Community Brag Posts

We modified this table to make it larger for our growing family. It measures 42" (10 inches larger than the original plan). We added 10 inches to the length of the 2X6's and added 5 2X2's to increase the width of the width of the table. We love the interest it added to the table. 3 coasts of minwax cherry and three coats of minwax helmsman poly.

With grandchildren and pets we decided to put a gate on the deck.

The gate is made from 2 X 4's and 2 x 2's. I used brass hinges to prevent rust and smooth operation

I worked on the benches and table for three weekends. All are finished in Ebony by Rustoleum. I used the non-Kreg plans for the benches and the updated Kreg jig plans for the table. I spent a lot of time at Home Depot selecting straight, flat boards for the table top. I literally dug through all of their 1 x 6's and laid them out on the floor in the store to find a good fit. I finished the benches with three coats of Minwax semi-gloss, and I finished the table with three coats of Minwax gloss. I prefer the higher gloss so I may put a coat of gloss on each bench so they all match. I also put some heavy duty furniture felt on all of the legs so they slide easily across the wood floor without scratching! I've been using a sad hand-me-down table and folding chairs for the past couple of years. I couldn't be more pleased with how this turned out.

I live in Alaska and the lumber for the benches cost about $35. The lumber for the table cost $65. I spent about another $100 on wood conditioner, stain, polyurethane, screws, sand paper and a brush. So all total, I have about $200 invested.

This is my first try at building furniture. I've built larger things in the past like decks and a fort for my nephews, but never furniture. Even though I used the plans to build the main box, I did change up the bottom and added some new stuff. I added wheels to the bottom my wife could easily move it around her classroom. I didn't want to put a square base on it because I thought it might hit her ankles when she was standing close to it. So I sort-of notched it out to give an opening for her feet and I used some scraps to create a short shelf at the bottom. I also added more trim that the plans call for. I cut strips of the pine plywood for the base molding and topped it with quarter round. I used corner trim for the front corners, the self inside and the bottom notched shelf. I also used screen trim for the back of it. I think it came out nice and I've very pleased with it. I used 2 coats of Minwax PolyShades American Chestnut on it.

After building a few things from plans I decided to come up with something on my own, and from scraps I made this bench for my son.

Plans for this coop were fantastic. It was a lot of work, but really fun to build.  As hard as I tried to keep the cost down, it cost probably close to $300 in materials, but it is well worth it compared to the quality of similar priced premade coops.  I did not want the garden bed, so I enclosed the run fully with hardware cloth. I also added a 2" lip around the cutout in the floor so they wouldn't push all of the bedding down the hole. 

After following Ana for a couple years, I finally got to build something. This was made after watching the you tube video, I used old redwood fencing that was salvaged from a friend headed to the dump. I decided I wanted mine wider so I adjusted the measurements. It went together great, I hung it up before the metal was attached and found it looked funny being so wide. With the pocket hole construction, it was super easy to undo, trim and redo. Then the metal was added and walah! Done! Lovin it. I also made a TP storage hanger to fill the extra space. I will now be making them for 3 friends who have asked for them.

This is a bay window standalone desk. The desk has an enormous top and fits snugly into the bay window. It did not have to be attached to the wall. There are four pieces in total: the top, 2 base units and a support that spaces the desks at 36" and further secures the top.

The base unites are built from the File Base Classic Wall Storage System and the top is glued up 2x12s that were planed down and straight edged.

My family is expanding, which means more laundry! (I am 39 weeks pregnant now) So I decided to build a big enough hamper for us (two adults, one toddler who constantly dirties his clothes). For finish, I tried to mix two stains "weathered oak" and "dark walnut" and I think it came out really nice! I must admit I love my new hamper!

We built three of these for a women and children's shelter. We had friends help us with various aspects of the project. The colors are definitely more vibrant in person. Table tops are painted with chalkboard paint. Because we built three, it took three weeks with some down time here and there. Haven't sat down and figured cost but I know other bragposts have included them if you are curious.

I built this on the floor of my apartment with just a drill for power tools.  (Lowes cut the wood for me.)  After two years of having the headboard up without stain or paint, I painted it white and moved it into my guest room of my new house.  I also made the two little bedside shelves.

Table and benches, used the 4x4 truss beam table as a guide and inspiration.