Community Brag Posts

Murphy Bed

Submitted by Newfey on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 14:59

This is a Murphy Bed that I made for my daughter Alicia for their getaway home at Canadian Lakes, MI. Due to limited space i had to make it horizontal instead of the normal way of being vertical. It really comes in handy and takes up very little space.

Finish Used
Red paint mixed with Baking Soda
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 15:17

Looks great! Love the color and the trims you used. Where did you find your hinge hardware? PS- How did you like the baking soda paint? I've tried ASCP which was good but very pricey, and last time made my own with some plaster of paris. Your finish is lovely.

Newfey

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 18:47

I bought the spring hardware on line. I can't take the credit for the paint as my daughter did that part. She loves the way that the baking soda and paint covers everything and it is a whole lot less expensive than buying the commercial stuff.

Craftsman cottage loft bed

So thankful for these plans!  My daughter requested a cabin loft bed that could double as a "crafting nest".  I only had to make a few architectural modifications, but I built this by myself in five days, so I would say it's a very DIY-friendly build!  My daughter loves it and it adds functional and aesthetic appeal to the room!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350 building materials.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior: Paint wash 1:1 acrylic chestnut paint to water, brushed on with a foam applicator. Trim and roof is painted with Behr Incognito. Interior: Amber tinted Shellac. "Cedar Shakes" are a bundle of $5 cedar shims from a big box store, cut to length.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2x4 Modern Adirondack Chair

I used the 2x4 modern Adirondack chair plans. I made it entirely from old treated lumber that came from a deck I tore down. All decking boards and 2x10 beams that I ripped to size. The finish is burned.

Comments

Mother's Day Gifts

Submitted by kareylynn on Sat, 06/04/2011 - 14:00

I built two of these benches for under $30 of lumber and supplies. They were great Mother's Day gifts that thrilled my mom and mother-in-law. I will have to upload pics of the other one soon. It's already at the lake house and painted a beautiful barn red.

Estimated Cost
$30 for 2 benches
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted with yellow semi-gloss paint, then sanded down the edges to "shabby" it up a bit. The second bench was painted with a barn red color and sanded down, too.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Project - 85% success!

Submitted by OH3 on Mon, 07/22/2013 - 11:07

This is my first real project that I took my time on. Actually my first real project ever. I wanted to replace my Ikea console table because it has started to bow (Ikea furniture does not fend well on moves). I modified the measurements and this is now 24" wide 18" tall - same length. Solid piece of furniture. I could not find all the lumber, but I improvised. Since this was my first project, I could not get the boards to match up all too well, and I do not have a chop saw that would cut a 2x6 - when I placed the 2x6 I did not like the look so I swapped it out with 2x4's.

I used Rustoleum black lacquer spray paint. I like how the grain came out, however, it took way too much spray paint. I will consider using black latex paint next time.

I have since applied 2 coats of poly and sanded it down and steel wooled it - and finally a coat of paste wax to preserve it. If I do not like the imperfections, I just might make it an outside patio table.

Thank you so much for these plans, I spend 3 hours at work looking through all the plans on you site. I even have bought the lumber for my next project - an outdoor table (same design) so that I can use it next to the grill as a counter surface and wire baskets.

***UPDATE*** - I finished the table, however it came out 4" less wide than the old table, however I was able to re-purpose it and use it as an end table for one of the guest bedrooms. The table could have come out a little better, I guess I can only get better!

Again thank you!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Black Lacquer spray
poly-urothene high gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Convertible Bar / Pub Table

Submitted by susanshamp on Thu, 07/30/2015 - 16:38

This rustic modern version of a pub table has multiple uses - it can rest along a wall to make a 16 foot long bar, or rolled together to form an 8 foot long pub table. It is standard counter height 36" and will accomodate seating for 8-10 counter stools. If you don't have live edge wood slabs, you can also use construction lumber (2x8s or 2x12s) to achieve similar dimensions and versatile use in a more cost effective way.

Estimated Cost
Using construction lumber, approx. cost is $50 per table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly on slabs, distressed black paint on base
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kev117s

Fri, 07/31/2015 - 04:10

Awesome idea! I think I will have to try for a dining table version of this table. Do you happen to have a way to lock the 2 pieces together? 

King farmhouse bed

Submitted by Texan59 on Thu, 04/14/2022 - 07:45

Always wanted to build my own bed frame and this was it. Let me start out by thanking Ana, for her great plans. I also wanted to say that even with lumber prices at high prices, does not mean quality lumber! The big box stuff took a lot of prep to become workable. I purchased the 4x4 posts from a local guy with a small saw mill. They were actual 4x4 inch, so some measurements needed to be adjusted.
Very satisfied with the outcome as visible by the inspectors in the last picture! Our plan is to finish it in a flat whitewash finish topped with a matte poly. This piece of furniture is stout and will last generations.

Comments

Single Step Stool

Submitted by tatifl on Mon, 06/06/2011 - 14:26

I really loved the inspiration Vintage Step Stool when I saw it but what I really needed was a single step step stool to place in front of the sink vanity in our downstairs bathroom. I have had a cheap plastic Sesame Street one there for the longest time but I hate it because it's so, well, baby-ish! Also, I wanted something that was only 5.5" high so that we could still open the vanity door without the step stool getting in the way and without having to move the step stool first. So, I printed out the plans for the Vintage Step Stool and I played around with it - I drew my version, then drew it again using MS Publisher and printed out a template for the sides. I used a 1 x 8 x 4 to cut the sides and top and a 1 x 2 x 4 to cut three supports. I also splurged and bought a pocket hold jig jr.!! I used a jigsaw to do ALL of my cutting. The completed size is about 9.5"d x 11"w x 5.5"h. This is the first thing that I have ever designed and built myself and I just have to say that I am sooooo proud of myself!! I can't wait to show my dad!

Estimated Cost
$20 (not incl cost of jig)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I used spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Frosted Plexiglass Entry Door

We gutted our above garage apartment a year ago and have been DIYing as much as is reasonable inside. We installed Allure Ultra vinyl flooring throughout, which is thicker than the old, chipping peel and stick vinyl there was previously. Instead of planing the previous termite eaten hollow-core door with heavy, less-than-secure glass jalousies, we decided to build our own entry door.

We were able to use orphaned 2x6s in my mom's garage and old trim we saved from gutting our apartment. The choices we made amounted to a total of about $150 for this door, including basic door hardware and $70 plexiglass. The hardest part was spraying the plexiglass, as I'm a rather unsuccessful spray painter.

We appreciate having our custom door, and we hope someone else in need of an entry door is inspired to save money and try one out too!

Estimated Cost
$150, based on our choices and what wood was already owned
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic semi-gloss latex paint in a deep purple shade.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 07/25/2013 - 16:04

This is gorgeous! You did such a great job on this, love the custom design features you added to this door. It looks classy and expensive. :)

Little girls Jr. Loft Bed

Submitted by TamiJ on Mon, 08/03/2015 - 22:26

I built this for my little girl's room and she loves it! She loves the play area underneath especially. The build did not take that long, but the finishing (sanding and painting) took many hours. It is very sturdy. My girls sleep up there together all the time, and we have even had adults sleep up there. We didn't have a corner to put it in, so I built wider steps along the same wall as the bed. 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Antique white with a satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Janeece

Wed, 09/16/2020 - 19:25

I am interested in this design, but would like to have it with a full size mattress. How would I alter the plans? I would also like to have the stairs be storage drawers/stairs. Can you help me with this?
Thank you!

Lockers

Submitted by Ndilbeck on Sun, 03/04/2018 - 17:20

Lockers for the whole family 

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kaperswoodworks

Mon, 01/25/2021 - 14:54

The plans linked is for a piece that is nothing like the picture here. I’ve noticed lately your website has incorrect links, the pdf print option doesn’t work, and the focus seems to be less on the plans and more about selling your pre-cut stuff. Very disappointing.

Ana white seesaw

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 12:48

My 11 year old followed the plan and directions by you Ana!!!! We just helped him a little bit and we are so proud of the end project. The kids love it !!!!

Thank you Ana

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ten Dollar Ledges

Submitted by hannahclou on Sat, 06/11/2011 - 15:39

After moving into my new house, I found this great blog and began dreaming of building furniture! I am finally trying it out. Since I didn't know the first thing about power tools and wood-working I wanted to start simple. I bought some 48" pieces of 1x4 and 1x2 in pine, spray painted some old frames and used some of my wedding pictures/momentos and voila...my first project was done! I will be making many more of these easy and pretty shelves! Now to find a wall to put them on.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
High Gloss White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Dress up center

Submitted by jbaibak on Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:01

I followed the plans for the dress-up center. My daughter loves it and picked out the paint color and princess decals to decorate it.

Estimated Cost
$120, my husband bought the expensive wood
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Interior Paint & Primer, Satin finish, Pink Chintz
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My version of the Madison dresser

Submitted by Medickep on Sat, 08/08/2015 - 22:37

I made this dresser to replace two cheesy dressers my wife and I had when we first moved out on our own.  The style was taken from the Madison dresser design.  I added two more drawers as we were condensing two dressers to one and  I wanted to ensure I was able to use it!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr marque paint. Advertises one coat on any surface but I did two coats to sand down grain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tent fixed to wall

Submitted by Rebeccarb on Tue, 03/06/2018 - 05:21

I wanted this to be more permanent and stable so I used two screws each in all the bottom attachments,added a brace in back and secured it to the wall. I used a square piece for the top rail and made the whole shebang equilateral so it’s little more squat and stable.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Chestnut, wipe on.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bar cabinet

Submitted by kgclark31 on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 17:53

My wife wanted a eat at bar/cabinet for the basement family room. So after several design ideas this is what we come up with. It was a pretty simply build, built the frame using Kreg pocket holes to attach everything together. Love the Kreg pocket hole. Then cut the1/4” panels and attached them to the inside with brad nails. The top is a 1 x 24 glue board from Menards. Then some paint, stain and poly , attach the top and its ready to go. I used a water base poly for the top, it is great if you want to apply several layers quickly. Sand the poly after a couple layers with an 800 grit, then apply a couple more then repeat until you are happy with the finish.

Comments

Easy Rustic Console Turned Shabby Chic Vanity

Submitted by cbeach1717 on Mon, 06/13/2011 - 20:32

Why not build this tiny table? It will only set you back about $20! It takes about 10 minutes to build! And the plans are extremely flexible--not to mention forgiving!

But I knew that rustic was not the way to go for my new guest room. I needed something a little more feminine--french-inspired, EVEN! So I decided to stain it ebony and paint over in a satin white. The result was great!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain, white satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Salvaged Wood Planter

Submitted by JoA on Tue, 07/30/2013 - 02:49

I built a planter box from salvaged wood all by myself in a morning. While the project was a little more involved than I had expected it really encouraged me to keep trying to build new things.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
FREE
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural; unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments