Community Brag Posts

Full Storage (Captains) Bed

This was a pretty quick build and works perfectly in my son's room.  I love all the room for the cubbies!  All of his cars and tracks stay off the ground!

The only tricky part for me was attaching the first edges and keeping it straight.  Since I was doing this all by myself, I used my nail gun to attach them quickly and then drilled in screws to secure them.

I kept them in three separate parts so it was easier to take upstairs and then I used my nail gun to attach the slats in the middle.  Pretty easy and inexpensive for a nice wood full size bed frame!

Check out my blog post for more pictures of my build!  http://www.leapoffaithcrafting.com/diy-full-bed-frame-storage/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I filled all holes with wood filler. Sanded with 120 grit and then 220 grit sandpaper. Applied Varathane Colonial Maple with brush, let soak a few minutes, and then wiped off with towel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 14:39

I made four of these chairs and my wife has ‘ordered’ more for the spring, the will probably be more purple ones

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Toddler Farmhouse Bed With Canopy

Submitted by christy on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 19:18

When I saw the farmhouse toddler bed plans on Ana’s site, I knew I had to build it for my daughter. I added siderails (modified from the bunk bed rail plans) and a canopy (modified from the adult size farmhouse bed canopy plans).

I can’t really give an estimate of how long this project took…I had to work on it while keeping my five year old and one year old entertained. If I’d had no distractions, it probably would have taken only 3 or 4 hours to build it (more for the painting).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed with Kilz then painted with leftover paint from an old project. The color is a dark charcoal gray.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toy Box Gone Wrong

Submitted by vtmelody on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 10:09

We went exactly as planned in the Build a Toybox outline, but bought 12x1 instead of 16x1. This caused a problem when we started putting it together. The two short sides were taller than the long sides. We decided to make lemons from lemonade and turn it into a toolbox/toybox, and in the end really liked the result. We added an additional cut with 1.5" holes on either side and a 1.5" diameter 36" long dowel rod for the handle. We added casters to the bottom and poof! done. Fun project! We made it for our soon to be nephew and filled with gifts for the baby shower.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood Stain with blue paint on top and cut out a mustache for the design then painted around it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic storage daybed

We wanted to build a reading nook in our cabin landing that would also function as extra sleeping space.  This plan was modified to raise the height. We then built the frame and one side panel, since the bed length of the plan was EXACTLY the width of the landing space... It was meant to be!  We love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax cherry stain, minwax polycryllic semi-gloss in three coats with light sanding between coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Salsa Console

This took two weekends to complete. It makes a huge difference when you take time for a good paint job.  

 

I used the best grade pine at Lowes so I didn't have to sand everything and there is less chance for warped boards.  This is why my cost was more.

 

I also added trim around the middle and bottom bands to really make it pop. Overall, I am very pleased with the results.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Satin paint and natural chestnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kids Adirondack Chair!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 05:59

I built this chair for my brand new grandson. I cut out the letters and inlaid them into the front of the chair. Lots of fun!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Turquoise Lockers

Submitted by gertie1208 on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 16:15

Always wanted lockers, now I have them! We built these in a couple of afternoons, but took forever to sand and finish (of course, the sudden onslaught of winter didn't help.) Added 10 inches to the height of the hutches to fit our adult coats better. We are absolutely in love with them!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oops paint, in a lovely turquoise and several coats of minwax polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Etched Decorative Mirrors

Submitted by Malka on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 01:40

4 Etched Decorative Mirrors and 1 Faux Waterfall Edge Mirror. Bought the cheap Wal-Mart Mirrors and customised them with etchings and frames.

Estimated Cost
$15-20 a Mirror
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, Classic Grey, Special Walnut, Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Outdoor Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 13:52

The stain is a dark black teal, better seen in direct sunlight. The foam for the cushions was cut from an old IKEA mattress, and cushion cover were made from extra canvas we had. We're happy with the result.

Built from Plan(s)

Laundry Basket Dresser

Submitted by alifrancis on Thu, 03/17/2011 - 15:47

Anything to make Laundry easier and looks good I will build.  This is a very simple project that is invaluable to anyone that does laundry.  We have it in our master bath to help with separating our laundry.

It is sturdy, functional and is a nice looking piece.  The only changes I made was to use 2x2's for the rails instead of the metal L-brackets. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
After a good sanding I primed it with Kilz oderless spray primer. Then painted it with some left over Trim Paint we had for our house. Finished it off with two coats of poly in a Satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

How to Build Simple Raised Garden Beds

Starting with Ana's simple $10 raised garden plans, we built ours to be part of our experiment: Growing Vegetables in Our Driveway. Because our boxes are visible from the street, we made them a bit fancier and sturdier than we would have if they were hidden away in the backyard. An easy, afternoon project - with delicious results!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

My dining table

Submitted by Rob Dunham on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 14:09

I've built various pieces from this site, but this is my first "share". I built this table a couple a month ago, taking ideas from various plans on this site. The top of the table is hard maple, the legs, benches are all wormy maple. 

I bought the lumber from a mennonite mill about 45mins away from me, fantastic place. The table top was in their "clearance" section already laminated together, so I had them but it to size. 

I tried my best doing mortise/tenon joints to join the table aprons/legs. They weren't perfect, but it worked. 

I loved building this and I really want to make another. Thanks very much Ana for the site and all the plans you make available. It's a blessing. 

 

Oh, apologies for the two photos on its side, I can't get them to upload properly...

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Counter height dining set

Submitted by Lukilla on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 10:18

Threw this together over a 4 day weekend. Love how light these chairs are.

Substituted edge glued project panel for the table top and seats instead of joining several planks.

Used a combination dark walnut, jacobean, and early American stain on the finish.

Comments

Modified Farmhouse Bed

This was our first "Big" build.... Our bed.  I modified the footboard as I like taller footboards and it keeps the mattress in super snug!!!! Love this bed with light stain!!!!  Also we used tongue and groove boards for the head and footboard!!! Went together so nice!!!

Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

A Big Patio Planter

Submitted by Jake on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 17:50

I have a really boring backyard patio so I thought I would spice it up with flowers but I could not find a plan for a large right angle planter. So I made up my own.

The planter is made from cedar fencing but pine for the top trim and the corner legs. The legs have grooves that the sides slide into and are not screwed or glued in place. That is so you can remove the top trim and then just pull the sides out to replace them as needed or to even change the size of the planter.

This planter is 18" high so it is comfortable to sit on but that also means you will need a lot of soil to fill it up. Mine took 26 40lb bags which is over 1/2 ton of soil. Add water and that planter is here to stay. But it also means that there is a large tendency for the sides to bulge along the bottom so I placed stop blocks along the bottom base and screwed into the base.

I planted Angelonia for color and sage, oregano, and thyme for spice. It was fun to build and came out well but it was expensive as the soil along was nearly $60. Add another $50 for lumber and screws and you have exceeded the magic $100 mark. Still a good deal, however.

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted the top trim and legs with Behr water-based enamel and left the cedar to mellow on its own.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Table

I managed to build this with a circular saw and some sand paper with absolutely no experience!! I am so happy with the results. I followed the plans precisely as I am not brave enough to experiment yet. I used Minwax Polyshade Mission Oak flavor. I've never stained anything before and I was pleased with the results. A couple coats and the shade is beautiful. I am going to fashion a couple benches and find me some brightly colored chairs and call it done. 

Thank you for making this possible. I certainly never thought I could do something like this. 

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Platform bed

Submitted by Medickep on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 13:28

Mad this Farmhouse platform bed with storage.  It was a fun build and pretty straight forward!  If I was to do it again, I think I'd make the drawers a little deeper for more storage.  There's space in the middle of the bed that could be utilized to pull this off!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150$?
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed the bed and used an Alkyd paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Small Rolling Kitchen Island

A beautiful housewarming gift for our son and his wife. We added doors with magnetic closures, slats to the back, and a safety feature to the drawer (toddler in the house). They loved this piece, and have many admirers of it. Time: 2 day build, 2 day finish.

Comments