Modern Farmhouse Canopy Bed
Not experts, just 2 enthusiast woodworkers. And 3 months is how long it took us to build this canopy bed.
Built from Plan(s)
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20 sec tidy up coffee table with trundle toy box/storage
This is a project we built this weekend. My husband and I desperately needed some sophisticated storage space in the living room that is kid friendly, so we accepted the challenge. We together built a coffee table with trundle storage inspired by a plan on ana-white. We are truly inspired by her designs and plans help a LOT! Check out our work!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used one coat of red oak minwax stain with a layer of red mahogony stain over top. We finished with clear polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:11
Nice
That looks very nice. This is the next project on my list I think.
It's really great to see the project with a different kind of finish also. How do feel about the functionality of it now that you have it "up and running" in your living room?
And... how do your kids feel about it?
Any drawbacks to this design for your needs, or tips that you can give me for building it over the next couple weeks?
In reply to Nice by Bunnie1978
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:53
Thank you!
Thank you for the compliments! So far we absolutely LOVE the functionality! It really is made for easy clean up, slides back and forth nicely (we used wheels that only go one way, not swivels.) and our one year old seems to enjoy it. The table and storage compartment are just short and sturdy enough that she can pull herself up on them and because the storage compartment is not on swivels it doesn't move when she does. She is the first grand-baby on both sides of the family so she has approximately 175 toys that we have to find a place for and they all fit very nicely. With the large storage we have noticed that she is pulling out and playing with different toys that she could never get to or find before. As far as design is concerned we did have to modify it a little bit to work with the tools that were available to us. We wish the side legs were sturdier, even with 6 screws in each side they are still a bit wobbly. With the storage box underneath it helps to support it from swaying but we are still talking about ways to make it better. A possible support beam on the bottom of the back side? All in all we love the piece it fits perfectly into our space and offers a LOT of storage that we didn't have before. My husband and I had tossed around the idea, before we started, of making the piece smaller but we are glad that we didn't.
Suggestions: if you are going to buy based off of the shopping list provided make sure you also buy 2" screws. They forget to include that in the shopping list but include that in the directions. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. It was a really really fun project for us.
In reply to Nice by Bunnie1978
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:53
Thank you!
Thank you for the compliments! So far we absolutely LOVE the functionality! It really is made for easy clean up, slides back and forth nicely (we used wheels that only go one way, not swivels.) and our one year old seems to enjoy it. The table and storage compartment are just short and sturdy enough that she can pull herself up on them and because the storage compartment is not on swivels it doesn't move when she does. She is the first grand-baby on both sides of the family so she has approximately 175 toys that we have to find a place for and they all fit very nicely. With the large storage we have noticed that she is pulling out and playing with different toys that she could never get to or find before. As far as design is concerned we did have to modify it a little bit to work with the tools that were available to us. We wish the side legs were sturdier, even with 6 screws in each side they are still a bit wobbly. With the storage box underneath it helps to support it from swaying but we are still talking about ways to make it better. A possible support beam on the bottom of the back side? All in all we love the piece it fits perfectly into our space and offers a LOT of storage that we didn't have before. My husband and I had tossed around the idea, before we started, of making the piece smaller but we are glad that we didn't.
Suggestions: if you are going to buy based off of the shopping list provided make sure you also buy 2" screws. They forget to include that in the shopping list but include that in the directions. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. It was a really really fun project for us.
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 09:10
Added Stability
I just finished my Tidy Up Table too (brag post coming!) and I decided to add one L-bracket to each corner because of the wobble. I've also got a baby (7 months) and it's nice to have that added stability just in case. Now the sides are solid as a rock!
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 13:08
Yes...
A little bit of medal support would probably be really good... I was actually thinking of modifying the design a little bit already, which will probably serve the end result to provide better stability. I think I'm going to make the storage trundle a little shallower, and put a row of small square drawers above it on each side. That is of course, much more complex, and then detail the trundle with the small squares so it looks like a cabinet of drawers all the way down...
What do you think of that idea? I mentioned that on the plan post too... still kicking it around a bit.
Farmhouse table
Farmhouse style table, 4 2x10 with 2X6 border. All Doweled and glued. Seems most plans are with square "breadboard" ends, i thought this style was a bit cleaner with no raw ends. 4X4 legs with 4X4 cross stretchers. Table ended up 4'X8' matching bench to follow.
You really need a dowel-jig, Kreg-jig, and bar clamps to do this project. You can also use a biscuit cutter instead of dowel jig, but I think it lines up better with dowels.
Close up shot shows swirl marks from 80 grit sandpaper used on an orbital sander... Even using 180 grit final sand it left them there, actually a nice distress look.
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Min-wax dark walnut, min wax wood conditioner, 5 coats satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Triple Pedestal Table 12ft long
First DIY, my twin brother and I decided to build a table for my parents; as they are currently remodeling their house. Thank you so much for these easy-to-follow yet very thorough set of plans! We made some adjustments to the length and width: 144inches (12ft) long by about 45inches wide!! It's a monster of a table! We made the legs wider as well to compensate for the adjustments of the table top. We are all extremely happy with the results- thanks!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Beautiful DIY Computer Desk Under 50 Dollars
We were looking for a table with custom dimensions for our little office nook, but it was really hard to find. Most of them were very expensive, too. We decided to make our own table and share it with all of you as well. It's an easy project to do and minimum tools are required. You can also always use substitute tools as opposed to using the exact one we did in the project.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step one: Cut the Wood
You need to cut 4 (2 x 4's) pieces for the legs using a miter saw, or you can have The Home Depot or Lowes cut it for you. You can adjust your own measurements according to the plan above. The plan is according to our space. We drew it in Google Drawings, and you can get that idea and draw your own.
Step Two: Pocket Holes
Drill pocket holes in the legs using a Kreg Jig but if you don't have that tool it's okay too. Tou can use regular nails as well. I am in love with the Kreg Jig though, and I highly recommend the product to everyone as it makes your joints stronger.
Step 3: Put The Leg Together
Once you are done with making the joints, it's time to screw the legs together to make it like a frame. See the picture. It should look like a rectangular box. We also placed scrap wood in the middle just to give extra support to the table, so it will not go wobbly.
Step 4: Attach The Top
Now, since your legs are ready, it's time to attach the top onto the legs, which is also an easy process. You can attach them using a brad nailer or regular nails. We just happened to have those tools but you don't have to buy everything.
Step 5: Cut the lips
In the end, we placed lips or edges around the table to make it both more sturdy and prettier.
Step 6: Sand It
Now, since your table is ready, you need to sand it to paint or stain it. Sanding is a very important part. Otherwise, your paint won't adhere to the wood unless you are chalk painting. We used an electric sander but you can use any 120 grit sanding block from your local store. Just use your elbow grease to sand it nicely.
Step 7: Paint or Stain It
Paint it with whatever paint you would like We wanted to stain it so we used color stain to match with other furniture in the room. We are pretty happy with the project turned out. It saved us tons of money and looks nice in the room as well.
Hope you liked it and I would love to see your project using my plan. You can read the whole blog post in-depth on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Happy DIY'ing! Love,
Bushra
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue Stain a bit shiny look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Box Frame Console with Bottom Shelf
Entry Way Table with Slatted Bottom!
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Mon, 07/24/2023 - 20:19
So perfect with the bottom…
So perfect with the bottom shelf! Love this! Thank you so much for sharing a photo!
First Project
When I saw the plans for this bench I knew I had to make it. I had been looking for something to put on my porch, but hadn't found anything I liked.
I, or should I say, my husband had all the tools just sitting in the garage.
It was a great starter project. I definitely felt the learning curve. Thank goodness for wood filler and paint!
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cheap red spray paint from Wal-Mart. I had it on-hand from another project.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Olivia's Doll Crib
The moment I saw these plans I knew it would be the perfect Christmas gift for my daughter. We followed the plans fairly exactly, only using knobs instead of a notch in the drawer and adding some small furniture slides on the bottom. I had some left over fabric from the linens I sewed for my daughter's room and used these to create a mattress cover, pillow, and small quilt. She loves it. The drawer underneath is great for extra doll clothes, bottles, diapers, etc.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum satin paint and primer in white and pink. Victorian faux-crystal cabinet knobs for the drawer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Coffee table and matching side table
Great plans. I got a lot of attention for these tables. I think they're easy to build and a few bad cuts/mismatches can make it look more rustic so no need to worry about perfection with these. I use them in my apartment and they're both really nice. I stained with miniwax jacobean and used a satin clear poly on it after. I only needed one layer of stain.I think a dining room table version of this plan would be really awesome too!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
stain/poly/lumber/screws all were around 50$
Can be alot cheaper if you already have these things. I had a bunch of the lumber in scraps already.
Can be alot cheaper if you already have these things. I had a bunch of the lumber in scraps already.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Darker Stain (jacobean) with clear polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Rustic X coffee table
I built this coffee table for my son's first apartment, along with the rustic X end table. It's a very sturdy table and the plans were easy to follow! It's so much fun being able to build my kids furniture!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain, then a coat of satin wipe on polyurethane to seal it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Round Accent Table
This is my very first build ever! I learned so much from this project. I also bought my first power drill and brad nailer for this project. My husband helped me cut the wood pieces to my measurements and I did everything else. I never knew how fun woodworking can be!
Emily Mangiaracina
First project - Play Kitchen
After my wife commented how much our son enjoyed playing with a pretend kitchen during play group, I began thinking about building one of our own. Searching online I found all of the amazing work that had been posted here and drew inspiration from all of the examples already shared.
Yesterday was the grand unveiling and I'm happy to report it was well received. Our son had to be dragged away from it for his bath and bed after hours of opening and closing all of the door and restacking his dishes. Thanks to all of you for the great ideas and the confidence to build on my own!
PS: The Kreg jig is the greatest DIY invention of all time.
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Spar Polyurethane (spray can) followed by sanding with 400 grit sandpaper after drying for 24 hours
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 09:21
Man, this looks like a real
Man, this looks like a real kitchen! Love the stove and fridge!!!
Sat, 09/01/2012 - 16:05
The countertop and appliances
The countertop and appliances were both done with just plain old Contact Paper. I found both at Lowe's. Good luck!
My first ever woodworking experience!
My primitive mitre plastic template didn't allow me to get a 60 degree angle so I went with the very simply upright thingies instead! The vinegar, wire wool and tea oxidisation worked a treat and was far easier to apply than stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar and wire wool applied 24hrs after dark tea application.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Garage shelves
This is my first project ever built. I can't thank you enough for this site. I already have several other projects I want to build around the house because of this site. Thank you so much!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 for the wood. And some extra for the stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut water-based stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Super easy farmhouse dining table !
This was our first project like this .. was last minute cost about $64 with lumber and screws , we already had the stain and paint .. only took 2 days ! I’m so happy !!! The only thing different I would do is put pocket holes in which we might add . Perfect project for a beginner !
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$64
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We didn’t use any finish yet as we are still deciding lol
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Chalkboard Shelf
I wanted to make my girlfriend a gift for her birthday and came across this shelf. It turned out wonderful and I can't wait to make one for myself now!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$3 (for the chalk)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalkboard spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Dresser With Open Bottom Shelf
I needed a dresser to match the two farmhouse sidetables I built for the room and this design fit the bill. I really had to take the time to figure out where to place the pocket holes. Finishing is my least favorite part of the process, but I'm glad to have really taken my time. This was a really challenging project and I'm so pleased with the end product. By far, my favorite build yet!
Estimated Cost
$225 - $250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Fruitwood stain and four coats of polyurethane satin finish. Last sanding was with 600 grit.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Modified Rustic XX Console Table
I wanted a smaller table than the plans called for, so I built this one at 51 inches. The side design is slatted rather than built with an X. I love the more modern look with this mission-style modification. This was my first build and I'm pretty happy with it and how easy these plans were to follow.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
DIY chalk paint and vinegar stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Farmhouse Coffee Table [Beginner/Under $40]
I altered the design slightly by using pocket holes on the top and the bottom slats. I didn't want any of the screws to show since i was painting the base white. I used all purpose bondo to smooth the seams for a more finished look. This has been my favorite build so far and I can't wait for the matching end table to be released.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax special walnut 2 coats , rustoleum chalk paint 4 coats , verathane polyurethane water based 4 coats .
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Sun, 12/08/2019 - 21:24
Awesome! Ill get the side…
Awesome!
Ill get the side table plans posted in the next couple of days
Fri, 12/27/2019 - 11:13
That looks so good! ....and…
That looks so good! ....and is exactly how I want to paint mine (stained wood top, white painted bottom). I have two questions-
1. Did you paint the base white after assembling it together (minus the table top piece) or did you paint it before assembly?
2. Did you bondo every gap, or were you referring to just the table top?
Again, it looks so great and now I really want to get going on making my own.
Toy Storage
In our basement we have an 8 inch oak ledge on the outside walls. I love the oak finished ledge, but it makes it hard to place furniture up against it. The furniture is either shorter or taller than the ledge and looks awkward. So, I built several storage pieces to fit our area and ledge. I modified a couple of different plans to create our toy storage area. It's so useful and looks great.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used the paint and finishing ideas from the plan "Our new pantry". She used Valspar Cabin Red paint and Valspar Antiquing glaze. They no longer have Cabin Red, but I just used a similar color. I love the Antiquing glaze and have used it for numerous projects.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner