Community Brag Posts

Sandbox with Benches

Submitted by boneill on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 04:39

Awesome sandbox !!

I’ve made a couple of these . One thing to save you money that I switched to on my second one is making the frame from 2x material vs 1x. Looks better too and is more sturdy .

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar deck stain/sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first build

This was my first attempt at building and I learned a lot such as if you drop pine, it cracks in half - and - when cutting with a jigsaw, cut inside the lines....you can always trim more off, but you can't put it back - and - my dogs can distress a piece of furniture faster than I can if I put it under "thier" window....whether I want them to or not!
This was a great beginner project and gives a fast, satisfying result. As you can see, it has become the cat's bench...can't get a picture of it without him, he lives on it!
Just a couple of notes: I cut the legs more according to the plan diagram than the pretty cuts Patrick made on his...I wasn't ready for that. Also, I didn't have my glasses outside with me, so my measurements on the legs are probably not right. I made the top shorter because I wanted it for a specific space (which didn't work out, see note about about dogs and distressing....ugh!).
Also, this probably should have taken me just an hour or so, but I had my Kreg jig set all wrong and first had shallow pocket holes (see note above about pine breaking when dropped) and then made them too deep (learned to use wood filler)! That's when I finally got my butt into the house to get my glasses to read the dang directions (again!).
Thanks Patrick and Ana for giving me such a great, easy beginner project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a homemade chalk paint with a recipe I found on Pinterest. The base was Benjamin Moore's Niagara Falls cut with about 20% white. I then mixed a half and half mixture of black paint (Ace Hardware's India Ink) with a glaze base (Behr) and distressed it a touch.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Carley @ On One Hand (not verified)

Fri, 09/07/2012 - 23:18

It looks great! I'm no expert at building by any means, but whether it's your 1st or 100th project, there's always something to learn :) Good for you for trekking through all the hiccups you encountered, it can get discouraging when there's problem after problem - but seeing the final results makes it all worth it. I love the color you chose! And it seems like you made your fur baby very happy :D

JoanneS

Sat, 09/08/2012 - 17:54

Congrats on your first project! Looks super! The color and distressing are beautiful. Great idea with the DIY chalk paint, too! :)

Pallirondack

Sun, 09/09/2012 - 13:24

If you're happy with it, than its a winner! It looks like a decent bench, but really can't tell with the cat in the way....just kidding. Congrats and I look forward to your next post!

YankeeBelle

Sun, 09/09/2012 - 14:43

Thank you for the kind words....it was a true learning experience for sure! I'm about to post my second and third projects.....MORE learning from mistakes! ;0)

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Cobrien on Sun, 07/06/2014 - 07:36

This project started on a Saturday and I moved it into the house the following Friday. All that being done with two little cherubs running around and making demands of me every 10 minutes. Super easy build and my first time.

Estimated Cost
140
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Walnut stain and satin polyurethane. Both rustoleum.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/10/2016 - 23:45

This was one of my first builds ever! I'm hooked! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Chair from Pallet wood- OH MY

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/10/2020 - 12:06

It's a Friyay! and we have a bunch of used pallets at work the boss is wanting to get rid of. Well he is on vacay so ....
We (me and my office manager) had to alter the directions a bit but the end result is great. This was our first project and tools were very limited. Even so its a win win and we will be making more. Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
FREE
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none yet but paint is being considered
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

$40 Funky X Desk

Building the desk was pretty straightforward. I actually saved a little money going with the 2x6s (4 of them was under half the price of a pine project panel) rather than the panel which I actually brought home first. I went with the 2x6s instead because it felt sturdier, and the straightest panel I could find was a little warped (which I didn't want to force).

My biggest piece of advice is, if you don't have a wood planer, DO NOT use a Kreg Jig to assemble the top first. 2xWhatevers just don't seem to "lay" the way you want them to if they're all connected together. I built the legs, added supports and then used glue and 2" finish nails to secure the top, butting them up as close as I could (there's only very minimal gaps, ~1/16 or less) It is SOLID. I filled in the nail holes with Elmer's stainable wood filler. After staining, I used a tiny artist brush with the stain on the filler so it could penetrate a little longer. Worked like a charm!

We decided to go with a color stain on top because it's going in a craft room/office so we wanted it to be bright and fun to get our creative juices flowing. The walls are a light gray so we figured we could afford some color :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 for wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
TOP STAIN - Minwax water based stain in Botanical (on the can it says not to let it penetrate for more than three minutes but that's too long, IMO. I had much better results using a rag and rubbing it in, leaving a wet edge while wiping excess off immediately to avoid blotchiness.)

TOP TOPCOAT: Safecoat Acrylacq in Gloss (LOVE this stuff - and water based, though you can use it over oil based too, after 24 hours)

LEGS STAIN: Minwax oil-based in Dark Walnut

LEGS TOPCOAT: Rustoleum Polyurethane in Matte (like used in Shanty2Chic's post)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jrbamberg

Tue, 10/21/2014 - 09:08

I did use pocket hole screws for the top.  It wasn't ideal but it worked.  I had to use long pipe clamps and two pieces of 3/4in wood strips under the pipes to create flat pressure on the top across the seam.  I found that if I din't use the brace the top with the pocket hole screws in the middle would cause it to bow in the center with the ends upward as if I were over tightening.  Once I prevented the bowing with clamps and flat boards it came together smooth and flat. 

Camp Loft Bed With Stairs, Junior Height

Submitted by Trenny10 on Tue, 07/08/2014 - 12:24

This project was meant to be a birthday present for my niece; however, after showing it to other people, there are now multiple people that are interested in having their own, understanding that I will be able to make it for much cheaper than buying an equivalent project from a store. It was a fun project and took little time to complete with minimal resources required....and for cheap

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish was used. This is a project I am putting up for sale and decided it would be best for the buyer to decide what they want to do with it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy x farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/13/2016 - 19:40

Barnwood fancy x farmhouse table.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Barnwood sanded down to achieve that golden brown, while leaving the aged texture in the cracks. Left natural.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Indoor playhouse bed tower

Submitted by Natalieeh on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 18:08

Indoor playhouse above twin bed. Cost about $190. Took two full days. Built using the plans off this site. The inside play area is 42in by 39in. The plans have the mattress on the ground. I have a dog that sheds like crazy so I have her mattress on a metal frame but plant to build a low to the ground platform bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
190
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted it white with just a Valspar ultra white primer and paint in one. I may do trim in another color later.
Make sure to get perfect 2x4s!!! No twists bends splits etc!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toddler Loft Bed

My husband and I modified this bed quite a bit to make it work for our 4 year old grandson. We made it 60” tall and it holds a crib mattress and spring base. Considering it is for a 4 year old, we did add a brace on the back of the bed, so it could be anchored to wall studs to prevent tipping.
After the painting was completed, we had to head home, so I will share “completed” photos later. By the way, he loves his “Big Boy bed”!

A Baby Shower Gift...

Submitted by tracysmith on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 17:03

I built this for a friends upcoming baby shower! She has yet to receive it so I hope she loves it. It was super easy to build, even the fancy scrolling at the bottom of the sides was relatively easy. I can say that only because I'm an experienced builder, but for someone new to this, it could be daunting. Just go slow and try it out on practice boards first!

Estimated Cost
about $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Antique dark walnut and spray on polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

lemp8b

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 11:01

Hi,

Do you ever make pieces for other people? I absolutely love this, but we live in a small apartment and don't have the space or resources to have the right tools for the job. We're newlywed students on a budget too, so any I've found in stores have been way out of our price range.
Just thought I'd ask, since I think the one you made here is beautiful!

Ella's sandbox

Submitted by Wudupg1 on Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:53

So easy and fun!

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

blacknigt

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 22:09

She comes to me an says DADDY ( with a straight face)
* i want a merry go round *
Um i cant afford that hunny, she says w. out a pause -But you build everything else-

...I froze.

lol well Ana my dear friend I think I need your help on this one...

spiceylg

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 17:56

Out of the mouth of babes....priceless! Nice build, too!

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS

These Chairs  where fun and  easy to build. I used 1x8 for the back. I used counter sunk 1  1/4 in screws and  pocket holes and  kreig screws. I thought A hinge would not be safe so I screws the tray down with a 2in overhang. Can not wait until Christmas.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
123 primer and Pratt and Lambert semi- gloss interior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional

Ten-day project (construction plus sewing) that concluded with exactly what we needed for our space. No big issues with the plan and really pleased with the result. Making the cushions was only possible through upholstery sewing experience. Thank you Ana White!

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Gloss Black Spray Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

We built a table using reclaimed wood!

We modified the farmhouse table plan and made office desks from reclaimed lumber! Check out the full post on my blog: http://livingvintageco.com/category/do-it-yourself/woodworking/.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mantel Moulding Headboard with Chestwick Platform Base

Submitted by Luckysme on Mon, 07/14/2014 - 13:26

My husband and I took two plans, the Mantel Moulding Headboard, and the Chestwick Platform Bed. We made some slight modifications which are as follows.

For the Mantel Moulding Headboard I wanted it to be a tall. The original plans called for the headboard to be 61 1/2 inches. We made ours so that it sat at 74 inches. We also made the width of the headboard 60 inches so that it was a perfect fit for the base.

For the Chestwick Platform bed we used 2X12's. Since we decided to make the headboard taller, I felt that the 2X8s wouldn't have been aesthetically pleasing. We used heavy duty top corner plates to screw in the bun feet.

Mounting the headboard: Due to the size of this headboard, it is recommended that you attach to a stud in the wall behind headboard to prevent forward tipping. We used french fleat picture hanger with wall dog mounting screws (200 lbs), read instructions. We attached two vertical 1X2's to the back of the headboard for added support, since the headboard rests on the platform bed. After the headboard was properly secured to the wall, and resting on the platform bed, we then installed four mounting brackets. 2 heavy duty corner brackets, and 2 mounting brackets. The heavy duty corner brackets are long enough to screw into the mattress supports, the platform bed, and the headboard (see pics).

This was our second project, and we couldn't have done it without Ana's help.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer: Zinsser Shellac.
Paint: Annie Sloan Pure White Chalk Paint.
Finish: Annie Sloan Clear Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laundry Room Table For Front Loaders

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/20/2016 - 13:58

I followed Ana's basic table plans but modified it to have legs in the middle (6 legs instead of 4). I used ballisters/ banisters found out our local Habitat for Humanity Restore for the legs which helped cut down the cost. 

Estimated Cost
Under $100. Approx $86 for my lumber.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used chalk paint (Country Chic in Bliss) and minwax stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Outdoor Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:25

I couldn't see spending several thousand for outdoor furniture, so I looked at what you had done. It was so much easier and sturdier than I thought it would be. Thank you for all you do for the community.
I added the board on the back of the sofa to stop the cushions from slipping through. My wife wanted a fun color so we found a waterproof stain and had it tinted. I thought it came out very nice.

 

Back