Community Brag Posts

Planked Wood Bedside Tables with drawers

Submitted by JenMash on Mon, 09/03/2012 - 13:06

So after my husband and I conquered the headboard, we decided that we were geniuses at furniture making and we would just build the two side tables. Well, the two side tables are much more difficult than the headboard. The side tables are definitely do-able but make sure that you leave plenty of time for them. We built most of them on a Sunday and then finished them up in the evenings the rest of teh week. We do not have a Kreg Jig and were able to build them without it; however, if you have a Kreg Jig it would make thing 1,000 times easier. We did end up buying a miter saw because we were building the Old style Workmen's Bench bar at the same time (crazy, I tell you). It is CRITICAL to make sure that your inside drawer measurements work. If you are off just by a little, your drawer pulls are not going to fit. We ended up buying bottom mount drawer pulls. The drawers are a little less stable and can hold less weight (up to 35 pounds) but it worked for us. I think the real key to finishing this project are choosing the right drawer pulls. I really believe that spending a little bit more on the drawer pulls makes the piece look more expensive. We spent about 6.50 a drawer pull but they look really nice in person. TIPS **Stain drawer faces off, then attach hardware, then attach to drawer base **If you are going to use wood filler (I wouldn't), make sure that you use the least bit possible - the stain does not take to it the same

Estimated Cost
175.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial from Minwax, left on for about 10 minutes and wiped off (after prepping wood with pre-stain), clear coated. For the inside of the drawers, we used Minwax Natural - next time I would go a bit deeper and do Honey for the inside; distressed with creme brulee torch, chain from hardware store, drill bit and hammer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Debi_G (not verified)

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 03:15

This plan is what I wanted, but I chickened out. Yours looks fantastic!

Perfect End Table

Submitted by coolove on Sun, 06/29/2014 - 20:46

Just a little something to go in the dining room. I like the look of it. If I find another need for one I would definitely make this again accept use a different stain and paint the base white and use a semi-gloss or gloss protective finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$26
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Dark Walnut (2 coats) and Minwax Polycrylic Satin Clear Finish. 3 coats for the top and bottom shelf and 1 coat all over.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dining room table

Submitted by Medickep on Mon, 10/03/2016 - 13:38

I made two of these tables and they were pretty fun, but were a little more work than I thought they would be.  All of the wood is kiln dried douglas fir, as the first table top I made warped as it was green wood and not the look I was going for.  I shortened the length to 72" so I had to adjust the angles for the center pieces.  I decided to build the tables, stain it, them took them apart and glued important joints, prior to staining the tables a second coat to avoid the glue standing out.  I also used 4x4's instead of sandwiched 2x4's as I thought it looked nicer that way.  I finished with 9 coats of polyurethane on the top and than a coat of wax using 0000 steel wool to get all the little imperfections out.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75.00 for just the wood (one table)

Plus Poly, sandpaper and screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut (lighter one)

Ebony (darker one)

Poly and wax on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Octagon picnic table.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 17:15

I ended up going with the suggested 4 inch extension for more leg room. The outer boards measured out around 41 11/16". Two more 2x6x8's were used to do this along with a 2x4x10.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY #1 Shelf

Submitted by katie0910 on Thu, 07/03/2014 - 08:53

I built this PB Teen-inspired #1 shelf for my oldest son's bedroom. He has an all-star theme going on in there, so I knew this would be perfect for him. I modified the plans a bit and used standard 1" boards, rather than plywood. I am planning to hang it on his wall and I wanted to be able to have a sturdier shelf to do so.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden paint in Onyx Black
Glidden paint in Sunflower
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

This is what got me started! PIANO BAR

This is what got me started in woodworking.  I started by repurposing different things. This is a piano that I repurposed into a bar.  I have repurposed many items. Then I got the urge to build new items.  I can't stop!!!  I am totally addicted!  I have built the sandboxes with the lids that fold into seats, (I adapted the plans to make a 5' by 5'), toys boxes,  childs tables and chairs, lego tables, and the list goes on.  I cannot stay out of my garage.  But I am loving it.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
behr black, polycrilic
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Big kids picnic table

Submitted by boneill on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 20:14

This was a easy build and is super strong . ITs built for a kid sized picnic table but I tested It with my weight to see how it holds up and (200 lbs) didn’t hurt it or even make the seat budge.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar canyon brown transparent on seats and Table top . Black (midnight ) solid stain on the frame .
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy Pants Hall Tree

Submitted by theJam on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 19:37

This is not my first build, as I built some tables for my shop using various plans.

Anyway, here it is, the hall tree! I changed up the trim a bit. So much of me went into this, and a couple of times I pulled out the crowbar and started over on the moulding and on the cross supports on the top because I was a bit of a perfectionist... something I need to learn to control with this new found hobby.

Let me know what you think! Already the picture have about 50 likes on my facebook and people want me to build them one! I think I'll just send them the link... !!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American Stain and Minwax Quick Drying Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bd

Sat, 04/06/2013 - 09:03

What did you use for the back plywood panel? Oak? I'm having difficulty finding oak plywood in anything except 3/4", and it looks like there's a contrast between wood types. Is that just a difference in stain or difference in wood?

Thanks!

justindalby

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 08:35

I love your version.  I really like the moulding that you put on the top piece of the bench.  Since there is a lip on the top piece (overlaps the bottom section of the bench), how did you attached the moulding so that the top of it lays flat and flush with the top piece? I assume that you made some sort of hidden spacer between the lip and the moulding.  Is that correct? 

Also, how did you attach the back plywood to the decorative cross beams, finish nails?

Thanks for sharing!

Finished my Shanty hutch and sideboard

We had a big wall in our living room and nothing to fill it.. To buy a piece of furniture this size would have been so expensive. I worked on this piece over a week and a half... during kids naps. I used cove molding around the outside edges instead of the two base moldings on top and bottom. I added a very large crown molding on top. I wasn't able to find a prefab base molding thick enough that was stain quality so I just used a 1x4 and another molding on top of it. I made 4 shelves but after getting out all my decor I decided to only have one on the left side. I applied edge banding to finish off the plywood edges on the shelves. It was super easy to use and was stainable. The kreg pin hole jig was used so that that the shelves can be adjusted to different heights. I'm planning to order cabinet latches for the doors.. for both look and function with two little kiddos. I used minwax dark walnut stain. Oh, I also added a support underneath the middle bottom section.. it really needs it otherwise its flexible.. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Painterlyrhett

Mon, 04/20/2015 - 18:02

How did you attach the Hutch to the Sideboard. It looks extremely successful so I was curious as your strategy to successfully attach it safely and soundly. Thanks.

DIY Modern Chicken Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 12:00

Almost 5 years after we moved into the country onto our Hamstead of 3 acres, I finally committed to building our chicken coop. Last year, my husband brought home a ton of lumber used for shipping. I started tearing it down and slowly, over the past few months, I built this perfect coop for our 6 little chicks. It required a ton of sketching and planning, adjustments, and do overs, but it has come together so well. Thanks and shout out to the plan from Ana White and the brag post by @blackgirlbythesea

Seasonal And Holiday

Large Modern Porch Swing + Ghetto Stand

Submitted by mrhelton on Mon, 09/10/2012 - 17:04

Made the swing then just kinda came up with my own frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Just some semi gloss outdoor paint. Going to paint the frame in a few minutes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mikejillnelson

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 05:04

I have been considering making this bench for a friend but I wonder how comfortable it is...is it comfortable? Does it require a cushion? Is the back high enough to be comfortable leaning back in it for long periods? Also - how long did you wait to paint your pressure treated wood? I just recently learned you have to allow pressure treated wood dry out before painting...no one seems to tell you how long you have to wait though. Thanks for any help/opinions you share.

mrhelton

Wed, 09/12/2012 - 19:38

Honestly, it's not very comfortable. I think the seat part is a little too long, and the back is a little too short. We're going to put a beefy cushion on the back, and I think that's going to help because it will push us forward a little bit. It's not bad to sit in, but I definitely think it could be tweaked.

I let the wood dry out for 4 days (but I cut and assembled it the day I bought the wood). I'm not sure if that was long enough of not, but I was getting impatient, and, like you, couldn't find any real answers on drying time. It wasn't really that wet to begin, though. Hope that helps!

tracysmith

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 00:04

I thought my kids and I were the only ones who used "ghetto" as a way to describe things... but I have to say that your frame looks great, it serves its purpose so I have to respectfully disagree with you, it doesn't look anything like "ghetto" :-)

Joe (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 10:02

Hey, can you post the dimensions of your frame? its exactly what I'm looking for. Do you have it screwed down to the deck? will it tip over?

Joe (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 11:27

Hey, can you post the dimensions of your frame? its exactly what I'm looking for. Do you have it screwed down to the deck? will it tip over?

Building our marriage....and a new bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/13/2016 - 08:36

After being deployed for a year, my husband and I needed to spend quality time together.  I showed him the Queen Farmhouse Bed Plans and he loved it. We spent a weekend clearing out our over stuffed garage - sorting through things with a common goal in mind.  He loves woodworking and we love spending time together.  We spent two weekends cutting and sanding and putting it together.  We spent another doing three coats of stain and two MinWax poly coats.  We finally finished this weekend and I absolutely LOVE it.  I SERIOUSLY love how solid this bed is.  He bought the wood to build two matching nightstands this morning...and I can't wait until tomorrow to start on them.  

Thank you so much for sharing your plans and for so many sharing their brag posts - it was wonderful to read through them and see all the variations. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We did a coat of shellac (recommendation by the guys at Woodcraft store). Then a coat of General Finishes Java Gel and wiped it off. I used the instructions from Ana White's page on how to get a dark finish. We did 3 coats of Java Gel stain to get it pretty dark. I did two coats of Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane in a satin sheen (sanding in between with 220). I decided (sort of last minute) to scuff up the edges to give it a more rustic look. The dark stain is gorgeous, but the naturally occurring scratches and scuffs that occur with life would have me stressing - so I decided to include them in the look so I could enjoy it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Balustrade Coffee Table

Love this table! Created from Ana Whites Balustrade Coffee Table plans. Looks just like the table from RH.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
First coat SW New Ebony Stain
second coat Varathane Briarsmoke
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toddler Step Stool

This is my second build - first one using a jig saw. I built this so my daughter can easily get up and down on the daybed we have in our sunroom.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
BEHR Premium in Seaside Sand, satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

yurra-bazain

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:56

I applaud you for using your jigsaw on your second build. :) It took me quite a while to build up the confidence and skill to use one!

Patio couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 14:03

This was my first solo woodworking project since 7th grade shop class in 1997. This was so easy to put together! I added "slats" from left over lumber to keep my pillows from squishing out. Thanks Ana White for creating easy to follow instructions! I've now got the woodworking bug!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique lace chalk paint and polyurethane seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Farmhouse Toybox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:19

I built this for my grandsons first birthday! I added a hydraulic shock from Lowe’s. It was really stiff and it took two cabinet door magnets to hold it shut. The name board is from my great grandfathers saw mill from the farm my dad still lives on. I do hope he enjoys it as much as me and my dad enjoyed building it for him!!

Chappy

Built from Plan(s)

Girly Bunk Beds

Submitted by bzzz61 on Sun, 09/16/2012 - 09:29

We built these bunk beds and absolutely love them!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner