Community Brag Posts

Mini Firewood Shed

I made this using plans submitted by pericles49. Thank you, pericles49!

 

I altered the design to use materials I had laying around, and changed the size to fit my space. That made it take a little longer - especially because changing the fastening pattern is still tricky for me - trying to keep screws from hitting each other.

 

Design

I made mine a little deeper 27-1/2" instead of 24 on the plan.

 

Materials

  • Landscape timbers I had laying around. To save on weight, and wood, I ripped a couple of the landscape timerbers down the middle.
  • Roof - 5-V crimp tin roof
  • 1x4 pine boards (2nds from other projects)
  • 1x4 and 1x2 cyprus boards (2nds from a construction project)

What I'd do differently next time

  • The weight of the firewood is resting on the screws that fasten the floor to the posts. Next time I'll make the wood support the weight, and the screws just hold it in place.

 

 

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

First Project

Submitted by dragondad on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 11:34

Well, I started with one chair and finished with a full set. Not bad for a first timer. Definitely room to improve. Little tip if you're going to make this amazing set... raise the backs as they are too low with thicker cushions. I built a casing to go on top after the fact. Pretty happy with how it all turned out. Thanks Ana for the plans... now onto the next project!

Comments

Small cedar shed part- re deux

Submitted by Kyleelou on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 12:06

I really needed somewhere to park my rototiller and mower during the summer and ended up modifying the plans to include a lean-too/over hang area. This required flipping the shed to extend the roof line. I continued the 15• roofline and also then had to create and cover the soffits. I also reduced it to one door and placed it on a skid foundation so that technically it would be considered a temporary structure, no permits needed. I first used a semi transparent stain that looked much darker and grayer in the store but looked very blue and terribly streaky on the shed, see back wall area. I then restrained it with a solid stain, which I think looks much better and covered the streaky stain. Because I extended the roof and stained it twice, this really increased the cost, but I think it was well worth it. I can store all my yard and garden tools underneath and inside.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$430
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr premium solid stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 truss beam table - working breadboard ends and matching bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 16:17

mortise and tenon joints with dado for breadboards

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Custom stain mix
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Dining room sideboard

Submitted by dougw on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 09:12

I made a few modifications from the original plans as I wanted to have some visibility into the cabinets. I used natural pine and finished with a tea, vinegar/steel wool solution to give it the reclaimed wood look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tea then Vinegar/Steel Wool. Protected with wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jessica b

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 23:42

Would you have plans available for the modifications that you made? This is beautiful!!

Train Table

Submitted by amberhibbs on Fri, 03/01/2013 - 10:17

I made this train table for my nieces for Christmas. They LOVED it!

I used pre-primed MDF boards and plywood. I skipped the bottom shelf since I knew it would never actually be used as a coffee table and cut half circles out of the top for access so that it wouldn't need hardware.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 (I bought the plywood at the ReStore and saved some money)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I gave it two coats of an aqua I mixed myself from some random paints I had around the house, then distressed the edges and used a Minwax Stain Marker on the bare spots I created. I should have gave the whole thing a coat of furniture wax or hemp oil, butt I didn't get that done before Christmas morning came.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Small Pallet Wood Console Table

I made this table completely out of pallet wood. We have true 1x4 pallet wood which is hardwood. for the legs, I doubled up 2 pieces of pallet wood for strength. Every piece of wood is a 1x4. It turned out perfectly as I needed a narrow table for our 2nd-floor hallway. This took us a little longer than with cut lumber as there was a lot of planing and sanding since it was pallet wood. If we had used lumber it would have taken a few hours less.

Estimated Cost
20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Jacobean Mini Wax stain and the one coat satin polyurethane. It was the first time I had used the 1 coat but it is a lot thicker than the average polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Camp Loft Bed with Stairs into Bunk Beds

Submitted by tarzan21 on Sun, 02/08/2015 - 11:46

Using the Junior Height Camp Loft Bed plans...

I raised the height from 65 to 67 inches to better accomodate a bottom bunk.  Added bottom rails and extra 2X4s for the head board.  

I shortened the width and length of the stairs to better fit in the room, and in doing so, made a small mod to the post by the stairs to prevent the boys from falling down the stairs.

Kids Love them

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Cherry Wood and Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Red Hen Home's Farmhouse Table and Bench

This is the third farmhouse table I built, although it is trifle smaller to fit in a smaller space. I think this one is just about 62” long. I also built a 48” bench to go along with this table, and I think they look so cute together!

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom mix of Minwax Antique Walnut and Weathered Oak. Finished with hand-rubbed polyurethane, followed by paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

smitty22

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 08:59

I love your farmhouse tables! Did you make any changes to the plans when you took away the stretchers? I really want to make a table like this soon!

Firewood Shed using Round Posts and 2x4s

Submitted by tommybo76 on Mon, 04/15/2013 - 15:50

I used the basic design principles from Ana's site but decided to use 3.5x6.5 round fence posts (purchased at my local Tractor Supply Company) for a different look plus they are a little cheaper than 4x4 posts. I also used pressure treated 2x4s for some added strength and perhaps longer durability. I used Ana's cedar fence pickets idea for my roof (these pickets are used as walls on one of the other shed plans on this site). I didn't need a very robust roof as my firewood shed sits underneath the deck which provides a lot of protection from the rain. I attached the structure using 3 inch deck screws and the roof with 1.5 inch deck screws (nails would have been more than adequate for the roof but I had the screws on hand).

I did run into some problems due to my design changes. Most of my issues involved attempting to square up the round posts which are much closer in shape to a jagged stick than dimension lumber such as a 4x4 post. If I had to do it over again I would not have used the round posts. Constant tweaks and adjustments to the posts significantly delayed my build time and frustrated me at times. I was just barely able to wedge my woodshed in between the 2 deck posts which actually came in handy as I was able to secure the shed to the deck posts with 3 inch screws...making the shed very solid! The final issue I discovered after loading up my wood shed. The 2x4s at the bottom of the structure began to sag. I fixed this by using my floor jack to raise them up and placed 8 inch tall 4x4s underneath (2 in the front and 2 in the back).

Overall I'm happy with the way it turned out and I really love all the plans on this site...GREAT ideas!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Awesome Veggie BIn

Submitted by mcbrasi on Mon, 06/19/2017 - 14:34

Got this finished finally.  I love the added storage!

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

Orange Side Street Bunk Beds

This is my first large project and I'm very happy with the result.  Since I knew we were using regular (thick) mattresses instead of thin bunk-style mattresses, I built the guard rails taller than in the plans.  The bunk beds are painted Benjamin Moore Citrus Orange http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-color/citrusorange.  The walls are Benjamin Moore Waterfall http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-color/waterfall.

Helpful Hint:  IKEA's LONSET slatted bed base fits perfectly instead of needing to cut your own bed slats.  http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80278715/#/30278732

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore ADVANCE waterborne interior alkyd paint (http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-products/advance-waterborne-interior-alkyd-paint).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Traditional Farmhouse Bed with Storage

Hello, fellow makers! 

I really enjoyed this build - it was a challenge for me, but in the end, I'm thrilled with the results!

I modified two of Ana's plans to come up with this storage bed and I share more pictures of the process and how I finished this project over on my blog Tinsel + Wheat.

I used the Twin Bed Farmhouse plans to create the headboard and footboard, which turned out beautifully, but because of the storage base needing to be installed flush with the edges of the 4x4 posts - this made the bed a little wide for a standard twin size mattress. I don't mind the extra 2.5" of base on each side of the mattress but if you decide you would rather have the mattress edges match right up to the bed you will need to subtract one of your center 1x6 panels from both the headboard and footboard. This will give you the perfect size headboard and footboard for this build.

So grateful to Ana for these plans!  

Happy building!

Miranda

 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

vstroud

Sat, 03/02/2019 - 10:02

Might you have the lumber shopping list for the storage boxes to go with this modified Twin Farmhouse with storage bed? I looked at you personal website but you just have the cut list for them not lumber list. Desperate  need to purchase my wood Monday.Thank you so very much!

Table turned cabinet

I had an old table that was in my basement.  I wanted to re-do my craft room.  I have been thinking and thinking about it.  So when I saw Ana’s link to her drawer organizer – and how to install drawer slides – I thought – ok – now it’s time to do it.

 

I spent about a week drafting plans, making measurements.  At first I was going to recycle the metal sliders I had left over from the kids dressers…but there wasn’t enough – and to do 12 drawers would be more money than I wanted to spend.

 

So – a trip to home depot – I was able to take this table that was just collecting junk – literally – to an organized and functional crafting cabinet – with huge deep drawers.  There are 12 drawers in total.  They are all 6 inch in height, 26 inches deep, and then there are 8 that are 16 inches wide, and 4 that are 12 inches wide.

 

Here are some before and after pictures – I have all the details on the build on my blog.  I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Ana.  Her plans and continual inspiration!

Estimated Cost
Around $80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
On the fronts of the drawers only. Sanded, primed and painted with high gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Toy Fishing Game

This was a very easy project from scrap wood I had leftover from previous projects. I modified the box a little. I cut slits in the box so the top slides on nicely. I also stained the box and sealed because I love the look of stained wood. I used early American wood stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
early american
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Playhouse - Drew Gaffke

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 14:46

I combined a couple of playhouse plans for this one. The framing is 2x2 treated pine. The front is real stone. I tried to match our home the best that I could. The floor is made out of composite decking.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Kentwood bed

Submitted by Wiscogrl on Sun, 06/28/2015 - 06:59

I built this for my four year old son! He even helped me out so that made him love it even more :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Oil based stain- Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Red Hen Home's Modified Providence Bench

This is a slightly modified version of the Providence Bench. I used 1x wood rather than 2x wood, so the legs are slightly longer to make the bench come out to the same height. Made this to match a planked-top table. More photos on my blog: http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-other-solomon-table-bench.ht…

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom mix of Minwax Weathered Oak and Antique Walnut stain, followed by hand-rubbed polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JW

Thu, 09/12/2013 - 05:46

I like the planked top! Great job on the finish - it's rustic without being overdone. It's one of the things i love about pottery barn furniture.

What is the hand-rubbed polyurethane? Is that just the wipe-on stuff I keep seeing at the store? Was it easy to use?

Phenomenal Family Room Built-Ins

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 22:55

We had an awkward family room with a second front door which rendered the layout less functional than it could have been. My sister mused, "I wonder what would happen if you took out the second entry and added built ins?," and this project was born. With a 4 year old and a 2 year old and limited tools and workshop space, we were excited to find ShelfHelp, which allowed us to create custom built ins at a fraction of the cost and time they otherwise would have required (utilizing the "Frameless Built-Ins, All in One Method" plan) . Including the custom soapstone top that we had made from a local shop that was advertising remnants, the project came in under $1000, and we were thrilled with the results. SO MUCH TOY STORAGE, an unobtrusive TV, and a much more functional layout. Thank you, Ana White!

Comments