Community Brag Posts

Rustic X Bench turned Stool

Submitted by Jlreber on Thu, 03/28/2013 - 09:07

Moved our 3 year old into her big bed and she needed a stool. I loved the Rustic X Bench design and simply shrunk the measurements. The legs are made from 2x2s and were compound cut with the 5 degrees off center and 5 degree bevel. I used 1x2s for the aprons and other supports including the "X" support. Topped with a 1x12 cut 14" in length. Joined all together with countersunk 1 1/4" screws. Only added wood glue for the top piece. Stool measures 9 3/4" high which gives a nice 1/2" clearing to push under her bed when needed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed before painting with Valspar's Frosted Berry. Bought a $3 half pint sold as samples.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Fri, 03/29/2013 - 08:47

Love it! I have loved the full-sized bench since I first saw it. Miniaturizing it into a stool makes it even cuter! Thanks for the info on sizing. I'm going to have to make one!

Angle Frame Bunk Bed

This angle frame Twin over Full bunk bed with a trundle was made of yellow pine and stained with a dark minwax stain from Homedepot. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Minwax Stain from Homedepot
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entryway Bench and Storage Shelf with Hooks

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/08/2017 - 11:02

I believe I built this to spec from the original plans without much deviation using higher-grade pine boards (straight and not too many knots).  It took an afternoon to build.  I primed then painted with 3 coats of "Mocha" paint.  There are 3 antique bronze hooks which are hard to see, but go well. The biggest challenge was finding baskets to fit, after the fact.  I happened to get lucky with baskets for the bottom bench, but never did find anything to fit the top, at least in the way I envisioned.  I wish I'd have located a set of baskets first, then measured and built the bench and shelf to suit the baskets.  The bottom baskets actually stick out the back of the bench by about 3/4". Any rectangular baskets I found for the shelves seemed to stick out the front a couple inches.  I highly recommend getting your baskets FIRST, then adjusting your measurements to accomodate them.

Estimated Cost
Less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Indoor paint, mocha color.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack chair with small foot rest

I LOVE the chairs, not only am I making them for me but I am helping my friends make them as well. The plan is so easy to follow (once you figure out how to cut the stringers). I needed a foot rest so I made this one with the scrap. The angle is from the stringer and I just used the scrap that I had left over from making the chairs, no more cutting needed. Thanks!

Harriet Outdoor Dining Chair

Submitted by Jamaunzie on Sun, 03/31/2013 - 10:03

I saw this chair and was looking for something for back yard BBQ's I just beefed it up by using 2X3's instead of 2X2's left the measurements the same. I was playing around with Minwax Express Color to see how well it does and I like it helps control Blotching very easy to use except be careful when squeezing the tube or you like me will have a permanent shirt for staining

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Pine
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Display Wall Unit

3x4foot wall unit for displaying pottery and your kid's Lego sets that took you 3 hours to put together.  Back boards have been washed with diluted blue green latex paint and then stained with Minwax Special Walnut.  The main frame is just stained, distressed and then waxed.

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut, Behrs Latex paint diluted, Minwax wax Paste
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Interchangeable workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 23:23

After viewing her project I decided to make a morphed version for my miter saw/router. It also houses most of my tools, screws,  jigs,  etc. Thanks for the idea Ana

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

The 3 Seater Outdoor Setting with Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/12/2021 - 17:40

Hi Everyone
Ana, I love your work, so much, that I used your plans and adapted them to make this outdoor 3 seater setting and table, with cushions bought from Ikea. It's been a year and a half since built and is still holding up strong. I'm sure it will last a lifetime. Longer than the cushions will.
Thanks all
Jo

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Teabag then Vinegar and steel wool stain, followed with clear polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ABC Book Holders

Submitted by ebuffy99 on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 22:20

I used the longer book holders to make these. I painted it in a flat light pink and bought craft wood letters that i painted with Martha Stewart Glitter Turquoise craft paint and glued them to the front. Not only does this hold books that are in arms reach once its bedtime but its a nicer way to have the alphabet shown on the wall everyday to help my 3 year old learn her letters.

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

NightStands to match bed

Submitted by ejkamp21 on Sun, 02/15/2015 - 11:07

Built this set of Nightstands to match a bed that I made.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
MinWax Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Coffee table bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 05:43

This design was straight forward and easy to modify - made the bench deeper and shorter, and added a shelf.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
90 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Awesome Adirondack chairs!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/23/2021 - 05:12

I'm a mom of two kids and new to wood working. The video instruction and the plan were so comprehensive! Thank you Ana, you inspired me to do more wood projects. I feel so accomplished and got so many comments on my new chairs. They are really really comfortable. My husband, who has a stiff back, loves the chair as it is also comfortable for him.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bypass Closet Doors

Submitted by Mama2Three on Fri, 04/05/2013 - 08:49

After discovering a leak, we are in the process of a master bathroom/bedroom remodel. In the bedroom, we had replaced all of the windows, painted and installed crown moulding with rope lighting in the bedroom. Then we looked at our closet doors leading to our walk-in closet, and realized they really needed to go to. They were heavy, mirrored with brass trim and regularly would jump off their track. Unfortunately the leak had caused more damage than we originally thought, and our remodel had expanded to replacing two exterior walls as well so we were over budget. Just to get an idea of how much it would cost to buy new doors, I got online and thankfully I found these plans. Although I used to watch my Grandfather build things in his wood shop, I had never actually built something all by myself. My contractor let me use his Kreg Jig and miter saw. After purchasing the wood, I quickly put together the door frames. Since we were on a strict budget for these doors, I decided to use bead board instead of glass. I bought a 4 x 8 sheet of beadboard and had the store rip it in half. I then attached it to the back of the doors with small wood screws and glue. I painted the doors with white gloss trim paint to match the other doors in the room. Since my closet is a walk-in closet, I did paint both sides. My closet entrance had no trim, so used a piece of moulding and attached it to the bypass door track. We are not finished with the flooring or baseboards yet, but once complete we will be installing guides along the bottom.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high-gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dining chair

Submitted by Gizmolady on Thu, 02/19/2015 - 08:50

I needed chairs to go with the table I built the previous year. Thank you so much for sharing these plans. The plans are easy to follow and adaptable to any need.

I narrowed the seats to 17" wide and adjusted all measurements accordingly. I used a scroll saw for the backs, dark walnut stain and poly to finish. I was in a hurry so I managed to get all 12 chairs made, with off and on work, approx. 1 month. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 per chair.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain, polyeurethane gloss.
I wouldn't suggest the water based poly, it dries way too fast and bubbles are a problem. I cut the first set of pieces and did a trial run to ensure they fit properly, then I cut and sanded all pieces for the remaining 11 chairs prior to assembly. I finish sanded again after assmbly was done.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

broom closet shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/18/2017 - 06:45

got a kreg jig for mother's day and tried it out on that dead space in my broom closet.  I made $10 shelves, but in a "Z" shape instead of a "U" shape so I could attach from below and have more room on the shelf for cleaning supply storage.

 

 I used a 1x6 for the shelf and spray painted them black with some paint I already had.  So easy!  I used a 1x4 with a block of wood to hold up one end of the shelf so I could screw it into the cabinet.  Then leveled it and added second screw.  Awesome first project!  I learned a lot and got a place to put my spray bottles.

 

Sorry for the dark photo, my cabinets are black cherry.  

 

Estimated Cost
if you don't count the kreg jig, under $10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Living Room Wall Makeover

Submitted by djolly1231 on Sun, 05/30/2021 - 10:36

We have lived in our home for 2 yrs now and have been trying to figure out what we wanted to do with the plain boring wall with cords handing from out behind the tv due to no power outlet on that wall. We finally decided to do the whole wall in shiplap but the the cost of lumber going through the roof I went with 1/4 underlayment that I had ripped down to 6in strips at my local hardware store. I cut them down to size with my miter saw the painted them white before I attached them to the wall with 1 1/4 brad nails and used nickels for my space in between each row. The cabinets are 36 in tall. The carcass is made fro 3/4 in MDF and the face frames are made from 1x3 pine and attached with wood glue and brad nails. Cabinet doors are made from 1x4 pine for the frame and 1/4 underlayment for the center. I used my hand router to route out a 1/4 deep groove for the center to drop into the frame I used wood glue and brad nails to attach it to the frame and filled in any gaps with paintable caulk. They are attached to the studs in the wall with 3 in wood screws. The mantle is made from 1x6 pine boards and attached to a wall bracket made from 1x6 that are attached to the wall in each stud with 3 in wood screws. The mantle is attached with wood glue and 1 1/4 brad nails. The shelves were made out of 1/2 Poplar 4x8 plywood sheet ripped down to size. The wall brackets are made from 1x2 pine attached to studs with 3 in wood screws. And the shelves are attached with wood glue and 1 1/4 brad nails. I added 3 1x2 spacers to each shelf between the top and bottom board to prevent them from sagging before attaching the face of the shelves with wood glue and 1 1/4 in brad nails. This project took about a month to complete because I worked on it during free time. Also this was the first major build I have ever done so I was also learning along the way. Some parts were frustrating but most of it was fun and a great learning experience. Also this project evolved as I was building it. My wife loves the finished product. Now it’s time to find my next project.

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain. Valspar Ultra in eggshell and ultra white for the color of the cabinets , shiplap and crown
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIYGina

Tue, 12/05/2023 - 11:47

Surprisingly makes your living room appear so much larger compared to the before picture! Thank you for sharing your photos with us and congrats on a great result!

Cedar Fence Picket Planter

Submitted by MMTruncale on Sun, 04/07/2013 - 18:31

I'm still getting to know my Compound Miter Saw, so I wanted to get another small project under my belt. Not to mention I had a whole other picket and a half left over from yesterday's project. This just seem to be the perfect project to do. And needed since we actually needed a few more planters.

Estimated Cost
$1
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Left it natural.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Flip Top Storage Bench

Submitted by rherlein on Sun, 02/22/2015 - 10:22

This was very easy but was still one of my favorite builds.  I used oak for the bench top and poplar for the rest.  I used the pocket hole jig and gorilla wood glue and it is incredibly rigid and sturdy.  I changed the height to 24 inches so I could raise the shelf platform up to 10 inches from the floor.  This allowed me to place shoes under and on the shelf.  I stained with polyshades mission oak and added an additional coat of satin polyurethane.

Estimated Cost
$80-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades- Mission Oak / Minwax Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Armless Patio sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 17:25

I made this for my outside patio but since completing the project, it's been raining. So, it's inside the screen porch for the time being.

 

Estimated Cost
$60 for wooden chairs $240 for cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi transparent stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Display End Tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/06/2021 - 18:09

These rustic display end tables were built using the “Rustic X End Table” plan, with an added twist! The fronts and two sides are all glass enclosed with barn wood backdrop and bottom.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Gray with Polycrilic Clearcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rhyan coffee table with our own twist

Took us about 2 weeks from start to finish but we could only work on it about an hour a day. We also had some issues with the stain. We were going for an aged look and weren't happy with the colors so we layered different stains till we were happy. Hardware is from Martha Stewart. Over all, the table wasn't that hard, but I would definitely advise measuring and cutting as you go, because of all the drawers, the slightest mis-measurement can put the whole thing off. You can see better pics at facebook.com/oldsouldesigns. Absolutely love the end result and so do our customers!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miwax provincial, covered with minwax sun bleached, and topped with a natural reddish stain (can't remember)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments