PVC Pipe Garage Storage →
$15 vs $80+ retailWall-mounted storage for bikes, tools, hoses. Holds 100+ lbs, completely customizable.
Materials Needed
- 2" PVC pipe (10ft)
- PVC elbows & tees (8-10)
- Wood screws & anchors
Smart Solutions, Stupid Cheap
Real solutions to real problems. Each project includes materials list, where to buy, and video tutorial.
Featured Projects
Motion-Sensing Stair Lights →
$22 vs $150+ retailLED strip + PIR sensor. Lights up when you walk by, turns off automatically.
Materials Needed
- 12V LED strip (5m)
- PIR motion sensor
- 12V power adapter
DIY Air Purifier (Corsi-Rosenthal) →
$65 vs $300+ retailBox fan + MERV-13 filters. Proven design, cleans air better than expensive HEPA units.
Materials Needed
- 20" box fan
- MERV-13 filters 20x20 (4)
- Duct tape or cardboard
French Cleat Tool Wall →
$30 vs $200+ retailPlywood ripped at 45 degrees. Modular system - move any tool holder anywhere.
Materials Needed
- 3/4" plywood sheet
- Wood screws (2.5")
- Wall anchors
WiFi Garage Door Controller →
$15 vs $80+ retailESP8266 + relay. Control and monitor your garage from phone. Works with any opener.
Materials Needed
- ESP8266 NodeMCU board
- 5V relay module
- Magnetic door sensor
Cyclone Dust Separator →
$35 vs $200+ retailBucket + shop vac + cyclone lid. Catches 99% of sawdust before it hits vacuum filter.
Materials Needed
- Cyclone separator lid
- 5-gallon bucket
- Shop vac hose adapter
Rain Barrel System →
$40 vs $120+ retail55-gallon food drum + spigot. Collect rainwater for garden. Pays for itself in one season.
Materials Needed
- 55-gal food-grade barrel
- Brass spigot
- Downspout diverter
Hidden Bookshelf Door →
$60 vs $400+ retailIKEA Billy + heavy hinges. Secret room door that looks like regular bookshelf.
Materials Needed
- IKEA Billy bookshelf
- Heavy-duty door hinges
- Barrel bolt latch
DIY Acoustic Panels →
$15/panel vs $50+ retailRockwool + wood frame + fabric. Studio-quality sound absorption for home office.
Materials Needed
- Rockwool Safe'n'Sound
- 1x4 lumber (per panel)
- Fabric (breathable)
LED Under-Cabinet Lights →
$20 vs $80+ retailLED strip + aluminum channel + dimmer. Professional look, stick-on install.
Materials Needed
- Warm white LED strip
- Aluminum LED channel
- Touch dimmer switch
Magnetic Knife Rack →
$15 vs $50+ retailOak strip + rare earth magnets. Stronger than store-bought, custom length.
Materials Needed
- Oak board (1x3)
- Neodymium magnets (10)
- Wood stain/finish
Concrete Fire Pit →
$55 vs $300+ retailTree ring blocks + steel ring. Permanent, safe fire pit. No mortar needed.
Materials Needed
- Concrete tree rings (12)
- Steel fire ring insert
- Pea gravel (bag)
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Why Build It Yourself?
Save 70-80%
Materials from hardware stores. Real savings, not marketing.
Better Quality
You choose materials. Built to last decades, not break after warranty.
Custom Fit
Exact size you need. Commercial products never fit anyway.
Video Tutorials
Every project links to a YouTube build. Watch before you start.