Community Brag Posts

Little Helper Tower

My husband made the little helper tower for my son. After using it for a day I asked him to add a seat so that my son could eat lunch at the counter while I worked in the kitchen. I LOVE this tower!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

fethiye

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 09:20

This is what custom furniture is all about! If you had a store bought tower, I bet you would not even think about messing with it to add that seat. It looks great and now it is multi-purpose!

VelvetSky

Sun, 08/28/2011 - 20:25

I have a two year old who is going to need this soon. Does your son try to stand up while the seat is in place? Do you have any trouble with him trying to get out of it? Would love to know because my son is always climbing on stuff. I am worried he might fall. I wonder if I could put a seat belt in it. hmmm....I am a first time parent so maybe I am a little paranoid. lol
But it looks so cool. I want one.

Titabehm (not verified)

Tue, 12/13/2011 - 09:54

I absolutely love the idea!!! We have a real small house and we are always looking for ideas that will help to maximize the space and functionality of our furniture. My husband built a couple of months ago the tower and our 2 kids (2&4) can climb in there at the same time and help me to cook, wash dishes or just look what I'm doing around the kitchen. It is a little bit crowded when both are in there but they learned to make it work for both :). Thank you for sharing your idea... it is awesome!

Huthbert

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 13:23

Love the added seat!  Seriously awesome!  Thinking about adding that mod to mine!

A Lady's Treasure Trunk

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 09/16/2013 - 14:32

This is my vision of what a fine lady’s treasure trunk might have looked like back in the days of pirates. It is made from the Pirate’s Treasure Trunk plan. I used another alternative hinge for this one. It is a 2 ¼” radius quarter-circle of heavy craft leather, attached to the box top with some super glue and decorative furniture nails. The bottom acts as the pivot, and is attached with a furniture nail.

The decorations are made from craft leather, and attached with super glue and furniture nails. The keyhole escutcheon is made from a piece of foam shelf liner, cut to the shape of the keyhole template from the plan, and spray painted gold.

The finish for this is 2 coats of Clark & Kensington paint (white, with a little brown stain mixed in to make it a cream color).

This build was nearly free – the furniture nails were left over from the prototype build, the wood was scrap, and the paint was left over from previous projects. The craft leather is from Michael’s (cost was about $3.99 - I think it was on sale, but couldn’t find it on the web site to attach a link, so a picture of the packaging is attached).

I’ll be using this one for trinkets, and it’s not going to get heavy use, so this was a good project for trying out the leather hinge idea. I’ve wanted to try that for a while. Not sure how durable it will be over time, but I think it looks cool. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood (free - scrap). Finish (free - left overs). Craft Leather: $3.99
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 Coats Clark & Kensington paint (white with some brown stain added to make a cream color). Topcoat: Minwax polycrylic in satin. Trim: craft leather and furniture nails. Keyhole escutcheon: Gold spray paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

yurra-bazain

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 03:18

I love how you added text to your photos! =D It communicates the idea behind your plan so well. :) The leather has a fascinating look on this one; I do so like it in white and with the softer leather; truly a lady's touch. :)

JoanneS

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 17:51

Or as they say in pirate-speak: Thank ye so much! I be glad ye like them! Many hearty thanks fer postin' a comment! :)

JoanneS

Wed, 12/03/2014 - 18:28

Yes I think that is a very good idea!  I'm going to try that for the next one I do with leather.  Thanks for commenting!  :)

Curtin rod and shelf over the window

My husband has some cherished knick knacks and I am hoping to give our little home a little charm. 

The most difficult part of this project was lining up the dowel holes for the shelf. 

2-1x6's cut to the length of the window 

2-1x6's cut to 6-1/4" for the sides

1-1x6 cut to 4-3/4" for the center support

Fostner  (sp?) Bit at 1" for the dowels, I centered them and put them 2" down on each side and the on each side of the center support

Then I sanded, sanded and then sanded some more.. .

I used the 1/2" fostner  bit and spaced the holes 3 3/4" apart on center for the rail and the top. 

I cut a 1/2" dowel into 2" pcs. 

The rail is a 2x2 that I trimmed down on the table saw, it finished out at 7/8"x1-1/16"

Lots of glue, more sanding and it was complete

Added 3 hillman heavy duty hangers to it and hung it over the living room window. 

Estimated Cost
$16
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Left raw for now
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Slightly taller version

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 08:34

A little taller, and a different finish, but built from scratch inspired by your design.   Thanks so much.

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar and steel wool, then whitewash, then stain wash
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Master Bedroom Transformation

I have a large master bedroom, but a severe lack of furniture. I love love love my king bed, but couldn't find any night stands to meet my needs or budget. So I built the farmhouse bedside tables! I love how large and tall they are, adequately flanking my large bed. I missed the mark on matching the stain color of my bed, but I worked so hard on these tables, I still love them.
I call this a master bedroom transformation because I also painted, added new bedding, and new lamps during this project. I'm so excited for my husband to come home from his month-long business trip to see all that I have accomplished in his absence!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approximately $100 for both tables.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak Stain and Minwax Semi-Gloss Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by lmorlok on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 16:00

I made this with the help of my dad. This was my first project and it turned out so well! Such a great addition to the house, it really warms up the room. So glad I found this!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rhyan End Table - Turtlecove Variant

Submitted by watsonam on Tue, 11/24/2015 - 05:19

What I really liked about this plan is its versatility. Relatively easy with pocket hole joinery and inexpensive materials, I used paint to match existing furniture and solid wood tops and drawer fronts to add just a touch of elegance.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
one can green spray paint and General Finishes Top Coat gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fire Station Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 09:53

Fairly easy and fun build! We followed the plans almost entirely and spent a few hours each day throughout a week working on it, painting it was definitely the most time consuming part. It came together very easily in the bedroom and was done just in time to surprise our 3 year old for Christmas, he loves it! And I love that we can fit another twin bed underneath to turn it from a loft to bunk beds in the future.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Gray primer, Red door&trim paint, White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Classic Adirondack Chairs - modified arms

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/09/2022 - 19:53

I used plans from the classic Adirondack chairs and modified the arms for a wider width to place cups/glasses on them. I also curved the top as well. It was a fun project and took about a day and a half, off and on. Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

3 drawer rolling dresser

Submitted by Kamabrewer on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 17:07

Super fun and easy! This was my first kreg jig build! Not sure how I got by before I got one!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut wiped off after 5 min.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Console table

Submitted by Bpcreel on Sat, 11/28/2015 - 18:43

Loved building this table. This was my first time building anything! I have a lot to learn but I think it turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mission oak stain on top and chalk paint in kid gloves color
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 15:40

First coffee table build. Plans were perfect! Built for $50, sold for $255

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/24/2022 - 12:51

Using your plans, I built this king size farmhouse bed and console table.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

step stool #2

kids step stool made using scraps, personalized with name and flowers

Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. prime
2. two coats Behr watermelon
3. satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

West Elm Outdoor Sectional

My husband surprised me by making this sectional after I found the plans on your site. THANK YOU! We love it! It's been the centre of many cocktails and conversations over the years!
Note: cost includes the cost of the outdoor cushions which were purchased at Lowes Canada and slightly modified.

Estimated Cost
$800.00, including cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Left as is. This sectional sits outside all year long (we store the cushions indoors over the winter).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wooden Slat Entry Closet

As the days have gotten shorter and the nights have grown colder I’ve found myself breaking out the winter coats and boots. The problem is, I didn’t have any place to store my coats or shoes. My house doesn’t have a coat closet. And in the past I’ve had a problem with scarves, shoes and winter gear clogging my front entryway. So I set out to come up with a solution. I needed inspiration. I needed guidance. My entry closet needed to be aesthetically pleasing because it would be near the front door and visible from the great room. So I went to Pinterest to search for a solution. I found these plans for an Industrial Style Wood Slat Closet System with Galvanized Pipes by Ana White.

Estimated Cost
$20 - I used wood I had in stock. So the only thing I purchased were the wooden dowels and screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Use what you have and make it work. Sometimes you can create the look for less by recycling items found within your workshop or home.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Recycling and Garbage Cabinet

Submitted by DIYMomof4 on Wed, 01/23/2019 - 15:16

We needed a place for our garbage/recycling bins that would look nice and was inaccessible to our dogs.  I decided to make two drawers for the bins and two drawers for storage.  I found a set of 10 drawer slides on Amazon for around $50.  They are heavy duty and full extension.  I measured our garbage bins and built to size.  The total height of the cabinet is 36" including the countertop.  The cabinet width is 35.5" and the depth is 20".  The butcher block countertop(25" by 48") was purchased from Home Depot for $98.  I only had to do a light sanding, router the edge, and apply a finish.  The cabinet will be located along a wall and have room for a counter height chair.  This will allow my youngest to have a snack while I work in the kitchen.  Although I didn't use a specific plan, I used ideas from several of Ana's designs.  Thank you for the inspiration Ana!        

Estimated Cost
$300, but I have leftover wood and drawer slides
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The stain is a mixture of Varathane Traditional Cherry 3X and Minwax English Chestnut.
I used Waterlox sealer/finish VOC compliant on the whole cabinet. For the countertop, I only used the Waterlox. Waterlox is really beautiful, but you will need a respirator mask and plenty of ventilation.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Weatherly Sofa Sectional and Mom's Lego Table

Two weatherly sofas butted up against each other make a great sectional! The "Lego" table has a checkerboard on the bottom of one of the removeable table top sides, and the other acts as a water table for the little one to splash around in. Thanks so much for the plans! These were all fun projects!

Estimated Cost
$360 for wood, stain and cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pub Style Table

Submitted by Nathan O on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 17:53

Made from the above plans. Instead of use pocket screws I just drilled through the table top and used wood filler to fill the counter sunk holes. It was an easy solution and really isn't noticeable. I used basic pine for it as I wanted a very rustic/reclaimed look and think I achieved that. We also didn't have a saw that could 4x4's so instead I just took 2 2x4s and glued/wood screwed them together. Gives the table another fun dimension. Used a few coats of stain and then poly over top. Went with 1x6s instead of 2x6 to save some weight.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner