When we first showed the duplex backyard makeovers last month, I promised a full tutorial on how we created the decorative oars that now hang on each shed. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to how we made them outdoor-ready, plus a few lessons learned and helpful tips so you don’t make our mistakes.
The oars were not in our original plan. We actually decided not to run electricity to the sheds—mostly to save money and because they didn’t really need it. That left an empty space above the door that felt like it needed a decorative focal point.
After spotting a surfboard at HomeGoods, which inspired the idea, we decided oars were a better fit for Cape Charles—where kayaking and paddle boarding are far more common than surfing. I checked Etsy for ready-made options, but many were more expensive than we wanted to spend. We didn’t want to pay $350+ for four decorative oars.
We almost gave up, but then found two decorative oars at HomeGoods for $25 each. They weren’t the colors we wanted, but paint can fix that. We tested the size and shape in place before committing, since painting would prevent returns.
A second trip to HomeGoods yielded two more, so we had four oars for just over $100. They looked mismatched together at first, so I decided to sand them down to raw wood to create a cohesive base.
Sanding took effort but produced great results. I used an orbital sander to speed the process and get a smooth, even surface. After sanding, I stained the oars to harmonize their tones—experimenting with leftover stain cans in the garage until the wood matched well.
Before painting, I photographed the oars together and mock‑up several stripe and shape options digitally. This step helped refine the color layout and saved time and paint. We drew color inspiration from elements already used in the duplex—mint green shutters, white siding, and the muted pink and green on interior doors—so the oars would feel like a cohesive part of the property.
Next I taped the designs using painter’s tape, leaving strips of exposed wood where we wanted the natural grain to show. I primed each taped area, then painted the color blocks. For best outdoor durability, use exterior-grade paint. Colors can appear washed out in sunlight, so choosing a slightly richer shade than you would for interior paint is a good idea.
Everything was drying fine and the painted lines looked crisp when I reached the final step: sealing for outdoor protection. This is where we ran into trouble—and where you can learn from our experience.
I applied an exterior oil‑based polyurethane to protect the wood. Oil-based sealers tend to yellow slightly over time, and on these rounded oars the sealer pooled in some areas as it dried, creating brownish‑yellow streaks and dots that dulled the painted colors.
From a distance the effect was subtle, but I wanted the clean, vibrant look we’d planned. So I sanded the affected areas, re-taped, and repainted all four oars. In hindsight the smarter approach would have been to seal the raw wood first (both sides) and then paint the color details on top. Because we used exterior paints for the color, those areas didn’t actually require a separate sealer; only the bare wood needed protection.
After the repaint everything looked fresh again. Hanging the oars was straightforward: predrill a small hole through the oar, then drive a 3″ exterior screw through the oar and siding into a stud. Avoid screwing through painted sections when possible so the fastener blends better with the wood tone.
You can use this same process—sanding, staining, sealing (on raw wood), priming, painting, and mounting—for other outdoor wood projects such as surfboards, signs, or decorative panels. Just remember: if you plan to expose painted wood to the elements, use exterior paints and seal any bare wood before adding color. Also, adding string lights around your outdoor display can improve the ambiance and showcase your work at night.
We love how the finished oars look on the sheds. They tie into the duplex palette and add a simple, beachy touch that’s durable and welcoming. If you follow the steps above—and remember to seal raw wood before painting—you should be able to create attractive, long-lasting decorative oars for your own outdoor space.
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