Outdoor Project - Making the Most of It, Part 1 — By Guest Dad John Spencer

The four of us, actually five, if you count our big hairy dog, live in an apartment building in the city. We have lived here only a few months, but really enjoy the dynamics of the world around us. We're up on the third floor and our only immediate access to that outside world is a 58 inch by 90 inch balcony right off the kitchen. That's only about 37 square feet. But, it's ours, so we're going to make the most of it.

For this outdoor project, the goal is to make seating with a table and plenty of extra storage. I haven't found anything anywhere that would fit in our space, so the best solution to utilize the entire space will have to be totally custom, and that's right up my alley. I have decided to use the concepts taken from a boats cockpit and create bench seats with storage beneath and a table top that can be easily stowed.

I begin by marking out a footprint of where seating and a table will be to get a feel for the space. I use masking tape just like Les Nessman, the odd newsman on the 80's hit show, WKRP in Cincinnati, did to mark his imaginary office walls. I also take into account the path of the door's swing, and where one may stand as they go in and out. From this, I can get the measurements I will need to construct the storage boxes that will be below the cushioned bench seating and also the table with the hinged top that can fold down.

After I sketch out the designs, it is off to the store to get the materials I need for the first phase of this outdoor project.