Community Brag Posts

2x4 and Jalousie Console

Using reclaimed 2x4s stored in our garage, old tempered privacy glass jalousies, and deep purple paint, I built a rear console to place behind our sofa in our home theater living room. :)

I consider this an Intermediate project, only because of the care needed to cut and install the glass. The items on the rear console top are fairly lightweight and the glass is short enough to hold firm on its supports.

Estimated Cost
$10 using reclaimed 2x4s, old jalousies, and supplies we already had
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Royal Purple semi-gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 14:41

This is beautiful! I'm inspired to try building something with glass! I have an old display cabinet that I was thinking of giving away, but after seeing this I decided to disassemble and save the parts and make something out of it. :)

Console Table

Submitted by ctummins on Sun, 07/12/2015 - 01:47

First table I've built. The Rustic X Console Table was fun and fairly simple. A little complicated since we live in Hawaii and decent cheap wood is difficult to come by. Makes my entrance way very inviting. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Art Center / Work Dest

Girls table was too small, especially when they have friends over. We have a little nook that this will slide right into in the living/dining room. The bottom has drawers, they just were not completed when i took the pictures.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - American Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Furniture Build

Submitted by Jeffmb on Thu, 02/03/2022 - 14:23

My first indoor furniture project - the Rustic X coffee table. I added a lift top to store remotes etc and use as a laptop table. Fairly easy build I only had trouble aligning the "x's". I used of the shelf dimensional lumber but I might try this one again using different wood and a lighter finish.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cedar Barnwood Frame

After my husband caught a big bull Texas Redfish, we wanted to try out a Japanese printing method he'd seen on an episode of Mounted in Alaska. We painted the fish with tempura paint, then pressed on some rice paper and voila! A nifty, artistic fish print. The problem now would be finding a frame, so we built one following Ana's barnwood frame plans. We bought a cedar 1x4 and ripped it in half to create the 1x2's needed. More details on printing and framing are on my blog.

We changed up the method a little by routing the inner edge of each piece before putting the main square of the frame together, to give a ledge for plexiglass to sit in. Then we popped in the plexi, taped the print down, and stapled on some cardboard for backing. It's easy to hammer in some sawtooth hangers onto the back for wall mounting too.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simple Bookshelf from reclaimed wood

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 07/15/2013 - 18:52

Built entirely from reclaimed wood (plywood, scraps, and left over trim). Using what was on hand, adjusted the plans to be 39 3/4" tall and 36" wide, and added a toe kick. This took a couple of afternoons to build and finish. Painted with black semi-gloss paint and stained with Walnut stain. The plywood is from other projects that were disassembled and ripped to 1x12 size boards. The trim is a mix of S4S, mini stop, and oak shelf edge. This was a fun build, and it fits perfectly under the TV.

Note- I'm not sure why the lead-in picture comes up sideways when you click to expand it -- does anyone have advice on what to do to the picture to make it expand without rotating? It worked fine when I attached it below under 'additional photos.'

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
0
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Black semi gloss paint (Ace Royal), Minwax express color in Walnut (2 coats) and 1 coat Minwax Oil Modified water based poly over everything.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

yurra-bazain

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 14:38

Joanne, you're a building machine! I'm inspired by how much you've built and how soon you complete your newest projects. Love that we both built birthday gifts that are black and stained reclaimed wood. =D We're in sync.

I'm still learning about building. Could you explain what S4S is and mini stop? Also, can we be friends on here? I'd love to continue tracking your work.

JoanneS

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 15:28

Yvonne, thanks so much for the nice comments! We love the black and walnut furniture, it's becoming our motif in the living room. I've added some links to the trims I used on this project.

This is the mini stop moulding I like to use for edging shelves, decorating cabinet doors, and on my island and pantry, used it instead of quarter-round at the floor on the base moulding.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_7129-1487-951+8PINE_4294715696__?productId=3042…

This is the 1/2" x 3/4" S4S (surfaced 4 sides) moulding I used on this one. It's also available in 3/4" x 3/4". This makes great edging for plywood, but it's so versatile I've used it for drawer slides and lots of other projects too.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_3487-1487-254+8+PINE_0__?productId=3667700&Ntt=…

Here's the shelf edge. Mine was oak but it's the same shape as this:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&la…

PS - you're in my friends list! :) Joanne

yurra-bazain

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 09:28

Thank you for sharing the links and information and for the friendship. :)

I'd like to play with adding some trim to furniture I will build for my daughter's room, since we are using a more traditional/classic style in there. Everything I built for our living room is un-trimmed.

I also am still learning about wood types. Since I shop for lumber in my garage and at a re-use warehouse, I usually have no idea what woods I am working with. I paint the wood based on the look I'm trying to achieve, and I stain it for the same reason too. Then someone gently critiqued my use of lumber, remarking that I should not paint reclaimed wood, that I should paint fir and pine, leave reclaimed wood natural, and only stain wood with grain patterns, or I am not using the wood optimally.

Of course, real life confuses me because the mini stop and S4S you shared are "stain grade pine," and look darker than the pine I've seen. I'll definitely keep a look out for them when building for my daughter's room and maybe even our bedroom (which only has a bed and some closet space, but we're building for it last.)

Also, I dropped by a big box store to pick up plexiglass for a new project and I came across signs for wood called "Common Board." Needless to say, I am confused. lol.

=D Are you working on a new project, too? I am definitely look forward to your next step.

JoanneS

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 16:46

Hi Yvonne,
I do the same thing! I'll use whatever's on hand in my garage before going out to buy a board, and paint or stain them to make the project look the way I'd like it to. This summer I'm on a mission to use up my scraps and disassembled projects that have been cut into standard sizes. My current project is another bathroom vanity retrofit to make it look like a Napoleon vanity. This one will be blue with a walnut glaze. I'm working on some little drawers to go in front of the sink. I'll post a brag when it's all done. PS - out here in Maryland our Lowes calls those boards "whitewood" boards. They are a lot cheaper than the hardwood boards and select pine, but you do have to look through them harder to make sure to get straight ones. For those I think the wood species the stores offer depends on the region you are in. Our Lowes' trim selection is limited in the narrow sizes, so they only carry stain grade for those.

Fancy X Desk

Submitted by eralben on Thu, 07/16/2015 - 11:55

I made this desk for my wife's office space.  The plans for this desk are great and easy to follow.  The only change I made was I shortened the size of the desk top to fit in our space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse king

Submitted by Chrisdiana on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 15:14

Followed Ana's plans as directed but made the headboard four inches shorter by shortening the legs only on the headboard.  We used low profile boxsprings (2 twin XL @ 5 inches thick) and king size memory foam mattress which was 10 inches high.  The clearance at the bottom of the side rails is 6 and one half inches high.  Total cost of lumbar was about $300. We had stain on hand. Kreg jig screws brings the total to about $315.

Estimated Cost
$315
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax ebony stain, and satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse table bench no pocket holes or screws on top

Submitted by tjlichat on Wed, 02/23/2022 - 12:55

Liked very much the general design of the farmhouse plans but wanted to avoid buying the pocket hole jig and the puttying of screw holes on top side (exposed) side of boards.

Increased slightly the table top and bench seat board supports (2x2's) which worked well for holding those down and placed the angled wood piece in corner of table leg to support bread board.

Please with the results. We really wanted to avoid attempting to hide the screw holes with putty. Others have posted and we had similar results of blotches on the surface of the top boards resulting from even "stainable" putty. No amount of sanding seemed to help.

Child Size Adirondack Lawn Chair

This was a very simple build, but to do it again I would attach the arms to the arm supports at a 90* angle before attaching them to the chair itself. My kids love this style of chair and are thrilled to have their own nice loungers out in the yard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10 each ($30 for 3 including paint, wood filler, sandpaper....)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum's American Accents in Colonial Red. I finished each board after cutting but when I build this chair the next time I will paint the board prior to cutting and then just touch-up the cut ends before assembly because it is much faster to paint 3/4 long boards than 25ish small ones!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy 2x4 Cubicle Shelf

This was the first project my husband and I attempted. I'm new to building but he has lots of experience. Went real well, I should have taken the advice though to measure and cut trim at the end. I did it at the start to get it sanded and we ended up needing to redo it all with new wood. So happy with the end result though, tons of storage for baby's toys.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

NannyGoat

Wed, 05/12/2021 - 20:02

Do you have the plans for this? It looks really great for my grandchild's toys.
THanks.
Nancy

Pottery Barn Bench Knockoff

Submitted by worrow on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 11:54

My neighbours had noticed the things I build and asked if I could build them a nice bench. I had some very nice pieces laying around that I thought would be amazing to laminate for the top. After completing the top which was alot of elbow grease, I needed to build the base. I cannot for the life of me find the link, but I know it was from Shanty Chic. It is absolutely beautiful, one of my best pieces of work.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax (Walnut)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

worrow

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 08:12

I don't remember which plan I got the base from, but the top is of my own design, and I spend awhile figuring out what kind of base I wanted, but it is suppose to be representative of an old design from Pottery Barn, was built for some friends that needed something heavy duty.

Modified grandy console

Submitted by Lukilla on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 12:22

Built a smaller version of the grandy console with slot in the top for a sound bar. This was my first time using barn door hardware. Was a good time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250 (includes barn door hardware)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain anf white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Whiskey/ Wine Bar

Submitted by Dan Dodd on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 13:43

Whiskey on the left, Wine rack & glass holders on the right with storage in the middle. Frame built mostly with Pine, painted with Peppercorn Grey. Cherry tabletop with live edge. Finished with boiled linseed oil and semi-gloss polyurethane. A whiskey Bar should be fun! Stick on lights in each bay battery powered, comes with remote with many color options.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 03/18/2022 - 17:41

It looks great and serves it purpose, love the added lights for fun! Thanks for sharing:)

Modified Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by ewood on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 08:04

Wanted a Patio table and when I saw the plans on this site I really liked it; I just changed the plan a bit. Everything was screwed from the underside of the table, also I attached the legs with 2" lag screws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic x console table

Submitted by langlena on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 08:19

This was my first project! I love how it came out. Now my husband want the matching end tables. Can't wait to get started

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I followed the plans exactly. The stain that was used was minwax red mahogany and then I coated with a couple coats of polyurithane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dressed up Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by kcragun on Fri, 07/24/2015 - 10:25

I added some decorative trim to the top of the table and also to the sides of the table.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black paint and pecan stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Sectional (modified park bench)

Submitted by JustJ on Tue, 02/20/2018 - 08:16

This is a modified version of Ana's park bench.  Had a large deck, with plenty of room for a sectional. 

I basically built two benches.  One with an extended back (to create the back for the side of the second), and modified the front leg to sit under the frame, to allow the second bench to sit flush.  I used lag bolts to attach them together on the seat base.  Using lag bolts allows it to be easily taken apart for moving.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Finished with Minwax Espress Polystain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Corner Cupboard

Submitted by tylerdr on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 00:10

This was my first project and it was perfect for our small kitchen.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of Chestnut stain applied with a rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

cooler for dads day

My dad made most everything I have ever had in life including the house I live in. So I wanted to make him something this dad's day that he could really use and enjoy. He just built a hang out place in his back yard that I call "his fort" Since he's in his 60's now and a little more mellow, he has a lot of little parties with friends, family, basically anyone who wants to come hang out in his back yard. lol. (He claims to have made the fort a covered stage for my 12 year old and his band. But I know the truth. hehe. it's his fort :) ) So I thought this cooler stand would come in handy. He saw me working on it a few days before fathers day and told me he was afraid I was gonna make his something girly. hehe. He's such a man's man. I love my pops and am soooo happy he likes my gift. Its already in use in the fort. hehe

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
about $80 for wood, stain, polyspray and hinges and handles. I had the cooler and faucet spout and plastic tubing and screws already
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax "weathered oak" 3 coats on the pine 2 on cedar. Sprayed with Vurathane spray polyurathane in a spray can. I love it. The sheen is satin so you can hardly tell its there, no gloss at all.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sgilly

Sun, 07/21/2013 - 13:00

Turned out really nice! I'm sure he was very happy with your gift.
PS: I'd love to have a fort like your Dad's. What a cute little place to escape to!

In reply to by sgilly

Melodys socal …

Mon, 07/22/2013 - 20:43

Thank you Sue :) his fort is so awesome. both my sister and I have houses on my dads property. The picture of his fort is from my balcony and I can see my dad in his fort every day. It makes me so happy to see him over there just relaxing (with his cooler hehe) looking around the yard at the trees, creek and all of his hard life's work. Everyone needs a grown up fort in my opinion.