DIY Outdoor Cooking - Propane Stove

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 5

This is the fifth post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects. It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Simply Easy DIY!

Today's project is a simple propane grill set up.

When Hurricane Matthew rolled through our area, our power was knocked out.  While other people were eating cold meals, we were able to fry some hotdogs and sausages on this grill.

What a boost to morale. Believe me, it makes a huge difference.

What we have is pretty simple. We bought a propane tank and an outdoor iron burner. We already had several cast iron frying pans that we could use.

Exercise caution when working with propane. Make sure all valves are closed during set up to ensure your safety. Always follow the manufacturer's directions when working with propane.

Step 1:
Purchase an outdoor iron burner from dealer of your choice.
*You need a propane hose and regulator. The regulator should have a connection that affixes to the propane tank.

Step 2 :
Purchase propane tank from dealer of your choice.

Step 3:
Connect hose to burner.

Step 4:
Connect the hose to the tank (make sure the tank is off during set up)

Step 5:
Optional - place protection between burner and your table (we used a concrete paver)

Step 6:
Set down iron frying pan (use optional handle potholder!)

Step 7:
Light under the fry pan (then open propane). We use these lighters.

Why would we even be interested in doing this?

Isn't it easier to just cook in your house?

Sure if you like a hot smelly house!!!


Here's what I'm talking about. Bacon smells....good. However, bacon cooked in a house...smells up the house...for the rest of the evening.

It splatters onto your counter,  overhead to the oven, that crevice you didn't know was there and any passer byer...OUCH!!

Now when I cook bacon, I cook it outside. Messes, those stay outside.

It also saves on the energy bill.  No more heating up the house during the Florida summers and forcing the a/c to pull overtime.

Then, I learned something.

Cooking over propane is way quicker and better.  My electric oven just can't compete.

The bacon turns out crispy each time!

Even if you're not interested in cooking with propane, you can always go the wood route.

Several people have done great setting up wood burning stoves using some on hand and salvaged materials. Even though outside, cooking with wood can be fun and convenient too.

John, aka: Jnull0 has loads of experience cooking outside on his wood burning stove.

Don't forget to stop by his channel for all sorts of homestead projects and ideas as well as grab a cup of coffee with him.

Outdoor kitchen - Wood Burning:

Final Thoughts

We find our tank of propane lasts a long time and is indispensable after a hurricane.

It's a must for us.

John's set up is great because he is using his own reclaimed wood pieces from his property and having fun while doing so.

I hope you enjoyed today's featured project and don't forget to stop by "JNull0" YouTube channel to check out even more great videos from John.

We hope you will return to Simply Easy DIY everyday through the month of November for more projects that make us thankful 4 DIY.

Until then!

DIY Sofa Armrest Tray

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 4

This is the fourth post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects. It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Simply Easy DIY!

If you're like us, then you have limited space in the living room. We've got couches, chairs, tables and the odd toy laying on the floor to stub your toe on.

Before you know it you're out of room, (and in pain).

We're always trying our best to keep it neat and organized but still have room to move.

If you have a small space or live in an apartment, here is a great idea that is easy on space and your pocket book.

It only takes up the space on the arm of your couch, (or sofa depending on what part of the country you're from). And you'll still have room for those toys to stub your toes on...YEAH.

FUNNY STORY...

While we're relaxing we'll put a drink on the floor cause you know...space.

Next thing you know, the drink has been knocked over...cause you know, kids.

Having one of these would be so handy.

All you have to do is get comfortable with a drink or TV dinner and you're good to go.

DIY Sofa Tray

Tools & Materials Needed Miter Saw Random Orbital Sander Polyurethane 90 degree Clamps Wood Glue Plywood or other choice of lumber

Cut List 2 Side Pieces @ .75" x 18" x 7" 1 Top Piece @ .75" x 18" x 10.5" 12 - 1/4" Diameter Dowel Rods @ 1-1/2" Lengths NOTE:  The above listed measurements are for our couch here at Simply Easy DIY.  Obviously couches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.  You will need to measure from the top of your sofa arm to the top of the seat cushion to get the depth of the side pieces. For the width of the top piece you will need to measure from the outside of your sofa arm to the inside and then subtract an inch and a half or so to account for the thickness of the padding.   This is so the tray will fit snugly around the arm of your sofa without it being loose and tipsy prone.

Step 1

Cut the two side pieces.

NOTE: Read the NOTE above!

Step 2

Cut the top piece to size and if you want, you can measure and mark for the dowel holes now instead of trying to do it after we have applied the ninety degree clamps in the next step.

Step 3

Apply some glue to the adjoining pieces.  Then apply a few ninety degree clamps to each of the four adjoining corners and finish drilling the dowel holes to the desired depth.

Then all you have to do is fill each hole with a dab of wood glue and hammer home some 1/4" dowels.

After that a flush cut saw, or pull saw as they are sometimes called, can be used to cut the tops of the dowel rods flush with the top of the sofa tray.

Step 4

After a little sanding and a few coats of your choice of stain and/or sealant such as some satin polyurethane... ENJOY!

NOTE: Obviously the couch pictured here is just my crude attempt in my CAD drawing program to represent a couch.  I don't actually expect sofa arms to be square...DUH!!!

Want a visual aid?

The video below is from a YouTube creator called Mark Susak.  Check it out and if you like what you see be sure to stop by his channel and subscribe.  Tell him Simply Easy DIY sent you.

Obviously there will be some slight differences in assembly techniques used but hey, that's what makes the world go around.

Final Thoughts

A simple creation that can be built in a day with supplies that you already have in the shop. A bit of extra material might score you a few more to build and give as gifts.

Now you just have to keep your pet out of your drink, hehe!

I hope you enjoyed today's featured project and don't forget to stop by "Mark Craft Woodworking" YouTube channel to check out even more great videos from Mark.

We hope you will return to Simply Easy DIY everyday through the month of November for more projects that make us thankful 4 DIY.

Until then!

DIY Floating Shelf - Pallet Wood Project

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 3

This is the third post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects. It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Simply Easy DIY!

 In our home, we often say, "No counter is safe".

Simply put, we accumulate clutter. Sometimes it is because we are rushed and don't have time to put things away.

DIY Pine Mulch - Mulch Your Way to a Better Garden

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 2

This is the second post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects. It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Simply Easy DIY!

Today I'd like to share a recent project that came about by necessity.  We had a two fold problem.

DIY Pallet Garden Bench

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 1

This is the first post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects. It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Simply Easy DIY!

One of the things I like to do here at simply easy diy is make things out of stuff I already have on hand.

DIY Vertical Wine Rack

A few projects ago I built a DIY Beer and Wine Rack.  On one side I supplied a place for two bottles of wine and four glasses.

On the other side I gave space for a couple tall beer glasses and a couple bottles of beer.  The intent for the beer bottles was just for decoration.

That is why I choose a couple vintage looking bottles to showcase on mine.

However, sometimes wine can be just a decor piece.  Whatever, your intent for storing fine wine here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Avoid direct sunlight when storing wine.

2. If you have a "true" corked bottle, store it on it's side.  This keeps the cork from drying out and shrinking, allowing air in the bottle. 

3. Don't store wine next to onions.  Actually anything with a strong smell can penetrate the cork over time.

4. Not all wines age well.  The cheep store bought wines usually do not improve over time.  In fact most white wines should be consumed within a few years, (some exceptions of course).  Whether wine improves over time has to do with the balance of its sugar, tannin and acid content.

DIY Vertical Wine Rack

Materials 1 -1x4 @ 37" Choice of Stain Polyurethane  Wood Glue  Cork Screw and Bottle Opener

Cut List 2 - Pieces @ 3.5" x 18" NOTE: If using furring strips then they may only be 3-3/8" wide instead of 3.5" like a normal 1x4.  This should not affect the outcome of the project.

Step 1

Cut 2 identical length pieces to size as listed above or to your preferred length.

Choose one piece and route a 3/4" wide by 1/4" deep dado down the face of one side.

Step 2

Take the other piece and drill five 1-1/4" holes centered and equally spaced.

Step 3

Glue and clamp the piece with the holes into the dado routed in the other.

Final Thoughts

After the project is dry, usually 30 mins to an hour for typical wood glues.  Sand the piece and be sure to take off the harsh edges and corners to make it easier on the feel.

The use of a key hole bit makes mounting the piece to a wall simple and easy.  I would route two.  One near the top and one closer to the bottom.

After your choice of stain and a few coats of satin polyurethane, you will have an extremely affordable and sleek place to store a few wine bottles.