Record Holder

Take care of the music that takes care of you

Vinyl collections seem to multiply in numbers similar to rabbits. To remedy this "problem", some vertical grain fir and short 2x6 sections were employed to create a nice way to store 30-40 records.

No more stacking records on the floor. This stand helps keep the current favorites in the rotation upright, safe and accessible. Any manor of sizes can be made. 

The vertical pieces are set into the solid 2x6 rails and secured with wood glue. A nice 18 degree angle ensures the records rest at a comfortable angle. For a finish, I prayed it with 3 coats of Aquaspar. A very durable material that will help protect the wood from hopefully heavy, constant use. The final sand for the 3rd coat renders a smooth feel--perfect for the rails to help move the LP along its journey back and forth.

I like using vertical grain fir because the repeated grains relate to the nature of the record with the tight lines that hold all that great music. But really any wood species can be used.

A nice little skip in the grains that only nature can perfect

Records do get heavy, so I made sure to line the bottom of the rails with some cork. This keeps things safe and stable.

Sellwood Patio

This project was personal. Literally.

For several years I had been dreaming about building a patio to better enjoy the large front yard. The design changed and thanks to my wise wife, grew to surround the beautiful 70 year old Cherry tree that is the main feature of our little humble house.

The design is one of simplicity. An open mesh allows all to enjoy the tree and the lovely space. The height of the fence allows a sitting party outside to have some privacy from folks on the sidewalk--yet still allows easy neighborly interaction.

I sourced Clear S4S Cedar and Tight Knot Cedar posts. The galvanized Utility Panel is a bit thicker than the usual fencing material, but it is tough and durable.

One extra measure that is well worth doing on any fence that bisects an existing lawn, is to dig a trench and line it with pea gravel. Not only does this give the fence more of a noble stance, but it prevents the grass from growing up beneath the fence. No need to mow or weed whack beneath the wood. A bit of steel that will eventually patina with a nice orange rust adds to the earthy tones of the wood and help keeps the gravel where it should be.

The cherry tree in our yard always reminds me of the Japanese blossom photos. So in the design, I decided to incorporate a bit of the old style with mortise joints. This also helps the stability of the fence. The gates also get the wood joinery treatment.

 

There are 3 gates along the perimeter. This allows for easy flow from the front door approach, sidewalk or driveway entry. Since the material (Cedar) is so light and my design simple, I was able to make the openings very wide--for things like big trash cans, lawn mowers. . .ect. For the garage entry, the span between the support post and the garage was wide enough to allow a 60 / 40 split with the shorter side locked into the concrete with a simple cane bolt feeding down into a small galvanized pipe set in the concrete. This tight metal - metal fit helps stabilise the gates and keep them aligned perfectly.

The driveway side of the gate sort of zig zags its way along the grass line and meanders back to the corner of the garage. This created some challenges with all the changes in angles and the wood joinery. With a bit of determination, some helpful hand tools and some luck, we got a nice tight fit.

The posts are topped with some slate I had lying around and wrapped beneath with some aluminum trim. This gives the fence a bit of a different look, but one that strikes a balance with the different materials (wood, stone and metal).

Deck Replacement Outer SE Portland

Summertime is fence, gate and deck season. When presented the opportunity to enjoy the late summer weather on the shoulder of Mt. Scott with views of Mt. St. Helens, I jumped at it.

I made sure not to jump on the deck though, for fear of falling through in some places. What looked like neglected boards turned out to be rotten supports and poor design.

Fortunately, the fixes were straightforward and the structure was happy to receive new tight knot cedar 2 x 6's. A LOT of lumber as it turns out.

We built the railing out of Cedar as well. It was all sealed up with oil to help it last the wet and cold months.

Now the clients are out on the deck whenever they get the chance.

Little Bathroom Refresh Outer SE Portland

Sometimes a little bathroom beneath the stairs needs some help. This little tiny space needed an upgrade before the client's threw a fun wedding in their back yard.

Obviously, space is at a premium. So we decided to take a minimalist approach with getting rid of the vanity (it really only held TP and some soap) and install a nice corner sink with exposed chrome plumbing. I built a tiny built in shelf between the studs for the few essentials. New toilet, baseboard, marmolium floor and paint.