outdoors Archives - Lumber in My Minivan

2021, decor, DIY, entry ways, outdoor spaces, outdoors, porches, yard

Back porch refresh: a mood board and a plan

October 24, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments

Our back porch currently looks like this:

We had it pressure washed and water sealed recently and we haven’t put our porch furniture back on it yet. Currently, it’s a big blank slate.

Prior to pressure washing, our porch looked like this: not bad, but kind of boring.

I’d like to change up the porch a bit, and make it more cozy. I created a mood board to pull all my ideas together.

We already have a rug and chair cushions that I love, but I would love to build this couch and table. I’d also love to swap out our porch railing for vinyl and metal and screen in the porch. I also plan to stain the porch boards and string up some Edison lights.

Of course, this will be done a little at a time. We will keep you updated throughout the process.

What porch projects are you currently working on?

2021, farm, garden, green, outdoor spaces, outdoors, plants, recycle, repurpose, yard

DIY Raised Beds

August 11, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments

About four years ago, my grandpa and I built some farmhouse shutters. You may remember them from this post.

I no longer have the window in my kitchen where these were used, and I don’t have anywhere else I’d like to use them. You know lumber is crazy expensive now and I’ve been itching for some raised beds.

I started by removing the hinges and hardware from the shutters. I left the basic shutter shape though.

I then simply joined the sides with wood screws.

And then I added cardboard and chicken wire to the bottom.

Tomorrow I am putting potting soil and plants in it. I can’t wait to show you what I plant.

I am also recycling some other former projects to create more raised beds.

2021, farm, floral, for less, outdoor spaces, outdoors, plants, project planning, seasonal, spending less, spring, upcycle

Installing a Portable Polytunnel Greenhouse Part 2

February 3, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment

Last week, we shared our new polytunnel greenhouse. We have been working on it, since it is nearing the time we usually start our seeds for our garden.

This week, we have begun working on the inside. We just need to purchase a heater and install our irrigation system and we will be good to go.

The inside currently looks like this:

Stable mats from Tractor Supply (I used two of them) and poly resin Muscle Tech garage shelves from Walmart. They snap together without tools and are very sturdy.

For the shelves, we purchased 5 5-tier Muscle Tech resin garage shelves. The fifth tier made them too tall so I reduced them to 4 tier and was able to make one more shelf out of them. This way, if these shelves don’t work for the greenhouse, I can repurpose them in our attic or garage. I wanted something with holes for drainage and ventilation that wasn’t expensive, wouldn’t rot or rust and could be used for something else if they didn’t work here.

We have also ordered a potting bench that hasn’t arrived yet.

We are looking at several different heaters and we are leaning toward this one:

And as for hydration:

We are planning to DIY something similar to this.

I can’t wait to show you the finished product! Check back next week!

2021, family hikes, hiking trails, NC, North Carolina, outdoors, parenting, Quarantine, state parks

Socially distanced fun: Weekend Hikes North Carolina State Parks

January 21, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments

We found ourselves with a three-day weekend and nowhere to go. Usually, we would go visit family but due to the pandemic, we haven’t. Instead, we have been searching for fun, socially distant ways to get out of the house. And hiking has proven a great way to keep the kids entertained, get moving, and have fun, while staying safe from Covid.

Jordan Lake State Park is only a short drive away. We needed a short trail, so we chose the Pond Trail at the Seaforth entrance. The trail is 1.4 miles.

Portions of the trail have wood walkways.

These two had a blast walking on the trail (and throwing rocks into the water).

The trail winds its way around the lake shore and two ponds. You will also see an osprey nest.

The trail also crosses the road and goes past the boat ramp, picnic shelters and ends at the beach and playground. Since it’s cold, we didn’t picnic, play, or swim. We did let the girls play in the sand for a bit.

All in all, we have decided to explore a few more state parks in our area. Hiking trails are a good way to get out of the house, get some fresh air and get moving, without the worry of getting sick.

Have a wonderful Wednesday! I can’t wait to show you where we go next week.

2020, At home, DIY, farmhouse decor, farmhouse style, outdoor spaces, outdoors, Pin-spired projects, Pinspiration, Wood crafts, Woodwork

Scrap Wood Challenge: A Scrappy Grape Arbor

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020by LumberInMyMiniVan4 Comments

Hi, all! It’s been a minute. We have taken a few weeks off blogging and social media influencing to figure out our crazy new lives and schedules amongst the covid crisis. We have missed you all dearly but we are glad to be back online.

As you know, my husband wanted me to get rid of the scrap wood pile in the garage. I told him you can’t just get rid of perfectly good wood…you must build something cool with it.

Enter my grape arbor. We knew we wanted to plant grapes next year, but I didn’t want a traditional low grape arbor. I wanted a tall arbor!