Community Brag Posts

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats - Modifications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 14:43

My table is done & here are a couple pictures & modifications. I just want to say THANK YOU for designing & posting plans!!! We DIY'ers really appreciate YOU!!! 

I added 1 2x8 to the center to reduce the gap to .250". I was going to add an umbrella hole & blocks in supports but I was planning on a canopy over the patio, so I chose not to drill a hole. But I could add it in the future. Also, I added a support under the table-top to keep everything flat in the future.

 didn't use glue because I have planned on this not being the permanent table. I want to use cedar, but may only do top & seats in Cedar. We'll see how this weathers.

This was VERY difficult to paint. I would suggest painting before assembly, but if glue this becomes an issue. 'Catch 22'. I accidentally attached seats with screws from the top. I think pre-assembling with the 11.25" supports might work better... Next Time.

All in all, my family loves it & this completes our 2024 backyard makeover... 

Shawn

 

DIY Crown Molding Shoe Organizer for Heels

Submitted by lbrown on Tue, 10/30/2012 - 18:52

I made this over the door shoe organizer for my heels using a pair of 6' 1x3s, a scrap of 1x4 and some crown molding. It was quite quick to make and I am really happy with how it turned out.

For detailed instructions, check out my blog: http://homeandawaywithlisa.com/blog/2012/10/30/diy-crown-molding-closet…

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Faux Fireplace

I made this surround to give me a place to hang my stockings for Christmas and give me a mantel to decorate.  It also moves easily!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Pure White, insert in Minwax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Small Media Console

After clearing some doesn't-belong-here furniture out of my living room, my coffee table became the home to our stereo receiver and HTPC. This project was about getting my coffee table back, in a quick, inexpensive way. The photos *still* don't do justice, but since I've added the equipment, I am SO not hauling this back outside for glamour shots.

Size: Adjusted to fit under a wall-mounted flat TV:17.5"D x 21"H x 42"W. The adjustment was simple: use 5 2x4s instead of 4.

The photos also make the stain appear darker than it is -- it's truly a rich teal. I love the color so much, I'm going to strip my built-like-a-tank, 65-year-old wooden front door and stain it, too.

This is my first "real" project. I've built things before. Badly. Now, I have a Kreg, and I'm learning to be a little more patient with clamping and squaring for better results. :)

It appears that my next project will be the taming of the cable spaghetti.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$21
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Premium Wood Finish in Stormy Teal. I'd planned to pick up a quart of paint, but this was so, so very perfect, and allowed for a rustic/distressed look that I love. http://www.cabotstain.com/colors-and-finishes/families/Premium-Wood-Finish-Colors.html

When I stained the sides, I did them pre-assembly and felt they were a tad dark. I stained the rest (front bib, top) after assembly with two very light coats, and I love-love-love the look. Is it blotchy? Why yes, yes it is. The stain sank into the wood more in knots and rougher areas.

A bonus to this product: not only is it water-based, but it SEALS along with staining. I'm lazy. This is good.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Finally!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2016 - 21:11

This was such a fun project. Had to figure out how to build the sliding door HW. I didn't want the doors flying off when sliding so I did secure in a way that didn't limit the aesthetics or function. I did add a back to the cabinet since the picture was taken. Strips of plywood to give it that barn flavor. The most time consuming part was painting, staining, protecting and waiting for it to dry.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique white and walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ladder Herb Garden

Staying at home during this pandemic pretty much inspired a lot of families to build, discover a new hobby or have their own vegetable garden. Built this ladder garden recently but had to cut it a little short because fences here in California are not as high, at least most I think. We use it to plant different kinds of herbs that we actually use like basil, Thai basil, peppermint, cilantro and parsley and loving it so far.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I didn't use any finish, left it raw.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Small Picnic Table - First Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 10:23

This is my first project for my little girl! We bought the common boards at home Depot where they cut them to length. I spent about $55. I used a small wood saw to cut the required angles and sanded the edges with a sanding block. I'm happy with the result even though I didn't use the wood filler or stain (yet).

Vanessa Zvanut

Built from Plan(s)

Side Street Bunk Beds (with modified ladder)

After building the playhouse loft bed, I found this project to be very easy. I built the bunk beds at 37/38 weeks pregnant, so that should tell you how simple it is to construct. The total cost came in under $300 and I was able to use some of the scrap wood I already had in my garage.

I did run into some trouble with the slanted ladder. Even though the pieces were cut to the exact measurements in the plan, the sides of the ladder were too short for the bed. Being very pregnant and impatient, I just modified the ladder so I wouldn't have to waste the pieces I'd already cut.

You may also notice that I didn't fill and sand my pocket holes on the end pieces yet. That was also me being very pregnant and impatient. I'll go back and do that later when I have more time. Despite the little bit of finishing work remaining, this was pretty much a 2-day project. Cutting and construction was fast (one day) and finishing took another full day.

I used Valspar "Blue Burst" paint from Lowe's to finish the bed. I used bolts to attach the side rails because we move frequently so I wanted the bed to be easy to disassemble. Overall, this was a very easy and fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Just under $300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar "Blue Burst" interior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

vpihoney

Sun, 11/11/2012 - 21:37

Love how you whipped this together! I stumbled upon your post as I started working on these bunk bed plans today (I can't read the dimensions on the diagrams from a printout, so i open up the plans on the iPad). I had to finish up the ladder and side rail today. I was stumped yesterday evening with the same ladder issue. Why was it coming up short? It was really annoying considering it took me a while to figure out a 60 degree angle on my miter. I decided to try changing my ladder angles to 22.5 and 67.5, as I still wanted a leaning ladder, but I thought a reduced angle would work better. Didn't have to scrap my boards either, whew. Love how quickly you put this together! Coincidentally, I'm 33 weeks pregnant, but moving terribly slow compared to you.

purpleheather79

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 07:25

I'm glad I'm not the only one with the ladder issue! I couldn't figure out what went wrong. I also tried to adjust the angle but my boards were just a tiny bit too short and I was not wanting to run to the store to get more. I do like the leaning ladder better though. Can I just say that I love that you're building this bed while pregnant too? That's awesome! :)

Puzzle Box (Unabox)

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 08/24/2014 - 15:03

This is a simplified version of the Unabox from Make Magazine.

Build Instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Puzzle-Box-Unabox/

Video:
http://youtu.be/VTaoUHsGau8

If you like this, please see my other puzzle box.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Puzzle-Box-4/

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic Hall Tree

Submitted by Hilj13 on Tue, 08/25/2020 - 08:04

I have made several of these one for wife for our anniversary, Made another my mother for mothers day. Yes it is a easy weekend project.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak Stain Minwax Polycrylic . Second one Killz Satin White paint and Golden oak stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Narrow Roll Out Pantry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/18/2024 - 10:54

I am extremely proud of myself in making the roll out pantry cabinet today! I used the plans and instructions from Ana White and just tweaked them to fit our space and needs. Instead of using the plywood on the back, we chose to use the dowels on the back and leave the front open. Time will tell if we put dowels on the front too, but I plan on using this cabinet for the kids snacks. Also thank you Ana White for the video on how to use a kreg jig. Believe it or not, I purchased the kreg jig with the supplies for the roll out pantry this morning. NEVER have I ever used one and your video helped me tremendously!

Grace Tanzosh-Stanat

Apothecary Console

Submitted by bunni on Fri, 11/09/2012 - 16:19

Overall this took about two weeks for me to build and finish. We modified the original plans to make it larger to accommodate a computer. It is 76" long, 30" tall, and 22" deep. We also had to customize it so we could fit it around our fireplace because space is limited in our house.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted Section: Behr Premium Plus color Sagey, distressed edges then used Rustoleum Decorative Glaze Java Brown, three coats of Polycrylic in satin
Stained Section: Minwax Dark Walnut Stain, three coats Polycrylic in semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Scrapwood Lanterns

Submitted by naomi on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 07:02

These were made from scrapwood.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White Enamel Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse bench / table project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/15/2016 - 16:07

The table and bench project were awesome. I got a lot of inspiration from these, and have built 4 table so far. After posting the first one on Facebook, everyone wanted one. The one thing I would recommend is to really pay close attention to the lumber you're buying, make sure it straight and the edges are not chipped, to ensure all yourights seams match up, and your project ends up square.  A tip to alleviate all this,  is to buy everything wider than you need, and rip it straight through your table saw. What I mean is, if the table top calls for 2x10's, then buy 2x12's instead, and rip them down to 10 inches, so you're seams match up perfectly.  It may cost a tad bit more, but you will definitely be happier with the end result. 

Finish Used
Stain and white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Completed Parsons Desk

Submitted by mawiggins on Sun, 08/30/2020 - 12:13

Due to Covid we had to have a desk for our son and the options for ordering were limited and costly. I love Ana White's projects and found her plan for a parson desk. While I have read many of the plans and dreamed of actually building something this was my first completed project. This was fun and my son is happy that he was able to help with the painting.

Built from Plan(s)

Outdoor bistro table and tall backed stools

I build the bar table with an x-base and created some stools using part of the plan. We really wanted backs on the stools so I made them up!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and painted white, sealed against the weather.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/13/2012 - 05:39

That build came out really nice, but the scenic background, wow!!!!

Jake

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 18:16

Hard to believe that you are a beginner. Fantastic work. Keep it up and the whole home will be furnished.

dallynd

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 13:47

I'd love some information on the backs. My husband has a bad back and it's a necessity, but I'm a beginner and not sure how you did it/

Scrap wood mirror with hooks

Submitted by naomi on Sun, 08/31/2014 - 08:14

This was made from scrap wood, a cheap $5.00 mirror and some hooks. This hangs near my front door and I hang scarves and bags on it. Always good to have a mirror to double check yourself before you leave the house. It was based on Ana White's Craftsman Frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
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