Community Brag Posts

Garden Box

Submitted by Medickep on Tue, 03/04/2014 - 13:38

With Spring near I decided it's time to finally make some vegetable boxes. These plans were super easy, and easy to add a few little features.

I live in Oregon and even though cedar is tough, with all the rain we get, the color fades fast!! I was also worried about the inside rotting away from the solid like you see at the bottom of a fence!

I was surprised there weren't a million different stains that were "Organic" with that be so popular. I new my kiddos would eat most of the stuff before it made it into our house, so I decided to leave the inside natural and line it with heavy duty visqueen.

I stained the outside to protect the wood, using some Australian Timber oil I had left over from another project!!

Estimated Cost
20.00 for two
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Austrian Timber oil on the pout side, natural on the inside.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Starwars AT-AT Walker toy

We couldn't find one in the store and my son wanted one for his birthday. I found an example online of a starwars themed charging station and he has played with it for years. Used some scrap wood and most of the cost was hardware and accessories.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Sandbox with built in seat

Submitted by niki on Tue, 05/22/2012 - 17:57

"Cellar? What cellar? We don't have a cellar... Oh, you mean the new sand box! Here, let me get some shade too."

I'm not sure why, but I can never seem to follow plans exactly. I guess that's not entirely true. I CAN follow plans exactly, but I almost never do. Maybe it's some sort of passive rebellion or something, but I usually have to put my own spin on the things that I build. Sometimes it works out in my favor. Sometimes not. This build was a little of both.

I decided to only build one bench in our sand box. This cut down on a lot of supplies. By making it longer a single bench and making it longer, it covers about the same amount of square feet, just in a rectangle instead of a square. When pricing lumber, I noticed that 2x8's were cheaper than 1x8's. So I went with those instead. It can't hurt to beef up the sides a little, right? This required some easy calculations on the cut list. I also decided to use 1x6 fence planks instead of 1x4 whitewood or pine. The fence planks were cheap, and I figured they would look nice in the back yard. They are also naturally pest and rot resistant. They required extra sanding to take the rough off. However, this is one place that I'm thinking the modification didn't work in my favor. The fence planks are not as thick as the whitewood. This combined with the increased length makes the the top pieces feel pretty weak. I put a little support piece under the bench. I'm quite sure the bench would not have held up well without the support.

Because this is an outdoor piece, I dry fit everything, and then stained everything before assembling it, to make sure all of the edges were well protected.

Cost breakdown (not including canopy)
Fence planks $14
2x8x8 $11
hinges $9
handle $2
stain $10

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Preserva-wood in Pacific Redwood color (aka the cheapest outdoor stain I could find)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tnavis

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 08:49

I just love the changes you made to this sandbox! Can you tell me what you used for the construction of the canopy? Thanks!

Washer & dryer pedestals

Submitted by Nursesb on Fri, 03/07/2014 - 02:44

My hubby built this from saushas washer/dryer pedestal plans. He modified it a bit because we needed the storage taller underneath for shoes and baskets. Our closet is right by the front door and it was always a mass of shoes in front of the washer and dryer that you couldn't shut the door! It works great. We have beautiful hardwood floors (that was my hubby's trade for 12 years) and didn't want to cover them up either:)

Estimated Cost
About 10$
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Grey paint from ACE hardware. Name "seal point".
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Industrial end tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/06/2016 - 21:30

Saw the basic 'c' looking shape end table on Pinterest, but it didn't have any plans. So I drew up my own plans, used different types and dimensions of lumber, and added the black iron pipe to our design to truly make it our own.  These took my quite a while, and were a lot more expensive then I wanted them to be. So these will probably be staying in my home. Lol

Estimated Cost
Lumber was about $125 (used special laminated shelving)
Pipe and fittings were about $50
Total around $180-200.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean and Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rolling Miter Saw Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/13/2023 - 08:34

I pretty much followed the plans exactly as provided. The folding brackets I used are supposed to be heavy duty and able to handle up to 100 lbs. per pair of brackets. We'll see how they do. If needed, I might add the 2x2 or 2x4 braces I've seen many others do on here. It's nice to finally have my mitre saw off of my workbench.

These are the brackets and wheels I used.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08PVFJ87Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_…

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B093FQVV8P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_…

 

Built from Plan(s)

Kitchen Trash Pull Out Cabinet

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 05/26/2012 - 08:29

Plan was super easy to follow. Built a drawer type pull out so I could fit in odd sized trash cans. Made the pull-out part like an open sided drawer box, out of lightweight wood, and attached the door to it - used 75-lb euro drawer slides. Construction took a couple of afternoons, and finishing took a couple of afternoons. The finishing materials were all left over from other projects, and the plywood for the cabinet sides was left over from our kitchen island build. Topped with a leftover piece of countertop. The contractor who installed our new countertops said I did a good job on the cabinet build. I was very flattered! Ana, thank you for your wonderful plans!

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats Benjamin Moore Aura paint in Spanish Brown (sanded between coats). Brushed on glaze (mixed 2 oz clear glaze + 1 TB flat black paint - lots left over), 2 coats of water based poly (satin) top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 07/26/2012 - 15:16

Thank you Gina! Yep, I built the door too! :) This one is made from an edge glued Aspen wood panel (available from Lowes, ripped to size with the table saw), and then I added the wood mini-stop moulding 2" in from the edges (did these measurements and attached the trim before sanding). I did the glaze pattern over the paint so it looked like a frame and panel door when it was all done. This door is the same style we did for our pantry and island. I'm planning to do all the rest of my cabinet doors over (one at a time - ;0) to match this one. PS - I used the edge glued panel instead of plywood for the door so the edges wouldn't need any extra covering up, and also they are nice and flat and super smooth so they don't need much sanding. Aspen wood took the paint beautifully, and the grain doesn't even show through once it's painted. I had used stain grade pine panels for the pantry and island, but I think I'll stick with the Aspen for the rest of them, to save myself some sanding. ;)

Queen Farmhouse Headboard

Submitted by Sarahatlen on Mon, 03/10/2014 - 16:16

We made this for our master bedroom. We had wood that was already primed so it made the project go faster. Also, the wood for the back panelling isn't entirely straight which I like because it allows slits of lights to flow through and looks a little more rustic. I used a soft blue paint for the color called abracadabra. I hand sanded in some areas to give it a worn look and then I placed a stain over the top in which I almost immediately wiped off because I wanted it to be very minimal.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Garden Shelf

My wife wanted a Garden Shelf to replace the one that just gave up the ghost, so I browsed my favorite site for plans similar to what I was thinking.  Thats when I found the Rustic X Book Case.  Perfect.

I need to stuff larger objects then books in there, so I changed it to 3 shelves and I put those on top of the cross members.  That was easier and it gives it that work bench look.

For the X's, I had the wood to risk so I tried recessing them.  I dry fitted (chop saw highly recommended) and marked them and when I flipped them over, they aligned perfectly.  With a circular saw set to just slightly less then 1/2 depth, and some very careful cutting, they fit together quite well.

Sturdy with a bit of class.  I'm pleased.  Thanks.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less then $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson's Wood Seal - Honey Amber
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Counter Height Garden Boxes by Janet Fox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 15:21

My 15 and 12-year-old sons made two of these for me. Super easy, they followed the step by step instructions which were perfect, easy to read. They made two in only a few hours!

Estimated Cost
$130 in suplies
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Bookcase Wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 09:19

These bookshelves are modified from the Extra Wide Console Bookcase Plans from your website. They were constructed using 3/4 inch plywood for the bookcases, 6” MDF boards for the cup cubbies, and 1/2 inch plywood for the shelves. Purchased a jig from Rockler to drill the 1,000+ shelf holes and built the rolling ladder from oak using the plans and parts from Rockler. What began as a plan for a simple bookcase morphed into selling the dining room furniture and converting the room (which we had only used once in over 2years) into a library that we enjoy every day!

Built from Plan(s)

Deck Chair

Submitted by bigskygirl on Tue, 05/29/2012 - 12:44

I used the plans for the simple outdoor lounge chair and just made the arms wider, the cushions came from Target.............the dog loves it !

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Benjamin Franklin oil based Dragons Breath
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Londons91 (not verified)

Sat, 07/28/2012 - 18:06

My husband and I love to sit outdoors and read with a hot cup of tea. The wide are will be perfect for us. Would you mind sharing the cost of your project?

Camey21

Sun, 09/14/2014 - 22:04

Hi!  I would love to make this patio set but I am having some trouble with cushions. I noticed that Ana stated this chair will use a standard size 20x20 cushion.  On your notes it says you got your cushions at Target, are they 20x20, I love the deep cushions but cant seem to find any that sized. Are yours 20x20, or did you modify you project? If so, what dimensions did you use? Thanks so much!!!

Camey21

Sun, 09/14/2014 - 22:05

Hi!  I would love to make this patio set but I am having some trouble with finding cushions. I noticed that Ana stated this chair will use a standard size 20x20 cushion.  On your notes it says you got your cushions at Target, are they 20x20, I love the deep cushions but cant seem to find any that sized for the bottom ones. Are yours 20x20, or did you modify your project? If so, what dimensions did you use? Thanks so much!!!

Custom Star Doll Closet w/Pink Doors

Submitted by devinmlyn on Sat, 03/15/2014 - 16:15

My daughter has been accumulating American Girl doll clothing and accessories since her birthday last summer (2013), and we were rapidly running out of room for all of it. Luckily, her Grandpa ("Pop") is a skilled carpenter and whipped up this awesome closet for her in a weekend (including the amount of time it took to pick out all the materials, paints, and paint everything/let it dry). She absolutely loves it and it is the perfect way to keep everything organized, while still looking great!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex acrylic paint in antique white for the main structure, and bright pink or the doors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sandbox for G

Submitted by Redboots on Tue, 06/14/2016 - 18:15

I made this for my 4-year old granddaughter and added it to the play area I built for her last summer. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TV Media Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/18/2023 - 13:20

Our grandson needed a tv stand for his new apartment. They liked the plan from your website and this is our version.

Steve Mawhorter

Comments

Child Beach Sling Chair

Submitted by ktjoy86 on Thu, 05/31/2012 - 08:57

I used two towels to make the sling portion of the chair, instead of outdoor/decor weight fabric. Even though the towels were thick, I did not need to change the dimensions of the dowels or slits in the wood that hold the dowels.

Estimated Cost
$1, I had the towel, hardware, nails, paint, and some scrap wood already.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and then painted with leftover satin-finish paint. Lightly sanded between 2 coats of the final paint color.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Mary1025 (not verified)

Thu, 05/31/2012 - 16:59

What a great idea to use towels. I have a few extra beach towels that would be great for this.
Thanks!

Step up bed

Submitted by Coach Ty on Mon, 03/17/2014 - 12:23

Base was easy to do, drawers were another story! very big drawers, plan a lot of time for these.

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

Comments

Herb Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/20/2016 - 14:42

Modified the dimensions to make a good sized planter for patio herb garden :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$50 for lumber and supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in classic black satin applied, then distressed with sander
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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