Brackenly

Real talk about building things in your backyard -- sheds, decks, coops, and everything in between -- from a couple who started with zero experience

2026-07-29

How to Build Deck Stairs After Finishing Our Backyard Platform

We built our own deck stairs in rural North Carolina. From math disasters to the secret ledger mount, here is how we finally got the stringers right.

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2026-07-25

Setting Up a DIY Dust Collection System in a Small Workshop

Learn how we built a DIY dust collection system in our NC workshop. From PVC pipe failures to HEPA filtration, we share the mistakes and plans that worked.

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2026-07-24

Best Solar Path Lights for a Dark Rural North Carolina Backyard

We spent months trying to light our dark NC half-acre. Learn why cheap solar stakes fail in red clay and how to choose the right lighting for rural homesteads.

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2026-07-18

From Muddy NC Half-Acres to Handmade Workshops: The Best Backyard Builds We Actually Finished

Join our journey from DIY novices to backyard builders. Discover the best outdoor structures to build yourself, from sheds to decks, using expert plans.

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2026-07-17

Building a DIY Rabbit Hutch for Our Homestead Using Simple Plans

We built a custom DIY rabbit hutch for our NC homestead using professional plans. Learn why we skipped the kits and how we handled the build ourselves.

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2026-07-12

Installing a DIY Paver Walkway from Our Back Porch to the Workshop

Follow our DIY journey building a paver walkway in North Carolina red clay. Tips on drainage, paver base, and why good plans save your back and your budget.

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2026-07-11

Creating a DIY Solar Food Dehydrator for Our Homestead Harvest

We built a DIY solar food dehydrator to handle our North Carolina harvest. Learn how we used professional plans to build a sun-powered preservation system.

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2026-07-10

Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture Projects in Humid North Carolina

Our DIY guide to choosing the best rot-resistant wood for North Carolina's humidity. Learn why White Oak and Cypress beat Cedar for long-lasting backyard furniture.

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2026-07-08

How to Build a DIY Chicken Tractor for Our Growing Flock

Join us as we build a bottomless, mobile chicken tractor in rural NC. Practical DIY advice on framing, predator-proofing, and pasture health for your flock.

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2026-07-06

Why We Built a DIY Outdoor Shower for Hot Carolina Summers

Discover why we ditched the plumber for a DIY gravity-fed outdoor shower in rural NC. Learn about cedar builds, red clay drainage, and simple backyard plans.

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2026-07-05

Building a DIY Wood Planter Box with Professional Woodworking Plans

Follow our journey from lopsided chicken coops to professional-grade DIY wood planter boxes using TedsWoodworking plans in rural North Carolina.

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2026-07-04

Building a DIY Stone Fire Pit for Our Rural Backyard Seating Area

Follow our journey building a DIY stone fire pit in rural North Carolina. From red clay struggles to wildfire safety, learn how we built our backyard heart.

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2026-06-28

Lumber Dimensions Reference Chart: Nominal vs Actual

This reference page provides the standardized dimensions for softwood and hardwood lumber used in North American construction and woodworking. It details t

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