Contrary to popular opinion, we think one of the best-kept secrets about living in the Pacific Northwest is that it does not actually rain all the time. Especially in the summer and early fall, our relatively mild temperatures, low humidity and sunny days beg us to get outdoors. In fact, outdoor living is more popular than ever. As metal crafters, there are so many ways you can use your skill to enhance your outdoor spaces — or make products that others will want to buy. Here are a few of our favorite ideas: 

1. Outdoor Living Trends

High on the list of what’s trending in 2021, according to sources like Martha Stewart and Forbes, is to take indoor living, outside. Whether you have a patio, deck, large front porch or garden gazebo, there are endless ways to use metal crafts to enhance its appeal. 

Fire pits where family and friends can gather mean you can entertain even after dark. Don’t forget to make a firewood stacker so you can keep the flames burning. And, add some decorative lighting you’ve made yourself to make your backyard twinkle. Create furniture, furniture frames, a porch swing, side tables and bar carts that are not only functional, but attractive. To make your outdoor living space even more convenient, you might consider making a peg rail to affix in the mudroom or just outside the back door. It can hold beach/outdoor chairs, towels, totes and other such items for handy access. An advanced project to challenge yourself would be to build your own metal gazebo. Think of what satisfaction you will gain, not to mention beautifying your outdoor living space. 

We’ve got the materials you need for those projects as well as for deck railing, gates and handrails. 

2. Garden Enhancements

A well-kept yard enhanced with colorful flowers and plants really make a house a home. Combine your talents for gardening and your skills in metal-work to create an enviable yard and garden. Those straight edges on your lawn and planting beds make a strong first impression. At DIY Steel, we’ve got flat and decorative metal edging, plus stakes you can weld to hold the edging in place to give a crisp look to your yard. 

But, no need to stop there. Consider these ideas to improve your gardens. You might create watering cans, plant stands, galvanized planters and raised beds, greenhouses complete with planting trays and lighting, trellises, planting-bed signs, stacked herb planters, window boxes, hanging baskets, pond decor and decorative fountains. Even if you live in a smaller space, such as a condo or apartment, any of these ideas can translate to enhance your deck or balcony. 

3. Curb Appeal

At DIY Steel, we’ve got everything you need to bump up your curb appeal. You’ll find house numbers and letters that can be used to post your address or family name on your doorstep. You could also choose from our many cut-outs — and other materials — to create eye-catching garden stakes, flag holders, weathervanes and yard signs. Maybe you might like to make a unique mailbox, beautiful front door wreath and even walkway lighting. Wind chimes and rain catchers (well, we know there will always be rain), could be made to hang from your porch or near your entryway. We can help you with those projects — and more. 

4. Wildlife Aids

Whether you live in the city or country, our region is home to a vast variety of wildlife. There is great enjoyment and satisfaction in watching and helping the creatures that live among us. 

Birds are fascinating and with your metal crafting skills you have the tools at your fingertips to create birdbaths, feeders (and don’t forget hummingbird feeders) and houses. 

Where there are birds and bird seed however, you can be sure squirrels aren’t far behind. Give the little critters their own feeders so they can nosh away at those treasured nuts. You can get plenty of ideas online about different styles to create.

It’s more important than ever that we give bees every opportunity to thrive. You can do your part by creating Mason Bee nesting boxes as well as houses and hives for our buzzy friends. And, don’t forget the all-important bat. Bats are vital to our ecological system and you might enhance their numbers by crafting a bat house for your yard. 

As always, if you’ve got an idea, we’re here to help make it a reality. Come see us or give us a call.