Community Brag Posts

2X4 Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by rhonda68 on Fri, 06/26/2020 - 20:35

I've been searching for a deck set and I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I altered the plan to include a table instead of another seat (I used a piece of square patio glass from my old patio set). I made this sectional in an afternoon using green-treated lumber and cushion sets from Walmart.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first DIY Project - Barn Beam Ledges

Submitted by nikkirumm on Fri, 08/24/2012 - 07:38

These ledges were my first DIY project. They're not perfect by no means, but I'm proud of them and they are still attached to the wall after 6 months. They look great in my kitchen and I love the fact that when we move again with the Army, I can take them with me.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Ployshades Mission Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pull Up a Chair

I built ten of these for my dining table. I'm so pleased with the result. I added the suggested support bar at the bottom for extra strength. I was surprised by how sturdy these are...and comfortable. I blogged about them over here http://skonkers.blogspot.ca/2014/06/pull-up-chair.html

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
I used CIL semi-gloss paint in the following colours, Chile, Deep Russet, Egyptian Earth, Golden Amber, Calypso Green, Racing Green, Middy Blue, Fashion Passion, Rum Raisin, & Razz Berries
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/14/2016 - 22:38

I followed the plans for the rustic x console table, making only a couple of adjustments for height and width (I made it taller and not quite as long as the plan called for). I am thrilled with how it turned out, and equally thrilled that I can get rid of the ugly tv stand we had before!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the top and shelves, then used a matte finish acrylic paint on the rest. After the paint dried, I sanded the edges a bit to distress, then applied stain to sanded areas with a q-tip.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Floating Bathroom Shelves

Submitted by Kamoanui on Mon, 06/29/2020 - 15:58

Very quick and easy! We did 6 in. boards and weathered the boards with stain, paint, and sanding. Looking for other places in the house to use this plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
To get the weathered look, I used pre-stain, then Jacobean stain, then chalk paint. Let it dry overnight, then sanded it with a hand sander and applied another coat of the Jacobean stain. To finish and protect it, I used polycrylic clear matte sealer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog Crate / End Table

Submitted by kristine on Sun, 08/26/2012 - 15:46

The husband and I have been very inspired by the awesome women (and men) on this site that have created their own pieces of furniture. They all look so amazing! So the husband wanted to give it a shot and try creating this dog crate / end table as his first ever project. Now mind you, he hasn't done any sort of woodworking since wood shop class in high school... and that was at least a decade ago.

I have to say that I'm quite proud of the hubby's first finished project! Although, he did mess up a bit with the table top being an inch too short width wise. I really didn't want him to create another one because that would mean I would have to stain another one and I really REALLY do not want to stain again! So we compromised and ended up gluing a thin wood trim on the side end of the table top to cover up the mistake.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain in mission oak, behr semi-gloss paint in a light grey color, and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

See Saw Memphis red

Submitted by Mriddle on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 11:27

Fun project to build, and more fun for the kids. Ages 7-3 have been loving it. I used pressure treated 2x4s since it would be outdoors all the time. Thanks for the idea.

Estimated Cost
26$ with paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Custom 42 inch bath vanity

Submitted by milleall on Thu, 07/02/2020 - 08:09

Needed a custom build to fit the plumbing and size requirement for my master bath.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint in Juniper Berries
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mfast10

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 18:29

This is the exact size and style I am looking for as well. Would you mind sharing the plans with me as well?

Tapered Wood Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:53

Made this for our patio area very fun build, my wife loves it so of course she wants another one! Back to the wood stove.

Blair K

Built from Plan(s)

Double Wide Camp Loft Bed!

Have two boys who where in need of more floorspace to play. Saw the great plans for the Camp Loft and decided to make a double wide. One platform and two beds.

All in all went together as designed. Eliminated the stairs for a ladder. Works great if you have a long wall.

Estimated Cost
$85 for all the wood; 50 for stain and poly
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Corner shelves

Submitted by Kate_14 on Sat, 07/04/2020 - 13:33

I built these beautiful corner shelves for a friend. It is a great beginner project. I used a 1x8 board but you could also use a 1x10 board. You could also build 5 shelves instead of 3. I used pocket hole joinery.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil I find at my local mill.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Custom Toy Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/27/2024 - 11:30

Your plan for this toy box was sooo easy to follow, but I added the feet. My grandson loved it. I have 2 other projects from your plans for him as well.

Charlene

Built from Plan(s)

Back Entry (Mudroom) Shelf

Submitted by lbrown on Thu, 08/30/2012 - 07:06

With my beadboard installed and the trim board for my hooks in place in my back entry I was ready to get building. I decided to tackle the shelf first since that would be easier to install without the bench in the way.

For my shelf design I planned it together with my bench so that I could cut everything but the bench top and face framing pieces from a single piece of plywood. Also, the width of my space is a little strange and the shelf couldn't be too deep because of my window location.

I think the shelf turned out cute and I can't wait to prime and paint it and add the coat hooks. I plan to do the finishing work at the same time as the bench so I need to build my bench first though.

For more details, check out my blog: http://homeandawaywithlisa.com/blog/2012/8/30/building-a-storage-shelf-…

Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I plan to paint it white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Flat wall bookholder

Submitted by jenn-82 on Wed, 06/25/2014 - 10:29

Followed directions but altered the length of the bookshelf to fit tight space. Super easy to build, not as easy to put up. Recommend anxious and drilling into the backs of the bookshelf.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr, satin interior paint, white, two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

hi-smiley

Fri, 12/05/2014 - 19:06

I was wondering how they were affixed to the wall?  I've read several posts by people and although the plans seem easy enough nothing is noted on how to affix them to the wall...and I have toddlers.  Thanks so much.

 

Comfort on the deck

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 04:48

This deck furniture was made using construction grade 2 x 4's and the simple plans from Ana. The cushions were purchased at Kohls. They were on sale for just under $25.00 each. The cushions are made for chairs, but this seemed to work well. The short bench is 4ft long and the long bench is 8ft. I altered plans slightly by adding center support on long bench and adding a couple supports on the back. The back rails and end arms were raised a little higher. Made them 30". May be a little too high? My wife is going to make back pillows and a corner table is to be added later. 

Estimated Cost
$125.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Our first project!

Submitted by hannahJoy on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 10:18

This project was so fun! It was relatively easy to follow, and only took a total of about 4-5 hours. (Probably would have taken less time if it weren't so hot out!) The only suggestions I have to the Simple 2x4 Potting bench plans are as follows: - List how many of each screw are needed. We bought 50 of both types, thinking surely that'd be enough. Nope! A quantity on the shopping list would have been helpful. - Tell us what cuts come from which boards. We were so afraid of cutting up the wrong pieces, so we ended up doing a lot of manual calculation. No big deal (I'm an engineer) but it still would have been helpful.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

built in bunk bed

This is a bed I built for my son. I thought the secret door with ladder up to his bed would be fun but as it turns out it scares him to go in there. So I have since added climbing rocks to the outside of the bed so he can climb up that way as well as just climb around. It's all made with pine and bead board. The drawers are huge and eliminates the need for any dresser.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
semi gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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