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Build a House Number Planter Box This Weekend

by Exmark

You can change a lot about your house—but the one thing that’ll always stay the same is your house number. This address planter box project gives your home a fresh look, letting you display your house number while adding some floral flair. And, it gives your mailperson something beautiful to look out for during their daily route. So, follow along and give your house number a fresh, new look with your own DIY house number planter in this Done-In-A-Weekend Projects episode.

Download the instructions here:

Done-in-a-Weekend-House-Number-PlanterDownload

Tools

  • Miter saw
  • Drill
  • Tape Measure
  • Eye and ear protection

Materials

  • 1 in. x 10 in. x 6 ft. cedar board
  • 2 in. trim head screws
  • Wood sealer
  • Wood stain
  • Cast iron numbers, according to your street address

Cut List

  • Take the 1 in. x 10 in. x 6 ft. cedar board and make the following cuts:
    • (1) 1 in. x 5 ¾ in. x 9 ¼ in. front panel
    • (2) 1 in. x 5 ¾ in. x 7 in. side panel
    • (1) 1 in. x 7 in. x 7 ¾ in. bottom panel
    • (1) 1 in. x 9 ¼ in. x 37 ½ in. back panel

House Number Planter Build Steps

For the full build steps, open and download the DIY House Number Planter Box Plans PDF to get started.

Download the build instructions here:

Done-in-a-Weekend-House-Number-PlanterDownload

That’s it! Now all there’s left for you to do is grab some soil and your favorite flower, find the perfect space on the front of your home, and hang your brand-new house number planter. Your mailperson will thank you later.

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Build a Picnic Table This Weekend

by Exmark

More space for food, drinks, and fun is a must for any party. This DIY picnic table ups the ante on entertainment and utility, letting you build a perfect place to drop in an icebox, s’mores station, or planter, all while providing even more space to sit at your next backyard get-together. So, follow along and reimagine your next party with your own DIY picnic table in this Done-In-A-Weekend Projects episode.

Download the instructions here:

Done-in-a-Weekend-DIY-Picnic-TableDownload

Tools

  • Miter saw
  • Table saw
  • Drill/driver and ½ in. drill bit
  • 2 in. hole saw
  • Pocket hole jig
  • Tape measure
  • L square or T square
  • Pencil
  • 120-grit sandpaper
  • 80-grit sandpaper
  • Clamps
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Foam brushes
  • Fine sanding block

Materials

Picnic Table

  • (2) 1 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • (5) 2 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • (4) 2 in. x 8 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • (2) 2 in. x 6 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • (2) 4 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • 2 ½ in. pocket hole screws
  • 1 ¾ in. deck screws
  • (8) 5⁄16 in. x 3 in. bolts
  • (8) 5⁄16 in. washers
  • (8) 5⁄16 in. wood anchors
  • Pre-conditioner
  • Stain
  • Exterior spar varnish

Dining Bench*

  • (4) 2 in. x 6 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • (6) 2 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • (2) 4 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. boards
  • 2 ½ in. pocket hole screws
  • Pre-conditioner
  • Stain
  • Exterior spar varnish

*Materials are doubled to accommodate for two benches

Picnic Table Cut List & Build Steps

For the full cut list and build steps, open and download the DIY picnic table PDF to get started.

Download the guide here:

Done-in-a-Weekend-DIY-Picnic-TableDownload

Now that you have your own DIY picnic table, all there’s left to do is invite over some friends and family and enjoy your next backyard gathering.

Build a DIY Firewood Rack This Weekend

by Exmark

Fall and winter weather means warm, crackling fireplaces, and those toasty spring and summer months mean bonfire parties with s’mores a-plenty! But fires mean firewood, and that can present a pretty big problem: where do you go about storing it? Well, there’s no need to fret about storage with this quick cinderblock DIY firewood rack project.

A firewood rack might seem like a complicated build, but this Done-In-A-Weekend Project is one of the simplest we’ve ever done. In fact, you’ll be able to make quick work with your weekend downtime—leaving you with more time work in the garden or even mow the lawn.

Download the instructions here:

Done-in-a-Weekend-DIY-Firewood-RackDownload

Tool List

  • Miter saw
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Gloves
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil

Cut List

Large Rack

  • (2) 2 in. x 4 in. x 10 ft. boards (pressure treated)
  • (2) 8-foot landscape timbers (pressure treated)
  • (3) standard cinder blocks

Small Rack

  • (2) 2 in. x 4 in. x 10 ft. boards (pressure treated)
  • (2) standard cinder blocks

Build Steps

  1. Measure, mark, and cut your 2 in. x 4 in. boards into 5-foot pieces. 
  2. For the smaller rack, lay the two cinderblocks side by side, holes up. For the larger rack, place two of the cinderblocks at either end of the length of the landscape timber, holes up. Place the third cinderblock in the middle of the other two to work as support.
  3. For the larger rack, lay the two lawn timber planks across the cinderblocks and then check to ensure they’re level.
  4. For the smaller rack, turn the 2 in. x 4 in. boards so the wide sides are facing inwards. For the larger rack, place the cut 2 in. x 4 in. pieces into the holes of the cinderblocks, small sides facing inwards.
  5. To ensure the security of your build, resituate the two lawn timbers so they’re as tightly placed against the 2 in. x 4 in. planks as possible. 
  6. Load up your wood!

It’s really that simple! This quick and easy DIY firewood rack build gives you plenty of storage, so you can keep your summer bonfires blazing higher—or keep your fireplace crackling throughout those winter months.

Download the instructions here:

Done-in-a-Weekend-DIY-Firewood-RackDownload

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Lawn Aeration Tips and Tricks

by Exmark

A healthy lawn is a happy lawn, but do you know how to go about keeping it green all summer long? That’s where knowing the why, how, and when of aeration comes into play. In this Done-In-A-Weekend Projects episode, join landscape designer and host Doug Scott to get the low-down on lawn aeration. He’ll help you get the know-how on the proper machinery to use, learn why aeration is a great way to keep your lawn healthy, and discover how to aerate your soil.

Man standing on exmark aerator using it in yard

Why Aerate?

Aeration is the process of creating holes in your lawn to break up compacted soil. This allows the necessary air, water, and nutrients can get through to your grasses’ roots. Without these, it’ll be a maintenance nightmare—and your lawn will look worse for wear.

Compaction occurs when vehicles or equipment run over your yard, pushing the soil down and packing it tightly together. Compaction also takes place when you and your family are outside enjoying the backyard life—people walking, kids playing, or pets running across your lawn can make it nearly impossible for the necessary air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

That’s not to mention the soil makeup in your area. If you live in an area with a heavy concentration of clay, your soil may already be compacted. It can then more easily become compacted in the future, making aeration the smart thing to do annually.

Lawn Aeration Methods

Now that you know the “why” of aeration, it’s time to learn the “how.” All you need to see if your lawn is compacted is a screwdriver! Just take the screwdriver and drive it in your lawn—if you can’t do it easily, it means your soil is compacted and it’s time to bring out your aerator.

Aerators fall into two categories: core (or plug) and spike. Core aerators (such as the Z Turf Z-Aerate 30) are heavily recommended for larger jobs. They consist of rows of hollow tines that remove plugs of soil and lay them across the top of your yard. This leaves you with a lawn that’s no longer compacted and plugs of dirt that’ll break down over time.

For a less expensive option, spike aerators look (and work) exactly how they sound—they’re just a small spike that you use to poke holes in the ground. However, they’re considered less effective given that they don’t go as deep and sometimes wind up further compacting the soil.

When to Aerate Your Lawn

For warm-season grasses—such as Zoysia, Bermuda, and Centipede—you’ll want to aerate your lawn in the spring or early summer. Warmer seasons are when these grasses are growing most rapidly. Conversely, cool-season grasses—such as Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Perennial Ryegrass—are best aerated in the fall. Cooler seasons are when top growth slows and root growth increases. As always, it’s best to do your research on the type of grass you have in your yard so you can know when to aerate it.

Need-To-Know Terms

While researching how to best care for your lawn, there are two other aeration-related terms that you’ll frequently come across: dethatching and overseeding. As the name suggests, dethatching is the removal of the thick layer of thatch on your yard. Thatch is the decomposition of organic matter (dead grass, leaves, stems, etc.) that builds up between your turf and soil. It eventually accumulates to the point where the air, water, and nutrients can no longer reach your grasses’ roots. This will require you to remove this layer to help your lawn thrive.

On the other hand, overseeding is when you sow seed directly over a lawn to fill in bare spots or improve the density of your grass. This is often done just after aerating to help the grass seed take root.

Now that you have everything you need to know about aeration, there’s only one thing left to do: get outside, get aerating, and help your lawn breathe. Your yard will thank you later.

Download an in-depth PDF to see aeration benefits in action:

Aeration 101Download

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A 12-Acre Northeast Georgia Dream Yard

by Exmark

Want to experience a 12-acre family dream yard just outside the hustle and bustle of metro Atlanta? Join landscape architect, author, and Dream Yards host Bill Slack as he travels to Jefferson for a visit with Hollie and William Mann and their two kids on their northeast Georgia dream yard.

Less Work and More Play

When asked for their inspiration behind their dream yard, the Manns cite how they wanted to balance their time between work and family, while having plenty of space for their family to play and grow. A true labor of love, their house and property required a lot of renovation and upkeep when they first moved in. From unfinished bathrooms to a nonexistent driveway, it’s safe to say they had their work cut out for them. However, they were up for the job and overcame all of these issues—the ultimate testament to their desire for creating the perfect yard.

While designing their yard, Hollie’s biggest inspiration was to have enough room to walk around chairs, the pool, and other entertainment spots so they could comfortably entertain when they have family and friends over. They designed everything with functionality and practicality in mind, creating beautiful outdoor areas that are as beautiful as they are comfortable, supporting how they want to live life outdoors.

Family Fun and Responsibility

When asked about their favorite features, the Manns have nearly too many to count. Regardless, Hollie’s favorite location is their entertainment area—complete with a beverage center, pool, and grill area—giving William the perfect place to stretch out to watch baseball games and giving the kids enough room to safely play and lounge around in the pool.

When it comes to their kids’ favorite parts of the yard, the man-made treehouse is hard to beat. Complete with a ninja-style obstacle course, it’s perfect for them and their friends to hang out after a long school day.

Their eldest son, Jax, has a spot on the property that’s even more special to him: his own chicken coop, complete with 22 chickens—something that he’s been asking for since he was six years old. He’s in the coop daily taking care of his flock, and even has his own company to sell the farm fresh eggs. With the profits from his company, he hopes to buy his own truck or Jeep (or both) when he’s old enough to drive, on top of paying for his own college degree.

A Dozen Acres to Mow

With 12 acres and two kids to care for, it’s safe to say that Hollie and William have their work cut out for them. That’s why they turn to Exmark mowers to give their yard a maintained, immaculate look, all year-round. For over ten years, they’ve enlisted the help of Nathan Osbourne of Legacy Landscape Solutions—and his team of Exmark mowers—to help keep their yard immaculate. From hardscape to walkways, bushes, and (of course) tons of grass, he and his team never cease to amaze.

Now that you’ve had a taste of an ultimate dream yard, what will yours look like?

A 24-Acre Conway, South Carolina Dream Yard

by Exmark

Want to experience a 24-acre family dream yard and farm just a stone’s throw from Myrtle Beach? Join landscape architect, author, and Dream Yards host Bill Slack as he travels to one of the oldest towns in the state for a visit with Andrew and Jamie Ridge and their Conway, South Carolina dream yard.

Family Comes First

Andrew says that the inspiration for their dream yard can be found all around the property: from the man-made inlet that flows into the local river, to the 157 pecan trees they maintain and harvest—an orchard which he plans to add 125 peach trees to, so he can have a crop in both the spring and fall. However, the ultimate inspiration behind their dream yard is their desire to have land for their boys to be able to play, grow up, and live on as they grow older. He says that, one day, he dreams of his boys taking over the farm, building houses, and raising their own families on the same land—turning this dream yard into a multigenerational endeavor.

Talking to their boys, Andrew asks them what they both enjoy most about living on so much land. Their eldest, Layton, says that he enjoys being able to ride on his boat with his friends in the inlet and connected river. With it, he’s able to ride around to get lunch and come home at the end of the day to enjoy the beauty of the orchard. Their youngest, Joseph, loves to ride his dirt bike all around the property and fish with his family.

Weathering the Storm

Two years ago, downtown Conway was flooded during one of the frequent—and nasty—hurricanes that the east coast has experienced over the last few years, and this flooding included the Ridge family’s property. During this time, they had to live with Jamie’s father for two weeks and check on their property once or twice a day to make sure everything was alright—a testament to the dedication the Ridges have to their dream yard.

Because of this experience, they built the Morton Building—a home away from home on their property—giving them another place to stay and monitor their primary residence in case Mother Nature decides to be at her worst again. It also provides them another avenue of enjoying the outdoors, giving their kids a great space to hang out with their friends, while providing even more space for cookouts with friends and family.

Acres By The Dozen

Between raising two boys, working full time, and having to care for an orchard full of pecan—and soon to be peach—trees, the Ridges definitely have their work cut out for them. That’s why they use their Exmark zero-turn mower to help maintain their land. And, when they don’t have the time to mow it themselves, they enlist the help of Mr. O’Brien at Apex Landscaping—and their own fleet of Exmark zero-turns—to help get the job done and keep their dream yard pristine.

Wild About Wildlife

When asked about what their biggest draw was to become rural landowners, Jamie attributes it to their love for wildlife. And, with so much land, there’s certainty plenty of flora and fauna to be found. At the end of the day, however, the entire Ridge family loves to be outside. From boating to fishing, dirt biking to archery, or caring for their expansive orchard, they like to live their backyard life outdoors and to the fullest.

Now that you’ve had a taste of an ultimate dream yard, what will yours look like?

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