Community Brag Posts

Farm house table

Submitted by hough18 on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 10:14

Decided paying $600 for a coffee table was ridiculous so my wife said build this then. I read the comments on this and went with picture frame ends, wife is happy and that means I am as well! Also drilled holes first just to ensure no splitting of the wood.

Comments

Farmhouse Bed and One happy Boy ;)

My Hubby and I worked really hard on building this bed, your plans are wonderful ;)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss after priming
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Inspired by Julia Nightstand

Submitted by kirst1230 on Mon, 09/02/2013 - 10:03

This nightstand was inspired by the Julia Nightstand. I changed a few of the measurements and added a door. The entire piece is built out of wood I salvaged when I tore out the wall paneling in my basement. The old nail holes add nice character and the color of the wood and grain are really nice. This piece does not have any stain - this is the natural color of the wood. I finished it with water based polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Water based polyurethane painted with synthetic hair brush. I did not use any stain. The water based polyurethane raises the grain so I sanded between the first two coats. Total of 4 coats. No odor and very easy cleanup (soap and water).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic truss outdoor table

Submitted by aronbirkir on Sat, 10/24/2015 - 00:48

Build this one out of pine and used DIY Pete's handling method of the wood to make it look older ( http://www.diypete.com/how-to-build-a-farmhouse-table/ ) with vinegar and steel wool. 
The beams are halflap joined to the legs and no screws where used to attach the beams to the legs. It is rock sturdy. The leg frames are glued and screwed together with pocket holes. The planks in the tabletop are only put together with pocket hole screws and fastened to the beams from underneath with long screws. Finished with Chinese oil. This outdoor table was a gift to a good friend.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with mix of white vinegar and steel wool. Let the vinegar stain the wool for 4 days in a closed jar. Then brush it on and the solution oxidates when it reacts with the wood.
Finished with Chinese oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Free Standing Barn Door Cabinet

I needed a pantry cabinet for my walk through kitchen (I have a generic 1970's ranch with a walk through kitchen--10' wide and the dining area is small, so I wanted lots of storage with minimal depth) and I am a big fan of cabinetry that looks like furniture--when I saw this project, I knew I had to make it.  

 

I enlisted the help and guidance of my 73 year old Mom----she has been making things for years and has an entire basement full of all the woodworkig machines I will ever need.  We started this project about a month ago and have been working at it on and off since (my Mom is a thinker and has lost sleep over a few issues we ran into, but the final design is AWESOME!  Thanks Mom!).

 

I would have loved a much wider cabinet, but the wall I will be putting it on had a few items that I did not want to move or cover up (light switches & a cold air return).  I ended up making the cabinet 89" tall (my ceilings are only 91") and 57.5" wide (I'm a stickler for symmetry and I wanted the white space on either side of the cabinet to be the same.  This project took a couple of weeks to complete due to work, kids, pets, etc).  I just had my son and better half carry it in tonight and it fits perfectly----now to clear out all my upper cabinets and start taking them down so I can fix my ceiling and start making my kitchen cabinets!  

Thanks Anna!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Total cost for materials, paint, hardware - $250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Chalk Paint - Aged Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bathroom Reading

Submitted by moemoore on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 03:01

We've had a cheapo over the toilet stand in our master bathroom for ages. Its a chrome job that was getting rusty and all it ever held were the magazines that my husband would place on it. I saw the Flat Bookholders plan, and realized that would be perfect.

Then I realized that in order to get my husband on board with my plan, I would have to paint it his team colors - UK Blue and White! (That would be University of Kentucky!)

I measured the wall next to our toilet - 18" was the max width I could do. Then I followed the directions for the small version of the Flat Bookholders, adjusting the width to 18".

Estimated Cost
< $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed it, then used Glidden's paint to paint it. Used the white for most of it, then the blue for the trim and for the UK that I stenciled on the side (no pic of that yet). Then used poly to coat it all.

Hardest part was by far the stencil - I didn't practice using it before hand, and ended up having to do it 2 or 3 times.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Terra (not verified)

Thu, 08/11/2011 - 07:11

Love this! I also a huge Wildcat fan I am from KY as well! Great job looks awesome!

Modified 4 Kid Locker Cabinet

With all four kids going to full time school in September, we knew it we needed to tackle our mudroom and make it more organized, so this is what we chose as our first project.

We are always hesitant about following plans that come from the US because half the supplies are never available to us in Canada...or if they are, the prices are much higher. This project came in at about 30-50% higher than the US cost estimates.

Lowe's had almost everything we needed, with the exception of the bead board. They had outdoor bead board sheets, but not indoor. We had to use cottage panelling instead, but it looked just as good on the finished project, just took longer to install.

The project took three full week-end days, including the planning, shopping and of course, stopping to take care of and feed our four kids every now and again.

We modified the original plan to add a second shelf to the bottom space for shoes, plus we added an extra locker to make this a four-kid unit. (60 inches wide)

Estimated Cost
$225
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
One coat of primer and one coat of high end semi-gloss paint.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Loft bed, not quite finished

Submitted by Bunnie1978 on Tue, 10/27/2015 - 20:33

I built this bed several months ago, but it isn't finished.  Deigned the plan myself with inspiration from several plans/brags along the way.  The room not at all square or level so had to build as you go.  This was for my son's 7th birthday, and he loves it.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Doll Pram Love!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/25/2018 - 18:40

This was a fun build!  It was my first time to use the jigsaw, so my sweet hubby showed me the ropes!  Such a great project and my little girl absolutely loves it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Eggshell paint - random sample I had on hand
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Easiest 2x4 Drawer Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/31/2022 - 16:21

Ana, I am so greatful for your videos. You gave courage to create this 24" deep x 48" wide bench. We remodeled our bathroom by transforming our tub into a walk in shower. We removed the small old shower stall which left a space where we created this nook. The drawers are our new laundry "baskets." We also added board and batten in the rest of the bathroom. Everyone loves the design and I have you to thank. Many blessings to you and your family. Alice

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Lego Table

My wife and I desired to have a place to put my son's Legos other than on the floor. We were quite tired of walking out of his room with lacerated feet. So, I designed a basic Lego table to accomodate our needs. The frame was very simple to make, and the top wasn't much harder. I stained the top with Minwax Dark Walnut stain and sealed it with 3 coats of Minwax wipe-on Poly. The frame has been painted white with a semi-gloss paint that was left over from the Clara Table I made for our children earlier this summer.

For storage, I got a little creative. We had several plastic bins from a storage unit we were moving out of the room (my wife and I have seen similar ones at Ikea and Target), so I snatched one of these and cut out a recess in the table in which the bin now sits.

I've seen many versions of tables that have the storage hidden, but this didn't make much sense to us since our son is constantly looking for various pieces. This way, he can dig through the bin without having to move anything on the table. It also allows for quick clean up at the end of the day.

I just saw a table (much smaller, and felt very cheap) at a local toy company for $150. Total cost for our project was about $32, $20 of which was for the birch ply. Not bad!!! Several friends have already requested tables of their own.

Material: 1, 2" x 4" x 8'; 2, 2" x 6" x 8"; 1 full sheet of 3/4" birch-veneer ply (I got the sheet at 60% off because it had some damage to one of its sides--but not a big deal since I only needed a 30" x 48" piece out of it!); 1, 3/4" x 4" x 8' piece of poplar for edging trim (ripped down to about 3/4" strips); about 25, 1 1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws; wood glue; Minwax Walnut wood stain; Minwax wipe-on Poly.

Dimension can vary based upon personal preference, but our table top was 30" x 48", and the frame legs were 12" high. We wanted our children to be able to sit/kneel to work on the table (by the way, I've thought it might be a great table for putting together puzzles too!). The frame is not 30" x 48", though, because we wanted a bit of an overhang on the sides so that our children could get closer to the table.

If I get time here in the next week, I'll add this as an official Project Plan.

Blessings, and I hope you all enjoy!

JB

Estimated Cost
$30-$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut; Minwax wipe-on poly; semi-gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rustic x console table

Submitted by raflis35 on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 20:29

Decided to create the rustic x console table to go along with the matching end tables. I modified the dimensions to fit behind my love seat and thankfully it fit perfectly!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
steel wool and vinegar
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Connor Side Table

I built this as a way to stay busy on a three day weekend, and it turned out so well my wife wants two more for our night stands.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Chalkboard Paint for the top and Minwax Early American stain. If I were to do it again, I would use a lighter stain color. I sprayed a cheap clear coat over the top of the black.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Built in dry bar

Submitted by releematt on Fri, 12/28/2018 - 14:16

My husband and I worked on this for a few months, no rush. This is the outcome and all we need to do now is get one glass shelf for each cabinet. This is a great place to store all liquors and glassware. The drawers are a nice addition. The paint it black chalk paint with wax finish. All materials were purchased at Lowes or Home Depot. 

Estimated Cost
$800.00 including butcher block top, glass, back splash and lights.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beginner Farm Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/05/2022 - 16:58

I’m in the process of renovating my kitchen and dining area and needed a rectangular table fitting against the wall. I couldn’t find the dimensions I needed so I set out to build my own! I tweaked the beginner farm house table and bench plans to fit my space and voilà! Perfectly what I needed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Comments

Center Upholstered Chestwick Inspired Headboard

Submitted by Thewaggy on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 16:51

This is inspired from the Chestwick upholstered headboard. One of my first larger projects. I applied the upholstery on an 1/2 inch thick plywood that is screwed into the frame order to allow us to change out the fabric as desired and added more trim around the upholstery.

Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I dragged black paint over a royal blue base and used semi-gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 09/07/2013 - 17:13

This headboard is gorgeous! The finish is AWESOME!! Love the idea of being able to change out the fabric too, very creative. You did a fabulous job!

Harriet Higher Chair

Submitted by aerialc on Tue, 11/10/2015 - 09:33

I made this chair for my almost three year old and it is perfect for him to reach the dining table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Honey Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

New dining room table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/31/2018 - 14:14

Here is a "Before & After" (Christmas Day) family gathering.  Easy plans to follow.  Made it a bit wider (48") but otherwise used your dimensions.

Happy New Year!

 

Mark V.

Lakeville, MN

Estimated Cost
About $200 - $250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a gel stain along with wipe down satin poly. About 5 coats on table and benches.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Chairs and bar for our patio

Please don't look at the mess!
I built few furnitures for our patio and I am very happy with the result.
I modified the plan of the chair to make a loveseat.
It was rather easy as construction. By making the bar, I made an error of measure for the tray, I had to begin again. I then transformed the too big tray into coffee table by adding feet.I have to sand and paint it.
Now I am going to put a little of order.

Estimated Cost
200 euros
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats of White acrylic paint for the chairs and the cart and purple acrylic paint with 2 coats of varnish for the tray.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 18:54

Did you reinforce love seat in any way or just double all the measurements ?? How sturdy is it. I already made chair. Can't find plans for loveseat

alamanda973

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 15:52

I only doubled all measurements of the chair but I used thicker boards. I used 27 mm boards instead of 19 mm for the structure. I didn't make other change. It's very sturdy and 2 adults can seat on it without problem. I am very happy with the result.
Other persons used the same wooden thickness as for chairs but I wanted to be sure that it would be sturdy.
Good luck!