Extreme Treehouses

Posted on March 13, 2006

Any kid in Bridgton, Maine, would want to have Peter Lewis's playhouse in his backyard. And no wonder. Lewis has tricked it out with a drawbridge and two spiral staircases. Best of all, the whole thing floats 21 ft. off the ground. Lewis, however, is no kid, and his masterpiece--a two-story, 6000-pound clubhouse slung from an Eastern white pine--bears scant resemblance to the banged-together shacks of childhood. His treehouse is held aloft by a well-engineered suspension system that imparts nary a scratch to the pine's bark. Hearty beams and mortise-and-tenon joints lend built-for-the-ages solidity. Weather-sealed windows, insulation and a coal-burning stove deliver year-round enjoyment, even in icy Maine.

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Build A Solid-Cedar Screen

Posted on March 13, 2006

What separates a great-looking home from the run-of-the-mill? You might think it's the BMW in the drive--but look again. Perhaps it's more what you don't see than what you do. Most homes have stuff outside. Some things are permanent, such as propane tanks and a/c units; other things are more transient, like trash cans, wheelbarrows and gardening tools that huddle by the side of the house. As useful as these things are, they don't add much to your home's looks. Our solution is an L-shaped screen. It's easy to build and light enough to move around, and it can be customized to suit your needs.

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How to Build a Toolbox: Simple DIY Woodworking Project

Posted on March 6, 2006

For generations, tradesmen of all persuasions have been banging together simple wooden boxes for their gear. Long and narrow for easy carrying, these toolboxes were little more than five boards and a heavy dowel handle. They were the ultimate in utility - and they're just as handy now, whether you wear overalls to work or not.