Community Brag Posts

Factory Cart Coffee Table

My husband and I needed a new coffee table. While browsing this website we found one we liked. We changed it up a little to make it taller. Hubby also added more wood inside of the table to make it heavier.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 (the wheels were the most expensive)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax's "dark walnut" stain with a polyurethane coating to seal it.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Corner Bookshelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/14/2017 - 11:41

I took the plans loosely from what I saw here, but adjusted the size to fit my needs. I had a bunch of old wood that worked great for a rustic look (nail holes and all), so my only costs on this project were the hardware and some nails for my nailgun. I finished it off with some paint and stain I had laying around, to give it a little character. Great project for under $15 (for me, at least).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss white paint (oil-based), dark walnut stain for antique effect. After the paint dried, I rough-sanded some of the edges, then followed that with the stain. I wiped into the edges that were sanded, and in most of the corners, then followed up with a dry rag to wipe away any extra. Kept the stain pretty light for the most part.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corona Coffee Table

Submitted by scooper812 on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 23:31

I ran across this when looking for ideas for a coffee table. My wife wanted a rectangular table, rather than a square - simple adjustment. I ordered the legs from
Osborne - great selection and good service.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Frame - Whitewash (white latex), whitewash (turquoise latex), distressed, dark walnut danish oil, polycrylic. Top - dark walnut danish oil and polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Coffee Table

Submitted by dcesa1 on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 11:39

My first coffee table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi Gloss black paint and Red Oak stain with a polyurethane coat
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

pirate ship teeter totter

Submitted by Grammi Nat on Mon, 12/15/2014 - 12:26

I have 3 Grandson's that love to be pirates so I decided to make them a pirate ship teeter totter. After searching the Web for plans and finding nothing I was looking for I decided to just go for it and see what I could come up with. This pirate ship is heavy duty. I use 2x8's, 2x10's and 2x12's for the frame and seats and 1x10's and 1x12's for the inside foot platform. It's 5ft long, 3ft wide and 3ft high. I had to put some stop blocks on it or it would of been a catapult instead of a teeter totter. (I know this because I climbed on and took it for a ride) Everything is connected using pocket holes and pocket hole screws (Thanks to my Kreg jig) I added a pole up the center and added a pirates flag and puts some swords on the sides. The kids sure have fun on it and so do I.

Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Red, white and black exterior paint and poly finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Storage Captains Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/16/2022 - 05:03

So this was a really fun project from start to finish, I wanted a storage bed with a place for my son to showcase his Super Hero collection!

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Queen Bed

Awesome project. Very simple, doing the sanding and finish requied more time than the cutting and assembly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats Varathane Gel Stain in Dark Walnut, and 2 coats General Finishes Gel Topcoat in Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Chevron Wood Headboard

Submitted by kowalsme on Wed, 12/17/2014 - 08:27

Took the general dimensions from these reclaimed wood plans and modified them to include a chevron back. The most difficult aspect was determining the cut marks for each chevron piece and rounding the edges to bring out the details.

Finished the headboard with a satin-finish, oil-based enamel paint.

Additional pictures and information available on my website.

Estimated Cost
$80-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo color matched to Martha Stewart "Plumage"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

6 cube bookshelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 15:49

This is one of my first projects. Thanks for the great plans. My daughter loves her new toy storage.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White and gray stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/19/2021 - 13:40

Original plan was for 8ft...had to shorten to 7 to fit my space better. First try at making my own table top like this and first time using a joiner and planer. Didn't' get the seems on the 4 2x10s perfect, but again for my first try, not bad. Significant other is very happy with how this turned out and so am I! Lot's of fun to build. It's crazy that I see tables just like this online selling for $2000.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut, poly after.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shanty Sideboard painted

Submitted by bettenmv on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 07:39

We loved the shanty sideboard and corresponding hutch. We painted the project in an offwhite with a brown glaze (consisting of 4 parts Behr faux glaze to 1 part minwax espresso stain). The only modifications to the plan are 3/4" trim pieces in the top part to hide the plywood, remove 1/4 inch from the sideboard shelves to allow room for doors to shut, and apply trim to the cabinet doors to dress it up a little.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
semi gloss off white paint (behr paint that includes the primer) and glaze made up of behr faux glaze mixed with minwax stain - consisting of 4 parts Behr faux glaze to 1 part minwax espresso stain. We painted on the glaze then waited a minute and started rubbing off. Kind of tricky but if its too heavy we just had a wet cloth and took it all off.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sgilly

Thu, 02/14/2013 - 11:16

You did a fantastic job on this. I love the finish - so "expensive" looking!

altmana24

Thu, 06/23/2016 - 13:29

What kind of trim did you use on the top of your hutch and how did you attach it? 

 

BIG Storage Cabinet

Submitted by LHeath on Sat, 12/20/2014 - 21:30

I desperately needed storage in our 1910 house that was not in the basement.  I wanted a place to keep my sewing machine and accessories, at-home school supplies, and other odds and ends.  We had an alcove in the kitchen that was about 74 inches wide and 17 inches deep, so I decided to build something to fit that space.  I really liked the Simplest Armoire plan but I also really liked the Kentwood Bookshelf, so I ended up somewhat combining the two.  Since I had a fairly large space, I made the cabinet about 6 ft X 6 ft.  The hardest part was getting it into the house.  This project was my first big DIY building project without my dad's help.  I did call him a few times during the project however, and he helped me hang the doors.  I really enjoyed using the Kreg Jig and I appreciated having all of the Kreg Jig instructions for the Kentwood Bookshelf.  It was a huge help, as I had only used the Kreg Jig a little and with my dad in the past.  My husband has been a great support as I have ventured into building furniture.  He works from home, but any time that I needed him to help hold a large sheet of plywood he was quick to help.  This was definitely a big project for a beginner, but I enjoy a challenge when it comes to fixing things and creating things. Fortunately, this one worked out in the end!  Now what should I build next summer...

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint - Behr Premium Plus Ultra Raw Cinnabar; I added conditioner. 2-3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TheRealMcGaughey

Sun, 05/31/2020 - 13:27

This is so great, and I can't wait to try my hand at emulating it. I'm buying a place so old there's no record of a date. Still has adobe bricks with straw sticking out stored up in the attic. Not a closet in the whole darn place, so I'll probably end up making more than one, and probably using one as a clothes closet and another as a pantry. Thanks so much for sharing this!

Craft paper holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/21/2017 - 17:29

Followed simple instructions, but  added my own twist.  Do it yourself craft paper holder. 

Estimated Cost
25.00 with paper
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mudroom Closet Makeover

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/21/2021 - 07:10

The concept of hidden boot storage at the back is genius!!! I knew as soon as I saw your plan that I needed that in this space! Thank you so much for what you do!

Finish Used
Bench seat was wood conditioner, minwax early American, minwax weathered oak. Then finished with shellac. The coat hooks are from Amazon. The ring pull is from Lee Valley.

Comments

Easy console table

Submitted by Miaya39047 on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 21:40

Very simple plans and project. Cost about 30.00 to make and about 2 hours to build. Painted it matte black and sanded for a distress look.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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

First project

Submitted by Jlreber on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 13:46

Used the plans for the spa bench to make a easy entryway bench...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Top piece: Behr's Lotus Leaf
Base: Minwax's Ipswich Pine

Also added two coats of semi-gloss poly to the top piece for added protection.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Customized Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Spurrell on Sat, 12/27/2014 - 10:24

As a newly blended family of seven  people, we needed a dining room table that would accomodate our family comfortably.  With nothing suitable available locally and our joint interest in homemade projects, we searched for a plan we could work with.  We were thrilled when we found this plan, which we customized to the dimensions of our dining room. We adjusted the length to 9' and the width to 33" and went with a plank and breadboard end top.  We used a Tudor colour Minwax polyshade stain with a satin finish for the top.  To achieve the worn look of the pedestals we used a torch to burn the wood, primed it with a primer sealer, painted it with furniture andcabinet paint (Armadillo) for durability, then scuffed/sanded the desired areas with a durable 60 grit sandpaper.  Making the table ourselves allowed us to use a colour scheme which matched the chairs we had purchased.  We will add, it was more time consuming than anticipated, but well worth it!  We LOVE our new table!! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Total cost was less than $200.00 CAD.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Top:
Minwax Prestain Wood Conditioner
Minwax Polyshades Satin - Tudor
Pedestals:
Primer Sealer
Sico Furniture and Cabinet Paint, Melamine finish - Armadillo
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified version of pedestal table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/26/2017 - 21:57

I'd been looking for a plank-style farmhouse table for quite some time. Couldn't find what I wanted to buy anywhere (and too cheap to spend the money even if I did), so decided to make my own table. Made up my own design for the table top, and then went looking for the right legs. I liked the pedestals on Ana's design a lot, but thought 3 was too many for my project. Looking at some of the other tables that had been done with only two, I decided I didn't love the high placement of the spanning bar when done with only 2 legs. So, I moved it down to the bottom of the legs instead, and added a couple of decorative knobs to make up for the lost visual interest to the pedestal columns. I'm not a particularly physically strong woman, but I was was able to do this entire build single-handedly, with very little previous experience assembling furniture (lots of diy experience doing other kinds of home improvement projects though). Only needed a second set of hands when finally lifting the top onto the legs at the end. Fun project overall.

Final table size is 8' X 33.5". Seats 8 comfortably; can fit 10 when needed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$227 for wood (pine), $70 in other materials
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
First did a rough, sloppy application of dark walnut stain, using a brush. Did lots of splatters and deliberately made it uneven. Wiped almost immediately after applying to keep color light. Next, did a solid, smooth coat of Ipswich pine stain using a cloth. Final finish was 2 coats of clear, semi-gloss polyurethane. Staining and finishing was greatest time investment of the project.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate