Community Brag Posts

Changing Station

Submitted by pcarroll on Tue, 04/01/2014 - 05:22

Increased the 15.5" sides to 16.25" to fit the 32x16 pad I bought for a shower gift and it worked perfectly. Finish (all minwax) started with ebony stain, wiped of immediately, followed by layers of stain/poly mix in satin (each one thinner than the last) of Bombay Mahogany, Tutor, and then Espreso. Great plan, Ana.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Toddler bed variation

Submitted by montero65 on Thu, 06/23/2016 - 09:54

I really liked the design of the Rustic platform bed, and wanted to make a small version for my toddler.  So I tweaked everything down to fit a toddler mattress, and then reduced the wood sizes for weight (2x6 became 1x6, 2x4 became 1x4).  First built with the slats design but was way too heavy, so went with a sheet of plywood.  Headboard is still 2x4 and 2x6.  I also got rid of the platforms so the bed could go up against the wall.  Finally, added the side rail guard so no rolling out onto the floor.  That required a new tool (yay!) and I bought a biscuit joiner to make it.  It took some effort to get it mounted to the bed rail, but it works.  In the end, my toddler loves it, and was so excited when I brought it in.  She loves having her own sized little bed that she can hop into (and out of) as she pleases.  Best of all, it's strong enough if she needs us to snuggle her, we can lay next to her.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded, then sealed with Kilz primer, and painted with semi-gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Doggie Daybed

Submitted by MurdaRae on Wed, 06/06/2012 - 10:16

I've thought for a while about building a bed for our dogs, but wasn't sure where to start. We had an extra crib mattress so I set out to find a toddler bed that would work. I decided the Lydia Toddler Bed plan would work best. It doesn't look anything like it, but it was a great starting point.

First, I got rid of the canopy and the decorative side pannels. I also raised the bed 12 inches. (The hope is to add a rug on the floor underneath as sort of a "bottom bunk") The lumber store didn't have 2x2s so I used 2x3s for the legs. I also only used two 1x6s at the head and foot of the bed. They are seperated by 1" because when I got home, I realized they were actually 1x5 (RUDE).

All in all, it turned out exactly as I had hoped and the dogs love it! GOODBYE stinky dogbeds!

**Photo 1: Just finished building--the slats weren't screwed down yet.
**Photo 2: Deacon is testing out his new digs! See the stinky dogbed underneath?YUK!
**Photo 3: Dog Bed Completed! Mac & Deacon love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$38
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Faux Mantle

Submitted by Lady Goats on Wed, 04/02/2014 - 12:26

Built a fireplace using Mimi's Faux Mantle plans - I think it turned out great!

Built from Purebond plywood because I can't find straight boards in bigger sizes in my area (EVER!) and used fir 1x's for everything else.

Finished with three coats of Behr paint/primer in ultra white. I will not buy Behr again. Personal preference.

Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Paint/Primer in one - ultra white
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Built in Japan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 04:59

I ended up using Japanese cedar for the top. I was happy with the way this came out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under 10,000 Yen.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint, stain and poly for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barn Door Bookcase/ Side Pantry

Submitted by BmoreITguy on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 05:57

This took a lot of time and money but I like the way it looks. We have 4 kitchen cabinets and one drawer and no room for more so storage is tight.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Same as Ana’s
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

BmoreITguy

Wed, 04/22/2020 - 06:00

Why is my picture sideways? Ana, one of the most frustrating things with this build was the mobile version of your site. Very laggy, typing lags, pages crash in the middle of typing or viewing and persistent ads are a nightmare

Navy Trainer

Submitted by Jake on Sun, 06/10/2012 - 13:01

A lady I work with at Driscoll Children's Hospital is giving birth this week to a boy. Instead of the traditional gifts I thought he should have an airplane and the Plane Old Shelf caught my fancy.

I made a couple of minor additions to the design with the addition of the traditional red and green navigation or running lights on the wing tips and a bright yellow axle. The wheels, cowling, and buttons are from Hobby Lobby. I took a small piece of bass wood, soaked and bent it and then let it dry overnight to form the propeller.

In South Texas the color scheme means something. The wing tips,tail, and cowling of the single engine trainers the want-a-be Navy pilots fly carry this color. They are everywhere.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of primer and then two coats of Rust-O-Leum white.black or orange spray glossy enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Factory Cart Coffee Table

Submitted by dhynd on Fri, 04/04/2014 - 21:44

Made two tables with my sister in less than six hours! During this time we also went to the store, took many breaks and even ate lunch! A fun project that develops tons of confidence :) Made out of pine, used 3" steel casters, stained in espresso, and didn't use wood glue. Ate sushi on them tonight! Also.....a perfect table for sitting on the floor and coloring, using a lap-top, or toss some pillows on it for a sleepy pup. Super neat!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$95 for TWO tables
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso Stain with Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sofa Mash-up

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 19:51

My wife loves the X pattern of the Weatherly Sofa, but wanted the tilted back from the Simple White Outdoor Sofa. This was our best of both worlds effort!

Estimated Cost
$85 for lumber and materials without cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and outdoor paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Katie.Belmont88

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 19:18

I love this! I was so excited until I realized that this was a brag and didn't have plans. I don't know if I'm as talented at modifying as you are. :)

Seasonal And Holiday

Garden cutie

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 16:18

My honey built this farmhouse potting bench in a few hours. I needed it to store all the junk that was laying on the ground. It's so cute!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Oudoor table- Tiled tabletop

I built a regular table, then added half inch plywood to the top. Once the plywood was screwed and secured, I began tiling. I glued the tile down, waited 24 to cure then grouted!! I added aluminum trim to finish the top. I used Ceadar to make the legs only and used pressure treated for the rest.

Finish Used
Varathane: espresso colored stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Patio Lounge Chair and Love Seat

Submitted by Sparrelts on Mon, 04/07/2014 - 10:41

We used Ana's "Simple Lounge Chair" plan, used a few pallet boards with some scrap lumber we had laying around in the garage, and made an awesome patio set for less than $75! The only cost we had was in fabric for the cushions, which was an added embellishment we chose to do We purchased pillows from a local thrift store, and even a couple at a local garage sale for $2 each... added our own special flare to make it match the fabric, and wahlah!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 for a matching chair and love seat
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We chose a paint that matched our patio & the fabric we chose.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A Closet system for my basement bedroom

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/04/2016 - 07:00

I Created this closet system because I have a basement bedroom with no closets. The bar I bought from target was falling over from the weight of all my clothes so I needed something more sturdy. I found this plan and it was perfect. I got shelves and clothing bars out of one build. I modified the plan a bit to fit the room. I also wanted it to have a bar that could hold dresses so I eliminated one of the lower shelves. I also made it a tad wider because I am rather tall and wanted it to comfortably fit folded sweatshirts.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beginner Farm Table & Benches

This was my first time building anything! The plans were so easy to follow along! Once I master some things like this, I can work on fine tuning things a bit more so I can build some more intricate plans. Thanks so much for your website! My kids are loving the BBQ's outside at the table!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I haven't added a finish yet but will be soon.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Beryl

Tue, 06/02/2020 - 15:09

re the farm table. your cut list calls for 8 2 x 4 at 28 1/2 inches but the plan actually only needs 4 of them. The pics do not show you doubling the 2 x 4s for legs. Am I missing something.

outdoor daybed combined with sectional

Last year, I found these plans and with the help of my brother we modified them so they could be used with or with out cushions and to add storage underneath the day bed. I found the cushions on clearance from Crate and Barrell and managed to get them all for around $250. I finally finished staining the furniture this past weekend and thought I would share the finished result. The shade is a $8 curtain that we stretched across the top. We have had a lot of good times using this furniture!!

Estimated Cost
$500 (half are the cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sikkens solid stain. Oxford Brown
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sturdy and Well Made - Excellent plans to follow!

Excellent plans and a great build! We had a blast and LOVE our new table that will go in our new house once built.

We have now stained the benches but have not taken any photos. We also added the brackets shown in the photos.

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