Looking for Something to Build This Weekend? Here Are 10 Projects You'll Be Glad You Built
There comes a time when many builders find themselves wandering around the yard, garage, workshop, or cottage looking for their next project.
The tools are sitting there. The weather is decent. You feel like building something.
The problem is deciding what.
Over the years I've built a lot of outdoor projects. Some were enjoyable to build but didn't get much use afterward. Others became part of everyday life. They solved small problems, improved the property, and turned out to be projects I was genuinely glad I built.
If you're looking for your next project, here are ten outdoor builds worth considering.
1. A Better Place for Deliveries
Have you ever come home to find a package sitting out in the rain?
Or tucked behind a flower pot because the delivery driver couldn't find a better place to leave it?
A package drop box gives drivers a dedicated location for deliveries while helping keep packages dry, organized, and out of sight.
It's one of those projects you may not fully appreciate until the first time you find a package safely waiting inside.
If you would like more information on this product, feel free to have a look at Why I Build My Courier Drop Box or Porch Pirate Solutions
Get the Plan: Courier Drop Box Plans
2. Create a Gathering Spot Without Taking Over the Yard
Not every property has room for a large picnic table.
A four-seat picnic table provides a comfortable place for meals, coffee, card games, and conversation while fitting nicely into smaller patios, decks, and backyards.
Sometimes the projects that get used the most aren't the biggest ones.
Get the Plan: Four Seat Picnic Table Plans
3. Make Better Use of the Water You Already Have
Ever wish your IBC tote had a little more water pressure?
Many people use totes for water storage but never realize how much easier they become when elevated.
An IBC tote stand creates gravity-fed water pressure for gardens, livestock, equipment washing, and countless other outdoor jobs.
Want to see more about the water tote stand? Have a look at this Why You Should Elevate Your IBC Tote
Or Get the facts here Weak Water Pressure from Your IBC Tote? Here’s the Real Problem
It's a practical project that pays for itself in convenience every time you use it.
Get the Plan: IBC Tote Stand Plans
4. Add a Quiet Place to Sit
Every property could use a comfortable place to sit and relax.
Whether it's enjoying a morning coffee, taking a break after mowing the lawn, or simply watching the sunset, a simple garden bench often becomes one of the most used features in the yard.
Sometimes the best projects are the simplest ones.
Get the Plan: 48-Inch Garden Bench Plans
5. A Better Way to Store Garbage
Have you noticed birds and critters messing up your roadside garbage lately?
It doesn't take much for a single torn garbage bag to leave a mess scattered across the lawn and roadside.
A garbage box provides a simple solution by keeping garbage bags contained until collection day while also helping keep the area looking cleaner and more organized.
Check out Why I Built a Roadside Garbage Box
Some people prefer the straightforward utility look of the Classic Roadside Garbage Box. Others prefer the decorative appearance of the Hexagon Garbage Box.
Related Plans:
Can't decide which style is right for your property?
Our Garbage Box Collection includes both plans.
Save 20% with promo code: GARBAGEBOXES20
6. A Project That Does Double Duty
Projects that serve more than one purpose are often worth building.
A folding picnic table converts from a bench into a picnic table, making it ideal for decks, cottages, campsites, and smaller outdoor spaces.
See what James From Ohio did with the plan
It's the kind of project that offers flexibility without sacrificing function.
Get the Plan: Folding Picnic Table Plans
7. Rethink Outdoor Dining
Most people automatically think of a traditional picnic table.
A pub-style picnic table offers a different approach.
The higher seating position, compact footprint, and easy access make it a popular choice for patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, and entertaining areas.
See How to Build a Pub Style Picnic Table
It's also the kind of project that visitors tend to notice.
Get the Plan: Pub Style Picnic Table Plans
8. When Space Is Limited
Not every outdoor area has room for a full-size picnic table.
A space-saving half picnic table fits neatly against a wall, fence, deck, or building while still providing comfortable seating.
If you're trying to make the most of a smaller space, this is a project worth considering.
Related Plan: Space Saving Half Picnic Table Plans
9. Give the Kids a Place of Their Own
Have you ever noticed how kids naturally claim their own space when they're outside?
Whether it's for snacks, crafts, games, colouring, or just hanging out, a dedicated picnic table gives them a place that feels like their own.
It's one of those projects that often gets far more use than expected.
Got Grandkids? Check out Picnic Tables for Grandkids
Some families prefer the Classic Kids Picnic Table, while others like the larger Four-Seat Kids Picnic Table.
Related Plans:
Looking for both designs?
Our Kids Picnic Table Collection includes both plans.
Save 20% with promo code: KIDSTABLES20
10. The Best Seat in the Yard
Every property needs a place where people naturally gather.
A double garden bench combines comfortable seating with a convenient center table, making it perfect for conversations, morning coffee, evening drinks, or simply relaxing after a day of work.
It's one of those projects that doesn't just improve the yard—it changes how people use it.
Get the Plan: Double Garden Bench Plans
Final Thoughts
If you're like many builders, the hardest part isn't building the project.
It's deciding what to build next.
The best projects aren't always the biggest or the most complicated. They're the ones that improve your property and continue to be useful long after the sawdust has been cleaned up.
If you're looking for something worthwhile to build this weekend, hopefully one of these ideas helps you find your next project.