Kevin

Kevin has been involved in the custom automotive scene since he bought his first mini-truck in high school and began modifying it. He also has interest in sustainability, DIY projects, and various forms of fabrication. Seeing improved technology of batteries, he has made a concentrated effort over the last few years to transition away from fossil fuels. From lawn care to automotive.

Best Material for Soffit Vents and Tips for Preventing Rodent and Bird Damage

The Cabin /
using stainless steel hardware cloth for soffit vent screeens

Soffit vents are an important part of your home’s exterior, as they help to ventilate the attic and prevent moisture from building up. When choosing soffit vents, it is important to select a material that is durable, resistant to pests, are long lasting, and easy to maintain. If you have a new house, shop or other structure being built, it’s certainly worth looking at upgrading the soffit vents now, before they potentially have issues later. Material Options for Soffit Vents The best material for soffit vents is stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to clean. It is also pest-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rodents or birds chewing through the vents. If the stainless steel mesh is merely stapled on, they could however allow pests to eventually push them loose. This happen on my sister’s house, and birds were able to get into the attic. Other materials that are commonly used for soffit vents include aluminum and vinyl or a fibermesh. Aluminum is also a good choice, as it is durable and resistant to rust. However, it is not as strong as stainless steel and can be more easily damaged by pests. Vinyl is the least expensive option, but it is also the least durable and can become brittle and crack over time. Here’s a picture of our soffit vents where the squirrels chewed through. In total, they chewed through four different locations. If you have had problems with rodents or birds chewing through your soffit vents, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening again: At our cabin, I had to deal with squirrels that chewed through the fibermesh screens. Squirrels Chewing Through Soffit Vents at My Cabin Earlier this year, I started to notice that some of the soffit vents at my cabin were damaged. I could see holes in the screens, and there was evidence of squirrels chewing on the wood. After believing I had eradicated the squirrels, I didn’t want to take the chance of trapping any inside. I ended up duct taping some paper over the damaged soffit screen areas to make sure there wasn’t any signs of squirrels trying to chew their way back out (or into the cabin). For this repair, I had to remove the fascia board and tongue and groove soffits in order to access the vents. I then replaced the vents with stainless steel hardware cloth. I bought a roll of hardware cloth from the local hardware store. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any smaller rolls, so I have to buy one that was about 3 feet wide. The plan was to cut them down to size with an angle grinder, but I was out of cutting discs. I didn’t have many other metal cutting tools at the cabin, but I did have my reciprocating saw with just a wood cutting blade. Fortunately, the wood cutting blade was able to go through the stainless steel hardware cloth fairly easily. Make Your Soffit Vents Stronger I was told by an exterminator to make sure to use screws for attaching the new screen material. Birds and rodents can push through screen and eventually work staples loose. I’m sure as wood contracts and expands over the years, it can cause the staples to loosen on their own too. The local hardware store didn’t have many exterior wood screw options available in shorter lengths, so I ended up using 3/4″ roofing screws. This will make it much more difficult, ideally impossible, for rodents to get back in. One side of the cut out was ride on the edge of the tongue groove, so I did have to stick with only staples on the one side. Since I didn’t have a staple gun at the cabin, I bought one from the local hardware store. The gun wasn’t able to drive all the staples in, so I had to go back with a hammer to get all of them down. Additional Tips for Protecting Your Soffit Vents Here are some additional tips for preventing rodent and bird damage to your soffit vents: By following these tips, you can help to protect your soffit vents from rodent and bird damage. Best Material for Soffit Vents and Tips for Preventing Rodent and Bird Damage Soffit vents are an important part of your home’s exterior, as they help to ventilate the attic and prevent moisture from building up. When choosing soffit vents, it is important to select a material that is durable, resistant to pests, and easy to maintain. The best material for soffit vents is stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to clean. It is also pest-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rodents or birds chewing through the vents. Other materials that are commonly used for soffit vents include aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum is also a good choice, as it is durable and resistant to rust. However, it is not as strong as stainless steel and can be more easily damaged by pests. Vinyl is the least expensive option, but it is also the least durable and can become brittle and crack over time. If you have had problems with rodents or birds chewing through your soffit vents, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening again: Soffit Vent Fire Safety Since our cabin is in a brush fire zone, I took advantage of the free fire safety inspections our local fire department provides. The inspector actually called out the fibermesh screens in our soffit vents. A big focus for fire prevention is making sure there aren’t small areas that embers can set, eventually creating a fire. Replacing the soffit vents with stainless steel had been on my list of to-do items, but with other projects I put it off a while longer until squirrels forced the issue. Conclusion The wrong material or not using the right fasteners

A Winter Wonderland Adventure Right Out Our Door: The Unique Sledding Platform at Our Cabin

Outdoor Activities, The Cabin /

The previous owner of our cabin built a fairly unique sledding platform just off of the deck. Our cabin is located East of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state where we receive approximately 89″ of snow every year. The platform stands about 7 feet off the ground, fun winter activities for our family and friends when enough snow hits and we’re not out on the snowmobiling trails. Innovative Sledding Platform Design At its core, it boasts a unique design feature that makes it a true standout: a tilting “staging area.” This ingenious addition adds an extra layer of convenience to the sledding experience. Rather than trying to get the sled (and yourself) onto the slide, it tilts down to make it easy for the rider to get read. When a sledder’s weight shifts forward, the staging area tilts downward, propelling them down the slide and into a world of snowy adventure. Keeping the Snow in Place The use of 2×4’s in the slide not only keeps the snow packed but also prevents it from sliding down with the rider. This design choice, however, comes with its quirks, such as the tendency to accumulate pine needles throughout the year. It can also collect rain water. To combat this, a single drainage hole was drilled in each section, allowing most of the rain water to drain away (assuming the hole isn’t blocked by pine needles). I’ll have to work for ways to improve this later. Safety First (Well, Next After 2 Years) While exhilarating, the initial version of the platform raised some safety concerns for our family. We had worries about the absence of railings both on the slide, however, my wife later decided she wanted railings added to the platform itself. DIY Pallet Repurposing To address these concerns, I decided to repurpose some pallets for the build. We were able to get some 12 foot long pallets that used 4×4’s for the lower structure. I was able to re-use these to build up the framing to support some 2×4’s to mount railing balusters. This addition not only enhanced safety, but will also added a rustic charm to the structure. Current State and Future Plans Here’s a short video showing the first phase of the sledding platform and how the “staging area” functions: I still need to buy some cedar and cut additional balusters. The balusters I used came from the railing of one of the lofts, but it wasn’t enough. We may also consider adding a second slide later as well. I’m also going to build a roof, which we’ll cover next… Keeping the Snow Off (Adding a Roof) Our 13 year-old daughter suggested another addition: a roof above the platform to reduce the snow accumulation. Secondly, it would protect the platform from the elements, extending its usability throughout the year, our 7 year-old is already calling the structure her clubhouse. I’m trying to see if I can install the roof before the weather turns too cold, we’ll see how things go as I have other projects still on the list as well. UPDATE: I did get the roof built just before the weather turned too cold and wintery. I’ll update this section more soon. Here’s the railing balusters finished up: Conclusion: Our cabin’s sledding platform is a true testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of its previous owner. With its unique design, ongoing improvements, it’s a staple of our winter adventures, especially for our kids. As we eagerly anticipate the coming winter, we look forward to sled-filled days and nights under the stars with this incredibly fun sledding platform that has brought joy and excitement to our cabin. I’ll add more pictures and videos when we get our first decent snow accumulation of the season!

DIY Overhead Storage Door with Block and Tackle Pulley

The Cabin, Wood Projects /
diy overhead storage door with block and tackle pulley for opening

There’s something about a cabin in the woods that brings a sense of tranquility and nostalgia. But when it comes to practicality, sometimes a little DIY magic is needed to make your cabin space more functional and visually appealing. In this blog post, we’ll take you through an inspiring woodworking project to enclose an overhead storage area with a custom built diy overhead storage door using repurposed wood and a block and tackle pulley system. The Challenge The previous owner who built our cabin had a fairly small shed with an overhead storage area. Unfortunately, this storage area was completely open and I wanted to come up with a solution to close it. We used this space to store some blow mold Christmas decorations, but it certainly looked a bit tacky. From the street, the decorations could be seen as well. It was time to transform this neglected space into something more practical and aesthetically pleasing. The Materials I had some damaged tongue and groove slats from a closet I removed to make room in the game loft for our racing arcade cabinets. Previously, I had already cut these slats down to remove the damaged area. With these slats laying around for a few months now, it seemed like the perfect usage to make the overhead door with these. Repurposed Wood Here’s the closet I removed… The tongue and groove is quite thin, as far as I know it’s nearly, if not completely impossible to remove without damaging it. Lots of cutting down, running the slats through the table saw. Staining the Overhead Door I need to pick up some more stain, but I’ll use the same stain I used for the main door of the shed. It does have a decent amount of weight to it, so I’m not sure if I’ll take the door back down to stain or leave it in place. Stay tuned for that… Conclusion What started as an open and unsightly overhead storage area in the cabin’s shed was transformed into a functional and visually appealing space. This woodworking project showcased the power of repurposing materials and creative problem-solving. The use of a block and tackle pulley system added a touch of nostalgia, harking back to simpler times. If you’re looking to enhance your cabin space and have some repurposed wood lying around, consider taking on a project like this one. Not only will it breathe new life into a neglected area, but it will also infuse your cabin with rustic charm and character. Happy woodworking, and may your cabin always be a haven of peace and creativity!

Ski-tastic Deck Balusters: A Unique Twist for Your Mountain Cabin Deck on a Budget

Projects, The Cabin /
snow ski upcycling for deck balusters.

When you’re decking out your mountain cabin, it’s natural to want something that captures the essence of the outdoors and your adventurous spirit. If you’re looking for an unconventional and cost-effective way to make your deck stand out, consider using snow skis as deck balusters. This creative approach combines rustic aesthetics with a touch of adventure without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of repurposing snow skis as deck balusters and explain how this option can save you money compared to traditional balusters. Enclosing Our Deck My wife wanted to fully enclose the deck at our cabin so that we could have our dogs there too without worry of them running off. The previous owner built a large, 900sf deck, but it wasn’t fully enclosed. With how expensive wood has gotten, I chose to go with a more creative approach by upcycling old snow skis that might wife picked up. We were able to get some of the skis for free at our neighborhood “free” day where neighbors put items they no longer want at the end of the driveway. She also found several pairs at Goodwill for only $1-2 when they had the clearance sales. Why Snow Skis? Using snow skis as deck balusters is a brilliant idea that brings a touch of winter magic to your mountain cabin year-round. Here’s why this approach is not only unique but also budget-friendly: Materials and Tools Needed Before you get started, gather the following materials and tools: Installation Steps Follow these installation steps for your budget-friendly ski balusters: Conclusion Repurposing snow skis as deck balusters is not only a unique design choice but also a budget-friendly one. At the current price of cedar 2x2s, choosing used skis that were free or only $1-2 per pair is a much cheaper option that allows you to achieve a stunning deck makeover without breaking the bank. So, embrace the charm of ski-tastic deck balusters, save some money, and enjoy the outdoors in style!

Fence for Life – Concrete Fencing Review

Reviews /
fence for life concrete fence review

Concrete Fencing – Product Review At our previous house we had a wood fence that despite being stained every couple years was noticeably weathered. I had to replace two posts, repair the gate a couple times (mostly from sagging issues), and also straighten multiple posts that began to lean.  I remember when we had the house built and a fence was including the build.  The building inspector mentioned that the fence would probably last 5 years or so, we managed to double that. However, if I had to guess, it probably didn’t have too much longer to go. Our Needs for a Fence Keeping Our Dog Contained Needing to keep our dog from running off, we were looking to have a fence installed when we moved.  I was looking for something would be long lasting and very limited on maintenance.  Atop the wish list was something that would not rot, rust, and would not need tons of maintenance.  Cost was also a major factor. I was also concerned about the durability of plastic fences that were available, both structurally and against UV discoloration. Low Maintenance, Long Lasting While I was searching for options, I came across Fence for Life who serves Western Washington.  They mentioned the downside to metal or wood fences on their website and the advantages their fences offered with the motto “do it once for life”.  Their fences are pre-casted from a reinforced concrete with several different styles and height options available, even the posts are made from concrete that is reinforced with rebar. Posts are often times the first failure of traditional wood post fencing.  Therefor, seeing they offered concrete posts certainly was intriguing.  These fences are advertised as maintenance free and are supposed to withstand 85mph winds, but you may need to give them a pressure wash every couple years.  My only real concern at this point is if the ground gets too wet and if that causes the posts to lean.  The posts are 2-3 feet in the ground, so hopefully everything holds up. Installing a Concrete Fence While Fence for Life does sell the panels and posts for owner-installation, this wasn’t a project I had any desire to take on. We had zero hesitation having them do the installation. Just two crew members, they were able to install the entire fence in just 3 days. They showed up with their flat bed truck and just enough posts and panels to keep them busy for the entire day. On day 2, they arrived with another batch of panels and posts. For day 3, it was a small remaining batch and they finished up in the early afternoon. Some photos of our concrete fencing installation: The inward facing side of the fence panels do not have a decorative pattern like the outward facing, rather they are just flat.  Having the pattern on both sides would certainly have improved the overall aesthetics, but it is what it is. I imagine other companies may have their fences patterned on both sides. This view shows how the 3.5 panels were stacked and slid inside the post slots. Installing a Concrete Fence On a Slope (or Any Fence) Our backyard gradually slopes down and major excavation was never a consideration, so the majority of our concrete fencing gradually descends in a bit of a staggered manner. Bringing in an insane amount of fill really wasn’t an option. How Much Does Concrete Fencing Cost? When we first purchased our fencing, the price was surprisingly comparable to traditional cedar wood picket fencing. If we went with a cedar fencing and decided to stain it ourselves, the cost likely would have been greater than the precast concrete fence. Inflation has definitely caused prices to go up for several materials including lumber and concrete. It’s best to check current pricing in your area. Concrete fence pricing will certainly vary by location as well, but I would recommend getting a couple of quotes for more traditional fencing to do a direct comparison for your area and exact needs. Concrete Fence Review Updates Quick April 2020 Update – Living in Western Washington we get a lot of green algae build up outside.  I thought for sure we’d experience this on our fence, especially on the north side, but no signs yet! August 2023 Update: We do have some discoloration and some of the green algae finally starting to appear on some northern facing sections. The dark discolorations seem to be mostly at the top. I’ll have to get the pressure washer out and see how it handles the darker areas and the algae, but other than that, no issues whatsoever. Summary We’ve had ours installed since just May 2015 now, so far so good.  Certainly pleased with how everything has held up and so far as been completely maintenance free. I’ll probably have to do some pressure washing at least on some of the north facing panels. Check out the custom pedestrian gate I built: https://fabville.com/custom-diy-steel-gates-the-52%e2%80%b3-four-foot-gate

DIY Foosball Revival: Upcycling an Old Foosball Table with Solid Wood Craftsmanship!

Projects /
custom diy foosball table from upcycling an old and neglected foosball table with inspirational concept renderings

Here’s an upcoming project we’ll be working on, a DIY foosball table with some recycled parts. I was dropping off my daughter to a birthday party at a friend’s house and along the way we saw an old, broken down foosball table someone had put at the end of their driveway with a “free” sign. When I asked my daughter if she wanted to take a closer look at it, there was no hesitation. With the cheap particle board construction that was already damaged, we immediately had visions of building a new structure out of solid wood. While it will be several more weeks before we start looking at building this, here’s some inspiration I generated using MidJourney: AI Generated Foosball Table Renderings MidJourney didn’t always place handles or get the playfield in the right orientation, but I think it’s still a great tool to generate some ideas. I won’t have anywhere near the time, money, tools, or skills to build anything near these, but it can prompt some ideas. Solid Wood Foosball Table Renderings Futuristic Foosball Table Designs Here’s a couple more designs I made with a futuristic concept. Acrylic sign panels could be an interesting way to go… The Build It will be a several more weeks before we start the build, but we’ll add more to this post once we do!

SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer: Streamlined Storage Solution for Adventurers

Trailers /
sylvansport mr stow-it-all

The SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer is a versatile and innovative storage solution designed specifically for the SylvanSport GO. With its durable construction, ample storage space, and thoughtful design features, this hanging organizer aims to streamline the packing process and keep your gear organized during your travels. In this review, we’ll delve into the features and benefits of the SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your outdoor adventures. Mr. Stow-it-All Design and Construction The SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer is built with durability in mind. Made from rugged nylon fabric, it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers add to its overall durability, ensuring that it will last for years of rugged adventures. The organizer features multiple compartments that allow you to easily store and access your belongings. While it’s designed to hang on the back wall of the GO, you could also use the included carabiner clips to hang it in a variety of locations, such as inside a tent, RV, or even on a tree branch. Storage Capacity One of the standout features of the SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer is its generous storage capacity. The multiple pockets and compartments provide ample space to store a wide range of gear, from clothes and toiletries to camping essentials and electronics. The various-sized compartments allow for efficient organization, enabling you to easily separate and locate your belongings. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend camping trip or a long-term adventure, this hanging organizer ensures that you have enough space to pack everything you need without compromising on organization. Versatility and Accessibility The SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer excels in its versatility and accessibility. It can be used to store books or maps to read, water bottles, flashlights, books, cooking gear, hiking equipment, or several other items. The thoughtful design features pockets and velcro closures, making it easy to see and access your items quickly. Portability When it comes to portability, the SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer can be rolled up and stored in the storage pod of your trailer. You could also easily store it in your vehicle. Durability The SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer is well-build to last several years. The high-quality nylon fabric and reinforced stitching contribute to its overall durability. We got ours used with our GO trailer, and it has still held up over the years with no issues. SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Price The MR STOW-IT-ALL organizer currently has an MRSP of $159.95.You can purchase the SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL directly on SylvanSport’s product page. Conclusion The SylvanSport MR STOW-IT-ALL Hanging Organizer has a durable construction, ample storage capacity, and thoughtful design features make it a valuable asset on any adventure. While we’ve typically used ours only for multi-night stays, this organizer ensures that your gear stays organized and easily accessible. If you’re looking for a storage solution while camping with your GO, the MR STOW-IT-ALL is certainly worth considering.