Community Brag Posts

Adjustable Bookshelf

Submitted by Booooozle on Tue, 06/05/2012 - 20:13

This was the result of another weird space in our house. Our bedroom is actually the smallest bedroom of all four in the house, it's actually intended to be a nursery or a private office off of the Master Bedroom. When we moved in I just couldn't find a layout that I liked for our bedroom to be in the master bedroom, also there was only a single crank out window in that room & while the house's venting is set up for central air there is no unit attached, so there was no way we were going to be able to stay in that room. So we moved into the smallest bedroom of the house & turned the master into our enormous walk in closet, which I just love & the small bedroom is actually very cozy & easy to keep cool/warm. The only problem is there is an outcropping into the room from the old chimney. Well I filled the space under the window with our storage bench but didn't have shelf to fill the other one so I made one from left over wood from building our bed frame. I also had pegs from some shelves that were lost in a basement flood years before so I just measured out & drilled the holes for adustable shelving!

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

Cal King Farm Bed

My shopping list
5 1x8
2 2x6
13 2x4
2 2x10
8 1x4

I ended up not using the 1x3 like in the original plans and instead use an additional 1x8. I finished it with an ebony stain.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Ultimate Wood Stain Ebony Oil Wood Stain &

Minwax Oil-Modified Gloss Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor couches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/26/2016 - 08:12

Started off with the intention of buildings the 2x4 sectional.  Decided on building two couches instead to be able to move around based on needs.  The biggest expense were the cushions ( found the back pillows on clearance).  Plan to stain later.  

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Project Table

Submitted by Eddie A on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 22:32

I actually built this back in 2015 and just never got around to posting about it. I guess I was just so excited to get it done and set up for my wife I forgot. Anyhow, I did it all with a worm drive saw and a piece of plywood set on saw horses...would’ve have been so much fun aside with a table saw (still haven’t convinced the vamps that I need one of those 😏)

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

DIY Mug Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/04/2023 - 09:23

I made this as a special housewarming gift for a family we are helping out this Christmas. I didn't need to buy anything, but I love how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)

Dad Wins Again!

Scrap wood comes in handy when you need to build something quick. Our other end tables are in the garage because our little one likes to tip them over. So this was a quick fix, but we might use it as a writing/ coloring desk later.

Estimated Cost
free, scrap wood
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

babysteps

Sun, 06/10/2012 - 17:27

making the shallow desk-like cubby in what is wasted space in most end tables.

patrickhosey

Mon, 06/11/2012 - 22:56

Glad you guys like it. I know my wife is happy with it. I don't know what steals the remotes more, the baby or the couch.

Upper Cabinet Awesomeness

Submitted by romanweel on Fri, 04/04/2014 - 15:01

This is the sequel to my first kitchen cabinet build, the awesome base unit to the right of the stove. It's another custom design to fit the space (and replace some horribly inefficient metal cabinets that, while cute, really looked like they belonged in a different kitchen). And my first time working with maple and edge banding! Thank you, thank you, no applause please. I'm calling this project "intermediate" skill only because I chose to router the doors and install cup hinges. Otherwise, they're just big boxes on the wall, for real.

The carcasses, shelves, and door panels are all Purebond plywood. The face and door frames are 1x2 and 1x3 maple. The french cleat used to hang the two pieces is also plywood (more on my blog about that). Unfortunately, I don't know enough about wiring to add/move that outlet so that the microwave cord could be hidden...but at least the microwave itself is off the counter! It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

The wineglass storage is a sort-of take-off on a few other plans on here and some pieces I saw down in Amish country. It's a little rough-looking outside of the cabinet into which it is installed because I didn't design that element very elegantly. Plus I kept changing things on myself mid-stream.

The concealed cup hinges...were totally intimidating. And at first I bought into all the hype about "you HAVE to use a drill press or you'll RUIN your doors", but in the end I just eyeballed it with a plain old forstner bit, and all 6 doors turned out fine! Plus, I got to use Blumotion hinges...you physically cannot slam these doors!!

I'm super proud of this project, and my mother-in-law (in whose kitchen they reside) is thrilled. Btw, the crown moulding is not yet installed, which is why the trim pieces up top look so funny.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams ProClassic Interior Acrylic Latex Enamel, plain old white
Polyurethane on the shelves (which in retrospect should have used polycrylic...they turned out a little yellow, which is unfortunate)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lap desk/Standing desk

Submitted by mrsnyder on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 09:01

Built this last weekend so I would have the option of standing at my desk - these plans work perfectly for that purpose! Quick and easy build that I was able to do with scraps on hand. Highly recommend for anyone who has suddenly found themselves working from home and is finding their desk chair just isn't comfortable enough for a full day of work. Easy to move out of the way when not needed and provides a nice way to quickly move work things off to the side but keep them handy for the next day. Thank you for the very timely plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet. Will have to wait for some nice weather to stain/seal outdoors.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

2 Tier Stocking Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/11/2023 - 09:20

This my expanded Christmas Stocking tree. With a growing family we needed room for at least 9 stockings. I decided to hope for one more and made it large enough for 10. Decided to make the sides look more like a candy cane and added red stripes. Thanks to Ana for the ideas.

RBM

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Shabby Chic Farmhouse Table

Finally got a chance to try my hand at whitewashing and I just love the outcome!

Estimated Cost
$70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I first used a steel wool and vinegar mixture and then whitewashed over it. You can find a tutorial on my blog here http://sawgrasshome.com/?p=1717#

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Brooke B. (not verified)

Sat, 11/17/2012 - 13:12

What were the final dimensions of your table? I've been wanting to modify the plans so it will fit in our space as well. Thanks so much!

johnzaci

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 06:49

Hello I ahve seen your post here. I liked it, but one thing which i want to make sure that, these same things i found much expensive here on the http://www.biglovestyle.com/
I am not confirm what makes you to keep low:(
By the way, I am a little bit late to read your post. :(
Last Sunday me and my wife has changed all the old furniture and replaced it with the new.
I hope next time i will go to your shop first:)

Farmhouse King size bed

Built entirely from 2x4 - 22 studs altogether - the tricky part was cutting a rebate into the trims so that they look like 1x4 from the front. adjusted plans to suit australian king size mattress & made everything lower & used plenty of kreg screws to put everything together (inspiration from plans in the book). here studs are sold 'rough headed' - so there was an insane amount of sanding - not helped by the fact that I was a novice to the belt sander. Took the best part of 4 weekends to get it all together

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax 'Puritan Pine' stain plus 2 coats of satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Chair Mod with High Back and Full Couch

Submitted by Matt Burke on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 13:14

I made a few modifications to the Modern Outdoor Chair build, including adding a larger backrest and making a couch version that can fit 3-4 people. I felt the original plan didn't hold up the couch cushions well unless it was against a wall, so the modification solves this simple problem!

Wood was Douglas Fir for the price point, although I would've preferred a harder wood. The stain was Minwax Wood Finish in Gunstock 231, Which I felt really sold the Doug Fir as a darker, more elegant wood.

Cushions were from Target and were the cheapest I could find. They've already started to flatten a bit but I plan on restuffing them soon.

Sketchup file available if you need it, but didn't see a way to upload it directly.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Finish Gunstock 231
Spar Varnish Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

smarincak

Fri, 05/01/2020 - 08:02

Hello how can I get the sketchup file for these? I'm really interested in making both the chairs and the couch.

MissusGee

Sun, 05/23/2021 - 05:54

Hey Matt, I would LOVE to see the modification plans you made if you don't mind sending them to me. Thank you! Do you feel like the mods you made to the back were comfortable?

npandora

Thu, 07/07/2022 - 09:34

Hi Matt, if you could send me both plans for the chair and loveseat I would appreciate it. They look great!

TamaraRenae

Fri, 05/22/2020 - 08:15

This is perfect and they look great! I was hoping someone had already created these with a higher back. If you don't mind sharing your plans, I would really appreciate it!

safetytown

Fri, 04/23/2021 - 09:28

Matt- Would you please share with me the plans and materials list for this project! I love it.

Helmet Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/19/2023 - 17:24

Modified DIY Coat Rack! We call this our "Bear Proof" helmet rack. My daughter's chihuahua (named Bear) likes to mark anything at his level, lol. So I took Ana White's free coat rack plan and added helmet hooks to keep everyone's helmet off of the floor and safe from our little Bear. Thanks so much Ana! We all thank you so much for your generosity!

Paula the Crafty Grandma

 

edited to include * 

Plans are Shanty 2 Chic 

Cabin/Simple Bunkbed

Submitted by Ballowe on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 21:41

We built this bed in the Cabin style, but we wanted to be able to stack it Simple style. It turned out beautifully!!

Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Fruitwood
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Family Project

Submitted by brennamae on Wed, 04/09/2014 - 18:39

My husband and I loved this idea but we don't have much wood working experience. My brother and sister in law were visiting and we decided to make this project together. Our son loves Turtles and we already have a bunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle "stuff" so we thought that would be a great theme. The guys cut all the wood and assembled and the girls did the painting. Then my brother in law who is super talented added in the details.

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

Comments

Matching Stools for Kids

This was my second project from Ana White, and overall it was successful. I used a miter saw for the cuts (struggled with the bevel because my 12 inch saw isn't a slider, a kreg jig to attach everything (struggled to attach the 1x3s to the legs due to the angle of the dril and tight space), but everything eventually was held solidly together and it's really very sturdy. My husband is about 160 and he was able to jump on it with absolutely no give. 

 

The paint is just small samples we had on hand from home depot to coordinate with other projects in the kids' rooms, and I handpainted the letters. I finished it with a double coat of polycrylic. 

Estimated Cost
$20 total for two stools.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
paint and polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Desk With Sliding Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 14:19

I used Ana's plans for the Rustic X Desk and made it a little longer to add the second side of shelving. I squared off all the edges of the 2x4s and 2x6s, so had to figure new measurements. I also widened the space between the shelf towers. I used drawer slides on the bottom shelves on each side for easy access to the printer and other items. I used whitewash stain for the body and Early American for the shelves and desktop with wipe-on poly.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Minwax Simply White, Minwax Early American, Minwax Wipe-on Poly Satin

Comments

Sideboard Media Center / Media Console

Submitted by ashwihi on Sat, 04/12/2014 - 14:39

For the paint and stain:
The Wife and I really wanted a rich red color, but didn't want it to be so bright that it stood out funny against the rest of our furniture and settings in the living room. So, I went and picked up some Espresso Water Based Stain from Woodcraft, from the brand "General Finishes" for the base coat and the for the 1/4 board back. As you can see in several of the photos, I didn't cover the entire thing and in some areas I purposefully was SLOPPY (Yes my Wife's name is Amy). Afterwards... for the red coat with the finish.... my wife loves using this Annie Sloan paint that she uses to refinish other projects... Basically follow any tutorials on youtube or on her webage. It can be a hard to find paint, but I think a milk paint and clear wax and a brown wax will do the trick also.

For the build:
I took the planked wood sideboard plans and pretty much threw out the middle doors and drawers. I have a pretty serious entertainment center in our living room and the center channel speaker is by no means small.. It's so large that at the box stores, I could never find a media console that it would fit. I chose 3 shelves because I wanted it to look fairly even. For reference... the center shelving area is approximately 25 inches wide.
Nothing really special here, if you need some hints or tricks that I used message me and I'll help the best I can. I'm by no means an expert at this, Just take your time and anything you do will come out looking great. Plus. YOU MADE IT!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$250-300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
See above
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jessee

Mon, 01/12/2015 - 12:41

Your media center is gorgeous. Would you be able to share the dimensions you used for your cabinet? I would like to make something similar to what you have in size. My email is [email protected] if you would like to contact me personally.

Thanks,
Jessee

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