Community Brag Posts

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!

I altered the original plans in the following ways:

• Only built one rolling cart because I already had a multi-drawer tool chest that fit right under the workbench.
• Built the right half of the workbench as a separate piece from the miter table because attic access is right above it and we need to move the workbench to get to it.
• Built a half cart for the table saw because the Dewalt contractor saw extends too far to the sides to have it boxed in.
• I'm going to add a sliding plate that locks down for my miter saw so I can pull it away from the wall without dragging or lifting it.
• I used a nail gun with two inch nails instead of staples since I don't own a staple gun that holds staples that long.

I'm not that experienced with projects so here are a couple of things I learned:

• Attach the castors far enough under the cart so that the wheel never extends beyond the sides.
• Watch what grade sandpaper you use on the plywood. It's easy to strip off a layer.
• This was not a one-person project for me. Even with clamps, I still needed help bracing parts and rotating pieces.

Thanks for the great plan! Now I can start on all the other projects on our improvement list.

With all my recent prowess in woodworking my 9-yo daughter asked me to build a desk for her room. She drew something up, something simple with a shelf for her “phone and tablet”.
I complied and built a 18”x36”x30”desk, just the right size to fit at the end of her bed. I formed the legs using 2x4s and used my circular saw and my multi-tool to create an embedded 3/4x4 “design feature” to hold the shelf up. The top is 3/4” plywood that I had sitting around with wood filler and a lot of sanding (60 grit and 220 grit). Would have preferred a hardwood top but was shooting for $30 total materials cost. My wife and daughter have chosen a color and they will paint the desk tomorrow.

Modified the size to 60” length , 12” depth , 36” height . Went with satin white frame , Minwax classic grey stained top with 3 coats of poly clear coat satin (quick dry).

Wife asked me to find a farmhouse table to make for our house. I was super nervous and had zero confidence going into this project. However, I decided to give it a try. I am super happy with how this project turned out. I modified the plans to have 30" 4x4 legs rather than the 29" the plans call for. This was to accommodate the set of barstools we have currently at our house. We can get 8+ around this wonderful table, and are super excited to keep building!

Thanks Ana, for the great plans and inspiration!

Built as a Birthday gift for my daughter-in-law. Hope she likes it.

Super easy and useful project. I made mine 8 ft. long because my studs are on 24 in. centers and I had a lot of tools to hang. It was fun building it and even more fun getting all those tools and things off the floor.

Made it a bit wider, added a shelf and wheels.