Community Brag Posts

Camp Loft Bed

Submitted by JenMack on Mon, 01/30/2017 - 06:39

Love this bed plan and design! Spend Friday evening cutting wood (about an hour) and most of Saturday sanding, adding pocket holes and assembling. It looks HUGE when you put it in the room, my hubby was like....ummmm..... ;-) but once everything was put away its perfect. My 4 year old I think said "its so amazing mom" about a dozen times. She ASKED to sleep in. HA! Parent win.

Estimated Cost
$65 for lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First ever creation

This was the first thing i have ever built. I enjoyed it so much and can't wit to start my next project. The plans were easy to follow even with me changing the dimensions slightly as i was using reclaimed wood, so had to go with the sizes i had already.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a beach hut blue to paint the seat and shed stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Petite Planked Wood Sideboard

I loved the look of the Planked Wood Sideboard, but it was waaay too big for my small dining room. I scaled the piece down, so it was proportionate to my room. I finished it dark knobs and a dark "IKEA" like finish. No one believes I built this from 2x4s and 2x6s!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I first applied a solution of apple cider vinegar and steel wool to give the pine an aged look. I followed that with a coat of Minwax English Chestnut, then a coat of Red Elm Minwax Gel Stain. It's topped with several applications of a solution (1/3 Boiled Linseed Oil, 1/3 thinner and 1/3 varnish) to give it a hand rubbed look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kamert (not verified)

Fri, 01/04/2013 - 09:33

Very beautiful work. I will bookmark this for the finish instructions.

I hope I get around to producing something as lovely to furnish my own home.

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Djsaffer on Thu, 10/23/2014 - 21:23

I built this table for our kitchen.  Slightly modified the top for 3 - 2x8 and 2- 2x10 ripped down on each side to make the planks sit flush.  Breadboard ends are 2x10 to give more room on the ends and the stretcher supports are on the inside to give more room as well.  Notching was difficult, not the cleanest but they worked.

Final dimensions are 84.5 x 37 x 31

Estimated Cost
Lumber $70
Finishes $30
Kreg Screws $18
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum flat black spray paint for base.
Minwax Ipswitch Pine for the top.
Finished with Minwax Helmsman Spar Uerethane 3 coats on top 1 coat on base.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Butcher block

Submitted by Medickep on Wed, 02/01/2017 - 18:15

I decided to add this island to my kitchen as I had a lot of open space in my kitchen.   It gave a lot more counter space and when I adjust the pot rack, it will open up an entire cabinet too! The body is painted the color my cabinets are about to become and the stain matches some other woodwork in the house. I applied polyurethane to the stained pieces and plan on using cutting boards to avoid the look of a beat up butcher block as well as the maintenance that goes with them!  Wherever I could hide the edges, I used plywood instead of 1x8's as I had leftovers from a bench I made.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100.00??
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Alkd pain, minwax Ebony 2718, wipe on polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

First Project--Garage Workbench

Submitted by tstansbury on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 14:43

Made a work bench first so I could use it to make other projects. I will probably add to this a miter saw bench since I just have mine on top of my bench right now and it takes up way to much room. This was so much fun and I am so happy I attempted this!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Storage play table with stools

Submitted by LynnMohl on Sat, 01/05/2013 - 13:06

So I had a bunch of wood lying around so I tried the flower storage table and made two stools from Ana's plans with a few modifications. The plans were great though I didn't quite catch at first to miter my stool legs at 10 degrees BOTH ways on my miter saw. After putting them together the tops didn't sit flush or the legs so I had to take them apart and recut them or sand them down to the proper angle. I guess I was able to fix it easily enough though it would have taken me only a day or two to complete the project had I not made this mistake! I finished the table and stools with two coats each of Minwax Dark Mahogany stain and Fast Drying Satin Polyurethane. My little man LOVES it and it'll grow with him for quite a few more years I think. Thanks for such great plans Ana!! The table is a great size and it can handle two more stools so I think I'm going to get busy again! The whole project only cost me $25 for stain, polyurethane and screws. I was able to complete it without buying the expensive kreg jig and used the $15 mini kreg jig kit instead. 2" clamps were a must with the jig though to hold everything securely while drilling.

Estimated Cost
$25 + lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Cherry Stain and Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Sister and I Made The Platform Bed For My Daughter

Submitted by Cee Palmer on Sun, 10/26/2014 - 13:52

I decided on the Fillman Platform bed, for my daughter. It was a basic and simple style, the plans were well thought out, and the shopping list was a godsend. My daughter picked out a dark stain as well, which made the wood look really pretty. We broke up the platform and the headboard into two different days (so the stain would dry).

Love the bed!

Estimated Cost
$100.00 for platform and headboard. It was a little extra from the original estimated plans, because of the stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stackable dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/05/2017 - 12:21

We love the outcome! Took us a while to get the roof angles and glue everything together, but enjoyed the process.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Craft store acrylic paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rocketship Bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/31/2020 - 17:27

Pretty much followed the steps as outlined in the rocket bookcase plans. Googled astronaut and spaceship stencils and free hand drew those on construction paper. This bookcase is heading to my 3 year old son's room and he's pretty excited to fill it with toys and books.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss blue and red paint. A sparkling orange spray paint for the fire, metallic gray for the fins and stencils. Covered it with spray poly for a protective coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Play Kitchen Christmas Project

Submitted by mccolhl on Sun, 01/06/2013 - 19:44

I searched the web for the perfect play kitchen for my daughter for Christmas, but I could not find one I liked. After reviewing the plans, I thought this one was worth a shot. I could not be happier with the results.

A few notes...
I did change the location of the hinges for the oven door to the side and included a magnetic closure. I was afraid my 18-month old daughter would stand on the plexiglass if the door opened down.

It took me longest to find the "eyes" for the oven. I lucked up on some silver coasters at Target that did the trick.

My husband and I enjoyed working on the project together at night in the two weeks before Christmas, so I got a little plaque engraved for the back of the oven that includes our daughter's name and says "made with love by Mommy & Daddy Christmas 2012"

Thanks Ana-White!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of paint with primer built in (Behr) eggshell finish. The color was a BHG color from WalMart and I had the paint swatch matched. Can't remember the color now.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by MrDanDHN on Fri, 10/31/2014 - 06:24

This was my first project and took me several weekends to get it right.  I wen overboard with the Kreg Gig and there are no nails at all in the project.  The headboard does weigh over one hundred and fifty pounds but it does not sqeak or shake with the whole family watching cartoons in it watching cartoons on Saturday morning.   

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chalk Paint finish with two coats of wax sealant.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Workbench

I followed the directions exactly as directed. This was one of my first projects. Turned out great. 

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

To fit the whole family

Submitted by MWdesign on Mon, 11/02/2020 - 16:24

First table build. Took the farmhouse X and just made it for the dinner table. Took me a long time, learned a lot and bought more tools then needed. Having a little problem when the kids lean on it moves down just a touch. Any info to help that much appreciated.

Used red mahogany for stain and glaze coat for top. First time for epoxy also. Legs are cracked slate.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Glazed coat

Comments

Double upholstered toddler day bed

Double upholstered toddler day bed

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

Comments

Ana White

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 14:44

Say what???? This is awesome!!! I adore the fabric and how you put two beds together! Thank you so much for posting photos! Ana

Sturdy Work Bench

We needed a sturdy surface for projects, and this did the trick. We have plenty of storage, so the bottom shelf didn't need all three 2x4 boards. We might make another one just to extend the space!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $60. Had screws, wood conditioner, etc. at home.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil in natural finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Indoor Playground Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 11:56

This playroom set was inspired by the plans you posted.  I was forced to make some significant modifications due to the fact that our bonus/playroom has angled ceilings.  We have a rock climbing wall, ladder, crawl tunnel with windows, trapeze bar, monkey bars, miniature baskeball goal and a slide.  My boys are 6, 3 and 19 months and they love it!  Thanks for the inspiration.

 

Jim and Caroline Sparrow

Estimated Cost
$1250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Paint on bottom and Minwax Stain on top
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Rectangular Industrial Coffee Table

I modified this plan from square to rectangular to fit my space. It is exactly what was needed! Modified size: 27.5" x 55"

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades Black
Matte Poly top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Step Stool

I made this for my nephew for Christmas. I'm new to furniture building and this is only my second project. It was my first time using a jig saw and it turned out much nicer that I thought it would. I also tried out my new router on the stair treads. I just love the preppy colors and whimsical whale. I'm sure it will get lots of use.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
latex paint and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sissy's Shelves

Submitted by Wifey on Wed, 11/05/2014 - 12:04

I have wanted these shelves for a long time, I first saw them on a retailer's website but could never justify $400 for kids shelves. I absolutely love the bin on the bottom.

The plans for this project were very easy to follow. I don't own a table saw so I paid 25c per cut to have my local big box cut the MDF for me. I used 1/4" wainscoting for the back which was $20 for the sheet but I like how it finishes the back. My daughter's walls were lined with small bins of toys on the floor, I'm so glad to have her room cleaned up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White eggshell finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments