The Build Library
Every project here happened in my house, with my tools, on my weekends — from the hidden bookcase door to whatever is clamped to the bench right now.
The Secret Basement
The chapter that started the legend: a hidden bookcase door, a speakeasy arcade bar behind it, and every build that made the room work.
DIY Hidden Bookcase Door
The signature build: a secret door that looks like a normal bookcase.
Finishing the Hidden Door (The Back Side)
The Mullet Door: business in the front, party in the back — trim, paint, and the details nobody sees coming.
DIY Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar
What is behind the bookcase: a full speakeasy and arcade built for a fraction of the quoted cost.
Build a Bar in a Basement: 5 Steps
The bar build itself — framing, top, rail, and finish in five honest steps.
Spalted Maple Basement Bar Top
The spalted maple slab that became the speakeasy bar top.
Corrugated Metal Basement Ceiling
The cheap, rustic ceiling that sets the speakeasy mood — under $100.
Painting a Concrete Basement Floor
The floor under the arcade: prep, paint, and what held up.
Virtual Pinball: Build or Buy?
The arcade centerpiece decision — everything learned putting a cabinet in the speakeasy.
Catsman Classics
The builds behind the name — projects made for (and supervised by) the cats.
Windowsill Shelf for Cats, Kids & Plants
The breakfast bar for cats that started the whole cat-projects thread.
Picket Fence with a Cat Door (Purrrr)
A picket fence with a cat-face entrance, built for the original catio.
Hand-Hewn Barn Beam Mantel (Meow Meow)
The reclaimed beam above the speakeasy fireplace.
House & Yard
Weekend-scale builds and transformations all over the property.
Platform Deck Over a Concrete Slab
The backyard deck build — and the architectural blueprint for the secret-tunnel catio.
Small Backyard Transformation
The full yard plan the deck belongs to: zones, paths, and planting.
Easy DIY Floating Shelves
Modern, sturdy floating shelves — the beginner-friendly version.
DIY Picture Frame Molding
Elegant walls with a saw, a brad nailer, and a free afternoon.
Giant Outdoor Wooden Christmas Tree
The oversized yard tree the neighborhood asks about every December.
Barn Beam Light Fixture
The matching light fixture cut from the same reclaimed beam as the mantel.
Simple Wood Record Holder
A quick scrap-wood build for the vinyl collection.
Weathered Wood, the Easy Way
Make new lumber look like it has stories to tell.
Budget Closet Makeover (Gardener’s Edition)
A $100 closet rebuilt around seed trays and garden gear.
Coming to the Bench
Teased in earlier builds, currently in progress in the shop.
The Cedar Cat Tree
A custom cat tree designed and cut from a downed local cedar — bark to branches.
Build log coming — watch this space
Useful Amazon Finds
Reusable Project Supplies
A compact starter kit for the kind of builds collected here: cutting, fastening, sanding, cleaning, and finishing.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- - Budget for extra bits and batteries if this becomes a daily tool.
- - Impact drivers are helpful, but pre-drilling still prevents splitting.
- - Check stand, dust hose, and storage footprint before buying.
- - A fine-tooth blade is usually a separate purchase.
- - Check clamp and screw compatibility.
- - Practice on scrap before drilling visible face-frame parts.
- - Use the right filter for fine dust.
- - Not a substitute for laser fume extraction.
- - Confirm your sander uses 5-inch hook-and-loop discs.
- - Work through grits instead of jumping straight to fine.
- - Match sheen and formulation to your project.
- - Test on scrap before coating visible work.