Summer Project Guide: 7 Weekend Builds Under $500

Big Results, Small Budget

Summer in Chicago is short and precious. You want to spend it enjoying your yard, not buried in a months-long construction project. These seven builds are designed for a single weekend with common lumber sizes and basic tools — a circular saw, drill, speed square, and tape measure will handle all of them.

1. Raised Garden Bed ($60–$90)

Build a 4x8-foot raised bed from 2x10 cedar or untreated pine. You need four boards, some 4x4 corner posts cut to 10 inches, and exterior screws. Fill with a 50/50 mix of topsoil and compost. Cedar lasts 8-10 years without any treatment. Total build time: about two hours.

2. Outdoor Storage Bench ($120–$180)

A bench with a hinged lid keeps cushions, garden tools, or kids' toys dry and organized. Frame it from 2x4 pressure-treated lumber, clad the sides with 1x6 fence boards, and use a piano hinge for the lid. Seal with an exterior polyurethane. Dimensions of 48 inches long by 20 inches deep seat comfortably and store plenty.

3. Firewood Rack ($45–$70)

A simple post-and-beam rack keeps firewood off the ground and drying properly. Two 4x4 posts, four 2x4 rails, and a few 2x6 base pieces create a rack that holds about a half cord. Elevating wood six inches prevents moisture wicking and pest harborage. Essential for anyone with a fire pit or fireplace.

4. Planter Box Trio ($100–$150)

Three tapered planter boxes at heights of 36, 30, and 24 inches create a stunning cascading display on a patio or along a fence line. Build each from 1x8 cedar with 2x2 corner legs. Drill drainage holes in the bottoms and line with landscape fabric. Group them together or space them along a walkway.

5. Cornhole Set ($80–$120)

A Chicago summer staple. Each board is a 2x4-foot frame of 2x4s topped with 1/2-inch birch plywood, with legs that fold flat for storage. Sand the plywood smooth, prime, and paint with your favorite team colors. Use a 6-inch hole saw for the target. Build both boards in an afternoon and have them ready for your next cookout.

6. Pergola-Style Shade Trellis ($250–$400)

A freestanding 8x8-foot trellis uses four 6x6 posts set in concrete, 2x8 beams, and 2x4 rafters spaced at 16 inches. It won't provide full shade on its own, but train climbing plants on it or drape shade cloth for a cool retreat. This is the most ambitious project on the list but still achievable in a weekend with a helper.

7. Outdoor Side Table ($35–$50)

A simple 18x18-inch side table from 2x4 and 1x4 lumber is the perfect companion to any Adirondack chair. Build four legs at 22 inches tall, connect with apron pieces, and top with five 1x4 boards. Round over the edges with sandpaper and finish with exterior stain. You can build two of these in less time than it takes to drive to a furniture store.

Tips for All Projects

• Buy lumber in person. Hand-select boards that are straight and free of large knots, especially for visible pieces.
• Use exterior-rated fasteners. Coated or stainless screws add a few dollars and years of life.
• Pre-drill near ends. This prevents splitting and gives a much cleaner result.
• Apply finish before assembly when possible. It's easier to coat all six faces of a board when you can lay it flat.

Stop by our yard and we'll help you pull the lumber for any of these projects. We can cut pieces to length on our radial arm saw if you don't have a saw at home.