Community Brag Posts

Built in Desk

Submitted by rosiejane on Mon, 05/11/2015 - 23:38

This desk is massive at 3.4m long (over 11 feet). Initially it was going to be a homework station for the kids but my husband decided that he'd like to use it as his office.
I'm somewhat embarrassed that this took well over 12 months to complete and I was easily distracted by other projects along the way. I made many mistakes but I learnt something from every one of them.
I modified plans to suit my space and used sketchup to plan it all out.

Estimated Cost
AUD$750. (incuding all paint and hardware) Drawer slides alone cost $180.
Finish Used
walnut stain & varnish
aquanamel semi-gloss - vivid white
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

amandabc123

Thu, 01/30/2020 - 09:19

I love this!  Do you have more information on how you did the top?  It looks like one solid piece, and I'm just curious where you purchased the panels and how you built the top to look so nice.

Loft Bed

Submitted by kdins31 on Sun, 12/10/2017 - 06:19

Built this loft bed for my tween girl who needed/wanted a hangout area and has always dreamed of having a loft. It may look daunting but it's actually quite simple.  2x8"s built to size in the shape of the bed, screwed into the studs in the wall with lag bolts.  A 4x4" holds the frame up where it is not supported by the wall. I considered a pole or chain or other suspension method from the ceiling but decided that a nicely trimmed 4x4" would look nicer and it really doesn't get in the way since the ladder is there anyways.  I built the bed frame bigger than I needed for the twin mattress to accommodate free space for clutter, e.g. books, pillows, etc. Once the frame is up I added supports for the mattress, with 2x2"s spanning length and width, then plywood.  2x4"s are screwed in vertically and then topped with a flat 1x3" and spanned with a 1x2" to protect her from falling.  Since she's older I didn't feel that I needed to add as much support around both open sides.  It has not been an issue at all and I am fully comfortable with it.  I installed small LED color changing lights in the underside of the bed.  The headboard was made from standard 5" t&g boards and has a small shelf to hold "stuff."  A custom in-wall shelf holds more of her "stuff."  The wood color is just a dark walnut Danish oil that I love working with.

Finally, I built the base for the couch with 1x3". The couch itself is two separate futon style chairs that open up into single beds, perfect for sleepovers!  They are meant to just lay on the floor but I wanted to make it look more like a couch. We bought those from Walmart. I recommend!  Hope you like. Let me know if you have any questions. I don't have formal plans but can try an answer all questions best I can! Cheers!

Estimated Cost
$200-$300 excluding couch
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic 4x4 Bench

Submitted by AlexO on Thu, 05/21/2015 - 08:27

Modified the Cherished Bliss plan a bit to include Carriage bolts instead of pocket holes and I notched the top of the legs to make a shelf for the top.

Legs were cut at 18" and the top is 40". The two center 4x4's are connected with two internal (and smaller diameter) carriage bolts and glued together. The end 4x4's are glued and then a 1/2 x 6" carriage bolt with a pre-drilled "Head" hole (using 1" paddle bit).

Very easy to make but this baby is heavy!!!

Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear Watco Dutch Oil and Varathane 3x Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Laundry Basket Organizer

Submitted by Lovelace on Mon, 04/25/2011 - 07:48

I use this dresser in my walk-in closet to separate dirty laundry...each basket holds either "whites", "lights" or "darks". The size of each basket is perfect for one wash load. I just love how much more room I have in my closet because of it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I lighting sanded all sides and edges then put done two coats of Sherwin-Williams ProClassic acrylic latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Storage Bed

We used the plans for a six drawer storage bed to build this with a custom headboard and footboard. We used plywood to build these boxes but have since switched to using MDF. We use a pine laminate for the drawer faces.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom mix
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

leftysgirl

Sat, 09/26/2020 - 05:51

I absolutely love this style. I am trying to figure out your modifications.
What size pine planks are those for the foot and head board? 6”?

Thanks!

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Lukilla on Wed, 01/19/2022 - 11:54

Had fun with this build. Love how large this table is. Gives me a place to put my feet up and there is still room for the kids to play with Legos. Lots of storage space underneath.

Finished with Varathane Golden Oak with Minwax Ebony lowlights.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Paper towel rack

Yea, I know these were posted way back in 2013, but I only recently found them. Was looking at some kitchen organization ideas and I knew I wanted to make a paper towel rack. I liked this idea and went with it. My variance from original was to use a dowel rod for the paper towel holder and I cut 45 degree angles in place of the radius.

Comments

Laundry Dresser

Submitted by biffnderf on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 23:08

We had a very limited area for these to fit, so my hubby had to change the dimensions to fit these square baskets. We needed enough spots for our family of 10! I LOVE THEM, thanks; Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 14:53

We are going to have to turn the baskets the same way due to the space in out laundry room. Do you happen to remember the dimensions of them? Thanks.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 07:08

Do you have the dimensions for the square baskets? These would work much better in my home.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 16:42

We did something similar when our family was 8 (6 foster children). We bought 4 baskets (2 people per room) and then just had them on regular shelves. I LOVE the look of these! Unfortunately baskets give out over time and I can't ever seem to find baskets that once again are the same size as previous baskets. Did you order the baskets on-line someplace that you can consistenly get the same size for when the baskets wear out?

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 12:35

I have all the same laundry baskets that I bought at wal mart for like 3 or 4 bucks a piece. I would think that just meausring out the size according to the laundry baskets would work out fine! they have never stopped selling the ones that I buy, i find them at every wal mart I go to

Lindy Holcomb (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 06:05

I would love the Dimensions for this shelf.

Lindy Holcomb (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 06:19

I would love the Dimensions on this shelf.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 05:13

Seriously? $50 for these plans. Get real. Fine woodworking plans don't cost this much. Take some wood, make a box, and put slats in it to fit the baskets. The entire set wouldn't cost $50!

davidmac (not verified)

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 06:18

The plans are free. The build costs $50. See the plans on the link above the cost.

christine (not verified)

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 20:54

once again can anyone please give the measurements for this square basket design and the basket model number as well. i am very challenged when it comes to building things, but with the idea of home depot doing the cutting i think i could manage if i had the measurements. i need the square size to work for my space though. thanks in advance.

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 09:18

I have tried clicking on the link above the cost to get the Plans...however it brings me back to the ORIGINAL Plan rather than YOUR plan (skinnier and taller)...Im sorry if I am being dense but I would really love to get the dimensions of YOUR plan but am having trouble accessing them?? Help please!!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 23:27

Where it says PS there is a link to the other dimensions.

Cari Downing (not verified)

Fri, 04/20/2012 - 14:05

If you use the large wire baskets made by elfa they would not break like the plastic. The initial investment would be more but would save money over time.

Sonya Chapin

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 04:34

Easy and awesome! My teenage children and I made these over the week-end! Super easy and great looking! Our first project was the laundry pedestal and these are a great compliment. We let Home Depot cut the wood due to time restraints and assembly was a snap! Thanks for the great family projects. My husband passed away in April and these projects have really helped us in the healing process (excellent for constructive bonding time).! Thanks again

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Kkmcbryde on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 05:42

My husband and I built this table from the farmhouse table plans (Kreg-jig). I wanted a farmhouse table for our new patio and couldn’t quit find one to buy-so we made it! We used red cedar because it is an outdoor table and we wanted it weather resistant. 

Estimated Cost
Our cost was higher due to the red cedar we used. It costs $350. Time completed also includes staining time as well.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top table- I used special walnut and dark walnut stain.
Legs I used special walnut stain. Then painted it with Acadia white outdoor paint. I then scrapped with steel wool.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entertainment Center Fireplace

Submitted by Blondeh on Wed, 08/14/2013 - 09:48

I have always wanted a fireplace, however I couldn't justify spending $600 or more for a flimsy electric TV stand. Not to mention, I have checked out the displays of these pieces at Lowes, and they are made from cheap materials that I do not want to sit my expensive TV on. We found the entertainment center on Craigslist for $100, because they got rid of their big projection screen TV (which many are doing these days). I looked for fireplace TV stands for months, and just couldn't find a piece that wouldn't look like a separate piece of furniture stuck in the middle. I found a new electric insert on Criagslist for $100 (normally about $250), and purchased the materials from Lowes where a nice employee cut it all for me. I glued and nailed the frame together, applied the AirStone, attached the mantle (a 2x4), and slid the insert into place. Overall, the project took about 4 hours to complete, and cost about $200 to build. (It could have been done for a bit cheaper, but I went with 3/4" plywood for strength and stability.)

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain & polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sgilly

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 10:28

I have an electric fireplace that is made with cheap materials. I've contemplated building a new surround for it, and your finished product and the pictures have made it seem more doable! Thanks for posting.

spiceylg

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 10:26

This is so cool! What an awesome idea and you can't beat the price! Nicely done.

Garage shelves

Submitted by Joy on Sat, 09/08/2018 - 18:12

Designed to store 56 qt clear sterilite totes. Spaced 17” apart and used 5 2x4s so 23” deep. We have a lip of our foundation that sticks out so we had to adjust for the difference in leg heights. 

Estimated Cost
Lumber was $8.25 per board (2x4x16) and we used 32. 3 boxes of screws. 2 1/2 for the frame, 2” for screwing down the shelves and 3 1/2 to screw into the wall studs.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 13:23

built straight from ana's plan. Used cedar 2x4s. super easy to make really happy how they came out. Cushions were like $52 per set at home depot.

Comments

Turned Leg Coffee Table

Submitted by kwildman on Wed, 12/26/2018 - 02:24

Turned leg coffee table from pine.  I also built matching end tables (shown in another post).  :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I coat rustoleum dark walnut. Sand lightly. 1 coat old English varathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kwildman

Sat, 12/29/2018 - 05:56

Thank you!  I had stained it with varathane dark walnut and I wasn't happy with the color.  I sanded lightly and went back over with the golden oak that I had from another project.  I love how it warmed up.  

Brian Famous

Thu, 12/27/2018 - 09:04

Did you turn the legs yourself, or order them from somewhere?  They look great, as does the entire piece.

Farmhouse table- love it!

Submitted by DogDoc25 on Sat, 09/21/2013 - 13:26

I made this table because I have a very small house and needed a table that was more of a compact size. This table was perfect for that. I also love the farmhouse style. Originally, I didn't realize how much my screws were going to show on the outside, but I actually like how it looks, with the mix of hardware and wood. This table is very heavy and thankfully ended up sturdy! I used a compound miter saw (which I LOVE!) to cut the wood for this project which made it a lot faster than cutting with my jigsaw like I started out with. I bought the wood from home depot, and it took about a whole afternoon to cut the wood, sand, and construct and then about 2 more hours to stain and put the polycyrlic coats on. I did have a little trouble getting the legs on by myself since I had to hold them in place while I was screwing them on, and it was awkward and more difficult than if I had someone to help me hold them while screwing them on. But overall, not too difficult and love how it turned out!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of wood conditioner- let it dry for about 30 minutes
1 coat of minwax dark walnut, (which I loooove) let sit for 20 minutes then wiped off, let that dry overnight
2 coats polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Church Pew

Submitted by ndetermann on Fri, 10/18/2013 - 01:58

I redid a very old church pew fro one of my friends. It's origins is from one of the original churches in our home town. (There was SO much lacquer on it) This church pew was in bad shape, I had to take it totally apart and re-glue and pocket hole jig every wooden piece together because it was falling apart.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Patio couches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/27/2023 - 19:14

This project was fun to build with hubby said the shopping list and the cut list was perfect! Love all your designs! King bed is next!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Lattice Fence Extension- with video!

Submitted by brittanyj on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 14:34

Lattice Fence Build Video
I built a lattice fence above a masonry wall dividing us from our neighbors after they cut down a bush that had formerly blocked the view. I time lapsed the whole thing, and thought you might find it of interest (or humor)

It took me 3 days instead of the 1 that I expected- am I the only one who greatly overestimates their speed at home projects? : )

Anyways, really happy with how it turned out. That’s the thing I love about woodworking. It always looks janky to begin and doesn’t show much promise, and then suddenly, it’s a work of art. Tis a thing of beauty.

There are a good amount of tips and tricks in the video of how to overcome difficulties in the build.

View on YouTube

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$265
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish- redwood is lovely on its own!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fire-pit Life

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 18:38

Fortunate enough to live on a beautiful river, my wife and I decided we were done bringing the folding chairs out for each weekly bon fire. Our three girls love s’mores and we wanted a great atmosphere with a place to easily grab wood and snacks in the dark while we enjoyed the outdoors. The combination of plans took us about a week to finish. The kids were away for the weekend and we rented an auger to drill the post holes. This proved to be the most difficult part of the project. It took nearly the whole weekend to dig out the unexpected granite and all the patience that we had in reserves. Once the posts were set, it was only a slightly uphill battle.
My wife made the bench in the time it took to return the auger and come home. The fire pit benches were also a pleasure to assemble and the most functional part of the project. I suspect the whole thing would have been faster if the large posts were easier to cut through. That treated lumber can eat saw blades! When setting the top posts it was also a two ladder and two person job. They were quite heavy and a little nerve wracking to set if you don’t love heights and a heavy load. We would do this project again in a heartbeat as it is a feature in our yard and makes for many enjoyable family and friend gatherings. The fire pit bench top is also great for hosting the entire bbq meal assortments to select from.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None, treated lumber, 3 years later and still looks brand new!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday