DIY Network

A Place for Everything A Place for Everything From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-403

The exterior form of the porch has been addressed, and now it's time to take care of the interior function by creating storage space -- for cleaning supplies, sports equipment, you name it -- and making the entire area inviting and livable for the whole family.

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Storage Bench

The storage bench (figure A), built of the same exterior plywood as the planter boxes, is also constructed using the same technique as the planters and is painted the same green. The front and back panels measure 36"x20" and the end pieces, 20"x18". The lid will double as a seat.

After constructing the box, make the lid as follows:

1. Cut three pieces of 2"x6" composite material (figure B) to measure approx. 4" longer than the actual storage box on each side.

Figure A

Figure B

2. To hold the three longer pieces together and also to keep the lid from sliding around when it's in place on the box, cut two boards slightly shorter than the width of the box.

3. Nail the two shorter boards across the three longer boards (figure C). When the lid is in place (figure D), the crosspieces will hold it firmly.

Figure C

Figure D

Expert tip: (John Kerr, the Trex Company) Composite is great for a storage bench like this, mainly because you don't have to paint, stain or seal it; it's not going to crack or rot; but mostly because it won't splinter. A lot of people like using a composite because it's manufactured from recycled, reclaimed material; it's environmentally friendly because it's not manufactured from trees.

Figure E

Coat Rack

A set of utility pegs near the door provides a convenient place to hang outerwear (figure E).

1. Cut a 2x6 board to the length of your choice and cut each end at an angle. Also cut a thick dowel into five or six 4" pieces.

2. Make five or six evenly spaced marks where the pegs will go.

3. Drill a hole the diameter of the dowels at each mark, fill with glue and insert the dowels.

Accessories

• A potting bench (figure F) provides additional storage and can serve as a side table when you're entertaining.

• New lighting fixtures (figure G), one on either side of the door, add plenty of light for entertaining or just sitting in the evenings.

• Lots of rustic furniture (figure H) offers an abundance of seating for family and friends.

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Expert tip: (Scott Daigre, garden designer) The back porch is a transition to the backyard. If you're a gardener, you should have everything on the back porch that you're going to need while you're out there working in the garden. So make sure you have storage for hand tools, boots, etc.; make sure that you have a potting bench so that you can do those garden chores out on the porch rather than bringing them into the house.

Figure I

In keeping with the rustic theme, a flagstone walkway is added. First a layer of sand is put down, then the stones -- which will stabilize themselves with their weight -- go on top of the sand. Finally another layer of sand goes on top of and between the stones (figure I).

Expert tip: (Scott Daigre, garden designer) Flagstone is a great surface to use in the garden. The rough edges are very natural, it's a very organic look, it can be very haphazard and still look perfect -- and it's a great way to get from one place to another in the garden.

Time spent: 15 hours.

Next Weekend Project: Building Your Tiling Skills

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