Community Brag Posts

My vanity bling chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/02/2016 - 10:15

I enjoyed making this chair.  It is very difficult to find 2x2's that are straight and not warped.  I decided to make cushions that are different than the original one and added bead board to the back because it will match other renovations I am making to the bathroom.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Alkyd Paint by Benjamin Moore
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Child’s desk

Submitted by luxonagel on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 09:28

Built this desk/hutch for my 4yr old granddaughter. Combined and adjusted 2 plans to fit a $5 large shelf that I found in the IKEA as-is section. I have the cubby divider cut and painted if they decide to use it. A cork board panel was added to the large hutch space for displaying projects. The best part, the desk can easily be made longer when needed. The bookshelf legs detach from the desktop by removing a few screws. The hutch can also be adjusted with a little more lumber and some creativity.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Duration satin in Snowbound (7004)

Router table w/ rockler table, fence and lift

Submitted by 1n4001 on Fri, 11/02/2012 - 08:19

Built Patrick's Router table and added a rockler table, fence, and lift to finish off.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$90 in lumber and hardware + ~$460 for table top, fence, and lift + $170 for bosch 1617evs router
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
raw, probably sand and spray some poly on it in the near future.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Patrick Hosey (not verified)

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 09:10

Yes! Enjoy. It'll be the most valuable tool in your shop trust me.

patrickhosey

Sat, 11/03/2012 - 19:28

Here's a tip for that 1617 router. Try putting a bandaid over the on/off switch. That thing will get gummed up if left uncovered. It's annoying.

jimssolidwoodp…

Sun, 03/05/2017 - 21:13

My question for Patrick is when he built the top section for 2 small drawers and middle section for the router access..

Did Patrick put on top a 3/4" pc of plywood then the router table top.

Can l attach my router table top to the top pc if 3/4"plywood then my table top is 1 3/4" thick that it would be to thick could you email to let me know please.

Jim

This bed made me a hero!

Submitted by JimR78 on Tue, 08/19/2014 - 12:36

I found this plan after browsing Pinterest for ideas on possibly making a bed for my 2 yr old who had just outgrown his toddler crib. With that, I found this website and the plan for the bed. Instantly, I fell in love with the design, feeling like I was 5 years old all over again. Um, can I just say that this is probably the BEST website on the entire internet??? It's a never-ending candy store for grownups! I haven't built anything with wood since 9th grade shop class. I was a little intimidated at first, but the instructions were very clear and straight forward. I must have read them three times before I read the brag posts three times each, HA! My wife was leaving town for a business trip and I thought this would be the PERFECT surprise for when she got back. And hey, if I messed it up, I figured I could just toss the material and pretend it never happened; no bruised ego if I bombed, complete superhero if it worked out. Win/win. Low and behold, I followed the instructions, took my time, and everything worked out like a dream! This is such a great bed and a great project! As expected, my 4 yr old was CRAZY jealous of the bed, so I built him one as well - I went with a different plan that could accommodate his full size mattress a little better. Again, a no guessing, hassle-free experience using plans from this site. Somehow, I was able to keep this project quiet and my wife was BLOWN away at how well the project turned out. :) One more side note - the Kregg tool is AWESOME! What a great way to easily make pocket holes and beautifully create a project.

diy kids playhouse bed

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain picked up from Lowe's. Single application after sanding everything with 80 grit paper.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Veronica P

Tue, 08/19/2014 - 19:44

First of all, I agree! This is an incredible website. My only issue with it is the bags under my eyes it causes from staying up too late looking through all the fabulous plans and daydreaming about my next build. Lol

You did a fantastic job on the bed. I'd love to know what stain you used as I plan on making this bed as part of a fishing lodge themed room for my youngest when he's a little older and your finish is perfect!

Good luck with any future builds!

Doll X picnic table and bench set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/06/2016 - 10:54

I built my granddaughter your doll X picnic table and bench set.  My daughter suggested adding a backrest to keep the dolls in place.  Painted it the same bubble gum pink as the doll bed I had made her for her birthday.  

Estimated Cost
$7.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr premium plus ultra gum ball pink
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic x end table or night atand

Submitted by project101 on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 15:31

One of the first woodworking project. Borrowed most of my power tools from my neighbor and even the space.

Used walnut stain and then mine as paste.for the frame chalk grey color.

Cost 40 dollars

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bed side table

Submitted by asmith1856 on Sun, 11/04/2012 - 13:32

Modifed bed side tabe

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

Comments

My take on the Rustic X Console

Submitted by gepilano on Fri, 08/22/2014 - 08:13

This project was to add some storage behind our new couch or a spot for my wife and I to set our wine glass or beer mug on while we are watching tv. I customized the dimensions of the sofa table to fit behind the back of our 12' wide couch: 8' wide x 12" deep x 28.5" tall. I Added the steel angles and cast iron malleable washers and lag screws to dress up the table a bit. I had also soaked the angles, screws and washers in a vinegar/salt solution to give it that authentic rustic look. Lumber and materials totaled about $80. Beat that Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn! Bam!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony and Dark Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Out with the old and in with the Really old

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/10/2016 - 07:47

We replaced our existing stair rail system with barnwood and rebar. Not difficult but must have some woodworking experience.

Estimated Cost
Cost about $100.00 total.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Plant stand

I made 3 of these for a friend. 2 @ 16", 1 @ 20".

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00 for 3
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Shui sugi ban. Just burned and brushed off.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy Cabinet

Submitted by Mdcary on Tue, 11/06/2012 - 11:36

Originally the plan was to build bookcases for the family room using Channing Bookcase plan but after the wood was cut, priority switched to 2 year old Nathan's bedroom so I just flipped the height to the length and only added one shelf. Instead of a solid backing we decided on wainscotting for added interest.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore paint
Minwax ploycoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Work Bench Wall!

Submitted by JoanneS on Wed, 08/27/2014 - 16:23

Built a whole wall of work benches for my garage! Instead of one giant bench this is made as 3 separate benches, plus a rolling bench for the table saw. They are a combination of elements from 3 plans - - the Sturdy Work Bench, the Workbench to Get the Job Done, and the Simple Rolling Bar Cart.

The heights allow for the long pieces cut with the miter saw to rest on the side tables, and when using the table saw (it’s on wheels) the tables can catch the pieces as they push off from the back of the table saw. The bench top surfaces are at 36 ½” tall, which is the height of the “deck” of the table saw, and the miter saw table is 3 ½” shorter. The side table widths are sized to fit the wood on hand (one at 36” and one at 40”), and the center lower one is 40” wide to allow plenty of elbow room for cutting miters on the sliding miter saw. The table tops are 36” deep, which allows plenty of working room and space for the sliding miter saw. The table tops overhang 2” on the front and back.

The leg assemblies are made from scrap and left over wood from multiple projects we’ve done over the last couple of years, which includes regular and treated lumber (1x, 2x, and 4x4 pieces, and even some reclaimed 5/4 decking boards ripped down). The legs are a mixture of 2x4’s and 4x4 posts. The only lumber that wasn’t already on hand was some more 1x4’s for the shelf slats and the plywood for the tops. Since this is a work bench, the finish will remain au naturale. It does need some additional sanding on the sharp/pointy edges on the table tops though.

The blue caddy at the end of the left shelf holds my newest power tools – Ryobi One Plus 18V Airstrike nailer and compact drill/driver, with extra batteries. Woot!! Those came in really handy on this build!

For now the shelves have open bins and baskets, but the plan is to get closed (clear) bins with lids for all the things on the shelves, to protect everything from the sawdust.

The shelves are slatted so they wouldn’t gather such big piles of sawdust since the tables are open. I can just vacuum or use the blower at the bottom to remove the sawdust that falls through.

The table saw bench was an afternoon project, and the 3 benches took several hours spread out over 3 weekends. I'm delighted with how these turned out, and can't wait to use them for more projects!

Estimated Cost
$175 for 1x4s, sanded plywood and screws (the rest was already on hand)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Leaving this unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

HD

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 11:35

If you go to lumberjocks.com or any woodworker website, you can find shop tours by the hundreds. Of course, most of these shops are used by really dedicated amateur or professional woodworkers. It's been great to see inside the shops of "average jolene" woodworkers like me.

I have a garage that can maybe accommodate a shovel or a rake (but not both) so this workshop layout wouldn't work for me. BUT it's a great use of some of the designs on Ana's website and would be excellent for a double car garage or a "garage and a half" layout.

JoanneS

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 13:26

Thanks HD! Our garage quickly morphed right into a workshop shortly after we moved into our house. It's a single car width. Since we don't park vehicles in there, we use the whole front of it as a workshop. It started out with old tables and repurposed furniture pieces from the house as our workstations. My DIY dream would be to have the folks from that show "Garage Mahal" come over and do an awesome climate controlled space with a mega dust collection system, *sigh* :)

MrBroctoon

Thu, 12/27/2018 - 14:52

This great! I'm going to try to replicate 3 of those pieces. Thanks for the inspiration - awesome!

 

Pine and Aromatic Cedar Blanket Chest

Submitted by tylerhey on Tue, 12/13/2016 - 12:21

Raised panel pine blanket chest lined with 5/8" aromatic cedar.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tinted Shellac and butcher's wax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

rnkimg

Wed, 11/13/2019 - 07:15

I have searched and searched and cannot locate the plans either. I am making 3, for my daughters for Christmas and this one is amazing. please share plans.

thank you!!

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/26/2020 - 12:02

Built the farmhouse bed for standard king bed. Painted bed frame and stained the top boards.

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain
Night view paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Washer and Dryer Pedestal

Submitted by terrikness on Sun, 11/11/2012 - 15:49

Got this idea from your website! My father in law was in town for the week so he built it for me! I love it!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted white
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar picket shed for mower

Submitted by pilot1910 on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 21:36

I loved the plan for the cedar picket shed. It was tall enough to block my neighbor's view, so I shaved 20 inches off the height. It is the perfect size for a mower. We made a floor out of 12 inch blocks. The ground we have here packs very well, so I think it'll be good for a long time. We also have a lot of wind, but this thing isn't going anywhere!! It is solid. I also like the fact that it takes a stain right along with the fence and there is no painting involved! The hinges you recommended were great.

Estimated Cost
about $300
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

She's only been asking for 3 years (Doll House)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/17/2016 - 19:44

My Daughter has only been asking for a Doll House for like 3 years.  This Christmas her uncle is giving her her very first American Girl Doll, so I figured it was about time to get on that doll house.  I couldn't be more thrilled with the results.  Such a great plan and easy to follow.  Thank you so much.

Estimated Cost
$250-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a Cherry Stain on the floors.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified brookston desk

Submitted by frwright3 on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 07:38

We Built this desk for our son who’s having to do online learning for this school year. We modified the plans by using a project panel for the desk top and we used Kreg jig holes to assemble everything.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100$
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
espresso.

Kitty Tree Condo

Submitted by Proto on Tue, 11/13/2012 - 15:21

I adapted the simple Kitty Tree plan to make an outdoor sunroom for my cats. They are locked inside when I'm away, so this was a way for them to get some fresh air. They can access it via a tunnel, visible on the side as a grey box that butts up against the panel for the cat flap.
It's 36"X30" and 68" high.
The walls are made of plexiglas and I made the interior ramps by cutting up a set of wooden shelves.Plexiglas is expensive, but I salvaged some that was slightly scratched and going to the landfill. Otherwise, it would have cost me well over $100.
The frame was built using a Kreg jig, which is now my new favourite tool. I also added some casters so it can be rolled away from the wall for cleaning.
I found the Kitty Tree plan to be easy and versatile.

Estimated Cost
$25 for lumber and plywood, $15 for exterior paint, $150 for plexiglas
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior latex. a mis-tint I got for cheap.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Proto

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 06:42

The plexiglas is not quite large enough to cover the space between the posts so there is a 1/8" inch gap around many of the edges.
Also the back is open. When it's away from the wall, I can lean in to clean it. So, it's not at all airtight.

Proto

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 06:45

One could use a wire mesh instead of plexiglas to save money. It would look okay, especially if painted, but I splurged on the plexiglas because it does look nicer than wire. I wanted to prevent complaints from our immediate neighbours if they thought a wire cage was an eyesore.

babysteps

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 07:04

Your cats are going to love this. Once the birds (thinking about swallows) figure out they can swoop by quickly without harm, the birds are going to love it too. You could even put a bird feeder nearby to make it more interesting for the cats to look at.

Entryway Locker

Submitted by dkarinen on Mon, 09/01/2014 - 10:56

I built this for my brother's entryway. He has 3 kids and lots of shoes, jackets, etc were cluttered in the hallway. I had a few days to kill while my husband and father were working on a building a barn wall. So his girlfriend picked out the design and I got to building. She used a stain called red barn to match most of the decor at their home. I added an extra shelf at the bottom to help contain more shoes. She also added baskets and their initial to each locker. Turned out very cute and the kids love knowing where to put their stuff when they walk in the door.

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

Console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 10:12

Console table built as a tv stand for a cliant.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades classic oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner