Community Brag Posts

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. :)

Farm house bench

Submitted by Builder J on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 08:40

Made from scrap wood left in the empty lots besides me, from framing crews.

Cost me just the time, screws, sand paper and stain.

Made all the cuts with a skillsaw, by saving the $$$ I have now went and bought a mitre and table saw. YAY!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 in 1 Miniwax PolyShades, Bombay Mahogany. 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic lap desk

This was a fun afternoon project built almost entirely from materials I already had on hand. I finished it off with a coat of Gunstock stain by Minwax, followed by a coat of Cherry stain. I sanded a little between each coat. Next I applied a thin coat of black paint and sanded gently until the stain started to show through (and bare wood in places). Finally I applied a coat of polyurethane gloss. It took about four days to complete the finish and I made it up as I went along. Super happy with the end result. I opted not to add the side bins, but I did add an extra 2x2 on each side, mostly because the 2x2 I used for the legs was a little bowed and the exta piece ensured that they'd stay where they're supposed to.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $12. I had to buy a 1x4 and some hinges.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Gunstock and Cherry
Rustoleum Gloss Black
Minwax Polyurethane Gloss
(I already had these colors on hand)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Table and chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/08/2019 - 09:57

When we took the wall out from between the living room and kitchen in our small farmhouse, we found that our tiny table just didn’t work and we definitely needed more space at the table with the kids growing. So this is what I built. I wanted it counter height so I can have extra working space in the kitchen during canning and baking. I love how versatile it is in our space as well. We did cut down the backs of the chairs because it was too tall and overpowering in the small space. I also didn’t account for the seat length and wanted the whole chair to pushed up right to the table, so we adjusted the side measurements and made three of the chair seats one board smaller. They are perfect for the kids. Now on to the cabinets and painting the walls!

Built from Plan(s)

Truss Coffee Table

This was my third project so far. I am having so much fun with your designs! I bought your book and also got a copy for my friend. Thank you so much for all of your free posts and for being such an inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
special oak by minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bois Rouge Saint Paul bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 08:43

fit the Bois Rouge Saint Paul Table

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
use coumpound joint to fill screw holes, sand flush, prime, paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Locker cabinets

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 00:24

Modified the plans to make a fourth cubby, they turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 09:20

Finished the second chair using Kreg holes fir the arms
Cedar looks good I think

Comments

Dress Up Vanity Tower

Submitted by cfgenie on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:20

Dress up tower for my 4 yr old daughter to hang her pretty play costumes and princess outfits.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
25
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of white primer, 2 coats of antique white, antiquing stain/wipe-off, and two coats of clear top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

1st Toy Box

Submitted by Parahann on Sat, 11/23/2013 - 16:35

This is my first wood working project I've done. I am definitely a beginner, but feel that it turned out great. The project instructions were easy to follow and very descriptive. Some of the problems I ran into was my hardware store had a very limited selection of wood to choose from. I ended up buying a 2x4x1/2 sheet of plywood for the sides so when I made my cuts, I didn't take into account that the blade from the saw would eat up an 1/8" of wood which made my cuts off. Next when I was attaching the 1x2s and 1x3s to the plywood, I didn't realize I clamped the wood to hard which left a slight bend in my joined pieces. Overall I feel the project turned out great and my 3 year old loved it (which is the most important thing)!! I look forward to making more projects, to include another toy box.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White gloss paint and then spray lacquer. I used lacquer because it after doing my research, it seemed to be the most durable out the different types of protective finishes.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Spa-like Vanity

Submitted by BERobinson on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 07:39

chunky-leg vanity for spa-like bathroom.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
all wood was white-washed and then painted on top of. Legs were asked to be painted black, and top was asked gray. Wax finish on the legs and plank shelves, semi-gloss poly on the top to keep it waterproof.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/18/2019 - 15:07

It took a long time to convince my husband to do this, he didn’t think he could. But with the easy instructions to follow it turned out amazing.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Country Bench & Coat rack

Submitted by tonihowe on Sun, 01/08/2012 - 14:07

Modified the kids country to a smaller size to fit in a tight area. The coat rack I did freestyle. Both made from scraps, the metal hangers are antiques that I have been holdiing onto for 20 years.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax old american
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Play Vanity

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Tue, 11/26/2013 - 11:52

I wanted to surprise someone special with just the right gift on her 5th birthday. The size was just perfect for her and the space that was available.
At the last minute I decided to add drawers to contain all those girly things and am glad that I did. To finish it off I added pretty crystal knobs to really glam it up.
I also built the play table stool to complete the set.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35-50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Oak, semi-gloss poly, White semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 12:48

So precious! Wish I had this type of set up when I was a teenager, let alone when I was five! LOL! Lucky girl!

BIGGER Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 11:52

Using Ana's Rustic X Coffee Table plans, I created a larger version at 60" by 33" - just as easy and perfect for my space! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane gel stain in Weathered Grey (single coat) and Varathane Triple Thick Varnish (two coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King sized farmhouse bed

After numerous moves cross country, it was time for a new bed frame, so I was excited to find the time to try out the farmhouse king bed plans! I was lucky enough to get my hands on reclaimed lumber from an old dairy barn in the UP Michigan so that is what I used for the mountain design. I made the bed to plan, but replaced the headboard slats with the mosaic insert. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out! 

Estimated Cost
$112
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My Modified Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by moldah on Wed, 01/11/2012 - 14:02

I fell in love with the Simple Outdoor Dining Table, but wanted something a bit different. When ewood posted the modified version. I knew that was the one!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Produce bin toy box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/15/2016 - 10:51

Handmade

Estimated Cost
100ish
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

When husband breaks it I can fix it.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 19:42

My husband broke out entertainment stand all out of glass. This is my very first project. All by my self. Inspired from being broke and have 2x4 laying around.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments