Looked at buying a desk but could not find one with specs I needed. Also thought about building a tall table with no shelves but decided I needed extra space.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

Since I have never seen exactly what I wanted to build, actually getting ideas from paper to wood was hard. i under estimated the challenge in building all of the little compartments and shelves.

* Cost Comments:

I needed drill bits that could drill a 2 inch diameter hole - very similar to those used to install a door knob.

*My motivation to do this project:

Needed a low profile desk to hold my computer, stereo, and speakers. Needed to be barstool height but not stick out from wall more than 2 feet. Space in my game room is tight so a normal desk will not work. Could not find a desk that matched this in stores so I decided to build.

*Project Steps:

Measured height of stools I wanted to use. Measured computer, stereo, and speakers so I could custom build the space for each component.

Advice:

Do sketch your idea on paper before proceeding. Do measure all components so that each will fit. Don't use cheap lumber as all components can be very heavy.

Materials:

Lumber - $150.00

Paint - $25.00

Hardware (Screws and circular drill bits) - $25.00

Thought about buying a bar pre-constructed as well as dedicating a few cabinets in kitchen as liquor cabinets. In the end, decided to build bar into an old sunken book shelf to save space and complete game room

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

Did not have proper wiring to get adequate lighting. Lacquer pored over the top of the bar was hard to get smooth and getting bubbles out of lacquer was tough. Support for shelves was a challenge as liquor bottles are heavier than I thought.

* Cost Comments:

Dremel tool might not be necessary but made job easier as space was tight. Had to buy extra lacquer as I wanted to cover bottle tops on top of bar - without bottle tops I could have used half the lacquer.

*My motivation to do this project:

Wanted to complete game room and move liquor, beer, etc out of kitchen and into room where it was used most.

*Project Steps:

Visited a few bars for inspiration :) Asked around at hardware store to find ideal lacquer for top of bar. Had to buy a few new saw blades and a dremel tool to work in such an odd space.

Advice:

Do give yourself plenty of time for lacquer to dry. Don't underestimate the weight of all bar components. Don't forget that each shelf will cast a large shadow and obstruct light. Do make sure you have adequate power to run lights and fridge (burned a few fuses along the way)

Materials:

Lumber - $50.00

Lacquer - $200.00

Hardware (Screws, sawblades, etc) - $50.00

Dremel Tool - $60.00

Thought about a much larger deck but decided against it for budgetary reasons. Thought about hiring a contractor but decided I could do it myself albeit in a much longer time frame.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

How to connect deck to house? Getting deck completely level was a challenge.

* Cost Comments:

Under estimated the cost of lumber. Had to go and buy more wood as I ruined a few pieces by not measuring correctly, back tracking, etc.

*My motivation to do this project:

To give us a flat place to sit and set up a table. Also wanted to give back yard a more polished feel.

*Project Steps:

Talked to dad and friends who have completed similar projects. Talked to salesman in the lumber yard and decided to build a smaller deck. Set support posts and then framed deck. Left space to cover and screen at later date.

Advice:

Do sketch out your dismentions before you break ground. Do measure twice before you cut wood and other materials. Don't underestimate the challenge that changes in the height of the building surface can represent.

Materials:

Lumber - $1200.00

Hardware (Nails, blades, etc) - $150.00