Community Brag Posts

Adjustable pipe stools

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/31/2020 - 14:38

White chair was made first mostly based on the original plans, but my pipe flange broke immediately. So I just bolted the top on and then made red chair with a pipe and harbor freight pipe clamp instead of all-thread and nuts. It allows easy instant adjustment and a better fit with the pipe flange.

The reason I made the change is that pipe threading has a tapered angle, so when used with all-thread which is a strait cylinder, it doesn't make proper thread contact. On top of that, the only all thread I could find had a different threads per in (10 vs 14) than standard pipe and cross threaded my flange, causing it to break on the first use.

I used 3/4ths pipe because I was trying to avoid all possible problems from the first try (which used a 1/2 in pipe flange) and this took too much material out of my cross supports for my comfort. So I added 45 deg right triangle scrap to the corners to beef it up. Probs would be much cheaper and still work fine with 1/2 in pipe.

Finally both chairs have much shorter legs than suggested in the plans because I needed regular chair height stools, not bar stools. And they still get high enough to be usable at counter height (but not ideal).

Estimated Cost
35ish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of random paint, sanded down a bit to look worn.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bed with drawer storage

Submitted by SE-Mark on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 22:56

I had to come on here to thank you all for inspiring me to build this bed! The thought of building such a big piece of furniture never really occurred to me until I saw the Farmhouse queen plans, which really got the gears turning.

I wanted to add some storage to the bed, though, and so I kept looking at other projects on this site. I don't know which plans are all combined into this one, but you can see the one side table in some of the pictures which is based on a hutch plan here, and the concepts there are used in the drawer fronts on the bed. I still plan to build a matching side table for this side of the bed and also a dresser unit to complete the bedroom set.

This entire project was built on my deck as I don't have a garage. Started at the end of September and working by flood light on nights where I could find the time. It was finally moved inside to paint. The bed is built into four sections for disassembly - headboard, footboard, and a base section that is split in half with knockdown fasteners. The headboard and footboard are also attached with knockdowns, so the entire bed comes apart with an allen key.

The cost was incredibly low. My biggest cringe costs were for the 4x4 posts, which I had to buy in cedar, and the birch 3/4" plywood for the drawers. All in costs are still under $200, though I did own a Kreg system which got used a fair amount.

I did modify the footboard / headboard construction since I had the Kreg system. Rather than using a 1x4 backing board with 1x verticals and a 1x4 front board, I used a Kreg'ed 2x4 as the backing board, flush to the 4x4 post... no 4 1/2" screws required! The 1x verticals were then glued and nailed onto the 2x4s, and the 1x4 front board was glued and nailed to it.

The drawers are huge! 29" wide x 26" deep x 14" tall (more or less). Also, they are positioned so that when a side table is placed beside the bed the drawers can still open. The panel at the head of the bed is a door with a magnetic catch. I think of that area as 'deep storage' as you would have to move a side table to get in there. The door is there to get there if you want to though.

One cost not accounted for... my 'work bench' patio table sustained an injury. I still maintain I did not drop anything onto it. In fact, I was using a tape measure to measure a drawer length when the glass shattered out from under the piece I was measuring. It was cold in the morning, so maybe that had something to do with it. But now I just have to add 'fix patio table' to the project list.

Thanks again!
Mark

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tremclad / Rustoleum semi-gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

5 tator tots (not verified)

Tue, 10/23/2012 - 19:04

I can't wait until we have time to build a farmhouse storage bed. Yours looks great!.

jaimej

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 19:35

Very smart placement of the drawers - I too am aspiring to build this some day and wondered about a fix on that - do I just store things in that drawer I rarely want to get at? No, I like your idea better. Beautiful job on the bed - it looks nice.

niki

Sun, 11/10/2013 - 17:49

This is exactly what I'm looking for. I love the drawers. Would you be willing to share more on how you did those, vs the plywood boxes in the plans?

SE-Mark

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 11:40

Sorry for taking so long to reply to your question! I missed it.

I don't have any pictures / details on how it was done, but I can explain it. The front face is built as a 2x4 surround with 1x6 inset boards. I then put a dado in the bottom side 1/4" up from the bottom.

I then made a drawer box from 5/8" plywood, kreg jigged to the front face. A 1/4" piece of plywood was used as the drawer bottom, and inset into the front face of the drawer.

This all sounds a bit difficult and confusing, but it isn't. Maybe I should take some pictures. Let me know if you'd like to see them.

briankerr

Wed, 07/30/2014 - 10:55

Great build! I'd love to see some more photos of the drawer surround/frame with the drawers out. Is it all 2x3 stud construction? Any problems with warping or the drawer slides not square/plum?

omegatek

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 10:22

Racking my brains out trying to figure out how you laid those slats across the top of the drawers...  If you wouldn't mind posting a few more pics, I would really appreciate it.  My daughter wants this for her birthday. 

Thanks!

Outdoor Farmhouse Table

I've been wanting to build an outdoor farmhouse table for quite some time. Getting it to look old with new materials was the idea.Using notches to hold part of the base and experimenting with finishes got the 'rustic' look. I took a few ideas from the Gaby Kitchen Island and implemented my own; it turned out to be a great weekend project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint, Stain, Poly-acrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Juanita_r

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 23:43

Love the table, especially the finish you used, it looks amazing. just have a question about if it is waterproof...i know it is an outdoor table, but is it protected by a veranda or is it completely exposed to the elements. i want to make one but am hesitant as it will be completely outside! Thanku!

Truss Dining Table

Built this table for my wife a few weeks ago. Pleasantly surprised how it turned out. Love this site and it has sparked a real joy within me in woodworking.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
125ish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Picnic Table From Little Kids Picnic Table Plans

Submitted by chrimicha on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 19:14

This is my scaled down version of the preschool picnic table, made for an 18 inch doll. I used scrapwood that someone was throwing away and supplies left over from other projects, so it didn't cost anything but time. My girls have really enjoyed it. Here are the measurements: 

Cut List: 

4 – 1×3 @ 17-3/4″ (Tabletop pieces) 

 

1- 1×4 @ 9-3/4″, then cut in half using a table saw to equal 2 pieces (Supports directly beneath tabletop pieces) The longest measurement is 9 ¾”, with the ends cut at a 30 degree angle back to 7 3/4″.

 

2-1×4 @ 12-7/8”, then cut in half using a table saw to equal 4 pieces (Legs) (angle each end to 30 degrees as shown in preschool table plans) 

 

1 – 1×4 @ 19″, then cut in half using a table saw to equal 2 pieces (Supports directly beneath seat boards)  (angle ends to 30 degrees as shown in preschool table plans)

 

4 – 1×3 @ 17 3/4″ (Seat boards) I ran these 1 x 3’s through my table saw to make them 2” wide.

 

*When attaching the legs, secure them to the supports below the tabletop pieces so that the bottom of the legs will measure 19 5/8” from lateral edge to lateral edge when resting on the ground. In the preschool picnic table plans, this measurement is shown as 33”.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
0$. I used wood someone was throwing away and remnants from other projects.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded it really well, and then I painted it with two coats of "Lime Rickey" from Sherwin Williams and a clear coat of spar urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outhouse

Submitted by Speedbump on Fri, 10/16/2020 - 21:04

I built this outhouse for beside our barn. My first large project and I’m really pleased with how it turned out!

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

Comments

Children's Adirondack Chair

Submitted by JamieLynn on Mon, 11/17/2014 - 12:40

Made the super cute Adirondack Chair for my nephew Brady.  He loves it. Now i'm making 2 more for my two nieces as well.  

Estimated Cost
<$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farm Table

Submitted by Jackalaca on Sun, 11/30/2014 - 18:23

I modified the plns for this table a little bit. I couldnt have the table as wide as the plans so I left out a 2x6 for the table top. I also beefed up the legs and added another 2x6.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain and Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Firepit Swings

Submitted by hwallace on Tue, 03/07/2017 - 09:45

This was a real challenge as I did the whole project alone. 6x6 pressure treated lumber was used as posts and support beams. 120 lbs of quickcrete was used for each post and the support beams are bolted onto the posts. The swings were all made with pressure treated

lumber and I bought heavy duty mounting hardware for the chains. I bought the firepit kit at Lowe's and did the 4 block high enclosure. I had a lot of fun with this!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My First Bed

Submitted by toolman81 on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 12:10

This was my first bed since we can not find any in stock due to the pandemic. I switched up the headboard legs to 2x6s for a slightly wider base. This helped with the mattress in a box we ordered. I built a simple frame using 2x8s, all basic lumber from the big box store, and used 2x6s for the footboard legs. I built the bed frame just about two inches shorter in width to give it some variation in sight lines. I finished it with basic white enamel paint and put 1x4 slats under the mattress. My wife loved it and it turned out well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$380
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse coffee table under 40 - ( 65 dollars Canadian)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 15:50

This was my first project and had tons of fun building it. Can’t wait to build to end tables to match.
The plans are so easy to understand. The only change I made was instead of exposed screws I used the pocket hole method

Estimated Cost
65 dollars ( Canadian)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax pre- stain wood conditioner, minwax classic grey ( 2 coats) minwax clear satin poly urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mh6558

Fri, 01/12/2024 - 08:33

This is beautiful and just the look I'm going for with the color scheme. I am wondering if it would be easier to paint the wood before constructing it? Also, what is the pocket hole technique? I think I would like the screws hidden too.

Floating bench for entryway alcove

Submitted by msantos116 on Tue, 02/23/2021 - 11:20

I was looking for some inspiration to clean up our small entryway room in our Cape Cod style home in Worcester, Massachusetts that was typically used for recycling and dirty shoes. These plans were very easy to follow and really spruced up the room quite a bit.

I used standard pine 2x4's for the frame and 1 inch boards for the bench platform and upper shelf features. The platform consists of four boards (3 1x6 boards and 1 1x5 board) that were glued together and sanded down. This was finished with Minwax Colonial Maple stain (a few coats), a couple coats of satin polyurethane, and then sanded down for a nice smooth finish.

I used a couple of 2x4's behind the vertical face below the shelf, giving it some depth and better stability.

Cast iron hooks were found on etsy, ebay, and Amazon.

Estimated Cost
$75-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Colonial Maple stain
Minwax satin polyurethane
Automotive turtle wax for a smooth shine
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Drop Zone/mudroom

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 07:10

I used ShelfHelpNow which I LOVED! Got it delivered at the start of a snowstorm! Would never have made it then if I had to go get the wood myself!
Got so many compliments and requests
To build this.
Thank you for your easy plans and wonderful ideas!
In hindsight I would have either connected the two units or separated them more. I’m more a wing it/see how it goes type of builder for myself rather than a planner. 🤣
Diane

Estimated Cost
600 for carcass
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Putting it together took a couple hours. Painting and waiting for things to dry took a lot longer!
Hopefully this will free up some room in my house for more utilitarian closet/pantry.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Apothecary Jeans Dresser

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 18:27

I used Shelf Help for the plywood pieces and a mash up of Ana's plans for the rest. I shared a video on my family page for steps used here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urFoX5j4J0s

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

Picture Ledges

Submitted by sraper2 on Sat, 04/06/2013 - 20:08

I have made many of these ledges and I just love them so much! I love that I can build them to any length or depth I want. I like to use them for more then just pictures. I feel like there will be many more of these in my future!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Raised Garden Beds!

Submitted by ferbit on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 08:02

Yay! Here are my raised beds, motivated by Ana White's post. :) I decided to use 2x lumber rather than 1x lumber because I plan to add benches on the ends of each bed. I just love how these turned out! I used Hemlock rather than cedar because it was a THIRD less expensive. Orange told me hemlock would last roughly 5-6 years whereas cedar would last 7-9 year. I staggered the sizes too - first bed (with the strawberries) is 4' x 10', second is 4' x 8' and the third (with the stakes) is 4' x 6'. Hubby hauled in a bunch of pea gravel to surround the beds while the girls and I added rocks from around our yard to the perimeter. :)

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Charging Station

Submitted by Bradnag on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 05:20

I used the charging station plans as my first attempt at building something using pocket holes, and also my first real attempt at building any piece of furniture from scratch. I stuck pretty much to Ana's plans except for not cutting the front footer (I didn't own a jigsaw at the time) and using panes of frosted glass as the center of the doors.

 

As a piece of furniture it gets used every day, but it has been most invaluable to me as a learning experience. I've built many pieces of furniture in the time since I made the charging station, growing my skills each time. But this project was where I started, so it always feels a little extra special to me.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, weathered gray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Photo Gallery Ledges

I was always a fan of the gallery wall, but not having a big empty space in any of my main rooms I didn't think I could have one.  However, once I finally got my stairway and upper hallway painted, I realized the wall needed something and the gallery ledges would be perfect!  Save the old plaster walls from being bashed with picture hanging nails too!
I build them out've 1x3's and a small 1/4 round for the front edge instead of a 1x2.
I made 2 3' long and 2 4' long and staggered them on the walls, as the walls are at a slight angle to each other.
I decided to paint them the same colour as the walls so they would blend in and the picture frames would stand out.  All the frames are varying wood stain colours that go with the trim in the house.

I love having a place to put all the pictures I never find time to put up!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$24 for all 4
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint. Home Hardware 'Burnt Sugar'
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Built for my sister

Submitted by Diesel911 on Wed, 05/13/2015 - 11:45

Built for my sister. Because she liked mine so much :) I also built her an apothecary console to use as a side board in the dining room

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Favorite Bookshelf

Submitted by ke263565 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 05:06

Favorite Bookshelf - 2nd project  - slowly replacing all of my furniture - took about a day - all day - sprayed about 3 coats of spray paint on there - came out pretty good - hardest thing is to screw in shelves level -  but overall not too bad

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40 - 50 bucks
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
moss green spraypaint - saw another user that used color so i stole it - sorry
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified rustic table and benches

Submitted by dkarinen on Sun, 06/16/2013 - 21:09

We built this table for my brother and new wife's wedding present. We modified it to use as an outdoor dining set. Instead of using the 1x10 for the tabletop we used 2x6's and for the legs we used 4x4's. We attached the top boards with a Camo fastening system we used last year on our deck (works great to conceal the screws). I stained the frame in Behr Cordovan Brown and the top boards in Behr Cedar Naturaltone. It was our first attempt at building a table and I think it turned out great, only problem was giving it away!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr cordovan brown stain and Behr natural cedartone
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

storchinsky

Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:57

Very nice! I'd been considering this plan for my outdoor table, but my husband liked the modern farm table better. Same idea--I am leaving gaps to allow the water to drain. Love the two-tone finish! It's amazing what you can do with plain old 2 x 6s!