Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Chairs

I found a picture of this style of chairs, and I really wanted to make them for my table. I created my own plans and adjusted them until they were perfect. I’ve since made several sets of chairs for other people including this set of 6. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding down the chairs, I apply a coat of Preston by minwax. To get the color I wipe on the stain gunstock by winwax. After letting it dry for about an hour, I then wipe on a coat of espresso stain. For the finish, I apply coats of a gloss polyurethane by Minwax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by rachelmlee on Sun, 01/26/2020 - 20:23

This was my first real woodworking project and was so much fun! I use my deck much more now and am excited to build more!

Estimated Cost
$500 (with cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Jacobean stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Changing table

Submitted by markmart74 on Thu, 07/07/2016 - 03:40

With the arrival of our first baby in 10 days,  the wife wanted a changing table. My only vision of a changing table was the ones in public restrooms. With the help of Google, I came across all the great diy ideas on this site. I combined 3 plans into 1 and came up with this. The project took 2 days to build. Next step is to prime and paint. 

Estimated Cost
90 - 100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X Farmhouse Coffee Table with Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 08:54

This project was made from reclaimed wood from my office where they had built a temporary safety railing out of 2x4s and 2x6s. I added a compartment for storage. The top is stained in a classic grey. I painted the body in black followed by white. I then sanded the body to allow the black to bleed through for a distressed look.

Comments

Porch swing bed

Submitted by Beaulook on Tue, 01/28/2014 - 16:29

Started off with the original design but enlarged it to fit an oversize single mattress. The mattress cost me $35 from a local faith farm, while the materials came in around $200. I decided to hang under my backyard pergola. Fun and easy project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhammond

Tue, 01/28/2014 - 21:10

Wow this looks so inviting I might just have to make one too! Nice work-- it looks great!

Shorty

Tue, 01/28/2014 - 21:26

Really great job on your porch swing bed AND an awesome looking patio/yard. Looks amazing all around!

Debbie Perkins

Mon, 07/27/2015 - 22:45

I want this!  I just made a couple of plant stands for my front porch.  My husband asked me what my next project was, why, a swing bed.  (This was only my second project!)  I want to put cup holders in those big ole arms!  We have a house at the beach in South Alabama, so, you gotta "hydrate."  This is an awesome swing.  I can't wait to do mine...pillows to rest on, one foot on the concrete pushing me in a slow swing. Cold beverage in my hand or in my cup holder. Yep, southern girl has a new project.  Love it!

Rustic Adirondack Bench (love seat)

I loved the Rustic Adirondack Chair so much I felt I needed to make a bench in the same style. I had to be a little creative with the chair plans and modify them to make my bench work. I am absolutely thrilled with how it came out! I already have a friend who has requested a chair and bench (love seat) for his son's wedding gift!

Estimated Cost
Material costs for the wood was $85-ish. Wood prices are nuts right now!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mjackson41995@…

Fri, 08/20/2021 - 16:37

You can make the 1x10 in any length you want. I’m planning on making a loveseat too and The measurements I chose for the seating area will be 48” long (which is the size for 2 seat cushions).

The Step 1 in Ana’s plan, all measurements will be the same.

Step 2: The two 2x4 horizontal supports will be cut at 48”.

Step 3: the two 1x10 seat panels will be 3 inches longer than the horizontal supports. So you will cut the 1x10 seat panels at 51”.

Step 4: Instead of two, you will need THREE seat supports. So cut three 2x4’s @ 32 3/4”. The third seat support will go in the middle of the other seat supports, drilled to the horizontal back support.

Step 5: Attach your back bottom horizontal support which will be a 2x4 at 48”.

Step 6: Attach the 1x10 seat back panels. You will cut (3) 1x10 @ 48”.

Here is the cut list for the loveseat version of Ana’s Adirondack plan. These are the lengths I chose. So with this cut list your loveseat should be big enough for two 24x24” seat cushions. I plan to add cushions for extra comfort.

My cut list:
(2) 2x4 @ 31 3/4”
(2) 2x4 @ 19 1/2”
(2) 2x4 @ 33 1/4” Cut at 20 degrees as per Ana’s plan.
(3) 2x4 @ 48” Horizontal supports. One goes behind your calves.
The other connects the end frames/arm rests at the back.
(2) 1x10 @ 51” Seat panels.
(3) 2x4 @ 32 3/4” Vertical supports for the back panels.
(3) 1x10 @ 48” The back panels.

Large Wood Storage Chest

Submitted by danicarby on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 07:25

I wanted a large chest to store toys, books or blankets. I wanted it to be cheap to build and be rustic. This project turned out perfectly! I used 2" and 4"-wide furring strips and rope for the hinges and handles. I used 1/4" plywood for the bottom and made a groove with the router for it to slide into while assembling. I helped 16 girls make these who had no previous experience and they loved it!

Estimated Cost
$20-$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Mixwax Stain and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

benjaminrogers

Fri, 12/27/2013 - 06:21

Can you provide a lumber list for this? I know you said you used 2x4 but the lumber I see in the photo doesn't look like 2x4.

Thanks,

Ben

danicarby

Fri, 12/27/2013 - 07:17

Hi Ben!

I used 1x4's and 1x2's. I have a shopping list and cutting list on my blog. I can't post the link here but you can click on the link where it says "Blog Link" under "About This Project"

Let me know if you have any other questions!

My laundry basket dresser with doors

Submitted by jensimmons on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 20:19

I wanted to use our laundry basket dresser as a collector for dirty laundry in our bathroom, and wanted it to have doors so it would blend in better. I also made the shelf above for our towels. It is painted white with a faux-zinc finish on the top. I made the top slightly larger so it would overhang and added cute little bun feet. My talented friend Carli helped me build the doors (and by helped I mean I handed her things while she impressed me with all her tools and skills!) and frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75-100 (can't remember exactly)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white semi-gloss paint, zinc faux finish: layer 1 dark charcoal paint, layer 2 dark pewter metallic glaze, layer 3 white paint thinned with water & rubbed on/off.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 07/29/2011 - 23:37

this is perfect! i totally need a bunch just like this! I love the added doors!

Pam in Colorado (not verified)

Sat, 09/17/2011 - 12:48

This is the look I'd like, fit the baskets and hide them behind doors until you are ready to do the laundry. These could be made for bedrooms, bathrooms, toy rooms (okay, toys instead of dirty laundry)...

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:05

I absolutely love this! Could you please add instructions on how to make/paint and install the doors? I am a newbie to making my own furniture. Thanks!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 08:29

I love this idea! I will have a new bathroom soon and I think this will get used! What are the dimensions, or what style cabinet would you suggest to look for? TIA!

Jennifer Simmons (not verified)

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:57

The dimensions are the same as Ana's plan: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser except that the top is slightly bigger (3/4" overhang on front/sides) to look more like a countertop. On the doors we just made a frame w/ angled pieces, routed a notched line on the back & glued/nailed some beadboard in from the back. Sorry I can't be much more detailed on that, a friend did most of the doors for me!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 07:42

I actually got the plywood to do this project and I was going to add doors. I looked at the baskets suggested but it seems they would stick out the front. I was just curious, did you use different baskets that would fit inside the cabinet or did you make the cabinet slightly deeper?

Jennifer Simmons (not verified)

Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:36

Actually I discovered the same problem after it was built. I just didn't put a back on and they stick out a tiny bit in the back. I actually kind of like it that way because it lets some air in (being in the bathroom and putting towels in I could see it getting mildewy without much circulation). But if I had gotten the baskets first I probably would have made it about 2" deeper, then leave some open space, but not all, on the back.

Recessed cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 14:14

My bathroom has very little storage space. So during our recent remodeling of the room, I decided to add this cabinet. Changed the plan a little to make it recessed in the wall. I love how it turned out!

Comments

Full size loft

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 18:46

Built a full size loft bed for my kids but wanted something safer than having them climb up and down a ladder so used the Camp Loft Bed plans to add the platform and stairs. It is much easier for the kids. Going to finish by covering the platform and stairs with carpet.

Estimated Cost
180
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)

Comments

Barn Door Pet Kennel

Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 02/19/2020 - 14:19

Built by Holli Peterson

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

hodnett1984

Thu, 08/31/2023 - 21:23

I’m looking to make one similar to this but looking to make it a little bigger for two Great Danes. Do you still have the plans and or cut list for this project to help me out. I’d greatly appreciate it if so.

Deck Gate

Submitted by mweir on Tue, 06/26/2012 - 19:37

With grandchildren and pets we decided to put a gate on the deck.

The gate is made from 2 X 4's and 2 x 2's. I used brass hinges to prevent rust and smooth operation

Estimated Cost
$15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
we will finish the gate when the deck is stained
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple 2x4 Bench

Submitted by jennibee on Sun, 09/14/2014 - 17:03

I made this in an afternoon. Loved this project. It is made with 2x4's using a Kregs Jig and mitre saw (plus additional tools like a drill and square).  This was my frist time using the Kregs Jig and I am sold!!

The free plans were taken from another website. They are very detailed and there is even a video (I recommend it as he gives a great tip for making sure the back stays equal/level to each other before putting the back on). Even though you can build this by yourself, I did have help for the heavier sides once they were assembled.  I plan to build the additional side table soon and finish them both with sanding and staining when the weather seems less iffy for rain.

If you are looking for a good beginner project that doesn't take forever or have complicated steps, this is your project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Twin Sleeper Chair

Submitted by Hoff7.62 on Sat, 06/04/2022 - 15:20

This was my take on your Twin Sleeper Chair. I made it into a full. I used 2x4’s where there was suppose to be 1x4’s because I changed the width. This was a very fun project, my first project actually. Thank you for the plans and idea.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Secretary/Storage cabinet

Submitted by Kirch3333 on Mon, 11/02/2015 - 05:39

Inspired by the Tall Secretary with mail slots but with my own twist/needs incorporated in it. Finished with pure white satin paint.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pure white Behr satin enamel paint, finished with Varathane Matte Soft Touch Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Faux Fireplace with hidden storage cabinets

Submitted by Wccox on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 20:50

Very nice project built in a day. 

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Murphy Bed Cabinet

Submitted by Aventusman on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 14:07

I made this cabinet to house my murphy bed.  I used the Toy or TV Armoire plans as a start and adjusted the measurements as needed.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Double Tilt-out trash bin

Submitted by lindy19 on Wed, 10/23/2013 - 17:47

Really wanted one of these but everything I found was way too expensive so I found these plans, tweaked em a bit to fit the space I had and voila, double tilt-out trash bin. Thanks for the wonderful plans!

Estimated Cost
$50-75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ADeboer

Sat, 05/02/2020 - 14:36

This is the exact Style I've been looking for!! I see that you made this ages ago - any chance you still have the dimension modifications you made somewhere?

Cedar sectional

Submitted by rhn0489 on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 11:39

My sister needed new outdoor furniture for her deck and liked the look of the sectional. I used cedar with a clear varnish to creat this piece for her that was perfectly sized for her deck. The challenge to this one was getting it to her house about 3 hours from mine. Fully assembled it would have been tight getting it in my truck. I ended up cutting all of the boards and drilling all of the pocket holes in my shop and then assembling at her house. I have added backs to some of the pieces I have made fro others that want the extr support. I add a 1x4 laying flat across the back of the seat. The slats going up and down then have a slight angle to them which adds comfort and support. I attached the pieces to the 1x4 and the upper back rest piece in the plans.

Estimated Cost
$340 including lumber and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Screen door with built in dog door

Our old screen door wasn't cutting it anymore, so I built a new one, and to kill two birds with one stone, I included a built-in dog door. Now I just need to find the motivation to close off the old dog door.

I have the plans to build this screen door with a built-in dog door posted via the blog link below for anyone interested.

Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate