Community Brag Posts

Kids Country Bench

Submitted by iwn2000 on Wed, 04/22/2015 - 12:34

We wanted a bench for our daughter for our front porch, both for sitting and for storage of her rain boots, outdoor toys, etc. I'm definitely a beginner woodworker so I wanted something easy I could tackle in a couple of days with only basic tools, so I chose the Kids' Country Bench project. I liked the version posted here by a user named Jenny Anne, who modified the bench to make three cubbies rather than two on the bottom shelf, so I did the same thing.

It was easy, and the bench turned out great! I used no power tools except for a cordless drill to do the 40+ pilot holes & woodscrews. I don't own a jigsaw and I want to learn hand tools anyway, so I used a coping saw (a kind of miniature hacksaw) to do the curved cuts on the trim & the legs, and used heavy-grit sandpaper to smooth out the wobbles (there were a lot of wobbles).

For the rest of the cuts I used a Japanese-style pull saw (a cheap one from Ace Hardware). Cutting all the boards to length with a handsaw was probably the hardest part, and I had a tough time truing the edges. Next time I would probably use a miter box and miter saw to get perfect 90-degree angles, but I got better as I went along, and was able to finish the edges pretty well with a wood file and sandpaper.

I wanted to stain it a deep red color, but my better half insisted on a clear stain, so I used clear Polycrylic, four coats on the top & outsides, and three coats on the inner & undersides.

The bench feels pretty sturdy and is definitely strong enough to take my 3-year-old's weight. The trim on the front and back acts as a brace, so it's got some structural integrity. I don't know that I would trust it to hold an adult's full weight for very long -- I probably won't be dancing on it or using it as a stepstool or anything, but for a kid's bench it's solid and level.

The whole build probably took me four sessions in my "workshop" (i.e. my basement), at probably 2-3 hours per session. With woodworking it's definitely true that you learn by doing -- I gained confidence as I went along and am excited to try some more advanced projects!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $150 total, but that included some tools I needed for my workshop. It would have been much cheaper for just the lumber and glue.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear Polycrylic, applied with synthetic-bristle brushes (brushes can be cleaned with soap and water between uses). Four coats on outer faces, three coats on inner and under sides. Two hours' drying time between coats, 24 hours' drying time after final coat before use.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Our version of the Tryde Collection

Submitted by seesaw on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 11:28

I left for work one morning, and came home to a coffee table and two end tables that my husband made while I was gone. They are absolutely beautiful and complete my living room. He found the plans easy to read and the projects themselves not hard at all.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Mix of Minwax Early American and Golden Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Wood Toy Box

This is a great beginners project. I wanted something that would match my living room and still be functional for my daughter to get her toys out . We have a full tutorial at our blog.... www.Ahouse-2-Home.com Also , if you have any questions please feel free to leave us a comment! Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Chestnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ImTheNana

Sun, 01/25/2015 - 07:15

Is there another source for the plans? The linked site is down.

Kids Country Bench Modified: First Build

Submitted by EllenFitz on Sun, 03/13/2011 - 19:20

My husband and I put this together to fit a spot that was just slightly off of what standard furniture would accomodate. Looking for something simple as a first build, we went with the Kids Country Bench and made some changes along the way.
We made 3 cubbies on the bottom shelf for extra storage and a little extra stability, since our boards were more bowed than we preferred. We also removed the front and back aprons. In the front we just attached a 1x2 that we ripped into a 1x1 as a trim piece. In the back, we centered a 1x2 to give a slight lip in the back.
I don't have a jigsaw, so we used my FIL's Scroll Saw. That was interesting ... but the sides turned out ok. Not perfect, but ok.
I was hoping to finish this with a high gloss product, but since the boards we ended up with more 'rustic' than I anticipated, I decided to embrace that and go with a distressed finish. I used a spray primer, and then one coat of Sherwin Williams yellow, covered with a dry brush of Sherwin Williams blue. I then sanded the corners and edges and finished with a spray top coat.
We had lots of fun, although it took us a long time. We were only working in small shifts, in between naps. If we had managed to get, say, 3 straight hours to build, I think we could have finished in in that time period.
This was a great starter project, and it's nice to know that we can make MINOR modifications to a plan and not have it fall apart on us :)
Thanks for the inspiration Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Distressed/Dry Brush paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Large Cubby Bookshelf for nursery

Submitted by Shaila on Sun, 05/17/2015 - 13:28

I wanted a bookcase for my son's room that would add some color and be a functional storage unit for his books and toys. I did not buy the highest grade of pine because it would have doubled the project cost and I knew I was going to paint it. The only trouble I had was that the boards were a little cupped so the shelves don't have an invisible fit. I used stock moulding and cut down the base trim to fit. In hind sight, I would have not done the adjustable shelves. I like the symmetrical look of this and can't see myself moving them. I did make a cleat to attach it securely to the wall so that a busy climbing boy wouldn't pull it down on himself.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
This probably cost me $100 because I bought two paint colors.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior paintd
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Octagon table

Took about 1 week to finish the project. I like the overall result.

Instead of using pocket hole to join the top, I use dowel and glue to join the board together. Clamp the top in sections then combine 2 large piece together. 

using the speed squre to create the 45 degree angle and use the circular saw to cut out the angled section. 

I used the table saw to cut off the round edge on 2x2 to create smooth Table apron.

Use wood filer to fill all the crack and hole from brad nail/joint. 

apply 2 layer of stain. allow it to dry overnight. Then Thin out poly with minaral Spirit to wipe on 4-5 layers.

sand finish in between with 330 grit paper

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min-wax Red Mahogany with 4 layer of Min-wax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Trestle table with a few modifications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 14:13

I went with a butcher block table top, 48x120”. Rostered the edges with a chamfer bit. I didn’t use the 45 braces Otis plenty sturdy. It would come through the door assembled so it was assembled in place and weighs more than any other piece of furniture we have. It seats 8 adults comfortably.

Thanks, Ana White

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Storage beds (twin) with Corner unit

Submitted by Dinabu on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 08:48

We made these beds for my daughters, who were ready to pass on the bunkbeds to their little sisters. We have 4 girls in one room, so use of space is crucial! I originally wanted the hutch as well, but as you can see in the picture, we had to work around a wall cut out, so we modified the corner unit to have a larger shelf area to fit the space. We also left the sides open to be able to slide containers in to store out of season clothes and blankets, though the ends have a backing.

Estimated Cost
$250-$300.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Red Hen Home's Farmhouse Storage Bed

I made the Farmhouse Storage bed for my son's room, which also has to double as the guest room. It has a planked headbord and footboard. I made the slats in removable sections under the mattress to access the storage between the drawer boxes. Also modified the drawers somewhat to use less wood (basically they don't have a double-thickness front). I also used 1/2" plywood to cut down on the weight of the drawers, and they seem to work great! I used iron-on veneer to cover up the raw edges of the plywood on the drawer boxes. More information and pictures on my blog! http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-handbuilt-bedroom-pt-4-bed.h… http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-handbuilt-bedroom-pt-6-drawe…

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom mix of Minwax Antique Walnut/Weathered Oak stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Convertible Classic Bunk Bed

Submitted by sharonw on Mon, 06/22/2015 - 22:24

I modifed the Classic Bunk Bed and Cubby designs to create a convertible twin over full bunk bed. The bottom full-sized bunk can be rotated to be parallel to the wall (when my son sleeps there) or perpendicular to the wall (for when we have guests so they don't have to climb over one another). Changes I made were:

- I moved the ladder to the end of the bed to make room for the full-sized mattress.
- I added 1x2 treads to the ladder to make it easier on the feet.
- I raised the height of the top bunk. Finished height of the bed is 68" to add head room on the bottom bunk for taller people.
- I built 2 custom cubbies (full dimensions of each 37.5" x ~13.5" x 11.5") to support the added width of the full-sized bottom bunk. These cubbies can also be rotated to support the mattress in the perpendicular position for use as a guest bed (see pictures).
- I built an additional support that fits onto the back of each of the cubbies when they are turned to support the perpendicular guest bed (see pictures).
- I changed the end support rails for the bottom bunk to 1x12s that I painted to match the bed to be used as night stands when the bed is rotated to be a guest bed (see pictures).
- I used wood thread inserts and 1/4"-20 connector bolts (from Fastenal) to assemble the bed, so it would be easy to disassemble and reassemble.

Funny story - When we went to move it to the second story bedroom from the garage where I had finished it, the long sides wouldn't fit up our stairs!!! Our stairs have a tight 90 degree turn partway up. After all the hours I put in building and finishing it, I almost cried! Fortunately after using a straight edge blade to carefully cut through the paint, we unscrewed the upper most rail and were able to just barely get it up our stairs. I was so thankful I hadn't glued those boards on!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 coat primer, 2 coats Olympic ONE in their standard Black (satin), 2 coats Minwax polycrylic (satin - although I thought it looked shinier than I expected). All applied with a Purdy 3" angled brush.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Closet Shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/13/2022 - 09:01

My closet system is four separate units that I butted up together and attached to the wall with a "decorative" 2x4 railing around the entirety of the closet. The main unit looks the closest to the real design but is 8 feet long and 8 feet tall to avoid extra cutting of boards. The smaller unit only has one area for hanging up clothes and is around 5 feet long which is just the length of the wall. I also built a unit for holding sheets and towels and another for my wife's shoes.

The plans are really easy to follow but I would suggest a few things:
-Do stain and boards before cutting; this would have been a nightmare otherwise.
-If you use the metal clothing rods (if I could go back in time I would have used wooden dowels) make sure that you put those in before you attach any boards between the support structures. I ended up having a 35 inch gap instead of a 36 inch gap and it killed my momentum.
-I made mine 8 feet tall because it was less to cut and then re-stain; time wise it probably was a scratch cause I had to build it in place and at the end it was very tight to work in the space.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Workshop Now in Session!

Submitted by Ahlinn3 on Thu, 01/25/2018 - 18:46

Easy instructions and simple design. One cart houses table saw, and the other I plan to make a router table. I did make a slight modification in design by adding T-nuts and 5/16” bolts for feet. (My shop floor is crowned). I also used 3/4” melamine white panels for table tops. Difficult to work with but cheaper and has a smooth surface. (Be careful using for structural parts due to glue not impregnating through melamine) 

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Shaker Style Cabinet Redo for Laundry Room Renovation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 19:02

This was my first time being involved in a renovation. At our last house, my husband (who works in trim carpentry) did all the work to my decor instructions. This time I wanted to be involved and do the work alongside him. Using Ana White's instructions we were able to reface our laundry room cabinet to be the shaker style cabinet that I love. Keeping with a modern theme, we painted it black. I've included the before and after photos of the cabinet as well as the cabinet in context to the entire laundry room that was renovated. It came out awesome. Thankful for all of her helpful posts.

Comments

Benchmark Media Console

Our version of the Benchmark Media console. We shortened the width to accommodate our space, and decided to do 4 doors instead of two. Had some trouble with them not being square, might redo the doors if we get around to building the matching bookcases, but it's not something I can't live with for now. Used General Finishes light brown dye stain, followed by GF shaker maple water based stain, GF Pitch black glaze, and Endurovar satin.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250 (not quite sure, but think the wood was around $150, plus screws, hinges, hardware and finishing supplies)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes light brown dye stain, Shaker Maple, Pitch Black glaze, Endurovar satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Convertible benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 13:43

We love these benches! We actually just leave one of them in bench form and the other in table form for everyday use.

Comments

New Chicken nesting appartments under construction

Submitted by DrSnuggles on Sat, 07/18/2015 - 18:56

Quick and fun Saturday working on building these cool new nesting boxes for my friends farm. Yes, the alterior motiv is that I keep getting free eggs LOL guilty!!!

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maybe $10 and used a bunch of scrap wood.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Twin Bed With Drawers

I built this twin bed with drawers for my daughter and I LOVE all the storage the drawers provide.  I slightly modified the plans it was based off of--you can find more info and see details from the build on my blog House Becoming Home.

Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kitchen Counter Height Table

Submitted by Sue Hill on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 15:53

This counter height farmhouse table fit my space perfectly. I made it narrower than Ana's table but the same length, 48" x 27".  Instead of a 3/4" plywood top, I joined five 5/4" x 6 pine boards for the top. The stools fit exactly under the table when I want to use it as a workspace. I can also use both sides of the table if I pull it out. 

Estimated Cost
Hard to say since I had been saving the cedar posts for a few years, so I didn't have to purchase them.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed and painted the legs & table.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids' Desks

Submitted by docfin02 on Mon, 09/14/2015 - 18:52

Simple design, very practical, and the kids love them

Estimated Cost
$100 for two desks
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
polyurethane on desktop
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Table

This is my very first woodworking project (except for a Paper Towel Holder in High school over twenty years ago).I have always wanted a long farmhouse table, so when I saw the plans,I was excited to try building my own. Thanks so much Ana for making this doable! 

Estimated Cost
Under $200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut #224 and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments