The first months of a new year are an optimal time to plan for DIY projects for the home. Not only is there a sense of renewal to be inspired by, but wintertime in Southern California has ideal weather, delivering some of its sunniest days.
If you’re considering a few, new projects to set you up nicely for spring and the months to follow, there are several ideas to keep in mind. These lumber projects are simple and straightforward enough for any DIYer to take on, especially with the help of your local lumber company to supply the materials and help guide you through.
1. Garden Boxes
What better way to prepare for springtime than with a beautiful garden box to decorate your outdoor space? Whether you want to plant flowers, fruits, vegetables, or a combination of the three, it instantly adds brightness to any yard and a bounty for you to enjoy year-round. Visit one of our lumber stores to seek out our premade garden box options. Or, check out the available lumber varieties to build one to your size and design specifications.
2. Pergolas
Another simple DIY project to optimize your backyard use is a pergola. Installing a pergola is super easy and creates an attractive area to both relax and entertain guests. This versatile structure adds shade without completely blocking out all sunlight, which leads to more time comfortably spent outdoors even when the temperatures start to soar. Stop by any one of our local lumber yards to check out our LINX pergola systems. With these easy-to-install kits, your outdoor oasis can be completed in as little as an hour.
3. Horizontal Fences
A design feature that has withstood the test of time is horizontal fencing. It delivers an attractive aesthetic to any outdoor space, while also providing boundaries for the yard. DIYers wanting to create a unique appeal and explore their creativity have plenty of options to choose from. You can customize a look simply by switching up the variety of wood and plank placement. For example, alternating different stain colors delivers a modern finish and varying plank widths add dimension and style to your build.
4. Privacy Screens
Privacy screens easily spruce up any outdoor space as well. The stylish addition serves a functional purpose that’s also aesthetically pleasing. The OUTDECO and Modinex panels we carry at our lumber stores are an eco-friendly product built to last and come in a variety of styles and materials to complement any need. Use them as an air-conditioning cover, choose one to hide trash cans, or simply design the installation to create the extra privacy you want for the backyard. There’s no shortage of ways to work a privacy screen into your outdoor concept. Consider different heights, colors, materials, and placements to help your vision come to life.
5. Mini Floating Decks
A ground-level deck or a mini floating deck is simple to install and can be more cost-effective than a full-scale deck installation that’s typically complete with handrails, stairs, and other design features. After building your floating deck, you can then add any furniture and decor to complete the look. It’s an attractive addition when you want a relaxation zone with greenery and comfy, outdoor chairs or a separate spot to store a BBQ and dine outdoors.
You don’t have to embark on an elaborate build to add an aesthetic boost to your outdoor space. All it takes to get started with any of these DIY projects are standard tools, like a tape measure, level, drill, and circular saw. You’ll soon see how something so simple can add so much to your home.
Once you’ve decided on what you want to build, bring in your basic measurements to any of our area lumber stores and we’ll be happy to provide the materials you need. However, if you have an outdoor project in mind but aren’t quite sure where to get started, we are here to help with that as well. We can walk you through different design ideas, material options, and answer any questions you may have for your next DIY endeavor.
Visit your nearest J&W Lumber locations and one of our specialists will be happy to point you in the right direction.