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Forward facing bookshelf

Submitted by Kero on Thu, 10/24/2013 - 12:25

This was my first build and I think it turned out pretty nice. I had been considering a new bookshelf for my daughter's room for some time because the one we had was large and clunky. This takes up significantly less floor space which makes her room seem so much larger.

The hardest part of this I found was cutting the arches out of the 1x2s. I noticed a lot of other people omitted that part, but I thought it was a neat way to add some interest so I really wanted to keep it. Unfortunately, they aren't exactly symmetrical and the cuts were very jagged. But I knew I was going for a dark paint in those spots so with a little bit of sanding you can barely tell.

Speaking of paint, I didn't realize how much even a small quart was going to cost me, and I bought two colours! But it was definitely worth it I think. The white with plum purple accents is really sharp, and my daughter loves it. In fact, I'm already planning on building a complete bedroom set for her in the same colour scheme. Hopefully it works out.

Thanks for taking a look! :)

Built from Plan(s)
Flat Wall Book Shelves
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr White and Grape Jubilee
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

FongerB

Sat, 04/19/2014 - 06:19

Love the accent colour!!
I've been trying to figure out how to throw in a pop colour, this is it! Thanks!

Modern Farm Table with a Twist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 18:04

We wanted to build a farm table with benches to accommodate a few more people in the same space. This plan was easy to use. We modified a couple of the supports to metal piping to change the look up. We also painted the table and used a stencil to create a old world feel to it. It was a very fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Farm Table
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 Qt Carribean Sea from Glidden
1 Qt Galapagos from Behr
Minwax Polycrylic Semi-Gloss Finish
Tile stencil for table top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy Storage Box

Submitted by Cannelle on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 16:19

I made this project for a co-worker who is expecting. I was a bit worried about just using nails and glue, so I used pocket holes except for on the front pieces. To add storage capacity on the top cubbies, I trimmed a 1x6 by an inch, as I thought that it would be a good balance. Overall, it turned out well and she loved it.

Built from Plan(s)
Toy Bin Box with Cubby Shelves
Estimated Cost
$30 plus paint and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Desk to Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 05:16

The desk was no longer functional once both of us were working from home and converted other spaces to full offices. We both enjoy fine whiskey and bourbon and wanted a space to entertain and display our collection. This was by far our most challenging but rewarding DIY build yet.

Built from Plan(s)
Simplified 8' Barn Door Console Plans
Easy to Build Floating Shelves

Comments

Rustic Headboard

Submitted by beingbrook on Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:26

Rustic headboard built in an afternoon. Total cost was only $35!

Blog Link
beingBrook-Rustic headboard w/aged finish
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build Wood Headboard (All Mattress Sizes)
Estimated Cost
$40-60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the wood using tea followed by steel wool/vinegar mix. Finished with Annie Sloan clear wax. A detailed explanation can be found at my blog: http://beingbrook.com/rustic-headboard-aged-wood/
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

scott56

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 12:46

I thought the 56 in headboard was a little excessive. So I cut it down a foot. If you decide to do this take 6 inches off the top and the bottom so it looks portionally correct. Another thing I did that was not mentioned in the what I have read so far was use kregs joints to connect the inner panel. If you build it from the back you will not see any joints except the top ones on the foot board. I patched them with that elmers patch stuff and are no longer visible. Minus all the sanding I built two beds in a half day.

Ava-Drew

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 15:52

I was thinking of doing this headboard for the farmhouse storage bed. Did you use 4x4s or build the legs the way they are in the plan? I have several 3x3s for legs that I was planing on using with the kreg. How easy was it to get the boards lined up with the kreg?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:34

how much did you sand this headboard?

thanks

Brook@BeingBrook (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:39

We sanded the boards before building since we got the cheapest grade of lumber they had. I also sanded it about 10 minutes after I removed all the paint stripper.

Brook@BeingBrook (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 11:51

No just used a power sander. Was going for a rustic wood look so didn't worry about the sanding being perfect. Just wanted it smooth enough not to snag anything.

Mario (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 12:37

Congratulations !!! and thanks for inspiring us by posting these photos of a terrific job!

I was just wondering..how did you manage to get the perfect light brown - chocolate tint shown on these photos??

I've followed the process described (oxidized the wood using tea followed by steel wool/vinegar mix) to the point. However, the result is grey tinted. even tried applying the process to different types of wood and applying less mix..even sanding it after the project dried and applying the clear wax..Same GREY result..

Please help!!

Brook @ BeingBrook (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 13:26

Different woods will give a different finish. This project turned out a little browner than the other times I've used the tea/vinegar treatment. Probably because it was previously painted and then stripped. You can also buy dark wax that will help change the color. You might try finding a stain that is the color that you want and staining your project. Good luck!

Ante

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 12:53

where does the white come from in your wood. did you strip pre primed pine then tea and oxidation? thanks,ante

dining table

Submitted by InSweden on Sat, 10/26/2013 - 14:52

We got idea from here, but we had to make our own plan for table to make it fit in to our home.. and we just love it :)

more in my blog http://kellarinkatkoissa.blogspot.se/2013/10/tee-se-itse.html

Blog Link
http://kellarinkatkoissa.blogspot.se/2013/10/tee-se-itse.html
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Rustic Table
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
teak and hard wax oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Planked top Coffee Table with recycled legs

Submitted by AndyH on Sun, 01/10/2016 - 15:00

I found an old coffee table with stained legs for $10 on one of those app "for sale" sites. Sanded them down and with two pieces of 1 by 4 for the apron and 2 pieces of 1 by 6 for the top made this table. Apron is No2 whitewood and Top is select pine. Top was stained in a dark color (Varathane Kona) and then painted gray and sanded back to show some of grain and stain through. Total cost of new table about $60 (most expensive part was the select pine for the top at around $35)

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Extra bright white and then gray for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Work table / desk

Submitted by julkrist on Thu, 05/16/2019 - 13:01

I created this work table by modifying the Beginner Farm Table.  I made it counter height and added a shelf underneath.  It is 5 feet long and the top is five 2x6 boards.  The shelf is 1x6 boards.

I purchased 4@ 2x4s and 3 @ 2x6x10 - I got the store to cut those in half (5' lengths).  I cut the 2x4s on a miter saw.

This is my first project.  It probably took a bit more than 6 hours given I was learning to use the saw and trying to find the tools to do the job.

Built from Plan(s)
Beginner Farm Table (2 Tools + $50 Lumber)
Estimated Cost
$100 for lumber, screws and Varathane stain & polyurethane.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain and Polyurethane(Mission Oak finish). I sanded the boards by hand and painted the finish with a paintbrush. It was a bit messy and difficult the get an even coat, but that didn't bother me too much as it is meant to be rustic. In future I think I'd prefer a two step process as I think it may be less messy.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hidden Puzzle Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 12:02

I wanted a table that would protect my puzzles from puzzle piece eating dogs, so I used this Ana White desk plan and built a frame on top to hold the cover panels. The drawer is perfect for holding puzzle pieces during a build.

Built from Plan(s)
Desks that Convert to Table for our Tiny House on Wheels

Comments

Flip Top Coffee Table

Submitted by angiemicn on Wed, 11/23/2011 - 01:11

Needed a sturdy coffee table and this plan was perfect. Doubles as a bench, extra storage in the hidden cubby underneath the flip top, holds football fiesta platters, beers, and when the parties not in full swing, I'm using as a sewing table as well. Love it. Used my Kreg jig for entire assembly so super sturdy and easy too. Modifications: 1x6 Pine boards, jigged together. love the look of pine and after assembly, meticulously sanded so feels like one piece of wood. Used the hidden hinges. Bottom shelf I made out of leftover 1x4's, to match the top. width is 36 inches. Had to fit in a tiny living room. Did add support to the bottom shelf, 2 1x2's under the 1x4's....my dog has already crawled onto the shelf.

Blog Link
beer/coffee table for football
Estimated Cost
free used leftover scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Natural finish for top and shelf.
Kilz white primer 2 coats, and Behr Ultra White for legs and apron.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

angiemicn

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 02:36

thank you so much! Glad you liked it, I love the contrast too!
Since it's essentially a holder for hubby's beer and snacks this kind of top can take a lot of abuse and still look great

Victoria Marie (not verified)

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 18:57

I love the look of this augmented plan. The 1x6 boards looks super sleek.

Can I ask you a question? I'm building this bench as my very first building project, and so far it is quite wobbly. I attached the shelves with one pocket hole in each corner through the shelf piece. You mentioned that yours is super sturdy. How did you attach the shelves?

Thanks! - Victoria

angiemicn

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 22:57

Victoria,
I made each side as a frame, looked like 2 rectangles and 2 squares. Those were both kregged together...then I put those frames, front, back and 2 sides together kregging those together. The shelves are all kregged in too. I don't know if that helps or not. I've used mine for extra seating.
good luck, angie

rustic x sofa table

I love this site. We needed new furniture in are house and didn't want to spend a bunch of money. Finding the Rustic x plans was a life saver.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Console Table
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint and kona stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Big Ol' TV Stand

Submitted by BERobinson on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 11:14

Instructions for the Ridge Media Console Table were easy enough to understand after one read-through.

I changed up the front-drawer face to go along with other decor in room fun, satisfying project.

NOTE -- Measure your electronics. The drawer is supposed to hide all wires and electronics for a clean look, however, the plans give a 13" drawer space. The dvd/tuner I own is approx 14.5", therefore I have to store it on the bottom shelf. I guess it's time to upgrade to blu-ray.

Built from Plan(s)
Ridge Media Console
Estimated Cost
100.00

wood, kreg screws, nails
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain redwood on the table tops, and then a turquoise chalk paint, 40/60 with water, on the body. After sadning the finishes down to reveal more grain, minwax wax finish was used to protect. I use a rag with black paint on it to apply the wax. It tends to darken the grains and pull out the awesome imperfections of the wood that I love staring at.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mud room bench

Submitted by willp on Mon, 05/27/2019 - 08:53

Mud room bench 

Built from Plan(s)
Mudroom Bench with Easy Drawers
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Henry J

Fri, 04/17/2020 - 04:59

I always wanted to build several projects you developed, but never had the time. I do now... With nothing to do and nowhere to go I went to Lowe's and bought every Kreg tool they sell after watching your videos about how to use them/what they do. So far, very impressed with Kreg. My first project is the mud room bench (with cabinet and coat hangers). Live near a hardwood mill in a town where lumber and wood products are a main industry so materials are good, plentiful, and cheap.

Bench storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 20:43

Built for a game room. The customer wanted it rustic white. With 1/3,2/3 split storage one for toys the other side for storage.

Blog Link
https://www.facebook.com/grayshedwoodworks?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Comments

Perfect!

Submitted by lbadger on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 06:59

I went round and round trying to figure out what type of shelving to install in our kitchen to go above a cabinet below that will be topped with a rough live edge pine slab (not yet completed). I stumbled across your industrial chic shelves post, found an old board laying around the yard and whalla! As always, thanks for this amazing site!!

Built from Plan(s)
Industrial Chic Reclaimed Wood Shelves
Estimated Cost
n/a
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Cleaned up a bit, sanded down a bit and top coated with poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Young Mrs. (not verified)

Thu, 12/22/2011 - 12:44

Hi! Love how your shelves turned out. I was just wondering how much weight these shelves would hold. Looking at yours with plates on them, it seems like they hold quite a lot!

Did you use larger L-brackets or the same size that Ana used?

Thanks for posting your shelves!

Patrick's Jelly Cupboard

Submitted by tamicaleb on Thu, 10/31/2013 - 16:30

I am built two of these cupboards for my dining room. I am calling them pie safes though. Making two added twice the work but I only had to think through the steps once.

Estimated Cost
$250 to build two. That included paint, hinges, hardware etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior painted butterscotch. Exterior spray painted black then painted over with a muted red. Distress sanded and then wiped down with dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Red Oak Headboard with Herringbone pattern

Created a headboard for my guest room bed.  Used red oak slats to create the herringbone effect and regular red oak boards for the frame and legs.  Natural shellac and sealer used as the finish.  No real plans used, but can provide the dimensions to anyone who is interested.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bullseye Shellac and Sealer (clear)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 12:59

My wife wanted a fireplace in our main living room, then we added the shelving on each side

Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Shiplap Fireplace Tutorial with Free Plans and Video

Comments