We've created this simple rating system to help you judge your ability to build the garden furniture and garden structure projects offered on GardenPlans.com.
In deciding whether you can build any of the projects, keep in mind that these plans include very complete, step-by-step instructions and lots of detailed illustrations. So you may be able to tackle more difficult projects than you think.
In any case, if you purchase a plan that you can't use, please contact us for a refund. The contact information is in the email you will receive to confirm your purchase.
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Very Simple
Requires only very basic hand tools and the ability to follow simple instructions. We sometimes call these "glue and screw" projects, and occasionally even glue and screws aren't needed, only a few nails. You buy the wood at a local lumber yard or home center. It's already the right width and thickness. All you have to do is cut it to length. No woodworking experience is needed.
Tools usually required:
Screwdrivers
Hammer
Hand saw
Measuring
tape
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Easy
Requires basic hand tools and the ability to
follow instructions. The tools required would be the same as the "Very Simple"
category above. The difference here is in the complexity of the plan. The projects will probably be bigger than the "Very Simple" projects and it will have more parts.
Tools usually required:
Screwdrivers
Hammer
Hand saw
Tape
measure
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Moderate
Requires hand tools and a few portable or
handheld power tools, and the ability to follow instructions. You'll have to be
able to measure and cut or drill accurately. Stationary power tools will speed
up the job, but are really not required. Note: Patience is always
helpful.
Typical tools required:
Hand tools, as above
Circular saw or table
saw
Electric drill
Jig saw or sabre
saw
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Challenging
Requires hand tools and either
portable power tools mentioned above, or in most cases, stationary power tools
which will make the job a bit faster and easier. You'll also need to follow
more involved directions. These projects can be complex in the sense that you
might be building a couple small things and then have to put them all together
to complete the project itself. They may also require a bit more complex
joinery which requires specialized hand tools or power tools. It's unlikely
that you'll be able to buy the wood "off the shelf." You'll need to rip it to
width as well as cut to it to length. These projects would be appropriate for
the intermediate to advanced woodworker.
Typical tools required:
Table
saw
Router
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Advanced
These projects are best tackled by
experienced woodworkers who either have their own shop full of tools, or have
access to a shop full of tools. These projects will have advanced joinery, like
mortise and tenon joints, box joints, dovetail joints, dadoes, grooves and
rabbets. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you might want to get
someone else to build one of these projects for you.
Typical tools
required:
Table Saw
Router/router table
Band saw
Drill press
Thickness planer
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