Go for it. Need a smaller greenhouse? Pare this design down to just the right size for you. All the written instructions follow along with the included build video to help everything make more sense. Lets get started!

Mike Montgomery

How to Build a Storage Unit in a Minute and a Half

Last year, I came up with how to build a bench in sixty seconds and I’ve always wanted to create another similar idea. So, without further ado, here it is. Yesterday, I showed you how to build a simple cubby dresser using four crates. Today, I am showing you how to add three stair treads and create an amazing storage unit. This storage unit can be used as many things. I plan to use it in my daughter’s room as a dresser. My daughter hates to put her clothes in drawers. I hope this is a solution that wI’ll both of us happy. I seriously wouldn’t mind one for myself. It would be great in a mud room using each crate for a child or an item. Such as one bin for hats, one for gloves and so on. Maybe a bin afor rain gear.

Stacy Davis

25 Best DIY Pallet Projects That Will Transform Your Home and Yard

Most DIYers find it hard to resist a pile of wood pallets, and with good reason – they are ripe with potential and usually free. From tables to fences to walkways, the sheer number of DIY pallet projects with instructions are seemingly endless... so today we’ve curated a list of the best projects on Hometalk!

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Hometalkers' Favorite DIY Building Projects

We've compiled the best of the best building projects for you. Enjoy.

Pallet and Staging Plank Workstation

Hey guys! Rob here! In our house we work with the space that we have. Our living room is also Court's office/studio, so I made her a tall desk out of a metal frame and an old door last year -- she also has a bookshelf that's packed out, a side table that is filled, 3 Rubbermaid cabinets and 2 Rubbermaid storage bins. Needless to say, Court has needed an additional work station for a little while now, so I came up with a design that is multi-functional and gives her extra storage.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Laundry Basket Station

Doing laundry is already such a hassle, and tripping over those laundry baskets filled with clothes doesn't make it any more enjoyable. To make things a little easier, I transformed an old bookshelf into a laundry basket station. Hello, organization!We want to help you DIY, so some of the materials in this post are linked to sellers. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Julien K., Hometalk Team

How to Build a DIY Greenhouse

A DIY greenhouse will extend the growing season of your garden by allowing you to start seeds earlier and keep plants producing later in the fall. Large or small, building a greenhouse doesn't have to break the bank.

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15 Creative DIY Wood Projects

Wood is one of the most versatile materials for DIY home projects. No matter your style or budget, you can find the perfect DIY wood project for you.

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Customize Your Room By Building Your Own Bed Frame

Building your own bed frame is a great way to customize any bedroom in your home. Bed frames can even be built by the novice DIYer on a shoestring budget. These frames can be styled to suit your decor, using odds-and-ends as headboards or providing space underneath for storage. Here are some great ideas for building your own DIY bed frame.

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Monogram Planter

So if you're from the south, you know monogramming is our way of life. Living miles and miles away up here in New York, I don't see monogramming much, if at all, so you know I've got to represent the sophisticated south by putting my monogram and/or last initial on just about every part of my life up here. That includes outside of course. I can't take credit at all for the perfect construction of this amazing piece--that is all Rob and his mathematical noggin'--I looped him in to help me with this project and he graciously took the reins. I'm super happy with the outcome!

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Pallet and Staging Plank Workstation

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Laundry Basket Station

Julien K., Hometalk Team

How to Build a DIY Greenhouse

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15 Creative DIY Wood Projects

Wood is one of the most versatile materials for DIY home projects. No matter your style or budget, you can find the perfect DIY wood project for you.

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Customize Your Room By Building Your Own Bed Frame

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Monogram Planter

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Popular Building Discussions

Popular discussions is a good place to get started with your building project.

How can I make a wine rack using a pallet?

/> Ashley

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How can I build a Long Langstroth beehive?

/> John

Long Langstroth

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How can I build a shed for outdoor firewood storage?

/> Dan

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What's the best way to drill a hole in a ceramic pot?

/> Nancy B

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New Building Projects

Need some new inspiration for your next painting project? Here you go.

Bookshelves for Children's Reading Nook

We are creating a closet reading nook in our daughter's playroom, and found a simple way to build bookshelves that are easy for her to reach.

Ellora at Creatively Southern

New Life For An Old Wooden Tractor Wagon

I stumbled on an old chest at a barn sale that I instantly fell in love with. When I returned the next day to pick up my chest, the seller asked me to take a look at something he knew I would like as I had expressed my love for barnwood at the sale.

Issaac @ Practicing ImPerfection

Repurposed Piano with many options for functionality

Before anyone goes crazy telling me I am crazy to do this to a piano, the soundboard was warped and the inner pieces were missing a LOT to be playable. As well, the veneer was destroyed from years of setting some sort of water containers on top. For those following my posts - THIS would be the piece that I demonstrated the * how to get veneer off* posting. Now for the fun - The progress shots! This piece is so stunning in person. Photos do it no justice. We did a photo shoot to show 3 possible ways to use this. And yes I know there is a VCR in it HAHA!!! Shhh.... look away - it's just to give an example as an entertainment unit! (which would look amazing in our house so it's going to be a toughy to sell this beauty!) All of the inner parts will also be repurposed into furnishings or art. Nothing in this project will be sent to the dump! Aside from the stripped veneer scraps! Visit us at http://www.facebook.com/gypsybarn for more repurposing fun!

Jasmin

Pallet Wine Rack

I've been collecting pallets for about a year now and had quite the stack out in the garage. It was about time I did something with all of them!

Becky W

How to Build a Portable Slide-on Railing Bar Top / Counter

I have seen the portable railing buffet counter tops (goodness that is a mouthful! What would you call this?) floating around Pinterest for some time and I have been itchin’ to build one. I went out to buy wood and came back home empty handed because wood is expensive and I wanted to make sure that this project was a keeper before I invested money in some pretty boards. So this is my Beta project or my rough draft. Cheap wood, cheap paint and had a total cash outlay of $5. The cheap spray paint was $3 and a $2 package of screws, those two things were the only out of pocket expenses that I incurred to make this project.

Stacy Davis

11 Budget-Friendly DIY Coffee Tables

Let’s be real. When it comes to the living room, it’s all about the coffee table these days. It’s the place where we set our hot chocolate on those cold days, kick up our feet while watching television, or where our kids set up their coloring books and board games.

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