Community Brag Posts

Bed steps

Submitted by enicolle on Wed, 01/21/2015 - 12:29

I could have sworn this project was inspired by a stool I saw on here but I just spent way too long trying to find it.  I wanted these to match our bed frame, which is really tall combined with our mattress.  We needed stools that could be comfortably stood on with two feet, but could also slide under the bed when not in use.  This was my first "finished" DIY project besides a dog house I made from plans from Lowe's.  This was the first time I planned it and created it myself.  They are very sturdy and look like they came with the set.  I am very happy with them. I took my time on them because I was doing a lot of learning and wanted to get it right.  I distressed the wood with chisels, files and carving knives.

 

Estimated Cost
I'm guessing around $50 in wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General finishes Java gel stain with satin exterior top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Shoe Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 13:52

Loved this project!  We had an old headboard so my wife came up with the idea to cut off the top posts and use them as legs.  

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

Modified Fancy Hall Tree

Modified the dimensions to 13 inches deep, 40 inches wide and a lower clearance of 4 inches to accommodate a vent diverter for an exsisting heat vent.

I used Maple Plywood (3/4 inch) for the bench, and 1/2 inch for the back (to allow maximum seating depth on the bench).  The paint was leftover Valspar reserve paint from a recent bathroom project... and the paint dipped baskets were found at a local store called "the christmas tree shops" for under 25 dollars for both!

 

The project came in at just under $150 - well below our budget if we had purchased something in store. It was mounted to the wall for safety, as we have a dare devil toddler! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Satin in Fragile Blue
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rosesrred24

Mon, 05/25/2015 - 18:04

It looks awesome! I need the exact same measurements! Unfortunately I'm not smart as you :p , by any chance do you still have the measurements I would need, if so please share. Thanks

A-Frame Chicken Coop - Easy to Clean

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/24/2017 - 14:25

Thanks for the free plans. I did have to make modifications for the doors. i hid the hinges to give it a clean look. i used cedar for the trim and Plywood Siding Panel T1-11 4 IN OC (Common: 19/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.; Actual: 0.563 in. x 48 in. x 96 in.) for the doors.  i used a metal flashing for the roof so it will vent.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
BEHR Transparent waterproofing finish (Cedar Natural Tone) NO 501
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Storage bin

Submitted by isabel8131 on Tue, 04/06/2021 - 18:36

I made some modifications. Instead of using 2x4's. I used 2x3. I live this storage bin, I added a top to use as a stool chair.

Estimated Cost
$15.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Buffet Table

Submitted by Teddy181 on Thu, 01/29/2015 - 21:26

I changed the dimensions to fit the entire width of my framed pea gravel patio and stenciled a design on the table top.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a dark stain on the base and exterior latex paint on the top then covered the entire project with TWP 300 wood protectant.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My diy dust collector

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2017 - 18:12

This was a super easy, super simple project that took me about an hour and a half and was essentially free! Had I not had the blower fan given to me, I'd have used the leaf blower we have that has barely ever been used. 

Estimated Cost
Free fitty
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Easiest Drawer/drawer slide install Thank you Ana !!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/12/2021 - 16:04

I made this nightstand for my daughter and struggled with the drawer install. I am grateful for Ana’s way of installing drawer slides - SO much easier!!!! Thank you Ana !!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Entry table

Submitted by McCallD on Thu, 03/21/2013 - 15:11

Made this as an entry table did the drawers out instead of in like the plan. Love how it turned out!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First bed for granddoughter

Submitted by Budhutch on Mon, 02/02/2015 - 08:48

I made this for my granddoughter.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$45.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Toy Box with Cubbys

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/01/2017 - 05:53

This was my first real woodworking project. This design was perfect for my one year old niece. Used Rustoleum Chalked Linen White and Clear Matte Topcoat. Made sure to use Zissers Bullseye on all the knots in the wood so they wouldn't bleed through, although I should have primed the entire piece. Pretty simple to make, with the angled cuts being the hardest. Found the label holders at Hobby Lobby in the scrapbook section. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 for wood, screws, glue and paint
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleom Chalked Linen White and Clear Matte Topcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ambrosia Maple Box Frame Coffee Table with Lift Top

Submitted by Kimiark on Mon, 04/19/2021 - 14:41

Wow, building this table was more than I bargained for, but all the difficulties were my own fault. For starters, although the wood is beautiful (wormy ambrosia maple) the piece I chose to work with had a large knot hole that needed filling with an epoxy pour. It looks pretty good if I do say so myself (it's probably hard to see in this photo). Second, I didn't count on the hinges being so long and my wood came up about 3/4 inch too short for them. Had to scour the internet for some that were not so long. They ended up being a bit of trouble to install, but all's well. I used my router to cut a cove for finger grips which did make it easier to lift the top. I also made the top sides bigger that the original 2 x 2 (2 x 5 maybe) for weight and stability. I had extra wood so I added a bottom shelf as well. The finish is several coats of Varathane semi gloss polyurethane. I really like how it turned out!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
varathane semi gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modern Craft Table with Pull Out Ironing Table [Modified]

Submitted by kristine on Sun, 03/24/2013 - 22:23

The craft table was based on the Modern Craft Table plans and heavily modified to be at regular seating height. We also added a pull-out iron table based on plans from Made by Marzipan. The pictures are kinda deceiving, but the ironing table does push all the way back in the table and it only juts out just to show it :) Check out our blog post for more:

http://tonyandkristine.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-craft-table.html

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Appx $150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
behr latex paint in dove white and the interior base of shelves were painted in ASCP paris grey.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

floating shelves

These shelves were easy and easy to customize the size according to your needs.  They are fun to decorate and add a rustic flair to my living room.  

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I distressed the wood then used grey chalk paint and dark wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

2x4 Outdoor Couches!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 18:19

2x4 Outdoor Couches - stained and sealed 

Estimated Cost
110 for wood
350 for cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural Cedar stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised planter

Submitted by pezlo55 on Mon, 04/26/2021 - 12:57

This was simple and easy. I added handles and casters. This was a great project.

Comments

Millicent's castle!

Submitted by mindy_mae on Wed, 03/27/2013 - 14:53

I found the plans for this bed on this site and was sooooo happy. i was looking for a unique bed for my daughter. I had searched beds for girls and cam across castle beds. I found some pretty extravagant beds costing $20,000 by personal designers and then I found beds from $1,000 to $5,000 buy it and put it together and THEN I found this plan. People asked me if I had experience in building anything. The answer was no BUT I CAN do it!. Plus the plans were very easy to read and understand! My daughter is beyond excited! She can hardly contain herself! THANK YOU!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 16:48

You did an amazing job on the castle! Truly outstanding. Absolutely love the painted details on the castle. And the mural! Wow! Its so great your daughter got to participate too. She'll remember this when she's all grown up. Congrats on a fabulous project! :)

dananryan

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 18:46

What a great bed. And what a great memory you can cherish with your daughter. It is absolutely stunning! Great job.

spiceylg

Thu, 03/28/2013 - 06:03

This came out fantastic. All of the beautiful painting makes, it, too. What precious photos of your daughter helping out. So cute!

fsmumford

Sat, 03/30/2013 - 15:36

You did a fantastic job! I love the detail you added! I'm so glad the plans were easy to understand :)

4x4 Truss Beam Table and bench

Love this plan and the table and bench turned out exactly as I hoped.  I did it by myself except for a little heavy lifting from my sweetheart. I researched the finish online and I am so happy with the results.

Estimated Cost
With finishing products and screws this was approximately $200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre stain conditioner, Minwax English Chestnut *( 2 coats), Varethane Poly *( 3 coats) then #0000 steel wool to smooth the bumps then Minwax Paste wax hand rubbed until the finish was perfect.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

wjc129

Tue, 02/10/2015 - 08:19

We have been shopping for tables and cannot find anything we like for a good price. I keep going back to building one myself. Your table top looks great .. nice and flat. Did you follow the plans to a T, did you use a kreg jig?

roadtripmom

Tue, 02/10/2015 - 22:13

I did change the dimensions of the top a little. I wanted a wider surface. I did use a kreg jig, it made it a breeze to build. I spent a lot of time on the finish, sanding, using steel wool, and several coats of polyurethane. Thank you for the compliment !

First One!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/08/2017 - 05:29

Very easy, completed with just a work bench, circular saw, clamp and screws - I painted mine after assembly, used small brush to get in between, then a roller to finish. Next one will be MUCH easier! I also sanded all the edges of wood, to give it a "worn" look. Three more to come, enjoy the process.....

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Wood Stain Waterproof, Slate. Cleans up with soap/water.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comfy sofas

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/03/2021 - 16:59

These were a blast to make. Cant wait till my next project.

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

Comments