Community Brag Posts

King Size Farmhouse Bed with Dog Stairs and Storage

Submitted by jkjackson on Sun, 05/30/2021 - 15:21

We have a frosty faced blind girl and an aging tri-pawed that we wanted to be able to continue snuggling with us so we adapted the Farmhouse Bed with Storage to make it a king size. We made the drawer boxes deeper which allowed us to get rid of our dresser to create more space in our room. And we added a flight of stairs for the pups.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes White Wash with Arm R Seal Oil Based Satin Finish top coat. (If you want the white wash to be more white and less amber, use water based.)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Vintage X Back Step Stool End Table

Submitted by naomi on Fri, 06/23/2017 - 06:04

This project is one of my favourites. I loved it so much that I made 6 of them. 

They are extremely easy to make. The plans are super easy to follow.

 

Estimated Cost
$0 This project cost nothing because I used free pallet wood and paint that I already had.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Square Outdoor Table

Submitted by hannant on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 15:10

Inspired by Finn's Dad's table, we decided to copy it since we wanted to build a table that would seat 8 comfortably. The most difficult part of this project was finding clear cedar for the top. It had to be ordered through our local lumber yard and we were not able to match boards. We built the frame out of treated pine and the 4 x 4 legs from average greade cedar found at Lowe's. We finished it with four coats of polyurethane. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300-$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zak Polyruethane marine satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bookcase

Submitted by Cassie1686 on Mon, 04/04/2011 - 11:17

This is my second Ana project.  It matches my apothecary cabinet that I made a few months ago.  I am using this in my living room to nicely store kids shoes.  I still need to get a few bigger baskets for the bottom.  Thanks for looking!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30-$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded, painted with moss green spray paint from Rustoleum (2 coats) and rubbed edges with Minwax Walnut stain that was used on the matching piece to stain the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kentwood Bookshelf

I had a few days a week to work on this project.  I needed to modify them by the following:

Size was 92" H x 47" W x 14" D.  I had two football helmet cases to place on these shelves and they had big cases above the standards shelf size.  The top of the case did not overlap the project.  I cut it to size.  I used Cherry Stain and did not varnish it.  I am not a fan.  One thing I would change is the wood.  I would have paid double for the premium select wood so that I know it is cut straight. 

This was my first project and it didn't turn out bad.  I never used the Kreg, but I think I became a pro after this one.  I would recommend going out and buying all the size pocket screws and have them on hand.  Also, buy the vises that you will need.  Trust me, they will come in handy.  I hate having to drive back to the store for things I should have had. 

Overall, I paid about 240 for the wood.  Since I only had the Kreg and no screws, I ended up shelling out a lot of money for the big buckets of screws and vises.  Total for the both came out to about 350, from wood stack to finish.  I would have paid more for one smaller piece at a store. 

Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry Stain. Did not use any finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Shanty2Chic Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser

Submitted by gusnoll on Wed, 08/07/2013 - 21:47

I modified Whitney's (Shanty2Chic) Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser slightly because I didn't want to have mine on wheels. Other than that, I basically followed her plans and advice! I used Maple plywood with poplar boards. With a dark stain they are a good match. I did use 3/4 maple plywood for the dresser drawers instead of 1x8" boards to save money. My wife is happy and my boys love their new dresser--that's all that matters!

Thanks, Anna, for this great site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
3 coats of Early American Stain & 2 coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Adam Colburn

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 06:07

Really love how this came out! How big are those legs? I'm thinking of copying this design for my new place!

In reply to by Adam Colburn

gusnoll

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 20:23

Thanks, Adam. The legs are 3x3 poplar you can get a piece at lowes or home depot (can't remember which) but they are actually 3 1x3s glued together but you'd never know it. Anyways, they are 3 1/2" tall and I put an additional piece of my 2x2s underneath to support them, then the strip of 1x2 between the legs on the side that are pockethole screwed into them as well--this is where the true strength comes in.
good luck!

thogg4

Sun, 03/09/2014 - 06:28

Do you have a photo of the underside where the legs attach?

Modern Adirondack Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 15:36

I fell in love with the modern Adirondack chairs, I love how comfortable and simple they are. But I wanted benches to go around my fire pit area. So I decided to modify the modern Adirondack chairs to make 6ft and 8ft benches. I added in extra supports (of course) but it was an easy mod with a gorgeous outcome!

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Mud kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/12/2022 - 13:29

My niece requested this for her fourth birthday. Hoping this earns me the best Aunt award! Had some 6x6 cedar scraps from a project, cut them down, and voila!

Comments

Mudroom bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/01/2022 - 17:16

Ana I came across your open bottom garage bench design and really liked the concept. Inspired by your design I put this together in our laundry/mudroom and am really pleased with the result. As you described, being able to clean under it is a huge benefit and the whole bench was less than $200 even with the solid oak boards I joined and edge routed for the top. Thanks for the inspiration and all of your project posts.

Comments

Coffee Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 18:35

My wife wanted a coffee bar and I wanted a fridge for wine and beer. So we compromised on this.

Comments

Stacy Daybed

We recently changed our daughter's room around since she is getting close to being a teenager. She wanted a "more mature" room. I think that this daybed fits in perfectly. I changed some of the plans up, and instead of using 2 x 2 for all of the horizontal and vertical pieces, I used 2 x 4 for all of the horizontal pieces and 2 x 4s the front legs and 4 x 4s for the rear legs. I felt that the larger lumber would add a significant amount of strength to the bed. I am very happy with how it turned out. Lots of angles and lots of thinking!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miller Premium satin pure white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Francoise

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 08:27

I know just how hard the angles makes things. Congratulations on finishing something stylish, different and difficult.

Square Outdoor Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:49

6 seater Recycled Fijian Kauri with extra leg supports, one side higher & closer for kids.

Marty

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Chunky Leg Bed

Submitted by Delilah on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 19:19

We made this in king size, and used a 2x4 instead of a 2x6 for the center so the mattress would sit a little lower. We also built the legs around 2 1x6 blocks each instead of one.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax natural and two coats of satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Chairs

I found a picture of this style of chairs, and I really wanted to make them for my table. I created my own plans and adjusted them until they were perfect. I’ve since made several sets of chairs for other people including this set of 6. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding down the chairs, I apply a coat of Preston by minwax. To get the color I wipe on the stain gunstock by winwax. After letting it dry for about an hour, I then wipe on a coat of espresso stain. For the finish, I apply coats of a gloss polyurethane by Minwax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY Shed Chicken Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/16/2023 - 10:30

8x12 coop modified from your classic shed plans. 2/3 for the chickens, 1/3 for storage.

by Harmony Munson

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Short version of cedar shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 14:35

We wanted a shorter version, so that it would hide behind this fence. I just needed somewhere to store lawnmower, wheelbarrow, and a few yard supplies. I started putting the roof on hinges, but the gas struts couldn't support the 170 pound roof. So it's fixed in place (stronger structure anyway). That's why I went with 2x4's for the framed walls instead of 2x2's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Not yet finished, will get to that.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Podium for My Wife's Classroom

This is my first try at building furniture. I've built larger things in the past like decks and a fort for my nephews, but never furniture. Even though I used the plans to build the main box, I did change up the bottom and added some new stuff. I added wheels to the bottom my wife could easily move it around her classroom. I didn't want to put a square base on it because I thought it might hit her ankles when she was standing close to it. So I sort-of notched it out to give an opening for her feet and I used some scraps to create a short shelf at the bottom. I also added more trim that the plans call for. I cut strips of the pine plywood for the base molding and topped it with quarter round. I used corner trim for the front corners, the self inside and the bottom notched shelf. I also used screen trim for the back of it. I think it came out nice and I've very pleased with it. I used 2 coats of Minwax PolyShades American Chestnut on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax PolyShades American Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor seating made with thrown away cushions

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/22/2020 - 18:01

Someone on my street had thrown out 2 couches. The cushions were in perfect condition. So I built chairs and fit the cushions! I built a matching coffee table to fit a glass I had. To finish the space, I added a table to have my morning breakfast.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments