After a work week, it can be oddly nice to blow off some steam by tacklinga DIY project-- especially one that's been languishing on your to-do list since, well, forever. (And especially if that do-it-yourself project involves hammering, which is our preferred form of therapy these days.) While we can't exactly predict what needs improving around your house, we can help suggest simple-to-accomplish projects that can be done in a weekend or less.
And guess what? That's just what we've done here. From the practical (steadying a wobbly railing) to the more whimsical (string lights, anyone?), check out this week's batch of weekend DIY projects in the slideshow, below.
Not only is it easy to install, but ambient lighting will set the perfect mood for your outdoor parties. The key to getting them to stay up? Screw-in (or use heavy duty adhesive) hooks. Just drape lights between hooks, making sure that the end plug is near an electrical source. To see more details, head over to Home & Garden Ideas. Flickr photo by johnclarkemills
No More Bare Lawn Patches
It'll take a little time, but you can fill in those thin spots in your lawn made by frequent foot traffic, shade, or...well...dogs. (Dog owners will know what we're referring to.) A good grass seed carefully sprinkled into the area now, will fill in before the summer heat begins later on. For the full details on seeding bare spots in the lawn, visit Life And Lawns. Flickr photo by -Tripp-
Re-Gravel The Driveway
Because gravel driveways and paths can get "potholes" too. The good news is that all you'll need are a few bags of gravel, a 2x4 (or something to "tamp" the gravel into place) and, if on a driveway, a car. Simply fill, tamp and then run over the filled-in spot. For a more detailed how-to, visit TLC. Flickr photo by ghewgill
Patch Up A Stucco Wall
A few cracks can slowly damage an entire wall's structure. To prevent this, break off any loose pieces, apply a wire mesh over any large holes, and slather wet stucco over the damaged area. Add a second layer, smooth it out and finish it with a coat. Once dry, you can paint if needed. For the complete tutorial, visit This Old House. Flickr photo by -Tripp-
Plant A Container Garden
From porches to front yards, any space can benefit from a pot of pretty blooms. The key is to use a lightweight soil mix, which will provide excellent drainage and aeration. Head over to HGTV for the details. Flickr photo by thomas pix
Edge Your Garden
Last year's many run-ins with a lawn mower plus the proceeding months of weather means that last year's garden edging is likely worse for the wear. But thankfully, it's easy to replace. We love the look of stone or sculpted cement edging, but honestly, forged iron is the easiest to deal with (involving little more than staking the edging into ground). But for a guide to laying edging blocks into your garden, visit Ron Hazelton. Flickr photo by Crinklecrankle.com
Fix A Wobbly Deck Railing
Strengthening your deck railing is easier than you think. Just add 2-by blocking underneath the rail to firm up any joints. Secure the blocking with 3-inch screws. For the step-by-step, vist The Family Handyman. Flickr photo by patriotweb
Grow Flower Up Your Garden Arch
No other garden sight compares to the beauty of an archway filled with climbing flowers. Maybe it's our black thumbs, but we thought it would be much harder to train plants to grow up the arbor. Really, all you need to train them is plant tape or twine tied from the stems/stalks/vines to the structure. Then, sit back and wait for them to grow. For more information, head over to Home Farming. Flickr photo by Svadilfari
Build A Fire Pit
It might take the whole weekend to finish, but the end result is something you can admire and use for years. The steps involve digging a trench, filling it will gravel and assembling the walls. For the step-by-step, visit This Old House. Flickr photo by sarahgardenvisit
Paint Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Bring a pop of color to your patio furniture and spray paint plastic deck chairs, planters or even tables. It's an affordable alternative to buying new pieces and easy to change when the mood strikes. Simply clean the surface, give it a light sand, apply a primer and spray paint. For the full how-to, visit Real Simple. Flickr photo by JustyCinMD
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