Community Brag Posts

Mediocre man makes an the outdoor sofa!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/07/2020 - 10:23

I made this awesome sofa based on the plan. I'm not very good at this stuff however, these plans were great. Easy to follow and gave me a great excuse to buy a mitre saw.
It looks great with the blue cushions. It's quite comfy and a great size.

Now complete - a mod I will make is to add a second 2x4 in front of the back brace as I find it too deep.

I really appreciate you sharing these plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Stain (I need to get better.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

54" Round Pedestal Table

This was such a fun build. Instead of the square table top I opted for a 54" round table top and I also altered the plans for the base. I upped the size for each board used to give it a chunkier look ( Ex: instead of 2x4s, I used 2x6s and so on)

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 Coat Minwax - Wood Conditioner
1 Coat Minwax - Ebony
3 Coats Minwax - Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Storage twin beds with Corner unit and secret hideout!

Submitted by stacie_b on Thu, 09/11/2014 - 11:48

This is my biggest build yet! I combined plans from this site and then modified them slightly to create two twin storage beds, a corner headboard unit with cubbies, and a secret hideout underneath!

The beds are two benches - I left off the headboard and footboards to allow for a secret passageway for my girls to access the space under the headboard unit. I also left the backing off of the benches on the wall side of each bed so that they can be used for storage. (I also left the backing off of one of the cubbies on the room-side bench to allow additional access/exit points for the hideout.)

For the hideout, I followed the Corner Unit plans, except I stopped the headboard pieces at the level of the beds rather than making them go all the way to the floor. 

I added trim on the edges of the headboard unit - partly to cover imperfections, but I love the look of it! 

Now the girls have a secret hideout (complete with a light and pillows for lounging and reading), the space under the headboard unit is not wasted, and MOM did it all! :) I'm so proud of this project and I love the example it sets for my girls that powertools are for everyone! 

Estimated Cost
$150 for everything!
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White high gloss enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Asian inspired outdoor bench (no screws!)

Submitted by jennibee on Sat, 09/13/2014 - 14:47

This is made by using treated lumber and concrete deck piers. The genius of this bench is that there are no screws. It fits together like a puzzle and sits on concrete deck piers. I left it untreated for a bit and decided to let the piers stay gray. The original plans called for the piers to be stained black and a stain to be applied to the wood. I wanted to post this as inspiration but will add the link to the template for the wood pieces at a later time. 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I have future plans to use simple decking stain in a cherry color for the wood part and black concrete stain for the concrete deck piers.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mom's Lego Table

Submitted by adobbins29 on Wed, 12/26/2012 - 13:34

My son Bryce built the Lego Table for the Bell County Youth Fair and Livestock Show. He was entered as the youngest student at 9 years old and competed in the Junior Woodworking division. The table placed third out of 9 entries and he was the youngest kid to place. He was so excited! The table was easy to build and looks fantastic. Thank you for the plans. We are currently about to start work for this year's show.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted base and stained top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dresser/Toddler Changing Table

Submitted by milleall on Thu, 11/06/2014 - 10:52

My 15 month old needed a new dresser and a place to put his changing pad as he outgrew the changing table with rails but still fits on the pad itself. I stained the drawers dark to match his existing crib. I used plywood for the drawer faces and attached 3/4 inch square poplar as pulls. I wanted an integrated look and the bonus is that my son has a harder time getting a good hold to open the drawers. I used the plans for the three drawer dresser but omitted the face frame because I wanted to cut costs (I used poplar not pine or else it would not have added much). I just made the plywood wider and I added some stabilizing pieces in the back.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, Kona stain, and semi gloss polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Grandy Barn Door Fireplace and Matching Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 17:38

We originally built the original console a while ago as an entertainment unit for underneath our television. We enjoyed the console so much that we decided that we wanted to do another modified console with a fireplace in it and make the other one into a buffet/storage area for the dining room.

Both of these are fairly modified from the plan, however the basic concepts remain the same. One big thing that we did was use 1x4s as much as possible to reduce the different sizes of lumber we were buying to both reduce complexity and end up with as little as possible scraps.

The frames are made of the 2x3s, The sides (4 deep), shelves, middle shelves and face frame are all 1x4s. The back and inside frames are scrap plywood. The top is 1x6s.

The addition of the fireplace was not difficult. What it did require us to do was to add the centre section and essentially create a box that is closed to the outside cabinets. If it were not closed off it wouldn't support the fireplace insert correctly. The important piece with the fireplace is to ensure you have enough clearance on the top and sides to allow the fireplace to mount safely without overheating. The nice thing about this setup is the additional shelf above the fireplace which we used for electronics. The wires go through the back of the cabinet and it looks very clean.

These are probably my favorite things I've built this year. They're simple to make and add a lot to any living space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint for body
Minwax Polyshades Classic Black for top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mater Chair for a child.

Submitted by justjeff52 on Mon, 12/01/2014 - 13:44

This is a chair I made from the Super Easy Adirondack Chair plan from your website.

Estimated Cost
$75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Balustrade coffee table

Submitted by mandi10uga on Wed, 03/08/2017 - 05:36

Made from plans, no modifications. I've made it twice, once in a weathered natural look and once with a darker stain. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Economical Basement Shelving

Submitted by Veronica P on Tue, 12/09/2014 - 07:17

I needed something to get the camping stuff, toys, strollers and everything else organized and up off the floor of our unfinished basement so my boys can ride their trikes inside over the winter. This was perfect! Just changed it slightly (made it deeper) to accommodate some larger items. Thanks again Ana!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My very first wood project- 6 foot farmhouse desk with modifications

Submitted by Thersha on Sun, 01/03/2021 - 15:48

I needed a 6 foot desk, but could not find one online that I liked that was within my budget.. I decided to make this desk and modified it to a 6 foot with a foot rest in the middle so I can have both sides functional and have a spot to put my feet up... I also added 8 shaped fasteners to attach the top to the base.. I was so inexperienced when I started this project that I had to watch videos on how to use a drill and the pocket hole jig...So if I can do this, anyone can, Thanks Ana for inspiring me!! I am on fire to do so many more... !! I need so much more tools now!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Used American stain by MinWax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Clear pine bunk bed

We started this late 2013 and finished it June 2014. We used an old IKEA bed hardware for the middle support for the full mattress. We had to use Hemlock Fir "white wood" for the 4x4's (found at Menards in Wisconsin). We used Satin polyurathane from Minwax and allowed a month for the fumes to die down. My boys and guests seem to enjoy the bed. 

Estimated Cost
$700 or so
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Satin Polyurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Julie's benchmark media console

Submitted by Timjuliek on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 16:42

My wife used the benchmark media console plans with her own idea for the doors

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherman Williams pro classic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Large Entertainment Center

Submitted by rmseama on Sun, 01/24/2021 - 17:28

My Biggest build so far. We have a large living room and needed something large for that wall. I really had fun on this one. It took longer than I wanted but in the end, I’m really proud I finished. This was my first time to use the router and learned how build shaker style doors. -Instagram.com/theorthfam

Estimated Cost
1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Benchwright Table

My wife loved the Benchwright table at pottery barn, and I did not love the price. Got a lot of ideas from this site and tried to make it my own. The outside and legs are made from 5"x5" Cypress, purchased from a local saw mill. I used a kreg jig on the entire thing along with lag bolts and glue. It is very heavy and I can jump up and down on it. Bought the hardware from Fastenal. Fun project, took about 16 hours total.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Poly - 3 Coats
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

jbayer80

Sat, 03/02/2013 - 20:21

This is by far my favorite table I've seen on here. Wow...its all I can say. I wish it was not in the $400 range.

BTW, that is some serious saw dust. haha

In reply to by jbayer80

chasekirby80

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 05:50

Thank you,
I helped a buddy make on shortly after I made mine. He used 4x4 pine, it looks a little smaller and the pine did not stain as dark, but it is still a very nice looking table. He made it for under $150, so that might be a good option.

jbayer80

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 07:37

That is a great option. Hopefully when its time for a table like this I can afford the 5X5's.

What a statement that table has!

Simple Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/20/2017 - 12:26

I had my nephew build this outhouse for our new 70 acre lot - no neighbours in sight so I had him put in an acrylic window (with a view).  I left off the deck and had him put the boards tight together so 'critters' didn't get in as easily. I made a sign for above the door - 'Waste Management' for a touch of humour.  The plans were easy to follow and I love it.  Thanks, Ana.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approx. $300 for material and $250 for my nephew's labour.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barn-wood dining room table

Submitted by Sylka on Tue, 04/27/2021 - 06:08

I used the outdoor bar plans to build this table. I have limited space in a living/dining room and had to fit the measurements to the space I have and the size of the pre-existing tabletop.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bypass Closet Doors

Submitted by Mama2Three on Fri, 04/05/2013 - 08:49

After discovering a leak, we are in the process of a master bathroom/bedroom remodel. In the bedroom, we had replaced all of the windows, painted and installed crown moulding with rope lighting in the bedroom. Then we looked at our closet doors leading to our walk-in closet, and realized they really needed to go to. They were heavy, mirrored with brass trim and regularly would jump off their track. Unfortunately the leak had caused more damage than we originally thought, and our remodel had expanded to replacing two exterior walls as well so we were over budget. Just to get an idea of how much it would cost to buy new doors, I got online and thankfully I found these plans. Although I used to watch my Grandfather build things in his wood shop, I had never actually built something all by myself. My contractor let me use his Kreg Jig and miter saw. After purchasing the wood, I quickly put together the door frames. Since we were on a strict budget for these doors, I decided to use bead board instead of glass. I bought a 4 x 8 sheet of beadboard and had the store rip it in half. I then attached it to the back of the doors with small wood screws and glue. I painted the doors with white gloss trim paint to match the other doors in the room. Since my closet is a walk-in closet, I did paint both sides. My closet entrance had no trim, so used a piece of moulding and attached it to the bypass door track. We are not finished with the flooring or baseboards yet, but once complete we will be installing guides along the bottom.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high-gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Exterior farmhouse table for the farm

we needed an exterior table big enough for 8 on short notice. It's hard to find nice exterior furniture on the Big Island of Hawaii so we decided to build ourselves using borrowed tools. only wish i had my kreg jig nearby :).

*this is July 2021 (pandemic) so wood prices have shot up. that's the reason the cost of the project is higher than normal.

Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Primer: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
2. Wood conditioner: Varathane pre-stain wood conditioner
3. Paint – Legs: Benjamin moore soft gloss finish premium exterior paint in white
4. Stain – Top: Varathane premium poly+stain in Satin Jacobean
5. Varnish: Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
6. #9 x 2-1/2 in. Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screws by Deckmate
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sandbox w/ Built In Seats

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/14/2017 - 07:30

I have built some other stuff before, but not with paint and sanding and such. It was definitely a great learning project. There are imperfections, but it's a toy, so kids will be having fun and that is all that matters.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100... but, the paint will be used on other projects, and I paid for better boards for on top.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Photo dump!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/26/2021 - 04:13

I have built all these recently with the help of your plans! Thank you!!

Comments