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First Project- reclaimed wood look Queen headboard!

Submitted by jamie_C on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 12:02

 

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First Project- reclaimed wood look Queen headboard!

Estimated Cost
around $75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Used only one coat of Minwax Dark Walnut (really liked the rustic look), and finished with Minwax polyueruthane.

This was a quick build- did all of the cutting, & got it mostly assembled while my toddler was napping! One thing to note- we had to add some wood braces on the back in order to straighten our boards out. They looked ok at the store, but we got them home & realized they were quite warped! Sanding, staining and polyurethaning took additional time that was spread out over a few days (didn't include that in total time). This was great for a first project. I've got lots more on my to-do list now!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Dresser

Submitted by smettauer on Sat, 05/09/2015 - 06:18

My wife and I are expecting our first child, a baby girl, in September. I decided that I was going to make as much of the furniture as possible, and started with this dresser/changing table.

This is the first project I've made with drawers, and they were a bit of a challenge. Other than that building the dresser was straight forward. The drawer fronts are made from up-cycled deck boards and the knobs are from Anthropologie

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The wood wasn't that expensive but the hardware (drawer pulls and slides) drove up the cost. In total probably around $300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
oil-based white paint
red mahogany Varathane stain rubbed with black shoe polish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

smettauer

Sat, 05/09/2015 - 06:21

Sorry the pics are upside down - when I created the post they were shown as being correct. I will try to update later

Square benchright

I really like the legs of this table but wanted a square, planked top.  I also used a stencil that I got from amazon for the design.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 each
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Eider White on legs and a mix of dark walnut/weathered oak on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Leaning Hall Tree

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 10/20/2021 - 12:33

I had a small piece of 2x10 left over from this plan's original post, as well as some 2x4's and a scrap 1x2 laying around, so added the top key hook and stained instead of painted. Love how it turned out. I did the top angle a little different too, so it sits a bit closer to the wall, making it awesome for a narrow entryway or space. Easy to modify for whatever the need.

Built from Plan(s)

A Bright and Simple Changing Table

I built this changing table with a friend who wanted an easy introduction into building. I already had the MDF for the shelves gifted from a friend looking to get rid of a large pile of sheets, so that really helped cut down on cost. I spent $15 on the furring strips and screws for the rest of the piece. I already had the sanding and finishing supplies as well as paint. I added two strands of white cording from Hobby Lobby ($1 per roll on half off days) to hide the gap created between my trim and the top changing piece. I also modified it to fit a 16" wide changing pad.

I would totally recommend using Mod Podge as a sealer on work-horse pieces of furniture. One, it's completely fume-free and non-toxic (which was perfect, since I'm about five months pregnant and need to avoid VOC's) and it's got a really thick, clear glossy finish that's super easy to clean. You only need one coat of it, as well. Just be advised that it's a lot easier to see brush strokes, so I wouldn't use it on your fancy stuff. But for changing dirty diapers, or on a kids table? It's perfect!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Three coats of semi-gloss white, three coats of semi-gloss lime (for the top, color matched to a fabric). Sealed with non-toxic Mod Podge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

$55 fancy x desk turned kitchen table

I was making the fancy x desk, and my wife suggested building a bench to go with it to make it a bar style kitchen table to take up less space in our kitchen. So I looked up plans for a bench on here (providence bench looked best with it), and built it. I painted it with rust-oleum American accents spray paint for wood, metal, and plastic in glossy black and surprisingly it looked amazing!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
rust-oleum American accents spray paint for wood, metal, and plastic in glossy black. used 2 coats and it gives it a nice look and smooth finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Magazine rack

Submitted by kwhitt on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 08:05

This is my first project, just to see if I could actually build something. I used some wood and paint we had lying around the garage, since I didn't want to put money into something I might screw up! This turned out to be pretty easy, despite the wood being a little warped from sitting in the garage for years. It's not perfect, but now I have a place to store my husband's golf magazines that were cluttering up the bathroom -- and the courage to try something bigger!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Mini Bedside Table

Submitted by RITWood on Sun, 10/22/2017 - 11:30

My take on the Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table using a combination of new and repurposed pine.  Using a 3/8” round over bit and router I softened the edges of the top and the shelf.  I substituted a ‘plank’ look on the sides instead of the solid flat which the plan calls for.  Finished with a scuffed paint and contrasting dark stain which makes the piece stand out.  

Estimated Cost
$20 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toy Box

Submitted by frmoody on Mon, 11/01/2021 - 08:37

This was a pretty simple build. I got the soft close hinges at Lee Valley for only $12.00 CAD. Stained the dark areas with three coats of Minwax Ebony stain and then finished with three coats of Varathane Satin. The only thing I would change in the next one is to secure the front and back board with pocket screws in a couple of locations to keep them straight.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Our first Build!

Submitted by jbaby13 on Tue, 03/29/2011 - 15:10

This was my husband and my first try at building furniture.  It took most of the weekend to build, paint, sand etc, but it looks great in my son's room and has much more room then his old bookcase.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Flat paint and clear coat finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X End Table

Submitted by dzubakj on Mon, 06/10/2013 - 08:40

I altered the dimensions slightly so that it wouldn't be overbearing in my living room. It is much shorter than the plan suggests, and the length and width are also changed. I used framing 2x4 and 2x6 lumber, so I had to sand the heck out of it to make it nice and smooth. It looks great next to the console table. Good plan.

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I went with the steel wool in vinegar finish with two coats of light brown Briwax over that (applied with steel wool). I really liked the steel wool and vinegar finish, but if you have never used it before be careful, it is a bit tricky to apply evenly. Also, it goes through several changes while it dries. I started panicking a little before it was fully fry because it was not turning out how I suspected at all. After a few more minutes it looked much better, and the wax brought out just enough brown to make it exactly what I wanted.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Castle Bed

Submitted by AndyH on Wed, 05/13/2015 - 08:00

Friends asked me to design a princess/castle bed for their daughter. It needed to fit a single/twin size mattress and fit a 61 inch space they had so I designed the overall width to be 60 inches.

It is all made from solid planks apart from the two big shelves in the headboard which are plywood.

They wanted the sides close to the headboard to be raised as well so their little girl didn't roll out the bed.

Not added the slats yet as it is off to the paint shop to be sprayed Pink!! I will post more photos once painted and will also post plans soon once finished them.

Hope the little girl likes it when she sees it.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Will be spray painted pink. I will post more pictures once painted.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Vespa ride-on

I made the plans a little different. I had more support to the front, made the base wider, and added swivel wheels instead of rockers.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse potting bench by Rocky Acres Woodworks

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/06/2021 - 07:17

I used 1x4 for the top and stained with dark walnut danish oil

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Porch bench

Submitted by DWolf on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 15:58

Using Ana's garden bench design, I modified the plans slightly to make the bench less deep in order to fit on my narrow porch.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White Valspar outdoor paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn Greenhouse on the Penninsula!

Submitted by klatz on Fri, 05/15/2015 - 09:08

Super easy to follow and build! We went with treated lumber from Home Depot and have around $1500 into the project. Will be looking at adding an automatic fan and thermostat next year. Benches on one side for starters and a raised bed on the other side.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

MartiB8

Fri, 06/12/2020 - 11:00

What a fabulous job! I love the red door for a pop of color. And the thermometer is a brilliant idea. I'm modifying this plan to better fit my yard. Thanks for sharing!

Pallet Wood Coffee Table

Submitted by AlexWS on Mon, 04/04/2011 - 14:51

After my free drink station project I was going to swear off pallet wood for larger pieces, then I came across what may be a holy grail of pallets. 4 feet by 5 feet made with 4X4's and 2X6's held together with screws rather than nails. Yup, something had to be done with this.

so the sort of free comes from the lumber being free while I paid for the stain and poly. Of course, you could say we always pay for those, in this instance though they weren't leftovers from another project.

I say sort of Tryde because it shares the basics of the table, 2 by top pieces, breadboards, chunky 4X4 legs. However, given my wood choices the lumber sizes are all mixed around. Also because I was originally going to make the modern X leg kids picnic table but didn't have any good wood for the legs.

So instead of the breadboards being the wide pieces those are now 2X3's with 2X6's for the table top pieces. Another difference is that instead of 1X4's for the aprons boxed out I used 2X4's. This really wasn't a big deal because I had a Kreg Jig. By the way, got the master system and it rocks my socks off.

Compared to my last pallet wood projects these boards pretty much look store bought, I wish I had remembered to take a picture before I stained it. They're definitely a bit knotty but that's OK because even when I don't want an overly distressed look I still don't think wood should be perfect, if I wanted that I would use MDF.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Simple Minwax Ebony stain with a gloss spray poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde Coffee Table

Submitted by bishop2001 on Fri, 06/14/2013 - 07:00

Tryde Coffee Table made of mahogany and stained used several layers of boiled linseed oil and a few top coat layers of wipe on satin polyurethane. It came out really nice. This is my first project.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
boiled linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pottery Barn headboard with barn wood finish

Submitted by Abentley10 on Tue, 05/19/2015 - 02:31

Pottery Barn inspired headboard was created by using a modified version of the Reclaimed Wood headboard. I turned the planks vertical and cut them 32" long. I added a piece of rope ceiling trim. For the finish, I spray painted the whole piece black. After it was dry, I dry brushed cream paint on top. I finished it off with polyurethane.

Estimated Cost
Around $50. I used wood from the 70% off rack at Home Depot.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Barn wood faux finish. Rustoleum black spray paint, cream latex paint, spray polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

RenoRustic

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 09:04

I was thinking of running planks vertically for the Reclaimed Headboard too but ended up doing a different headboard all together at the last minute. I really like how yours turned out. Great job on the cost too. I don't think I've ever seen a 70% off rack at Home Depot. Now I want to run up there real quick to find it!

Abentley10

Fri, 05/22/2015 - 22:23

Thank you. Home Depot usually has a cart in the lumber aisles with stacks of wood with minor imperfections. We have scored big when they included the specialty wood.

Dress up Center

Submitted by Kassidy_D on Wed, 11/24/2021 - 09:50

Project #2 in the bag! I haven't personalized because I am still considering making another at 36" wide to better fit her room and giving this one away. Very pleased with how it turned out! Still learning!

Comments