Category: Member Projects

Jon, one of our volunteers an a tool library member, recently set out to solve a common household problem: too much clutter and not enough storage. Jon’s goal was to build a custom set of drawers that would maximize available space and help keep their home organized. The search for a ready-made solution quickly proved…

When Haley purchased her first home this month, she knew exactly what had to go before moving day: the stained, smelly carpet that covered much of the house. After gathering quotes for new flooring installation, it quickly became clear that hiring the job out wasn’t in the budget. Instead, Haley decided to tackle the project…

When Becky realized her guest bedroom needed a better place for coats, robes, and bags, she saw an opportunity to make something both useful and beautifully in tune with her home. The walls and ceiling in the room are finished with rough-cut white and red oak harvested right from the property, and the goal was…

When Austin bought a 1967 split-level in Charlottesville, he knew right away that the kitchen needed serious love. As a passionate home cook, he saw the kitchen as the heart of the house, and decided to take on a full remodel to make it work better for everyday life. While the tile floor and countertops…

There’s something especially meaningful about a first woodworking project, and this one came with a pretty wonderful bonus: family memories built right alongside the furniture. One of our members set out to build a simple floor bed to help their preschooler transition out of a crib. With help from the Cville Tool Library’s miter saw,…

Fences do more than mark a boundary. They define a space, add privacy, and pull a yard together. One of our most active members, Matt, recently installed a sleek black aluminum fence in their backyard, and thanks to the Cville Tool Library, he was able to take on the entire project without purchasing a single…

Some projects are extra special because they’re made for someone you love. Jon, one of our members, recently created a vibrant, ammonite-shaped wooden puzzle for their baby nephew. It’s a 24-piece keepsake that’s as delightful as it is unique. But as any woodworker knows, 90% of every project is sanding, and this one was no…

Not every DIY project has to be complicated to feel meaningful. One of our members recently took on a simple but satisfying upgrade: giving their fabric headboard a fresh new look. Whether or not it counts as “true reupholstery,” the result was beautiful—and the process was empowering. The entire project came together with just one…