DIY Network

Building a Backyard Sports Complex NFL star Michael Strahan helps a family create the ultimate backyard sports haven. From "Special Presentation" episode DHFA-STM

(Continued from page 3)

Ballpark Façade

1. Using the table saw, cut two pieces of 3/4" plywood to 47" long and 9-1/2" high, these will be the front and back. Cut two pieces of 3/4" plywood that are 9-1/2" wide and 7" high — these will be the sides. Cut one piece of 3/4" plywood 47" long and 8"wide &3151; this will be the top of the façade. When completed, the façade will measure 47" wide, 10" high and 8" deep (figure K).

2. To make the arches, take the front and back pieces, line them up exactly, and secure them to your work surface. This will ensure the openings are the same on both sides of the hazard.

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3. From the bottom edge, measure up 2" &3151; this will be the highest point of the arch. Using a gallon paint can as your template, trace a semi circle (our diameter measured 6-1/2") so that the apex of the circle touches the 2" mark. Put in as many or as few arches as you wish to make the façade easier or harder. Use a jigsaw to cut out the arches for the façade (figure L).

4. Assemble front and back to sidepieces using 2" brads. Also use brads to attach top to the structure (figure M).

5. Use wood putty to fill nail holes and seal the edges. Paint with exterior primer and paint (figure N). Use vinyl peel and stick letters to decorate with the family name.

Figure L

Figure M

Figure N

The ramp is created with 24"-wide plywood.

Ramp

1. Starting from the corner of a sheet of plywood, measure 8" tall and 24" long. Connect the two points creating a triangle. This will create the angled sides for the ramp.

2. Cut another piece of plywood that is 24" wide. This will become the ramp surface.

3. Glue carpet to the ramp surface with same technique used for the tee boxes. Let the carpet hang a few inches longer over the base of the ramp at the transition point from the tee box to the ramp. This will allow the golf ball to roll smoothly up the ramp. Use painter's tape to mark off any place you don't want glue to touch.

Carpenter's Tip: Attaching a small piece of rounded molding to the transition point will create a smoother surface for the ball to roll up.

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