Introduction

Outdoor carpentry is just plain fun. Working away in the elements and fresh air with plenty of space and elbow room. And perhaps best of all, you almost never encounter a fraction like 13/64 or a cutting angle like “31.2°”. The projects tend to be bigger and so do the tolerances. So if you’re still pretty new at the carpentry craft, there is no better place to get some experience (and create some cool things for your yard) than working outdoor.

In this new edition of BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Outdoor Carpentry you’ll find more than two dozen complete projects, from basic benches to large four-post pergolas. Most are made of wood and do not require a lot of fancy tools. Some are highly utilitarian, like Potting Benches and Firewood Shelter, or Cold Frames and Compost Bins for gardening. Others are meant for visual pleasure, such as the Freestanding Arbor and Trellis Seat.

We’ve been careful to include projects that represent a wide range of skill levels, but even the hardest among these are doable for the average weekend craftsman. Put together the Traditional Picnic Table and you’ll practice mitering different angles in the same structural member. The woodworking and crafting lessons go on and on from there.

The ultimate goal, however, is to make additions to your backyard (or front or side yard) that beautify the outdoor space and make it more usable. Whether you’re building a place to sit and get a tan, like the Luxury Sun Lounger, or adding a handsome workhorse like the Patio Prep Cart, you’ll find that all the projects in the pages that follow meet that goal in high style. You bring the tools and elbow grease and we’ll supply the photo-driven instructions for projects where function meets one-of-a-kind, beautiful form.