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An Introduction to Decorative Hardwood Veneer You've probably admired the detailed work on elaborately-veneered pieces in furniture stores, and you may have even wondered about the process of veneering. How long has it been around? Well, when Cleopatra was making her gift list for Julius Caesar, she included a veneered table richly decorated with inlays. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
The two-tier table was created using simple furniture pieces found at Lowe's and provides plenty of space for magazines, snack trays, and other items. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Build a Bench Between Two Bookcases The two bookcases are joined together by a bench constructed from 2x4 boards, plywood, and moulding to finish off the edges. The basic frame consists of four rails, six stiles, three braces, a plywood top, and a base made from 1/4" faced plywood. The length can be modified to fit the space available in the room. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
An unfinished basement or other large room can feel cold and impersonal. Add visual interest and a sense of warmth by breaking up the space with a non-load-bearing wall. Because this task is almost always part of a larger project, it is appropriate for intermediate-level do-it-yourselfers who have a good command of their tools. It would be good to have a helper, as some of the materials to be lifted are heavy. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Build a Chimney Cupboard CD Cabinet Store your CD's in style with this beautiful chimney cabinet. The cabinet's tall, thin design and sleek lines are sure to compliment almost any décor. This project is a great way to show off both your good taste and woodworking skills at the same time. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.
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Since wood moves with changes in humidity and temperature, solid wood panels can bow or warp to ruin a project. Wood movement is a problem woodworkers have wrestled with for centuries. To combat this characteristic, woodworkers long ago devised a technique known as frame and panel construction. The technique takes advantage of the fact that wood is most stable along its length by joining four frame pieces at right angles to one another. The frame contains a floating panel that is allowed to expand and contract without distorting the frame. Increase the longevity of your projects with frame and panel construction. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Build a ChoiceDek® Compost Sifter Home composters know the many benefits of composting. They also know that not all of the material in the pile decomposes at the same rate. The fine, rich material, which is ready to use, must be separated from the larger pieces which still need to "cook." Separating the material by hand can be a time consuming task. Speed the process dramatically with a homemade compost sifter. All you need are some common tools, a little hardware cloth and some rot resistant ChoiceDek material. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
The idea behind this picture frame was two fold: the main goal was to build a frame that did not distract from the photo held within it (in this case a landscape shot). The second goal was to try and portray a sense of depth to the picture. The first goal was easily attained by using solid hard maple to create a strong feel to the frame and the second goal was attained by leaving space between the glass and the photo. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Build a ChoiceDek® Eight-Sided Planter Are your pots ruining the natural beauty of your plants? Maybe your décor has evolved to the point that simple terra cotta won't quite do anymore. Save yourself the trouble and your treasured plants the shock of repotting. Making your own planter is a simple fix that's both functional and attractive. And, when you use ChoiceDek to make the planter, it's totally maintenance free. In one afternoon, you can have a unique decorative planter. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
The concept behind edge-gluing boards to make wider panels is very simple; all you have to do is apply glue to the edges of a series of boards, clamp them together and wait for the glue to set. That sounds easy enough, and in a perfect world it would be. Unfortunately, most of us haven't been able to locate that woodworking utopia where everything just seems to work right all the time. Living in the real world doesn't mean that you can't create stunning projects in your shop, it just means that you have to work at it a little. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Whether it's home to a child's latest dolly or a collector's prize possession, a hand-made cradle is a wonderful gift and a
fulfilling project. The cradle also makes a nice toy box or an interesting conversation piece as an addition to your
décor. Making a doll cradle may seem difficult at first, but once you break the project down to bite-sized pieces it's
really quite simple. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.
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Increase Your Space with a Loft
One of the most common complaints from college students, other than classes start too early and there's too much work, is that there just isn't enough space in their dorm rooms or apartments. I'm afraid there isn't much we can do to help with the timing of classes or workloads assigned by professors, but we do have some advice to help create space in cramped quarters, When you need more space and can't build out the only thing left to do is build up. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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A lazy Susan not only serves as an attractive centerpiece for your kitchen table, it also makes items in the back corner of a counter or cabinet more accessible. But the best thing about a lazy Susan is how easy they are to make — all you need are a couple of basic tools, some wood and a lazy Susan bearing. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Have you ever felt confused when you are ready to start a woodworking project? You are not alone, but It is not as hard as it seems. Woodworking really can be easy and a whole lot of fun. Let's start with the most basic element... wood. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you |
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Looking for a way to organize your reading materials? Here's a great project for you. Hone your woodworking skills and create an attractive accessory for your home. This project is for a beginning level woodworker and can be finished in a weekend or less. You'll need common shop tools to complete this project. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Do you have about 10 board feet of hardwood, two 3' lengths of 3/8" dowel and a pint of spar varnish laying around the shop? If you do, you have the materials to build this sweet little sled, which would make a great gift for any snow-loving child you may know. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Build your own display rack for your favorite plates. You can customize the length of the rack based on your needs. The rack dimensions provided will accommodate two standard-sized collector's plates. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
A customized coffee table is a beautiful addition to any home's
décor. And, since it's customized, you can make the perfect
decorative statement to match your style. Building the table is
so easy anyone can do it. All you need are a few common tools
and a little creativity. |
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You can add drama to any room with a window cornice. Plus, a cornice hides unsightly hardware and brings texture and depth to the room. With a few basic tools, materials and a little creativity, you can be on your way to window magic. This project can be completed in an afternoon. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Add comfort and style to your décor with a custom footstool. Building the stool is so easy anyone can do it. All you need are a few common tools, a couple of hours of free time and a little creativity. After your project is completed, you can sit back, put your feet up and relax. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Home improvement may extend beyond your house to that of your pet. The family dog needs a good place to escape from the weather, and unless you're willing to let him in the house, maybe its time to work on that doghouse you've been meaning to build. Building a doghouse is a great family project. With these instructions a beginner level DIYer should be able to complete this project in a weekend, using common household tools. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Home baked breads and pastries are a real treat that everyone can enjoy. But preparing the dough can be messy and awkward. Dough cloths or wax paper can slip and slide all over the place and working directly on a countertop can create a huge mess. Add some ease to your baking with a pastry board. Even if no one in your house bakes, this beautiful piece makes a great accent for the kitchen, and who knows? Maybe it will inspire you to try baking your own delicacies. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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This self-contained game box includes a reversible table top with game board layouts for checkers, chess, backgammon and cribbage. A storage area is included in the design and is appropriate for storing checkers, chess pieces, cards, poker chips, cribbage pegs, dominoes and other similar game items. The finished dimensions of the box are 24” x 24” x 3 1/2”. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
With a few simple tools, you can make the picture frame used in the " Faux Leather Finish" how-to article. This frame, along with a faux finish, is a great family project. Adults can do the cutting, and children can handle the decorating. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Are you tired of having pots and pans falling out of your kitchen cabinets every time you open them? If so, a hanging pot rack could be the answer to your crowded kitchen. With a few easy steps and a free weekend, you can be on your way to organized kitchen bliss. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
The kitchen table is great for eating — that's what it is designed for. However, it's not so great for paying bills, homework or reading. Relieve some of the pain of paying bills or doing homework with a lap desk. This handy little gadget turns any space you're in into a comfortable work area. All you need are a few tools and a few hours of free time to complete this project. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Proudly display your favorite houseplant with this easy-to-make wooden pedestal. The pedestal is easy to make and can be built in a day for around $25. This attractive plant pedestal could also display a lamp or artwork. Beaded-board panelling, simple moulding, and a whitewashed finish contribute to the time-worn appearance. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Making a Mortise and Tenon Joint Mortise and tenon joinery has been used for everything from ships to elaborate Victorian furniture. The joint is extremely strong, owing to the large mating area between the tenon and mortise. The high surface areas provide plenty of space for gluing and added strength. Demonstrate your skill and add longevity to your projects with this tried and true joinery. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Building a Portable Serving Cart Using the same design as our children's lemonade stand but painted in a more subtle colour-scheme, a serving cart is the perfect piece for adult outdoor entertaining. Both designs include wheels for easy mobility, an umbrella to provide shade from the summer sun, and storage for extra entertaining goodies. Guests will be impressed with your handiwork when you serve from this versatile cart. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Make a stylish statement at your next cookout or holiday party with a personalized serving tray. All you need are a few common tools and some inexpensive lumber. The tray's decoration can be as simple or as detailed as you want. You may even want to make several, so you have one for each holiday or season. Use our dimensions or customize them to suit your particular needs. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Looking for an attractive way to show off a favorite quilt? This easy-to-build quilt rack will make a handsome display, whether you plan to keep it yourself or give it to a quilter you know. It's a perfect project when bad weather might have you house- or workshop-bound. The lumber choices include pine, poplar and oak, depending on how much you want to spend on material. The rack may be painted, stained or have a natural finish. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Hand cut joinery is a rite of passage for many woodworkers. But, cutting tenons by hand is time consuming and the results are not always precise. Here is a jig to speed up your joinery and yield more consistent joints. It only takes a short while to build this jig and the time is easily paid back in one or two projects. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. These instructions are for a tenon-cutting jig designed to attach to your table saw's mitre gauge. This particular jig is designed to run in the left mitre gauge slot and mill 1/4" tenons in 1x (3/4") stock. You can use the principles here to cut any size tenon. |
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Building a Seed Starting Bench Extend the growing season and give your plants a head start with a seed starting bench. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Box joints are significantly stronger than regular butt joints. They provide more gluing surface and some frictional hold as well. In addition to being stronger, box joints are much more attractive than butt joints. The contrasting side and end grains create a decorative checkerboard effect and pay homage to the builder's skill and craftsmanship. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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During the winter months, what could be more fun than playing out in the snow, drinking hot cocoa and watching large flakes fall slowly from the sky? Well, nothing really. But here's a very simple project that should at least place in the top 10 things to do during the next snow. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Making signs and decorations is part woodworking, part craft project and all about expressing yourself. Whether you're making signs or decorations for yourself or to give as gifts, this is one project that's as much fun to plan as it is to do. Put on your thinking cap, crank up your creative engine and let the fun begin. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Building an Entertainment Centre
Televisions, VCRs, DVDs, cable boxes, satellite receivers, stereos and video games are personal entertainment mainstays. Walk into most homes and you'll find electronic equipment stacked to the ceiling. There will likely be various pieces perched precariously one upon the other and a jumble of wires and cords. If this sounds like your living room, build yourself an entertainment centre. You can organize your electronics and hone your woodworking skills all at once. Building an entertainment centre is challenging for most beginners and a good confidence builder for intermediate level woodworkers. The project should only take a couple of weekends. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Everyone can use more storage, and it?s even better if the storage can be eye-catching. You can have the best of both with this sturdy, attractive shelving unit. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.
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Reading and woodworking are both pleasant, relaxing pastimes. Though most people don't associate the two, there is a way to link them together. Use your woodworking skills to build a set of bookshelves to house your favorite books. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
Using shutter doors, shelving board, and a little creativity, you can easily recreate these clever storage units. Storage cabinets, crafted from louvre doors, add an architectual element to a doorway. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Getting a straight, square crosscut with a circular saw can be a little time consuming and somewhat challenging even for an experienced user. One of the best ways to get better crosscuts in less time is to make a crosscutting jig.The time you spend making the jig will easily pay off in time saved on all sorts of projects. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
In most shops the table saw is the workhorse, performing most of the tough tasks, ripping pieces to width, crosscutting to length, ploughing dadoes and even turning a moulder head. Of those tasks, one of the most difficult is crosscutting. The standard mitre gauge that comes with most saws usually leaves a little to be desired when it comes to control on large crosscuts. This simple jig is an excellent tool to help you obtain better crosscuts from your table saw. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
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Get more from your circular saw with our easy-to-make ripping jig. This simple jig is equally at home ripping wide boards or cutting sheet goods down to a manageable size. Constructed from only two parts, it's a snap to make and even easier to use. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
The concept of a small, easily manipulated rotary tool with changeable bits is a good one, but figuring out just how to use such a tool requires a bit of imagination. The number of accessories available for rotary tools is almost overwhelming. We hope to set you on track to find your own uses for this versatile tool and its associated products. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you. |
