Need extra storage space? You might already have it right under your feet! Builders rarely utilize the space under a staircase; it’s much easier to just wall it in than to make custom pullouts. But you can reclaim that wasted space in a couple of weekends. I built three pullouts to store everything from shoes to coats and backpacks. You can customize this design to get just the type of storage space you need.

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If you’ve got a table saw, here’s a new way to put it to work: making cabinet doors. You don’t need any special jigs— just your saw, large or small, a miter gauge and a sharp blade. And you don’t need any specially prepared wood; material from a home center will be fine.

A bench hook minimizes the need for vises or clamps, allows you to make quick cuts and the more sophisticated hooks make quick miters easy. We modified our simple bench so that hooks stop fence is shorter than the platform to help prevent tear-out on your work piece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBYG6OGGqcU

18-gauge brad nailer

If you plan to buy only one trim nailer, this is the size to get. I use mine more than all my others combined. It’s perfect for standard trim, furniture making and odd jobs around the shop. Models that shoot brads up to 1-1/4- in. are common, but I strongly recommend spending a few bucks more for a gun that can handle brads up to 2 in. long. Name-brand 2-in. guns start under $100.

Use nails before screws

I always found it difficult to keep parts aligned when screwing cabinets together. Then I discovered that a couple of shots with my finish nailer or brad nailer will keep the parts aligned while I drill pilot holes and drive screws for strong joints.

Invisible nail holes with a pinner

Pins are tiny and headless, so they’re hard to see even before you fill them. Afterward, nobody but you will know they’re there.

Nail before you clamp

With a coat of slippery glue, parts will slide out of alignment while you’re desperately trying to clamp them. My solution is to tack the parts together with a couple of nails. That keeps the parts aligned while I apply serious pressure with clamps.

No stud? No problem

Studs aren’t always located where we need them. When I need to nail trim where there’s no stud, I dab some construction adhesive on the back of the trim and then drive nails into the drywall at 45-degree angles. That holds the trim tight against the wall while the adhesive cures. This “trap nailing” technique works fine with brad nailers and even better with finish nailers.

Store shoes up off the floor in clean, natural wood racks. This simple storage rack can handle everything from winter boots to summer sandals, with no mud buildup or scuff marks on the wall.

Increase your home's storage space by utilizing every possible nook and cranny, including the back of cabinet and closet doors. With inexpensive materials and basic tools you can easily and quickly make these clever storage boosters.