Community Brag Posts

Bathroom Storage Tower

Submitted by Quintin79 on Sat, 01/26/2013 - 08:53

I loved the look of the Craft room Storage tower but modified to suit my wife's bathroom theme/decor. The inside back (MDF beadboard) is painted a milk coffee color to lighten it up. The door inserts are plexiglass, which was more expensive than glass but with 2 boys 6 and 2 it is well spent, and the MDF beadboard. Covered the plexiglass with self-adhesive film for glass on both sides to hide the towels inside. This project took me about 12 hours to complete but over a 3 month period, mostly spent on finishing the project with my boys underfoot or at 12-2am. YIKES!!! If i keep this up she will want to buy instead of letting me build.
Price List:
wood: $100
Stain/Paint: left over from house reno. would have been $15 stain $20 Varnish 30$ quart of paint
Handle: $7
Hinges: $4 basic style
I wanted to use Eurostyle hinges but opted to buy the Kreg system instead of Forstner drill bits.

Will be building another just different dimensions for laundry room makeover.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100$ CDN for lumber everything is more expensive in Canada
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Saman's waterbased stain Chocolate Varnish applied
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Quintin79

Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:18

Thanks! It was my first furniture building project! I did a huge reno that i did on my house but that is construction and 1/8th in isnt as big of an issue as in furniture.

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Cmontagna on Sun, 11/23/2014 - 18:31

Used the Rustic X Coffee Table plans for this project. I altered it slightly to add the bread boards on the end. I also used my jointer to create a more flush joint between boards. When I went to cut the "x"'s out of 2x2's the boards ended up being too short. I'm working on a similar piece for a family member and I am waiting to cut these pieces until I'm almost finished to save stock. I also used a chain, hammer, nails, and metal clamp to beat the table top to "age" the wood a bit. 

 

This project doesn't take long to build. Finishing takes about a week. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 - $150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Finish:

- 1 coat of black tea

- used the oxidized solution on certain parts of the boards to create definition.

- Sanded these spots to lighten them up.

- 2 coats of Minwax Red Chestnut stain.

- 2 coats of finishing wax

- 2 coats of polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table/Ice Chest Beer Cooler

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/27/2017 - 10:55

Took an old whiskey barrel, secured the staves before cutting in half. Built a frame around the top. Built the lid out of old cedar picket fencing and cut the legs out of old Barnwood. Sprayed the inside with Flex Seal to make it waterproof. And used an old used Horse Shoe for the handle. Stained in 4 different shades and clear coated the whole table. 

Estimated Cost
Whiskey barrel $80 plus misc supplies. Approximate cost to build less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax wood finish stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My first Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/14/2020 - 13:48

My first build. Toddler chair. Had to cut the legs from the original plans since my 2 year old nephew’s legs dangled and it was hard for him to climb on to. Loved it. Thanks Ana for the plans.

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

we built this table for our new home when we couldn't find an existing table that we wanted for under $1000. we were hesitant to attempt building it ourselves since we haven't attempted anything similar before, but knew we could do it with a plan. there were a couple bumps in the road as we learned how to read the plan and understand the different techniques, but we LOVE the end result. Especially because it didn't cost us anything out of pocket! {we had a lowes giftcard:)} the total came to about $130 for all the supplies; including the paint and poly for the finishing.

read more about the process on my blog: http://www.carissamiss.com/2012/11/house-projects-completed.html

Estimated Cost
$30 {we had a gift card} but without one it was around $130 for both
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax stain in dark walnut
olympic pure white; {used 50/50 water and paint mixture for whitewash}
poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tracie's Ladder Shelf

Submitted by pondrider on Wed, 11/26/2014 - 10:32

I used all distressed or reused wood. While I followed plans from Ana’s posting I used reused or distressed wood, cutting the wood to the plans specifications.   Cutting the wood I also considered the nominal size of lumber and the size requested in the plans.  Even with the unit sanded and pained the I like the character that has come through.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Used my own materials
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanding and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by jhprice1 on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 13:50

Big thanks to Ana for the plans and the rest of the community for ideas! This was my first major project, and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. This bed was based on the King Farmhouse plan. I wanted a look that was a little less rustic than the classic farmhouse style, so I substituted the boards for oak plywood and framed it out with some pine boards and cove molding.  The pine boards are 1x3s.  I topped the headboard and footboard with a 2x4 and then a 2x6 overhanging the 2x4 evenly on three sides (it's flush in the back).

The posts are 4x4 cedar.  I used lag bolts and glue to attach the posts and concealed the large holes with wood plugs cut from scrap sections of the 4x4.  

I wanted to be able to break the bed down, so I used Rockler no-mortise bed fittings to connect the side rails to the headboard and foot board.  I highly recommend these fasteners.  They are easy to use and seem very solid. I framed out the bed with 2x4s that I connected directly to the side rails with pocket hole joinery.  (First time using the Kreg jig - love it!!).

Thanks again!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded everything down to 150 grit, applied one coat of Minwax Hickory Gel Stain and then one coat of Minwax Sedona Red Wood Finish stain.  I didn't use wood conditioner because I couldn't get the color dark enough.  I don't think the final product was too "blotchy" without the conditioner, but your mileage may vary depending on materials.

I used shellac for the finish, and I'm happy I did.  There was definitely a learning curve (don't go back and try to fix blemishes and missing spots, as it dries too quickly-just add another coat), but it's a forgiving and beautiful finish.  I did three "sessions" with 2-3 coats per session, sanding by hand with 220 grit paper after the first and second session. I switched back and forth between brushing the shellac and applying it with a rag. I didn't come away with a strong preference either way.  I was happy with the final result without rubbing it out or polishing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen Island

Submitted by Kaunti on Sun, 12/20/2020 - 08:20

Built with Red oak had to glue to get 2 by 4, then minwax stain with red mahogany, top is maple center with mahogany and walnut strips around.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mimwax red mahogany and high gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bed End Tables

Submitted by woodknack on Tue, 01/29/2013 - 08:46

I really want to build the farm house storage bed. But I also need end tables right now. So I made these to go with the bed I hope to make soon! Its 17"x17"x27" high. I used cheap draw slides I got at lowes for under $5.00. The legs are 2x2 that were ripped from 2x4's. The rest is pine boards.

Estimated Cost
$80.00 for the pair to make
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used minwax indoor/outdoor Helmsman spar urethane clear gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by nikkirumm on Sat, 11/29/2014 - 12:13

My husband built this farmhouse table for me for our anniversary. This was his first build and is so proud of his work. He completed it in time for us to host Thanksgiving for some soldiers in his unit. The table sits 8 comfortably and doubles as a ping pong table with my kids. 

Estimated Cost
$100 including supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ramone Cars adirondack chair

Submitted by Frank Diaz on Sat, 03/04/2017 - 11:37

Mid size adirondack chair made after the Disney Cars character Ramone.

Estimated Cost
60 dollars on wood and paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/23/2020 - 11:24

Did the farmhouse bed and modified it just a bit to create 12” of space between the floor and bed to give us a bit of storage underneath.

Estimated Cost
$20”
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Grey water based semi solid stain, white dry brush, 2 more coats of water based grey to blend the white in. Finished with 2 coats polycrylic matte water based.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ken and Matt's Cupboard

Submitted by Kenndfan on Fri, 02/01/2013 - 05:55

We found two old windows with the original hardware. They were covered with chipping lead based paint so we pulled off what paint we could (safely). We then painted them over with oil based Kilz before the final coat. We then built the cupboard from there. We decided to go with a more rustic look since the windows were still a little rough. We applied a crackle finish in a few spots using white glue to add to the rustic texture.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top and shelves Early American stain with satin poly coat. Sides first stained then painted with an interior semi gloss. A crackle finish applied randomly using white glue between staining and painting.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by kaileelev on Mon, 12/01/2014 - 12:08

This was our very first building project and we are thrilled with how it turned out!

I changed up the dimensions a little bit... I wanted the table to be shorter and wider. I ended up using three 2x10s and two 2x8 for the table top to make it wider, and then just changed the cut list to make the table 76" long instead of 85". 

We did our best with picking out the straightest pieces of lumber from Fleet Farm, but even then had trouble getting the boards flush and flat to make the table top. I laid on the boards while my husband screwed them together, but even then had to spend hours sanding the top so that it was as flat as possible. 

I did a couple coats of stain, which turned out really nice on the top of the table, but for some reason the legs turned a funny color. Some of the knots are a strange shade of purple. 

The polyurethane is amazing stuff. I had to control myself from putting on a million coats. Beware- that stuff sticks to everything and does not come off. (Olive oil helps get it out of hair ;)...)

Anyways, I love this table and so do all of our visitors! We can comfortable fit 8 people at the table (squishy with 10 people) even with change in table dimensions. Great for hosting Thanksgiving!

Estimated Cost
This project cost us about $140 including stains, polyurethane, brushes, etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a MinWax prestain, then did four layers of stain alternating between Minwax Weathered Oak and Minwax Provincial. I'm not sure the Weathered Oak did a whole lot- but it did seem to make the color less yellow. I finished with three layers of Minwax Polyurethane on the legs and four layers on the table top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

lbadger

Fri, 12/05/2014 - 19:18

This is beautiful! Nice work!  I have had a table like this on my list for a long time... I am getting used to using the kreg jig and joining lengths like this however I have been wondering how people get the boards flush as you can clamp them on the ends but not in the middle. I see your trick! But yes, good to know others are resorting to hours of sanding as well...  Enjoy!

earthbybike

Fri, 12/05/2014 - 20:04

The best way to get the boards flush is to plane them on the edges, drill the kreg jig holes, glue and then screw together.  Then use bar clamps on top and underneath to keep the top from bowing in either direction.  

Rustic X desk

Xmas gift fir my daughter at college. Modified the standard Rustic X desk. Made this at 42 inches long , no lower shelves and added a small upper monitor shelf.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered gray
Minwax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Classicly Stained Nesting Tables

Submitted by jwwilson24 on Sun, 02/03/2013 - 07:40

Working off of Ana's easy and classicly styled nesting table plan, we decided to go with a stain finish to match the furniture in our formal living room. Building the tables was quite easy and fast. The time was in the waiting for the stain to dry and be ready to apply multiple coats as needed. Staining obviously takes much longer to complete, but well worth the wait.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax Gel Stain - Cherrywood Base Coats and a Light Mahogany Top Coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mimi's Faux Mantle

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2017 - 04:47

Built this using the Anna White's "MIMI'S FAUX MANTLE" but instead of using crown molding I elected to use STONE TILES in a neutral tones and finished the surround and mantle in white giving the piece a nice soft appeal.  The building plans were easy to follow and took about 2 days to complete the whole process (because of drying times) not to mention how reasonable the cost was.  I already had the tiles,  adhesive, and paint from left over projects.

Estimated Cost
Cost was more than reasonable. I already had the tiles ,adhesive, and paint. Total cost was approximately $66.00.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Behr White Semi-Gloss Enamel paint purchased from Home Depot (I had the paint from a previous project). Use any tile of your choice since these were left over tiles I had on hand. When tiling use an appropriate tile for the space and glue with tile adhesive. I let mine sit overnight and grouted it the next day using a sanded grout in Bone (purchased from Home Depot) #832.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Half Moon Baby Cradle

Submitted by calcowoods on Thu, 12/31/2020 - 10:40

Built for my first Grandson Lucas. Made of pure bond poplar plywood and white pine. Templates were made of cardboard for a circle (20" radius) and a circle (14.5" radius). Placed small circle inside the larger circle to create a half moon shape. Identical sides were cut from the plywood. Extensive use of Kreg pocket holes to attach (25) 16" boards to the plywood sides. Each board requires 2 pocket holes (1 1/4) on each side. Added a base to the cradle for stability and attached plywood cloud shapes to cover base and add a decorative touch. Frame installed and attached rails to the inside supporting 30" by 16" infant mattress.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Vanilla Ice Cream; White for clouds
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Paulamclaw

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 15:31

Hi,
Where do I find the plans for this? My daughter just told us she is pregnant and I want my husband to start making this 🥰
Thank you so much,

Media Stand for My Mom

Submitted by bluesboy5 on Mon, 02/04/2013 - 11:24

Tv Stand for My mother for Christmas. Couldn't find untreated 4x4s so i used cedar. Found now after the project was done that Menards has untreated 4x4's, even Red Oak.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Pecan
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nightstands to match the platform bed I built

Submitted by Madora on Tue, 12/09/2014 - 00:39

I built a platform bed for our new matress and wanted to make some nightstands that matched. These worked out wonderfully.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner