Looking to add some festive cheer to your front yard this holiday season? Scott from Scott Saws on Skates has created an adorable gingerbread house yard decoration using scrap pieces of plywood. This project is not only budget-friendly but also a fun way to get into the holiday spirit!
Materials and Tools Needed
- Scrap plywood (T1-11 siding)
- Pocket hole screws
- Brad nailer or hammer and nails
- Circular saw
- Kreg Straightedge Guide
- Kreg Rip-Cut
- Sliding miter saw (or jigsaw)
- Trim router with a roundover bit (or sandpaper)
- Paint (brown and white)
- Drill press and hole saw (for peppermint discs)
- Stipple brush
- Old pallet (for mounting)
- Scrap wood (for spacers and supports)
Step 1: Designing the Gingerbread House
Scott started by sketching out a design for a nearly 5-foot tall gingerbread house using a software called SketchUp. The goal was to create a charming display that could be the centerpiece of the holiday decorations at the local Historical Society’s gazebo.
Step 2: Preparing the Wood
Instead of purchasing new wood, Scott decided to use some T1-11 plywood he had lying around. He ripped the plywood into strips the same width as standard pine boards, giving the house a rustic look. To ensure square edges, a circular saw and Kreg Straightedge Guide were used.
Step 3: Cutting the Pieces
The next step involved cutting the boards to length using a sliding miter saw. If a sliding miter saw isn’t available, a jigsaw or circular saw can be utilized instead. Scott then used a trim router to round the edges of the boards, making them appear more polished.
Step 4: Assembling the House
To assemble the gingerbread house, Scott laid down a scrap piece of wood along the bottom for alignment. He cut spacers from scrap wood to fit between the house sections, ensuring stability. Most parts were attached using a brad nailer, but a hammer and nails could also be used.
Step 5: Adding Trim and Painting
Using a compass, Scott marked rounded ends for the trim pieces. If a compass is unavailable, a paint can or dinner plate can be traced for the rounded shape. Before attaching the trim, he painted the house using leftover paint in a brown color called “root beer” and white ceiling paint.
Step 6: Creating Peppermint Discs
For the peppermint candies, Scott used a drill press and hole saw to create discs from scrap wood. After painting them white, he used a template and a stipple brush to transfer the design onto the discs.
Step 7: Mounting the Gingerbread House
Since the gingerbread house couldn’t be fastened directly to the gazebo’s floor, Scott secured it to an old pallet with screws. This method can also be adapted for yard displays by using metal fence posts or other sturdy supports.
Final Thoughts
This charming gingerbread house is a delightful addition to any holiday display. Made from scrap wood and painted in festive colors, it is sure to catch the attention of neighbors and passersby. For more detailed plans and tips, check out Scott’s website.
