EveJulien: Mayo 2015

Sabado, Mayo 30, 2015

Build an Outdoor Coffee Table with X Base

Hi it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt, back with another build plan. An outdoor space can be a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the nice weather. Cassity’s outdoor coffee table on her deck has made a few appearances on Remodelaholic like here and here, and I love it. It is such a great anchor piece for an outdoor space, or even indoors.

Cleaning with Scotts Outdoor Oxiclean cleaner (22 of 30)

Her coffee table has a stone top. To recreate the look you’ll need to find a 34″ x 34″ stone piece or make the top from an alternate material (which could then be painted like zinc or marble or given some creative treatment like any of these DIY countertops, appropriately sealed for outdoors).

I am going to share 2 options to build the X base for the table, complex and simple. The original table uses mortise and tenon joints and the wood dimensions are rough cut size 2″ x 2″ and 1″ x 2″ which you’ll have to purchase at a wood distribution store. The simple version will be a little more ‘chunky’ than the original. The simple version will use lumber that is readily available at the home improvement store and pocket holes.

How to Build an Outdoor Coffee Table with X Base

SIMPLE VERSION (using pocket holes and readily available lumber sizes)

Materials

1 – 4″ x 4″ x 8′ post (actual 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
6 – 2″ x 3″ x 8′ boards (actual 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″)
2 1/2″ pocket screws
wood glue
sandpaper
34″ x 34″ top
Stain/top coat
- Estimated lumber cost: $22

Cut List

4 – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 18″
3 – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 31″
4 – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 30″
8 – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 27″
8 – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 14 3/8″

Step 1

Cut the wood according to the cut list. Drill pocket holes in the ends of the 27″ boards. Use wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket screws to attach the 27″ boards to the top and bottom of the corner posts. Keep the front of the boards flush with the front of the posts.

Step 2

Cut the boards for the first half of the X. Note: the dotted lines are guides that represent the original board. On each end of the 30″ boards, mark the board center (1 1/4″ from the side). The angle is suppose to be 25.7 deg, just start the cutting at 25 deg and trim as needed. Close up of the end.

Cut the pieces for the other half of the X.

Dry fit all of the X pieces to make sure they fit, and trim as needed.

Step 3

Drill pocket holes to attach the X’s to the main frame. Use wood glue and 2 1/2″ screws to secure them. This is the perfect outdoor coffee table for the deck, love the X base. Build a DIY outdoor coffee table with these free plans.

Repeat for all 4 sides. Drill pocket holes in the 31″ boards, and attach them flush with the top. These boards will help keep the frame straight and support the top.

Step 4

Remove any excess glue, apply wood filler to holes, cracks and blemishes and allow to dry. Sand the wood filler and table base until smooth finishing with 120-150 grit sand paper, always finish sanding in the direction of the grain. Apply wood conditioner and stain to the table and allow to dry. Apply a top coat/polyurethane/polycrylic as directed and allow to dry.

Add a 34″ x 34″ top to the table base. Here are a few ideas of alternate materials to the stone:

2″x 6″ or 2″ x 8″ boards to create the planked look
Concrete top
Tile top
Faux painted stone: Faux Zinc, Faux Marble
Metal wrapped

COMPLEX VERSION (using mortise and tenon joints and rough cut lumber)

Materials

1 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ board (actually 2″ x 2″)
8 – 1″ x 2″ x 8′ boards (actually 1″ x 2″)
1 1/2″ pocket screws
1″, 2″ brad nails
wood glue
sandpaper
34″ x 34″ top
Stain/top coat

Cut List

4 – 2″ x 2″ x 18″
11 – 1″ x 2″ x 32″
8 – 1″ x 2″ x 33 1/8″

Step 1 / Complex

Cut the wood according to the cut list. In the 4 corner posts, cut mortises in the top and bottom as shown. The mortises are 1″ deep, 2″ long and 3/8″ wide.

In 8 of the 32″ boards, cut tenons on each end according to the dimensions below.

The tenons should snugly fit in the mortises cut in the corner posts.

Step 2 / Complex

For the X boards, cut the angles on the ends. The angles are 25 deg, one end shows the dimensional measurements if you want to mark them on the board to cut. Dryfit the boards and trim as necessary.

Dryfit and X together in a table side, mark where the 2 X boards overlap in the middle. Use a router and remove the material 1/2″ deep to make a lap joint.

Step 3 / Complex

Assemble each side together, using wood glue on each joint. Use brad nails to pin the tenons and to secure the X’s. Repeat for all 4 sides.

Drill pocket holes in the 3 – 32″ boards, and attach them flush with the top. These boards will help keep the frame straight and support the top.

Step 4 / Complex

Add a 34″ x 34″ top to the table base.

For more build plans check out Hertoolbelt:

Outdoor Sofa // Scroll Console Table // Crate Coffee Table

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Looking for more outdoor tables? Try these!

Patio Table with Built-In Drink Coolers

Bucket Base Outdoor Coffee Table

Build an X-Base Table with Concrete Top

Build a drop-down outdoor buffet table

Build a wood slab coffee table
(be sure to weatherproof for outdoor use)

The post Build an Outdoor Coffee Table with X Base appeared first on Remodelaholic.

How to deal with nesting birds

Many people will hear a scratching above their heads at night and assume that they have somehow got mice or other rodents in the loft. But after a sleepless night most will find that they instead have nesting birds under the eaves, in the roof or even up inside the guttering. This may drive your cat wild and be something of an annoyance to you. So what can you do about nesting birds? And what can you do to avoid them in the first place?

Image source: Dakota Lynch via Wikimedia Commons

In the first instance you must realise that birds are wild creatures that really do mean you and your home no harm. In most cases they will get in a gap or hole in your roof or around it, although in some cases birds will build ingenious nests without the need for decay on your property. Housemartins are especially skilled at this, building tiny mud huts for their chicks under your eaves. Some will return each year, leaving a well-constructed nest behind as a reminder, but for many this nest will be a one-off. Your best option is just to leave them be and take no action other than to remove the nest once it is vacated if it looks unsightly. Some will fall down in winter in any case, or you can simply take it off when you go up to clear your gutters (or have a tradesperson do that for you).

This rule of ‘leave well alone’ should be followed for all nests where birds are already nesting and especially ones where they have eggs or chicks. It is illegal to disturb nesting birds or to destroy a nest before the chicks have matured and flown away. There are some cases where you may be able to destroy pigeons, but this is only in extreme situations where public health is at risk. This is unlikely to apply to most domestic situations and you risk a large fine (up to £5,000) or even six months in prison if you do destroy wild birds or their nests.

Once you think the birds have left the nest, allow a week or two to pass so you are sure they have gone and the nest is no longer in use. You can then safely dispose of the nest or knock it down if it is attached to the eaves or side of the house. After that you can go about making sure that no more birds can nest in your loft space.

To do this you will need to look out for gaps between the eaves and your roof and any holes that may have been made in the woodwork around the top of your walls. You should also check for large spaces between the eaves and guttering. In short, you will need to fill in any gaps big enough to poke your small finger into. You can do this by using filler where necessary or by applying chicken wire to plug up any spaces where you think birds may nest or enter your roof.

Image source: Claus Ableiter via Wikimedia Commons

Do always consider nesting birds when you are doing work like this around the house. Obviously you don’t want holes where wildlife can get into your roof, but do consider leaving space in the eaves where birds can nest if they need to. Many species seek out these spaces in our towns and cities and it helps their numbers if good, safe spaces are available. So if you can allow birds to nest without inconveniencing you then do consider letting them do so.

The birds flying to feed their young will probably brighten your day and you will know that you have done something good for nature. You may have to clean your patio or path at the end of nesting season, but that could be a small price to pay.

The post How to deal with nesting birds appeared first on Rated People Blog.