Step 3: Cut the hole

Cut the hole
Photo: Ask This Old House TV
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Measure across the MDF panel, and mark it slightly off-center, closer to one end. Using a drill/driver fitted with a 4-inch hole saw, start making a hole at this mark. Once the bit has poked through, flip the panel over and finish the cut from the other side. This will keep the MDF from splintering.
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    Tools List

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    • miterbox with saw
      Miter box with backsaw
    • drill
      Drill/driver fitted with 4-inch and 2¾-inch hole saws
    • hand clamps
      Spring clamps
    • drop cloth
      Plastic drop cloth
    • utility knife
      Utility knife
    • framing square
      Framing square
    • hacksaw
      Hacksaw

    Shopping List

    Close
    One 2x4-foot sheet of ¾-inch medium-density fiberboard
    (MDF)

    Five deck balusters

    Wood glue

    Cyanoacrylate glue
    (aka Krazy Glue)

    1½ yards of 72—inch—wide green felt

    Spray adhesive

    3-inch PVC pipe fitting
    (coupling, cap, or adapter)Five composite wood balusters
    (such as Trex)

    Outdoor welcome mat
    or artificial turf

    Two 5-gallon buckets

    Duct tape

    Three 2-inch PVC elbows

    Flexible plastic sign

    Note: Materials list is for a single panel. The course shown is made up of four panels.