Community Brag Posts

Playhouse Loft Bed

Submitted by BethStew5 on Wed, 07/18/2012 - 22:12

This is my first build from this site! I used 6" boards to give the siding a plank look rather than using plywood. To make the height work, I used 8" boards for both the top and bottom planks. I also made the door a little taller. Other than that, I followed this plan step-by-step. It was very easy to follow and I really enjoyed making this bed. My daughter (and my sons) really enjoy it!

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

Reclaimed Wood Headboard (Pottery Barn Mason Headboard)

This was a lot of fun to do. Super easy and really transformed my bedroom. I love it.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat Rustoleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut. 1 coat Minwax Satin Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Table

Plans were modified to change length of table to 8' and so that benches tuck under for winter storage. 5/4 cedar was used for table and bench tops-5/4 cedar was only available locally in 4" and 6" widths so we modified top slightly and made benches to match

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Tung oil and Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse bedside table

Submitted by helman6 on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 05:56

Farm House bedside table made of cypress. Bottom shelf inset.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Our Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by MrsRojas23 on Sat, 07/21/2012 - 17:01

We had been looking for a dining table for our new house that is being built. The dining area is a little small and we needed to find a 60 inch table. However, we were unable to find one that we liked at that size. I found plans for this table through pinterest and thought it would be a lot of fun to try. Plus, we knew that if worked out, then we would be saving a ton of money. The plans call for a much longer table, so my husband and dad reworked the plans to make it fit our space. To go with it we bought 4 Lyle Side Chairs from Crate and Barrel. We love how it turned out and we can't wait to see it in our new house in a couple months!!

Estimated Cost
$200.00 (however, we bought tools that we didn't already have on hand)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used an outdoor, semitransparent, Olympic-brand stain from lowes, called Driftwood Gray. It has a very subtle gray color to it that is not as obvious in the pictures.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional Set

Submitted by suzyq7811 on Mon, 05/12/2014 - 17:33

Not as easy as everyone else said online. I had never used a kreg jig and it takes a bit more practice than I had patience for. one thing to note is the instructions screw lengths are for if you are NOT using a kreg. If you use a kreg, use the screw lengths they suggest. I used a deck stain and purchased the cushions on sale at Ikea ($22.50 per cushion)

Estimated Cost
$200-600
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck stain with water repellent included. Cheapest cushions I could find were at Ikea by far.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Alden's two tone X book case

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/14/2016 - 10:37

I built this book case for one of my Kids that wanted a new book case.

Estimated Cost
estimated cost $75,
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
rustic Mahogany wood stain (gel), apply Lacquer finish for additional protection and glossy finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sectional

We have been looking for a deal on an outdoor sectional for a whole year. Nothing. The cheapest we could find was $899 for one that was much smaller than this one and with thinner cushions. So we upped and drove to the lumber yard and purchased the lumber on the list and got to building. The total cost of lumber was $200, the Spax screws we already had on hand. We used pocket holes for the joints. The wife made the cushions herself. She had most of the fabric on hand, we just had to buy 3 yards for the back cushions, which are made of standard size pillows. They have been sprayed with fabric protectant for outdoor use (I think she used the Scotch brand). The seat cushions are 5 inches thick (they are wrapped in silk film to protect them from getting soaked when it rains or when someone who just got out of the pool sits on them), around $100 for both. It took her a couple of days to sew the box cushion covers.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic Planked Wood King Headboard

This was a very nice and easy project. I probably could have finished in one day if it had not been 105 degrees outside! I recommend these plans to anybody who knows how to use a saw. I also used all screws instead of nails. Wood- Grade II Pine, purchased from Lowe's FInish- One coat Minwax Dark Walnut oil based stain One Coat Minwax Polyshades Mission Oak After the Polyshades dried, I went over the whole piece with steel wool to smooth it out.

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Finish:

One coat Minwax dark walnut stain
One Coat Minwax Polyshades Mission Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmstyle Queen Bed

Love the way this came out. My husband and I made it for my son and daughter-in-law to be for their upcoming wedding. The only issue we encountered was the box for the mattress was not large enough for the boxspring. But the kids decided they wanted the platform on the floor so we flipped it over and set up that way. I will be getting a nice bedskirt to hide that siderail. The kids really love it.

This took probably 20 hours all in. I figure a weekend would have done it if we had the time. Head and footboards were built in one day, sanding, finish work took longer as I worked on it after work during the week, and to allow for paint drying time. We ordered a pretty brass plaque to dedicate the bed, and fixed it to the lower back of the headboard. An heirloom in the making!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
259.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique white paint, distressed, i used strong tea to "stain" the exposed wood after distressing. Finished with Johnsons paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

White and dark walnut

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/17/2016 - 09:15

Fun to build, looks beautiful in our dark dining room. Used 5 tabletop pieces instead of 4

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bulls eye primer - 2 coats.
Benjamin Moore snow paint - 2 coats
Applied with small rollers

Minwax Dark Walnut stain- 2 coats. Polyurethane - 3 coats.
Applied with foam brushes
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by rendall28 on Sun, 05/31/2020 - 14:10

This was my first furniture piece that I have made. I made two night stands, one for each side of the bed in our master bedroom. I chose to modify the plan so I could have ball bearing drawer slides.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke Stain for table top...Special order white paint to match the white woodwork in our home.

6 cubby bookshelf

Submitted by vic b on Wed, 07/25/2012 - 18:23

Quick and easy to build, the bit that took the longest was the stain, I used a maple satain and varnish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
maple stain and varnish combo.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Sliding Door TV Stand

Submitted by milleall on Mon, 05/19/2014 - 11:46

The original (project from That's My Letter) was longer, deeper, and had two doors. I needed something smaller and narrower to fit the space and hold a tv. By cutting down the size, I was also able to make this using 1 sheet of 3/4 inch plywood instead of 2. After painting the aluminum hardware and pulley wheels, I learned that I probably could have had them powder coated by a family member. Unless you don't mind some of the paint coming off where the wheels rub, I would suggest trying powder coating or some more durable finish. Since it's a rustic look, I guess it doesn't matter all that much if some paint comes off. I used an off-brand pocket hole jig to construct the stand.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum ultimate stain in wheat, bright white paint distressed a bit, dark brown glaze over it all, and Varathane water-based poly in satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Hokulani1

Tue, 05/20/2014 - 08:15

Love it! It looks great! What did you use for the sliding track, rollers etc. or did you buy a kit?

Hokulani1

Tue, 05/20/2014 - 08:15

Love it! It looks great! What did you use for the sliding track, rollers etc. or did you buy a kit?

Office desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/20/2016 - 08:05

I did not add the draw and modified the cubbies to hold my computer equipment. I have enough space to add a center draw later and I will probably build a small platform for the monitor. The plywood was salvaged from the floor of my grandmother's house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $30 but I already had most of the materials.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of classic walnut and two coats of oil based polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ultimate workbench

I absolutely love this build. I did end up using pocket holes for the carts to make them slightly stronger. I also had to do custom work on the top of my table saw cart due to rack and pinion fence. I routed the the plywood tops with a slight round over and waxed them smooth. I plan to add a dust collection hood around the miter saw and then install an inset stop block for the miter fence.

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

Comments

rjcarr1911

Fri, 07/24/2020 - 16:08

Very nicely done! It never even crossed my mind that the cart would need modifications to fit that table saw. That's the exact same table saw I've had my eye on, and I plan on purchasing any day now; so that is definitely good to know! My project is still a work in progress. I currently only have one cart built.

Do you have enough room to adjust your miter saw to make 45 degree cuts from the position pictured? Or do you have to move it forward in order to clear the work bench frame? I only ask because that's what I have to do with mine at the moment. I have to have it all the way forward on the shelf. I am considering making the miter saw shelf a little bit wider to remedy that minor issue.

Mimi Storage Bench Revised

Submitted by Nataland on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 15:02

I needed a way to turn my large, open, many-windowed Foyer into a functioning entry way. I Loved Mimi's Storage Bench, but i needed the dimensions to be very different, so I used her bench as a concept guide.
The bench under the window is 76 inches, and the bench on the right that backs into the corner is 58 inches. I used a four inch foam pad. I think the pad might have been excessive- it cost a lot more money than I had intended to spend.
This is my third building project. Previously I built some bookshelves and a set of shed doors.
I would consider this an entry level project. The hinges on my fold down drawers were the most aggravating part. The whole project would have been much easier if I had been able to use Mimi's exact plans. As it was, I had to make my own cut list and purchase list.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white satin behr paint- untinted. I purchased the base paint with no color mixed in.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CONICA (not verified)

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 06:46

I love this! It is exactly what I need in my kitchen. Do you happen to have the cut and purchase list you made?? Or other instructions? Thanks!!

Modified Gaby Kitchen Island

So I was searching for a sturdy table to build for outdoors next to my grill. I came across your plans for the Gaby kitchen Island and decided to give it a shot. Off to the lumber yard and as I am new to this I accidentally bought 4X6 's for the legs which threw me off just a little. No harm no foul just had to adjust and just made it that much more sturdy. I also wanted something I could use to throw some "beverages" into and decided on a basic stainless steel kitchen sink. Put in some plumbing and added a piece of 3/4" plywood to the top cut a hole with a router and routed the edges. Now I just need to close in the sides at the top and I am toying with the idea of making a butcher block as a lid for the sink. Then a little paint and it will be ready for summer.

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

Comments

wadekelly007

Sun, 05/25/2014 - 21:40

I did end up staining it over the weekend I attached a few more pictures and the stain is behr semi transparent cedar natural tone

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