Community Brag Posts

Granite Top Kitchen Island

Dued to my small kitchen, I used 3x4's instead of 4x4's for the legs. I did away with the drawers, and went with two shelves instead. I lower the first shelf to fit my microwave. This freed up my counter space, which was nice. I stopped by a local stone yard, and picked up a thickest piece of granite they had, and had them cut it 36" x 24". I used Minwax Polyshade White Oak for the stain, and picked up some cast iron hooks from Amazon. All together it came out fairly nice. The only regrets is the wood filler I used wasn't so great, and it didn't stain well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130 granite slab, $30 for lumber, $8 wood stain and $14 cast iron hooks = $182
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshade White Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner storage beds

Submitted by Kguillotte on Tue, 12/18/2018 - 21:15

Our boys share a room and needed new beds. We wanted to keep as much floor open as possible, so these 2 plans came together perfectly!! They have large drawers that store all of their clothes so theres no need for dressers. We put a surge protector inside the hutch so they can easily plug up and charge their electronics. Best beds ever!!!

Estimated Cost
$700
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My rendition of a "Cold Frame"

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/29/2022 - 11:17

Hi, Ana.
I am loving your spot! I have not even delved into your recipes yet! I plan on making more than a few projects from your plans!

Comments

5 Cube Tower Bookshelf

Submitted by rhilborn on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 12:25

This narrow cube bookshelf is a very handy addition to my kitchen! I use this shelf to store cookbooks, our iPod speakers, and some other utilitarian odds and ends. I'm particularly a fan of how to facing on the front and back acts as a stopper to keep your items in the bookshelf. It did not specify in the plans but we chose to align the back facing piece flush with the bottom of the shelf and the front facing piece flush with the top of the shelf. You can see what I'm describing in the pictures.

This piece was fast and easy. I think there is a time when finish work is faster to be done once a piece is finished but this not one of those projects. This shelf would benefit from finish before assembly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
existing can of Behr Premium paint plus primer; Minwax Wipe on Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple white potting bench

Submitted by JW on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 05:59

Finally, a place to corral all of the stuff on the patio!

What we really needed was a wood rack and buffet/usable surface for the patio, but this potting bench fit the bill perfectly because:
1. It's sturdy enough to hold all that firewood
2. I had all of the supplies already (2x4 scraps, leftover paint, screws, etc)

Free and easy? Yes, please!

Only real change is that I added an apron to the front of the top shelf, and used well-sanded fence slats for the top shelf instead of a regular 1x6 (it's what was in the garage already).

The towel bar is from Ikea. That was also an extra that was already on hand.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0 (made from all leftovers from other projects)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Some exterior white paint that was already in the garage. Pretty sure it was Behr brand paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Club house bunk

Built for our 4 ur old son.. We all love it and had fun together!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

King Size Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/03/2022 - 21:05

I love the plan for the King Farmhouse bed. I built it and made a couple of changes that just made it easier to move. I did not want to screw the middle support legs through the footboard and just happened to have six fence brackets in my fastener box, we just moved in a month before this build. I put the fence brackets on the front of the side rail cleats and added a 2x4 that went into those brackets. Then I added fence brackets to the front 2x4 and the back 2x4 that would receive the leg support boards. I also added supports made from two 3" cuts of the scrap 2x2 for the back of the side rails on the headboard legs. This modest support was just to help put it back together in the bedroom. We plan on moving again in a few years and I want the bed to last through many years so I thought this was a good idea. The bed is sturdy and I love it. Thank you for another fantastic plan Ana!

Comments

Bathroom storage tower

I just recently decided to try my hand at woodworking. This was my second project, first one from Ana, super easy instructions. I hadn't gotten the straightest 2x2s, since I had done my shopping with a two year old in tow, but I got it to work. After I completed it, my husband tells me it actually looked good--he seemed surprised. Anyway, I built this tower so that our new parakeet will have somewhere to live and I can conceal his food and other supplies in the baskets underneath. Without making any adjustments to Ana's plan with the exception that out 1x12s are only 11 1/4 it is the perfect size for our little bird cage. Thanks Ana for the design and inspiration to do it myself!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Golden oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X Dining Table

Submitted by raybotelho on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 06:57

I built this table a year ago just never got the chance to post pics. It was an easy build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
It's been so long I cant even remember exactly :/ but I believe I started with the vinegar steel wool mixture.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 09/07/2013 - 17:16

Your table looks beautiful! Love the finish, and the way you arranged and photographed it is wonderful, great job!

Adirondack Chairs for our Fire pit

Submitted by Robert4588 on Fri, 11/06/2015 - 10:08

We had recenty been to Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies and saw beautiful red adirondack chairs out on many of the trails, so we built these to remind us of a great family vacation.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 Each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Outdoor paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Small rustic bench

Submitted by Lukilla on Tue, 09/13/2022 - 15:28

Fun build. We've been going through the scrap bin trying to figure out some ser projects to build. Had a piece of 1x12 that was perfect for this project. It had a little split in it, so we added a cherry bowtie to it.

Minwax weathered oak finish.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

First Finished Project!

Submitted by MrsD2008 on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 17:00

I decided to not paint it, but we sanded it REALLY well. I also decided to forgo the caster wheels just so it would fit under an entryway table. Right now I'm using it for dog toys!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Wooden Star

Used a compass to make my star as I wanted the points to be a little taller. 10 pieces of 8" walnut was used. And I used a table saw sled to cut the pieces. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Pallmann Magic Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Added some trim and everyone thinks it cost $1000

First piece of furniture every built. I added some quarter round and 1x4 blocks. Finished with a grey stain and paste wax. Everyone asks me is where did I buy it and how did I afford it.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax classic grey and Johnsons paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Front Entry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 19:55

Sitting bench with shoe cubbie underneath. Barn boards for backing and shelving above.

Comments

My modified simple, cheap, and easy console

Submitted by cbrowan on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 11:35

I wanted a simple table to highlight this retro sewing machine I inherited from my grandma. I had to modify a few of the dimensions of this table and add a different trim up top, but I really like the results!

Estimated Cost
FREE (used leftover boards/paint from a different project)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut stain
1 distressed coat of Valspar Sea Breeze, semi-gloss
1 coat of Minwax Polyurethane finish, satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner Cupboard

Submitted by REASMOM on Thu, 09/12/2013 - 11:54

I've been looking for a corner unit for my kitchen for a couple of years, but couldn't find anything that I liked that fit my budget. This corner cupboard was exactly what I've been looking for. My husband and I built this together and I've definately discovered a new hobby!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Early American and 3 coats of Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane (Satin).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

REASMOM

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 06:40

Thank you for choosing my corner cupboard as your featured brag post! I was so excited to see it on your facebook page last night :) I enjoy this website so much and can't thank you enough for sharing all these free and easy to follow plans! I love that reader's can share their builds and give tips and advice! Thank you for inspiring me to be creative!

Elijah's Washer & Dryer Pedestal

I got this Idea from Sausha's washer dryer pedestal post.  Before then i didnt know people even built pedestals for their washer and dryer.  Just purchased new front load washer and dryer and they wanted 250 bucks extra for each pedestal.  That is 500 bucks and is absolutely rediculous.  So i opted out of those and thought to myself maybe I can build something instead.  So I began my search online and stumbled across this post which seems to be the most popular pedestal build on the web.  I think sausha's build is fantastic and absolutely beautiful though I went another way with mine.

I tend to like to overbuild things.  Especially in this case, seeing as the washer weighs a beastly 200 pounds by itself.  I figured with clothes and water it would be about 235 pounds just for the washer.  I noticed that with the aluminum drawer pedestals that you can purchse with the washer and dryer the support is only where the legs from the washer and dryer will sit.  That was all I needed to get on my way.  Purchased some regular old douglas fir 2x4's, 4x4's, and a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4 inch plywood.  I opted to use fence post brackets to tie everything together because I didnt feel like driller pocket holes in each 2x4 when you were not going to see them once its all said and done.  The fence brackets are not structural so they lack ridgidity untill you tie everything together with the legs, slats, and top.  Cut the top from the 3/4 plywood sheet and used the left over plywood to cover the front and the sides.  I left the back open as it is not seen anyway. 

Total size of the pedestal is 56" wide x 31" deep x 12 3/4 inches tall, but you can build it as wide, deep or as tall as you need it.  When i was done putting it together.  I tested it by jumping up and down on it and I weigh 230 pounds.  So this thing is quite strong.  I finished it up by covering the edges where the plywood meet with Edge moulding and the bottom with baseboard to match my laundry room.  I used Behr premium plus ultra paint on most of it and, behr alkyd paint for the baseboards.  Gave the top a couple coats of General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane.  Which isnt neccessary but I opted to do so because of the weight of the washer and dryer and the General Finishes High performance dries harder than most other polys that I have used.  I only used it on the top though. 

Taking into account that I used the paint and baseboards left over from renovating my laundry room.  This project cost about 150 bucks.  200 if you have to purchase the paint and moulding.  Quite easy to do and though I made the cutes I needed with my table saw.  This can be done with a circular saw and a drill.  No exotic tools are needed.  Will post finished pictures when my washing machine and dryer are delivered on friday and they are sitting on top of the pedestal. 

Estimated Cost
150 give or take a few bucks.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Poplar toy chest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 17:17

Toy chest for our daughter.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments