Community Brag Posts

2x4 (and 2x6) Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by HR Dad on Mon, 12/28/2020 - 15:43

Been wanting to make some Adirondack chairs for years; have about 10 different plans saved that one day I could get to. These 2x4 modern plans made getting them done quickly possible due to simplicity of the cut list and cheap cost of materials. The only real change I made was to use 2x6 for the arms; I cut a taper along outside edge and increased the length of the arms by about an inch and a half to overhang the front legs a bit. Since I just used basic framing lumber, I milled all of the boards first with table saw and planer to make square consistent edges. And, I chose to use pocket screws in as many joints as I could so I wouldn't have screw holes on any visible faces. Add in a lucky find at the big box store paint return; scored this blue exterior paint for $2.00 a quart, and my weekend project turned out pretty good. Now I've got two neighbors that want 'em.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 qrt Glidden Exterior Semi-Gloss; got it so cheap, I used the whole quart. Multiple coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mudroom Bench

Submitted by BeingHome on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 22:26

With much needed seating in the mudroom, an unused space (nook) was used to build a mudroom bench and shelf. No plans were used. I basically looked on-line and mentally drew up an idea of how I wanted the final product to look.  

 

There were some setbacks such as not like the knock down textured walls (after partially painting the bench). I ended up covering the textured walls with hardboard and repainted.

 

A bench cushion was made for added comfort and style.

 

Complete tutorial for the bench is here and the bench cushion tutorial is here.

 

Thank you.

 

Julie

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Ultra (paint and primer in one) in ultra white finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cleverly6

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 13:48

Thank you so much for the idea and plan. I used it to turn an extra laundry room that we have off of our garage into a much needed mudroom. The most challenging project I have ever done before is hanging blinds. But with your help and some from the Home Depot employees, I did it! Our family is more than happy with it. Thanks!!!

BeingHome

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 22:28

Thank YOU so much! I would love to see a picture of your new mudroom area. :) I am happy the plans helped and of course Home Depot. ;)

Sorry for my delayed response. :(

BeingHome

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 22:28

Thank YOU so much! I would love to see a picture of your new mudroom area. :) I am happy the plans helped and of course Home Depot. ;)

Sorry for my delayed response. :(

Square Picnic Table

Submitted by frmoody on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 07:05

Enjoyed this project although with the price of lumber it was a little expensive to build. The only modification I made was to put a cross brace in the centre of the table top. That allowed me to attach the top boards a little more securely as some of them were a little bowed. I'll add a better photograph once I get it out of my garage and on to the back deck. It is a little heavy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the dark part of the table with Behr water based English Chestnut and the seat and top with Minwax Ipswich Pine followed by four coats of Varathane Exterior Gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Workbench

Submitted by jaimej on Sun, 04/28/2013 - 18:38

This is our 2nd project - we liked building the bookshelf so much, we decided we're gonna keep going and need a good workbench. Got these plans from the Family Handyman Website (http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Woodworking/Workbenches/how-…). They claim the cost to be $50, but it was closer to $80 for us - still a GREAT project and easy to put together with the nail gun.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Square Outdoor Table

Submitted by hannant on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 15:10

Inspired by Finn's Dad's table, we decided to copy it since we wanted to build a table that would seat 8 comfortably. The most difficult part of this project was finding clear cedar for the top. It had to be ordered through our local lumber yard and we were not able to match boards. We built the frame out of treated pine and the 4 x 4 legs from average greade cedar found at Lowe's. We finished it with four coats of polyurethane. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300-$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zak Polyruethane marine satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dining Table

Submitted by Malka on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 00:43

Used the pub table plans, but went regular dining table height so as to make matching dining chairs. Painted in Rustoleum Latex Ultra White, and Stained in Minwax Espresso. Built using Douglas Fir lumber. Table top and chair seats are 2x4's and 2x6's that were biscuit joined. Table has adjustable leg levelers drilled into bottom of legs.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 for Table and 4 matched chairs
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Ultra White paint, Minwax Espresso stain, Minwax Gloss Fastdry poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easy DIY Garage Workbench with modifications

Submitted by kimsteps on Thu, 01/13/2022 - 14:30

My fabulous husband bought me an awesome new miter saw for Christmas, and it is way too heavy to lug around! So my first project with the new saw was a workbench to mount it on! I added wheels so it can roll anywhere. I'm also very short and wanted to store a very tall shop vac on the lower shelf so I made modifications to accommodate that. I also made it 30" x 36" to make it just the right size for my saw. I will be using this piece as the center of other work tables I will build in the future!

Comments

My First Project: Spinning DVD Rack

Submitted by Dan Y. on Sat, 07/13/2013 - 20:19

I was looking online for a spinning DVD rack to buy when I stumbled across a picture of a custom built rack. I decided to give it a try and this is the result. This is the first project I've done outside of basic shelves and it was a great learning experience. The overall fit and finish isn't quite where I'd like it to be but overall I think it turned out pretty well. I was able to find a 12" lazy Susan at a hardware store that supports over 300lbs and worked perfectly for this project.

I used pocket holes for the shelves, finishing nails for the top and screws for the bottom and lazy Susan. I also used pocket holes to attach the shelf backs and hid them behind the shelves. One thing I definitely won't use next time is spray paint/enamel. The finish isn't nearly as nice as I wanted and it cost far more than I was expecting.

This is also my first time using SketchUp and I'm really impressed with it. I've uploaded a copy of the plans.

Criticism and suggestions are appreciated.

-Dan

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Universal Satin Spray Paint - Espresso Brown
Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:35

I like this spinning DVD unit! Coincidentally, I just finished using spray enamel to redo some cupboard door handles. It's horrible stuff! I ended up sanding it off, and doing it over in flat black. I roughed up the edges with 180 grit to antique them a bit. Looks much better!

Quad Bunkbeds

Submitted by Newfey on Thu, 07/18/2013 - 19:29

This is a set of bunk beds that I made for my daughter Alicia for their getaway home at Canadian Lakes, MI. Now their children can invite their friends and have a fun place to sleep.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 02:37

Wow! This looks absolutely amazing! I like the light and shelf in each bunk too. Spectacular!

spiceylg

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 04:45

Newfey, these are awesome! I've seen pics of this type of bunk over the years, but never anybody attempting them as a DIY from a non-professional, unless you are one? Either way, they certainly look professionally done. Love, love, love!

In reply to by spiceylg

Newfey

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 07:56

I am not a professional by any means and have a limited tool supply. My daughter sent me a picture and asked if I could make them for her. It was a big project as their getaway home is 165 miles from where I live. It took quite a few weekends to complete.

kelleer

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 08:12

This is totally awesome. were there plans that you might have used as a base to go from or were you able to design it on your own?

In reply to by kelleer

Newfey

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 09:24

That was one of the problems, I had no plans, only the picture as a reference. It was a design as I went along and needless to say I gave a sigh of relief once that I saw the mattresses fit into their places.

Lasso the Moon

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 11:49

This is a dream room. They look so beautiful! How fun to have extra places for friends to stay the weekend.
Anna

momofour09

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 06:48

I've been viewing pictures of these style bunkbeds for a while. I'm almost certain I could come up with something but most definitely lose my sanity along the way. This would be great in my girls room and you did an awesome job!

meganhammon29

Sat, 07/25/2015 - 20:25

Ana I am looking to see if you have actual plans for a quad bunk bed? Also what about a quad corner bunk bed? We are trying to put our 4 girls in one large room and this would really help make it work!

Kids Outdoor Double Lounge Chair

Hi friends!
 

Jen Woodhouse here, sharing this adorable summer project with you! I'm in the mood for all things outdoor, so I thought I'd share this build I created last year. This Kids Outdoor Double Lounge Chair made my kiddos so happy. They spend a ton of time at the pool and this Lounge Chair offers them a little bit of shade, and cup holders too for their drinks! 

 

Be sure to tag me @jenwoodhouse if you share photos of your build on social media.

You can get all the details and the plans for this build on JenWoodhouse.com!

 

Estimated Cost
$155 including cushions and canopy.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior-grade polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Farmhouse Coffee Table with Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 08:54

This project was made from reclaimed wood from my office where they had built a temporary safety railing out of 2x4s and 2x6s. I added a compartment for storage. The top is stained in a classic grey. I painted the body in black followed by white. I then sanded the body to allow the black to bleed through for a distressed look.

Comments

Henry tv stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/25/2019 - 11:54

This my first woodworking project. It is far from perfect but turned out okay! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tea and steel wool, and then I used miniwax Jacobean on top. I used two coats of poly and dark wax on top of it to finish. This was my first woodwork project!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Patio couches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/27/2023 - 19:14

This project was fun to build with hubby said the shopping list and the cut list was perfect! Love all your designs! King bed is next!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

COVERED SANDBOX WITH BUILT IN SEATS

Once we hade the frame of it built, we stapled landscaping fabric and chicken wire to the bottom to keep weeds and moles/gophers from coming up through the bottom.

Other than that... We followed the plans as given.

The kids LOVE it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pacific Northwest Privy

We have a small rustic cabin that needed a clean, functional outhouse.  We followed Ana's plans, but with a few modifications to include a Solar gray polycarbonate roof to let in light.  We also decided on cedar board & batten for the siding.   We look forward to many years of use.

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
#501 Cedar Naturaltone Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Pallirondack Laundry Basket Dresser

I showed my wife the Laundry Dresser featured on Ana White's website and she asked if I could make one for her, but not quite so tall. I also turned the orientation to fit our laundry room space. I used primarily oak from recycled pallets to build the Laundry Basket Dresser. She wanted a work space on top, so folded laundry, empty baskets, etc. all have a temporary resting place depending on the day. From start to finish, it took me about 6 hours. She plans to stain the piece at some point, but its already in use, so I'm not 100% sure that will ever happen until we move or something. ;-) Great idea and laundry room organization!

Estimated Cost
Half a box of screws
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kathy in Pittsburgh (not verified)

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 10:22

I love the open sides, plus it makes it much more feasible to build with scraps repurposed wood, which I love. Thanks for the inspriation

payne.kj

Mon, 04/08/2013 - 08:48

Hi, do you have any kind of plans for how you did this or atleast dimensions? I think this one fits more of what my wife needs, but I'm pretty new to making anything.

nicholas_ftm

Sun, 06/14/2015 - 20:16

Soooo I made this according to the measurements and no laundry basket I find fit. Kind of dissapointed in the fact that this cool thing I just built doesn't have any baskets that will fit it. Any advice on finding a basket that fits?

jkread

Fri, 07/10/2015 - 20:56

I think the idea is to build it to fit the baskets you have or buy some and build around them.

DIY Murphy Wall Bed

Submitted by Dstor22 on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 07:05

Just finished up my Murphy Bed project. Hope you like.

Estimated Cost
280.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments