Author: handyandrewblog

Stephanie wanted her front porch updated–she had it rebuilt by someone else a few years ago, but wanted nicer aesthetics. I wrapped the beams and columns with fascia board, and added a few details. The base columns were made wider and integrated with the deck. Base caps and upper details were custom-cut at 11 degrees from primed fir. I covered the gaps on the corners of the posts with custom-cut, seamless, fir outside corners. I also added a pine baseboard and ceiling moulding to hide the gaps between the porch and the stucco wall. I may yet make some small cornice arches when I have time.

Vivian had me design and build a custom cabinet for a small bathroom space. Here are some photos from the empty space, to sketch, to building and painting. (I forgot to get a final picture with the doors and handles, as we removed them to protect them from other renovating.)

Donnie requested a ramp from her deck to the ground to make the backyard more wheelchair accessible. I used pressure treated 2x6s and some patio slabs. It’s still too steep right at the base so I will have to go back and add another slat. But otherwise it turned out nice and solid.

Sandee needed a corner TV shelf in a bedroom. I cut up some old closet doors, gave them a quick coat of paint, and put them up diagonally. They are not super strong but good enough for a light TV. You can see my “no bracket” installation method.

I had quoted on a deck railing for Sandee last summer, but it was quite expensive. She saw some much cheaper railings and gates at Rona so bought those and eventually I put them up for her. (It’s just one side of the porch area.)

I made some custom shoe shelves for Ms. C. She had found an Ikea “Billy” bookcase for free, and it was the perfect size to cut in half and use the shelves to make some shoe racks in the sides of her master bedroom closet. I added some mouldings on the front to stop the shoe sliding action. Then a little bit of primer to whiten the sides up.

I’ve finished building the set for Gallery 7‘s upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at MCA. It is now being painted and then waiting for load-in. Come see the show, it starts its run during the May long weekend.

It’s been an interesting build. The set designer, Jeff, has some really creative ideas and we’ve worked hard to make them come together! I can’t wait to see it painted and under the lights!

Here’s a few unrevealing photos!

Stephanie had been waiting many years for a new backyard deck. I was happy to help. I was not able to finish it in the time I had available, but they graciously let me go, promising to finish laying the last portion of boards down.

Her husband and I took apart the old one, then drove to Lowe’s and bought a trailer-full of pressure treated lumber. I spent the next 5 days putting it together. It has a stepped landing, a border, a rounded corner, and is notched around a tree trunk!

Here’s a cedar gate I made for Dan and Kathleen. (The fence and arbour were already there) They stained it afterwards.

Ms. S. is moving houses and has quite a few things in storage in one basement which must get moved to the other garage. She had some 2×4/plywood shelves which I moved to the new house and put up high.

Now to continue moving boxes over and filling them up!