DIY Sofa Armrest Tray Table

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!...or maybe Baseball, Futbal (as they say in Europe), Soccer (as they say in the United States).

Heck, are you ready for some golf, tennis, Nascar or maybe even some dog show?  Well anything you can watch on TV needs an accompanying sofa arm table...or tray (as they say in the Midwest and three counties in Utah).  Hehe, that last part was a joke.

 

Today's project is all about the lounging...

and the eating.  Can't forget about the eating.

The joinery is simple dowel joints except for a few pocket holes that no one will ever see.  Unless you happen to be laying on the floor looking up for some reason, (I won't judge) hehe.

 

That makes this couch tray doable in an afternoon.

DIY Sofa Arm Table Tray

Materials

3 - 1x4

1 - 2x4

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Pocket Hole Screws

Pocket Hole Jig

Miter Saw

Cut List

6 Table Top Pieces @ 3.5" x 18"

6 Bottom Base Pieces @  3.5" x 18"

2 Legs @ 3.5" x 36"

2 Middle Cross Pieces @ 3.5" x 13.5"

1 Middle Cross Piece @ 3.5" x 10.5"

Cutting Diagrams

1x4s

2x4s

Step 1

Cut the legs from the 2x4 and the shorter of the two middle cross pieces from a 1x4.

Measure up 17.25" from one end of each of the legs and attach this piece as shown with pocket hole screws from the underside.

This is the only place pocket holes will be used in this project.  The remaining joinery can be done with 1/4" or 3/8" dowels.

I like dowels for joinery because I of the visual appeal it adds to projects.

Step 2

The two longer middle cross pieces can be glued and clamped in place.  Allow it to dry at least half an hour, (usually the set time for most wood glues), and then you can drill the dowel holes.

Two on each side and three along the bottom where the side cross pieces meet the bottom cross piece should do nicely.

Step 3

The top and bottom pieces are edge glued 1x4s as determined by the cut list above.  Edge glue six 1x4s together and then trim the piece to the final size of 18" x 18".

The two pieces can be lightly clamped in place at the same time.  Gently position as needed to be able to reach over the arm of your couch and drill for 1/2" dowels from the top and bottom respectively.

NOTE: Alternately you could use plywood for the top and bottom.  Some edge banding that is readily available from just about any home improvement store or online can be purchased for just a few dollars..  Most are iron on and give a pretty good finished look to a lot of projects.

Final Thoughts

Once the project is dry it can come out of the clamps and be sanded down.  A few coats of your choice of stain along with a few more coats of a project sealer such as some polyurethane will complete this awesome gift giving idea.

I hope you enjoyed our 9th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY Terrace or Patio Planter

A perfect time to think about spring and spring gardens is when it's cold outside.  You've got to do something to alleviate those winter blues.

Plus if you have an enclosed terrace, patio or even a green house, today's project can get you growing your own food no matter what the weather is outside.

It's space saving vertical design allows you to grow up to 15 plants in the space of a few feet.

As an added bonus I have included Metric measurements along side my Imperial measurements in the cut list below.

DIY Terrace Patio Planter

Materials

6 - 1x4s

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long and 3/4" thick unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

2 Back Legs @ 3.5" x 35-9/16" or 89mm x 903mm

2 Front Legs @ 3.5" x 46.75" or 89mm x 1188mm

2 Back Cross Piece @  3.5" x 40.5" or 89mm x 1029mm

 

6 Side Ledge Pieces @ 3.5" x 7" or 89mm x 178mm

 

6 Planter Pot Shelf Pieces @ 3.5" x 39" or 89mm x 991mm

 

Cutting Diagrams

1x4s

Step 1

Cut the front legs an inch or so longer than asked for in the cut list above.  This is so you can cut the angles into the legs and not come up short on the length of the board.

Both the top and bottom of both front legs gets a 20 degree angle cut into them.

If you need a simple and easy technique for cutting boards to exact length with angles then you can check out my video and post on what I do.

Step 2

The same thing for the back legs.  The only difference is in the angle each one gets.  Here we will do a 10 degree angle. 

If you want the terrace planter to lean back more then cut a steeper angle.

Attach with glue and screws from the side.  Three should do it.

Step 3

The placement of the side ledges can vary based on the depth of the pots you are using.  Just be sure to evenly space them.

Step 4

Two boards edge glued together give us the width of the shelves.

Then all you have to do is measure, mark and drill as many holes as you see fit.

It doesn't have to be 5 as pictured below.  It could be 4 or even 3.  Whatever you deem appropriate.

The size of the holes should correspond with the diameter of the pots you are using minus about 1/2" or 6mm.

Final Thoughts

In just a few hours you could have a finished project that would make a great gift idea for that gardener in your life.  Minus the pots of course.

I hope you enjoyed our 8th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY Tortilla Press

Taco night...ho hum!

However, say you're making homemade tortillas and I'm all in.

Fresh corn tortillas, where have you been my whole life?  I love that chewy texture with the slightly crispy edge.  Yum yum.

In fact, any bread that needs to be squashed flat such as, flat-bread or Naan can be made with today's project.

DIY Tortilla Press

Materials

2 - 1x4s

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long and 3/4" thick unless otherwise noted.

Food Safe Butcher Block Oil

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

2 Bottom Runners @ 2" x 12" or 50mm x 305mm

1 Short Bottom Runner @ 2" x 6.5" or 50mm x 165mm

1 Wooden Hinge Piece @ 2" x 4.25" or 50mm x 108mm

1 Wooden Handle Piece @ 2" x 12.75" 50mm x 324mm

8 Top & Bottom Base Pieces @ 3.5" x 12" or 88.9mm x 305mm

Cutting Diagrams

1x4s

Step 1

The bottom base of the press is 12" by 12".  I would add 1" to the top & bottom base piece measurements listed above and edge glue four of them together.  That would give us a glue up that would measure 13" x 14".

From that glue up you can trim down to the 12" x 12" piece needed.  You will need two of them.  One to serve as the top and one as the bottom.

NOTE:  I would ensure that the glue lines run parallel with the tortilla press's handle. 

You can also round over 3 of the edges at this point as well if desired.

Along the underside measure in 1.5" from both sides and glue the bottom runners in place.

The shorter runner should be centered on the underside of the board.

Step 2

The hinge piece will require some forethought before beginning.

First, measure down from what will be the top 1".  Mark a cross mark at that location and drill for a 1/4" or 3/8" dowel.  3/8" would be more sturdy.

Then cut out the section that the handle will set in with a hand saw.  Take your time and be very precise here.

Glue the hinge in place on the middle runner as pictured below.

Drill and set four 1/4" dowels to strengthen the connection.  The hinge piece will be undergoing a lot of stress so use hardwood dowels and set 2 into the bottom runner and 2 into the bottom base.

NOTE:  I thought about making the hinge piece 1-1/2" thick instead of 3/4".  Quarter inch dowels would still be used to attach it to the runner but a larger diameter dowel could then be used to attach the handle.  Just measure the center 1" down and you're good to go.  A metal pin would also be an option instead of a wooden dowel.  Keep in mind the lion's share of forces will be transferred through the hinge/handle location.

Step 3

The location of the corresponding dowel hole can be found by measuring in from the back 3/8".  Then down from the top 1".

The cut out on the forward portion of the handle should be slightly more than finger or knuckle depth.  In my case that would be 7/8".

Then take it back 5" to 7" or so.  This part is not so critical to functionality as it is to personal preference.

Step 4

Fit the handle in place between the hinge forks and tap the dowel in place.  (Do not glue).

Step 5

Glue in place a small 1/4" x 1/4" piece that measures at least 3/4" long.  This is to allow the handle to apply additional pressure tot he press if needed.

Final Thoughts

I can sum this project up in three words.  Hardwood, hardwood, hardwood.

Use hardwood species at every turn and in every spot.  Do not cheap out.  Soft woods just will not hold up over the long term with the repeated stresses.

Do not apply polyurethane and do not stain the project.

Use a mineral oil or better yet a butcher block oil and reapply often.  The use of wax paper will not only aid clean up but also help extend the lifespan of your new tortilla press.

Do not submerge in water when cleaning and wipe using a damp cloth only.  Detergents such as dish soap will strip the oils from the project.

That could allow excess water to be absorbed by the press causing expansion followed by contraction when that water evaporates.  This in turn could cause checking and cracking.  (Ever see a wooden cutting board split down the middle?)  We don't want that.

I hope you enjoyed our 7th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY Bath Shelf Towel Bar

Sufficient storage is the arguably one of the most important factors in any bathroom.

If you are lacking enough space to store all those bathroom must-haves like blow dryers, brushes, towels, and lotions, then today I have a solution for you.

A simple and inexpensive shelf with bar idea that will  help you keep your bathroom free of clutter.

DIY Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar

Materials

2 - 1x4s

1 - 2x4

1" Dowel Rod

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

3 Back Pieces @ 3.5" x 30"

1 Top Piece @ 3.5" x 30"

1 Front Piece @ 3.5" x 30"

1 Shelf Piece @ 3.5" x 27.5"

2 Vertical Side Pieces @ 3.5" x 15.25"

Cutting Diagrams

1x4s

2x4s

Step 1

Simple 2x4s make up the sides.  Measure up from what will be the bottom of the side 5.5".  Route a 1/4" dado.

It will be easier to mark and drill for the dowel hole before you cut an angle into the front bottom of the side.

Measure 1.5" from what would be the back of the side.  Then measure a cross mark 2" up from the bottom.  Drill for the dowel.

Now you can cut the angle into the front.  Be sure to leave at least a half inch of material between the dowel hole and the front edge of the side.

Step 2

Glue the shelf piece in place and clamp with straight clamps and 90 degree clamps.

These style clamps are handy to have in the shop for projects that involve a glue like this.

Step 3

Since the top piece will not be subjected to twisting forces, only downward force, a simple glued but joint is going to be fine in this situation.

Step 4

In the interest of full disclosure the back pieces could be omitted.  The wall would act as the back.  However, if you are going for a rustic look or some other look that you want to consistant from one end of the project to the other then you're probably going to want these.

If cost is your main concern then leave them out and it saves you the cost of an entire 1x4.

Mounting the project would be exactly the same and I'll talk about that in the "Final Thoughts" section below.

Step 5

To keep items placed on the shelf from falling to the ground a front lip can be added.

A simple glued butt joint and for effect a few 1/4" dowels could be added as well.

Step 6

Glue the dowel rod in place and sand everything flush.  You don't have to use a 1" rod for this.  A smaller diameter such as 1/2" would work fine.

Final Thoughts

Once the project is dry it can come out of the clamps and be sanded down.  A few coats of your choice of stain along with a few more coats of a project sealer such as some polyurethane will complete this awesome gift giving idea.

Mounting the project would be just as easy with the use of a key hole bit.  Route a couple of these into the back of the project, one on each side.

Screws with drywall anchors will allow your new storage shelf to be merely slipped onto the wall.

I hope you enjoyed our 6th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY Decorative Wall Shelf

Go ahead.  Do it.

Go to the store and scope out the price of quality good looking shelving.

Go on.  I'll wait.

Expensive isn't it!

Let's make our own shelf to hang on a wall for cheap.

This project not only makes a great gift for the holiday season, birthdays or an occasion but it can be done on a tight budget.

In fact if you have some pallets lying around you can build it for next to nothing.

That's what I'm talking about.

DIY Decorative Wall Shelf

Materials

2 - 1x4s

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long and 3/4" thick unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

4 Vertical Back Pieces @ 3.5" x 12"

4 Vertical Back Pieces @ 3.50" x 17"

1 Shelf Piece @ 3.50" x 24.5"

Cutting Diagrams

 1x4s

Step 1

Take your 1x4s over to the miter saw and cut each board to the measurements listed above.

Now you can randomly edge glue the boards together.  Just be sure to shift the boards a few inches off from each other.

Once the piece is dry take it out of the clamps and route a 3/4" dado down the width of the projects back piece.

Step 2

Apply some glue to the dado then set and clamp the shelf in place until dried.

Final Thoughts

Sand the project down beginning at 120 grit and progress to 220.  I usually don't go any higher than 220 but you can if you want.

If you are using pine wood or some other species that tends to be blotchy when accepting stain you may want to precondition the project before apply your choice of stain.

Then a few coats of a project sealer will finish it off, simple and easy style.

To mount your new candle shelf I recommend a key hole bit in the router table.  A couple slots in the back and it can be mounted and dismounted without a lot of fuss.


I hope you enjoyed our 5th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY 2x4 Storage Shelf

When I was growing up my family lived in a house with a linen closet at the end of the hall.

It was a handy dandy closet able to store all the towels, washcloths, sheets and bed spreads for a family of four.

That was in the Midwest of the United States.  Houses were built differently than they are here in Florida or pretty much anywhere nowadays.

Modern floor plans have done little to improve storage solutions for the casual homeowner.

Our current house has a closet built into each bathroom.  This I find to be a rarity.

Each of our last three homes had nothing.  We ended up using a corner of a walk in closet for towels and linens.

If you're in a similar situation or if you just want some stylish simple shelving for the bathroom or any room for that matter.  Here is a project you can hammer out in just a few hours with limited tools.

DIY Multipurpose Storage Shelf

Materials

2 - 2x4s

1 - 2x8

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

4 Vertical Back Pieces @ 1.5" x 3.5" x 36"

4 Shelf Pieces @ 1.5" x 3.5" x 14"

Cutting Diagrams

2x8

2x4s

Step 1

Using a miter saw cut all the 2x4 pices to length.  Then edge glue the four boards together.

After it is dry take the piece out of the clamps and clean it up using a sander or a hand plane.

Then you can route the rabbets and dadoes as shown below.

You can choose to do away with this style or joinery if you don't want to mess with it.  Pocket hole screws could be used to attach the shelving however, this will limit the amount of weight each shelf can hold.

So take into account twhat you think you will be storing on it and go from there.  If your just going to be placing a few towels on each one then pocket holes may be the way to go.

Step 2

Placing the shelves into the dadoes is a pretty straight forward procedure.

However the rabbets may pose a slightly more difficult proposition for some poeple.

That is why I recommend having a few right angle clamps on standby in a garage or shop.

They allow you to hold the pieces at right angles while you apply the clamping force needed to get a good glue joint.

NOTE:  Right angle clamps are generally not for clamping pressure like what would be applied by a regular straight clmaps.  Keep this in mind when reading reviews on angled clmaps.  I think some people seem confused as to the actual purpose of these specialty clamps.

Final Thoughts

Once the project is dry it can come out of the clamps and be sanded down.  A few coats of your choice of stain along with a few more coats of a project sealer such as some polyurethane will complete this awesome gift giving idea.

I hope you enjoyed our 2nd Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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