Long weekend DIY projects to try

Long weekends are the perfect time to get creative with practical projects. Swing chair in Resene Half Cararra and Resene Smokey Ash, wood stacker in Resene Edward and bin storage unit in Resene Pitch Black.

In June this year, New Zealand and Australia celebrate King’s Birthday – NZ on the 3rd, Australia on the 10th (except QLD and WA) – while New Zealand also celebrates Matariki on the 28th. This will be music to the ears of keen DIYers, as the long weekends offer extra time to really get stuck into those slightly larger projects around the home.

The following long weekend DIY projects provide practical storage solutions and innovative ways to customise your outdoor living space. Upcycling is a satisfying and sustainable hobby and is a great way to save money on new furniture. Plus, you’re able to display your meticulously crafted pieces around your home and admire your handiwork every day!

If you need help with advice and supplies for your decorating projects, visit your local Resene ColorShop and they can help with everything from prep tips to helping you figure out how much paint and what type you will need.

Make your own wheelie bin storage unit

While council rubbish bins are a household necessity, they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of our properties. The Upcycler Jacob Leaf (Ngāpuhi) shows you how to transform old wooden pallets and fencing timber into your very own bin storage unit, which includes a planter box on top.

Wash the timber first with Resene Timber and Deck Wash, before coating it with Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain in Resene Pitch Black for a chic, modern look. Hinged doors provide handy access to the bins but keep them tucked out of sight when they’re not in use. Once the structure is finished, fill the planter box with topsoil and plant it out with grasses, which look great and require little maintenance.

Jacob’s DIY wheelie bin storage unit is stained with Resene Waterborne Woodsman in Resene Pitch Black.

Make your own wood stacker

For those with wood-burning fireplaces – either indoors or out – finding a good place to store your supply of firewood is front of mind. This handy stacker is a simple storage solution to keep the logs neatly tucked out of the way, yet easy to grab when needed.

The relatively straightforward structure is made from timber and the design can be customised to fit your space, then finished with paint or stain. We used Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in the colour Resene Edward. Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen is a great choice for outdoor furniture, thanks to its strength and durability. If you prefer a higher sheen, use Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel or Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel.

By adding an outdoor cushion, this stacker can double as a bench seat, which creates the ideal spot for putting on and taking off your shoes. In the summer months you can easily use it for shoe storage or a handy spot to keep gardening tools or beach gear.

For full step-by-step instructions, click here.

This wood stacker doubles as a handy bench seat on the front porch. Wood stacker painted in Rsen Edward, house exterior in Resene Grey Friars with trim in Resene Sea Fog and deck in Resene English Walnut.

Build a privacy screen

Versatile furniture pieces – like this privacy screen crafted by artist Jae Frew – allow you customise your outdoor space depending on the season or weather.

You can build your own privacy screen using timber and stain it with Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain in Resene Pitch Black, a contemporary shade that will complement all kinds of landscape designs and outdoor areas.

This screen is anchored by a sturdy base, which ensures it’s well-balanced and won’t topple over. It provides an adjustable shade screen during sunny days, as well as protection from the wind, and thanks to its wheels, can be moved and secured swiftly when required.

Handy hooks along the top offer all kinds of practical uses – they’re an ideal place to hang barbecue tools and equipment, or towels while you take a dip in the pool or spa.

A privacy screen is an incredibly versatile outdoor furniture piece. Stained with Resene Waterborne Woodsman in Resene Pitch Black.

Make your own outdoor swing chair

A swing chair is not only an impressive way to elevate your outdoor entertainment area, it’s a great spot for the whole family to rest and relax outside. Queenstown-based builder Josh Lysaght made this one, with its practical, love seat-style chair suspended by chains from a sturdy A-frame.

The use of railway sleepers takes it to the next level – these can be easily sourced from local demolition yards or Trade Me. The wide armrests double as side tables, with room to place, lunch or a drink, plus there’s enough space on the seat for two adults to sit comfortably.

Although you can paint yours any colour you like, Josh has used Resene Lustacryl in Resene Half Cararra for a soft, classic look, with the A-frame stained with Resene Waterborne Woodsman in Resene Smokey Ash. With this neutral base, you can switch up the look seasonally and personalise it further by changing the cushions and throws.

Josh chose the colours Resene Half Carrara and Resene Smokey Ash for his swig chair, but you can use any Resene colour you like to make it into your peaceful garden retreat.