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16" Garage shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/28/2022 - 21:37

I followed your plan for my 16 inches garage shelves and I absolutely love it. Tons of storage and easy to customize. Each 8 foot shelves is now costing $120 in material - which is still a great deal! Thank you @Anawhite 🙏

Comments

Rustic X Coffee Table with Bread Boards

In need of a new coffee table and having a budget lower than what would allow for similar looking store bought tables, I decided to build a variation of the Rustic X coffee table. I used the modified plans by Pete Sveen which included the bread boards on the table top. We used a solution of white vinegar and steel wool to age the wood and used a clear furniture wax to finish it.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar/Steel Wool for Age. Clear furniture wax for finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Slim Trus Console Table by Drew Cameron

Submitted by deaconcam on Thu, 09/13/2018 - 09:30

This project was a great learning experience and turned out fantastic. The mitered/beveled cuts were a bit tricky for me, It took me a while to understand how to use my miter saw to make the cuts correctly. Other than that, the building plans were clear and easy to follow. Cara, an author at Inspired Workshop, posted the plans at the following link: https://theinspiredworkshop.com/diy-slim-truss-console-table/ 

 

-Drew Cameron

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Slim Truss Console Table
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax PolyShades Espresso Oil-based Interior Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Backyard seating

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/06/2022 - 13:17

We needed some additional seating in the backyard so I built 6 Adirondack chairs for the fire pit and the bench using the plans that you have shared on Facebook. They turned out really nice and so far they have been a big hit!!

Thanks!!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair
DIY Double Chair Bench with Table - By DIY Pete

Comments

King Size Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by krochelle on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 08:12

This bed was made as a Christmas present for my parents. At the time, there were no plans for a king-sized bed so I modified the queen plans to fit their mattress. I added a 5th leg to support the center of the bed and also added some plywood sheets underneath to better support the mattress.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
"A Day at the Jeweller" by Valspar with a red mahogany stain over (used almost as a glaze)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Counter Height Craft Desk

Submitted by Stockweb on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 07:39

This was pretty easy for my first build!  Don't look too closely though....  I raised thedesk to counter height to adjust for working while standing and add a bar stool.  The hardest part was adjusting the angle of the diagonal braces.  For the desktop I found a 2' X 6' piece of aspen at the blue big box store.  Sanded well, grey "whitewashed" it and sealed with paste wax. 

Built from Plan(s)
$55 Fancy X Desk
Finish Used
Base painted with satin interior in revere pewter. Made my own grey wash for the desktop and sealed with paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

DIY outdoor chairs for our firepit

Here is one of the new chairs I'm building for our new fire pit.  They are made out of four pressure treated 2x6s (and one 2x4), and have a comfortable 18" seat depth, 19" seat width, and 110 degree angle for the backrest.  

More information, and a link to our plans are located on our blog, FamousArtisan.com

Blog Link
DIY 2x6 chair for deck or fire pit
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Grill Trolley

Submitted by angiemicn on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 05:39

This started out as the Outdoor Multipurpose Cart....and after my hubbies evergrowing wishlist, it quickly become THE GRILL TROLLEY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! I added the bulk and the height which he wanted, a John Boos butcher block 24x18, which is removable. Funny thing is, I also sampled Ana's Farmhouse frame to cradle the butcher block! I didn't want to put any holes in the 100 clam butcher block so it has it's own little bedframe. It's totally waterproofed and stained since it's new home will be beside the pool. I used all Kreg joints, so you could sit on this it's so sturdy. I also added 2.5 inch locking casters for the bottom. There's a stainless steel bathroom towel rack which doubles as a handle, lots of hooks for his BBQ paraphenelia, and the most important addition...The Guinness bottle opener. Totally hubby customized. And the best thing> I did it myself, setting it aside whenever a problem arose, but always coming back to it. This was originally a Papa's day present

Blog Link
Grill Trolley Alert!
Built from Plan(s)
Toddler Farmhouse Bed
Outdoor Multipurpose Cart
Estimated Cost
150. (100 of it was just for the upgraded John Boos outdoor reversible butcher block! well worth it!)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thompson's Waterseal, Minwax Puritan Pine, 2 coats, but wiped it off very quickly, didn't want it too dark. I didn't want a uniform appearance, so I wet it down, heavier in some areas than others, with water, wiped the stain on, and was taking it off with the other hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic Table w/ two tone finish

Submitted by Ash_Ahrens on Wed, 08/21/2013 - 19:35

This was totally my first real build. Like most others I modified the plans to fit in my mother-in-law's dining room. I used 4x4s for the legs and built two benches to go with it.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Rustic Table
54" Bench with Cross Bracing - Made with 1x boards
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Cabernet stain with polyurethane top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy Console with Barn Doors

Built in about 2 days.  Hardest part was definitely the hardware.  Looks great!

Built from Plan(s)
Grandy Barn Door Console
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jelmelda3

Sun, 10/18/2015 - 10:49

This came out so awesome. Did you use the same dimensions given in the example? Also what size is your TV? I ask because I want to build this but I'm scared my TV would be too small but this actually looks really great! 

HankTheTank

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 08:32

I used the same dimensions as the plan.  That TV is a 42".  We have since upgraded to a 60" and it now looks more proportionally correct.

HankTheTank

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 08:32

The hardware was a pain in the butt.  The metal bar was easy to cut actually.  I just put one of my old blades back on my mitre saw and it worked great.  Extracting the wheels from their casing was the most challenging.  I ended up putting the entire thing in a vise and drilling through it.  It is totally worth it though.  Everyone who comes over is obsessed with it.  Also, I did not attach the boards on top.  It's much easier to move if you take those boards and the doors off and carry it.  Good luck guys!

HankTheTank

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 08:29

I used the same dimensions as the plan.  That TV is a 42".  We have since upgraded to a 60" and it now looks more proportionally correct.  The hardware was a pain in the butt.  The metal bar was easy to cut actually.  I just put one of my old blades back on my mitre saw and it worked great.  Extracting the wheels from their casing was the most challenging.  I ended up putting the entire thing in a vise and drilling through it.  It is totally worth it though.  Everyone who comes over is obsessed with it.  Also, I did not attach the boards on top.  It's much easier to move if you take those boards and the doors off and carry it.  Good luck everyone!  

Ashlin

Sat, 03/26/2016 - 08:41

Hey, love how this turned out! Was wondering where you purchased the barn door hardware? Been stuck with trying to find some that won't break the bank!

Rgoodwin1206

Tue, 01/03/2017 - 00:02

Can you please help me as to exactly what hardware to get

 My husband and I can only find the hardware for the big barn doors. We are so lost and no one can help us!

 

Fortnite Battle Bus boys bedroom loft

Submitted by bbcarey on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 08:31

We remodelled my son's room and what better theme than Fortnite for an 8 year old... and what better loft than the Battle Bus!!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic x console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 18:38

Built this for a friend of mine, but didn’t need it quite as long…I absolutely love this table!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Console Table

Comments

Custom Wall Media/Entertainment Center

We purchased our first LCD TV, which meant we needed a new entertainment center to put it on. We looked at quite a few furniture stores and couldn't believe the price tag on the big centers. I wanted more than just a TV stand, so I convinced my husband to help me build an entertainment center ourselves. I looked at a lot of different entertainment centers, even a few on this site, and then I drew up a picture of what I was envisioning, tweeking things here and there (I have three little kids so I needed to make sure the center piece was high enough to keep little fingers off my expensive TV, and I also knew I wanted all Satellite Receivers and DVD players out of reach), and we went to work figuring out dimensions. We designed the TV opening around the exact dimensions of our new TV (it's a 46" tv, if that helps you imagine the opening size) and then figured out the rest of the dimensions after that. Once we had the dimensions figured out, my husband went to work calculating what materials we would need. Then we got to work. We built the center in four different pieces (two side shelf units, the middle bottom stand, and the middle top piece). We spent every night for the next week working in the garage to build the entertainment center, and it turned out absolutely beautiful! And the best part? The price, of course. In total, we spent $546.00. That includes wood, trim pieces, paint, primer, hardware (knobs and hinges). Not too bad for a beautiful entertainment center made of real hardwood!

Blog Link
JRL Woodworking
Built from Plan(s)
Apothecary Console
Media Hutch
Estimated Cost
$550
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used an oil based primer, tinted as dark as possible, and then an oil based semi-gloss (satin) black paint. After painting was finished, I distressed quite a few areas (edges and around drawers and cabinets) and then used a q-tip and stained them with a cherry stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Diana (not verified)

Thu, 07/28/2011 - 09:38

This is beautiful! Do you have any tips on cutting and getting the crown moulding to fit right?

kristenlotz

Thu, 07/28/2011 - 16:17

I was worried the crown and bottom moulding would be tricky, but it wasn't too bad. To make sure it all lined up perfectly, we screwed together all the pieces (the top center piece to the two side shelving pieces and then both the side shelving pieces to the bottom center piece) first. We had it all put together just as it would be in the house and THEN we measured and cut the crown and base moulding. I had painted all the moulding first and then just touched it up after we put it on the entertainment center. I think we wouldn't have been able to get it to line up perfect if we hadn't screwed it together first, screwing it together get it a nice snug fit.

kaytrishjr

Mon, 08/08/2011 - 07:16

If I didn't actually see the building process of the entertainment center, I wouldn't have believe you built it yourself!

sdking1981

Wed, 08/10/2011 - 13:59

This is exactly what I need! Happen to have the dimensions? I know I could modify it to fit our TV but I'm really wondering how deep your side bookcases are. Thanks!!

sdking1981

Wed, 08/10/2011 - 14:35

I appreciate your quick response and help!! We're in the process of planning this one right now! :)

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 23:53

Wow! Your entertainment center is beautiful and seems wonderfully functional! Just wondering what the height is of the ledge for the TV in the center console. We have little ones too and need TV and componenets to be out of reach! Also, would you mind sharing which plans you used as inspirations for each part? I think it is the Basic Collection for the bookcases and the Tommy for the center? Is that correct?

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 14:19

Hi, sorry for the slow reply! I am not 100% sure (I can't find my tape measure!) but I think the TV ledge is either 30 or 36 inches high. I wanted it high enough that it wouldn't be hard to watch the TV while sitting, but enough that it would be hard for little fingers to touch the TV.

azca33 (not verified)

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 16:24

Hey Kristen,

Your entertainment center looks beautiful!

Did you use Pine wood for the entire project or did you use plywood for the top of the side book cases and the top part of the Media center. Did the paint cover up all the knots?

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 10:59

Thank you! We used plywood on part of it, mostly for the center pieces. If I were going to do it again, we would have used plywood more because it was knot free and much straighter. The paint did a good job covering up the knots, and I am overall really happy with it!

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 11:00

Thank you! We used plywood on part of it, mostly for the center pieces. If I were going to do it again, we would have used plywood more because it was knot free and much straighter. The paint did a good job covering up the knots, and I am overall really happy with it!

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 11:00

Thank you! We used plywood on part of it, mostly for the center pieces. If I were going to do it again, we would have used plywood more because it was knot free and much straighter. The paint did a good job covering up the knots, and I am overall really happy with it!

JennieB (not verified)

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 16:27

My husband was sure we wouldn't be able to tackle building an entertainment center until we saw your photos. We are excited to take on this project. Yours turned out beautifully! Can you fill us in on the finishing that took place after this blog ends: doors, etc.?

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 14:22

Thank you, we love it! And we loved building it ourselves and saving a ton of money while we were at it. Sorry for the slow reply on this as well. We cut and measured the doors, gave them a simple finish by routering the edges, and hung them. For the drawers, we build a basic box, added the runners, and then finish nailed the drawer front onto the box. They work perfectly! I distressed all the edges once everything was completely finished and hung.

Chris Manitz (not verified)

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 06:52

What is the style/ color of knobs and pulls you used on this project. I am in process of building this. ALso, what is the cherry stain? Did you use that on the distressed parts of the center??
Thanks for your help!
Chris

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 14:27

Congrats on building the entertainment center! You will love it! I ended up using brushed bronze knobs and hinges (similar to this: http://www.handlesets.com/rusticware-950-1-1-4-modern-mushroom-knob-fro…). They turned out perfect with the black paint. They stand out enough, but not too much to distract. As far as the stain, I just used a Minwax Cherry gel stain. I would wipe it on the areas I had distressed (around the drawers, cabinet doors, edges, etc.) then let it sit for awhile and then I wiped it back off. It gave the distressed areas enough color to not look raw, but it still stands out. I hope that answered your questions!

Jeff (not verified)

Sat, 01/28/2012 - 22:29

Are there plans for this?

kristenlotz

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 18:56

No, sorry, there are no official plans for this. I just drew a picture of what I wanted and my husband calculated everything out from the picture. The general dimensions are listed above, though, if that's any help!

Carey (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 17:05

I really love this too.. is there any plans for it?

Cheramie (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 16:40

You guys did a beautiful job! I am so glad to see someone built almost the exact unit I was picturing. :) Ana's inspiration strikes again!!! I didn't see one, so wanted to ask if you blogged this elsewhere so I can read more details about the process. Thanks!

claydowling

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 07:20

Those arches are most easily cut with a jig saw. You can clean up with a curved rasp and file, or a spokeshave.

ktambascio

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 15:53

I love the the shelf above the TV. If you make that shelf about 6 inches tall, you would have enough room for a center channel speaker, or for an XBox Kinect.

Chunky Rustic Kitchen Island

I wanted a Super Rustic and Super Chunky Island with out the Super High price tag. So I turned to pintrest for inspiration. I switched up a few things , but the end result was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Score!!!!

Blog Link
down to earth style
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American stain from Minwax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Memorial flag case

Submitted by TMW on Wed, 10/07/2015 - 13:11

I built this case for my Grandma when my Grampa died. I wanted to be able to display the shells as well. The design is a combination of a few I saw and like different aspects of.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Garage shelv

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/23/2018 - 18:38

104.5” long, 17 1/2” wide. Heughan varies but on average is 72”. My garage slopes downward, so each front leg is a different length which made the unit level. I used joist hangers instead of pocket holes. 

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/09/2022 - 22:36

I have not yet sanded or sealed the chairs. I made two in 5 hours because I ran out of screws and had to go and get some more but I made these for my husband and my 15 year wedding anniversary to be able to spend more time outside after the kids go to bed. It cost me $130 plus the cushions to build

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s

Comments

"Sweet Dreams" - CUSTOM KING-SIZE HEADBOARD

Submitted by BamaGurl on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 22:23

I constructed this generous sized king-size headboard (tagged "Sweet Dreams") from a large number of beautiful deep discounted photo frames (pretty matting, exotic glass, all black purchased from Kroger for $1 each on a clearance rack) and featuring favorite photos of my daughter (for whom the headboard gift was intended) and her husband and children. For little more cost in wood for the framing and rope lighting to provide a soft glow through the channeled glass that surrounded each photo in the center frames made this the perfect gift. When it was hung on the wall with legs for support and mounted on a "french cleat". I coupled the headboard with two beautiful black nightstands I bought from a yardsale and painted to match the headboard. Then we placed wrought iron candlelabras over each nightstand and VOILA! It is a beautiful beadroom! Total cost: approximately $60 Best footnote, the photos can be changed out to keep the headboard fresh and current. (Do know...this is VERY heavy and must be handled with great care because of all the glass in the frames.)

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black semi-gloss enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 08:36

What a great idea. Would love to see a photo of all the projects combined for the full effect!

Bama Gurl (not verified)

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 14:35

Unfortunately Luis, I do not have other photos of the headboard...none of the "construction process" nor other angles of the finished piece. The basic process was first knowing the average width of a king sized headbard, then acquiring the inexpensive photo frames and laying out the configuration you like best. Then I took 1"x1" 8 or 10 ft long pieces of unfinished wood and built a "frame" of horizontal pieces..first laying the wood on the floor, then putting the frames in their planned final arrangement by using cut pieces of 1x1 to put vertically between the individual frames to get the spacing correct. Then I put the end 1x1 pieces on to complete the 4 sided "frame". NOTE: I worked with the framing wood "face down" so that once the entire configuration was determined and all wood pieces were cut and in place, they could be joined together. I used glue and small metal plates that spanned the tiny joints and screws that made the joints more "permanent". Once all joints were finished, I used tiny wood screen moulding and glued it in place on two of the four sides of each opening (toward the back, precisely placed so that each photo frame fit flush with the face of the front of the frame). Then I painted the wood frame black (front, back, sides, top, bottom, etc). Once dry, I glued each frame in place in each opening. NOTE: Each frame, accessible from the back,allows for photos to be inserted and changed out. Finally I glued tiny wood medallion wood embellishments in each of the four corners and applied narrow wood trim that appears "carved" and three dimentional (using glue and tiny finishing nails) to the primary vertical and horizontal frame pieces. Then I carefully applied a final 2 coats of black paint. Lastly, on the back side, I took rope lighting "holders" that screw in place and mapped the hidden rope lighting and installed the rope lighting...out of view of the front view but where the soft light could illuminate the headboard. The final puzzle was how to put the headboard in place. First I built a wood rectangle the width of the headboard and the heigth I wanted the overall headboard to be and glued and screwed the base together...and painted it too. Then I made a "french cleat" that is simply a 2x4 cut at an angle so that when one piece is permanently attached to the back of the headboard with screws. Attach the other half to the wall, screwing it into the wall. Then 2 people can lift the heavy headboard onto the wall cleat. The base should rest on the floor and the cleat holds it to the wall. NOTE: You can google "french cleat" an look at photos and note instructions to see how to do this part. Hope all this helps. I will be glad to answer any other questions. Good luck.