Community Brag Posts

Corner TV stand

Submitted by TBarn on Tue, 01/21/2014 - 12:41

After a promise to get a new carpet and TV stand as an anniversary gift, I began a search for a corner stand that would fit a 50" flat screen and hid all of those ugly wires. Craig's List had nothing and the retail options were either cheaply made, ugly or crazy expensive. I stumbled upon Ann's page, and since my son has a wood shop in the basement, I figured why not try to build something. I used the original plan, but borrowed ideas from other brag posts to create a 36" tall model with overlay doors that we think looks great. Next project: bar stools for the kitchen island.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinder Primer and Gidden (America's Finest) Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entry closet turned bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/14/2016 - 10:25

The coat closet in our entry was always cluttered with too many coats, oddly placed mittens and hats, and shoes were piled on the floor. This was our solution. After this picture was taken I attached several hooks I found at a local antique store along the rail for the coats or sweaters we wear daily, and shoe bins were added below for each of our three daughters.

Estimated Cost
$20 plus accessories
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sample paint jar purchased from large chain grocery market
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Outdoor Chair with Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 15:34

Good morning, I took this double chair with table and made it my own. Adding bigger arm rests and table top. This chair is so comfortable and sturdy. Totally love all your projects. Keep up the awesome work. Thanks agin

Benchwright Farmhouse table and bench

I started this Table and bench because, we have a one year old and we had a bar height table. Something a little shorter was needed, so I picked the Benchwright plans since they were most like our style. I used all white wood from Lowes and some pine 2x4's. Since the original plans made the table a little too large for our house I shortened the length on the table and bench by 15". This was the largest project I have done so far, but the plans are so easy to use, that the major time spent for me was getting the wood, and sanding and staining. I submitted the last picture here, because I originally picked out a Rust-oleum Sunbleached stain, or so it said. As you can see from the photo it just made everything grey, and was not the look I or my wife were looking for. I recommend very carefully picking a stain color out and testing it on similar wood before using it on your finished project. I spent two hours after this mistake sanding off the stain, and since it was grey it still shows through a lighter color. In the end we are both happy with the final product, and you don't learn until you try and mess-up a few times. I really had a lot of fun with this project, and can't wait for the next thing to build.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax-Ipswich Pine 221(two coats on table)(One coat on bench), Minwax-Bombay Mahogany Satin 380 (one coat left on for 15 mins on cross members)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Britterz (not verified)

Wed, 04/18/2012 - 11:43

Wow! Your table looks spectacular! Great job! I especially love that bench. I would like to build a bench to go with my benchright table. How did you do it?

dklunde

Wed, 05/30/2012 - 11:25

I dont see any screws on the ends of the planks into the top of the table.
Did you only screw up from the bottom? Did you do that on the plank ends
also?

Thank you for the in process photos too. It really helps alot. Also helps to
see that everything doesnt have to match up perfect seam-wise. I get too used
to manufactured stuff...and forget how beautiful hand made items can be
simply because of their imperfections in the woods.

In reply to by dklunde

Kevin.Leach

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 19:59

I used finish nails from the top into the structure, and then used wood filler to
Fill in the holes. The ends are only held on by the two bolts on the ends.

I appreciate the handmade quality of real wood furniture as well. Even when small mistakes are made here and there, the end result is something to be proud of.

dklunde

Wed, 05/30/2012 - 11:26

Sorry...just thought of another question.... Did you glue in between your planks?

In reply to by dklunde

Kevin.Leach

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 20:10

I did glue between the planks and underneath, I figured anything to keep the boards closer together and fill in the gaps would help.

Lego Farm House Bed

Submitted by Mamabear2 on Thu, 01/23/2014 - 07:32

we recently used the plans for the farm house twin bed, and created it with our own little twist for our 3 year old son! Instead of the normal slats we used car siding to create the "blocks" for my Lego vision. The bed is stained with a black gel stain by min wax, and the slates are painted from colors I picked out a Lowes. I wanted him to have a matching bed to his dress. I got this really neat dresser from a friend and I stained the out side and painted the draw fronts bright colors like Legos. our next project for his room will be night stands and possibly a bookshelf

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Balin TV Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/17/2016 - 18:21

This was my first furniture project and I simply wanted to hide all of the cords for my TV. My husband and I opted out of the drawers since we wanted a big area to store all of the other items (DVDs, playstation, etc.). We also did not put a back on the table so the electronics stored inside could properly ventilate without overheating.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
We bought all lumber from Lowe's and it totaled to $180 for the lumber, sand paper, wood conditioner, stain, and polyurethane finish.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood conditioner, Varathane dark walnut wood stain (1 coat, applied a heavy coat with brush and wiped excess stain with a rag about 3-5 minutes after initial application), and finished with Minwax fast-drying polyurethan clear satin (1 coat).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Hall Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 06:28

My wife got some gift cards for Christmas. Instead of going and buying stuff for herself, she handed them to me and said that she wanted a Hall Bench/Mudroom bench and she wanted me to build it. We've got several of the Rustic X furniture pieces in our home already and she wanted it to match, so this was the natural fit. This was a great project and addition to some of our home decor. I had to shrink it down to fit our space, but that was easy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
<$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams primer and paint

Workbench Console Table

Submitted by DadsShop on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 17:37

Built this table over the weekend with the intention of selling it. My wife isnt so sure she wants to let it go now though! I used a 2 in 1 stain and poly that i am not happy with the results of. From now on im going to stick with the tried and true method of doing the stain and finish seperatly. Overall, i like the plans and will probably build a few more of these to sell.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
125.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax 2 in 1 Dark Mahogony
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Farmhouse Table

Submitted by tnkrise2 on Sat, 01/25/2014 - 20:21

DIY farmhouse table built by my wonderful husband. We used legs from Osborne wood and the apron and legs were stained and antiqued using a crackle glaze and antique white paint. Love it. The plans were great. Our cost was high because we had to purchase a kreg jig. But it will get a lot if use. Next project will be the corona coffee table-square

Estimated Cost
450-500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Same as recommended in the plans.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Raised Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/19/2016 - 17:47

I always wanted a raised planter box, but never took the time to try building 1 and certainly didn't want to buy 1. My hubbie saw these plans and decided to make it for me. He used wood from our deck that we just pulled up, so the only cost was for the 4x4s and the plywood used for the bottom shelf.

Estimated Cost
$14
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
We have not yet added a finish and I don't know that we will. We added a bottom shelf and I have been debating whether to paint the piece, tile the bottom shelf, some combination, or leave the whole box natural.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

One piece play kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/07/2020 - 11:35

I made this play kitchen for my 2 year old for Christmas. She had been talking about wanting a kitchen and I found the plans and showed them to her and she said "Mommy build it?" and so that's what I did. The look on her face Christmas morning was absolutely priceless!

I followed the one piece play kitchen plans, but left off the supports for the shelves to have a more modern look. I used contact paper for the backsplash and counter top areas that I found on amazon. I put matte modge podge over the counter top to protect it. The stove top is painted on with acrylic black paint and some gold and silver paint pens that I traced circles. The sink was purchased at walmart (Spark. Create. Imagine. Kitchen Sink Play Set )for $14 and came with a bunch of different play items. And I turned the "shelf" under the sink in the original plans into a tray by adding handles so that it could be more interactive. I put a motion detector light in the refrigerator so that when the door is opened it turns on and some color changing lights push lights in the freezer (blue), oven (red) and below the top shelf (white). The oven has 2 wire racks that are made from wire cookie cooling racks from the dollar store. I used the longer screws for the knobs on the stove area so that they can be pulled out and twisted. I added a shelf to the refrigerator as well, just a piece of 1x8 for more storage space.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
-rust-oleum hammered metal silver spray paint for the doors
- white high gloss paint for inside the fridge and freezer
- sherwin williams satin paint in Mountain river for cabinet
-sherwin williams satin paint in chatroom for inside oven
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bedside Table

Submitted by AlHoward on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 10:18

Easy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted one coat of semi gloss and sanded.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Started with plans, then...

Haven't quite finished this, but here it is all put together. I started with her plans then changed then dramatically. I wanted a 60x60. So I added 17" to the sides. Required me to buy 10' boards instead of 8' boards. When building the base I added 17" to the lengths since that is what I did for the top. I left the center post the same height since I wanted a regular height table.

When it came to the top, I didn't want to do the 1x4, instead I have 2x4 and 2x6 in there. Making the crosses in the squares added lots of time, but it was well worth it. Not sure how many hours I have into this, but its a lot. Materials is right now about $130.

I'll update more when finished.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

MSteed7931

Sat, 01/27/2018 - 11:01

Just found this.  This looks great.  Thanks for the additional information on the changes you made for your table.

Spice rack modified for BIG spice containers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/24/2016 - 16:01

I made some modifications for bigger spice containers. The big ones you get at Sams/Costco are too big for the original design. The top portion was made with 1x6 sides to take care of the bigger containers.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Media Cabinet (wall unit)

Submitted by bwblack2 on Wed, 01/15/2020 - 14:34

This project started as an idea to build a single Farmhouse Media Cabinet with a "42 tv mounted above it. I quickly realized that this space deserved so much more. Fast forward through weeks of debate and scouring the internet for inspiration, before finally settling on what you see pictured above. The first decision we made was to buy a monstrous 75", then everything else fell in to place from there. The tight stairwell leading to the basement forced me to build this unit in 6 sections (2 farmhouse media cabinets, 2 flanking cabinets, and 2 bookshelves.) It ended up sprawling 17' long when it was all said and done, but it fills the space so beautifully. It was by far the largest project I've ever tackled, but it was totally worth the hard work. Big shout out to Ana White for the inspiration!! 

Estimated Cost
$1200-$1500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax(Early American), and Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Maui Mist)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic Countertop Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 10:14

This is such a cute countertop organizer !  The possibilities for this are endless - maybe a tea / coffee bar or a hot chocolate bar - a breakfast bar or a snack bar ..... I may need to make another one...and definitely one for the bathroom !
.
The shelves slide to change the width or turn one and it becomes a corner piece!
 

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Work Bench

Submitted by mrsg08 on Tue, 04/17/2012 - 08:48

I followed the directions to a "T" from the originial post, but some of the cut list specifications were off. I purchased an already finished sheet of wood for the top and ended up making a full shelf for the bottom.

Super excited to start on my list of projects now that I have a work bench.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Sweet Pea Bunk Bed Plans turned into a dream for our Little Girl

Submitted by ShushiGirl on Thu, 01/30/2014 - 09:01

We loved the Sweet Pea plans so much but we didn't need bunk beds. We turned it into a loft bed with a playhouse underneath. We also inverted the shelves on the stairs to be inside the playhouse due to her room size. Added a second roof and window boxes. This project was fun and took us 10 days to complete. Thank You so very much for sharing these AWESOME plans!!

Estimated Cost
$1100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used Baer Premium Paint sold at Home Depot
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

junior2725

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 22:11

I am looking at making this for my daughter and I also want to do a playhouse on the bottom as she is a single child. Did you just extend the opening to the bottom bunk to the floor and then extend the bottom windows down some to let in more light? Also, I love the idea of switching the storage from the stairs to inside the playhouse. If possible could you elaborate on how you did this. Thank you.

ShushiGirl

Tue, 02/04/2014 - 15:46

We omitted the bottom bunk and took it straight to the floor. We left the side panel clear but the frame until we built the stairs then added trim & side boards around the cubbies.

nadia37

Sat, 05/24/2014 - 07:51

First of all, what an amazing job on your build! I was looking for ideas for a playhouse and I will be modifying the plans for Sweet Pea Bunk beds and your build let's me know how get it can be. But what colors did you use? The look great together!

E81firegirl

Sun, 07/17/2016 - 14:49

I love the changes on this!  I had a question.  What did you use for the roof and is the lower roof section built to the same specifications as the upper roof?