DIY Make A Bench From 2x4's

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 9

This is the ninth 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!

We hate tracking mud and dirt throughout our house. It'd be so helpful if we had one of these in our entryway because it'd encourage kids and adults to stop and take off their shoes. 

Up north they take their shoes off so they don't track in mud, snow, and the like from their boots. In our climate we don't wear boots, but that still doesn't mean we don't have a need.


Story time...

Once my wife was wearing a new pair of sneakers. ("Trainers" for our European friends). This pair had pretty deep tread because they were brand new.

She had to walk outside for a short trip and cut through some grass between the neighboring houses.

Little did she know that she had walked through where someone had just walked their dog and left  dog poo.


She came in the house still with her shoes on and managed to walk through the entire house saying, "What is that smell.  I smell something, what is that?"

Wives have a great habit of being able to detect any smell, much to the annoyance of husbands.  Have you ever lived with someone who constantly says, "Do you smell that?"

SIGH........................................

At some point I had had enough and said, "I only smell it when you walk by, did you step in something?"

A horrified look appeared on her face as she realized she had tracked it all over the carpet in every room.

So it was off to the store to get a carpet steam cleaner.


It would have been so much better to have this bench in the entryway where you can leave your shoes off and not have mishaps like that.

Build this stylish bench:

TOOLS & Materials Miter Saw Table Saw Thickness Planer Clamps Drill Press Choice of Stain Polyurethane  Wood Glue

Final Thoughts

Leftover 2x4 scraps from a prior build made this project very affordable. If you go the joinery route that Chris takes you'll get some practice in with those mortise and tenon joints but the end result is worth it.

If you are not comfortable with that style of joinery you could always use pocket holes to complete the project, they would work just as well.

Chris mentions in the video what the inspiration piece was for this bench. If you go check it out, you'll see that the original retails for around $500.00.

Using only scrap materials he already had in his shop, I'd say he did good.


I hope you enjoyed today's featured project and don't forget to stop by "CMR Woodworks" YouTube channel to check out even more great woodworking projects from him. Don't forget to subscribe.

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!

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DIY - Outdoor Wood Fired Oven Base

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 8

This is the eighth 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!

Pizzas made at home are better for you and delicious too. Why not have some fun cooking your own home made pizzas outdoors in a wood fired oven?

They're really fun and make the most amazing crusts.

You can go to a dealer and get an oven but you will have to consider what base it will be placed on.

Some retailers actually sell bases, but if you're industrious enough you can try your hand at making your own.

That's what our friend FreshP did.

DIY Outdoor Oven Base

She learned how to weld and successfully made her own stand. Then, she finished it off with a bit of sanding and a black coat of paint.

After you have a base and an oven to go on the base all you have to do is follow the manufacturer's instruction for placement of the oven on top of the stand.

And, in case you're interested, you can see this great oven in use right here... making  amazing and delectable pizzas in about a minute!



I wonder if a DIY wooden pizza tray is in her future?

Even if you have never tried welding, you may know someone who does know how. They might even have a shop . If you want to learn, just ask them!

Who knows, you may find that you enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

I'll be honest, after watching this, I was drooling for a pizza. That amazing wood fired crust is unmistakable. Makes me want to try the recipe she showcases featuring tomatoes, onions, mozzarella and basil.

When it comes to cooking at home, you can control what goes into your food and then you know for sure which ingredients you're consuming.

With these pizzas cooking in a minute or so, you can throw a party and everyone can make their own custom pizza. (No anchovies for me please!).

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

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 Wooden Guitar Hanger

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 7

This is the seventh 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!

Instruments can cost some money.  I'm not talking "check your couch cushions" kind of money.  I'm talking "monthly payment" kind of money.

So it pays to come up with a storage and display system that will keep them in good order and show off what can be a source of pride.

No one wants to see them propped up somewhere only to be accidentally knocked over or stepped on.

Today's project is a nice simple and easy way to hang a few guitars.

Then, when you want strum a few strings, it's easy to grab and go.

This can be adapted to store other types of instruments as well but this video is all about guitars.

Tom from the YouTube channel "Tom Chiiron" has the right idea.

In his house he has drywall that he's dealing with and he doesn't want to run the risk of drywall anchors that might loosen over time and suddenly drop one of his guitars.

Therefore his preferred method of mounting his guitars is to anchor his system right to studs.

I agree with his assessment.  Drywall anchors are great for items that will be mounted and never moved.  However, taking things down and putting them back up can cause drywall fatigue.

So I agree he's on the right track. Span several studs with one piece and then attach the prefabricated hangers to it.  Nice!

Check it out!

DIY Wooden Guitar Hanger

Tools & Materials Needed Sandpaper Hand Saw Brown Stain Polyurethane   Guitar holders Board length of your choice

Final Thoughts

The weathering Tom added to the boards complemented the rustic look.  The black hooks blend seamlessly in order to highlight the guitar collection.

This build could be modified to display a rifle collection or an number of other possibilities.

I hope you enjoyed today's featured project and don't forget to stop by "Tom Chiiron" YouTube channel to check out even more great videos from him.  Don't forget to subscribe.

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 Wooden Soap Dish

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 6

This is the sixth 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 have two bathrooms. Both rooms have had  pump soap dispensers. With four kids those dispensers always got quite the workout.

In a week those dispensers are out of soap. One time the kids invented a game called "magic potion" where the main ingredient was hand soap. In a single day, the hand soap was gone.

Who can afford that?

Not us.

Using a traditional bar of hand soap has cut down on the silly business in our house. It's also been better for the wallet as an added bonus because we buy soap bulk.

You have to have a place to put that soap bar. We've tried ceramic and plastic versions of a soap tray. Both were nice, until the plastic cracked or the ceramic got dropped and broke.

Sometimes we would have soap trays that only accumulated a soapy mess because the water didn't drain away. Nobody wanted to wash their hands with that.

We need something more durable for a family of six.

Chris over at CMR Woodworks has created home made wooden soap dishes from materials he already had in the shop. He was able to make several and give them as gifts.

Tools & Materials Needed Polyurethane Random Orbit Sander Clamps Router Table Cedar Wood Table Saw Thickness Planer

Final Thoughts

Chris was able to re-purpose cedar that he already had available in his shop.

Soap and water go together. However, water and wood...not always. So ceddar is a good choice because it's known for it's water resistance.

Plus, depending on how much material you have lying around, you could make several dishes and give them away as gifts.

Don't wait three weeks for one to be delivered from China. Make one yourself, this build goes fast with no joinery or glue up wait times.

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

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 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!