Community Brag Posts

Sturdy Workbench - made larger size for custom wall space

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 09:52

This is the perfect workbench for my garage here in South Florida. I modified the plans using 2x4 actual dimensions so that the outside dimensions were 60" wide x 40" height x 30" deep. I designed it for my husband and he is 6'4" so I wanted it to be taller for him. I used 3 sheets of plywood (3/4" thick each layer) for the top and it is super sturdy. For the bottom shelf, I left one 2x4 off so that it wouldn't hit our shins while standing at the front. I was concerned at first that the wider bench (60") may need an additional bottom shelf support in the middle. It did not need this extra support. The shelf can hold a lot of weight with no concern. See all the tools that are on that shelf in my pic. Thank you Ana White for these great plans - it was my first workbench that I have built. I am looking forward to more woodworking projects.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
I used a spray on wood sealer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Built-in Bookshelves

Submitted by keribeth on Fri, 07/06/2012 - 14:55

These built-in bookshelves were my first project, and were loosely based on the Willy bookshelf plans, although I changed the dimensions, set them on a 2x4 base, and added trim to the sides and molding on top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$120 in lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore white dove in advance
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

smoser

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 05:58

hello,

Just wondering how the sides and middle part are built. They look like thicker than 1/2 in.Is it a trim or a 1x2? or did you use some 2x4 too?
I am looking at building a bookcase too but i wanted something more massive than 1/2 in. like yours.
Thanks

Great job!! looks awesome

keribeth

Tue, 08/21/2012 - 05:31

I made the two bookshelves separately so I could move them in my house easier. Each has 1x12 sides (so 3/4" thick), and and that's 1x2 trim over the side and middle.

Thanks!

Spa Bench turned End Table

I was wanting long, skinny end tables for my couch and when I came upon the spa bench plan I knew it was perfect length and size for what I wanted. I only altered the plans by making it taller to fit my couch. This was my second build and I learned a lot through the process so these are not perfect but I love the imperfections. I also didn't like the first stain that I put on the tables and when I tried taking it off my sander made weird marks but it gave it a more rustic look which I ended up loving. (Which I could never recreate on purpose)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshade Antique Walnut sanded down and then 3 coats of Minwax Ebony which 2 coats of Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clara Table and 4 dollar stackable chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/24/2016 - 08:02

Clara table and 4 dollar stackable chairs. I used Minwax Early American on the table and a variety of paint colors on the chairs to keep it fun. I also used select pine on the chairs which increased the cost but cut down on sanding time. I also routered the top edge of the table to create a smoother edge.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic Modern Bunk Bed

Submitted by Seth on Fri, 05/15/2020 - 13:16

We build this bunk bed from the Rustic Modern Bunk Bed plans. We finished it with one coat of primer and one coat of Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee. This project was made easier with a Dewalt 12'' sliding compound miter saw, Kreg K4, and a speed square for every aspect of the project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Country Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/14/2024 - 18:46

After too long fiddling around with other things, I finally finished the hall tree for my wife. Used a sheet of bead board for the backing and it didn't turn out too bad. Thank you for the plan and the inspiration Ana, very much appreciated!

Steve

Built from Plan(s)

Miter Saw Cart

Submitted by solomonson on Sat, 07/07/2012 - 20:41

I saw Gina's post and this moved straight to the top of the to-build list. It's gotten my saw off the floor of my garage and provided a ton of storage for my other tools and bits. I also added another shelf after taking this picture. I modified this slightly: I made the wings 24" only, added a short back to provide more stability and reinforcement to the top shelf, added a diagonal support to the wings, and reinforced the top shelf from the sides with 3" dowels. I got my wood from a local lumberyard and the wheels from Blue.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded the heck out of everything. Other than that, nothing.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Boost stool

Submitted by jandmhough on Thu, 04/24/2014 - 18:22

We built a toybox for our son and discovered that he isn't quite tall enough yet to really get into it. So, to remedy the problem I put together a stool for him. I modified the "simplest stool" plan to make it short and wide. Perfect as a little boost to get into the toybox. We also use it in the bathroom as a little step stool for the sink.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
used scraps from the toybox (one 1x4 and one 2x2 if buying new) under $7
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted it with leftover chalkboard paint and covered with a clear coat to give it a finish like a regular paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Love it!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2016 - 21:04

I made this Farmhouse X Table from Ana's plans with the adjustment of adding a breadboard to each end (a perpendicular piece of wood). This table was my first woodworking project ever! Now I am hooked ;) I have made a bench to match. Both are stained with minwax English Chestnut and finished with minwax fast-drying polyurethane, semi-gloss. Now I just have to figure out the rest of my chairs! Thanks Ana!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Planter / Jardiniere

Submitted by WoodON on Sun, 05/17/2020 - 23:11

Not much to say apart that some internal measures were different (!?) and that I used treated wood and covered everything with recyclable plastic.

Oh yeah, of course.... Thank you Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
31$ CAD
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rolling Book Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/18/2024 - 09:51

I wanted both shelves to slant. Cutting the hand holes didn’t go well for me. I used 3” wheels to better maneuver on carpet. I originally tried two fixed casters and two swivel casters but that was too difficult to maneuver so now all four swivel.

HC in TX

Built from Plan(s)

Wood Plank Magnet Boards

Submitted by sraper2 on Mon, 07/09/2012 - 19:56

I actually got the idea from Shanty 2 Chic and I thought I would share my take on it here. It was super simply...I just kreg jig'd the boards together and built a frame to the size I wanted. I bought the aluminum from Lowe's and cut it down. I actually built 6 of these so I could give 5 away as thank you gifts. The price for all 6 was under $50 and I think only about $30 of that was the materials to make the boards. The rest was spend on the stuff I made for the boards.

Here is a link for their post! http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/05/diy-12-magnetic-memo-board.html

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

Stair Leg Flip Top Console Table

This build was quite easy. I didn't run into any issues. I went with stair balusters for the legs instead of the 2x2's that the design calls for, but the balusters ended up being 2x2 anyways so I didn't need to make any changes. My building costs were a bit pricier as I find there's a slight price difference for lumber here in Canada. The construction of the table itself took about an hour or so, however the finishing took much longer due to the painting, staining and then lacquering and waxing!
I decided to go with a more distressed/aged look for my finish, and I thought the glass knobs would look gorgeous. I also decided to line the inside storage area because it just looked a little bland to me! All-in-all I'm very happy with the outcome!

Estimated Cost
$60-$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint
Stain
Lacquer (table top)
Furniture wax (body of table)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Living room media tower

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/28/2016 - 13:15

Built this media tower based off the plans inspired by the Pottery Barn Benchwright Towers. I used Annie Sloan's French Linen chalk paint followed by a clear then dark wax. The door panel was made using a decrotive bronze aluminum sheet cut to size. It makes a nice addition to my living room. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Coffee Tablr

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 10:45

Fun project. Really enjoyed this one

Estimated Cost
$50.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre-Stain and Min-Wax Early American Stain then added a thompsons water seal.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Patio Table

Submitted by wasson23 on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:47

We built this table using Ana White's patio table plan. We modified it slightly only to use pallet wood for the top. With the pallet wood varying by width, we had to adjust the quantity of slats needed for the top. Using the pallet wood for the top also reduced the cost a bit. We think it turned out great! The plan was VERY easy!

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Fancy Hall Tree - First Project!

This was my first major woodworking project, and I am so pleased with it! I have been looking for a piece of furniture like this and couldn't find something that I liked and could afford. I spent about $180 in lumber, and also took Ana's advice and invested in a Kreg Jig. I HIGHLY recommend this! It is expensive ($100) but so worth it. I had to learn a few things along the way, and had encountered some obstacles, but in the end I am very pleased with the project. A few things I learned on my first project:

1. Exact cuts are SO important. Every 1/8" matters. It was helpful to do as many cuts as possible at the lumber store.

2. Ana mentions this in her beginners section, but it bears repeating: wood glue will repel stain. Be sure to wipe away ALL residue of wood glue before staining, and be sure to give extra sanding attention to areas that had wood glue. Otherwise you will have a white spot in the midst of your stain.

3. On this plan in particular there is one change that I recommend. Do not add the wrap around trip on the top and bottom until AFTER you have put the plywood backing on in the last step. The reason is that the plywood adds another 3/4 inch, and so there was a gap between the edge of the trip and the back on the furniture. I redid it on the top because it was so noticeable.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut, satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Bunk Bed

Submitted by rogers99 on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 10:42

Built mostly from the Simple Bunk Bed plans on this site with a couple of modifications. Namely: made a vertical ladder, used Rockler Bed rail fasteners, increased bed height to fit 3rd twin mattress underneath for when my moms visits, and made a removable bottom safety rail that slides on when my daughter goes to sleep. Overall it was a fun project to do and they kids are really enjoying it.

Estimated Cost
380
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Back