How to write a great project page
The best projects on DIY Outdoor Builds are the ones someone else could build from. Here is what makes the difference.
Photos
- Start with a clear photo of the finished project in daylight.
- Add progress photos: the base, the frame, details of joints and fixings.
- Only use photos you took yourself (or have permission to use). Avoid faces of other people and house numbers.
Title and summary
Say what it is, then what makes it special: “Cedar greenhouse from reclaimed windows, 8×10 ft” tells a reader far more than “My greenhouse”.
Description
Explain why you built it, how it is designed and how it has held up. Honest notes about what went wrong are often the most useful part.
Materials, dimensions and cost
List materials with amounts and sizes, one per line. Give the main dimensions and roughly what you spent. These facts are what people compare between projects.
Steps
Break the build into steps with a short title each. Mention measurements, the order of work and anything to watch out for.
Plans
If you drew plans or a cut list, upload them as PDF (or DXF/SketchUp/STL). Only upload plans you made yourself or that you are allowed to share; bought plans usually may not be shared.
Safety
Point out the risky parts. Do not publish instructions for electrical, gas or structural work that should be done by a professional where you live.
What happens after you publish
Most projects go live immediately. Some, for example a builder's first project, are checked by a moderator first, usually within a day. Projects with more detail are shown more prominently and can appear in search engines; a checklist in the editor shows what is missing.