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How to Build a Fireplace Mantel and Surround

Submitted by MillerMade on Thu, 03/24/2016 - 09:05

The Custom Built-ins started out with lots of research, and like many DIY project we looked to Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration. A lot of love and time went into this project. I can't stress enough how important research is. This process is often over looked because DIYers just want to get to the building process as quickly as possible, but trust me when I say doing solid research will save you a lot of stress and time when it comes to building.

 

Blog Link
How to Build a Fireplace Mantel and Surround
Estimated Cost
$4,000-$6,000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

4x4 Truss Table and Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/24/2019 - 12:41

Modified so that it could fit 12 people comfortably.

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
4x4 Truss Benches
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Fall
Thanksgiving

DIY Brew Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:38

I used your workbench plan to build my Brew Bench. I changed the measurements to fit my space and used a butcher block for the countertop. Very sturdy and pretty easy project. Took one day to build.

Scott R

Built from Plan(s)
Easy DIY Garage Workshop Workbench

Comments

Hemnes linen cabinet finished!

Submitted by Crzymedic on Thu, 01/09/2014 - 16:29

This was my first build for Katy and she loves it! We used acrylic glass and used the frosted spray pains from krylon.

Built from Plan(s)
Hemnes Linen Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$150 plus what king of panel you use
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Planked Wood Sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 11:23

I used a modified version of the Planked Wood Sideboard to fit the space I had. With the exception of the frame, it’s made of walnut. I love the way it turned out. Thanks Ana!!

Adam Benns

Built from Plan(s)
Planked Wood Sideboard

Easy to Build Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/17/2023 - 13:40

Easy to build workbench. I added an extra 2 1/2 inches (width) to the top plywood cut. This gave me a 1 1/4" lip to the front and back sides. I wanted to be able to clamp on all sides of the bench. Also added casters since I wanted to use this as an outdoor table for entertaining if needed and to simply have mobility with the bench. So far I love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Easy DIY Garage Workshop Workbench

Bunkbed a with trundle

This was a on the fly build no plans  just wanted to post it for ideas for everyone

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax American walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Chicken run

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/19/2016 - 19:28

Or use the same plans with the exception of I extended the height so I could actually walk into the run fairly simple to assemble I would strongly recommend an air compressor staple gun or you'll end up with four arms like Popeye

Built from Plan(s)
Chicken Coop Run for Shed Coop
Estimated Cost
$250-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kentwood Bookshelf, kid version

Submitted by craw4dz on Thu, 02/27/2020 - 11:42

I have built three of these so far: one for my daughter, one for her best friend, and one for my cousin's son for their baby shower (books instead of cards).  I've modified it and tweaked it a little each time but the overall finished product is basically the same.  It's about 36" tall but the same width and depth as the Kentwood plan.  I put the one shelf tall enough so that the biggest books can live on the bottom.  I used beadboard for the backing but I think the next time I'll use either 1/4" plywood or common boards and Kreg them together.  This takes less than a day to build and less than $40 in lumber.  Easy to make, easy to assemble, and endless possibilities to finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic Bookshelf Plans with 2x2 Face Frames
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever your heart desires
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Laundry Dresser foling area and hanging shelf

Submitted by sandrabees on Tue, 06/19/2012 - 13:15

more details on my blog. I built 2 of the laundry dressers. adjusted the placement of my baskets due to restrictions in the overall height of my unit (I have a ironing board cabinet built into 1 wall that I still wanted to be able to open and use :) I used MDF, but it was a bear to work with and next time I would spend the extra $$ on birch. i painte the bottom in a semi gloss. and plan to add the doors (which will have a beadboard backing) they will be painted white with a dark walnut glaze. The top and shelf /brackets are all done in a distressed finish with ebony and mahogany stain mixed then 2 coats of poly very sturdy even filled!

Blog Link
My DIY Drawer Organizer
Built from Plan(s)
Laundry Basket Dresser
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white semi gloss paint, (will be glazing with dark walnut as well),
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sherice

Tue, 07/15/2014 - 20:27

Very cool rendition of the original plans. I like the folding area, awesome job!

thewife

Fri, 06/26/2015 - 00:00

I have been wanting to make the laundry basket dresser but am holding off because we are moving. What color did you us on the walls, I love it.

2x4 Outdoor Sectional with Matching Ottomans, Chairs & Table

Submitted by cqueiruga on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 21:01

We were looking for outdoor furniture for our deck, and for the size and amount we needed it would have cost us at least $2000. We really like the idea of having an outdoor sectional that we can also use for dining, and we had trouble finding a set we liked. We found Ana's plans for the 2x4 Outdoor Sectional, and i loved the look. After seeing what others have done with the plans, I thought I would be able to modify it to get everything we needed for much less cost than buying a set.

We ended up extending the size of the 2x4 outdoor sofa by one 24" section, for a total length of 96". I then used the same design to make two outdoor chairs, just reduced the length to 24". I modified the 2x4 outdoor coffee table plans to create two ottoman's that can be moved around to make the seating more lounge style Finally, I modified the coffee table plans to make a 5 foot outdoor dining table. All in all, it took about a week and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$800 ($200 for wood, $600 for cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Semi-Transparent Antique Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwood4

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 09:44

Looks amazing! What method did you use (pocket holes, dowels, deck screws, etc) to join the visible portions like the arms?

Simple Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 13:45

We used the plans from the Simple Outhouse to make a space to hold our porta potty. The door is a repurposed barn door and I think it looks amazing! These plans were perfect for us as we were able to build it in panels and reassemble on our property by the lake. Some screened windows to allow for ventilation and light were the finishing touches. Thanks Anna for the simple to follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outhouse
Estimated Cost
$200 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used pressure treated wood for the base and deck. For inside, we repurposed some scraps of composite decking. Painted with exterior latex "driftwood".

Corner computer cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/22/2016 - 11:23

Flip down tray added for computer keyboard.

Built from Plan(s)
Corner Cupboard
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

hidden powder station dresser

We did some small edit to the original plan. Putting six large drawers and only one chair which was moved to the center. We also extended the chair legs the full length of the cabinet. The outer legs are 2x2s instead of 2 1x2s since no chairs were placed there.

Built from Plan(s)
Hidden Desk Apothecary Cabinet
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax early american on everything and then red oak stain on all except the drawer fronts and the red oak chair legs. Finished with an oil-based satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Planter for Pole Beans

Submitted by swhitead on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 10:41

Increased width of box to 46" by using 8 fence boards instead of 3. put base at 12" down, lined box with landscaping fabric to hold dirt. Created trellis with 1x2 boards with 10" long corner braces, spaced screws 6" apart around edges and weaved cotton thread to create the trellis. Used 12" scraps of 2x2 to create a "slot" inside the center of the planter to support the trellis. Added container mix and green pole beans started in egg cartons earlier in the spring.

Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Planters with 2x2 Legs
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Very easy garage shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/05/2016 - 23:22

Wanted some easy storage shelving that didn't break the bank.  These were perfect!  $79 is what it cost for ours (which includes the $20 Kreg Jig).  Lumber was only $58.68 and I bought and extra 8 foot 2x4, so it could have been slightly cheaper!  

Built from Plan(s)
BEST DIY Garage Shelves (Attached to Walls)
Estimated Cost
$60 for lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Boxes, Totes, camping equiptment
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A More Traditional Modern Craft Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/26/2017 - 18:37

This is my more traditional take on the modern craft table (I guess that means it isn't technically "modern"!).  We call it the "Lego Table" at our house.  I doubled up the ends like others have so that my two daughters can have their own sides.  My wife asked that the there be backs on the side shelves so that items aren't pushed off.   I also added trim around the tabletop and molding to give it a bit more traditional appearance.  Finally, I made the shelves adjustable.  

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Craft Table
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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