Thanks for stopping by Ben’s Backyard Shop.

I’ll be honest right up front — I’m much better with wood and tools than I am with websites. This page might not be fancy, but everything I build in the shop is made with care.

I’ve been working with wood since I was a teenager. I learned the basics from my dad, mostly by hanging around while he worked on small projects for the house. Some of my favorite memories are from those days — the smell of sawdust, the sound of tools running, and watching something come together piece by piece.

As I got older, I started to notice how different handmade furniture felt compared to what you buy in stores. The stuff we had at home, the things my dad built, just lasted longer. They were solid. No shortcuts. He believed if you were going to build something, it should be built to last.

When my dad passed away, I ended up with many of his old tools. A lot of them are still in use today. They’re worn, a little rough around the edges, but they still get the job done. Using them reminds me why I started woodworking in the first place.

These days, most of what I build is for family, friends, and people who enjoy making things with their own hands. I also really enjoy helping others learn. Woodworking isn’t just about projects — it’s about patience, problem-solving, and taking pride in what you create.

Thanks again for being here. If you ever want to reach out, ask a question, or just talk woodworking, feel free. I’m always happy to connect.

— Ben Harper