Community Brag Posts

In love with our new bar! Easiest build yet!

Submitted by maryday on Mon, 09/15/2014 - 17:15

We've built a headboard, two nightstands a farmhouse table and bench all off of knockoff wood and this workbench console table and hutch was the Easiest build yet !

We didn't use pocket holes so instead of doing the middle center shelf of the hutch we chose to keep it open. I actually love the way this looks better than the original plan!

Waiting on our black bear mount bottle opener that will be attached later this week and then we can't wait to stock up our new bar. It looks great next to our farmhouse table and bench!!! Thanks for the deer antler inspiration - this gave the perfect finishing touch!

Estimated Cost
$110 lumber for both hutch and table
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Picnic Table From Little Kids Picnic Table Plans

Submitted by chrimicha on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 19:14

This is my scaled down version of the preschool picnic table, made for an 18 inch doll. I used scrapwood that someone was throwing away and supplies left over from other projects, so it didn't cost anything but time. My girls have really enjoyed it. Here are the measurements: 

Cut List: 

4 – 1×3 @ 17-3/4″ (Tabletop pieces) 

 

1- 1×4 @ 9-3/4″, then cut in half using a table saw to equal 2 pieces (Supports directly beneath tabletop pieces) The longest measurement is 9 ¾”, with the ends cut at a 30 degree angle back to 7 3/4″.

 

2-1×4 @ 12-7/8”, then cut in half using a table saw to equal 4 pieces (Legs) (angle each end to 30 degrees as shown in preschool table plans) 

 

1 – 1×4 @ 19″, then cut in half using a table saw to equal 2 pieces (Supports directly beneath seat boards)  (angle ends to 30 degrees as shown in preschool table plans)

 

4 – 1×3 @ 17 3/4″ (Seat boards) I ran these 1 x 3’s through my table saw to make them 2” wide.

 

*When attaching the legs, secure them to the supports below the tabletop pieces so that the bottom of the legs will measure 19 5/8” from lateral edge to lateral edge when resting on the ground. In the preschool picnic table plans, this measurement is shown as 33”.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
0$. I used wood someone was throwing away and remnants from other projects.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded it really well, and then I painted it with two coats of "Lime Rickey" from Sherwin Williams and a clear coat of spar urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Kentwood Bookshelf

Submitted by presbywf on Mon, 10/13/2014 - 12:03

This is a modified version of the Kentwood Bookcase to be shorter and wider to fit my space.  I used my router for the first time on this project giving the legs and top a little bit of flair.  I also wanted it super glossy, so I applied three coats of Minwax high gloss polyurethane.

One lesson I learned for my next project is that "stainable" wood filler isn't actually stainable.  I'm quite disappointed with how visible my Kreg pocket holes are on the front - I'll be sure to make sure they're all hidden next time.

 

 

 

Estimated Cost
$40 for stain, brushes, and rags. $80 for wood. $10 for tongue and groove backing
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax preconditioner. Minwax jacobean oil-based stain. Three coats of Minwax high gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

booksnotbombs

Mon, 10/13/2014 - 13:32

This is beautiful! You did a good job, and I love the finish. I can't see the pocket holes in your finished pictures even after you pointed it out.

I used wood filler that was tinted the same color as the stain last time, and it was great.

Tip Toe Adventures

Mon, 03/30/2015 - 20:23

Wow!!! This is so beautiful, and the stain job on pine...just wow!! You did such a great job with the router and I can't even find the kreg jig holes even though you said it. The plugs made for those work out perfectly though and are pretty cheap for a huge bag to have around.

Pantry Cabinet

Submitted by 3G1B on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 07:33

Had to re-size from the plans to fit my space, but my wife loves the extra storage we now have in the laundry room. Put in adjustable shelves.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Adirondack Chair with a Bahamian Accent

Hey Ana -

You're plans have been such a great help to me here in the Bahamas. You've saved us thousands of dollars. Really! Here's one of my many adirondack chairs under construction. I added a Bahamian accent. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 (Bahamian)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished (waiting for PT to dry)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hall Tree -cedar picket

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 19:38

I built this based on the idea of the mimi storage bench and hutch. We will use this in our garage next to or shoe rack. I built this primarily from 1x6 cedar fence pickets, a few cedar 1x2's and a couple cedar 2x4's.  

The lid lifts for off season shoe storage.  All bench joinery is with pocket holes and the cedars pickets are attached with pneumatic 1 or 2-1/2" nails.  

I used my speedy square's 45 degree angles to trace out the mountain silloutes and then cut them out with my jigsaw.  I paced myself on the project and my four year old helped quite a bit with measuring and handing me the next board. We're excited to have a little spot to change shoes and grab the jackets.  Feel free to check out my Instagram for other random projects or are family fun  instagram.com/fotosnapper 

Estimated Cost
$80 in wood, $15 in sealant.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Light sanding with a poly sealant for deck furniture from Orange. Single coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first dining table and chairs project

Submitted by Javata on Wed, 02/06/2013 - 17:19

We used carraige bolts to make the legs removable. Very happy with the results!

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Javata

Thu, 02/07/2013 - 05:16

Jake,
Thanks so much! I spent about two months working evenings and weekends as weather permitted, to complete this project. My daughter chose two stain colors and we mixed them together. I'm happy with the way the color came out.

Debbie440

Thu, 11/21/2013 - 18:27

I made the same 30" tall bar stools. I love the whole look of your set. Did you adjust the height of the table for the chairs? Or is the table high enough for these chairs? Also, did you make the table top smaller?

You did a great job!

Javata

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 18:13

Debbie,
Thanks so much for the compliments! My daughter didn't like the "plank" version of the table top so I used oak plywood and framed it with oak 1X4s. I believe the measurements of the table are 48" by 48". I don't think I adjusted the chair height but I did add a foot at the bottom of the table legs. That may have added an inch or so to the overall height of the table.

Chris22

Tue, 02/10/2015 - 13:22

I really like how you added the foot and removable legs to this table! I would like to make mine with removable legs as well. How did you modify the table to use the bolts?

velvetechos

Tue, 07/14/2015 - 06:31

Hello! This plan is EXACTLY what I am looking for except there is a huge difference.......it will be the ritual platform for a traditional Tibetan Sand Painting.  I am seeking a plan just like this for a square table that is 6' square and 3 1/2' high......is it possible to purchase a plan of that dimension or does anyone have a recommendation where I can find that.  THIS would be truly lovely in this design.  THANKS for any help!!!  

Javata

Thu, 07/16/2015 - 12:08

I really just followed the Ana White plans for the Pub Table but used one solid piece of plywood instead of the 1x4s for the top. Since plywood comes in 4x8 foot sheets, you might need to get creative to get it to 6 feet. Good luck, and don't forget to post pictures when you finish!

Crayola2

Sun, 06/21/2020 - 11:52

I really want to make there chairs too! Please post the link to the plans.

James' Castle Loft Bed

Submitted by hmkeith11 on Fri, 12/26/2014 - 09:04

We built this bed for my three and a half year old son and gave it to him for Christmas. He and also my almost two year old daughter LOVE it! We did modify the plans a little: we added a handle for getting into the bed from the stairs and also added more slats for support. 

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

Comments

All Dolled Up

This is my first project. My husband was out one morning so i decided to try to figure out how to work his tools and create this dress up cabinet. I love the way it turned out and it was so easy! I am praying God will bless me with a little girl, so I made this for her--for I WALK BY FAITH not by SIGHT! Thanks Ana, your plans are amazing!

Estimated Cost
$35
Finish Used
White, lavendar, and Pink paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Our Rustic End Table

This was our first furniture project together. It was not as simple as we thought it would be, but we are very pleased with how it came out. We are planning on making the sofa table to match next!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jbayer80

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 14:46

Nice work!

Can I ask where you got the hardware for the edges? I plan on building this too once the time is right.

Court_Jared

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 09:52

Erik is exactly right...we just bought silver metal brackets and spray painted them black (it took two coats to cover them completely).

Kerplunk Game for Outdoors

Submitted by thediyplan on Thu, 03/18/2021 - 13:54

Here’s another fun game to play for all ages, especially for kids. It’s called a Kerplunk Game. The original Kerplunk game is small, made from plastic, and is mainly for indoor use. But to make it more interesting and to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors, I’ve built a Giant DIY Kerplunk Game with a wire mesh screen. This is a great backyard game for any occasion or a party.

See my website for additional pictures and how I've built it, TheDIYPlan.com

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X TV Console modified to 42" Dry Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 08:34

My wonderful husband and father built this dry bar for me using the Rustice X TV console plans.  They modified plans to so it is 42" tall, 6-1/2' long, and shelving is wider and centered.  I love it.  Thank you for sharing your plans.

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and polyurethane finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/11/2021 - 13:47

I slightly modified the project to suit my wife's request. One key note: Make sure the main frame pieces mirror each other. I missed that and had two identical pieces outlined in Step 1, versus where the inside aprons actually face each other to allow for the top and bottom rails to be secured to the frame.
Thompson's Clear stain protects the wood; one coat after cutting the pieces and a second one for good measure after assembly.

Estimated Cost
$50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

West Elm Inspired Upholstered Outdoor Sofa

My husband and I built this modern upholstered outdoor sofa for our back porch. As it was going outdoors we used treated lumber, a painters drop cloth (dyed with Rit dye), and coated deck screws. We are so proud of the way it came out! Please see my blog for more details on the build.

Estimated Cost
$300-350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2x4's Deak

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/28/2017 - 19:36

I did an epoxy coating which took a few coats as I learned the hard way how to use it but I love the look!!  Did a custom gray and brown stain mix after sanding, weathering and conditioning the boards.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Epoxy topcoat and Rustoleum glossy white spray paint with primer for the bottom. Classic Gray & Kona stains mixed. Beat the top boards with nails, hammer, poked at it etc to make it look old. Sanded twice and conditioned. Painted the top with a cheap white paint then sanded lightly and stained.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First build - started with a simple chair

Submitted by bsohl214 on Fri, 06/18/2021 - 05:19

Decided to start doing woodworking as a pandemic hobby. Given what happened with wood prices, I could have picked a. better time to start making sawdust. Quite happy with the outcome.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Console Table

Submitted by wangbw on Sun, 06/11/2017 - 15:32

Quick and easy to follow plans.  Only issue I ran into was that my miter saw only cuts up to a 50° angle.  I set up a jig to hold the 2x2 perpendicular to the saw and set the miter to 30°.  Viola, easy 60° angles!  Pic attached for reference.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little Cottage Loft Bed - Revised :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/20/2017 - 08:05

My 2 grand girls wanted a cottage bunk bed.  Not wanting to disappoint, I took the plans from the cottage loft bed and modified them, adding a lower bunk.  I also added the steps, with storage on the side instead of the ladder, and made a drawer for the front step for the little one.

I made the wreath from Pom-Poms purchased from Jo-Ann's and battery operated string lights.  

I opted for a cedar shake roof, which was purchased from Home Depot, then painted.

Needless to say, they love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maple T & G - left over from remodeling project
Additional wood and hardware - $275
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted using One of Pottery Barn's grays from Sherwin Williams
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Modern Loveseat and Couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/26/2021 - 12:00

We were looking for outdoor furniture big enough for our whole family and friends but everything we looked at was over $5000 and really not well made. Ana to the rescue.
We built 2 loveseats and created a couch by doubling the dimensions.
We built the whole thing out of redwood so total wood was about $1000
The cushions were from Overstock and Lowes, approx $300.
There was a too much wiggle room with the cushions so we made a built-in frame to hold them in place. If we built another I would have cut the width down slightly.
We placed a 4X4 and another 2X4 on top of the back to provide more support.
All in all, love the way it turned out.

Seasonal And Holiday

Counter-Height Stool

Submitted by eralben on Tue, 03/24/2015 - 11:31

I made these stools to use with my counter-height dining table.  The only modification I made to the original plans were I did not use the diagonal support and I used 2x6s to make the seat for the stool.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Mahogany Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner