Really. It has been so frustrating to have projects and ideas that I could not make happen without that tool. I'm sure my kids think I'm totally nuts when I run in to the house after cutting a board just to say how giddy I am : )
Recently I showed you the beginnings of trying to reclaim (or just claim) some of our outdoor space over here.
The patio area isn't completely finished, but I want to share an easy, useful and totally free project I did this afternoon. Hey, it's been awhile since I showed you a "no money" project : )
A couple of months ago my daughter called to ask me if I wanted some fence boards her neighbor had put out for the trash. Well, you know what my answer was. I new they would be reject boards from their fence project, but I figured I could do something with them, so she picked them up for me.
Today, armed with my "new" saw, I set out to make those 6 trashed boards into something I really wanted for the patio area-
Something to camouflage this eyesore!
Here's what I did:
All of the boards started out the size of the tall one pictured here.
I took one of the boards down to the air conditioner and simply stood it in front of the unit and made a pencil mark across the board at the length I wanted to cut. I layed the first board on top of each of the other four and made a pencil mark across each one where I would cut it. I cut each board with the jigsaw. This project would be "rustic" by the very condition of the fence boards, and I wasn't at all concerned with perfection, but the jigsaw makes a very easy straight cut.
I took a section of board I had cut off the bottom and cut it lengthwise giving me two narrow boards for the cross pieces that would hold the five fence boards together.
I layed the 5 cut fence boards on the ground, lining them up as evenly as I could, and screwed the two narrow pieces across the boards creating sort of a gate-looking panel. Now I needed to figure out a way to make the panel free standing, in front of the A/C unit.
I decided to make a stand using the bottom half of the last fence board (the long one in the first photo) because the top half of the board was badly split. The bottom half of the board was still good, so why not? I used some four small 2x4 chunks as braces.
I screwed the 2x4 pieces into the board "feet" from underneath, using two long screws in each.
I offset them so the front 2x4 pieces could be offset to the opposite side, allowing me to screw through the fence boards to the block from each side.
Now I stood the panel up with the 2x4 brace up against the back side of the panel and screwed from the front of the boards through to the 2x4 blocks.
I repeated the same thing on the front side of the panel, screwing the 2x4 blocks into the base from the underside with two long screws. Then screwed through the backside of the panel into the front 2x4 blocks with two screws each.
I hope all that makes sense! I know you real builders will be giggling at my method, but sometimes you just have to wing it with what's in front of you, right? It does stand firmly, and that was my main goal : )
I did one quick coat of white paint and sanded and distressed it a bit.
I hung a primitive twig wreath on it, placed my son's rarely used wagon, some flowers and my "new" free patio chair (tell you about that soon) in front, and I'm loving it!
I also considered leaving the boards their original length and creating a tall panel, but it gets quite windy most every day here, and I worried that it would blow over.
One more look at the before and after.
I still have a few more unsightly things to figure out how to camouflage around the patio area, like the power lines and breaker boxes.

6 free roadside boards, screws and white paint I already had, total money spent = zero. You know how I love that : )
Thanks so much for coming over to see what I've been working on today. I'll be showing you the rest of our spruced up patio area soon!
Jeanette
I'm excited to be sharing this week over at:
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Creative Inspirations at Embracing Change
Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable
Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours
Be Inspired at Common Ground
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Catch as Catch Can at My RePurposed Life
Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors
Make the Scene Monday at Alderberry Hill
Creative Bloggers Party at Homemaker on a Dime
Budget Decorating Party at Creative Cain Cabin
Pretty Things at twelveOeight
The Scoop
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Home {work} Wednesday at Marty's Musings
Creative Inspirations at Embracing Change
Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable
Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours
Be Inspired at Common Ground
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Catch as Catch Can at My RePurposed Life
Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors
Make the Scene Monday at Alderberry Hill
Creative Bloggers Party at Homemaker on a Dime
Budget Decorating Party at Creative Cain Cabin
Pretty Things at twelveOeight
The Scoop
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Home {work} Wednesday at Marty's Musings
Love free projects...I was lucky in hiding my A/C (it's surrounded by a garden) but you had get creative due to the concrete and I think you nailed it. It looks great, good job!
ReplyDeleteAdorable! Air conditioners are such eye sores! I will have to try this cute project!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. Your little fence is perfect and such a cute corner. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteWe have an AC unit to cover at our new house, and I love this idea! Too cute.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
I love it. I have a big transformer box in my back yard. It's hidden with screens I found in the neighbor's trash. So happy that you are enjoying your new to you, jigsaw.
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea, I didn't even have a clue until you showed it later on in the post!
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me!!!!!!I am sure there is a book contract in your future.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea...turned out super cute. I am so jealous of those mountains you have in one of your photos. I am a Utah girl - living in Virginia. Miss those beautiful hills and dry air.
ReplyDeleteSweet!!!! Love checks and simple up cycles! New follow. Follow me too at http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/06/handkerchief-party-bunting.html
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job you did! Love it that you found a jigsaw for $2... I have one but it is battery powered which translates to not very powerful.
ReplyDeleteJudith
Love this solution-VERY cute!! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan
Great idea~ thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
ReplyDeletegreat job! I like how your ac screen turned out.
ReplyDeletecatching you!
gail
Love this. I have wanted to make one for our house and this had some good tips to make it easy. Yours is too cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and so cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a NEAT NEAT idea!!! It will be featured at my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY party on Monday. Please feel free to grab my featured button for your blog.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
you did great. I truly love the screen you made. It makes me happy :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! It's cute even if you don't have to hide something! I can just see it decorated for Christmas, or fall. So glad you shared!
ReplyDeleteThat is fabulous and it looks good, like it belongs there. I like the wagon with the flowers in it, I have an old wagon that I have wondered how to style, good idea!
ReplyDeleteAir conditioning company Tampa Bay offer senior and military discounts. Recently we have traded in our “gas guzzling” trucks and vans to small service vehicles to do our part for the environment and the struggling economy.
ReplyDeleteThat's some wicked improvisation right there! Yeah, it would seem like modifications can inflict financial pressure on a household. They don't have to be too expensive, though. It's all about finding the right contacts who offer reasonable prices, and render quality service, to fix the AC's.
ReplyDeleteWillow Renick
Find the ac repair specialist who offer reliable service to your air conditioning unit and have years of experience in repairing and servicing the ac unit.
DeleteA very nice informational blog. Keep on making such important blog post. Your work is really being appreciated by someone.That's wonderful blog site for all users thanks for the stuff.
ReplyDeleteAir Conditioning Kent
Good job you did here, Jeanette! The idea to camouflage your AC unit to your front porch is genius! It provided additional aesthetic appeal to your yard while also protecting your AC unit from dust and dirt. Well, a full coverage would do the job completely, so I hope you'd think about doing that soon. Keeping dust and dirt out of your AC unit is just one way to protect it from damage. Regular checkup and maintenance will ensure a longer time to enjoy the use of your AC unit.
ReplyDeleteBernie @ Evo Air
This is brilliant! Leaving the AC as is, is indeed an eye-sore. However, after placing the frame and the chair, it added charm to your place. However, I do hope you still check your AC once in a while. It can have small problems that can cause big expenses and inconveniences in the long run. :)
ReplyDeleteLashon Cheatham @ AllAboutAir.com.au
I am glad this is nice sharing Heating & cooling Toronto
ReplyDeleteI love the way you saved money for making such DIY air conditioner. Such an inspiration.
ReplyDeletehvac maintenance dallas
I’m trampled for the blogs writings and also blogs.
ReplyDeleteHonest HVAC
I love your post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAC Repair Pearland
Air Conditioner not only cools our home.Also it purifies the Air as well which prevent us from various airborne diseases.
ReplyDeleteAir Conditioning Service Cypress
A good air conditioner also maintain the temperature of human body. Air Conditioning Miami take all the valuable information to their users about proper functioning through their experts service men
DeleteI had to get some repairs done to my unit and now My AC runs efficiently.
ReplyDeleteHeating Portland
Glad to have this article. Air conditioner maintenance steps that you can do to ensure that your system continues to provide the cooling or heating needs for your home. Air conditioning Bellaire, TX
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. Keep updating more.
ReplyDeleteAir Conditioner West University
This is a very helpful post. I regularly clean and service my AC unit from Air Conditioning Sugar land so that my AC unit can run efficiently and smoothly.
ReplyDeleteI constantly emailed this site post page to all my friends, because if prefer to read it then my all friends will too.
ReplyDeleteochvacpros.com
Nice and Interesting article shared on this blog.
ReplyDeleteAir conditioning repair Montgomery Tx
Proper and regular maintenance is very good for the efficient working of the Air Conditioner.
ReplyDeleteAir Conditioning Repair Katy
This is nice page High Efficiency Gas Furnace
ReplyDeleteThe combination of informative and quality content is certainly extremely rare with the large amount of blogs.But this article has a lot of information. Thanks. Ac repair katy
ReplyDeleteThanks friends, for providing such enlightening data.
ReplyDeletebubblegum casting
AC Repair is not something that most homeowners attempt on their own.Most units are difficult to reach if they are located on a home’s roof and they can be dangerous for those who are not used to working around them.
ReplyDeleteThanks to share these details it’s truly nice.http://thefifthfuel.com/flow-hood-testing/
ReplyDeleteNew web site is looking good. Thanks for the great effort.
ReplyDeleteGreat Job ! I was searching for Air conditioner maintenance experts and found your blog. Would love to see the rest of spruced up patio area .
ReplyDeleteI saw this on Pinterest and decided to make one to screen our gas meter. I miss your blog and I hope you are doing well. I just thought you'd like to know that you are still providing inspiration instead of just attracting spam A.C contractors. ;) Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThese guidelines do not apply to people with other forms of interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis. home ac repair
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteاخي بداية يجب التنوية انه يجب القيام بتنظيف كافة مكيفات المنزل بشكل سنوي مع دخول فصل الصيف فهذا يقلل كثير من النفقات بعد ذلك لانة يزيل كافة الاتربة والاوساخ من علي المكيفات فيقلل الجهد المبذول من الكمبروسر مما يساعد علي توفير كبير في الكهرباء بالاضافة الي اطالة العمر الافتراضي للمكيف
تنظيف مكيفات بالرياض
صيانة مكيفات بالرياض
Longmont Furnace Repair is your one stop Furnace and Air Conditioner Repair company on the Front Range. Located in Longmont, CO. Give a call today Furnace Repair Longmont
ReplyDeleteMany people are looking for home service companies, so we have provided assistance for you. Al-Horus is the best service and maintenance company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we provide many services for home, including serious pest control and comprehensive cleaning of the house and the detection of water leakage and cleaning the tank and the transfer of furniture only
ReplyDeleteشركه نقل اثاث وعفش بالطائف
افضل شركه تنظيف بالطائف
شركه مكافحة حشرات بالطائف
شركه رش مبيدات بالطائف
This is a really excellent read for me.Keep on making such important blog post. That's useful post thanks for the article ..Heating and Cooling Toronto
ReplyDeleteAny advice regarding general or specific cases of applicability of any or all Virginia Fence Laws, in the Code of Virginia or locally, should be dispensed by a qualified attorney at law.
ReplyDeletechain link fence accessories
trung tâm sửa chữa điều hòa Daikin tại hà nội
ReplyDeleteSửa kho bảo quản lương thực
lắp đặt điều hòa trung tâm
Bảo dưỡng điều hòa công nghiệp
Lovely article on the best air conditioning brands . Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing worse than having either an air conditioning repair problem in the summer or a heating hvac repair armonk problem in the winter! Always stay on top of maintenance within your home in order to help prevent problems
ReplyDeleteThanks for suggestion. For more visit refrigerator services in Nagpur.
ReplyDeleteShutting down the AC unit before cleaning and maintenance always helps out.Heating and Cooling Mississauga Nice tips given above.
ReplyDeletevery nice post
ReplyDeleteIndustrial Heating Services Paramus
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe air conditioning channel is a standout amongst the most essential air conditioning parts in the air conditioning framework. Without it, your air conditioning framework would be grimy and the air you inhale would be loaded up with poisons. furnace repair brewster
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me.
ReplyDeleteHeating and Cooling oakville
Hey! very interesting discussion!! I have read all your Blog this So Nice and Awesome service you have provided, I learn many new things from here and want implement my website. If you are also Know for something New related to Air Conditioning Gateshead then visit my website.
ReplyDeleteShutting down the AC unit before cleaning and maintenance always helps out.Heating and Cooling Mississauga Nice tips given above. and air duct cleaning 24 hours se services provided. for more infomation please visit us
ReplyDeleteAir Duct Work Cleaning Mimai
Sometime few educational blogs become very helpful while getting relevant and new information related to your targeted area. As I found this blog and appreciate the information delivered to my database.
ReplyDeleteร้านอะไหล่รถยนต์
This blog is truly useful to convey overhauled instructive undertakings over web which is truly examination. I discovered one fruitful case of this truth through this blog. I will utilize such data now.
ReplyDeleteร้าน ขาย แม่เหล็ก แรง สูง
This blog is truly useful to convey overhauled instructive undertakings over web which is truly examination. I discovered one fruitful case of this truth through this blog. I will utilize such data now.
ReplyDeleteผ่อนแอร์
This is really nice to read content of this blog. A is very extensive and vast knowledgeable platform has been given by this blog. I really appreciate this blog to has such kind of educational knowledge.
ReplyDeleteราคาแอร์
I am thankful for this blog to gave me much knowledge regarding my area of work. I also want to make some addition on this platform which must be in knowledge of people who really in need. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteแอร์บ้าน
We provide services at your door steps for installation, repairing and maintenance AC Installation Lahore for residential and commercial clients. The maintenance, installation and repair pathway includes occupations involved in preventive maintenance procedures for machines, tools and equipment. Includes troubleshooting and repairing computerized, electrical, electronic and mechanical systems.
ReplyDeleteWe are providing you best home service include AC service, architecture, electrician etc. Keyvendors
ReplyDeleteHeating and A/C Installation & Repair
ReplyDeleteWe provide installation and repair services on a wide variety of systems. An analysis will be given up front, so you may make the best informed decision on how to proceed. All our services are provided with upfront, flat rate pricing, guaranteed with no hidden fees.
We take pride in our technicians which are fully insured, licensed and certified. A&T Heating & A/C strive to deliver a professional manner with a solution that meets your family needs and budget. Our technicians are Fully Insured, certified and licensed. Your satisfaction is guaranteed every time.
A & T heating
Local HVAC Service Mohnton
Local HVAC Service Wyomissing
Local HVAC Service Reading PA
Berks County HVAC Service Repair
Reading Pa HVAC Service Repairs
Heating and Air Conditioning Berks County
Heating and Air Conditioning Shillington
Heating and Air Conditioning Mohnton
Heating and Air Conditioning Reading PA
Heating and Air Conditioning Wyomissing
HVAC Contractor Wyomissing PA
HVAC Contractor Mohnton PA
HVAC Contractor Reading PA
HVAC Repair Contractor Reading PA
HVAC Repair Contractor Wyomissing PA
HVAC Repair Contractor Mohnton PA
Fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I'm confident, you have a great readers' base already!
ReplyDeleteอะไหล่รถยนต์
Fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I'm confident, you have a great readers' base already!
ReplyDeleteแอร์บ้าน
Useful information thank you for sharing. ac repair services in preet vihar
ReplyDeleteProfessionally written blogs are rare to find, however I appreciate all the points mentioned here. I also want to include some other writing skills which everyone must aware of.
ReplyDeleteแอร์ถูก
I always replied to this blog post and its been a long time since I came into knowledge of this blog. One of my friend’s suggestion worked for me and I am still regular to read every post of this blog.
ReplyDeleteแอร์ผ่อน
That blog was amazing, I am impressed with your thoughts. I got the best information from this site, It’s very useful to all and us. Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeletetop mitsubishi ac uae prices
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. Downtown Air Duct Cleaning
ReplyDeleteGreat post by you. Looking forward to some more.
ReplyDeletecanon printer support phone number
hp printer support number
epson printer support phone number
Roadrunner support phone number
ReplyDeleteoutlook support phone number
Microsoft edge support Phone Number
Mozilla firefox support phone number
comcast customer support number
HP Printer Support Phone Number
Canon Printer Support Phone Number
geek squad tech support phone number
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog www.rperkins.co.uk
ReplyDeleteThis blog is providing beautiful news about about the Liberian Educational Sector. It is nice to know about it this is useful information. And such blogs makes us familiar with the whole world.residential painting services
ReplyDeleteIf a refrigerator needs constant cleaning in order for it to be efficient in keeping all those goods, the air conditioning unit requires the same thing. You don't always have to call a professional cleaner to do the job. Air Conditioner Repair Toronto
ReplyDeleteCall Top Service info
ReplyDeleteBest Plumbing Services websites
best electrical services websites
best air conditioning services websites
When choosing the correct air conditioning for your home, consider various options before making a final decision. There are permanent models, as well as portable air conditioning units that you may use to cool your home panasonic ducted air conditioning
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing useful information. Best Air Condition Repair Service Company in Raipur.
ReplyDeleteoffice furniture manufacturers in noida
ReplyDeleteoffice furniture manufacturers in delhi
office furniture manufacturers in gurgaon
office furniture manufacturers in delhi ncr
modular office furniture manufacturers in delhi
modular office furniture manufacturers in delhi
office furniture suppliers in delhi
office furniture suppliers in noida
modular office furniture manufacturers in noida
modular office furniture suppliers in delhi
modular office furniture suppliers in delhi
modular office furniture in noida
office furniture manufacturer in greater noida
office furniture manufacturer in greater noida
office furniture suppliers in jaipur
office furniture suppliers in gurgaon
office furniture manufacturers in jaipur
modular office furniture manufacturers in gurgaon
modular office furniture in gurgaon
شركة نقل عفش بجدة
ReplyDeleteنقل عفش مكة
https://jeddah-moving.com
When choosing the correct air conditioning for your home, consider various options before making a final decision. There are permanent models, as well as portable air conditioning units that you may use to cool your home ac maintenance dubai
ReplyDeleteVery informative and useful post. I see you have a lot of other cool stuffs available in your disposal, I am going to bookmark it to read in my spare time. Thanks and keep the good work up.
ReplyDeleteHome Duct Cleaning in Dallas
Hi, really helpful and amazing blog. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe know it requires no technical knowledge to identify when your heating and air conditioning system requires repair. You should not delay in contacting a professional service to avoid dire consequences.
You always provide useful information just like this one about Heating and Air Conditioning Service Dunwoody. Hope to get more knowledge with the help of your amazing posts.
ReplyDeletehttp://moverspackerschandigarh.com/packers-and-movers-patna.php
ReplyDeleteNice Post Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat Information Thanks for sharing. for any duct cleaning service visit: air duct cleaning miami
ReplyDelete