Community Brag Posts

Sideboard and floating shelves

Submitted by knollgf on Tue, 12/05/2017 - 20:35

My wife wanted a piece for our dining room. This was a easy weekend project. I had to modify the size to fit my space. I decided to use red oak for the top. It was more expensive but is a much harder wood with a nicer finish. I made the hardware myself from aluminum flat bar. 

Estimated Cost
$200-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Flat white base
Espresso top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Adirondack Chairs with Table

Submitted by stevez8420 on Sat, 08/08/2015 - 13:24

I was inspired by DIY Pete's Double bench seat but wanted more of the traditional adirondack look, so I kind of combined 3 plans together to get this! For my first attempt at these chairs with a few of my own tweaks I think it turned out pretty darn well. Changing the legs to extend out the back and curve out the front posed small challenge and then mounting the chair backs at a comfortable angle. There are some imperfections that probably only I would notice but I can correct it for next time. This photo was taken just after staining when I noticed that I missed sanding some wood filler on the front of the seat. Building these chairs only took about 6.5 hours before the finishing process but the next time would go faster. I am currently in the process of adding a protective varnish to give it a semi-gloss finish. All together it cost me under $100 CDN or $80 USD.

Estimated Cost
$70-80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Gunstock with a semi gloss varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Chicken Coop with Run

Submitted by Jen Marzen on Fri, 06/17/2011 - 02:10

My husband and I live on a small hobby farm and are growing/raising a lot of our own food. We decided to venture into working with chickens. We wanted to start out small so we got 6 chickens and needed a home for them. We found a kids play house one day while shopping and got the idea of modifying it into a chicken coop with a run. We took off with this idea and with quite a bit of modification and some extra building materials we were able to raise it up in the air and attach a run so our chickens would have a nice home to protect them from preditors and the emements and not to mention one that looks good in our yard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar deck stain and white outdoor house paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Heather Dalton (not verified)

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 19:08

Are the plans available? I have Black Copper Marans and Lavender Ameraucanas and I really need to separate the LAs from the BCMs and this would be perfect!

madrona (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 10:21

I'd also love the plans!
Great job - it's beautiful!

guest (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 10:22

I'd also love the plans - thanks!

Eliza B (not verified)

Thu, 05/31/2012 - 10:02

Can you please post the plans you used? I have 4 week old chicks that need a coop. Thank you very much.

Jen Marzen

Sat, 06/02/2012 - 15:22

Sorry guys there are no plans for this coop. My husband and i just "winged it" and built it without any plans.

It is a play house that we found at Mills Fleet Farm and we modified it to make it a chicken coop. We put together the play house based on instructions from the box (with a few of our own modifications to make the window on the ground etc.) added some chicken wire to the doors and bay window, added some 4x4 "stilts" and a floor to get the house in the air, and constructed a frame around it with 2x4's and wire fencing to make the run

Sorry I dont have any plans to give you guys!

Seasonal And Holiday

Play sink and stove (modified)

Love this site! My grandaughters were coming to stay and I was in the process of making a playroom/bedroom for them. I stumbled across this site just in time. I made the kitchen using the stove and sink plans from grace's kitchen except I combined them into one. So instead of having two seperate units, I just combined them together using one side panel for both, (making 3 20" long panels instead of 4) and placed one long countertop and backsplash. I used a candlestick holder (painted red) for the faucet, glued in a 1/2" in. threaded plastic nipple I had from the outdoor sprinkler system, and screwed on a hose for an icemaker for the refrigerator, (found at lowes in the plumbing department (cost 3.99)(I'm a widget girl!!) I love to look for things that could be used for something else. Then walaa, a faucet!!

Estimated Cost
20.00- I had wood leftover from the farmhouse daybed with trundle for the playroom (will upload later)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
220 grit all/ valspar white primer/ then 220 grit again/ 2 or 3 coats Behr paint in semigloss-swiss coffee/ side panels, trim faucet and oven door, Rustoleum 2x coverage in red. (LOve this spray paint because it goes right where you spray it and covers beautifully!) Had a rough time with the hardware, use eurohinges and save yourself some grief!! I also would (please for the love of all mankind, heed my advice on this one) Cut the sinkhole first before painting and before placing the countertop. I waited until it was all finished and placed in the room before I cut the hole, thinking it would be so simple, made a huge mess and had to reputty with woodfiller and paint over mistakes AGHHH! Used a new dogbowl for sink.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

justagramma3

Fri, 07/08/2011 - 12:43

My color inspiration for this project came from the clabborgirl baking powder tin, (pictured). Just to let you know inspiration can come from just about anywhere!!

Keri Beth (not verified)

Wed, 08/01/2012 - 05:08

I was thinking of doing a combination sink and oven just like this! Yours looks great.

My Simple Outdoor Sink

Submitted by kmatt55 on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 16:46

I finally completed the last piece to my customized simple two-toned outdoor collection...an outdoor kitchen sink!!! It still needs a couple of touch ups... but more on that later. This is by far my favorite and easiest project to date. We plan on using this as a grill caddie/garden station. This will eventually go onto a 24x12 deck up against our kitchen window (The indoor and outdoor sink will be against each others backs). I decided to go with the Sturdy Workbench plans for the base mainly because of the weight. We wanted something that's going to be difficult to move since it will be hooked up to outdoor plumbing. I used treated 2x4's for the base, cedar 1x4's for the top. I bought the bar sink for about $70. I also used a Kreg Jig to screw in the cedar slats from underneath so the screws won't be visible from the top. FYI - Wait a couple of weeks before you paint soaking wet treated wood. The green chemical from the 2x4 is starting to leak through my white paint. I'll have to go and prime/paint it again when it finally dries. Other than that, it came out 10 times better than I could ever imagine.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120 ($70 for sink and hardware)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson's Water Sealer, semi-gloss exterior white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Vegasboiz

Sun, 09/29/2013 - 08:16

I love the sink table a lot. I have been looking for one for a long time. Can you tell me what is the length, width, and height for this table. Thank you very much. Jimmy

Raised Tile-Topped Pet Feeder

Submitted by Joni on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 11:00

I modified the single bowl raised pet feeder by adding tile over hardibacker cement board (over the wood platform). Then, I trimmed it with a thin border of wood. These are pretty addictive to make, as you can see from the pictures!

Finish Used
On the white version, I simply used white acrylic craft paint. On the stained versions, I used a mixture of Minwax water-based stains using Antique Walnut & Onyx, topped with 4 coats of General Finish Satin EnduroVar.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

BrennaLiz

Mon, 12/26/2011 - 13:12

I love the tile look you used! I have been looking everywhere for attractive raised pet bowls and have found nothing I like. I do have a few questions: is the cement board necessary? What size and type of wood did you you use for the trim and how did you attach it?

Thank you for posting I would have never thought of this myself!

Joni

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 12:59

Thanks for the feedback. According to the guys at Lowe's, you could skip the cement board and use liquid nails to attach the tiles. But the grout/adhesive that I was using would not bond to wood (and I think that may be true for many, if not all of them), so I went ahead with the cement board. This required a special drill bit for my roto-zip (to make the circle), and a special drill bit for my screwdriver (in connecting the cement to the board). I used "craft wood" trim (available at Lowe's in Pine). It's 3/8" thick and 1 1/2" wide. It's the perfect size for covering a 3/4" frame, cement board and the tile. I glued the boards together and then nailed thin brads in to secure it.

katieevans140@… (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 20:11

Hi. I love your post! Did you lay the tile and then cut it or cut the holes first? What tools do you need to cut the tile?

Thanks,
Katie

In reply to by katieevans140@… (not verified)

Joni

Sun, 03/04/2012 - 10:38

Katie, I didn't have a tile cutter. I purchased a tile nipper from Lowe's, and was surprised at how easy it is to snip off the parts you don't want. I nipped it first and got it all laid out around the circular hole prior to putting the adhesive down. It helps to put the tile pieces in a vice, and then nip it. -Joni

calli (not verified)

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 10:11

this is awesome. our great dane has a massive drool issue (to be expected) so i've been trying to find a plan that isn't JUST wood top. problem solved. i think i just found my new christmas present gifting tradition too! thanks!

Christmas Play Kitchen

Submitted by EmuJane on Mon, 12/26/2011 - 10:06

My daughter loves "cooking" so we made her this play kitchen for Christmas. I had so much fun making it that it was worth it even if she never plays with it. Of course, she's been playing with it since yesterday morning.

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
3 coats Rustoleum magnetic primer for the refrigerator doors
1 coat Kilz primer on everything else
2-3 coats Behr eggshell in Cinnamon Cherry on the red portions
2 coats Behr semi-gloss in an Oops mix on the cream portions.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

laurakc181

Mon, 12/26/2011 - 10:22

I ALMOST did the exact same thing to my daughter's fridge doors! I thought about it a lot, but just didn't have the resources or the time to get it by Christmas to do the doors....maybe I will now though :) I love the addition you did to the stove it is adorable and awesome! I also love the little knobs you have on the front of the stove - what did you use for them? Would love to see a picture of the top of the stove as well as the actual sink. I like to see how others do theirs so if I want to make another one for a friend I can have other ideas :)

Fantastic job!

Fuchsia

Mon, 12/26/2011 - 11:00

It looks amazing and I am sure your daughter loves it! I was thinking of doing the magnetic paint on my daughter's fridge and now wish I had after seeing your kitchen. I think we got the same pulls :)

mrsmijrumpler

Fri, 08/16/2013 - 21:00

I love the personal touches you created! Did you scale the pieces up or use original dimensions? And I HAVE to know how you did the extension of counter space on the oven with the shelves! That is exactly what I have been looking for. A girl can't have to much counter space at any age!

Sturdy Workbench Sink

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/01/2023 - 09:57

Used sturdy workbench plans with 2x6 cedar top for outdoor sink. Turned out much better than I expected!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Sausha's Washer and Dryer Pedestal

This was one heck of a project LOL! But I am so pleased with the results!!

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

Comments

pdoughty (not verified)

Sun, 09/23/2012 - 08:03

My washer will shake on the metal pedestals. Will it shake on this one?

Shawna Sommerville (not verified)

Mon, 12/31/2012 - 19:01

My husband just finished one similar to this for me today-total cost about $65.....Thank you for the fabulous & frugal idea!!

Storage Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/20/2023 - 15:16

This project changed 3 times from the day i started.
It was supposed to be a simple vertical box to hide 2 twin mattresses
Then she decided to do a horizontal box (chest).
Then she decided to put it behind her be.
By the end it became a headboard storage and the design is Modern Geo Headboard

by Ana White

Built from Plan(s)

Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:43

We had a small deck with many rotted boards. The contractor who demoed it, knowing my interest in diy projects, sorted out any usable boards. I loved the idea of an outdoor sofa, so altered your beautiful pattern to accommodate decking boards - I literally only had to purchase 2 boards for the entire project! I’m so thrilled with how it turned out! Thank you!!

Camey Brown

Built from Plan(s)

Modified Adirondack Chair and Bench

Submitted by jont on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 19:11

Decided we needed some outdoor seating. Added a few modifications to make it more my own.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 for both including the paint
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior paint and primer mix - not sure what to call the color, maybe a neon green.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY Modern Stair Railing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:57

During a home renovation we found out part of our stair rail would need to be replaced and the quote from the contractor floored us. We were searching for an economical way to DIY the stairs and come across your idea. I immediately loved it and we worked to figure out how we could put it together with our limited construction knowledge. The end result exceeded my expectations. I totally love it!

Shiplap Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 08:13

So excited for my new living room space thank you for your great tips!

Kandis white DeCarlo

Comments

Slipcovered Bench

Submitted by Linda7 on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 16:55

My mother needed a bench in her small entryway. She had definite dimensions in mind and we looked everywhere. None fit the bill. Then I saw these plans and we went from there. She had leftover fabric from recovering her dining room chairs, and I had the plywood. She wanted the Queen Anne legs to go with her traditional furniture; we put felt floor protectors on the bottom of the feet of the legs, which helps keep the bench from moving so easily on the tile floor. The plans were easy to follow, including the tutorial on how to sew the slipcover. The bench worked out just like she had hoped. Thanks Ana, for the great plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60.00; about $40 for the legs, foam, and finish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades in walnut; two or three coats. This acts more like paint, but you can re-coat in just an hour or so. I then used minwax poly in satin three coats for protection.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Front Door Storage Bench

My bench sits outside my front door to welcome visitors and provide a place to set your packages while unlocking the door! I made it two years ago, and it's weathered three Baltimore winters with out repainting. I'll probably sand t and repaint it this spring. Folks are always asking where I bought it, and I give all the credit to Ana White, your site and your wonderful furniture ideas!

Jim Dupree

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Adirondack Chairs

We love how these modified 3-panel adirondack chairs turned out! The pillows were from Costco- $15 for a two pack.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The color used is Relentless Olive (SW 6425) from Sherwin Williams. These chairs got a coat of exterior primer and were finished with one quart of green high-gloss exterior enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Potatoe bin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/07/2020 - 13:04

I loved this project. Took me a couple hours. Since I didn’t want to go out and buy material I used what I had which was 1x3s. I altered a little but still has the same look. Love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None. Just paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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