Why I Built this Project

We needed a simple solution for all the our fishing rods.  We have many different lengths of fishing rods, from ice fishing rods to longer rods for bigger fish.I wanted to create a system that was compact and easy to use, fit all the different rods, without requiring expensive hardware or mounting on the wall.  

I have been thinking on this for many weeks, and built a few prototypes.  I discovered that placing the rods inside, with the handle extended down, created a self holding system with the fishing line pushing the rod out, holding the rods in place.

This system works well with rods with reels and lines.  It may work with just rods or jut rods with reels, but not as well.

I ended up building two different versions - a tall version and a half height version. 

Ultimately, I felt that a version in the middle of these two was the gather choice - three rungs high, but extend all the way to the ceiling so the rods could rest on something if they strayed right or left.  This is done in the plans.

Why We Love this Fishing Rod Rack

• Holds many fishing rods of different sizes in a tiered design, so you get more storage in the same footprint
• Easy to set rods in place
• Great for different length rods
• Reels set on the inside to further protect
• Very easy to build and customize
• Leans against the wall - no holes in the wall

How I Built this Project

This was a very easy project to build -  I used a compound miter saw to make all the board cuts.

Then I layed the legs out on a work surface (could be an even garage floor too)

Then lay out the 1x8 boards on top, and screw down with 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws.

You could probably get away with a 1x6 board but I liked the 1x8s because it gives lots of room for the rod handle to land on the board.

Installation is simply leaning against the wall.  Then just set the rods on it!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

VIDEO COMING SOON

Free Plans to Build Your Own Leaning Fishing Rod Rack

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

I wanted our guest room to feel like a fancy hotel room for our guests.  So I built this headboard that is comfortable, easy to clean and creates a fabric texture to look more expensive, all on a super tight budget.  I spent less than $100 on this huge headboard!

I also built the wood bed frame - the plans are free and here.

Why We Love this PROJECT TITLE HERE

• This headboard rests on the floor, so its easy to install and works behind any bed frame - metal, wood or even just a box spring
• The design is like building a wall - so its sturdy and straight, with good construction principles
• The materials are inexpensive and readily available - just 2x4s and any plywood paneling
• It's easy to build with basic carpentry skills - just screw together the boards and cover with staples
•  Don't waste money on batting - just use old comforters to create some padding over the wood frame
• You can pick any fabric to cover it all - customizing your finished space with your design idea
• You can always recover it to change the look!

How I Built this Project

I built this huge 8 foot wide DIY headboard ALL BY MYSELF.  Here's how - 

I build the 2x4 frame to size using self tapping screws.  I used the yellow/white toned 2x4s so they are easy to join together as the wood is much softer and lighter than red toned 2x4s.  

The headboard I built is 4 feet x 8 feet - so I didn't even have to cut the plywood panel that covers the back.  I attached the panel with wood glue and 1-1/4" staples.

I had some batting so I put that over the plywood.  You could use a foam mattress topper, layers of old blankets, whatever you got.  No need to spend big here.

Here's a layer of old comforters on top.

I stapled each layers and trimmed and folded the corners neatly.

Not sure what's going on with fabric stores, but I couldn't find many fabric options.  I ended up getting this vinyl slightly stretchy stuff from Micheals, it has a woven looking print (not pattern unfortunately).  It actually turned out okay when done, so no complaints there!  

I layed it over the headboard and stapled the bottom edge first, then flipped it over and finished stapling it off (stretching it as tight as I could).

To keep the floor from getting scratched by a rouge staple, I added felt pads to the bottom.

That, my friends, concludes the process of building this giant floor standing upholstered headboard!

I paired the headboard with this bed frame, screwed it all together, and couldn't be happier!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Here's a short of how this headboard (and matching bed frame) was built.

Free Plans to Build Your Own DIY Floor Standing Upholstered Headboard

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

I needed a new guest room bed and wanted something that felt "hotel-lish" for our guest.  I also never wanted to clean under the bed again.  So I designed this bed with the enclosed base and hotel style look.  

It was easy to build in the different pieces, move up to the room by myself and assemble.  A king size bed is a big project.  The way this bed comes together, it is do-able by one person.

Here's How I Built this Bed (by Myself!)

I followed the cut list and cut all the boards.  I built a standard king size bed.  

I knew this was going to be an awesome project and wanted it to look professional, so I used hidden pocket hole joinery whenever I could.   Here's the pocket holes drilled in my 1x12 boards -

Then, I built the footboard - here's how 

I attach the shorter 1x12 pieces to the footboard 1x12 with pocket holes on the outside for increased strength

And then added the 2x6 on top.  In the plans, where to drill pocket holes is detailed.

Now on to the two side rails -

This is the frame for one of the side rails, made of 2x6s.  I did join this with just screws since the mattress will cover most of the top.

Then I added the 1x12s inside the 2x6 frame for the side rails.  I built two side rails.

Here's what the side rails will look like from the outside.  So beautiful!  And I love that it works as a toe kick too!

After staining (and building a headboard - more details coming soon), I brought everything into the room and started assembling the pieces.  It is so handy that the pieces stand upright and don't topple over, so you can do assembly by yourself.  

The pieces are individually light enough to haul in by yourself too.

So the two sideboards get attached to the footboard at the bottom on the inside.

Then you add in the inner cleats and center support to support a mattress slat system.

And then place the 1x3 cleats on top.  

What I did was place all the cleats and attach, so the bed frame is a solid individual piece.  Then I attach the headboard to the frame with screws.

Free Plans to Build Your Own Modern Platform Bed Frame (all sizes)

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

With Mother's Day coming up I wanted to create a unique way to give gifts for the mom's in my life. I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be a great fence picket project, so this is what I came up with.

Why We Love this Wood Gift Tote

• Budget-friendly—made from fence picket scraps
• Great way to use up leftover wood
• Beginner-friendly build (simple cuts + basic tools)
• Quick project—perfect for last-minute gifting
• Uses minimal materials (just wood + rope!)
• Unique “handbag” design that instantly elevates any gift
• Doubles as the gift and the packaging
• Easy to customize size, shape, and finish
• Works for so many occasions (Mother’s Day, teacher gifts, housewarming, holidays)
• Reusable—becomes decor, storage, or a planter after gifting
• Lightweight and easy to carry with rope handles
• Perfect for styling—fill with flowers, treats, or themed goodies
 

How I Built this Project

Start by cutting and sanding your pieces. For the curve, make an outline of a round object and cut with a jigsaw. Use the first one as a template to trace before cutting the second one. 

I then marked and drilled my holes and added the rope handles.

After that I nailed the end pieces in place.

Glue and nail the bottom piece. You can use a fence picket here, I opted for a scrap piece of plywood that I had on hand for a more low profile look.

Fill it with flowers or goodies!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Fence Picket Gift Tote

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

Why We Love this Two Tier Ladder Planter

• • Budget-friendly build using affordable, easy-to-find lumber
• • Easy to build with just basic tools 
• • Simple design with straightforward cuts—great for beginners
• • Two tiers = more planting space without taking up extra footprint
• • Perfect for herbs, flowers, or even small garden starts
• • Easy to customize for your space—adjust the size, depth, or height
• • Finish it your way—paint, stain, or leave it natural for a cedar look
• • Adds instant charm to porches, patios, or entryways
• • Lightweight and easy to move around as needed

How I Built this Project

I started by cutting my 2x6 planter box ends.

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I then set them on their side, added glue and then nailed the fence pickets to the front and back of each end.

For the bottom piece, just set inside the box and gently tap into place. I put a couple of nails at each side to hold the bottom in place.

Once the boxes were done I built the legs. I just followed the cut list on the plan. Once I got my first leg cut I used it as a template to cut the second leg. Once both legs were cut I set them side by side and gave them a good sanding.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Two Tier Leaning Planter

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Reader build features slightly taller (12") height for 5' doors

We love this playhouse because it is tall inside, so big kids and Mom's under 6 feet can play too.  

We love that the windows add natural light.  

We love that both doors open up and it feels so giant in there!

And we love how simple this playhouse was to build.  Read on - once you get the four walls built on the ground, you just stand them, tie in with some roof rafters, and put plywood on top.  It really is pretty simple!

PS - The deck plans are here.

Why I Built this Project

My oldest daughter is moving into her first tiny studio apartment!  She can't hang anything on the walls, but needed a coat rack in the entryway.  I built this for her, designed to be lightweight and easy to move, inexpensive so its not a forever commitment, but still cute and super functional!

Why We Love this Lightweight Coat Rack or Instant Closet!

• Lightweight - easy to move upstairs or between rooms
• Coat rack without holes in the wall
• Can work as a closet too
• Inexpensive and fast to build
• Wood look is cute and stylish
• Fun and easy project
• Can work in a bathroom too!

How I Built this Project

This was a fun and fast project that I built in about an hour to surprise my daughter.  I used a compound miter saw to cut my boards, but you can use a circular saw or even a handsaw to make cuts.

I predrilled all the screw holes first (this is outlined in the plans exactly where to predrill)

Then I assembled the ladder part first.  I used a scrap piece of 3/8" plywood to hold the shorter 1x2s up to attach so the shorter 1x2s are centered on the legs.  I used glue at all joints.

Then I added the 1x12 shelves.  You have to make sure these are attached square.

Then finally attached the third leg to the ends of the 1x12 and top 1x2.

I used Varathane Rustic Brown Aged Wood Accerator product - it is very beginner friendly and creates a neutral wood tone.

Heres completed in the shop, letting the wood stain dry.  

I did contemplate adding hooks but this would increase the cost quite a bit.  So we left without.  Some S hooks on the ladder end could add some functionality to the ends, or even so hanging baskets. 

All in all - a great project for an apartment or small room.  It is on the smaller side, and is lightweight so it's easy to move around - but the lightweight does make it easy to knock over.  

We love how it turned out and my daughter was very thankful and has already packed it off to her first apartment.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Instant Coat Tree or Closet Organizer!

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

Spring is my favorite season and I have been wanting to add some flowers to my front porch. I have been seeing this style planter everywhere and thought it was the perfect time to build one!

Why We Love this Fence Picket Bench Planter

• Beautiful and functional – Combines the look of a decorative bench with a built-in planter.
• Made from simple fence pickets – Uses affordable, easy-to-find materials.
• Beginner-friendly build – Straight cuts and simple assembly make it great for new DIYers.
• Budget friendly – A stylish garden feature without spending a lot on lumber.
• Adds instant color – Fill it with flowers to brighten a porch, patio, or garden path.
• Compact design – Perfect for small outdoor spaces.
• Great curb appeal – A charming handmade piece that stands out in the yard.
• Easy to customize – Paint, stain, or plant seasonal flowers to match your style.

How I Built this Project

I started by building the box. I decided to go with a 24" planter box, but it would be easy to modify these plans if you went bigger. (I would recommend cutting the dog ear back portions of the planter first and then making all of your straight cuts.) These illustrations are how I did it because I was figuring it out as I went. Lay the bottom boards down and marry them together with a ripped picket from what is leftover, or scrap 1x2's. I used glue and nails for this entire project.

Then add the 4 sides to the perimeter of the bottom.

Once the box was built, I laid out the two back outside dog-eared uprights, marked them 6" up and set the box on them. I ended up nailing from the inside and then flipping the project over to also nail from the outside. 

Once those were attached I added the middle two back pickets. I used a straight edge to make sure they all lined up. Once again, nailing from inside the box and outside.

Then it was time to add the front legs. Measure 6" up and attach from the inside and outside.

Before adding the arms you will want to add the back support. I used a 1x2 scrap, but a ripped fence picket will also work here.

For the arms, I attached the front first and then used my level before shooting the nails to the back side.

Be sure to add drainage holes and landscape cloth before planting.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own DIY Fence Picket Bench Planter

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

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