Mended Oak Scale
What is the Mended Oak Scale?
For the DIY home builder, choosing the right plan isn't just about the aesthetics—it’s about the build. We developed the Mended Oak Difficulty Scale to ensure you select a project that matches your current skill level while keeping your build safe and successful.
The Inspiration
The idea for the scale came from watching a father build a home alongside his children, ranging from 7 to 15 years old. They were all DIY builders, but the tasks were divided by capability. The Mended Oak Scale reflects that same logic: matching the right person to the right task.
How the Scale Works
The scale ranges from 1 (Beginner) to 10 (Advanced/Professional).
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Level 1: If you can drive a nail, cut a straight line with a saw, and read a tape measure, you can handle a Level 1.
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Level 5: Ideal for those who know how to frame a wall or operate a nail gun (our Sampson plans are perfect here).
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Level 10: These projects involve complex structural elements like shear walls, setting heavy beams, and garage door installation. At this level, you should have significant experience or a professional on standby.
A Note on Safety: Many online videos gloss over the hard parts. Our scale accounts for the tricky, high-stakes tasks that require extra care and precision.
Plan Difficulty Breakdown
Use the table below to find the model that fits your experience level.
| Model | Difficulty Rating | Skill Level |
| The Sturdy Dog House | 1 | Total Beginner |
| Isaac’s Garage | 3 | Aspiring DIYer |
| Isaac’s Mesquite | 4 | Comfortable with Tools |
| Dotty’s Myrtle | 5 | Intermediate |
| Sampson’s Dogwood | 5 | Intermediate |
| Sampson’s Sweet Gum | 6 | Competent Builder |
| Jordan’s Sycamore | 7 | Advanced DIY |
| Lindsay’s Live Oak | 7 | Advanced DIY |
| Ron’s Sable Palm | 7 | Advanced DIY |
| Lindsay’s Laurel Oak | 8 | Highly Experienced |
| Duncan’s Elm | 8 | Highly Experienced |
| Ron’s Plum | 8 | Highly Experienced |
| Duncan’s Douglas Fir | 9 | Expert / Professional |
Ready to start your build? If you’ve never picked up a hammer, we recommend starting with the Sturdy Dog House or Isaac’s Garage to build your confidence before moving on to our larger models.