Community Brag Posts

Sideboard

Submitted by emilyr on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 17:01

This project took me a lot longer than I wanted, but I love it. I worked a few hours each day and it seems I had to stop because I forgot one thing or another. I changed the way the top looked, I wanted to work with angles, so I framed out a 1x6 with two rows of mitered 1x4. It turned out better than I hoped, but I don't know if I will work with angles again... Like the plan says, it is HUGE!!!

Estimated Cost
About $100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black paint for body and Red Mahogany Stain for the top
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Jessica H (not verified)

Sat, 05/19/2012 - 09:24

Emily, this piece looks awesome! What did you do on the doors? It looks like wire.
I also noticed that your estimated cost was quite a bit lower than Hillary's cost. How did you keep your cost low? I am wanting to make this piece but I could really benefit from a smaller price tag!!! Again, yours looks great!

bunk bed Converted

Submitted by Mamabear2 on Thu, 01/23/2014 - 10:26

My mom purchased a bunk bed set for my children at her house but since they were only 1 and 2 at the time, we separated them and used the rails on my sons single bed, then my daughters we converted into a twin size crib

Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
used a light stain to match the already existing
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Window bird feeder

Submitted by CSaintD on Mon, 04/18/2016 - 08:22

Made the birdfeeder by Ana for my Daughter in-law's birthday. She loves it and so does her cat. My bandsaw stopped working, so had to cut the center out with an oscilatting saw. Surprisingly it worked really well.
The hardest part was figuring out where to get suction cups without the hooks on them. Ended up at Michaels where I found some rated for 7 pounds of weight. They seem to be holding up well. I ended up screwing them into the back of the birdhouse. Tried construction adhesive and it just did not hold.

Estimated Cost
Used all scrap, but had to purchase suction cups which were about $6 total.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
painted with indoor/outdoor paint, then decorated with craft paints and spar varnish to protect finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CSaintD

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 08:34

I always have such trouble posting brags to this site. It takes about 7 tries to do it. You have to have the exact URL of the plan you are basing your brag off of, and then it loses the links to the pictures. Finally got this one posted and now it doesn't show up on the front page in the brag area. I have tried viewing it with both Chrome and Internet Explorer. Really frustrating.

Entryway shelf with coat hangers

Submitted by Tonja on Fri, 01/03/2020 - 11:43

I needed additional coat storage, particularly for some of the larger family gatherings that we host in our home. My challenge was that the entry is long and narrow and is directly opposite and in full view from my formal dining room. I needed something that would have a cleaner and more formal look. I had been perusing various designs for months, but everything I found still looked like a mudroom. This design was perfect for my space! I made it the length I needed for adequate door clearance and to evenly center it on the wall. I altered the construction slightly. I used insert nuts to attach the dowels to the front board and screwed them from through the back. This left the face untouched and also allowed the dowels to be tightened down and provide more structural support. I also used a 1"x 4" against the wall and 1"x 6"s for the remaining sides. This resulted in the front being 2" lower than the back (like a skirt), so when you sat in my dining room it obstructed the view of the components underneath. If I didn't tell you, you would never know. I screwed it into 4 studs...it's solid as a rock. I managed to get it finished the weekend before Christmas Eve--the 'big test'...it held up nearly 30 winter coats! It was a big hit at the party--everyone wants one! It's only in primer right now, soon I'm going to paint it and the wall to match. Thank you for the awesome plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer / paint. I used a small velvety style roller to get a similar finish to the wall, since my intention is to paint them the same color. I used wood putty and sanded all the seams.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Star

Thu, 11/02/2023 - 10:33

I would like to make this floating shelf and use it in the entryway as well. Would you be able to share the cut dimensions you used? I'm new to woodworking and I have a question about the cut list on the blog post. It says 2 - 1x4 at 90" and then 1 - 1x8 at 96". Shouldn't the 1x8 also be cut at 90"? Also what are the end piece sizes 1x4 cut at 5 3/4"?

Tonja

Mon, 01/29/2024 - 07:14

Hi Star,
I had to go back and look at the original plans...Yes, you are correct. Per the illustration, all those boards are the same length.

Rustic X End Table as a Dog Crate

Submitted by Spooner on Sun, 01/26/2014 - 17:40

End table modified slightly so that the underside area serves as a Dog Crate. Used Plexiglass on the X sides and other parts from a portable dog crate for the front and back. Also, leather corners add a Hunting/outdoor feel.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax poly shade for the top and economy black spray paint for base
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/10/2020 - 12:21

I used my router a lot on this project - routed the edges of the 2x6s so there was no dip/groove between the boards and used a roundover on the top edges and an classical on the bottom edges of the table top. A few hanges I made to the plans - the Xs are 2 lengths of 2x2 with a cross cut in the middle so they slot together, the table is wider and shorter so I adjusted the end x's to accomodate the new measurements, and I had to use 2 1x10s and a 1x8 for the bottom shelf for the wider table. Overall this was a great learning project for me! Really took me back to grade 12 math class with the angles :D

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
wood - $50-$60
screws - $10
stain - I had some sitting around from previous projects that I used
Top coat - $25
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Table - Minwax Provincial stain (oil based)
- I use an unmatched sock and wipe on the stain. I don't like how the can states I should do it (leave stain on for 5 minutes, wipe off), I find it makes it way too dark for me. If the stain looks lighter that I want I will go back and wipe over again.
Top coat - Varathane Professional 1100 satin finish (clear finish, oil based)
- using a brush I did 3 coats on the bottom shelf, legs, Xs and supports
- table top has 4 coats. Lightly sanded when previous coat dried, used a tack cloth to remove all dust. Repeat until desire finished is achieved!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Clothesline Frame

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 01/28/2014 - 20:57

This is huge and fits perfectly in my previously lonely naked hallway.
I also made a smaller one as a Christmas present and it has received many compliments!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Media Console and Side Shelves

Edited dimensions of the Benchmark Media Console to build this beauty for the Wife. Stained the shelves to give it a little something extra. Plan on building matching end tables with stained tops and possibly replacing the console top with a stained version. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Satin Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Farmhouse Dining Table

Fish made the tabletop from white oak and the base is pine. We still need to build a bench for one side and purchase new chairs, but we are IN LOVE with this table...and it somehow has allowed us to dine as a family more.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut, two coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

American Girl and other 18" Doll Living Room Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/29/2016 - 10:05

I made this American Girl living room set with pine wood.  It is painted white and 2 coats of polyurethane are applied.  The cushions and pillows were sewn by myself using high density foam and fibre fill.  I have made 5 sets and am really enjoying making them that I have opened up my own etsy shop!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi gloss paint and 2 coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Console

Rustic X Console, I attempted the suggested finish and may just stick to stain next time! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Tea + Steel wool and vinegar. A lot of time was spent waiting for the wood to dry.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Wooden Cooler Stand - Vintage Look

Got this idea from the blue cooler project - but decided to deck it out with vintage trimmings. Everyone who has seen it loves it! Very fun project.

Estimated Cost
70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Summer Oak - followed with polycryllc and johnson's furniture wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY everything

Tue, 02/04/2014 - 21:32

I'm in the process of building one out of this plan too except I'm trying to use pallet wood. I love how your cooler turned out so I hope you don't mind that I use the same Coke sign. Awesome job!

Secretary's Desk Turned Shoe Cabinet

Submitted by sraper2 on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 11:36

I need some shoe storage near my front door that would hide all of our shoes.  I used the plans from the book for the secretary's desk and added an extra shelf.  Check out my blog post for step by step pictures.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/27/2020 - 14:26

I only needed a headboard for the full size bed in my guest room. I attached it to the existing metal frame with carriage bolts. I built matching nightstands from plans found elsewhere on this site.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Honey Oak Stain
Water based polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Easiest hanging daybed

Submitted by Mrs. Baker on Mon, 04/23/2012 - 20:02

This was the first woodworking project I have undertaken from this site and it is simply wonderful!
very easy to follow plans, and easy assembly.
I have this daybed hanging from my back deck across from my hot tub and it is the most wonderful creation I've ever attempted!
I included a twin sized bunk-bed mattress instead of a traditional twin so that it would be thinner.
I zipped a vinyl cover over the mattress and then added sheets, decorative pillows, a throw blanket, and some lanterns to the platform.
I plan to hang a canopy that will drape over the ends.
The backdrop in the picture is comprised of two cloth shower curtains that hang from eyelets along the edge of our deck.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I have so far left my bed unfinished, but as soon as I pick a stain for my deck, I will add the same one to my daybed.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Alexia Bench

Submitted by jgriffin on Fri, 02/07/2014 - 10:55

My very first furniture build! Followed the construction plans and my bench turned out great! Thank you for helping others enjoy this craft!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
140.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed, painted with Heirloom white, sanded edges with a cat sander, then painted American Chestnut stain on the whole bench and wiped off. Finished it off with a coat of matte poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Solid Maple top, Clear Cedar legs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/04/2016 - 14:57

Solid Wormy Maple Top, "clear" grade, no knot westerd red cedar 4 x 4 legs, 4 inch lags (no Kreg Jig), Spar Urethane on top (clear satin, 3 coats), and Danish Oil on legs (one coat to keep "dry look").  Wormy maple boards, S4S, joined and plained.  Bench is one solid piece of wormy maple, same top coat as table top.

Estimated Cost
Top: $320, legs/assembly: $350, materials +_$200.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear Satin Spar Urethane (3 coats, 220 sanding between coats) and Danish Oil (Natural) on legs. Table attached with table top fasterners (z shaped) with oak strips and single kerf.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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