Community Brag Posts

Industrial Closet

Submitted by cgarrett42 on Mon, 05/20/2019 - 05:35

After being "so done" with the original closet that came with the home, I decided to rip out all the wire shelving and make a custom closet out of 1x4s and 2x4s.  I pre-stained all the boards and cut to custom lengths.  I kept the integrity height for the shelves of 42" and 84".  Instead of using galvanized pipe, I used Halefe Premium Oval closet rods.  In the end, I have a very stout closet and a much better use of space.

For the small shelf beside the window, I used 1x4s cut to custom length.  Under the hanging shelves, there will be a shoe rack.

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut Polyshade
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ariel's Coffee Table

I built that table for a friend using primarily hand tools. The only power tools were a table saw to rip the legs from a scrap 2x12 from another project, and a drill for draw-bore holes.

The table is made from pine, so that it is light enough for a woman of small stature to carry it up to a third-floor apartment. The frame is made with mortise and tenon joinery for strength, and the joints are draw-bored to make sure it doesn't fall apart in our lifetime.

The top is a glued-up panel from five other boards. This was my first panel glue up, so it was a little bit exciting in the same way that a kitchen fire is exciting. The surface has a rustic texture, made by planing it smooth with a cambered jack plane. The texture isn't visible under normal lighting, but with a raking light you can see it. It's very interesting to run your fingers over this table because of the texture from the plane, and the strong grain of the white pine.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The finish is amber shellac, with four coats of gloss polyurethane, thinned 1:1 with mineral spirits to improve the flow and help the finish self-level.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Trug - Kit Form

Submitted by rosiejane on Tue, 10/29/2013 - 01:25

I made these back in February. I came across this project on Jamie's site (http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/t-is-for-trug-naked-versio…) earlier in the year and thought that it would make a fantastic birthday gift for my 6 year old nephew. I gave it to him in kit form complete with nails and glue so that he could assemble it himself. I predrilled the nail holes. Of course I then had to make one for my own 6 year old so that they could build them together. I adjusted the size to accommodate some tools my dad had given them for Christmas. Time indicated includes personalisation time.
I've had a bit of practice painting names since this project. Each time I get better at it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Used cheap craft acrylics for the stripe and the name. Due to time constraints I skipped the protective poly coat. I did go back later and add poly to my son's one.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/19/2023 - 16:50

Loved this project. Not completely done. Still need to acrylic our name and poly the whole thing.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seth's first work bench

I am so excited to have my son see this on Christmas morning. I decided to build in the bottom shelf for more tool storage and I am considering drilling some holes in the sides of the top shelf or the back for hammering in "nails" (or clothespins painted grey). This was my first project without any man-help and I can't wait to get started on the next one! Thank you so much Ana for your designs and more importantly, your inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$21.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear coat and laytex paint (benjamin moore admiral blue)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rhonit

Sun, 12/04/2011 - 13:44

you're little guy should love this. my grandson is 4 months old but next year this is on my list to build for him. love the idea about the wooden clothes pins. good job!

Rustic X Console Table

Submitted by hmctagg on Sat, 11/02/2013 - 13:05

We followed the plans closely, and it turned out well for the first project. It was the perfect size for what we needed! My husband had never built anything like this before and after a little research on how to use the kreg jig, he was able to finish it in a weekend.

Estimated Cost
$120 including finishing supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used one coat of Minwax Provincial. I originally bought a sample can to practice on some scraps and then planned to go buy the bigger can, but I was able to stain the entire table with the sample size using an old T-shirt instead of a brush (I didn't want to risk brush marks). I liked the look after one coat, so I stopped there. I also decided against adding the hardware since I liked the look without it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Reclaimed Wood Look Bedside Table

Submitted by frymaster on Mon, 01/18/2016 - 09:01

This was my first bedstand build, and I was pleased with how they turned out! A possible recommendation might be to make your own 2x2's if you have the means, I looked everywhere around here and could only find firring strips. These look ok after a good bit of sanding, but the huge radius edges make for some funny looking joints, and they're super inconsistent dimensionally - like off by 1/8" smallest to biggest, which can make issues with fitting drawers. Another option would be to build the base frame, then make the drawers once it's all together and modify dimensions slightly to match. I would also note to make sure your drawer bottoms are flush with the outside of the drawer side to side, and not slightly bigger at all, it made for pretty a pretty tight fit for the drawers to make it in. Squareness was paid extra attention thanks to all of the good comments on these plans, and I didn't seem to have any issue with drawers fitting as a result, just a bit snug. I would suggest using 1x4 for the drawer frames for two reasons: The first is that the drawers are pretty shallow, and there's plenty of room to use 1x4 instead of the 1x3. The second was the alignment of the drawer pulls and the top of the drawer box frame. Mine ended up right on the border of the drawer box frame in order to get the drawer pull centered. This was a problem as I had to grind off the edge of the interior box frame to get the screw to fit. If you had a 1x4, you could just countersink it without any issues, since it wouldn't be right on the edge of the drawer box. Overall awesome project, and great plans! Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$150 for two
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut, two coats, 5 coats of poly on top, 3 everywhere else.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 17:15

Gray and easy build

Comments

Rustic X Bench

Submitted by jont on Fri, 12/09/2011 - 18:51

Simple x bench followed the plans posted below except I shortened it to fit our old table.

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
English Chestnut Minwax stain with 2 coats minwax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

American Girl Sofa and Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/20/2016 - 13:37

We had so much fun making this sofa and chair for our daughter as a last minute Christmas gift. It went together quickly and we are so pleased with the end result. Thanks for sharing your plans just in time for a last minute gift. My daughter was so pleased!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Glossy white enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Patio couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/03/2023 - 08:09

I have been looking at your blog and always been interested in making my own furniture. However, I was scared to try. Your diagrams and measurements were awesome. Thank you! Gave me the encouragement to try!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse Doll Beds

For these beds I modified the original farmhouse doll bed plans to accommodate a few more dolls. In the process, I discovered that, while doll furniture turns out SUPER cute, it takes me about the same amount of time to build a little piece as it does to build a big piece, especially when you consider the time it takes to sew the bedding.

I put these together mostly with nails and glue, but used my kreg jig to join the rails to the headboards and footboards.

Estimated Cost
$20 or less per bed.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey to seal. Lots of sanding before and in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:00

I love the mods you did on these. For the farmhouse w/trundle, I know you had to raise up the bottom and it looks like you did the headboard sized boards for the footboard and made the headboard w/even longer boards? Then for the bunkbeds, are those all headboard lengths for the head and footboards and then just very long 2x2s for the posts? I am never brave enough to mod anything just yet! I also absolutely love that bedding on the top pic! So bright and cheery!

In reply to by spiceylg

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:51

Isn't that bedding beautiful? I love it. The fabric is from Hobby Lobby. They have so many cute calicos.

Yes, you got the mods right. If I were to do the trundle again, I'd make the headboard longer so that it goes almost to the ground like the footboard, otherwise you can see the trundle.

The bunk was easy -- much easier than the other bunk plans all out of 1x2s. I've made them both now and the farmhouse one just comes together a lot faster (once you figure out the measurements).

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 09:57

I love Hobby Lobby but never think to check out their fabric! Silly me, I'll have to do just that! Okay, thank you for the info. I just noted the additional detail of the feet, how nice! If you don't mind, I'd love the measurement of the 2x2 for the bunks, simply because I'm lazy like that, lol!

In reply to by spiceylg

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 10:27

The 2x2s are 22 3/4" and the slats in the headboard are 7". I think the bottom of the bottom headboard is around 2 3/4" or 3" from the bottom of the 2x2s. All the width measurements are the same as in the original plan. Also, I used lath strips for the mattress to rest on instead of a rectangle of 1/4" ply -- it seemed easier and I think it was cheaper, too.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 08:00

You are so right about the time it takes.

I made a stuffed doll and her clothing for a niece, and I could have made myself two complete outfits in the time it took to sew one dinky doll dress.

lmhaney (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 07:40

Hillary how did you do the trundle for the farmhouse single bed. I read where you said you would do the headboard longer,but this is going to be my first build and I need a little more instruction to make the trundle and how long would you do the headboard. Thanks!!!

In reply to by lmhaney (not verified)

hillarylouise

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 09:05

Hey. I made the trundle using 1x3 boards just slightly shorter than the size of the overall bed (so it would fit underneath). I used two 18 1/2" 1x3s and two 14 1/2" 1x3s. I built it using pocket holes on the 14 1/2" 1x3s, screwing into the 18 1/2" 1x3s. Then I attached two 1x2 cleats to the bottom insides of the 18.5" boards so that I'd have a place to set support pieces for the mattress. I attached the cleats with glue and nails, I think, but pocket screws would work fine, too. I used pine lath for the support, attached with glue and staples.

For the headboard, I cut my panel pieces at 7", I think, but I should have cut them at 9 3/4" so that the headboard panel would extend closer to the ground like the footboard panel does. Here is an abbreviated cut list:
footboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 6"
footboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 7 1/4"
headboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 9 3/4"
headboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 11"

All of the horizontal cuts are the same as the original plan as long as you are using #1 pine. If you are using #2 pine or furring strips, your horizontal cuts will need to be slightly smaller b/c your panel board will be slightly narrower than the plans expect.

Just be sure to screw the side rails of the bed in high enough to get the trundle underneath.

Hopefully that all makes sense! Good luck! Can't wait to see photos!

In reply to by Aida (not verified)

claydowling

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 06:29

They -might- cut it for you. But based on the experience of a lot of people here, and the advice of some Home Depot employees also on here, it's a mistake to have them do that.

You can do the cuts on your own though. If you can't afford a circular saw, or you're uncomfortable with them, you can buy a hand saw for about $25. It's no good for cutting plywood or MDF, but for solid wood it's hard to beat.

Hillary (not verified)

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 19:26

Nope, I don't think they will. And if they did you won't be happy with the outcome. Too many cuts and there's no way they'll get every cut right. You'd be better off finding a friend with a miter saw you could borrow for an hour to get all the pieces cut. Good luck!

Aida (not verified)

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 08:27

Thank you........ I may have to stop been afraid of using this tools and just use it lol............love this bed and my daughter want me to make it for her........ I will post pictures

blair28

Tue, 10/29/2013 - 08:53

Just curious if you have ever thought of making these and selling them?? I have been looking for a doll bunk bed for my daughter for Christmas and love this bunk bed with trundle. So thought I would ask if you would consider making one and selling it!!

emmakayte

Sun, 12/08/2013 - 18:07

I absolutely love what you did with the trundle and the bunk bed. You are so talented! Thank you so much for sharing the measurements that you used to make the bunk bed and sharing tips. I am going to attempt to make one for my daughter. This will be my first woodworking project. I am crossing my fingers it goes well. Thank you! :)

Simple Chair

Submitted by Medickep on Wed, 11/06/2013 - 21:11

I needed some new chairs for my kids play room as the ones that came with a table they received as a gift were cheap and I had reinforced them three different times.

I liked the simple design of them and the cost is right! Mine were a little more as I used 2x2's for the legs and made the body of the chair double-braced as my boys are hard on things!!

My boys picked the colors, which the blue was left over from a room and the red from my older son's desk!

Estimated Cost
15 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed and painted the chairs with left over paint. On one of the chairs I used a spray polyurethane. On the other one, I used a foam brush with expensive (30.00 quart) polyacrylic as I wanted to see if there was a huge difference. I didn't care for the sprayed technique!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Truck Shelf

Submitted by DMax2010 on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 15:23

Loved this project!

Estimated Cost
Under 10.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red chalk pain, minwax express in walnut for the slats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

60" Round Table with Pedestal Base

Submitted by NachoDog on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:21

I modified a couple of plans I found on this site. If anyone is interested in instructions or cut list, I can post it later.

Estimated Cost
$650
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded everything down to 120 grit, used prestain conditioner, stained the top with Minwax coastal gray stain, lightly sanded with 120 grit for extra weathering, and then did six coats of poly while sanding with 220 grit in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Queen Farmhouse Bed Frame

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/08/2023 - 16:33

I am a newbie to wood working and was inspired by Ana's Farmhouse bed frame. I built this for my newly married daughter and she is so happy with it. It's very sturdy and has plenty of storage underneath. The instructions, buy & cut lists were super easy to follow. I can't wait to build the Extra Wide Dresser next.

Comments

Doll Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by kmatt55 on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 07:26

I made these for my two nieces and soon to be born daughter for Xmas. I used 1" hobby foam for the mattress.

Estimated Cost
Scrap Wood = FREE, $30 for bedding.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer, Interior semi-gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments