Community Brag Posts

How to Build a Raised Balance Beam for $60

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/31/2019 - 14:49

From watching Olympic gymnast Simone Biles on the television to running, flipping and twirling all around our living room — my girls LOVE everything gymnastics. Both girls began competing with a local gymnastics club. Now that my oldest has moved up and is pretty serious about practicing her beam handstands and dismounts, she begged me to build a raised balance beam with suede covering so it would have a similar feel to her beam at the gym.

If you can relate to this, or even if you have a new gymnast (like my youngest in the pic above) wanting to improve their skills at home, then this comprehensive tutorial on how to build a raised balance beam is for you.

Full plans available on my blog The Creative 'Carr'penter. You can also find and pin this tutorial on Pinterest here.

Estimated Cost
Cost of materials were about $60. Could vary depending on materials used.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used an outdoor flat paint to finish the exposed pieces of wood. The remainder was covered in padding and suede fabric.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doing the benches today but heres the table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/25/2015 - 16:57

I decided to build this for my wife for Christmas my times up and im not done yet but she loves it.

Estimated Cost
For wood, screws, and poly maybe 400 dollars lumber is pricy in hawaii plus i made my table 11 ft long and 4 ft wide
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Home made treat from DIY Pete and min wax semi gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little Step Stool

Submitted by loniwolfe on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 11:30

Maddie needed a little extra boost to comfortably reach the bathroom sink. She loves this stool!

I modifyed the Simplest Stool to be oober short, and painted the design using leftover wall paint samples

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0, used scraps and leftover stain and paints
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Spray Stain (Color was either Early American or Gunstock), White Spray Paint, Minwax Spray Clear Coat, and wall paint samples for design.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

sgilly

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 12:08

It's so tiny, but just perfect! I'll be this is kept and loved, and used for your daughter's children!

loniwolfe

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 12:32

Thanks! Thats what I'm hoping! That's also why I'm debating on whether or not I'm going to paint her name across the top like originally.

sgilly

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 15:56

Some time ago we found a small piece of furniture that had been made by my grandfather. How'd we know? He'd carved his name along with "for Betty" on the bottom of the piece. It wasn't a particularly pretty piece of furniture and we wondered why it had been kept as long as it was - until we found the engraving (that's really too nice a word, primitive carving is more like it!). If in doubt about putting her name on it, just put it underneath. Someone will find it years from now and know how much love went into making it!

DIY Upholstered Dining Chairs

Submitted by katie0910 on Fri, 11/08/2013 - 08:35

We built these Parson chairs to go with our farmhouse table. We wanted to save some money as well as have chairs that matched our table perfectly. We absolutely love them! I modified the plans a bit, so please check my blog post to see how I made these to fit our table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provencial
Minwax Polycrylic
Wood conditioner
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 11/08/2013 - 17:00

Your chairs look awesome! Beautifully done and the upholstery looks very professional. The finish and colors look perfect with your table. Great build!

Laundry Sort/Fold Station

Submitted by Tbacks on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 19:26

A laundry room remodel is on the to-do list but by using the laundry station pattern as a base I made a few adjustments to complete my station.  

Stain is Varathane Briarsmoke.  Absolutely love the color!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Made from pine common board with a sanded birch tabletop.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Briarsmoke
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sectional with Slanted Back

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 11:28

Fun project! Started with rough western red cedar which I ran through a jointer and planer to get good lumber.

I made a few changes to the design. I used thinner seat boards and cut a leaning tilt in the backrests. I also added 2 boards on the back rests.

I used all pocket holes to hide the screws. Once they dry out I will seal the sectionals.

Got a full set of cushions on Amazon for $300. Total for this project was around $700. Not too bad!

Farmhouse Bedside Tables with 2x4 Legs

Submitted by wesleyjack on Tue, 08/27/2019 - 12:05

After seeing how simple PB furniture looked and how much it cost it seemed it was time to start making my own. This was my first project a pair of night stands. Farmhouse bedside table with some changes made.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $45 Each
Finish Used
Finish Used: Miniwax wood conditioner, Providential stain and water-based Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Trestle Desk with 2x6 laminated top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/07/2023 - 16:31

Started with simple small trestle desk idea. Decided to edge glue the top. Finished with poly and paste wax. Didn’t turn out too bad for the first project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Entryway Table Shoe Rack Bench

Submitted by robinles on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 10:17

I adapted the plan for the Shoe Rack Bench to give it multiple levels and allow it to serve as an entryway table in addition to a shoe rack. I used 2 x 10's for the project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Triple pedestal formal dining room table

Submitted by indi82 on Tue, 11/26/2013 - 07:16

This beautiful table measures a little over 8ft x 3ft and made out of oak plywood and pine.
Instead of using individual slats for the main surface as in the building plans, I decided on one large 8ft x 3ft piece of oak plywood. I encased it in 2 inch pine and routed the top edge with a 1/4" round over bit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre-stain conditioner (1 coat)
Oil-based Minwax Red Mahogany stain (3 coats)
Oil-based Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane (2 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easiest Industrial Laundry Cart

Submitted by robinles on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 08:37

After a laundry area refresh, I was looking for a slim utility cart to fit between the washer and dryer. I couldn't find anything that fit the space appropriately, so after finding the Easiest Industrial Cart plan, I decided to make one for my space. I built it using a 2x6x10 board and aluminum angle.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/29/2016 - 13:37

Love this table - it turned out so nice and we have gotten lots of compliments on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Tea
Vinegar/Steel Wool steeped about 2 weeks
Lots of sanding
satin poly finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/21/2016 - 20:20

Made this table as a Christmas present for my wife. I modified a few details like the legs because I was able to use some old timbers from her dads farm. And for the apron, I just ripped a 2x6 in half. First time I've used plans from this site, thanks so much for making them available. -Matt M

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-but I used some reclaimed timbers for parts of the legs.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean Stain
Minwax Wipe On Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Wooden Cooler Stand - Vintage Look

Got this idea from the blue cooler project - but decided to deck it out with vintage trimmings. Everyone who has seen it loves it! Very fun project.

Estimated Cost
70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Summer Oak - followed with polycryllc and johnson's furniture wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY everything

Tue, 02/04/2014 - 21:32

I'm in the process of building one out of this plan too except I'm trying to use pallet wood. I love how your cooler turned out so I hope you don't mind that I use the same Coke sign. Awesome job!

Corner Headboard Storage for Twin Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/08/2016 - 18:27

Corner unit for kids bedroom. Added fabric boxes from ikea. The fit perfectly 

Estimated Cost
$200.00. All the materials are from the Home Depot
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr. Polar bear white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Playhouse with swingset

Submitted by GreenEnvy on Tue, 02/25/2014 - 21:58

I combined a few different plans here, mostly the Playhouse deck, swingset.

I haven't finished it yet, this spring I want to finish the exterior as it's just primed plywood right now. Still going to add a window above the balcony (there is a loft up there).

I insulated the roof/ceiling and will insulate the walls when we finish it. In the bottom we'll be putting in a sandbox with a cover that folds up into benches.

It was a fun project and should give our girls many years of fun.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Right now the plywood is just primed, we'll be putting some sort of siding or other exterior sheets to finish it.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Farmhouse Loft Bed (Full)

Submitted by Sugarpig1 on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 18:03

HI all!
This is my first project and brag post. I really like this website and reading all the blogs and brag posts. The information is very informative and inspiring.

I really liked DirtSquirt's Loft Bed (Double Mattress), so I decided to give it a try! I contacted DirtSquirt to get a copy of the plans (Full size Farmhouse Bed and How to Build a Loft Bed) and the Google Sketch up. I pretty much followed the plans except I made the area underneath the bed taller (approx 58 inches), I chose to stain, and I did not secure the slats to the side rail as they are pretty were pretty snug. I'll probably go back and secure in the near future for uniformity in the spacing.

To be honest, I think the staining was the hardest part...LOL. I had never stained before so in hindsight I probably should started off with a way smaller project. Eventually, I got the hang of how to putty the holes with wood filler and then stain to get a consistent look and feel without the blotches!

My future plans are to build a desk to create a study area underneath.

Sugarpig1

Estimated Cost
$550-600
Finish Used
Minwax- Dark Walnut
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rdissell

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 20:02

This bed is amazing! It looks so sturdy. I am in love with the farmhouse bed, but I have been looking to build a full size loft bed for my daughter. I just haven't found a design that I'm 100% in love with. This is the perfect melding of a farmhouse bed with another loft design that I really like. Love, love, love it! I'm definitely going to have to design this for her now. Thanks for sharing your work!

lplus10

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 08:17

I have contacted dirtsquirt several times to get the plans for this bed. Did they get back with you right away or did it take them awhile? If you have the plans would you mind emailing them to me? Lplus10 at yahoo dot com

thanks!

gina10151

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 02:00

Not sure if anyone checks this blog post. But I have contacted dirt squirt too and have never been able to get the plans.

Please send me the plans you used to build this bed... I am dying to build it. Similar to yours with the bottom wood there, as it is for boys. But this is my first time building anything and I need plans....

Juniperlily217

Mon, 08/26/2019 - 19:25

Has anyone ever been able to get dirtsquirt’s original plans for the loft house full sized bed? I’m in desperate search of them!!! Please, PLEASE, please message me and I’ll provide you with my email! PLEASE and thanks. :)

King size Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 15:59

This is a plan that My 16 year old son chose to do for a project to fulfill a goal to learn some woodworking skills during our unexpected downtime from School.
Mom is thrilled with the new space.
He adjusted different sizes based on what lumber we already had. He used 1x7’s and routed a 45deg on the edges to give the tongue and groove look. Posts are 4x5 and top railing is 2x7.

Estimated Cost
$40 in paint and supplies. Wood was free from a friend.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Furniture Enamel.
Color - Web Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rhyan Coffee Table

Submitted by dbwalk on Wed, 04/02/2014 - 19:15

I loved this coffee table plan. I found it on www.morelikehome.net and also linked on Ana White's page. My wife and I loved the size and also the number of drawers for storage. I would say that the plans were great and I had to only make minor adjustments due to my own errors.

It took me about four days to complete. I used the Kreg jig to complete most of the joining. I put it all together by the end of the second day. It is solid as a rock. The last two days were mostly staining all pieces and then restaining to get the right finish. It also took a couple more weeks to find pulls and get them installed. But now it's all done and we love it already!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
140
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner