Community Brag Posts

Benchright Table and Benches

Submitted by mebohn on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 14:14

I wasn't very experienced when I built this table. It was only my second big piece of furniture (farmhouse bed was my first) and it was the first time I had every used a compound mitre saw, which my husband had just bought for my birthday. We had no dining room furniture, so I made the 2 benches to go with, until we could set aside money for the ever so expensive dining chairs. (We'll keep one bench for sure for the kiddos!) My seasoned carpenter husband was so impressed when he came home from out of town to find this table done just in time for the holidays. I love it so much and am very proud of the finish since it was the first time EVER I had used stain or poly. We did order materials for the stretchers, but haven't put them on yet. They were from Fastenal and are pretty pricey - but hopefully, they'll give the industrial touch to finish it off. The whole project took me under 2 weeks - but it would take far less for someone who is more skilled and doesn't have to stop every 5 minutes to tend to 2 very active toddlers.

Estimated Cost
Less than $200 without turnbuckles
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax English Chestnut and 3 coats of Polyeurethane, lightly sanding in between coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

SawgrassHomeGirl

Tue, 06/12/2012 - 06:01

The table looks gorgeous and I love the stain color. Bravo! Can't wait to see what it looks like with the hardware! :)

givehugsprn

Mon, 07/02/2012 - 01:12

My sister is in need of a new table and I have been thinking of building this table for her. I bought a very nice round table and 4 chairs on CraigsList but the table is too small for her dinning area so I sold the table and kept the chairs. Now I'm working on stripping the wood and recovering the pads on all 4 chairs. Maybe after all the chairs are done I will be able to start the table. I hope mine looks as nice as yours. Great Job!!!

Rebecca H. (not verified)

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 17:52

Hi - what a beautiful job! I'm thinking of making this my first big project and you have really inspired me. One question, did you stay with dimensions found on the original plan? For some reason the table seems bigger. Also, if you did keep to the original dimensions, do you think this would be an easy plan to adjust to making the table wider? Thanks so much and congratulations!

mebohn

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 18:47

Sorry Rebecca - I just saw this question. I ended up adding an extra 1x6 board to widen the table just a few inches but my 1x6's here were not 5 1/2 inches, they were more like 5 1/4 inches. So I had to adjust the whole tabletop anyway. I'm thinking of actually building another one that's longer to fit my dining room better and stain it a little lighter. I don't think this was my first BIG project. I think the farmhouse bed was for me - but I haven't posted yet b/c I just refinished it. This was my first project with a compound mitre saw that my husband eventually bought me for my birthday. I had to learn my way through bevels and angles by myself and I did make a few mistakes, which were frustrating, but a total learning experience. You can do it! Just don't rush and be patient with yourself. I wish you so much success!!! I look forward to seeing your table posted when you finish it! :-)

Simplest Console (first furniture project)

Submitted by Yrkylvr on Sat, 04/05/2014 - 18:50

First furniture project with my Kreg Jig. Went smoothly. Loved the plans and how descriptive they were. This is a great beginner project. It only took me about 2 hours to complete.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Kona Stain and Valspar paint on bottom (white) then distressed with mouse sander. Actually the more the paint gummed up on the sanding disc the better it distressed!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sun, 04/06/2014 - 06:33

Congrats on your first furniture project, great job! Your distressed finish and stained top are awesome. Love the Kona stain color, and I think it is the perfect amount of distressing on the paint. Beautiful!

Modified pottery barn knock off

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 11:37

Slight modification to the original plans. Used all 2x6's across the top and added capped ends. Used 2x3s instead of 1x3s. Cuts and assembly were not time consuming, sanding was!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Urethane semi-gloss triple thick 2 coats, brush application. Varathane Cognac stain 2 coats. Sanded to 200
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Patio Table

Submitted by Rennie82 on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 17:42

Project took a lot more time and patience than the last few little ones that I have done. I like the simple outdoor table but wanted a little bit more. I used the basic concept and mixed it with a patio table from PB that I really enjoyed but didnt want to pay $800 for. The table looks fantastic and am still debating on what type of finish, if any, to use. Hoping to make the matching bench soon for one of the sides of the table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $120 including the carriage bolts so I can take off the legs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None as of yet, leaning towards Thompsons clear waterproofer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Our Porch Swing Bed

I have wanted a swing bed for ages and got hubby on board with this. We built a full size bed (plenty of room for me and all 3 grandkids!) using poplar. I had the turned dowels from a major score at my Habitat Store several years ago. $2 per dowel! I wanted an old fashioned look and so added the corner brackets to all sides and the resin appliques on the back.

I primed with cream colored ceiling paint, an "Oops" paint from my neighborhood home improvement store. The baby blue was another "Oops" paint - another score- only $5 for a gallon of Valspar eggshell. After a very light distressing, I finished it with a paste wax.

I make the design and drawing and Hubby makes all the cuts. I joined all with biscuit joinery for a strong and solid piece.

We hung it from the ceiling joists with 1" manila ropes, added lots of pillows and plants and it is my happy place. A night blooming jasmine adds a heady fragrance that puts me right at peace ... A great refuge from a crazy work day!!!

Estimated Cost
$500 without the bedding
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar eggshell finish in a baby blue for a matte look, finished off with a little aging wax and final coat of paste wax. (Hard edges were lightly sanded to give a bit of distressing)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

US Flag gun case

I threw some plans together for this.  Going to make another one and tweak it a little but overall I'm happy with the way it turned out. I used dark walnut stain and 4 coats of poly.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut and polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

coffee table made from a pallet.

Submitted by robin214 on Sun, 06/17/2012 - 22:14

I made this table out of a free pallet. The legs are cut off of an older scraped table and then I used poly with no stain. I used 1x2 furring strips in between slats to make tabletop solid.

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

Reclaimed Wood Bench...My First DIY Piece

Submitted by Stacey G on Fri, 04/11/2014 - 09:11

This was my first attempt to use real power tools and make furniture. After being inspired by Ana, I purchased my Kreg Jig and got to work! I needed a coffee table so I tweaked this one to fit my needs. I ended up staining it with Minwax Gray, but it wasn't rich enough for me. So I took white, black and brown pain and dry brushed it to give it that old barn wood look.....OMG I LOVE IT! It came out perfect. So much better than in the photos even! Thank you for the inspiration Ana.....What will I make next???? Hmm......

Estimated Cost
15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

I did it! I did it!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/07/2016 - 13:45

I absolutely loved this project! My first advanced' leveled project! I was afraid it would be to big for my room so I went 10" smaller in the width only. It surprisingly turned out well proportioned! Thanks Ana! I feel like a women with power!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Plywood is all I had to buy. Roughly $30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Basic off white paint, roughed it up then rubbed a walnut stain over the entire thing.. Then a clear polyurethane. The raw wood I just stained the cut edges with a walnut stain and brushed a clear polyurethane over top.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/03/2020 - 23:01

Love love love this sofa!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Kitchen Island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/27/2023 - 12:15

Our daughter lives in a small attic apartment that doesn't have much counter space or cupboard space in the kitchen. So my husband and I designed and build her a kitchen island for more usable space and a place on the back she can put stools and she can use it as an eating bar as well. It took us almost 2 weeks because we were trying to build it in the garage below her apartment when she wasn't home. Her reaction was perfection! It turned out so great!!!

Rob and Jen Smith

Hollister Co. Inspired Farm Table

I wanted to contribute a plan but unfortunately I'm still learning how to use Google Sketchup. However, here's a brag post in the mean time! My husband were asked to replicate a display table from Hollister Co. and this is what we came up with. :)

Estimated Cost
$100-150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona stain by Rustoleum and Briwax Dark Wood sealant.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Fillman platform bed full size

Submitted by Mgros483 on Sun, 04/13/2014 - 18:54

Modified the plans for a full size mattress, also used 2x6 lumber for the main frame. Installed LED strip lighting around the perimeter for a night light. Also built my own headboard, modified for the full size. I used laminate flooring for the center inlay.

Fun project, about 6 hours to build, total cost around $200 with the lighting.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain brushed on, let soak for 5 minutes then wipe off with a rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

We Built a Greenhouse!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 15:28

When the Covid quarantine hit we decided to build a greenhouse - it's been on our To Do list for 9 years. The DIY Greenhouse was the first design I found via Google search and it looked so easy and has all the materials listed so we just had the materials delivered and dived right in! It took us 5 days, about 4 hours per day. The smartest thing we did was borrow a mitre chop-saw. There's a lot of 22 degree angles to cut. Other than that it was easy peasy as long as you follow directions. Also got a skill saw blade that cut both the plastic and the tin. It cost us about a grand Canadian, but the closest kit I found online was smaller and was $1500 US. I'm already growing stuff in it and the temperature here in Northern BC gets below freezing at night (around -1C) but everything is ok. The current temp outside is 15, but it's 30 in the greenhouse. We cut a few vents in the back wall panel to allow for airflow and I'm going to purchase a solar muffin fan to move the air a bit. Highly recommend this unit!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1000 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Leaning Wall Shelf

Submitted by King418 on Wed, 06/27/2012 - 19:01

Easy project, I really enjoyed making this and it looks great! I used MDF for the shelves and finger jointed poplar for the rails. I work in a lumber yard so the materials and tools were readily available. I recommend for all levels and again really enjoyed making it! Hope you enjoy my first post!

Finish Used
Black wood paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Library Book Cart

Submitted by kkllgg on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 09:12

This was one of my first woodworking projects I completed with limited help from my handy husband. And the first time I used a jigsaw (to cut out the handles). I used mostly scrap MDF we had leftover from other projects - only purchasing one additional sheet of MDF for around $12. The MDF worked ok, but I did have some trouble with splitting when screwing it all together and screwing the castors on. Used our Kreg Jig where it made sense.

As a beginner, this project took me somewhere in the neighborhood of 16 hours over the span of a couple weeks. Cost was approximately $50 - including the MDF (but I used mostly scrap we had on hand), spray primer and paint, castors, and "Library" decal.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
To finish, I primed with Rustoleum spray primer and sprayed several coats (two cans) of Rustoleum spray paint in their bright yellow. (Note that if using MDF, the spray paint did not cover the edges well. I read a tip online that suggested spreading a thin layer of drywall spackle over the edges and that worked for me.) I had someone on Etsy make the chevron "Library" decal for me for about $5.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Frozen Loft Bed

Submitted by ndelanuez on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 10:09

Those angles on the ladder are challenging. This is our first time building any furniture. Thak you Ana W

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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