Community Brag Posts

Faux Mantle

Submitted by Lady Goats on Wed, 04/02/2014 - 12:26

Built a fireplace using Mimi's Faux Mantle plans - I think it turned out great!

Built from Purebond plywood because I can't find straight boards in bigger sizes in my area (EVER!) and used fir 1x's for everything else.

Finished with three coats of Behr paint/primer in ultra white. I will not buy Behr again. Personal preference.

Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Paint/Primer in one - ultra white
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hexagonal Side/Cofee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 08:07

I tried this as my first ever project after going through different plans and technique. I did great (I think :-) ) until end and think i screwed up with staining. There is dried glue left on the surafce which i thought i sanded but appeared as soon as i stained.

Feed back / comments on the design and please suggest a way to fix the staining issue.

 

 

Estimated Cost
70 $
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Spice Rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/25/2020 - 20:10

Change out the dowels with some molding and stained. Wife loves it!

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Minwax stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy Picnic Table - Definately worth the extra little effort!

Submitted by mlmerrel on Wed, 06/20/2012 - 10:30

Needed a table for our deck, but didn't want to spend the $400-500 on sets at the store. Followed the plan for the most part and it was fairly easy to build. The only thing I did differently was in building the ends was put the "X" supports in after making the "I" shape in case I was off with my cuts.

Spent an hour cutting all the pieces on a Friday night and about 3 hours assembling Saturday morning. Table was ready to eat lunch on!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 (thanks to the Veteran discount at Lowe's)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None, yet... plan to stain at the end of the summer once the wood dries out.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mlmerrel

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 12:05

I did not use a Kreg jig because i dont havd one and I didn't try to hide my screws. I did pre-drill all my holes so that I didn't split any boards... and my dad is a carpenter so he helped me attach the 2 cross pieces (which is the only part I had trouble with) to the ends, which we did by just angling the screws in. I will try to take a few more detailed pics in the next few days so you can get a better idea of how I did it.

I Rub (not verified)

Mon, 07/02/2012 - 03:37

Hi, great build !
Could you please explain how and from where did you screw the curved pieces at the bases ?
same question for the table top boards ?

Thank you!

In reply to by I Rub (not verified)

mlmerrel

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 12:03

If you look at the first drawing I have attached it will show you where to screw the curved pieces in. I screwed through the 1 x 4 to attach the smaller curved piece. Then I would screw through the larger curved piece into the smaller curved piece to attach it.

The table top pieces I screwed in from the top into the side pieces that you build first. I used 2 screws per board per side. The 2 boards in the middle should have screws at least 2 inches in from each side. The 2 boards on the end will have one set of screws 2 inches from the side that is next to the boards in the middle. The second set of screws will end up in about the middle of the outside boards. I'm going to attach another drawing to explain. Let me know if this helps.

I Rub

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 11:22

I plan on building the table this week, will use your advice. Much appreciated.

Gus (not verified)

Sun, 07/15/2012 - 16:20

Thank you for posting this. I started the project yesterday and I started with putting the cross braces on first and it did not turn out leveled. I thought that I would try to put it together first and then add the cross braces but was scared if it would hold. Thanks to your post I feel more confidant about it. I am going to make a run to the big box store and start over. Its okay because this is my very first build and I am just happy with my first 45 degree cut with my new circular saw ;) I guess its a learning process.

Thanks again for your post,
Gus

Deck chairs

I Love the modern look of these chairs but definitely felt a little uncomfortable without the back rest so decided to add a little more back rest.

Great plan and easy directions to follow - my first wood working project.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Readyseal dark walnut stain and seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY RH Dining Table

Submitted by vlilly on Sun, 04/27/2014 - 13:22

I loved making this! I had to travel about 2 hours to get the DF 4x4s which was the only pain in making it. This was my third big project and it wasn't hard at all! It's super heavy so it was a litte tough to turn it over. It only took me about 3 days to make it once I had all the wood.

Estimated Cost
$175-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with Rustoleum American Walnut, then applied a coat of Rustoleum Poly in matte.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple White Outdoor Table

Submitted by solomonson on Tue, 07/10/2012 - 14:25

This little table was part of a larger overhaul for my patio, which was just a sad little slab before. I threw it together from scraps I had after building the table and benches. For some reason my Kreg jig did not like me that day so I built it using wood screws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used some Valspar spray primer and white spray paint. It's not particularly durable, but that lends to the distressed charm.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

L Shaped Double X Desk

Submitted by JamieLynn on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 09:35

Made the move to working from home because of the pandemic. After 2 months and no end in sight, I decided I needed a better workstation. Built this in about 5 days. Really nice sturdy desk but make sure you measure how big it is first, I think I could have shrank this down by one less 2x6 on the top. It's a very large desk from the plans.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Truss End Tables

I built these as end tables in my living room. I made one narrower (only 14") by subtracting 3 1/2" from the end measurements and only using 4 2x4's on the top. Quick build, only about 2 hours to put together ( :) ), but the finishing took a while.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer, 2 coats of an off-white Beautitone Matte finish paint, distressed by sanding and gouging with a 9-in-one tool and rubbing Miniwax Dark Walnut stain in the gouges with a Q-tip, then wiping off. Finally 2 coats of Miniwax Polyacrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Abi's Castle Loft Bed

Submitted by Cmcisaac on Wed, 07/25/2012 - 19:46

I took on this project about 3-months, I was inspired by the excellent plans provided by fsmumford. I made a couple of modifications, adding a small bump out in the middle, to enhance the castle look, fabric covered seat cushions on the stairs, and an added 2x2 in the middle of the bed to add extra support.

Thanks to fsmumford for the awesome inspirations and great step by step guide.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sprayed on Paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tina Mccarthy (not verified)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 01:49

Hello,i am a 9 year old girl who would like a castle for my bedroom so it can be cleaner :) how much does it coast?? thank you Bye!:)

2x4 Sofa w/ Chaise and Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 10:09

Just finished this to make the most of the little good weather we get in the UK. 2x4 sofa with sectional Chaise section and coffee table

Estimated Cost
£200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Dining Table

Custom Farmhouse Table built using plan by Ana White!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Tabletop: Briwax Special Walnut

Base: Benjamin Moore Antique White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Indoor Playground slide fort

Submitted by Glenda544 on Wed, 05/28/2014 - 18:49

We wanted a place for the kids to play when the weather outside is unbearable. So, we modified the camp loft bunk bed plan to work in our game room. We have a pool table in the room and we didn't want it to interfere with any shots. Subsequently, we cut the width down to 24 inches and extended the length to 93 inches to fit in our space. Additionally, we pre-ordered a slide that had to be mounted at 48 inches and measured 71 inches in length. So, my husband framed it out so the planks that are meant to hold the mattress would sit right at 48 inches and we could mount the slide. This has been the best idea ever for our kids, because they can't get enough of sliding and swinging indoors.

Estimated Cost
$100 plus slide ($89), swings ($16 each) and handles ($4 for 2)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Hmm, I believe it was a gallon of Snow Fall finish with primer all in one from Home Depot. We used about 1/2 but have more projects planned.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by nk25 on Fri, 06/26/2020 - 18:46

I really enjoyed making this. Notes: The board with 20 degree cuts needs to be cut at a longer length if cutting at 90 degrees and trimming later. The back support is a little low if you’re over 5’10”.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck stain. redwood color - Olympic brand
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barn Style Greenhouse

Followed your excellent plans, thank you.
Adapted to make smaller...approximately 10ft X 8ft.
It gave me a very enjoyable project to complete during 'lock-down ' and with Greenhouse.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Treated all wood with preservative.
Steel panels (old roofing) were obtain from a kind neighbour for free and all external metal/wood was given several coats of 'Red Oxide' gloss Barn/agricultural paint.
Adaptions made by myself were :-

I put self adhesive 'Flashing' on the bottom wood of the vertical sides...to attempt to protect the wood in contact with the floor from getting over wet......time will tell if it works.

I made additional gussets to support the top piece of wood (attached to each end).

I had trouble with keeping the corrugated roof running parrallel....but the reason for this was that it was not manufactured with straight@right angle ends (when I held a level/straight edge along end - there was a quarter of an inch gap in the centre).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tapered Wood Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:53

Made this for our patio area very fun build, my wife loves it so of course she wants another one! Back to the wood stove.

Blair K

Built from Plan(s)

Toy Story 2 Loft Bed

This was a big project to tackle. I'm not very good at modifying building plans, so my husband was frustrated during the beginning of this build. But we are very happy with the way it turned out.
The hardest part of the build was the steps. We modified them to look like blocks, so getting the dimensions equal was tough. We also made it a full size bed so that there was more room under the bed.
We used plexiglass for the doors and LED lighting under the bed.

Estimated Cost
Lots of time, $300-$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

onehotmamma4 (not verified)

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 11:47

I love it!!! Very cool. We just started a Toy Story room for my son who will be 3 next month. He would love this.

redhead_61

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 17:36

This bed is GREAT. I love what you did with the block stairs. What a way to make in impact and something original. Love it!

talon schultz (not verified)

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 13:43

Love toy story 1,2,and even 3!

adecesare4

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 09:38

That is really nice! whatever frustrations you went through, it is well worth it, love the stairs and the overall concept!

First project side table

Submitted by scott3196 on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 04:31

Lovely easy to follow plans even if i had to change all measurements into metric and wood just slightly different size. Really happy how it turned out

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean oak danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mud Kitchen

Submitted by Noyehx4 on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 12:48

This was my first build, like ever. I am very proud! Props given to my hubby who is a carpenter by trade. I went back and forth on stains and paint colors at home depot. He didn't rush me and was awesome the entire time! He actually picked up the supplies, and is now a fan of the self tap screws! He thought he knew where everything in home depot was, but he had to ask to find those LOL. He wanted to use his new nail gun, but I wanted to follow the plans. The plans are awesome! We decided not to add an oven door just yet. Likely will soon. (Avoiding pinched fingers for now) I also have the knobs for the front, but it was hot and since I had only just stained them, they needed time to dry and second coat yet. (I kind of forgot about them once I finished them with my new dremel) We purchased the hose kit from the kitchen section at home depot. It came with everything, I searched market place and even posted asking if anyone had a used one for sale. No luck. This was $20 and came with everything, the guys at home depot showed me what adapters to get to ensure that it would hook up to our garden hose, and we grabbed those too and they worked perfectly! I messed up cutting one of the angles for the shelf the wrong way, but there was enough scraps for my husband to help me fix it. It was a fun build, and so rewarding to see our kids playing with it! I used my dremel 4300 and it wasn't powerful enough for the thicker wood, so my stove tops are thinner, but he actually enjoys setting them up and spraying them off the table with his hose! I painted the brass hooks green when we were painting the kitchen so they would match. The pots and pans came with the little tote and the apron chef hat and pot holder. It was a perfect finishing touch. *Edit to add photos kitchen hose kit from home depot, reading comments, others had a hard time finding adapters. I suggest taking what you have with you to home depot so they can show you what adapters you need. We needed three because we have a quick attachment on the end of our garden hose, (for our sprayer) now little mans mud kitchen can be connected and disconnected easily!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Enamel Spray Paint and Behr Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Barn Door Pantry

We didn’t have much storage space in our little galley kitchen. Imagine how excited I was to find this plan on my favorite site.
This was my first build using my new circular saw. For previous projects, I’d take both the shopping list and cut list to Lowe’s and have them cut the wood. This time, I made all my cuts. I was nervous but love how it turned out.
I anchored it to the wall because with the barn door and the hardware weight, it felt a little front heavy.
We used the same color as our kitchen cabinets (AH13 Salty Dog) and then selected coordinated colors for the body (AH18 Debonair) and shelves (AH15 Rural Green).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams paint:
Barn Door (AH13 Salty Dog)
Cabinet (AH18 Debonair)
Shelves & Back (AH15 Rural Green)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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