Community Brag Posts

Loft Bed

Submitted by JesseM on Tue, 09/27/2016 - 13:07

This project was for our 4 year old daughter.  We wanted to get her a loft bed, but I wanted to make sure the rails were really tall so she didn't fall out.  So, I took some inspirtation from loft beds on this website as well as looking at pictures of beds you can buy.  I also added the drawers within the stairs because I wanted to utilize the storage potential.  That was the most difficult part as I'm not particularly experienced in making and installing drawers.  Off to YouTube tutorials I went and it turned out quite nice.  I had to build it in three different parts to get it in her room.  It's the actual bed portion, the stairs, and the side wall.  Once I got it together, I left the screws showing that I connected it with, which I hate, but when we have to move it out of there, I didn't want to go through a ton of trouble.  I used Kreg pocket holes for all of the vertical bed slats which caused a ton of work plugging the holes, cutting off the excess, sanding, and then sanding again and again.  But, it was well worth it.  We have made her a cozy little nook underneath the bed and added a light since these pictures.  Overall, it was a fun project

Estimated Cost
$500-$700
I used maple plywood for the walls which shot the price up a LOT
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Console Table

Submitted by boneill on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 20:31

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).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax classic grey with poly 3 coats quick dry
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Planked Wood Bedside Tables with drawers

Submitted by JenMash on Mon, 09/03/2012 - 13:06

So after my husband and I conquered the headboard, we decided that we were geniuses at furniture making and we would just build the two side tables. Well, the two side tables are much more difficult than the headboard. The side tables are definitely do-able but make sure that you leave plenty of time for them. We built most of them on a Sunday and then finished them up in the evenings the rest of teh week. We do not have a Kreg Jig and were able to build them without it; however, if you have a Kreg Jig it would make thing 1,000 times easier. We did end up buying a miter saw because we were building the Old style Workmen's Bench bar at the same time (crazy, I tell you). It is CRITICAL to make sure that your inside drawer measurements work. If you are off just by a little, your drawer pulls are not going to fit. We ended up buying bottom mount drawer pulls. The drawers are a little less stable and can hold less weight (up to 35 pounds) but it worked for us. I think the real key to finishing this project are choosing the right drawer pulls. I really believe that spending a little bit more on the drawer pulls makes the piece look more expensive. We spent about 6.50 a drawer pull but they look really nice in person. TIPS **Stain drawer faces off, then attach hardware, then attach to drawer base **If you are going to use wood filler (I wouldn't), make sure that you use the least bit possible - the stain does not take to it the same

Estimated Cost
175.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial from Minwax, left on for about 10 minutes and wiped off (after prepping wood with pre-stain), clear coated. For the inside of the drawers, we used Minwax Natural - next time I would go a bit deeper and do Honey for the inside; distressed with creme brulee torch, chain from hardware store, drill bit and hammer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Debi_G (not verified)

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 03:15

This plan is what I wanted, but I chickened out. Yours looks fantastic!

Perfect End Table

Submitted by coolove on Sun, 06/29/2014 - 20:46

Just a little something to go in the dining room. I like the look of it. If I find another need for one I would definitely make this again accept use a different stain and paint the base white and use a semi-gloss or gloss protective finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$26
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Dark Walnut (2 coats) and Minwax Polycrylic Satin Clear Finish. 3 coats for the top and bottom shelf and 1 coat all over.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Submitted by dbcottam on Mon, 10/03/2016 - 13:02

I modified this plan by removing 1/3 of the table so it would fit our dining room. I used the farmhouse bench plans and "upholstered" them. This is the result. I used construction grade pine. Some of the table was altered by mistake, other bits on purpose. This project took me 40+ hours to complete. Weekends, a afterwork. 

Estimated Cost
$350 including tools
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Wood Conditioner, Dark Walnut Stain, Clear Semi-gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen Island

Submitted by bbomer on Tue, 09/04/2012 - 18:41

I built this island using Ana's base cabinet plans. I simply added a face frame to all the sides because they are all visible. My wife drew up the plan that includes open storage at one end and an overhang at the other to provide room for a stool. We bought the butcher block top online. It comes unfinished, so we had to sand it down smooth and treat it with mineral oil.

Estimated Cost
Approx. $500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Danish Oil + Shellac + Latex + Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kathy in Pittsburgh (not verified)

Wed, 09/05/2012 - 09:55

I'm in love....this is gorgeous! You both should be very proud of how it turned out. Now, if only my kitchen weren't so small that I can touch both opposite countertops with my arms spread out.....I would build this in a heartbeat! :P

Blinky114

Thu, 11/06/2014 - 09:25

As Kathy in Pittsburgh said, .."this is gorgeous!" I too would be building this if my kitchen were nearly large enough to accommodate it.

Thanks for posting this, it gives me inspiration.

Mark in Portland, OR

mpullan

Sat, 11/25/2023 - 14:23

Pretty much what my daughter wants. I’ll have to be looking at yours a bit to figure out the open shelves. Thanks for posting!

DIY #1 Shelf

Submitted by katie0910 on Thu, 07/03/2014 - 08:53

I built this PB Teen-inspired #1 shelf for my oldest son's bedroom. He has an all-star theme going on in there, so I knew this would be perfect for him. I modified the plans a bit and used standard 1" boards, rather than plywood. I am planning to hang it on his wall and I wanted to be able to have a sturdier shelf to do so.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden paint in Onyx Black
Glidden paint in Sunflower
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

LOVE this!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/05/2016 - 20:36

I love how my fireplace turned out!! It took a whole day to make and I did end up scaling the design up to make it a lot bigger. Love how it turned out!! 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor rolling bar top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 19:43

We had some leftover granite from an outdoor kitchen build and wanted to maximize the use of it. We loved the look of a rustic table from Pottery Barn and set out to find something that was asking the same aesthetic. I came across the Jilly and Mia workbench console and thought it would work great with some minor modifications. I shortened the overall length and height, went with some heavy duty casters to support the weight of the granite, and reinforced the cross beams that would support the 3/4" plywood sheet and granite. I went with cedar for this build since it was outdoors and I'll finish it with a clear sealant.

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

Comments

Fancy Pants Hall Tree

Submitted by theJam on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 19:37

This is not my first build, as I built some tables for my shop using various plans.

Anyway, here it is, the hall tree! I changed up the trim a bit. So much of me went into this, and a couple of times I pulled out the crowbar and started over on the moulding and on the cross supports on the top because I was a bit of a perfectionist... something I need to learn to control with this new found hobby.

Let me know what you think! Already the picture have about 50 likes on my facebook and people want me to build them one! I think I'll just send them the link... !!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American Stain and Minwax Quick Drying Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bd

Sat, 04/06/2013 - 09:03

What did you use for the back plywood panel? Oak? I'm having difficulty finding oak plywood in anything except 3/4", and it looks like there's a contrast between wood types. Is that just a difference in stain or difference in wood?

Thanks!

justindalby

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 08:35

I love your version.  I really like the moulding that you put on the top piece of the bench.  Since there is a lip on the top piece (overlaps the bottom section of the bench), how did you attached the moulding so that the top of it lays flat and flush with the top piece? I assume that you made some sort of hidden spacer between the lip and the moulding.  Is that correct? 

Also, how did you attach the back plywood to the decorative cross beams, finish nails?

Thanks for sharing!

Finished my Shanty hutch and sideboard

We had a big wall in our living room and nothing to fill it.. To buy a piece of furniture this size would have been so expensive. I worked on this piece over a week and a half... during kids naps. I used cove molding around the outside edges instead of the two base moldings on top and bottom. I added a very large crown molding on top. I wasn't able to find a prefab base molding thick enough that was stain quality so I just used a 1x4 and another molding on top of it. I made 4 shelves but after getting out all my decor I decided to only have one on the left side. I applied edge banding to finish off the plywood edges on the shelves. It was super easy to use and was stainable. The kreg pin hole jig was used so that that the shelves can be adjusted to different heights. I'm planning to order cabinet latches for the doors.. for both look and function with two little kiddos. I used minwax dark walnut stain. Oh, I also added a support underneath the middle bottom section.. it really needs it otherwise its flexible.. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Painterlyrhett

Mon, 04/20/2015 - 18:02

How did you attach the Hutch to the Sideboard. It looks extremely successful so I was curious as your strategy to successfully attach it safely and soundly. Thanks.

Ultimate Changing Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/09/2016 - 18:09

Only minor modifications from the detailed plans ont he website.  Used 36" legs, as my wife and I are on the taller side.  Also added trim around the outside of the drawers and around the top.  The trim was raised 1/2 over top edge of the table to make a lip as a hard stop for the topper.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades Bombay Mohagany
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Laundry Basket Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:58

This was a modification to an Ana White design and another brag.
Designed on sketchup. It holds 4 laundry baskets sideways. Because I wanted it to be counter height I have a 6 inch shelf.
3/4 reconditioned plywood for the base assembled using Kreg pocket screws.
The top is a low cost pine 11.5 wide.
I jointed them using a 14 inch hand plane. First time for that. Cut the top to 22 inches wide.
Prestain conditioner. Minwax dark walnut stain and 6 coats of minwax poly wipe on.
Attached using Kreg screws.

Randy Eby

Built from Plan(s)

Large Modern Porch Swing + Ghetto Stand

Submitted by mrhelton on Mon, 09/10/2012 - 17:04

Made the swing then just kinda came up with my own frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Just some semi gloss outdoor paint. Going to paint the frame in a few minutes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mikejillnelson

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 05:04

I have been considering making this bench for a friend but I wonder how comfortable it is...is it comfortable? Does it require a cushion? Is the back high enough to be comfortable leaning back in it for long periods? Also - how long did you wait to paint your pressure treated wood? I just recently learned you have to allow pressure treated wood dry out before painting...no one seems to tell you how long you have to wait though. Thanks for any help/opinions you share.

mrhelton

Wed, 09/12/2012 - 19:38

Honestly, it's not very comfortable. I think the seat part is a little too long, and the back is a little too short. We're going to put a beefy cushion on the back, and I think that's going to help because it will push us forward a little bit. It's not bad to sit in, but I definitely think it could be tweaked.

I let the wood dry out for 4 days (but I cut and assembled it the day I bought the wood). I'm not sure if that was long enough of not, but I was getting impatient, and, like you, couldn't find any real answers on drying time. It wasn't really that wet to begin, though. Hope that helps!

tracysmith

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 00:04

I thought my kids and I were the only ones who used "ghetto" as a way to describe things... but I have to say that your frame looks great, it serves its purpose so I have to respectfully disagree with you, it doesn't look anything like "ghetto" :-)

Joe (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 10:02

Hey, can you post the dimensions of your frame? its exactly what I'm looking for. Do you have it screwed down to the deck? will it tip over?

Joe (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 11:27

Hey, can you post the dimensions of your frame? its exactly what I'm looking for. Do you have it screwed down to the deck? will it tip over?

Pottery Barn Style - Full Size Headboard

Submitted by Oshynlover on Thu, 10/13/2016 - 03:21

My very first big project!  My 6 year old daughter was in need of a new bed and a room makeover so I decided to build her a headboard which then turned into a whole new room!!! 

 

I really wanted it to it to have some dimension to it so I added some moldings and a mini shelf to the top of it.  I basically just designed it myself, based on what some of the $1000+ pottery barn ones look like and spent hours at the hardware store finding the perfect moldings.  

 

For the main backboard I used plywood, however to keep it light I used a sheet of molding and added a round edge to make it seamless.  

 

My my daughter was so excited Mommy built her whole room. 

Estimated Cost
$150 The Moldings added cost but can be made for less than $100 without it. But why would you??? It looks SO much better!!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by revjball on Sat, 07/11/2020 - 14:58

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!

Estimated Cost
$100-120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax wood finisher - Dark Walnut - Applied with natural bristle brush and t-shirt to wipe excess
Minwax polyurethane - Fast Drying - Applied with natural bristle brush
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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