DIY

written by Melissa Dalton | illustration by Edwin Ouellette A rain garden is designed to, just as the name suggests, soak up the rainwater runoff from a roof, driveway or patio. It’s typically created by digging a shallow depression and then filling it with dirt and native shrubs, perennials and grasses. All of this works to collect rainwater and filter out the pollutants—things like fertilizer, oil and chemicals—before that water enters storm drains and ends up in our waterways. The rain garden process also replenishes groundwater and acts as habitat for local species. Here are our tips for building your own rain garden at home: » Note: Sometimes, the water company will offer a discount on your utility bill if you install a rain garden on your property. Check with yours! Also, always research local rules and code before starting a project like this. ① ASSESS THE SITE First, check…

written by Melissa Dalton | illustration by Chamisa Kellogg In 1977, an architectural handbook called A Pattern Language decreed: “There is no substitute for fire. Build the fire in a common space … where it provides a natural focus for talk and dreams and thought.” While this refers to an indoor fireplace, we can also apply it to the backyard. Here are our tips to build an outdoor fire pit—a surprisingly easy weekend project when you have the right materials. 1 PICK A SPOT Before starting, always check local regulations about what is allowed in your jurisdiction. General guidelines are wide-ranging, and suggest a spot anywhere from 10 to 25 feet away from any structures or trees. Make sure there is a water source close at hand, the ground is level and utilities have been identified before digging. 2 CHOOSE THE SIZE, SHAPE AND MATERIALS At minimum, the pit should…

illustration by Charla Pettingill Plant lovers, this one is for you—a weekend woodworking project that packs more plants into one space, courtesy of this simple A-frame plant stand. We’re building it out of cedar, so it can go outside on the patio; however, the shelves are removable and it can fold up (courtesy of carriage bolts), so feel free to put this anywhere. Here are our instructions. 1 MATERIALS We’re opting to build the A-frame supports on either side from four 8-foot-long, cedar 2x4s. There will be eight supports for the shelves, each support measuring a foot long, so you will need one 8-foot-long cedar 1×3. The shelves will require two 8-foot-long, cedar 1x12s. Prep the wood, if needed, and give it a light sanding. 2 BUILD THE A-FRAME Cut the 2x4s to 73 inches. Cut the bottom of each leg, where it will be sitting on the ground, at…

illustration by Sophie Barlow It doesn’t look like it, but a wood slat accent wall is a fairly beginner-friendly project. The idea is to create an accent wall in your room of choice—perhaps in an entry or hallway—composed of a series of 1×2 boards. It’s a modern look that adds architectural character, warmth and texture. 1. GATHER WOOD Measure for the accent wall dimensions, getting height and length. This project is based around boards that are listed as 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 feet (or 10 feet, depending on ceiling heights), yet the actual dimensions of the boards will be smaller, about 3/4 inch x 1½ inch. However, since there is about a ½-inch gap between each board, to determine the number of slats needed, just divide the length of the wall (in inches) by two, and add an extra board or two to the cart for mishaps….