Community Brag Posts

Flip Down Desk

Submitted by vala41 on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 14:21

This was just what I needed! My daughter started homeschooling and we needed a place to neatlly contain her school stuff. I had her working at the kitchen table next to me, but it still felt like it lacked the school atomosphere. I removed the area for the paper holder and instead added a few support scraps to hold her folders and books upright. 

It did take me awhile to get the support hinges placed correctly (I almost gave up and went with a rope or chain) but I finally got them placed correctly after placing a pencil mark on where they could lie correctly open and closed - seriously this took me awhile because just when I thought I had it, the brackets when closed would be to deep for the desk or when I placed it it correctly inside when open it wasn't 90 degrees. 

The only thing I wish was that I had made it slightly shorter, because when it is open it is a little hard for her to reach the top shelf, but its not to bad and that is the height my scrap bead board was and I was to lazy to cut it =) 

I had a magnetic clasp left over from another project and that has worked well to keep it closed nice and tight, I also used some foam board I had lying around for the back so that her things were not tapped/pinned on my wall. I choose the bead board on the front because A: it is what I had lying around and B: it is in my dining room so I wanted it looking a little nicer.

I had everything on hand excpet for the support brackets which cost me 2 something each at Lowes. YAY for projects under $10 bucks! Thank you so much Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Had scrap wood, hinges, magnetic clasp and paint on hand. Only paid around 6 bucks for the support hinges.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Octagonal Picnic Table

Submitted by frmoody on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 15:08

To say this was a complicated build is an understatement. Lots of pieces, lots of different angles and lots of screwing it together. It was really tough to keep everything perfectly square but in the end it turned out well. It is a very heavy table. I want to get it outside on a sunny day for some photos.

Estimated Cost
The price of lumber is ridiculous right now. Last summer this would have cost me about $200 in materials but I spent about $450 on wood, finish and screws. 2 x 4 x 8's right now are about $10.40 CAD$ and 2 x 4 x 6's are about $15.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I first painted all black parts with Wood Shield Oil Deck & Siding solid stain. I used two coats. I painted most of the boards prior to cutting to save time. The top and seats were stained with MinWax Gunstock Stain. Once everything was together I put on two coats of Helmsman outdoor polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

pipe/wood bookcase

Submitted by ltodd on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 18:26

1/2 ' x 18" black pipe was used along with 1/2 ' flanges. The wood was re-purposed 2x6' pine lumber that had been used for pallets, that would have been thrown away. The boards were joined with a Kreg Jig, It will house my stereo components.

Estimated Cost
$150 pipe/flange costs
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chest of Drawers from old work bench

Submitted by AndyH on Tue, 03/24/2015 - 11:06

I had an old workbench (pic shown) and reused the 2 by 4s, 2 by 6s (that were supports under the work surface) and the 3/4 inch ply to make a 3 drawer cabinet.

The bases of the drawers were made from the top of the work bench which took some hefty sanding but I actually put the underside of the worktop as the upfacing side for the drawers as that was cleaner even though has some nail holes in places.

The drawer sides and fronts were made from some left over 1 by 4, 1 by 6  and 1 by 8 from my recent work station build.

All I had to buy was the drawer slides and pulls.

Finished in  Varathane Carrington and 3 coats of Varathane Matte Poly.  The drawers were finished in Minwax Special Walnut.

Estimated Cost
$30 for slides and door pulls. Everything as recycled or leftovers from another project.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Carrington and Varathane Matte Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

cubby bench

Three cube bench for entryway.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. one coat primer
2. two coats Behr elegant white, satin finish
3. sand with 120 grit, light distressing
4. two coats satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bar Stool DIY

Submitted by Knathu121 on Fri, 01/05/2018 - 20:31

I used 2x4’s to make these bar stools and used Valspar weathered gray stain. I found the plans online by searching “chunky barstool”. It cost me around $85 to make all 4 of them.

Estimated Cost
$85.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar weathered gray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Reclaimed lumber Adirondack chair

Submitted by rkyount on Thu, 08/08/2013 - 13:23

For my brother's 35th birthday, I helped him build a fence and side deck on his house. Using the leftover lumber scraps and screws, I adapted the DIH Adirondack chair plans to build this for him. He wanted a big, sturdy chair with a wide arm rest that looks "rustic". I used 4x4 and 2x4 post scraps, deck boards, and fence pickets. I also widened the seat just a bit for comfort. This is definitely the perfect chair for him!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Since it's all treated lumber, we'll just seal it whenever we do the deck with Thompson's Water Seal.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rkyount

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 14:38

Thanks! I always enjoy building with your plans, and it was a bonus that I didn't have to buy anything to build this, since I used leftover materials.

Rustic X console table

Submitted by AUPatrick on Mon, 07/16/2018 - 09:30

My 14 year old son wanted a piece of furniture to put under his TV.  We made it 20 inches less in length but kept the other dimensions the same as the plans.  I made the cuts for him, but he did all of the work putting it together, sanding and staining.  He loves the outcome and it only took us about 6-8 hours over the course of two days.

Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacoby for the legs and Early American for the remainder
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A Long tapered crate

Submitted by dmcarwin on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 07:52

I love Ana's tapered crate! I decided to add some length to the sides and make it really long! It is super cute and makes a big statement, for only a small amount of work! Sa-weet!

Estimated Cost
Free, or under $5 if you by the wood new
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Stained pressure treated Folding Plant Stand

Submitted by ginnever on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 06:37

Lesson learned....... Drilling straight holes is critical.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Used treated lumber....... about $12 for lumber, $16 for bolts, $5 for exterior screws, $2 for button plugs, $10 for stain ( plenty left for additional projects).
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Got my confidence in building back!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 03:45

I woke up one morning and decided this space couldn’t go on without a day bed. One week later I am standing tall. This is my first intermediate build. Excited to jump into the next project!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Privacy planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 16:11

It's a take off of your privacy fence planter. But I added water to make it a water wall also.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Faux beam

Submitted by vickyand on Sun, 01/22/2012 - 20:07

We took down a wall in our basement which left us with a gap in between the ceilings and two ceilings at different heights...the beam filled the gap perfectly!

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
we stained it with Minwax Special Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Propane Tank Storage Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 11:12

I had inquire on your Facebook about you making a new plan... i had wanted a side table to hide my propane tank. I used the planter plans as an inspiration for this table. It is regiment rough looking as I managed to build it using only scrap on hand. I did have one cedar board in my pile that was leftover from another project that I used for the top... pretty happy but know it would have been better with new wood that was the right size and not warped! The space at the top is on purpose to be able to teach in and turn the gas on and off.

Debbie Hertz

Beautiful DIY Computer Desk Under 50 Dollars

We were looking for a table with custom dimensions for our little office nook, but it was really hard to find. Most of them were very expensive, too. We decided to make our own table and share it with all of you as well. It's an easy project to do and minimum tools are required. You can also always use substitute tools as opposed to using the exact one we did in the project. 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step one: Cut the Wood

You need to cut 4 (2 x 4's) pieces for the legs using a miter saw, or you can have The Home Depot or Lowes cut it for you. You can adjust your own measurements according to the plan above. The plan is according to our space. We drew it in Google Drawings, and you can get that idea and draw your own.  

Step Two: Pocket Holes

Drill pocket holes in the legs using a Kreg Jig but if you don't have that tool it's okay too. Tou can use regular nails as well. I am in love with the Kreg Jig though, and I highly recommend the product to everyone as it makes your joints stronger. 

Step 3: Put The Leg Together

Once you are done with making the joints, it's time to screw the legs together to make it like a frame. See the picture. It should look like a rectangular box. We also placed scrap wood in the middle just to give extra support to the table, so it will not go wobbly. 

Step 4: Attach The Top 

Now, since your legs are ready, it's time to attach the top onto the legs, which is also an easy process. You can attach them using a brad nailer or regular nails. We just happened to have those tools but you don't have to buy everything. 

Step 5: Cut the lips 

In the end, we placed lips or edges around the table to make it both more sturdy and prettier. 

Step 6: Sand It 

Now, since your table is ready, you need to sand it to paint or stain it. Sanding is a very important part. Otherwise, your paint won't adhere to the wood unless you are chalk painting. We used an electric sander but you can use any 120 grit sanding block from your local store. Just use your elbow grease to sand it nicely. 

Step 7: Paint or Stain It

Paint it with whatever paint you would like We wanted to stain it so we used color stain to match with other furniture in the room. We are pretty happy with the project turned out. It saved us tons of money and looks nice in the room as well. 

Hope you liked it and I would love to see your project using my plan. You can read the whole blog post in-depth on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  

Happy DIY'ing! Love,

Bushra

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue Stain a bit shiny look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Beds

Submitted by sophie on Sun, 04/08/2012 - 09:32

I used the basic design for this bed but altered it quite a lot to make the joins stronger, the edges smoother and the whole thing generally easier to take apart and put back together.
I used beech wood and completed the project at a woodworking club, so it's quite hard to estimate the time taken, as I only did it one evening a week and spent most of the time bringing the wood out, putting it away and clearing up each time I was there!
I am still undecided whether to give it an oil finish or to paint it white with chestnut wood stain on the headboard and footboard tops.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Possibly oil or maybe white and chestnut wood stain - haven't decided yet!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

sofa pottery barn cushions

Easy to build 2-3 hours. Weather proofed because did not want grey cedar in a few years. Liked the color of weather proofing but color continued to leak off. Polyed and sanding eventually stopped the leaking if colors. Scored pottery barn cushions 50% in the winter + 15% new email customer. Still $150... bought some pillows from pottery barn on sale for another $60. All in all looks awesome! VERY easy build. The rest ($$) is what hurts... Test any weatherproof in you use first before using.

Estimated Cost
$145
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behrman weather proof, 3 coats poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
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