Is your garage so full you have to park your car in the driveway? Or do you have so much stuff stored in the basement you can’t see the floors? Alleviate the space crunch in your home by building an outdoor storage shed. To learn how to build an outdoor storage shed, follow the instructions and tips we found on Popular Mechanics below.

Construct the Base

Before you start constructing your shed, check out the materials list here. The next step to build a storage shed is to construct the base. To do this, Popular Mechanics recommends staking four corners of the shed with two cinderblocks per corner. Use a torpedo level to check that the cinderblocks are level. Once you’ve ensured the blocks are level, glue the cinderblocks together by using construction adhesive.

Create the Deck

Once you’ve constructed the base of the shed, you should stagger the pressure-treated wood posts to lie flush with the outer edges of the blocks and then cut the band joists that rest on top of the sill. Popular Mechanics recommends staggering the sill and band-joist lumber at the corners and nailing each sill piece to the bottom of a band joist. Click here for a visual on how you can do this. The next step is to install the plywood floor. To make sure the band joists are straight, use the factory edges and 8D galvanized nails (available at The Home Depot).

Build the Walls

After the deck is complete, DIY Network recommends using it as a level work surface for building the walls. For each 8-foot-tall wall panel, lay out the pieces to form the sides, a top plate, bottom plate and studs 16 inches apart. Secure the pieces using a nail gun and repeat until all the wall panels are complete. To see how to do this, click here. 

When raising the walls, Instructables advises to check the overall structure using a framing square to ensure it’s even and level. For the wall that will hold the door, build two narrower panels using two-by-four foot posts on each side for additional strength.

Frame the Roof

According to Popular Mechanics, the best approach to building a roof is to start with the roof trusses. To learn how to construct the roof trusses properly, click here. The next step is to nail the end trusses through the bottom and hold them up with one-by-four foot braces. Once this is done, you should stretch a string between the spacers and install the remaining trusses so their tails are spaced three-quarters of an inch from the string. To see how to do this, click here. After the trusses are in place, it’s time to install trim on the gable ends. For guide on how to install the trim, follow these instructions from iCreatables.com. Once this is done, cover the blocking with cedar boards secured with 8D nails. Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to properly secure the cedar boards.

Detail and Add the Door

The next step is to build a door. This article from The Family Handyman gives you an in-depth overview on how to build and install the door properly. Before installing the door, prime and paint the entire shed (including the doors). Lowe’s has a great selection of primer and paints, and for instructions on how to paint wood, check out this article from DoItYourself.com. 

Cap it Off

Complete the shed by installing shingles and trimming the perimeter of the roof with drip caps. Popular Mechanics recommends installing the eave drip caps first by slipping them under the roofing felt and then adding the rake drip caps over the roofing felt. For instructions on how to do this, click here. The last step is to install the shingles on the roof from the bottom to the peak of the roof. Check out these directions from Popular Mechanics on how to do this properly.

TIP: After your shed is built, use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to keep the shed door latches lubricated.  

(This was originally posted in September 2014.)

There are many reasons to install a fence – to keep the dog in the yard, block noise, provide privacy, etc. Hiring someone to do it or buying a pre-made kit is easy, but building your own wooden fence can save you a lot of cash. Here’s what you need to keep in mind if you want to build your own fence. 

Regulations and Restrictions

Before you get into full fence-building mode, check with your local planning department and neighborhood association, as the location and height of your new fence may be regulated. Also, water mains and many electrical, gas and sewer lines are buried at the levels you’ll be digging, so applying for a building permit is a must. Keep in mind trees and bushes may not be subject to the same height restrictions as fences, so you may have a backup plan in case your original idea doesn’t go according to plan. It’s also best to hire a registered land surveyor to mark the property line for you since Geographic Information System maps and other assessor’s maps can be inaccurate, and cities often don’t keep detailed records of property boundary information.  

Choose the Type of Fence You Want

When you’re choosing which type of fence you want to build, you have a lot of options – picket, lattice, concave, convex, board on board, shadowbox, privacy, and more. FenceWorkshop.com has some good photos of the most common types of wooden fences, and Pinterest has some more creative options to peruse for inspiration. Once you’ve chosen the type of fence you want, you’ll want to decide how tall you want it to be. A normal privacy fence measures about 6 feet above ground. Picket fences are often only 3 feet tall. If you want your fence to last 20 years instead of five, you’ll also want to make sure you choose the right wood. Treated woods are usually a good option, and there are many different types available at The Home Depot. DoItYourself.com lists the typical wood grade descriptions here. 

Start Digging and Constructing

Once you have your wood, stake the corner locations, and then middle posts. Posts should be 8 feet apart or less to ensure the fence doesn’t sag. Each post needs to be buried at least 33% as deep as they are tall, too, so a 9-foot high post should be buried 3 feet deep with 6 feet showing above ground. It’s also best to place 3-4 inches of gravel at the bottom of the hole. Then, to make sure it’s extra secure, hold the post in place and pour instant concrete in the hole until it is two-thirds full. HGTV has some good visuals that show how best to do this. Add water to the top and use a stirring stick to mix the cement. Allow it to set, and then fill the remainder of the hole with dirt. Attach support rails to the posts using decking screws. These should be no more than 2 feet apart, so most fences will only have two or three of them. Nail your vertical boards to the support rails (ideally with a nail gun). Once you’re done, treat the boards with paint, stain or weatherproofing finish to ensure it lasts for years to come.

TIP: Use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to lubricate and protect your nail gun.   

(This was originally posted in February 2015.)

With summer coming to an end, don’t wait any longer to get outside. Need some inspiration on what to do? Here are three outdoor activities that are fun and a great way to bond with friends or family.   

Hiking

With the sun shining, nature around you, and beautiful views, hiking through the great outdoors can be a wonderful outdoor activity to partake in. All you need are a good pair of running or hiking shoes, lots of water, and a few healthy snacks to give you energy while you’re on your adventure. This article from Outdoor.com is a great guide to ensure your hike is safe and pleasant. Need some ideas on where to go? A local guidebook is a great investment to help you determine the perfect hike for your level of experience.

Mountain Biking

Imagine traversing over rocks and zooming through the trees on a beautiful summer day. If this sounds like a perfect way to spend a couple of hours, then mountain biking is just for you. Learn how to conquer the road less traveled on your bike with these tips from REI. Don’t have mountains near you? No worries, you don’t actually need mountains to go mountain biking – just about any off-pavement riding will give you a cool experience.

Snorkeling

If you live close to a body of water, snorkeling is a great activity to participate in on a hot summer day. Before getting in the water, it’s important to ensure you have comfortable snorkeling gear. Choosing snorkeling gear can be tricky for beginners, but these tips from Tidal Tao will help you through it. Once you have your gear ready, it’s time to learn how to snorkel. Check out this step-by-step guide from WikiHow for tips on how to better observe the underwater life without having to come up for air every minute. Enjoy the change of scenery!

TIP: Use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to remove dirt and grease from your mountain bike frame.

(This was originally posted in August 2015.)

Camping can be the perfect peaceful getaway with family and friends, but it can also be stressful without the right preparation. Use these five tips to ensure you’re able to get the most out of your time in the great outdoors this season. 

Pick the Right Site

Once you’ve picked a general camping spot, you’ll want to choose the best site at that location. After all, there’s nothing less peaceful than being right next to a main road when you’re trying to get in touch with nature.  Online camping forums like CampingForums.com can be very helpful when looking for location advice. If you’re camping at a campground, check out the map on the campground’s website before booking. You’ll likely want to find a spot with appropriate shelter or tree cover, and preferably away from loud neighbors. A flat surface for your tent is a must.

Sleep Soundly

Don’t spend your time in the great outdoors tired and groggy because you were cold and uncomfortable the night before. Get a good night’s rest by planning appropriately. Bring a pad or inflatable mattress to be a buffer between the rough terrain and your back, and get a good sleeping bagthat keeps you warm and cozy. These are not the items to buy as inexpensive as possible – make the right investment so you can sleep easy and conquer the trails the next day.

Get the Fire Going

“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a Billy Joel song, not an excuse – you’re going to be in charge of starting the fire. Grab some nearby twigs and small sticks, and start small. Using a lighter or matches, you can light pieces of newspaper or cardboard and stick them under the smaller sticks, which should be in the teepee formation. If you use matches, make sure to block the wind at first. Putting some “strike anywhere” matches in a plastic container so they don’t accidentally get wet or crushed is also a good idea. Once you see a flame, a light breeze should help your cause.

Eat Well

You don’t have to eat freeze-dried everything just because you’re camping. You can prepare sandwiches beforehand, which can stay fresh for days. Bring nuts, cheese and vegetables to munch on as snacks. Bring a small spice kit to make what you do cook taste more flavorful. Sunset Magazine even has nine gourmet recipes for campers who want more than just hot dogs and marshmallows. 

Stay Organized

You’ll spend more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time setting up and locating gear if you stay organized throughout your journey. Place items in your bag in the order in which you’ll take them out. Place beverage cans at the bottom of your ice chest with ice over the top of them to ensure they stay cold. Have a system for how and when to set up the tent before it gets too dark. And don’t try to do it all yourself – see if your family or friends can help.

The payoff for following these 5 tips is that you’ll have a more peaceful, comfortable experience and can focus on more challenging things, like catching fish or tackling that nearby hiking trail.

TIP: Spray WD-40® Multi-Use Product on lawn chair hinges to make them easier to open and prevent rust.

With the summer and the outdoor entertaining season almost over, your outdoor furniture may be in need of a facelift before putting it away for next season. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on new furniture for next year, follow the below tips to learn how you can easily revive your worn-out patio set, picnic table or favorite pair of lawn chairs in just one weekend.

Stain Wood 

Easily spruce up outdoor wood furniture and help make it look like new by applying stain to it. Staining not only restores and protects old pieces, it also enhances the natural beauty of the wood, and it can be done in just half-a-day. When purchasing a stain, be sure to get an exterior stain that will protect the wood from any harsh outdoor conditions. To see what type of stain base is best for your project needs, check out this buying guide from The Home Depot. For a step-by-step guide on how to stain outdoor wood furniture, read this article from BobVila.com.

Reupholster fabric

Fabrics on your outdoor chairs and couches can fade easily after a few seasons, especially if they’re directly in the sun. Reupholstering the fabric on your outdoor couch and chairs is an easy and low-cost way of giving new life to an old piece of furniture. Before beginning the project, determine how much fabric you need by using Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores’ estimated upholstery yardage calculator. Once you’ve determine how much you need to purchase, it’s time to decide what type of outdoor fabric you want for on your furniture and how much money you’re willing to spend on the fabric. Need some design inspiration? Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores’ has a variety of options and ideas. Once you know what fabric you want to use for the project, the reupholstering task can be done in a day. Just follow these steps in this Weekend Warriors’ blog post to learn how to easily reupholster your furniture. 

Spray paint metal 

A can of spray paint can go a long way in making old and weary metal furniture pieces look like new. Not only is spray painting your metal furniture an inexpensive project, it’s so simple you can easily repaint it if you change your mind on the color. To learn how you can spray paint metal furniture to give it some character, check out these instructions from Apartment Therapy. Once you’ve finished with your masterpiece, let it dry and wash it with soap and water before use.

Tip: Use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to protect metal patio furniture from rust. 

(This was originally posted in August 2015.)