Community Brag Posts

I built this cabinet for my mother-in-laws entryway, it is her mothers Day present. originally I wanted to build it with the copper handles like in your post but I decided it was more my style like that than hers. also she only needed about 4 feet wide so I kind of change the plan to be the size I needed. The top is cedar I planed from rough wood. also made a mirror from Ana plans to hang above it.

I followed the plans to the dining table with the suggested 1/4" spacing and extra slat so that this table will match the bench I will be making next.  I used the kreg jig for everything so that there are no visible screws.  This table is relatively simple to assemble and seems sturdy yet not too heavy.

Loved the simple lines of this project - the first one I attempted! I used a 1x10 instead of a 1x12 (because it fit better in my space) with the called for 1x6's. I looked for an interesting piece of knotty pine to add some interest. Two stains were layered and a top coat was added. Timeline is total time but spread out - includes time with a paint brush but not drying time.

This took much longer than it should have but I am very happy with the results. Finishing this with a brush was especially tedious. Time to try to to sell my wife on an HPLV sprayer... I breadboarded the ends to try to match our grown up version of this table. I wish their was an alternate plan that would allow me to drill an umbrella hole.

I love this storage bench!  I modified the cut sizes to make it a coffee table also.  I made it shorter and thinner.  Now I can put my feet up on it, put a drink on it, and store some toys or garden tools in it!  You can check out modifications by clicking here.  Thank you Ana for the great plans!

This was our first real project. We are pretty happy with how it turned out.

Things we learned:
1. Always trim the ends of the stock from the store. We missed one. Twas a bummer.
2. Clamp, Clamp, Clamp. Always clamp before you drill.
3. Sand and Finish all of the cut stock before you assemble it.
4. Drill the sides to the top basket first. That way, if your side is bowed, it will leave a space at the bottom.
5. We ended up using a hand screwdriver to assemble it. If your pilot holes are deep enough, this should be easy and more predictable.

countersink bit is a must have

When we resurfaced our deck last year we had to remove the built-in benches due to code regulations, so I knew I would get to make new benches this year. We wanted them to be a flexible size so we could rearrange the deck easily for eating, entertaining, enjoying the sun and the shade. Based on the size and shape of our deck, a square table for 6-8 people was going to be the best option.

After looking at a couple design plans, I decided to combine a few plans to get exactly what we wanted. To get a mid-sized square table I used the leg structure of the Fancy X Table with the construction method and the stability from 2x6s of the Square Pedestal Table. The top is joined from seven 45.5" lengths of 2x6 and two lengths of 2x4s. It ends up being 52.5" square. It is snug for eight people, but comfortable for six. We didn't end up using the skirt boards so there would be more knee room. The base is mounted on the diagonal for the same reason.

For the benches, I used the supports from the Fancy X Benches, with the bordered top from the Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Bench, since it would match the table top better. The benches are 48" long, and only two supports were used for each, inset 5" from the end of each bench. Likewise, I used a single stretch of 2x4s for the seats rather than seam them in two parts like the 106" long original plans. I did add an extra 2x2 support board under the seat platform to keep the 2x4s even over time. Overall, I made five benches - four for around the table and one for next to the BBQ. They are blue so they provide some color against the brown deck and green tree tops that surround the deck.

For both the table and the benches, I pre-stained the surfaces that make up the inside of the Xs. It made it easier to get good coverage there.

I also made a quick flip-down BBQ prep station, on similar lines to the Flip-down Wall Art Desk out of two 5/4x6 and two 5/4x4 cedar boards. The shelves are on adjustable pegs.

The costs broke down - with all hardware, screws, putty, sandpaper, stain, etc. - as: $90 for BBQ station (lots of hardware), $200 for 5 benches, and $155 for the table. I did a lot of sanding and filling to get the rough 2x4s smooth. In the end, there was about 50 hours in the benches, and 20 in the table. The BBQ station was less than a day, including mounting.

My wife and I made this based, after being inspired by Ana's plan. Very pleased with the result.