Summer Projects - Outdoor Living!

Sweet summer is here. The days are long and warm. How, oh how, does a woodworker spend his time? After all the summer chores are done, I like to turn my attention to woodworking projects that reflect the glories of the season. Here are some summer project ideas for my fellow woodworkers.

Porch swings, chaise lounge chairs, and wooden benches . . . patio and yard furniture are useful, fun (and quick) to build, and can really set off a yard.

A bird house. If you have kids, this is a great project to involve the kids with. They will have a ball, you can teach them a bit of the craft, and it occupies some of that time they have on their hands. Of course, when I say bird house, I mean four stories of architectural wonder for our fine feathered friends.

If you have the yard space make a gazebo. This is the sort of project you can tell your wife that it is 'for her'. Add decorative touches and planters and such things and the female in your life will be grateful that you made her such a beautiful gift. As a bonus feature, a gazebo needs some patio furniture!

Another project with and for the kids is a tree house or play house. Just check for local by-laws and restrictions first. It would be a shame to build a beautiful tree house and then be forced to tear it down by a regulations addicted city council. It would also break the kids hearts. Permits are cheap, do it right and get one.

Of course, now might be the best time to finish the winter project that got set aside :).

Finally, if you are anything like me, one of the best parts of woodworking is shopping for tools. Visit our store Woodtoolstore.com and have a great summer and build some great summer projects.