Community Brag Posts

Garage Shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/16/2016 - 17:17

I am a beginner diy'er and this was one of my first projects.  Also it was my first time using the Kreg jig and I loved it!  My shelving system was around 8 feet tall, 12 feet wide and 30 inches deep.  I added some extra cleats to support my deeper shelves (30") and also used thicker (5/8") plywood.  This was a fun and easy project to do!  Thanks so much!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Short version of cedar shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 14:35

We wanted a shorter version, so that it would hide behind this fence. I just needed somewhere to store lawnmower, wheelbarrow, and a few yard supplies. I started putting the roof on hinges, but the gas struts couldn't support the 170 pound roof. So it's fixed in place (stronger structure anyway). That's why I went with 2x4's for the framed walls instead of 2x2's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Not yet finished, will get to that.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cool cooler box!

Thanks so much for the plans for this project. It was a lot of fun, and it turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75.00
Finish Used
Red Oak gel stain and Golden Pecan stain. Clear coated by spraying high impact clearcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 09/30/2014 - 13:32

Very nice color scheme. Your initial in the middle panel gave me the idea to use my son's brand. We used it on a bench I made last year, so this will blend in great. Thanks for sharing your awesome build.

 

Workbench with pegboard

Submitted by bredbu on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 18:37

I made a workbench for my garage it was pretty easy. I also made an instructional youtube video if you want to learn how to make it. #diy #workbench #bench

Estimated Cost
125
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

8 foot picnic table

Submitted by Abby721 on Sat, 07/18/2020 - 08:40

This picnic table was a quick build and turned out amazing. I modified the center base support by adding an extra table top support and seat support board to the opposite side of the center legs to give the table symmetry to accommodate an umbrella hole. I also shortened both cross supports by an inch to make sure the base wouldn’t be longer than the top boards. The space between the center table support boards and seat support boards is the perfect size to fit a standard umbrella. I used a 1 3/4” hole saw to make the umbrella hole. The build and stain/paint took me about 5 hours but additional time is needed to properly seal the table. I used untreated pine. Treated pine may give the table longevity but it would also add a lot of weight to an already heavy table. This was a relatively easy and quick build and is a great size to fit my whole family plus a couple guests! I’m happy with how it turned out and would recommend this build to anyone looking for a budget friendly and simple patio table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Briarsmoke for the top and Rustoleum Canyon Black Satin for the base. Sealed with 2 coats of Varathane Helmsman Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

My attempt

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/03/2020 - 19:18

Couldn't find anything that would fit my area and this seemed to work out perfect. Almost done with the other side. I will post pic of finished products.

Comments

Christmas 3-tier cookie stand

Submitted by calcowoods on Thu, 12/31/2020 - 12:51

Inspired by Shara of Woodshop Diaries, created this 3 tier tray for displaying cookies for Santa. Added a 3 dimensional star as the topper and simply followed the excellent photos and schematics on Shara's website.

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Second Project: table saw/ miter saw work bench

Submitted by jamesjill on Sat, 01/30/2021 - 20:34

Used part of the Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand to just build one of the roll-away workbenches to work with my miter saw and table saw. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

modern Adirondack chairs

Submitted by SmokeyT on Wed, 04/14/2021 - 04:09

After a cabin remodel I had some left over 1X6 red cedar that I wanted to use and these chairs looked like a great project. After buying some white cedar 2X4's , here's my first 2. Thanks for the plans.

Estimated Cost
about $50 a chair
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)

Comments

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Bed

Submitted by KarahM318 on Sun, 05/05/2013 - 20:21

For this project, we followed the plans for the Firetruck Bed and also modified them a bit to fit our needs in the room. From start to finish, this project took two weeks to complete and cost us roughly $200 to build and $100 to paint. We were lucky though in that nearly everything we needed to purchase was on special or sale.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clark & Kensington latex paint & Minwax polycrylic clear coat (semi-gloss)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kim20904

Wed, 01/15/2014 - 07:33

can you tell me how you modified the plans to make this bed? I don't know much about building anything but I would like to build this for my son. Thank you Kim

Chalkboard Crate Planters

I made 3 crates using Ana Whites Chalkboard Produce Crate plan. It was my first woodworking project, was totally doable, and has created a monster. The middle crate in the photos was the first one, and I added extra 1x3s on the sides because I thought I didn't want the gaps between the side boards. Changed my mind for the second 2. I wanted a chippy finish so I stained with glaze and burnt umber by Golden, followed by a topcoat of dry brushed Titan Buff. I sealed with CeCe Caldwell Aging Wax.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with acrylic glaze and burnt umber by Golden, followed by a topcoat of dry brushed Titan Buff
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Church Pulpit

Submitted by BBLinda on Sat, 06/08/2013 - 10:34

A good friend of mine, a pastor of a local church, asked me to build a pulpit for their recently finished church up in the countryside of Grenada. She showed me a picture of what she had in mind and based on that, I drew my own plan in SketchUp, and then built it out of Yellow Pine boards and Plywood.

Note to the dimensions:
After I drew the plan, and just when I was at the lumberyard to have the plywood and boards cut, I thought I might have had it estimated not wide enough, so I decided on the spot to make it 2" wider and the top panel 2" wider and deeper too. So if you'd like to build based on my plans, please consider if it's wide enough for your purposes.

This is what I used (corrected measurements here):

2x 2x8 26" long YP Boards (Base)
1x 18 1/2" x 6 1/2" Plywood (Base Support Panel)
1x 26" x 16" Plywood (Top)
1x 18 1/2" x 9" Plywood (Shelf Panel)
2x 45" x 9 1/2" Plywood (Side Panels ) - these are cut angled, see plans
1x 44 1/2" Wood Moulding (for the "stopper" on the top panel, and the "back" of the top shelf.

Estimated Cost
~ US$ 115 (material is very expensive here on the island, and I guess you could build it for about half or 2/3 of this in the USA)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MINWAX Polyshades / American Chestnut Satin (375)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde Coffee Table

Submitted by florabora on Sat, 06/25/2011 - 19:25

We made the Tryde Coffe table using 100% reclaimed wood

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Vivila (not verified)

Sun, 06/26/2011 - 13:38

Also wanted to say I LOVE YURTS!!!! I want one! :) Fantastic idea for accomodation.

Pool Noodle Holder from DIY Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/04/2022 - 06:58

I modified the plans for the planter box to make a holder for Pool Noodles. I made it 40" tall and used 4-4" fence pickets and 1-5.5" fence pickets. I used a 4" spacer and the openings worked out perfect. I stained inside and out since it would show with 2 coats of the solid stain. It is perfect! Thank you so much for the inspiration and plans!

Comments

Simple Outdoor Loveseat with Storage

Submitted by kareylynn on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:20

I added storage to the bottom of the simple outdoor loveseat by creating one big board from 2 2x6 boards for each of the front, back, and side aprons using my KregJig. Then I added cleats around the bottom for a sheet of plywood, extra cleats around the top edge for the seat, and put the hinge on the original seat support board.

Estimated Cost
$120 for the lumber and $300 for the cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Provencial stain with two light coats of Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Overhead Garage Storage

This project was born out of desperation for some way to organize our garage. It is not difficult to build, and it went pretty quickly with two of us. It probably didn't take more than four hours tops for each section. I've seen the prices for garage storage components and some of them are staggering! We have removed a tall chrome shelf, and moved a ton of stuff onto these shelves, creating a hundred square feet of floor space! And for only $25! Come on over and check it out on my blog! Val

Estimated Cost
$25 per 8 foot section
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint we had left over from various projects.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Farmhouse Nightstands

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/09/2024 - 08:28

I downloaded th minimalist modern nightstand plans nearly a year ago and just got around to building them last week. Actually I modified them quite a bit because I had a small space to work with and because I wanted them to follow the design theme of some of the other furnishings and features I had made for my basement renovation. In particular I changed the top and made it out of oak stair treads. I also added pop-up electrical/USB sockets as well. I really appreciate the sequencing in the plans. Though I made some dimensional and design plans, I followed the sequencing steps. It made the project much easier to complete-particularly the drawer construction and fitting. If I had done it on my own, I would probably have permanently installed the middle shelf before fitting the drawer which would have made fitting the drawer and drawer front much harder. Thanks for teaching me that.

Craig Holstedt

Comments

Narrow Sewing Table

Submitted by WeezyWorks on Tue, 09/11/2012 - 18:06

Ive been looking for a sewing table to fit my space. but found none for less than $500 and they were quite small. I found a post at quiltedcupcake.com that linked me to another blog, linking me here. I modified the plan to be about 2 feet wide and cut a hole to fit my sewing machine. There is a support in the bottom to hold my machine level with the tabletop. When I make this in the future, I will splurge on a fine hardwood. This plan was easy to build and looks great! Just what I was looking for :D

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark stain and satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tommirhea

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 09:45

I'm jealous of your organization! I've had a folding table for my sewing table since I started sewing :(

tommirhea

Sun, 09/16/2012 - 10:11

Now, I've just got to make it! I love to free motion quilt and that would make it easier. With each baby I've had my quilting space has diminished (of course it's worth it) but now I think I will reclaim some space ;)

Farm House Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 13:42

I am not a carpenter, I do not even have a tape measure. I got tasked by my leadership dothan class to build a farmhouse table for the academic dream room which is part of the Bright Key Program. Which is being renovated at Honeysuckle Middle School. Found your plans and got inspired. One glitch they wanted this table to be able to sit fourteen chairs. So I had to make a few adjustments like increasing the main boards to twelve foot. Because of your plans, many urban middle schoolers will have a place to get tutored considering cafeteria tables are so expensive. I am a believer of your plans. The positive feedback I received was well worth my time and would not of been a sucess without your plans. I did mine with pocket holes as well. 

Estimated Cost
146.37
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
American 230 and the middle a bluish grey.

Spent an hour picking out lumber. All boards are not the same length. Ran through a planer and I found it eliminates the need to sand. But remember not to plane them to different heights. Pocket holes are great but I found some really nice table joints at Lowes that looked classy with the kreg screws.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mudroom Bench

Submitted by BeingHome on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 22:26

With much needed seating in the mudroom, an unused space (nook) was used to build a mudroom bench and shelf. No plans were used. I basically looked on-line and mentally drew up an idea of how I wanted the final product to look.  

 

There were some setbacks such as not like the knock down textured walls (after partially painting the bench). I ended up covering the textured walls with hardboard and repainted.

 

A bench cushion was made for added comfort and style.

 

Complete tutorial for the bench is here and the bench cushion tutorial is here.

 

Thank you.

 

Julie

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Ultra (paint and primer in one) in ultra white finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cleverly6

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 13:48

Thank you so much for the idea and plan. I used it to turn an extra laundry room that we have off of our garage into a much needed mudroom. The most challenging project I have ever done before is hanging blinds. But with your help and some from the Home Depot employees, I did it! Our family is more than happy with it. Thanks!!!

BeingHome

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 22:28

Thank YOU so much! I would love to see a picture of your new mudroom area. :) I am happy the plans helped and of course Home Depot. ;)

Sorry for my delayed response. :(

BeingHome

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 22:28

Thank YOU so much! I would love to see a picture of your new mudroom area. :) I am happy the plans helped and of course Home Depot. ;)

Sorry for my delayed response. :(

teacher chalkboards

An easy end of the year teacher gift - framed chalkboards. I made these using furring strips and 1/4" plywood for about $5 each.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Minwax provincial stain
2. two coats Minwax oil based poly semi-gloss
3. two coats black chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
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