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DIY Can Good Storage

The can good organizers I found on line were metal and didn't fit the exact opening I needed. I built my own for much less than the metal ones (which were $36 each!). With this plan, you can build up to four of the size I made for under $36. See how they just blend into the cabinet and look like they are built in it? Here is the process. Step one: Cut the sides and the ledges. Step two: Attach pieces to the walls of the unit. Step three: Set the lauan onto the ledgers. See? I told you it was easy! I drew up a sketch of the size I used for my 12" opening with a cabinet depth of 11.5" (if you have doors, it will be a depth of 10.5-10.75"). The height of my can good holders are 11". Again, the plan can be adjusted to any size space, but I think if you go past three cans wide, you may want to use something more sturdy than the lauan. Additionally, if you make the unit taller and add shelves, make certain the cans will fit thru the opening, don't just measure with the can in place on the shelf. Cut list for 1 can good holder: 2 - 11"tall x 11.5"deep walls (the melamine is 11.75" deep, I had to trim mine down) If your doors are on your cabinets, your cuts will probably be between 10.5" and 10.75" 6 - 1x2" 10.5" strips 2 - 10.5x10.75" lauan cut for the shelf If your doors are on your cabinets, your cuts will probably by between 9.75" and 10" I used 1.25" finish nails, but you can use screws if you prefer. Wood glue, wood filler, etc. Cut 6 equal size 1x2 strips. 2 per ledge, one for the back support. The size of the opening subtract the width of the melamine walls (.75x2=1.5"). My opening was 12" and then I subtracted the 1.5" (for walls). Nail the bottom 1x2 to the end of the upright 1x2 as shown above to create the front ledge.  Flip the ledge over and attach the ledge to the front (finished) edge of the melamine. Make sure the bottom ledge is flush with the front and the bottom of the wall. Measure down 5.5" (halfway point) from the top and mark the edge of the wall. Attach the top ledge to the wall keeping the front of the ledge flush with the side wall front edge.  Find your center point again (5.5") and measure up toward the top .75" to create a bit of a roll for the cans to come forward when you remove one. Do the same for the bottom. Measure .75 up from the bottom and mark. Attach the back supports at the marks you made in the last step. Attach second wall and screw or nail supports and ledges. Once all the 1x2s are in place and secure, the lauan pieces will fit in place and stay with the weight of the cans. You can add glue to secure them, your preference. Then touch up the nail holes and slide into place. I hope this gave you a helpful way to store your can goods. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy building! Karen :)

Blog Link
The Quaint Cottage
Estimated Cost
About $36 for 4 units
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chelsea Twin Beds

Submitted by sraper2 on Mon, 01/13/2014 - 13:36

I built these beds last week for the little girls and we all love them so much! I was looking for something girly and this fit exactly what I was wanting. I took some pictures of the build and posted them on my blog. Thanks for the amazing plans!

Blog Link
DIY Big Girl Beds...Finally
Built from Plan(s)
Chelsea Twin Bed or Bottom Bunk
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Head Board

Submitted by Kvnpalmer on Mon, 08/19/2019 - 18:07

Head board we made over the weekend. Great beginner project.

Built from Plan(s)
Hailey Planked Headboard
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used an antiquing wax for the finish. Bought it off amazon
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor lounging

I used the plans for Simple Outdoor Lounge Chair with a few modifications.  I used 2X8’s for a chunkier look.  I also adjusted the seat position slightly for more of an Adirondack seating feel.  It is finished with Cabot stain and seal (gold moon light). 

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Modern Outdoor Chair
Finish Used
Cabot stain and sealer - Gold Moonlight

Modern Cut Out Nightstands

After I built Ana's plan for the Low, Modern Cut Out Headboard, these two nightstands were the perfect compliment. I love the modern, clean look, and big drawer space. The inset design of the drawers make placing the faces on the drawer really tricky, so I would definitely place on the faces after you have installed the tracks and the rest of the drawers.

Blog Link
Modern Cut Out Night Stands
Built from Plan(s)
Modern Cutout Nightstand
Modern Platform Bed Frame with Chunky Legs
Low Modern Cutout Headboard
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based stain and poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Leaning Shelf Project

Submitted by bknjohnson on Thu, 01/16/2014 - 10:17

I started with Ana's plans and modified them for our specific needs.  We have a corner in our hallway very well suited for a shelf system like this, and my wife wanted to fill that area.  So, my finished project is 4 feet wide. Other than adjusting the plans for the width and then the lumber needs accordingly, all of the remaining dimensions and measurements in Ana's plan remained the same.  

I built everything using oak 1x4s and oak plywood, and pocket screws to build each shelf and the ladder portion.  

I read the comments here about attaching a piece of oak to the front of the shelves to hide the plywood layers, and wish I had read that before cutting all the pieces. I was able to make that modification without causing too much rework, I just had to cut the trim a little to match the new depth of each shelf.  

This piece is very heavy when fully assembled!  I decided to leave the ladder assembly separate from the shelves during the finishing process, and then carried everything to the living room.  I attached the bottom shelf first and worked my way up.

Each shelf is attached to it's respective support and to the ladder legs by wood screws, and each shelf is screwed to wall studs. Thanks for the plans Ana, this was a nice Christmas gift for my wife. :-)

I listed this project as Intermediate only because I modified the plans to fit our particular needs.  The measuring and cutting were relatively straight forward, attaching with the pocket screws took some time to get everything right.  Finishing took time to allow each coat to dry thoroughly.  Assembly also took me some time, just to make sure each shelf was level and ensuring I was drilling into studs and not sheetrock.

Built from Plan(s)
Leaning Wall Shelf
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
All Minwax products: 1 coat of Pre-conditioner, 2 coats of Golden Oak stain and then 3 coats of Polycrylic. I only put one coat of the Poly on the wood surfaces that I knew would be hidden such as the back of the trim against the wall, and the tops of the shelf supports.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bunkbed a with trundle

This was a on the fly build no plans  just wanted to post it for ideas for everyone

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax American walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bookshelf Desk

Submitted by amanda1558 on Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:39

If it was not for this site I would not think we could do this. Inspiration was from the IKEA LACK bookshelf and varioous craft desk tutorials on here. Bookshelf is 7 ft tall, 4 ft wide and shelves are 16 inches deep. Writing desk area is 3 ft long 2 ft wide. It could be done cheaper but it needed to hold all my daughters toys in bins so we paid more for the 16 inch deep boards. It only took a Saturday afternoon to build, but more time in decorating, clear coat of stain. It has a acrylic top writing surface.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

neverlate

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:35

my brother saw this on line picture and he would like to make it for his little girl. Like to get the plan from you if you have it.

Easy Doorway shelves

Submitted by elana on Sat, 01/18/2014 - 17:23

Why should doorways be boring? I used 1x6 and 1x8 lumber to build a shelving unit around the doorway. Now I have somewhere to display pictures and creations from my kids too. Measure your doorway to see what size lumber works best for you. Prime and paint with Dove White and add white caulk to any imperfect cuts to smooth things over. BTW, cats love the shelves too!

Estimated Cost
less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Please use a primer that is made for covering knot sap as this will eventually bleed through ordinary primer and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Chair - Complete with Bottle Opener

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/23/2019 - 07:42

I loved this project! It was simple to follow and I can't wait to make the sofa this upcoming spring to go along with it. We added a bottle opener just in case you get outside, sit down, and forgot to open your beer! lol

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde Media Center

Submitted by kendaves on Thu, 04/05/2012 - 21:24

I had just built the Tryde Side Table and it was so easy I gave a shot at this project. Took about 4 hours to build and is a really sturdy, good looking entertainment center. The only thing that I did not like that I would change is an overlap of the tabletop in the front. There is an overlap on both ends but not in the front. Other than that, I really like the outcome.

Estimated Cost
$75 - $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Headboard - King

Submitted by ivanakom on Mon, 01/20/2014 - 20:37

This was a super fun project to do and very easy too. I did this while I was nine months pregnant. The instructions were very clear and the total cost was great too!

Finish Used
Aged the wood with tea bags and a mixture made with stainless steel and vinegar.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

3 pedestal farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/13/2016 - 18:00

Just love how this turned out
The plan was so easy to follow
I stained with black then sanded to give it a rough look marking up the corners etc and then applied dark walnut
I am waiting on brass studs /nails to trim the apron in the centre applying brass corners will keep you posted

Built from Plan(s)
Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Bench
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

$10 Picture Ledge

I made it! Yes, my first project is complete. I made a small piece to place in my soon to be repainted half bath. It was not perfect, but for a first time project and stain job, I am proud of my work. 

Built from Plan(s)
Gallery Ledge Shelves
Estimated Cost
$16
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
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