Community Brag Posts

King-sized platform bed

DIY king-sized platform bed. A quick afternoon project to get yourself off the ground. Specifically built for Ikea memory foam mattress (which doesn't honor their warranty if bed is kept on slatted wood platform bed). Detailed plans here. http://www.thehomespunjournal.com/2012/02/27/king-sized-platform-bed/

Estimated Cost
$87
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

babysteps

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 07:52

I am thinking that if you wanted your mattress to breathe on this platform, you could drill a bunch of small holes in the platform to let some air circulate from underneath.

Kids Play Kitchen

I wanted my daughter to have a play kitchen for Christmas - so I was excited when I found these plans on ana-white.com. My husband is a very skilled, self-taught, craftsman - so I knew he could do this! I'm pretty crafty myself - so combined, we made this awesome kitchen. We couldn't be prouder of how it turned out.

The back splash is a piece of remnant cloth from Hobby Lobby - I modge podged it on. The shelf liners are laminated fabric also from the Hobby Lobby remnant bin, that was put down with a little bit of spray adhesive. Oven racks are from the Dollar Tree - cookie drying racks. The stove eyes and oven burners are wooden disks from Hobby Lobby as well as the knobs. The stove eyes and oven burners have red glitter glue swirls on top to give the realistic "hot" look. The sink was a stray dog bowl we've had for a while. The handles were left over from another project we did a while back.

My husband built the faucet and knobs from plans he dreamed up as he went. We used metal sheets in the fronts of the fridge doors so she could put magnets on them.. like a real fridge! He also added an additional shelf in the lower part of the fridge. He used magnetic closures on each of the doors so they will stay shut nicely.

He built the entire kitchen in one day -- the drying time on the paint -- slowed us some due to the weather we've been having. Over all it took us about 1.5 weeks to finish - working on it a little each evening.

Our daughter loves it.. she's cooked us several meals since Santa brought her kitchen. LOVE IT!!

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Crescent Moon Crib

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/13/2016 - 21:21

I took a crib plan I saw on here from DIYstinctly Made, but I wanted to have a crescent moon, so I altered the plans to a solid back with a crescent moon in the center!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Varathane Water-based Poly+Stain (Early American) - 2 coats used a little less than 1 quart
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Main closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/27/2019 - 19:23

10 ft closet that had a lot of space but little organization. First attempt at building anything. Built the bench first in four different sections then attached together. Closet already had two long 10 ft boards so just added vertical dividers to match the cubbies for each person. Added shelving on sides using the concepts of making the original bench. Our baseboards have tile that was installed up to it so I didn’t attempt to remove them but notched out the backs of the wood to fit around. On the side left about 6 inches and installed the rod front to back using C hooks to hang things from them. Will be adding lots more hooks on the sides as well. Used a couple different plans but ended up making changes along the way based on my skill level and what I thought would work best for the family.

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted sections are Sherwin Williams Olympus white and stained shelves are classic oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Flip-top bench

This was my first project and I followed the plan closely, with the exception of adding a center brace under the top. I used a pocket hole jig to attach some of the of the boards, and finishing nails to secure other spots. I had to adjust the side trim pieces because my lumber was a different length than the stuff on the original plan.

I learned a lot doing this. It was wobbly when I first started but got better the more I added to it. The most important thing I learned is to be choosy when selecting boards. My top board is warped a bit so that it doesn't quite rest on the ledge on one side -- I will know what to look for next time I select boards.

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The stain is mini wax walnut, applied with a dry rag with a light hand, then wiped off.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Play Kitchen

My husband and I worked on this and a dollhouse project simultaneously as our first builds. We did alter the dimensions to be taller and slightly wider than the plans. Being our first attempt, a lot of mistakes were made, especially given our limited tool resource. We learned a lot, though, and the end result is a hit with our little girl despite all the wonky bits.

We opted for the farmhouse sink style, which was quite a bit of work for our newbie skills, but I think it was well worth it. I want a farmhouse sink my kitchen, so I'll just live vicariously! Plus, her toy pots and pans are stainless steel, so it's nice to not have a metal sink that would clang when her dishes are in there. We also opted for now to do an extra unit of "counter space" in lieu of a refrigerator. We do plan on making a fridge further down the road and even hope to alter these plans to make a washer and dryer set.

Regretfully, I can't recall the name of this color. I'm really pleased with it, though, and plan on using the remainder on a sewing table build. I already had all the supplies I used for the curtains (mostly remnant sales and an old curtain I recycled for the backing fabric). I do want to find a wood shape that I can attach to the burners to give it a gas stove look. That and varnish on the counter tops are still lacking here. We also added a tap light inside the oven and painted it a stony grey.

The construction went by pretty quickly, but I'd say the painting and decorating take it from a day project to a weekend project.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint (around 3 coats for the units and closer to 10 for the sink), Stain (oil based, Golden oak; I taped off 1" strips and applied stain, letting it sit for 5 minutes, then I removed the tape and applied another layer all over, removing it immediately), Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/17/2016 - 01:21

For this project we followed the plans pretty well. We added trim to the side rails to be more like the original bed which the plans were modeled after. We also extended the two by fours on the headboard and footboard to give s little more design to the headboard. Plans were easy to follow. We love our new bed with the natural wood combined with a light white wash on the panels.

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Whitewash
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barnhouse Door Cabinet

I began woodworking over the last year, having had no real previous experience, and fell in love. I work full time as a branch manager for the local Secretary of State, and have to fit my new hobby in where I can. Although I stumbled my way through the first few projects with my husband's help, I have grown both in knowledge, and confidence with each new creation. When I first started out I was nervous using cutting tools, relying solely on his assistance and focused on the nuts and bolts portion of the plans. However, I am now able to complete even more complicated plans with no assistance at all. Ana White plans are easy to follow and always end in a beautiful piece. The cabinet that I am submitting for this contest is by far my favorite of the pieces I have made so far. I think it turned out gorgeous, and I'm very proud of the work that I was able to do.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did a gray chalk paint with a chalk corresponding finish. The door was a satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Pantry Cabinet

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 03/05/2012 - 16:57

Pantry cabinet, with lots of room, Ana-inspired. We combined ideas from the Momplex kitchen, simple armoire, and benchmark storage, and we are super pleased with how this turned out. We built it in 2 pieces, attached together and then secured to the base and wall studs so it’s a ‘built-in’. Then we added lots of trim and painted to match the dining room. The opening at the left is large enough to fit pretty much any size microwave, and there’s a dedicated outlet behind it in the opening. The shelves are spaced wide enough apart for tall cereal boxes, tall bottles, and chip bags to stand upright. Overall finished cabinet size is 48" wide and 95 3/4" tall. This took us several days to complete. Since the doors are tall and kind of heavy, we added the Blum cabinet door dampeners from Rockler (these things really work!). Ana, thank you so much for the inspiration. I don’t think we would have tried this if it wasn’t for you. We love our new pantry!

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ace Royal semi-gloss in Wishbone (front and bottom side), and in Crushed Peanut (upper side). We did 3 coats, sanding in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Debi_G (not verified)

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 00:05

Fantastic!

yogashell

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 07:44

It looks amazing! What a great idea to add it as a built-in. Nice modification for the microwave.

Dimensional Lumber Platform Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 09:19

Modified to be able to be taken apart and easily reassembled into 4 frame pieces (each side plus the middle support beam) for transport at will, and made to fit a Queen bed instead of a double.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
we added some cedar essential oil into linseed oil and gave it two coats with that!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cabin Bed Bunk Beds

Submitted by cpedraza on Wed, 10/30/2019 - 20:26

Fell in love with Cabin Bed by Jen Woodhouse but really needed bunk beds for my grand kids. So I modified the plans just a little. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered Gray Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Twin Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by fanofana on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:50

My daughter learned to climb out of her crib so we rushed to the furniture stores to find her a bed. I was very disappointed in the quality we found. I had this project in the back of my mind but didn't know how quickly I could get it done. It was really quite easy and we got her in her new bed in no time! She loves it and I think it was better than anything we saw in a store and way less expensive!! I even made the quilt for her.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used ProClassic Interior acrylic latex paint in gloss from Sherman Williams (as noted in another brag post). Using a mini roller saved a lot of time with the finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

My new TV X Console!

Submitted by chlag on Thu, 01/02/2014 - 21:53

I Modified the plans to add enough shelves for my audio video equipment and leave place for the woofer. I also shorten it to fit in the space I had available. Notice the 2x4 legs became 2x3 to keep a decent aspect ratio.

Love the oxidizing finish!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tea - Vinegar/steel whole - Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Grandy Sliding Door Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/22/2016 - 08:29

this is modified slightly from the original plan to accomodate some basic electronics for the TV

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

deannaw08

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 06:58

i like the modifications that you made.  I plan on making this in a couple weeks (too many projects going on right now), how many inches did you add to the top for the electronics/pictures?  what you have seems like it'd be a good height for what i'm trying to do.  Thank you!

jstewart

Mon, 02/26/2018 - 08:15

I would like to build this and i am trying to find the plans for this console. please

Libbytiny

Tue, 02/27/2018 - 11:36

HELLO ANYBODY?  Love love love this.  I want to list my house and buy, build and live in this instead!!!  I want to know where everybody is going to be putting their new tiny house what kind of property and environment also does anybody know if you can park a tiny home in an RV resort that have the big dog class a types any information about how to build this and to purchase the plans. thank you!!!!

RoninsDad

Fri, 03/16/2018 - 18:30

I was wondering if you had the plans to the changes you made to this. I would love to you build this one.

Big Kid Picnic Table

Submitted by HOWsMom on Tue, 03/13/2012 - 06:35

After I saw the bigger kid picnic table, I knew I HAD to make this ! I did change the measurements slightly, but I don't recall how now (I made this a year ago).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 CDN
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 07:33

Plans were perfect. This was my first build.

Estimated Cost
Under 400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Plans were the perfect size. Thanks Ana
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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