Community Brag Posts

2x4 Modern Adirondack Chair ❤

I LOVE this project!!!! Great directions! Amazing results. It makes a very comfortable, and sturdy chair. So far, I have made two. Three more to go. 😄

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
the first one, I painted and used an aging process on the seat. Then sealed with outdoor poly. The second one still needs finished. Not sure what color to make it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by disneynut on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 11:04

This was not my first build, but it was the first time I have done miter cuts. It was an easy to follow plan. The hardest part was trying to decide on the stain color! I am thrilled with the way it turned out. This table will easily seat 10 people which will be perfect for parties and dinners.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $100 (including wood, sandpaper, stain, poly)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean and Helmsman Spar in satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic farmhouse table

Submitted by AustinM on Thu, 07/24/2014 - 19:03

I built the Rustic Farmhouse table and I only had to make minor changes because I got the wood rough cut milled in my neighbor's backyard. I built the bench with the left over pieces without any plans, just tried to make it match the table. We love it and it is definitely a step up from what we had before! I just have to browse your chair plans now because these chairs in the picture are from our old table.

Estimated Cost
$95
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Used a standard red stain and varnish on the table top/bench top and a semi gloss in the legs/skirting.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

LSU Builder

Wed, 08/13/2014 - 13:07

Are you willing to divulge your exact paint color and stain? Is it white? Looks kind of bluish. Love the contrast. Great job.

Beginner Farm Table and benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/25/2020 - 21:02

We built a larger version of the farmhouse table. It’s always been a dream to have a massive table for family dinners. I loved the look of the table and have wanted to attempt it for a couple of years. I finally got the courage up. We kept the legs the same size and just used 10 ft 2x6 and stretchers. It’s extremely solid and heavy! We are exhausted, it took all day! But we are so proud of ourselves. It’s definitely not perfect but it was our first and we love it!

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered burn effect stain For the legs and runners and an antique white for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Adjustable pipe stools

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/31/2020 - 14:38

White chair was made first mostly based on the original plans, but my pipe flange broke immediately. So I just bolted the top on and then made red chair with a pipe and harbor freight pipe clamp instead of all-thread and nuts. It allows easy instant adjustment and a better fit with the pipe flange.

The reason I made the change is that pipe threading has a tapered angle, so when used with all-thread which is a strait cylinder, it doesn't make proper thread contact. On top of that, the only all thread I could find had a different threads per in (10 vs 14) than standard pipe and cross threaded my flange, causing it to break on the first use.

I used 3/4ths pipe because I was trying to avoid all possible problems from the first try (which used a 1/2 in pipe flange) and this took too much material out of my cross supports for my comfort. So I added 45 deg right triangle scrap to the corners to beef it up. Probs would be much cheaper and still work fine with 1/2 in pipe.

Finally both chairs have much shorter legs than suggested in the plans because I needed regular chair height stools, not bar stools. And they still get high enough to be usable at counter height (but not ideal).

Estimated Cost
35ish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of random paint, sanded down a bit to look worn.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bed with drawer storage

Submitted by SE-Mark on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 22:56

I had to come on here to thank you all for inspiring me to build this bed! The thought of building such a big piece of furniture never really occurred to me until I saw the Farmhouse queen plans, which really got the gears turning.

I wanted to add some storage to the bed, though, and so I kept looking at other projects on this site. I don't know which plans are all combined into this one, but you can see the one side table in some of the pictures which is based on a hutch plan here, and the concepts there are used in the drawer fronts on the bed. I still plan to build a matching side table for this side of the bed and also a dresser unit to complete the bedroom set.

This entire project was built on my deck as I don't have a garage. Started at the end of September and working by flood light on nights where I could find the time. It was finally moved inside to paint. The bed is built into four sections for disassembly - headboard, footboard, and a base section that is split in half with knockdown fasteners. The headboard and footboard are also attached with knockdowns, so the entire bed comes apart with an allen key.

The cost was incredibly low. My biggest cringe costs were for the 4x4 posts, which I had to buy in cedar, and the birch 3/4" plywood for the drawers. All in costs are still under $200, though I did own a Kreg system which got used a fair amount.

I did modify the footboard / headboard construction since I had the Kreg system. Rather than using a 1x4 backing board with 1x verticals and a 1x4 front board, I used a Kreg'ed 2x4 as the backing board, flush to the 4x4 post... no 4 1/2" screws required! The 1x verticals were then glued and nailed onto the 2x4s, and the 1x4 front board was glued and nailed to it.

The drawers are huge! 29" wide x 26" deep x 14" tall (more or less). Also, they are positioned so that when a side table is placed beside the bed the drawers can still open. The panel at the head of the bed is a door with a magnetic catch. I think of that area as 'deep storage' as you would have to move a side table to get in there. The door is there to get there if you want to though.

One cost not accounted for... my 'work bench' patio table sustained an injury. I still maintain I did not drop anything onto it. In fact, I was using a tape measure to measure a drawer length when the glass shattered out from under the piece I was measuring. It was cold in the morning, so maybe that had something to do with it. But now I just have to add 'fix patio table' to the project list.

Thanks again!
Mark

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tremclad / Rustoleum semi-gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

5 tator tots (not verified)

Tue, 10/23/2012 - 19:04

I can't wait until we have time to build a farmhouse storage bed. Yours looks great!.

jaimej

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 19:35

Very smart placement of the drawers - I too am aspiring to build this some day and wondered about a fix on that - do I just store things in that drawer I rarely want to get at? No, I like your idea better. Beautiful job on the bed - it looks nice.

niki

Sun, 11/10/2013 - 17:49

This is exactly what I'm looking for. I love the drawers. Would you be willing to share more on how you did those, vs the plywood boxes in the plans?

SE-Mark

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 11:40

Sorry for taking so long to reply to your question! I missed it.

I don't have any pictures / details on how it was done, but I can explain it. The front face is built as a 2x4 surround with 1x6 inset boards. I then put a dado in the bottom side 1/4" up from the bottom.

I then made a drawer box from 5/8" plywood, kreg jigged to the front face. A 1/4" piece of plywood was used as the drawer bottom, and inset into the front face of the drawer.

This all sounds a bit difficult and confusing, but it isn't. Maybe I should take some pictures. Let me know if you'd like to see them.

briankerr

Wed, 07/30/2014 - 10:55

Great build! I'd love to see some more photos of the drawer surround/frame with the drawers out. Is it all 2x3 stud construction? Any problems with warping or the drawer slides not square/plum?

omegatek

Thu, 10/16/2014 - 10:22

Racking my brains out trying to figure out how you laid those slats across the top of the drawers...  If you wouldn't mind posting a few more pics, I would really appreciate it.  My daughter wants this for her birthday. 

Thanks!

Outdoor Farmhouse Table

I've been wanting to build an outdoor farmhouse table for quite some time. Getting it to look old with new materials was the idea.Using notches to hold part of the base and experimenting with finishes got the 'rustic' look. I took a few ideas from the Gaby Kitchen Island and implemented my own; it turned out to be a great weekend project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint, Stain, Poly-acrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Juanita_r

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 23:43

Love the table, especially the finish you used, it looks amazing. just have a question about if it is waterproof...i know it is an outdoor table, but is it protected by a veranda or is it completely exposed to the elements. i want to make one but am hesitant as it will be completely outside! Thanku!

Truss Dining Table

Built this table for my wife a few weeks ago. Pleasantly surprised how it turned out. Love this site and it has sparked a real joy within me in woodworking.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
125ish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rocking Chair

Submitted by PPTG on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 12:11

Getting ready for retirement, so I thought I needed a rocking chair.
No plans, just built what looked and felt right.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

David King

Thu, 03/18/2021 - 01:27

Lovely chair. Nice proportions. Would like to copy it. Have you got any plans, sketches, or dimensions to share?

jlxvnwk

Fri, 02/10/2023 - 13:10

Love this rocking chair! Do you have any dimensions or plans. I would live to take this project on. Thank you.

Rustic Vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/15/2017 - 23:26

Ana, we saw your plans for the barn door cabinet that was pinned in pinterest and absolutely loved it and felt we had to build it but we had to completely modify  the plans to have it custom fit our bathroom. It was a trial and error experience never having built anything before. Thank you for giving us the idea.

Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Lacquer and Early American stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Shoe cabinet!

Submitted by JMasters on Thu, 01/26/2017 - 13:43

Created my own version out this plan. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Camp Loft Bed w/ Stairs

Submitted by marievilla on Sun, 01/27/2013 - 14:22

My husband built this bed for our son by combining 2 of the plans from here. The Loft bed and the Camp Loft Bed w/ stairs. We knew we wanted to build a loft bed for our son but liked the idea of the platform w/ stairs so it wouldn't block his window. We also wanted to incorporate a bookshelf for his growing collection of Legos to display as well as books, etc. The next project to add to this will be the desk for underneath. I'll add pictures when we build that. Instead of using 2 x 4's for the top rails of the bed, he improvised and created his own version of a panel for the top. I love how it turned out!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Fully sanded the furniture down, then applied 1 coat of Minwax American Chestnut Polyurethane & Stain in One Gloss Finish. After allowing it to dry overnight, we applied a second thinner coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bxrsnkds

Mon, 06/10/2013 - 22:25

absolutely love this, just what I would like to have for my son! Thanks for the inspiration :-)

CandiD

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 05:14

Just love this, I'm hoping to do something similar in a full size for my 9yr old daughter. She feels a bit sketchy with a ladder so the stairs will be better and I love using my Kreg jig so not having to piece together the supports sounds good to me!

Tryde end table

29.5" square, 25" high

Estimated Cost
$60 (Alaska)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Putting this table together was a lot of fun! We knocked off about two feet from the plan so that it fit in our modest dining area. Many of my saw blades were replaced at some point during this project in favor of sharper and cleaner-cutting replacements, so we spent quite a lot making sure we didn't end up with a giant splinter of a table. You can see from one of the photos how poorly I chose some of the wood (the 2x2 is like a cork screw), so I had to replace a few pieces. Still, I think I could have replaced all of those tools altogether and still spent less than this table would have cost at the store.

Something I learned during finishing: I knew beforehand that wood glue didn't stain, but I didn't realize that even the residue of wiped-up glue will keep the wood from taking stain. When the matching bench is made later on I'll be sure to sand all of the places where glue might be hiding, invisible. The stain color generally wasn't quite what we imagined and the legs seem to have taken it differently than the top, but when the word "Farmhouse" appears in the table style, you can chalk all of those imperfections up to its "rustic" style. For that I am grateful.

The poly dried a bit rough, but a fine sanding sponge smoothed it out and also gave it a little bit of that greywashed RH look. Win-win. We wound up putting "Flor" tiles underneath the table to give it some contrast since it ended up resembling our floor color a bit too closely. Now we actually have a dining area, instead of just a table.

It took about a week and a day (I started Saturday morning and we finished it the following Saturday night). Fortunately our ten-month-old can sleep through just about anything. I'm glad it's done now and we can enjoy it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Early American, Minwax Clear Matte Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Chunky Truss Table

Submitted by DangerDad on Thu, 12/11/2014 - 13:38

This is my first full sized table project.  I wanted to make an inexpensive dining table with nice looks and this one fit the criteria.  I deviated from the plans by making the legs frames and the middle truss using rabbit and dado joinery.  As a result the middle truss and leg frames did not have to be fastened together with any screws.  This design modification made it easier to build in the garage and be able to move easily into the house for final assembly.  Top is made of SPF lumber stained to match the natural colour of the cedar legs and truss frame.  Thanks Ana for the inspiration to build this beutiful piece.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain (early american) and Minwax Helmsman finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

earthbybike

Thu, 12/11/2014 - 17:11

Love how you rounded the edges of the 4x4s and taylored the cross beam underneath. Just simply fabulous

ctufano

Mon, 07/24/2017 - 05:24

Hey Dangerdad! Wife and I bought cedar for the base and have all sanded, but are torn on how to stain. I liked your table, and was reading your description of your finish. Did you stain your cedar? You say you stained the top to match the natural cedar, so am thinking maybe you just sealed it without any stain?

Could you clarify? Thanks so much!

ctufano

Mon, 07/24/2017 - 05:25

Hey Dangerdad! Wife and I bought cedar for our table base and were discussing how to finish it. Did you stain your cedar? Your write up seems like you may have just finished it and not stained at all, and only stained the top? Just curious

 

Thanks so much!

 

Console table turned Hedgehog cage holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/23/2021 - 08:43

Sorry, the pictures are on their side. I used the Rustic X console table plans, but left out the X and made it taller and wider. I didnt have a stripper nor enough skinny wood to lay the slats on the shelf like that did in the video, so each of those slats are held up by pocket screws. Whew! Will avoid doing that again if possible! I did, however, stain BEFORE i built and that made all the difference! Also for the top I used a quality piece of compressed wood which bumped the cost $20, but seeing that a cage was going on top, i wanted a solid piece to hold any shavings. I also added a railing so the cage would stay in place. My neighbors LOVE it and I'm just super happy with how the stain job came out. It was actually a fluke, I think I failed to stir it completely on the first coat and when I was touching up it got waaay darker so I just rolled with it and made it two toned. LOVE the result and not sure if I can pull it off again haha

Estimated Cost
78
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Verathane classic Wood Stain in Special Walnut. Like I said before, the two tone was a fluke. I don't think I stirred it completely on the first run, and while touching up it became much darker. I rolled with it and just highlighted the edges and I LOVED the outcome. This was my favorite build to that point. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Window Coffee Table

Submitted by searcyb on Sat, 03/09/2013 - 19:09

We needed a new coffee table in the family room, one that went with the ever changing decor. One of my neighbors threw out a rather nice, but older wooden framed window that they had been holding onto for who knows how long. My wife actually grabbed it out of the garbage with both the kids sitting in the car while she loaded it into her SUV in dress clothes.

Anyway, I broke down the window into two sections and used one of the sections to build this table. The area around the window is made out of 2x4 and the table skirt is 1x4. I bought the turned legs from www.osbornewood.com (colonial coffee table leg). This project was made a lot easier by using my kreg jig to attach the skirt to the table legs as well as the top to the skirt. Knowing that I would have two young kids playing around and setting things on the table I placed the glass panes with plexi that I bought from Lowes. This will be safer as well as more durable in the future.

Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Royal Blue Satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Apothecary Jeans Dresser

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 18:27

I used Shelf Help for the plywood pieces and a mash up of Ana's plans for the rest. I shared a video on my family page for steps used here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urFoX5j4J0s

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Picture Ledges

Submitted by sraper2 on Sat, 04/06/2013 - 20:08

I have made many of these ledges and I just love them so much! I love that I can build them to any length or depth I want. I like to use them for more then just pictures. I feel like there will be many more of these in my future!

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