How to Build a Deck Box (Part Two)

In my last post, I began my instructions on how to build a deck box. Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to get started!
1. Place the front and back cedar boards in between the sideboards. Mark screw positions one inch from both the top and the bottom, so that the screw holes will be centered in the 1/2" thickness of the front and backboards. Then, make pilot holes using a 1/8" drill bit and power drill

2. Sand the four cedar chunks until they have smooth, rounded edges. Position one of them in each of the four corners of the bottom cedar board. Apply the carpenter's glue to each foot and press it into place. Clamp the feet until glue dries overnight.

3. Drill pilot holes into each foot for two wood screws, one in the outer corner, and one on the diagonal from the first. Then, countersink all the holes. Use a belt sander to sand away any rough spots on any of the cedar boards of the box or the feet. Screw the feet into place using 1" brass wood screws.

The rest of your patio box instructions will come in the next post, and after reading and following those directions, you will be able to finish your deck box.

Storage Box Construction

As I have always said, you can never have too much outdoor storage. I know that my home and yard are often full of clutter, and the amount of “stuff” I have just seems to keep growing and then growing some more. There are many items that you can put into a deck box, such as pool toys and cleaning supplies, extra pool towels, outdoor toys, furniture cushions and pillows, and many other similar objects. The sheer amount of junk you have in your backyard is definitely reason enough to invest in some outdoor storage,.
You can easily construct a wooden deck box that will provide the storage you need in your backyard. And, you can make it even if you are not a master carpenter.
First, you need to purchase your supplies. Here’s a list of the items you will need:
• Two 3' x 4' x 1/2" cedar boards
• Two 24" x 4' x 1/2" cedar boards
• Four 2" x 1" x 3" cedar chunks
• One 3' Brass piano hinge
• Brass wood screws
• Four C-clamps
• Power drill 1/8” bit
• Countersink bit
• Belt sander
• Sanding paper
• Carpenter’s glue
Once you have your supplies accumulated, you’re ready to begin your construction project. In my next post, I will begin to tell you how to build a deck box.

Why You Need a Wooden Beverage Table

One furniture item that is often overlooked is the beverage table. While you probably won’t notice it when it’s there, this small piece of furniture will definitely be missed when your patio is lacking a beverage table.
Have you ever been sitting on a porch swing or chair, enjoying a cool drink, and then realized you had nowhere to put it? I know this has happened to me. When you are having a drink on a porch without a beverage table, your options are very limited. You can either set your drink on the ground and risk spillage, or you have to hold your cup in your hand the entire time you are on the porch. Neither option is ideal, and honestly, both are rather annoying. This problem is why every porch needs a beverage table.
Whether you purchase a large table for the middle of your seating area, or you decide to go with a simple end table, some sort of beverage table is an absolutely necessity to be included on your patio. Trust me, it will make all the difference in the world the first time you decide to enjoy a cold beverage in your backyard or on your patio.

The History of the Rocking Chair (Part Two)

In my last post, I began to discuss the history of the rocking chair. Here is the rest of the story!
The first bentwood rocking chair was designed by Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, in 1860. What makes this design different is its graceful shape and light weight design. Thonet used wood that was bent and steamed to make these rocking chairs. Bentwood rocking chairs became famous around the world because of their affordability and gorgeous design. They also spawned countless imitators as well.
During the 1890’s, Neoclassical designs became a trend in the United States. These rocking chairs were influenced by classical Greek and Roman designs, with a hint of Renaissance flair and the artistry of the colonial era.
Then in the 1920s, folding rocking chairs became more popular in Europe and the United States. They were convenient for traveling and could be stored in a much smaller space. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam Maloof, an American craftsman, gained renown for their durability and deluxe appearance. These rocking chairs are differentiated from other designs by their ski-shaped rockers.
Today, there are countless different rocking chair designs. Basically every type of chair available has been adapted to be able to rock back and forth. They are an excellent addition to any backyard, and you can definitely find a model that suits you perfectly.

The History of the Rocking Chair (Part One)

A wood rocking chair is one of the rest ways to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of your backyard. The original inventor of the rocking chair is actually unknown. Some people want to attribute Benjamin Franklin with its invention, although there is no historical evidence to back these stories up. In fact, historians are only able to trace the origins of the rocking chair to 18th century North America.
Originally, the chairs were simply ordinary chairs with two rockers on the bottoms. They were only used as garden chairs.
In 1725, the early rocking chair first arrived in England. These chairs had hoop-shaped backs and were also used in the garden. However, these chairs were invented in the North American colonies and made their way over to England.
Windsor rockers, as this design was called, were first built near the Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. These rocking chairs featured a round hoop back, a birdcage (with spindles that are known for its cage-like appearance), and a comb-back (with comb-shaped head rest).
The wicker rocking chair is another popular design that was created during that time. The production of wicker rocking peaked in America during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were commonly called, were famous for their well-crafted and creative designs.

Take Your Armoire Outdoors

Most people think of an armoire as a purely indoor furniture item. However, it can be fun to break the mold and push the barriers of what is normal. Shock your guests (in a good way) and show off your taste and creativity by taking this piece of indoor furniture outdoors. Certain wooden armoires are able to be taken outdoors, and used as an outdoor storage unit.
Cedar wood is incredibly resilient and can stand outdoor weather. Make sure that you treat your rustic armoire with a finish or paint so that it will remain water-repellent and keep the contents of your armoire dry and safe.
An armoire is a perfect spot to store extra towels by the pool, or your pool accessories. It also can be used to keep your outdoor blankets by your fire pit, or even grill tools and spices.
Even though armoires are typically used to store clothes in bedrooms, you can bend tradition by bringing your cedar wooden armoire outdoors and using it as a storage unit. Just make sure you prepare your armoire for outdoor weather!

Why You Need Outdoor Storage

I personally believe that you can never, ever have enough storage. This statement is even true when it comes to your backyard. Although you might think that you don’t need outdoor storage, there are plenty of things for which you could use it, you probably just haven’t thought of it!
One untraditional use for small wooden storage boxes is to store outdoor accessories, such as cushions for your outdoor furniture, when not in use. Rain and sun damage shortens the life of your cushions. However, simply placing your pillows and cushions in an outdoor storage box when not in use will protect it from the damaging weather elements. This will save you money in the long run, and makes outdoor storage worth the investment.
Another idea for outdoor storage use is a place to store your children’s outdoor toys. Having separate outdoor storage for outside toys has several benefits. First, it will keep their outdoor and indoor toys separated, providing increased organization. It also gives them easy access to their playthings, so they don’t have to tromp through the house, carrying their toys.
If you own a pool, outdoor storage can make your life much easier. You can store all your pool accessories, toys, and cleaning tools in a wooden chest. Also, it’s great to have a place to store extra towels; it will keep your house drier and cleaner. Wooden outdoor storage boxes save you time and money, and help you to keep organized.