Community Brag Posts

3 little planters

I knocked up these 3 little planters in under an hour. Family and friends have given me orders for many more. Thank you for the great site.x

Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Peg Doll House

My grandson wanted a set of peg dolls and a house to play with them in.  I wanted to build something that was gender-neutral - so many doll houses are pink and feminine!  This doll house is sized just right for his peg dolls and playmobil people.  It's made from 1/2" poplar, although it could also be cut from a sheet of 1/2" plywood.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
clear polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Comfort Sofa and Chairs - Modified Design

Submitted by BRK on Sun, 08/16/2020 - 16:51

I spent a lot more time on this than I was planning, but wanted to make a couple of enhancements and one thing led to another. I added curves to many of the pieces and there are some mortise and tenons here and there. Note the perpendicular arrangement between the front and the back legs. The front supports the wide arms, while the backs have let ins to support the main weight. All the 2x wood from Lowes was planed down a tad to clean up the faces and sharpen up the corners. We are thrilled with the result!

Estimated Cost
$160 for Wood and Screws—-$$$$ For The Sunbrella Cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
WATCO Danish Oil - Minwax Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

BRK

Mon, 08/17/2020 - 06:46

Thank you for the kind words.

I actually did my own design using Solidworks. In the shop, I read the measurements I need directly off the model using the e-drawings viewer, so I don't really have "plans" in the traditional sense.

sampatpatil@ho…

Mon, 09/14/2020 - 10:33

Great Job with the outcome. We are first timers and have built just 1 chair based on Ana White’s original plan. Lot of decisions with cushions & stain type etc but fun & satisfying though.

Charlie's One Piece Play Kitchen

After a trip to IKEA my daughter fell in love with play food and pots/pans. My mom encouraged me that 14 months isn't too little for a play kitchen so I took the plunge! I adapted the plans slightly - making a single door for the refrigerator, measuring both doors so they overlay and aren't inset, putting one shelf in the oven instead of both beneath the sink, and raising the shelf to add room for pegs. I also decided to nix the backing to save on costs since this will eventually be placed up against a wall.

I really wanted to keep the kitchen as chemical free as possible. Paint chips and scratches, and stain has a ton of fumes. So what to do? Take a leaf from the Shanty Sister's book and dye it with RIT dye! I used one liquid bottle of teal and diluted it with a 1/2 cup of water. There was more than enough to do the kitchen, and the wood took the dye so beautifully. For the top coat, I used non-toxic Mod Podge. The backsplash and knobs/handles/burners are painted with chalk board paint.

For all the little details:
- oven knobs are closet dowel rod holders
- shaker pegs are cheap at hobby lobby $1.47 for 5!
- burners are painted cork coasters
- oven "glass" is replacement frame glazing (plexi) from Hobby Lobby
- sink from goodwill
- "wall mounted" faucet is a spigot with a fun red replacement handle since the handles on the spigots were incredibly boring
- fridge backing is roof flashing for a shiny metallic (and magnetic!) look
- curtain is a 99 cent bandana

I totally adore this little kitchen, and my daughter does too! It's a bit on the taller side but she has time to grow into it. Considering the cheap plastic ones are $100+, I was so happy that my cost was just under $97. Not bad for solid wood with a lot of extras!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats RIT teal dye, sealed with one generous coat of Mod Podge. Chalkboard paint on backsplash and knobs/handles.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 13:34

Your play kitchen is adorable. Charlie is growing...I remember her from the scooter! :-) I somehow missed the idea from Shanty Sisters regarding the RIT dye. Thanks for mentioning that. Since I can't find the Express Color stain from Minwax in my town, this will be a great alternative for colored stain. Can't wait to read more posts from your future builds.

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

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

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.