Looking for an easy DIY project to knock out this summer? We’ve got some great ideas that can help you spruce up your home — from a little library or a birdhouse to a sturdy hose reel. One thing all these projects have in common is the fact that they use our E-Z products — the E-Z Spike™, E-Z Mender™, and E-Z Base™. These products were designed to help make it quick and easy for anyone to install or repair wood posts. You can also read more about each of these products and how to install them with our EZ flyer. Learn more below about how our E-Z products can help you build these any number of cool, simple DIY projects.
DIY Little Library
If you’re an avid reader who wants to share your passion for books with your neighbors, our Little Library might be the perfect DIY for you. This fun project not only adds curb appeal to your house, but also invites neighbors to form a community for book sharing. The project utilizes our E-Z Base™ fence post base, which simplifies the installation of 4×4 wood posts on existing concrete surfaces. The E-Z Base also features a sleek black powder-coated finish, making it a stylish addition to any little library.
To install the E-Z Base, simply attach it to the concrete using suitable 1/2″-diameter anchors (screws and anchors not supplied). You can refer to the Simpson Strong-Tie® Anchoring and Fastening Systems for Concrete and Masonry catalog or visit strongtie.com to explore your anchoring options. Once the base is securely anchored to the concrete, you can fasten your 4×4 post in place using Simpson Strong-Tie® 1/4″ SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws or #10 x 1 1/2″ Strong-Drive SD Connector screws. With these easy-to-follow instructions and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to building your very own little library!
DIY Birdhouse
If you’re a bird enthusiast or simply want to attract more feathered friends to your backyard, we have the perfect project for you. Our birdhouse project is an easy DIY project that’s quick to build with the help of our E-Z Spike™ and doesn’t require any tree climbing.
The E-Z Spike is a post base spike that simplifies the installation of 4×4 wood posts without the need for digging holes or pouring concrete. It’s versatile enough to be used for a variety of applications where quick-to-install posts are required. When installing the E-Z Spike, it’s recommended that it be driven 29″ into the ground for full penetration. Use a short block to drive the spike base into the ground, making sure that the block is smaller than the actual post. To ensure the best results, turn the block every few strikes and take care to install the spike base plumb. If you have one, placing a small washer or bearing plate underneath the wood block helps keep it from splitting.
Once the E-Z Spike is securely installed, you can attach your 4×4 post to it using 1/4″ Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws or #10 x 1 1/2″ Strong-Drive SD Connector screws. If you prefer, you can also use a 1/2″-diameter HDG bolt instead of screws. With these easy-to-follow instructions and the right tools, you’ll soon be attracting all kinds of beautiful birds to your backyard.
DIY Hose Reel
Tired of dealing with a tangled and muddy hose in your backyard? It’s time to build a hose reel that will keep your hose organized and easy to use. This sturdy, modern hose reel is built with our Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware, which adds both beauty and strength to your projects. With the help of our E-Z Spike™, you can easily install the hose reel and be sure it will remain secure for years to come.
DIY Freestanding Mailbox
Enhance your curb appeal without breaking the bank. Think about adding a freestanding mailbox to your house. There are many different styles available, so you can choose one that matches the aesthetics of your home, and it will make getting mail convenient and secure. Our EZ- Spike makes reinforcing posts simple and easy.
DIY Fence repair
If you’re looking for an affordable solution to fix a damaged fence post, then the E-Z Mender™ is your go-to tool. Why spend the time and money it takes to replace the entire fence post when you can reinforce it with ease? This handy bracket is specifically designed to repair rotted or damaged 4×4 wood fence posts that are installed in concrete or dirt. It reinforces weakened wood posts without requiring post or concrete replacement.
The installation process may differ depending on whether your fence is situated in dirt or concrete. Either way, our E-Z Mender bracket simplifies the repair process, and you can easily reinforce your fence post without the need for specialized tools. So save your wallet and fix your fence with the E-Z Mender.
Whether you’re a book lover, a bird enthusiast, or simply looking to wrap your garden hose or repair a damaged fence, our E-Z products can help make your DIY projects a breeze.
Watch our video below to learn more about our EZ Family – designed to help make repairing and reinforcing posts easy and economical.