The new year is upon us which means a fresh calendar year to undertake all those exciting lumber projects you’ve been thinking of getting started on. Here are our ideas for fun new ways to spruce up your outdoor space, using materials you can find at your nearby J&W Lumber store.
Outdoor entertainment area
Southern Californians made the most of their personal outdoor spaces throughout 2020 – a trend we predict will continue going strong this year. Activate your outdoor space by creating a central gathering point with bench seating, storage box seating, or wooden Adirondack chairs. Are you constrained by a small outdoor space? No problem. Add a wide wooden ledge along a low wall to create more seating or build benches around the perimeter of your space.
Yoga/meditation deck
Prioritize your self-care this year by constructing your own platform deck for exercise, meditation, or relaxation. Building a ground-level deck is easier than you think, provided you use the correct materials. Bamboo decking materials are fantastic for low decks as they are naturally moisture, rot, and pest-resistant – plus, they have the added advantage of ecological sustainability. Low decks generally don’t require a permit but make sure to check your local building code requirements.
Garden tool bench
Create a useful hidden space to store your outdoor equipment that doubles as a sturdy seating area. Attractive, economical woods like Western Red Cedar and redwood are ideal to stand up to sunlight and moisture and look fantastic with basic sanding and staining. Bring your bench’s dimensions down to one of our lumber stores and we’ll help you determine the amount of wood you’ll need and help you find the appropriate outdoor-rated hinges, fasteners, and other necessary hardware.
Composite horizontal fence
Swap out your current wood fence with durable, ultra-long-lasting composite materials. Homeowners and contractors are loving TimberTech Azek Decking for use as horizontal fencing. Composites last for decades with very little maintenance, and smart design makes this versatile material nearly indistinguishable from real wood. Use metal posts for an attractive, sturdy fence frame that isn’t subject to moisture damage over time.
Garden box
This is the perfect family project to teach kids about basic engineering and construction. We carry pre-measured redwood GroGreen garden box kits in our lumber stores or online, which feature all the materials you need to complete your DIY garden box project. Select a basic ground-contact box or add a leg kit for elevation. The project can be completed in under one day using basic tools.
Fire table
Make a major statement in your outdoor seating area by adding a fire table. Create a custom-sized “shell” around your portable fire pit to create the look of a study, built-in fire table feature. Visit your local J&W Lumber store with your fire pit dimensions and we’ll help you secure the right material.
Outdoor bar
Who needs the corner pub when you can enjoy a crisp cocktail or local brew in your own backyard? Constructing an outdoor bar is easier than you think. Find a design you like online and measure your space. We’ll help you collect the right amount of wood, the perfect stain finish, and all the hardware you’ll need. Get years of use out of your outdoor bar by using strong hardwood for the top like Mangaris or Ipe. Spruce up your bar even more by constructing a pergola overhead that provides shade during the day and installing lighting for a stunning nighttime social space.
All the ideas above provide leeway to make each project your own. Bring your ideas down to J&W Lumber and we’ll help you collect the necessary supplies and finalize your plans. The sooner you get started on your lumber project, the sooner you can start enjoying it.
Thinking of getting a lumber project underway? Visit your local J&W Lumber location today and we’ll make sure you’ve got what you need.