Community Brag Posts

Hello...Here's my version of the Kentwood Twin Bed. My first project!

Submitted by philliB on Sun, 06/02/2013 - 13:02

My first project using an Ana White plan and the first time using a Kreg jig (love that little blue thing!). The plan is pretty much straight forward. I had a great (but exhausitng) time building this bed for my 2 year old son. It was pretty easy and I did everything myself. Lowe's didn't cut my boards...I did! Bought a circular saw just for this project.

My only complaint is that 2'' wood screws are not on the posted "shopping list" and are needed for the side rails construction. It is listed in the step by step instructions, but if you are shopping for this don't forget to add this to your list of needed items. I got to the side rails and had to go back out for wood screws before I could add the cleats. Also, if I had to do this project over again, I would sand the plywood panels BEFORE constructing the head and foot boards. My reason being that I used wood stain. I've learned that plywood stains best when it is sanded to a smooth finish and pre-treated with wood conditioner. Once assembled, the slats on the head/foot boards make it impossible to sand the plywood with a power sander (too narrow). I had to manually sand between each slot...talk about tiring! No other glitches though! This was a fun project and the instructions were great and easy-to-follow.

I used Minwax water-based wood stain to finish my son's bed. I had it tinted at the paint desk to charcoal gray. In the store it looked very driftwoodish. However, it came out looking more blueish on the bed. I still like it though and my son loves it. I would wipe the stain on and keep it on no more than 20 seconds before wiping the excess off. I wanted the grain to show through really well and after many, many test pieces this seemed closest to what I was looking for.

In case anyone is interested, the striped fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase are from Target (Target brand for $14.99 I think). The red, gray and black comforter are from Walmart.com (Style Lounge Reinforcements Grey/Multi comforter for $58). I had painted the room white with a fat black stripe shortly after moving into the house. I couple of years later we found out that we had my son on the way to we turned that room into the nursery. I primed part of the stripe and hand painted his first and middle name to overlap the stripe so that it all looked it was painted at the same time. The gray and black area rug was also from Walmart (we bought it in store about a year and a half ago...don't remember the style's name).

Thanks for looking!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120 - This amount could have been cut significantly if we had more tools/supplies to start with...plus, I overbought some wood b/c I thought I would mess up some cuts (I didn't...yay!)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water-based Minwax Wood Stain tinted a charcoal gray. Put on with a foam brush and wiped off excess with disposable blue shop towels.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Plant Stand

Submitted by mtairymd on Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:32

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Garden-Plant-Stand/

The plant stand allows you to grow edibles in a compact vertical space. We use the planter to grow herbs and edibles on the deck close at hand to the kitchen and the grill. In the containers we have mint, pineapple sage, marjoram, oregano and two other types of sage. The plants that like the most sun are placed on top. The lower levels of the plant stand are used for more shade tolerant plants; however, they still get plenty of light. For growing the plants, self-watering planters were chosen. Other planting options are a rain gutter system, individual pots, wood boxes, etc. The stand can be easily constructed from excess lumber or pallets

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Mimi Storage Bench Plans

I've been wanting a storage bench for my bedroom to store bed pillows and blankets while we sleep so that the dogs don't take them over during the night on the floor. This is perfect. Just need to finish painting or staining. I did add a plywood bottom. I may add trim to the bottom as well. My first larger project without my husband's help! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee table

Thank u so much Ana for making this possible

Comments

Reclaimed-wood bed

Submitted by natsmom on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 09:49

My friend asked me to build a "forever bed" for her son.  So I pulled up some plans, and she LOVED this headboard.  But wanted a footboard to hold the comforter on.  So, I built the headboard, realized how easy it was, and invited her over to help build the footboard.  She was so excited that she helped build her son's bed!

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax mahogany stain - 3 coats, topped with 2 coats of Minwax high gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Farmhouse Table

We were able to finish this table after work one afternoon and stain it the next day. (we have a 16 month old also, so you can do it! :) ) I wanted a similar style I had found at World Market that retailed for $700 we were able to complete this entire table for $100 including all hardware and stain. LOVE it so much and get SO many compliments on it. Thanks so much!

Shelby
The Dandy Lion

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
A satin poly with espresso stain in one
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Table

 

I made this table for me and my wife.  We love how it turned out! Approximate dimensions are 83"L x 37"W x 30"H.

I planed the table top boards down to around 1 1/4".  After assembly, I used a hand plane and a belt sander to even out any unevenness, then I used my random orbital sander and gradually increased grit to 320.  Sanded lightly between finish coats. 

 

 

 

Estimated Cost
$100-$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona stain, and about 6 coats of Vermont natural coatings heirloom wipe on poly in satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 15:33

First attempt ever at building anything! Probably took me a lot longer than it should have, but I'm very proud of the result

Comments

Low Activity Table

With three little kids we needed some place to put the loads of toys that we have.  The first time I saw this - I knew I had to build it!

This project was quite the task.  For me building is a breeze - it's the painting that is the process!!!

 

I started working on this on Sunday last week - it was built in about 3-4 hours.  Painting took forever, and three colors!

 

Love for you to check out my blog post with all the details, even my painting flub up.

Estimated Cost
$108...$70 in wood, $30 in Wheels, $8 in paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded...primed...sanded...random painting experience...ended with Rustolium Kola - Semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Bench

I adjusted the measurements for the console to make a bed bench. The over all length is 66.5", making each horizontal 2x2 26" long. The 2x4 legs are now 18" heigh. Love the end result.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-80 depending on supplies on hand
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Shiny luster
Kona stain/poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Richard6959

Thu, 01/30/2020 - 09:49

What was used for the decorative circles at the bottom of each leg? Its not mentioned anywhere in the plans and I can't tell from the pictures what was used. Please explain. Thanks. 

Concrete top

I changed up the legs because I had a beautiful piece of reclaimed wood I've been looking to use.  I did use these plans for the concrete top and it turned out great!  Just followed all of her advice.  It's very smooth, almost feels like soft cotton, with only tiny bubbles.  Thanks for the great plans!

Estimated Cost
$20 for the wood and $25 for the concrete top
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Eagle Project Workbench - Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand

Submitted by nelsoncc on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 11:32

My son chose to make a workbench for his high school theater for his Eagle Scout project, and selected the Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand as the basis for the project. The theater teacher wanted pegboard for tool storage, so we extended the rear legs on each workbench and notched the top to allow them to pass through. We built two frames from 1x3s to fit inside the rear legs, then put a pegboard inside each one.

To secure the extended legs, we added a riser shelf from 1x8s. We put a storage station for drills at one end of the riser shelf.

We also made all the cart shelves adjustable and added an adjustable shelf under the miter saw, and added lighting and power strips.

We left out the panels at the end of the workbench to allow access to the shelves there without having to remove the carts. Once we had constructed it, we added a brace at each end of the workbench to better support the outside front legs.

This plan was the perfect one for the theater, giving a stable work area for the miter saw and allowing for tool and materials storage. The carts can be rolled around to where a work surface is needed. This will come in handy for years of set construction in the theater. So proud of my son and all the leadership and hard work he put into this project!

Comments

My Kids Clara Table

Submitted by redhead_61 on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 08:52

This is actually my second build.  I made my dad some Hyde end tables for his deck at the cabin and they went up in the fall before I could get pictures. 

For this, I sold an Ikea kids table to pay for it.  Most of the wood I had from my dad's basement and went ahead and bought an MDF table top for $8.  I want to save up for the big kreg jig kit.  I could have actually gotten two table tops out of one sheet if I had altered some dimensions.  But build the base first before I bought the top. 

Project itself wouldn't take too long if I had more clamps, and no kids! :)  And next time I will be spraying!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$8
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
leftover white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pergola

Submitted by dekew on Fri, 06/07/2013 - 13:33

Built this great pergola from Anna's Weatherly Pergola Plan. I am very pleased on how it turned out. This was a fairly simple build and I added a few of my own touches to it. I used Red Cedar as my wood of choice. I also added a great Olympic Stain + Sealer to help keep it looking brandnew. I hope y'all enjoy the pictures.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$650
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Stain+Sealer 704 Redwood

Pieces where first cut to size then sprayed with a Graco TrueCoat Plus. After drying the pergola was assempled.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dwm22

Thu, 06/27/2013 - 15:33

I like the red color and the added touches (lights, bird feeder, and "wall"). I finished mine in May and like the idea of adding small lights for the evenings. Well done!

jbayer80

Sun, 04/13/2014 - 11:17

I just wanted to say that 4th picture is so cool looking. Love the dark clouds and blue sky. Very nice pergola, by the way.

Clubhouse Bed Home Depot Style

Plans were easy to follow. After my younger daughter fell down the original ladder, I changed them out with steps. They have a better incline. I finished assembly in day one. Then paint on day two.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kids table and benches

Submitted by dhoop31 on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 06:03

Built this with matching benches that will store underneath the table completely.  Thanks for the great ideas!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My entry way bench in Hickory

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/23/2021 - 15:07

The Shelf Help app helped me customize this to my space, the plans were excellent. Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cutest Baby Doll High Chair

Submitted by tracysmith on Sun, 03/27/2011 - 15:29

My neighbors grand-daughter is about to turn 3 and I thought this would make a great present for her.. plus, when she saw it online while visiting me (I was checking the website as usual), she said "Oh, I NEED one of those!".  I laughed and then that night went out and checked my scrap pile to see if I had everything I needed to build it.

I only needed one 8' piece of 1x2 to complete it.. .everything else I had, so great!
Estimated Cost
About $10 with paint.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I have yet to paint this little project, but it will be painted in a gloss lavender purple so it's easy to clean.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse Table with "X" legs

Submitted by jmmoon on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 13:36

Hubby and I built this as our first build! It's a modified version of your farmhouse table. We spliced together your farmhouse table plans and a plan for a desk with "x" legs. We modified the dimensions to fit our formal dining room. We just hosted our first ever Thanksgiving dinner at our new home, and fed my whole family on this table. Everyone loved it! Thanks for the inspiration!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut, Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate