Wood Working, Planning

Hi Everybody,

When starting a project, the first thing to do is to decide what you want the finished product to be, right down to the final step of completion. For example; when adding wood to a room the first thing to decide is whether you want to paint the wood or stain the wood. This decision changes everything, from your materials choices to the methods you will use to fasten boards together and to the walls. After you have picked a finish, start thinking about the features you want in your room. Consider vertical features first. For the sake of demonstration, let's say your room is a den or living room. Pick features that will enhance the daily activities you perform in your den or living room. Here are some examples. If you like to sit by the window and read, you need a built in window seat and some built in book cases. If you like to watch T.V. and collect D.V.D's,  you need a built in entertainment center with adequate, organized, storage for your, ever growing, collection. If you collect and display collectibles such as; antique dolls, sports memorabilia, crystal figurines, dishes from places you've been or anything else for that matter. You need built in display cases that are customized to facilitate and accentuate the pieces you want to display. After you have decided on vertical features.you can start to think about choosing horizontal wall treatments like; wainscoting, multiple piece or single piece crown molding, wall panels, multiple piece or single piece chair rail and baseboard. At this point, I want to make you aware of something that most people don't consider. You can make some of your own pieces in order to give your own project it's own personality. Read the article on shaping.  I hope this has been enough to get your creative juices flowing. Please respond in the comments section with any questions that you have.

Thanks,
Randy McArthur