Community Brag Posts

Small Chicken coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 12:04

We built this to go right next to our stairs. The run has hardware cloth on 3 sides and then the side touching the stairs opens up to under the stairs so they have a bigger run.

We extended the floor so that it went all the way to the nesting box. We will be adding a nesting box to the wall by the cleanout doors rather than where the plans put the nesting box. We like that this gave us more square foot per chicken on floor space. Due to this change though we had to use interier hinges so the floor could slide in and out easily. We also added a door to the bottom so the coop could be locked seperately from the run. 

I wanted to turn the space where the planter box is into a storage space and may still do that later to store food, clean out supplies, and first aid supplies. We'll see! 

Estimated Cost
$500 This includes Cedar wood for all exterior wood, hardware cloth to cover everything and have a 12 inch apron under the coop, two colors of stain, shingles, big boxes of screws (we had a million leftover), hinges and locks with keys. We definitely went the expensive route but I think it will last us a long time and hopefully we've created a Fort Knox!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Stain Newberry Blue and Navajo White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Dining Set

Submitted by Nor7 on Wed, 03/18/2015 - 10:22

This was a bit more work than I anticipated but I think it turned out great. The quoted buy list was a little off so I had to make an additional trip to the hardware store.

I used the Fancy X Table plan and the Fancy X Bench plan to make this set. Since I wanted it only 6' long I had to do some modification to the plan but not much.

I also designed the table top into two pieces that fastened together through the center piece so I could take it apart easily and fit it though a standard door.

Estimated Cost
$120 (since there were two benches and the table). I found the wood in my area to be a little more expensive than quoted on the plan. Particularly the 2x10's.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax - Dark Walnut. To get the finish even I had to invest ALOT of time into sanding. I had to use 60 grit in some spots to even out the factory cuts but most of it I was able to go over with just 220 grit. DON'T FORGET TO SAND THE ENDS!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

MrCoffee

Wed, 03/18/2015 - 13:35

Wow, this table and bench set came out awesome. I love the finish. What you ended up creating having only spent $120 is incredible when you think about how much these things cost in a furniture store. Good work.

We love the skylights in our version of your greenhouse!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 08:23

This was the perfect post-retirement project for me. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding.
I documented most of it on my blog.

We sure love this greenhouse!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

rick1956

Wed, 09/01/2021 - 05:37

Thank you! They definitely added a LOT more work, but we've already used them a lot. The plants are sure glad for them. I'll post pictures of the finished greenhouse when it's finally there.

Garage Storage

Submitted by Smokeydog on Fri, 03/20/2015 - 08:59

Thanks to Ana's 2x4 storage plan and a neighbor's discarded kitchen cabinets we now have a very clean and convenient storage area  in our garage.  It even features a work bench and sorting area.

Estimated Cost
40-50 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Restoration Hardware Inspired 4x4 Truss Beam Outdoor Table

Submitted by susanshamp on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 23:48

Hi! I was truly inspired by the plans I found at this site and the many brags that I saw! I have now built this table set a few times (first for myself, then for friends & family) and learned a lot each time. The things I have modifiied include...

 

1) Length = make it longer or shorter as space allows (I've done tables from 84" to 108" long)

2) Outdoor table top = because these are being used outdoors, I use screws as spacers between boards so that they have a 1/8 to 1/4 gap to allow for water to run through

3) Breadboard end support = I found that with just the pocket hole screws, my breadboards were a little 'wobbly' so I added Simpson Stong Tie metal plates underneath to reinforce the ends.

4) End length = in order to provide a little more legroom to those sitting at the end of the table, I recently changed the plan so that I would have at least 15" from the table base to the end of the table top (although this pic shows the regular plan with the ~8" overhang)

I really appreciate all of the plans and brags which have been shared by users of this site. Thank you!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I picked cedar boards that had some color variation in order to add interest. To get an even more rustic & weathered look, you could consider using a steel wool & vinegar mixture.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Mon, 04/13/2015 - 09:38

Beautiful build! I was just curious what your cost was. I want to build this for outdoor use as well and also want to use Cedar. I priced it at a local lumber yard and they said it would be around $400.

In reply to by spiceylg

susanshamp

Thu, 04/30/2015 - 21:38

Thank you!!! That sounds about right for the cost - I spent about $425 on my lumber and hardware. Cedar is more expensive, but I was happy with the results. And it still seems like a good 'deal' when you consider what you would get for that price from a store.

Seasonal And Holiday

Counter Height Table & Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 17:42

Built this amazing table & chairs a few years ago for a customer.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

L-shape Modern plywood desk

I constructed this desk all from birch plywood. It features a pull out keyboard tray, modern drawer finger pulls, and full extension drawer slides. The plywood was finished with a hand-rubbed danish oil for a natural wood appearance.

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Providence Bench

Hooray! I recently finished building a dining room bench. For this project, I used the Providence Bench plans by Ana White. I started this project in May, and two months later it is finally complete! I am really happy with how the bench turned out! It is pretty sturdy and makes for a nice addition to the dining room!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
ECOS Paint Woodshield Stain in Pine Needles and their Satin varnish
Rust-Oleum White Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft bed for son

I've built a few bookshelves and cubbies before, but nothing on this scale.  I built this in my basement this past December as a Christmas present for my three-year-old son.  The plans were easy to follow.  I believe I spent about $150 on lumber.  The bed is very sturdy.  My kids love it!  Now the the other kids want their own special daddy-made bed :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 on lumber. $50 on wood putty, stain, sand paper, etc. Way better than the $1100+ similar model at the local furniture store!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
min-wax water based stain protected with water-based polycrilic. It all dried way too fast and didn't give me time to correct errors. Next time I will use oil based.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bathroom Shelf

Submitted by lizseburn on Wed, 08/10/2011 - 11:13

Another perfect shelf to decorate my little basement bathroom. Plans were so easy to follow! A little help from my hubby with this one... We had to drill into concrete to hang it. I love the end result!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fireplace with recessed TV mount

Submitted by medicscott on Thu, 02/16/2023 - 07:46

This is a very custom fireplace that I built for my wife as a 40th wedding anniversary gift. It is built around a Samsung 55” Frame TV and a Vivo motorized mount. The motorized mount allows the TV to be lowered to a better viewing height than the standard above mantle position which is usually too high for comfortable viewing.

In order to maintain the flush mount effect with the TV in art mode, I recessed the mount into the fireplace. That required building a “back” frame for the TV mount then the outer frame for the surround. I covered the outer frame with ½” OSB then ship lap. The mantle and hearth is made from Poplar with walnut stain and Polyurethane satin top coat. The hearth opens for storage.

This was sourced from several different plan sets with a lot of customization and input from the Technical Support Staff at Vizo-US.

Comments

Ana White

Thu, 02/16/2023 - 09:46

Happy Anniversary!
This is a beautiful, well thought out project.
I was hoping someone would do the recessed mount, and you nailed it! It's so much better with the tv flush like yours.
Also love the motorized mount.
Thank you very much for sharing photos.
Ana

Hidden Puzzle Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 12:02

I wanted a table that would protect my puzzles from puzzle piece eating dogs, so I used this Ana White desk plan and built a frame on top to hold the cover panels. The drawer is perfect for holding puzzle pieces during a build.

Comments

Upholstered Coffee Table/Ottoman

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2016 - 10:15

I built the plans exactly as given (minus the top of course) but in hindsight I would have reduced the height by three inches to accommodate for the three inch height of the upholstery foam. I am still very happy with it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 approx.
Finish Used
For the base, I painted them with Rustoleum's Hammered in copper. (The quart, NOT the spray paint) I did two coats. When applying, go quickly and don't over brush the paint. I did spray on a light clear matte finish to tone down the shiny finish of the paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My first (half) project- built-in cabinets!

Submitted by LE1066 on Tue, 12/10/2013 - 21:11

Using the base cabinets 101 post and other members' ideas and tips, I built these nine cabinets. It's my first project, and I'm very pleased. I live in a 1960's split level with nearly zero storage space... Until now. Next step is to top them with bookshelves, and add some decorative molding. Will start cutting wood once the temperature allows me to set up my sawhorses in my driveway again. Can't wait. Might make something really quick for my husband between now and Christmas. Thanks Ana and everyone else- I'm inspired.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Flat white paint inside, then sherwin Williams proClassic enamel for doors and outer surfaces. Sanding between coats seems to be important.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mezzopiana

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 05:59

You may just be my inspiration for building something very similar for my kids' playroom. Very, very good-looking storage you built there! Well done - especially for a first build :)

Reese

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:16

Wow! They look So Good! I'm so impressed that this was your first build. Is the top just plywwod also? It looks so smooth and glossy i can't tell. How much did it end up costing?

4 sided picnic table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 13:59

4 sides for the whole family to sit.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Large Porch Bench

Submitted by kwildman on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 18:55

I used untreated pine for this project and painted with benjamin moore exterior paint. 

I modified the back a little and I love how it turned out.  I also added an extra brace against the back of each leg that fits under the seat for more support. 

Very easy to build.  I love the plan.

Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Nursery Book Ledges

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 14:59

Nursery photo ledges. Shortened the shelf depth using a 1 x 2 instead of a 1 x 3.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

nifof17547

Mon, 04/08/2024 - 01:07

I love the idea of book cornices for the nursery! Reducing the depth of the shelves is a smart modification that makes them more suitable for children's books. It is very important to customize the furniture so that it perfectly suits your needs. Using 1 x 2 instead of 1 x 3 will give you a more customized solution. Books are a storehouse of knowledge! Speaking of knowledge, for students looking to adapt their learning process, platforms like Edubirdie https://essays.edubirdie.com/assignment-help offer reliable assignment help services. Edubirdie can help you tailor your academic assignments to your specific requirements. It's all about finding the right option for your needs, whether it's organizing children's books or tackling academic assignments. Great job on the customization!

LuckyGirl

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 14:40

A very cool ledges for books, especially useful for those who like to read like me. Moreover, I dream of writing a book myself. For this I must develop strong writing skills, often refined through literature review tasks. Yet, these assignments very complex for me. I prefer turning to professionals https://literaturereviewwritingservice.com/ for help. It provides students with the help needed to succeed in crafting compelling writing papers.

DIY Wood Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 19:18

I am a mathematics teacher in Central IL. I teach a class called Geometry in Construction. I had my math students build this wood shed in pieces at the school, then I brought it home and put it together with a few of my son's friends. The students enjoy a math class that gets to go to the wood shop to apply their math skills to a wood working project. I am proud of my students hard work and dedication.

Shari Bruyn (I'm old, so I do not have Instagram or a blog page. lol)

Built from Plan(s)
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