Sawdust

Projects

Renovations, builds and weekend refreshes. Each one has the real cost, every material and tool, and an honest list of what I'd do differently.

Still unfinished

Living spaces

Limewashed walls, linen curtains and a thrifted chair. A room that is coming together slowly, and that's okay.

Ongoing$400-$1,200Beginner friendly

Before + after

Kitchen

Painted cabinets, new hardware and a backsplash. The kitchen we have, made into the kitchen we wanted, for under $900.

3 weekends$700-$900Weekend warrior

Furniture flips

A walnut slab, steel legs and a lot of sanding. The biggest thing I have ever built, start to finish.

Two months of Saturdays$600-$850Call a friend

Before + after

Kitchen

Honey oak to soft white without a sprayer. The exact prep, primer and paint that held up to two kids.

4 evenings and a Saturday$180-$260Weekend warrior

Outdoor & garden

Three raised beds from free pallets and a box of screws. Our cheapest project and one of my favorites.

One weekend$60-$120Beginner friendly

Before + after

Bed & bath

Paint, a new faucet, a mirror and some styling. A small bathroom refresh you can finish before Monday.

One long weekend$250-$400Beginner friendly

Furniture flips

A sturdy rolling workbench from 2x4s, plywood and pocket screws. The first thing I'd build in any garage.

Two weekends$150-$220Weekend warrior