In DIY Diaries, real DIYers share the projects they’re most proud of. They walk through the whole process—from planning and setbacks to the moment they step back and admire the finished work. These candid accounts reveal practical tips and honest lessons that will help you tackle your next build with confidence.
This installment of DIY Diaries is extra special because the subject is my dad, Ed Wright. I’ve been his DIY helper since I was a toddler—literally. I was barely two when he had me handing him drywall during a remodel. One of my earliest memories is helping him build a backyard swing set.
Ed’s introduction to hands-on problem solving came from his father, who developed arthritis early in life. Even though he knew how to repair and build almost anything, his hands couldn’t always do the work. Ed and his brother became his father’s “hands,” spending weekends listening and following instructions for each repair. Those lessons taught Ed that setbacks aren’t insurmountable and that a calm, methodical approach solves most problems.
Over the years Ed tackled projects of every scale around the house. He even joined the set design team during my high school musicals. Since he married Jan, the two of them have become a hardworking DIY pair. They collect ideas on their travels and, when Jan spots something she likes, the first question is always: “Can we make that at home?” Jan’s eye for design and Ed’s skill at building make them a great team.
The Project Stages
The pallet bar began after Ed and Jan re-landscaped part of their yard following a sewer line repair. When the pavers arrived, the pallets were in surprisingly good shape. Jan had seen a pallet bar on Pinterest and suggested they try making one. They also wanted to personalize it with Ed’s collection of license plates—each plate holds a memory from a trip or a friend’s visit—so decorating the bar’s front with plates became part of the plan.
How long did it take to build this pallet bar?
The project took about two to three weekends. They began by measuring and deciding on dimensions: the pallets combined to eight feet, but they wanted a ten-foot bar top. A local independent lumberyard supplied pine boards that they stained a rich dark color and sealed with polyurethane for durability.
Ed built the bar top, taking care to place screws so they’d be hidden from the front. After assembling the pallets and attaching legs, they mounted the top and installed the license plates. Since finishing the core build, they’ve added features as inspiration struck: LED lighting under the counter, a mounted bottle opener, and a bottle-cap catcher are current upgrades. More improvements may come as they continue to refine the piece.
Were there any setbacks you had to overcome?
The bar sits on a slope, so the top would flex when leaned on. Rather than re-level the yard, Ed reinforced the structure with black iron pipes. He cut the pipes at different lengths to accommodate the uneven ground, which made the top solid and comfortably leanable.
What’s one aspect of this project that intimidated you until you tried it?
Ed found staining and sealing intimidating because he isn’t confident with painting. Jan took the lead on the finishing work, and the result paid off—the top looks clean and weather-resistant.
Did you use any budgeting hacks?
Cost-saving was a priority. They reused the pallets, used leftover 4×4 pressure-treated lumber for legs, and incorporated materials they already had on hand whenever possible. These choices kept the project affordable and sustainable.
What part of this project made you feel most proud or accomplished?
Ed is most proud of getting the top perfectly level and solid. Making it sturdy enough to handle people leaning on it and fitting it into the intended spot was the biggest challenge—and the biggest satisfaction when it was finished.
If you could have a do-over, what would you change?
In hindsight, Ed would have used leftover decking boards they already had for the bar top instead of buying new lumber. If they’d prioritized the decking project first, they could have saved money and repurposed that material for the bar top.
Advice for Aspiring DIYers
Ed recommends checking local store workshops, finding trustworthy online resources, and learning from friends who know their way around tools. His own skills grew from hands-on learning with his dad, who taught him to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. He also absorbed practical safety habits from neighbors: measure twice, cut once, and be aware of where your hands are relative to the blade.
What’s one essential piece of advice you’d give someone before they start a similar project?
Start with a smaller project so you don’t get overwhelmed. If you do hit a roadblock, remember there are many ways to build something—adapt plans to your materials and space, and make the project your own.
What’s next?
Ed and Jan enjoy finding projects that let them add tools to their collection. They’re planning built-in seating for their dining room to better fit a taller table that honors their late son. Instead of buying new furniture or altering the table, they’re considering making custom seating to match—another example of their collaborative approach: Jan’s design sense and Ed’s build skills complement each other perfectly.
Do you have a project you’d like featured on Family Handyman? Email us your experience at [email protected].