Community Brag Posts

Modern clock

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/07/2023 - 13:51

From a picture I found on Pinterest

Comments

Kids' Playhouse (under stairs)

Submitted by kdins31 on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 09:22

Had the perfect space for a little playhouse under the stairs in the basement and it's been our plan for 4 years to do something. Finally, we did something. Wanted depth so I added the roof and portico. Also added cedar shingles that I picked up for $7 at HD. Inside I had extra laminate flooring so I put that down and added beadboard, chair rail and crown molding. There's also a small transom window above the small kitchen area. The kids love the barnhouse doors with old fashioned doorbell, mailslot and window. The bookshelf under the stairs was the final touch. I didn't use any plans from this awesome site but did, as always, get a bunch of tips and inspiration!

Pin for Later!

Kids' Playhouse (under stairs)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain on cedar shingles.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 19:00

Wow! That is awesome!

You really did a great job on that! So imaginative, too. WTG!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 19:58

That is so stinkin' adorable! Fantastic job. I love everything about it. Your kids (and grandkids) will remember the playhouse under that stairs forever!

spiceylg

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 06:54

Wow, this is too cool! They are going to love love love this! Can't wait to see the kitchen reveal!

bhoppy

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 08:43

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!! It looks amazing! Makes me want to buy a new house with stairs. LOL

birdsandsoap

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:26

You did an amazing job on this. I'm planning a bunkbed with a similar facade. I love how cozy it looks without having to make an actual pitched roof. The shingles are such a nice touch that I may have to copy you! And it's wired for lights; you've really outdone yourself.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 21:14

I love this playroom you created. We are currently in the process of building a playroom under the stairs for our girls. Where did you find the door...it is exactly what I am looking for! What a wonderful job you did!!!

kdins31

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 14:26

Thanks to all of you for the nice comments! Re: the door, I just cut a plain 18x80 door slab ($21 from orange) and trimmed it out. I still need to put the window grille over the open space, and was hoping to find a cool 'speak easy' grille that fits the space.

Thanks again!

megan_m

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 09:07

this is such an amazing little space! great work!

MicheleInAlabama (not verified)

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 23:38

This has to be one of the most adorable things I've ever seen! What an awesome idea......how cool is that for the kids??! Love the lighting and the laminate (or is it hardwood) flooring inside. Even the stove is gorgeous! Such fond memories will be made there and remembered forever. Kudos!!

Amanda Rhoads (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 15:34

Oh my goodness this is such an inspiration! However, as a beginning tool user, I don't think I could get my finishes so nice. How much experience had you had at this kind of stuff before? Was the area closed in before this project or did you do that too? I've got an open stairway into our basement and would be starting from scratch with ceiling, walls, etc. and have no experience hanging drywall or anything. I think it would take me a year. Great job, and thanks for sharing!

maggieasselin

Sat, 06/21/2014 - 12:51

Hi there!

I was just wondering how you made the door for your play house? We're basically stuck at this level in ours right now... ;) Thanks for any tips!!!

Gift crate (aka man crate)

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 11/09/2013 - 13:31

This is the prototype builds for the Plywood Gift Crate (man crate) plan. I had a great time developing and building this plan! I read a forum post about these and was inspired to do up a plan and build. When you give these as a gift, present it with the top nailed shut, and a crowbar for getting it open!

Two crates are shown. These each took a little over an hour to build. The 3/4" plywood one was entirely from scraps, and I purchased the poplar craft boards ($2 each) for the 1/2" plywood one. New wood would cost about $15. I left them unfinished like the inspiration. The picture just has the text added to it as a graphic. I do plan to stencil "man crate" on them though. The first prototype with 1/2" plywood scraps was made with a 1/4" scrap plywood top and poplar trim boards. My scrap top wasn't wide enough to cover trims on the sides, which is why the sides on that one are plain. The 2nd prototype was with 3/4" plywood scraps and uses strips of 1/4" thick scrap plywood for the trim boards.

If anyone is interested in different size crates, I've created a project calculator in Excel, that you can key in the desired dimensions and sizes of wood you plan to use, and the spreadsheet will give you the sizes for the pieces and a cut list. I couldn't figure out a way to attach that to the plan, but if you would like one, just send me a note through the contact form, and I'll email it to you.

I hope you build these, it was a fun and easy build!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$8
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
These are both unfinished, just sanded smooth. I'm planning to stencil "man crate" on them in black.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

King Farmhouse Bed Frame

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/24/2016 - 13:26

I spent 3 weekends building this for a friend. It was alot of work but it came out great!! He got the plans from Shanty-2-chic. We modified the plans alot to make it a truly unique piece. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
varathane ash
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Kids desk

Submitted by shruti on Wed, 04/12/2023 - 13:13

My daughter wanted a desk from a long time and this was a perfect plan!! I tweaked it a little as per our requirement and it came out be awwsome!! My daughter loves it :) Thanks Ana for the plan..

Comments

Easiest shelf ever

If you need a shelf/ledge, this is the plan for you - regardless of your building ability. Easiest. plan. ever.

And if you are like me - you won't even have to make any cuts! We have this ledge in our dining room along the long wall. it gets decorated for each season and it's GREAT! We love showcasing family photos as well as our holiday decor.

Wood, glue, nails or screws. Paint. Done! It's that easy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Dove White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bench

This bench is a perfect addition to our front porch.

This is one of the first projects that I tackled, and its holding up beautifully!

Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor Paint and Primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our farm house table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2016 - 03:23

This table took me a few days to build and finish over my Christmas vacation. It's made completely of reclaimed wood. I left as many defects as I could to give it character. I'm finishing a bench for it now. Building this has brought the family together again. We are now eating at the table each night instead of in front of the tv. This table Is going to be in our family for many years to come. Thanks for your great plans Ana.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20 for pocket screws and stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Pecan stain on top. Three coats of Minwax Satin Laquer.
The base is painted with some old off white semi gloss latex I had in the garage, then rubbed with some dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor 2x4 Sofa

Submitted by BGBuild on Tue, 07/16/2019 - 07:06

Last summer I rented a home in Cali Colombia that had a roof deck but no furniture. I had a lot of free time so I decided to use the 2x4 sofa plans to build this. It came out great, especially considering i had very few tools to work with.

Estimated Cost
Including buying the tools I needed for the job and the cushions, it cost about $500 in all. But I had all the cushions custom made. They were the most expensive part.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor escape

Submitted by Bread0186 on Tue, 04/18/2023 - 11:39

First build ever. Took about 2 days and the most expensive part was the cushions, but Lowe's had a good deal. I did not sanding, painting, or staining. I'm sure I'll do that eventually, or make another sectional later, but I'm in North Texas and loving this set right now.

Comments

Dream Doll House

Dream Doll House

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Linseed oil and latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Easy Jewlery Box Current(unfinnished)

some minor changes in the box height and added fronts to the drawers,

currently working on this project will update when completed.

thanks for checking it out.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 11/14/2013 - 16:33

Love this! It looks awesome. What a fab idea to add the basswood drawer fronts! Definitely copying that! Thank you for posting, great job!! :)
Joanne

Media Center - Built-in

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 20:20

We built and designed this as we went.  All the wires are concealed behind the back of the center and all the media equipment is in the cabinet.  Everything was custom built for roughly $400 and it took about 2 days.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Potting Bench

I originally built this potting bench in 2014. It was the very first project I built completely on my own! After 5 years of being outside it needed a little makeover. I sanded and refinished it, and made a couple modifications.

The last picture is the before :) 

You can read about the whole building process here: https://mamaneedsaproject.com/2x4-potting-bench-makeover/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Banquette Bench with Flip Up Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:35

Thank you, Ana, for the banquet bench plan! I’ve never done any form of carpentry before, but with your plans, the right tools and some perseverance, this labour-of-love is my new pride and joy and has added some much needed storage to my small kitchen.
Angela (London)

Comments

DIY Shelves

Love how these turned out and LOVE that I had almost everything in my garage already! Here's a tutorial for those of you who would like to make it!

http://sawgrasshome.com/?p=731

Estimated Cost
Less than $30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic Table

My wife and I wanted a rustic looking table for our cabin and didn't want to pay a fortune for it! This was my first project and I found it pretty easy to make. The finish is Briwax Rustic Pine and I was so happy with how it turned out I had to build some chairs to go with it! The chairs were made from a plan I found for making chairs using 2x4s

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Briwax Rustic Pine.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sun, 11/17/2013 - 07:30

These look awesome! Love the finish - how many coats of Briwax did you need to achieve that sheen? It's just the perfect amount of shine. And those chairs! Can you post some close-ups of those designs on the backs? Those look sooo cool, how did you do them?

Turned Leg Coffee Table with Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/03/2016 - 06:56

We combined the plans for the Turned Leg Coffee Table and the Corona Coffee Table to add the storage shelf for toys. Visit my blog for more details and pictures:

Estimated Cost
Using low-grade pine, we spent about $180.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Faux top stain using Minwax Gel Stain and Behr paint. Details are at www.renovatedfaith.com
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Desk with drawers and open cabinets

Submitted by kwall5 on Thu, 07/25/2019 - 20:10

I used a modified version of the narrow drawer unit as the foundation for this desk build. I decided to make wooden drawer guides rather than using manufacturer metal guides. I liked the idea of it having a more traditional wood-on-wood feel and saving a few dollars. I love the simplicity of the base cabinet design and the contrast between the painted base and stained top. Thanks yo all who shared their projects for the inspiration!

Estimated Cost
About $250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint, stain, and polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Triple Bunk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/29/2023 - 02:17

I needed to find a way to conserve space for 3 children to sleep in a very small home. I used an adapted pattern from Ana White. It turned out perfectly!

Comments

Storage Coffee table

Submitted by jlbarahona on Sun, 01/01/2012 - 19:56

After a not so subtle hint, my husband embarked on his first furniture build to give me my dream coffee table! (He is in construction by trade- this is not a beginner project!). It came out beautifully and we LOVE all the drawers and storage! He found a few errors on the plan, first of all in the price- ours cost us a bit over $200 with some of the wood given to us by my dad- slides alone cost about $40. He also had to add shims so that the drawers fit with the slides. You may be able to change the dimensions of the drawers slightly so they fit without the shims. We are happy with it, and excited to move on to the next project in our home!

Estimated Cost
$20-300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain with poly topcoats; my husband used a conditioner first and then did 2 coats of walnut stain, leaving the second sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping off to get the dark stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

chelseylcary (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 17:48

i love this, i intend this to be my next project after i am done with this job... i think i will only do the 2 bottom drawers tho.

jkf1983

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 08:59

Nice job! It looks great! I'm actually going to be build this for my wife and was wondering what kind of plywood you used for the top to go along with the poplar? Did you use 3/4 Birch plywood? I think I'm going to use the General finishes Java Gel stain for the finish too. Thanks!

monkeyshiners (not verified)

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 17:59

ACK! sorry, thought I would get notified if someone posted... IDK if you already finished yours or not, but my husband thinks it is maple plywood, but we aren't sure. after seeing some other projects with the gel stain you mentioned I will definitely have to get some of it for future projects, cause i love the look of it! Good luck, i hope you post photos of yours! If you have any other questions, post them on my blog post here http://monkeyshiners.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-christmas-gift-storage-cof… and i will get an email about it to respond asap. :)