Community Brag Posts

Not so Farm House Table

Submitted by rscolesII on Tue, 08/05/2014 - 09:22

This table was made using the original farmhouse table plans with pocket holes.I tapered the two inside sides of the 4x4s (25%) and subtracted the bottom support structure. All pieces were glued and screwed using the kreg system. Even without the lower support this table is rock solid. I choose to make this table look a little more traditional then the farmhouse table to match our design plans.

All parts of the table were sanded down smooth to 180 grit and treated with minwax prestain wood conditioner. The table was then stained with cabot premium wood stain and sealer in one(espresso -satin). Warning large surfaces are hard to stain evenly with out brush marks using this product. I used 3 coats in all with a light sanding using 600 grit after the first coat since it is a water based stain. It covered just a little more of the natural wood grain then I would have liked but I did prefer it to the polyshades product I used on the custom bench behind it.

When using pine it maybe best to just go for the distressed look. I am worried that my smooth table top will get destroyed by my son but he knows he isn't allowed to play cars on the table now so I am crossing my fingers. So far the table top is holding up very nicely to any abuse but it is still early on in its life.

I think in the future I will bite the bullet and use hard woods. As long as it takes to build furniture its nice if it lasts a little longer.

Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax prestain conditioner
cabot premium stain + sealer (Espresso-Satin)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X farmhouse table with modifications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/18/2016 - 06:32

We made the table with modifications to extend it from 72 inches to 96 inches. We created breadboard table ends. 

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

Ladder Shelf DIY

Another one bites the dust. Made this out of Ana instructions for a ladder shelf. Like the way this turned out alot. Ana White knows whats up :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finsih; Classic Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Baby Rocker for Moses Basket

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:33

Purchased a moses basket for my 1st grandchild and wanted to build the rocking cradle, there were not alot of plans online that i liked for this project. So after a few mock ups i was ready to go, but the rocking cradle continued to progress during the build , adding the diaperbag shelf between the rockers and then added extra support under where the moses basket sits. Overall was a fun project , and cant wait to see it get some use.

Shawn Helms

Built from Plan(s)

Rustic Reclaimed & Scrap Wood End Table

Submitted by AnnieO on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 09:22

I needed an end table that was a little bigger than the average end table - I had a space to fill in a corner between a couch and chair and was tired of the blank space being used as a dumping ground for...things my kids didn't want to put away or throw away. :) So I pulled ideas from a couple projects here and came up this. The cost was free since I just used the leftover wood from other projects we'd done and paint we already had lying around.

Estimated Cost
Free to Me
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint & Clear Poly - The paint for the top was a watered down brown. I used that instead of stain for 3 reasons - 1. So I could get the right shade of brown - I couldn't find a stain color I really liked, 2. I didn't want to wait for the stain to soak in anyway and set, 3. I wanted to be able to easily change it if I didn't the colors. The bottom part of the table is a bright green with a brown (the same as the top) wash over it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Taylors Console Table for the Patio

Submitted by CBCin843 on Thu, 08/07/2014 - 07:21

I fell in love with this table and decided to tackle it as my first ever furniture build. We spent more money that we'd planned investing in some new tools (i.e. Kreg Jig Mini and Clamps). We also had a lot of anxiety about initially getting started and trying the Kreg Jig for the first time, but I watched Ana's Kreg Jig Tutorial on Youtube, and it was actually very easy.

I'm going to say that it took us 10-20 hours to complete, because of the way we finished the table. We only worked on it 1-2 hours each week though, so it took us a couple months. :-)

This table is now on our patio where we can use it for toy storage or as a serving buffet for BBQ's. I'd call it a success! Thanks Ana for the inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Shanty to Chic's idea to spray paint the dark walnut and then use vaseline to make distressing easier. I wish I'd used more Vaseline, but I was scared to have the table look too distressed. Now I can see that I could have used a lot more. Then we painted over it with Lowe's recipe for DIY Chalk Paint with existing leftover paint and Plaster of Paris. We sealed it with Johnson's Furniture Paste Wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Faux Fireplace Mantel

Submitted by mandamo488 on Mon, 11/21/2016 - 11:03

For this project, I wanted my faux fireplace to look very similar to a real fireplace (of course!). So in orde to do that, I added a little more depth by using 1x6 boards instead of 1x3s. For the front of the piece, I added the faux brick wall paneling from Home Depot and used the spackling method to give it that weathered appearance!! 

Estimated Cost
I had most of the materials on hand so overall I would say it cost about $50. If you have to buy all the materials it would still cost less than $100!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First big build - workbench

Submitted by Pizzle on Mon, 08/10/2020 - 18:50

This is my first big build and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. There are a few things I would do different but its all a part of the learning process :-)
I cut the leg blockings down to 4" and added casters so I could move this around.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Shelves --- > Varathane Premium Weathered Gray + Polyurethane
Legs + Skirtings ----> Behr Blue Endeavour Semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Bike Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:45

Now storing 5 bikes in the shed instead of hanging from the ceiling in the garage.

Len Verhulst

Built from Plan(s)

Burnt Pine Bed Frame

This is a king sized bed frame. The beams interlock. They were burnt with a torch, stained and clear coated. The headboard was my first attempt at upholstery.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean, Rockhard Table Top Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Aj (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 18:54

Oh my gosh, this bed is absolutely gorgeous! Did you use or modify one of Ana's plans, draw it up yourself? Would absolutely love the plans to build one for myself if its okay :)

johnny_paints

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 07:31

Thanks! I don't really have any plans for it. I got the idea from searching screwless bedframe. Found one one instructables site:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Nail-less-glue-less-almost-screw-less-f…

I wanted one that could be built with no screws (the headboard does have some screws though). My plan is to raise the frame on posts also so I could get rid of the box spring.

The hardest part is making the wedge cutout. I used a miter saw first and finished the cut on the scroll saw to get straight clean cutout. (step 3 from the website posted shows a good picture)

The headboard is basically a smaller version of the bed frame. Then I stapled the fabric on, then stuffed it with quilting baton.

Hope that helps. Check out the link, it will help more.

Shanty Sideboard and Hutch Built-in

Submitted by tpeacock on Sat, 08/09/2014 - 20:47

I made this a built-in cabinet instead of freestanding. I am so in love with how it turned out. My 15 year old daughter helped me build it, and we couldn't be happier. The total cost for this was around $300. The wood itself was only $200, but my drill died on me, so I had to get a new one. (Poor me, right?)

This new built-in has changed the whole look of my dining room. I just wish I had done this a year ago!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Behr Pure Ultra White for the paint which I then glazed with Valspar Asphaltum glaze from Lowe's. I glazed more heavily in the areas I wanted to stand out, like between the tongue and groove planks on the back of the upper cabinet.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

vegetable produce bin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/25/2016 - 00:54

The plans seemed ok for me. I used all scrap lumber I had laying around. I bought a kreg jig in the middle of this project, after watching one of Ana's vidoes's about pocket holes. That is one reason why I built the 3 doors all twice, but also swapped out the top piece of the bin 3x's before I finally settled. In other words, I really struggled with this, but I was so excited to perservere and have this completed!  

I haven't wanted to make one of these for a long time. Thank you so much for the site and all the plans! I love all your work and your style. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
used all scrap wood, bought hinged so maybe $10
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
chalk paint-seafoam and chocolate
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Yard Wagon

Submitted by MichaelDH on Fri, 08/14/2020 - 14:25

This is my second yard wagon, a little bigger and cleaner looking than the original. Made from 2x3 lumber for the frame and hitch, 1/2” OSB for the floor area, and various 1x lumber for the rest.

Because I detest seeing screw heads in anything I build, the side boards are assembled with plenty of 1.25” brad nails and Titebond glue. It is thoroughly sealed with Thompson’s before being assembled. You could paint or finish this anyway you want.

The rear railing lifts out to help you in emptying it.
The tires were bought at Menards for about $15 each.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson water seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Amish Hope Chest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/28/2024 - 14:16

I built this cedar chest for a customer. I got the design from an Amish cedar chest company. Hardware from Lee Valley.

Todd Brown

Simple and Elegant Side Tablel

Submitted by Jake on Wed, 10/24/2012 - 12:58

This small but elegant side table was made based upon a plan from The Design Confidential. A friend of mine gave me a lot of 3/4" solid oak flooring that her deceased husband (11 years ago) had stored in a shed. It is beautiful. So I made this little table using the wood for the top. I made the top by putting Tightbond III glue in the flooring grooves and then clamping the pieces together. Then after the glue dried I used my flooring saw to rip the tongues and grooves so I have one solid piece of flooring/top. I also did not glue the top to the base but just used pocket hole screws from the underside to hold it on the base. The reason was in case the top or base became damaged it would be easily removable for repair.

Estimated Cost
Wood free so screws and glue maybe $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For the top I used two coats of Minwax Golden Oak. The base of the table is three coats of Rustoleum Satin White Enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Walnut Dining Table

This table was a lot of fun to make it wasn't too hard. The hardest part was cutting the dados. If you have a table saw, it's not as hard. I hope you watch the video of how it was made.
http://youtu.be/ymz3Zim79Lo?list=PLRGcaQeW9svX5lRtTc9w2LrOzEFoez3j0

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

Castle bed! :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/28/2016 - 18:44

Great plans!!  We modified just a little. Thank you!

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Themed Adirondack Chairs

I created one chair as a proof of concept and stained after it was put together. I then create the other two frames and then stained and varnished (4 coats) the frames and the seat pieces before connecting them. I then added the vinyl emblems to two of the chairs and applied a final coat of varnish over the emblems. Very comfortable and we love how they look.

Estimated Cost
$150 for three (includes the vanish and stain)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane tintable base - Navy
Varathane tintable base - White
Halacyon rugged gloss varnish
Oracal Vinyl 651
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy Doll Crib, Modified

Submitted by Linda7 on Mon, 10/29/2012 - 12:46

This doll crib is for another grandniece who loves both her baby boy and girl dolls, hence the Jack and Jill decal. This bed is modified from the Fancy Doll Crib plans using 1 x 2 for the side rails instead of dowels, and also a flat top. It is also larger than the plans: 21" long and 20" legs. My sister found a vintage J & J fabric piece which we plan to use as the mattress cover.

I said this is a day project but it takes me several days in between other activities, and I am very slow and methodical. (I also make sure to fill in all of the pocket holes with wood filler, usually two "coats" to get them perfectly level with the surrounding wood. After painting, it's very hard to tell where the fasteners are unless you know where to look.) It would take most people much less time than I. This is my 5th doll bed, and I have at least one more to go.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $25.00 including the paint
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar glossy white spray paint over Kilz primer; protected the decal with several thin coats of Modge Podge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Solar Birdhouse

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 08/17/2014 - 13:40

Simple/Fun project

Build Instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Birdhouse/

Video of the build:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU5ffvweSjQ

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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