Community Brag Posts

DIY Shed Chicken Coop 6x8

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/19/2016 - 19:50

 The project was used using the same plans but I extended the floor to be 6 feet wide vice 4 feet the additional 2 feet provided the perfect amount space I wanted. I also added an extra windows  to get cross ventilation.    I also insulated the coop and put paneling on the walls and lenolium on the floors.  I dropped the back wall sheeting 1.5 inches for additional airflow since the shed doesn't have a ridge vent.   The plans are easy to follow and easily adaptable.   

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$700. You may think that is a lot but you will learn a lot. Coops we were looking at were $1,200. This coop was less expensive and bigger and better plus you can say you built that.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
T1-11 with home depot behr exterior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First Project Ever

This was the first thing me and the hubby ever built. We had lots of fun and even got the kids involved. Pretty sure we got the building bug now! Thanks Ana for inspiring families to build better lifestyles one board at a time. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
American Accents Colonial Red
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

OCTAGON PICNIC TABLE

Submitted by BigBry on Sat, 03/01/2014 - 07:36

My son and I had a blast building this table last October. I have been meaning to write and thank you for the great plans. We took the suggestion of staggering the legs for better access and it turned out great. I also used deck boards for the top to help reduce weight and they were already slightly curved on the sides which made sanding easier. Thank you!
My cost includes a nice Kreg Jig set up (approx $100)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$220
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Desk

This was my first attempt at this desk and all things considered it turned out pretty well. I glued the top and shelves together instead of using pocket screws. I then stained the top and shelves expresso and used the expresso stain over the white paint on the base and then wiped it off to give it an aged look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50

Rolling Miter Saw Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/13/2023 - 08:34

I pretty much followed the plans exactly as provided. The folding brackets I used are supposed to be heavy duty and able to handle up to 100 lbs. per pair of brackets. We'll see how they do. If needed, I might add the 2x2 or 2x4 braces I've seen many others do on here. It's nice to finally have my mitre saw off of my workbench.

These are the brackets and wheels I used.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08PVFJ87Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_…

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B093FQVV8P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_…

 

Built from Plan(s)

Sawhorse Table

Submitted by RHgaijin2 on Sat, 04/25/2020 - 20:48

I made this table for my two boys to do their homework on so I modified it a little to make it shorter.
I used reclaimed 2x4's for the base and MDF for the table top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
black stain, white paint, polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

truss shelf/bookcase

Submitted by mritek77 on Mon, 04/14/2014 - 22:34

This was a pretty simple project as long as you make accurate cuts. Making accurately angled cut allows for tight joint also love the pocket screws. I did add a top brace for stability, seemed a little unstable without them. I pocket screwed them on from the backside, so they can't be seen from front. Than went with a two tone paint/stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

outdoor dining table

Submitted by jcengel on Thu, 07/05/2012 - 21:27

Followed the directions for the simple outdoor dining table. Mine is still unfinished. Plan to paint and primer it white. There were some errors in the plans. Do not screw the top framing together with butt joints and still expect to be able to put the leg bolts through. They will hit each other. It was only a real problem for me on one of the legs but if I had knownthere would be a problem I would have found another way from the start.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by rendall28 on Sun, 05/31/2020 - 14:10

This was my first furniture piece that I have made. I made two night stands, one for each side of the bed in our master bedroom. I chose to modify the plan so I could have ball bearing drawer slides.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke Stain for table top...Special order white paint to match the white woodwork in our home.

A dresser for shoes!

Submitted by SmeesAlf on Fri, 05/30/2014 - 12:02

I've had the plans to this shoe dresser saved for months, and finally convinced my husband it was time to build it! In total, we probably spent about 8 hours on it, from cutting the wood to staining.

The instructions are a smidge vague, but if you really think through it, it's a piece of cake. Do not do anything out of order! My husband and I did, and we unfortunately had to redo certain steps.

This was our third project, and so far my favorite piece of furniture in our house!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut with Polycrylic top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Outdoor Sectional with Matching Ottomans, Chairs & Table

Submitted by cqueiruga on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 21:01

We were looking for outdoor furniture for our deck, and for the size and amount we needed it would have cost us at least $2000. We really like the idea of having an outdoor sectional that we can also use for dining, and we had trouble finding a set we liked. We found Ana's plans for the 2x4 Outdoor Sectional, and i loved the look. After seeing what others have done with the plans, I thought I would be able to modify it to get everything we needed for much less cost than buying a set.

We ended up extending the size of the 2x4 outdoor sofa by one 24" section, for a total length of 96". I then used the same design to make two outdoor chairs, just reduced the length to 24". I modified the 2x4 outdoor coffee table plans to create two ottoman's that can be moved around to make the seating more lounge style Finally, I modified the coffee table plans to make a 5 foot outdoor dining table. All in all, it took about a week and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

Estimated Cost
$800 ($200 for wood, $600 for cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Semi-Transparent Antique Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwood4

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 09:44

Looks amazing! What method did you use (pocket holes, dowels, deck screws, etc) to join the visible portions like the arms?

Simple Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 13:45

We used the plans from the Simple Outhouse to make a space to hold our porta potty. The door is a repurposed barn door and I think it looks amazing! These plans were perfect for us as we were able to build it in panels and reassemble on our property by the lake. Some screened windows to allow for ventilation and light were the finishing touches. Thanks Anna for the simple to follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used pressure treated wood for the base and deck. For inside, we repurposed some scraps of composite decking. Painted with exterior latex "driftwood".

Leaning bathroom shelf

Submitted by Jill Marie on Fri, 09/09/2016 - 13:30

I saw this plan and immediately decided to make it!  My mom had been telling me for a while I needed a shelf in the bathroom she uses while visiting. She was coming the next day so decided I needed to hustle to surprise her. I left the lumber store at 8pm and finished painting the assembled shelves by 11pm. The next morning I moved shelves to the bathroom and when she arrived later that day she was so surprised!  She loved it! Thank you so much for the idea! 

Estimated Cost
$11 for lumber (I purchased 2 pieces 1-1x6 @ 8ft and 1-1x10 @ 8ft and cut to size). I already had nails, wood glue, and paint (you could purchase a sample size for $3 @Lowes and have enough for this project ).
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Scenic view colored paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Planter Boxes

Submitted by rendall28 on Mon, 06/22/2020 - 16:26

I followed the plan exactly including the suggestion of the fence paint (2 coats). This was a very easy build. It took much longer to paint than it did to build. These boxes are the perfect accent on our new patio/firepit.

Estimated Cost
$10/box for the wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Fence Stain (white) 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Sewing/cutting table

Submitted by drc3924 on Thu, 06/19/2014 - 19:53

This has become my dream sewing/craft desk!! This project took about a week from start to finish (with work days in between). The shorter portion of the desk is used for my machine and sewing. The taller portion is used as a cutting table. The plans (dimensions) were tweaked some to get the perfect heights for me :).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding I painted 1 coat of interior primer the about 2-3 coats of mint flat interior paint. I decided not to add a clear coat just because I wanted to use my amazing desk ASAP!!!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tamaralyn79

Wed, 03/25/2015 - 06:31

Your desk is GORGEOUS!!!! It's exactly what I've been looking to build for my space. I would love to know how you modified the plan to make it.

TaylorMade1205

Wed, 03/25/2015 - 07:23

I also wanted to comment on the thread shelf you build, that is really awesome, you can see all your colors right in front of you. Mine are in a drawer and I have to pull the whole thing out to see what I need. This is really giving me ideas.

kchess

Fri, 09/04/2015 - 08:45

Would you please send the plan instructions (with measurments).  It is perfect for me as I sew and embrodery both and have two machines.  

Nightstand shelves

Wanted new nightstand but also wanted so shelving for pictures and stuff. Saw a picture on here and google images and decided to make it my own.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint is Rust-oleum Chalked (linen white). Had this from pervious project.
Stain is Minwax semi-transparent Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Corner computer cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/22/2016 - 11:23

Flip down tray added for computer keyboard.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments