Community Brag Posts

Potting Table with old window

Submitted by mybartmart on Sun, 06/23/2013 - 15:40

Potting Bench.. Used an old window for the top part. Great easy plan can be modified to build for many uses. I had free wood and used a walnut stain. But I am thinking of painting it black.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under $20 for wood and stain but for me it was free.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mail sorter

Submitted by brittanyj on Thu, 06/04/2015 - 10:30

If you're like me, the mail ends up scattered all over the dining table. Such a mess. Now, all is nicely organized into our respective slots, save the occasional laziness where it still ends up on the table : ) Used chalkboard paint for the centers and moulding for the trim. Love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
varathane Kona, chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

coffee table/dining table combo

Living in a small cabin there was no room for a dedicated dining area so this coffee table/dining table combo was just the ticket!  Quick to convert and fits my cabin style.  The L brackets (basic utilitarian brackets spray painted hammered black) on the corners serve as extra support as well as a decorative element. (time will tell if I need to add any extra wood braces to the long sides)

Estimated Cost
N/A had most of the wood already. Just the cost of brackets and a couple of 8 ft. 2x2's.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Minwax Polycrylic Satin Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bknjohnson

Sat, 03/31/2018 - 11:47

Your table came out great!  It's on my honey-do list next.  I was wondering now that you've built it and used it for awhile, is the pine holding up well for the top and for the base?  The 2x2s at the box stores are mostly warped, twisted, really dinged up so I'm thinking about getting a slightly harder wood for the base, and maybe maple for the top.  The top would be stained black, the base will be painted.  If the 2x2 pine you used seems stable (with the L brackets), I'd reconsider and go pick through the box store a little more thoroughly.

bknjohnson

Sat, 03/31/2018 - 11:47

Your table came out great!  It's on my honey-do list next.  I was wondering now that you've built it and used it for awhile, is the pine holding up well for the top and for the base?  The 2x2s at the box stores are mostly warped, twisted, really dinged up so I'm thinking about getting a slightly harder wood for the base, and maybe maple for the top.  The top would be stained black, the base will be painted.  If the 2x2 pine you used seems stable (with the L brackets), I'd reconsider and go pick through the box store a little more thoroughly.

bknjohnson

Sat, 03/31/2018 - 11:49

Your table came out great!  It's on my honey-do list next.  I was wondering now that you've built it and used it for awhile, is the pine holding up well for the top and for the base?  The 2x2s at the box stores are mostly warped, twisted, really dinged up so I'm thinking about getting a slightly harder wood for the base, and maybe maple for the top.  The top would be stained black, the base will be painted.  If the 2x2 pine you used seems stable (with the L brackets), I'd reconsider and go pick through the box store a little more thoroughly.  I also wondered the same about including braces on the long side.

vgreeninger

Wed, 04/11/2018 - 15:27

It hasn't been used enough yet to tell you how the pine will hold up. But it is very stable .I nailed the shelves in and the trim around it adds stability. I don't see a need for and kind of bracing. 

vgreeninger

Wed, 04/11/2018 - 15:27

It hasn't been used enough yet to tell you how the pine will hold up. But it is very stable .I nailed the shelves in and the trim around it adds stability. I don't see a need for and kind of bracing. 

Trundle Doll Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 14:04

A few tweaks to your plan. Bedding by grandma (a quilting instructor). And, a thrilled 5 year old girl on Christmas morning!

Comments

My 1st project!!

Finally my 1st project done and dusted. My 1st attempt at any carpentry. Hope my son has a good sleep tonight. I want to dedicate this to Christy (USA) & Uli (Germany) for all their help and support. . . . and thousands of questions I had, without the guidance of 2 people I have never met, I would never have been able to achieve this. I also want to Ana, whose inspiration and encouragement is immeasurable. . . . THANK YOU !!

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

Work Bench

I'm new at this so I started with the work bench. SUPER easy. I built it by myself. Bought the wood around 8 AM and was DONE by 11. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
not sure... a few 2x4's
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My First woodworking Project!

Submitted by minhnguyen on Mon, 06/08/2015 - 11:39

I really wanted to build something for our first home so 3 months after moving in (and 7-8 months pregnant) I started on our dining table. To fit our dining room, the measurements were modified to have a 7ft-table, with the bench just long enough to slide all the way under the table. The legs are made of 4x4s of Douglas Fir and everything else is pine. I also removed the stretchers underneath because I wanted to be able to have chairs on the ends. The table seats 8 people very comfortably. It took me a little longer than anticipated, since I couldn't do any of the lifting until my husband came home, and he stained it with 2 coats of Rustoleum Weathered Grey stain and 2 coats of poly (with my light sanding in between each coat).

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Weathered Grey Stain
Minwax Fast-Drying Semi-Gloss Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse table

This is a simple design that any can build. The only thing I added was the wooden nut and bolt on the bottom strecher. This allows the table to be taken apart.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Armoire

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 15:20

For Christmas made this to hold all her kitchen appliances. Still waiting to get it painted. Very close to being finished. As my second project that I have attempted, I found it quicker as I learned how to use some of the tools I acquired from the first project I did in May. Thanks for great ideas.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Vintage Step Stool

I was in need of a good footstool for my nursery rocker, and after not finding anything on Craigslist or in consignment shops, decided to build my own! I'm glad I chose this footstool, since it helps me reach the top of the closet in the nursery, and will also be useful when my little girl will need a boost to brush her teeth and wash her hands. I love the way it turned out, it's such a unique, adorable plan!

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
one thin coat of gloss white, weathered crackle medium, one thin coat of watered-down gloss red from the oops section. Sanded and sealed with 2 coats poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchright Dining Room table

Submitted by rdk529 on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 15:28

My daughter and I built this table from African Mahogany. We modified the Anna White Benchright Farm table to meet our size requirements. It was our first attempt at building a table. We took our time. We think it looks great.

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Helmsman spar urethane clear satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rdk529

Sat, 06/29/2013 - 08:13

Thank you, we live in the Chicagoland area. We purchased the wood from Owl Lumber. Owl Lumber has an excellent selection of hardwood. The wood comes in a variety of dimensional lumber sizes. The table top we made has several different widths, 1x5, 1x6 and 1x7.

rdk529

Sat, 06/29/2013 - 08:20

Thank you, we live in the Chicagoland area. We purchased the wood from Owl Lumber. Owl Lumber has a variety of hardwoods in dimensional sizes.

CoreyOrvold

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 14:22

Hello,

We love the look of your table. Can you let us know the size of the bolts you used for the table top? Also where you found them would be super! Thanks!

$235 Weatherly Pergola

This is the first time I've ever taken on a project of this scale. The pergola is 12 x 11, and I was able to get it all done for $235 by having Lowe's price match a lumber yard in the next town over. I skipped out on the fancy base covers because I'll eventually make those pretty with limestone stacking rock - and because the lumber for those alone would cost about $121.
Once the treated lumber seasons, I'll stain it a darker color.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$235
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Split Farhouse Table

Submitted by jgaedke on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 14:04

We have a smaller house and wanted a dining table as well as a table behind our couch.  So, we got the best of both worlds with this minor customization.  I simply split the two legs and tabletop in half, added additional feet, and built two supporting braces instead of one.  For an added touch, I welded tubes to steel angle iron to make a hinge-style locking mechanism with steel pins.  This locks both halves together (when using as a full table) and adds a little rustic black metal to the overall look.

 

For the tabletop, I cut the sides off the lumber to get the square look.  I then bent one tooth in my tablesaw and quickly cut the face of the lumber to give it a rough sawn look.  I then belt sanded it all to smooth out the really rough spots.  Then I shou sugi ban (burned) the top to burn off the splinters and make the grain really pop.  I added a little stain to smooth out the light spots.  Lastly, I put about 64oz of epoxy and lightly sanded with 0000 steelwool after it set. 

 

Please excuse the floor trim or lack therof.  I just installed the new floor and decided our table was the higher priority.  :P

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

Lego Art Desk

Submitted by woodwc on Mon, 05/02/2011 - 21:10

We built this activity/lego/art desk. We added a Lego base plate under one side of the table top and a paper roll to the side. We also built two little benches that fit right under the desk. These pull out and hold two kids on each side.

Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shoe Shrine Turned Plans Storage

I looked high and low for something to store the plans at my office. Everything was outrageously expensive. Then I came across this plan and it is perfect. I did make some modifications though. Took 4-hours to build (not counting the wood cutting, I had that done at Home Depot). Then it took another 4-hours to stain it. Overall, I am really excited to give it to my boss when she gets back from vacation (it's a surprise).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
latte colored minwax wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor sink

I made this sink from a sink that I saw on here one time and can't find now. Just improvised didn't follow a plan. I have it in my garage and plan to stain it and add some touchs soon.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Tbd
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Got R Done!

Submitted by rfcalloway on Sat, 01/06/2018 - 16:13

Thanks for the plan and the inspiration to do the job, it turned out great! Luckily, I didn't put the new bedding on yet, as the little ones needed some wrestling time.

Thanks!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table with Leaves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/27/2021 - 06:02

I built this farmhouse table with leaves for my daughter. I wanted a farmhouse look but with a modern twist, and I also wanted breadboard ends that would pull out so she could insert leaves on each end to increase the size of the table for company. I used the plans for concept, and actually used the updated farmhouse table plans with pocket holes but couldn't find the plan link again for this post but made several modifications to achieve what I wanted. I planed all the lumber down to a true 1 inch for the top and also the trim to reduce the weight and chunky feel. I planed 4 x 4 untreated lumber for the legs to 2 1/2 inches and then tapered the bottoms as well to reduce weight and chunkiness and create a more modern feel. I built actual channels on the base for the extension bars which attach to the breadboard ends and I attached table aligners to the table, breadboard ends and the leaves so things would stay straight and even. I also glued together 2 x 4 and 2 x 3 pieces that had been planed down to a true 1 inch for the skirting and treated them as one piece when attaching to the legs so I didn't have so many screws going into the legs. I painted the base black with furniture paint and then put 2 coats of polyurethane over that and stained the top gray, then used a and 'wash' of watered down black paint over that and then 5 coats of polyurethane on the top. The table is 36 x 48 without the leaves and extends to 70 inches when both leaves are in place. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.

Comments

Cubby Bench and Storage Shelf w/ Hooks

Submitted by vpihoney on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 10:56

This was my first build! I first stumbled upon plans for the cubby bench while Googling storage options =)

I combined plans from the Perfect Cubby Bench and Entryway Storage Shelf with Coat Hooks. I made slight changes to the dimensions; most of them were intentional. Both are only 36" which is perfect for my small space which doubles as the back-door entryway and laundry room. It manages the abundance of clutter created by a two kids and my husband.

I have shopped and shopped for the perfect entryway solution for this small space. Never have I found one until I came across the plans on this website.

Thank you, Ana! You've given me an excuse to start building...I had all the tools...just needed the motivation =) Now I have a ton of plans to get me started!

From a stay-at-home mom only one year into the job, I have discovered a new sense of personal enjoyment! The crafting, cooking, etc. is great and all, but this is my kinda thing!

Estimated Cost
$60-70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Flint Smoke, Eggshell finish, by Home Depot. I used a primer first.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Texas Style Home Bar

Submitted by Jann Antos on Mon, 07/01/2013 - 21:50

This is our Texas Style Home Bar.

It is build out of 2x4s, 1x6s. The Base is 1,50m x 0,50m. The Top is 1,50m x 0,60m. It was build as a Tribute to the State of Texas where we lived the last 3.5 Years. The Base is made of 2x4s and some Edge Glued Boards. The Posts are also 2x4 and i routed a notch in there to fit the Boards. Problem was to rip the 45 Degree Boards so they fit the middel part. The Sides a Red with a White Stripe to look like a Barn Door. Top is made of Edge Glued Board. I made "Texas" Out of old License Plates and filled the Top with Epoxy Ressin Glaze Table Top. Was quite some work. I used Espresso Stain for the Dark Parts and White Wash for the other Parts. I also used China Red Stain for the Sides. The Dark and Red Parts are covert with shellack. All other with Polyurethane. The Top looks fantastc, and i had some old Beer Towels accomondate it. Most Problem where to made it with no plan. I sketched up what we wanted and start building from that. Difficult and Nerv wrecking. Had good help from my Family. I put casters to made it move better. The Glas Holder are made from T Molds. Bottle Holder are from scratch Material. Some decorate items are still missing but for now the Beer tastes Perfect from this Bar.

To be honest - this was my Second Big Project after the Farmhouse Table..

Thanks for commends!

Jann

Estimated Cost
500$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Espeesso, White Wash, China Red. Shellac, Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Reclaimed wood loveseat - in-work pictures

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 06/22/2015 - 19:08

Couldn’t wait to share this one. I’ll post the finished pics on here once the painting is finished and the cushion is sewed.

This build is a reclaimed wood version of Ana’s Simple White Outdoor Loveseat. We’ll be using this inside. This started as a way to repurpose those blue vinyl cushions (which I made 11 years ago for a hot tub bench – these had been stored in the garage for a few years). Using reclaimed wood on hand – reclaimed 2x4 studs, an oak 1x12 shelf and some pine 1x12 scrap ripped to 1x6 for the aprons, plywood from an old entertainment center ripped to 1x4 size, some 1x4 that used to be trim, a left-over 1x2 and S4S, and some left-over 1x6, constructed the frame and back. After I got that together, Hubby suggested we add some wide arms so it wouldn’t need to have a side table. That was the only wood I had to purchase on this one – a 1x6x6 for the arms, and a 2x4 for bracing the arms.

So far this has been a weekend project, including re-sizing the plan to fit my 24” x 24” x 4” cushions, doing the math to use 1x4 size instead of 1x3 size for slats and rails, and sizing to use the 2x4 frame on their ends rather than flat, to save a tiny bit of space in the footprint. Originally there were going to be 8 1x4 rails for the back, but I was 1 piece short, so instead of having 8 rails in 1x4, I have 6 1x4’s plus the 1x6 in the center (now I have 1 piece of the 1x4 left over). And it’s very comfortable for sitting!

Still left to do: sand the filled screw holes on the arms and paint the arms, and sew the cushion. I got that high density foam with a 60% off coupon at JoAnn Fabrics. Also the fabric was 30% off (right now it’s just draped around the cushion for the photo). The fabric and foam was only $90, and I’ll have enough fabric left over for a few accents. Hopefully I’ll get to that during the week, if not, on the weekend.

Estimated Cost
Total spent: about $100 for foam, fabric, and 2 boards.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The bottom and back frame is painted with 2 coats of semi-gloss Clark & Kensington Paint + Primer in Crushed Peanut (my absolute favorite cream color). Once I get those filled screw holes sanded, the arms will be painted with that as well. Paint was already on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner