16 Hand-Selected Reader Projects from The Family Handyman

Inspired by foreign exchange students that his family hosted, reader John White built this professional-looking wood-fired oven in his backyard. Then he needed to learn how to bake!

Wanting more out of his critter-proof fencing, reader Mick Monahan built a charming white fence first; then he added the nylon garden netting to the inside. It looks great and does the job of keeping pests out of his garden.

With no brick-laying experience, reader John Kubicki built a dream outdoor kitchen featuring an open-fire barbecue, a mini-fridge, a beautiful patio, built-in bench and more.

Reader Vern Schleyer didn’t have enough room in his kitchen for more cabinets, so he built them into the wall. Click here to find out how he did it.

Reader John Golock built an impressive stone fireplace himself. Bet you can’t tell that it was his first attempt at a masonry project—ever!

Oh the possibilities! Check out this awesome hidden drawer that reader Mark Maixner built into his staircase. Think of all of the storage space you could harness with this project!

With demolition tasks, you never know what you may find. For reader Gary Grant, it was this beautiful old fireplace. Though it was no longer function, Gary uncovered it and incorporated it into his home’s décor.

Reader Keith Rider scoured the local junkyard for months before planning and executing this fully functional (and definitely one-of-a-kind) lawn tractor using the parts that he found.

Reader Sam Wiza built this special playhouse for his grandchildren using lumber that he felled and milled himself. We think that’s incredibly impressive!

Making use of unused cabinets above his fridge, reader Michael Hubbs built a custom wine rack in the space. He cut perfect holes in the cabinet doors and a supporting board inside.

To save some serious cash, reader Michael McGuire decided to DIY his patio and pergola project. We think he did a standup job, and surely learned a thing or two along the way.

Simply adding some plywood, cedar boards and decorative framework, reader Joe Hawkins upgraded his garage doors tremendously.

This handcrafted smoker isn’t something you see every day—and that’s what makes it so great! Reader Dave Upton built this smoker to look like a train.

Reader Jan Ryan made her life as a gardener ten times better by building a raised planting table. Now it’s so much easier to tend to her delicious veggies and herbs.

Reader David Peyton crafted this massive backyard fireplace by hand, using 15 tons of assorted stones, concrete block and firebrick. Its rustic look suits the setting in David’s backyard.