Community Brag Posts

Tilt Out Trash Bin

Submitted by loniwolfe on Tue, 01/10/2012 - 13:34

Our large lap dog finally discovered he could easily get whatever he wanted out of the trash, so I built the tilt out bin to help keep him out of trouble. lol. I made it cabinet height so we could move the microwave off the counter, and added a drawer to the extra space to keep garbage bags and such in.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax spray primer and white spray paint (I hate painting, lol)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

guest (not verified)

Sat, 01/14/2012 - 07:27

Looks clean and simple. I like it!

Sandbox with Cover

The cover is a tonneau cover for a pickup truck. It's for a 6.5' truck bed so if you notice, I had to ad a 2x4 and one more picket on top to accommodate the extra length. 

The cover would add a ridiculous amount of money to the project but it was repurposed.  I found it on a truck that was in an accident and going to the scrap yard. I think it it came out great and my grandson loves it.

John

Built from Plan(s)

Square (Flower) Storage Table

When I saw the plans for the flower storage table, I realized it was just what we needed for homework time.... Except our only child is a boy, so I just made the top a square instead of a flower. Also because I bought the least expensive plywood, it was too rough for a homework surface so we bought very thin plexiglass to go over it. The thick plexiglass would have cost $60 for a sheet, but the thin option was around $14.00. My son loves it so much he eats his breakfast and dinner at the table. It sits in the corner of our livingroom and is just the right size.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30.00 +/-
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded and painted with a valspar paint sample
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Katie_Evans

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 17:42

I put a 1x2 trim around the table to give the cheap plywood a finished look and off-set it the width of the plexiglass with the intention of screwing the plexi down with shallow screws. However... I couldn't get the plexi cut the exact size of the table so I ended up just laying it on there. It hasn't moved an inch yet! I was a little nervous drilling into the plexi glass so this ended up working out just fine. It is really easy to clean pb&j off of too!

As a bonus the Land of N0d catalog came last week. The thumb chair is in it at a retail of $65.00!!! I LOVE Ana White!

Simple Changing Table

Submitted by rojohn on Sun, 04/13/2014 - 14:08

Decided build this simple cahnging table for my wife and I. I used the "Simple Changing Table" plan, but used 1/4" Hardboard instead of 3/4" ply or MDF. To keep the 1/4" hardbaord in place I cut a groove in each of the 6 end pieces and glued it in, then I put 2 supports (1x2) under the middle of each shelf. I didn't make the top try insert and made it a little narrower. I notched out the legs to help support the cross beams.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
4 coats of Minwax Satin Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Refinished Stairs

Submitted by JoanneS on Sun, 07/01/2012 - 08:23

Finally got rid of the yucky worn-out carpet on the stairs. Instead of painting or staining the tread surfaces, I sanded, filled in holes, primed with a high quality primer, and used luxury vinyl flooring planks on the top of the treads, and finished the fronts with pewter stair nose. The risers and skirt boards were sanded, primed, and painted with 2 coats of semi gloss paint. Below the front edges of treads and where the treads meet the risers and skirt boards, added a finishing touch with some trim. This project was time consuming and I had sore muscles all over from crawling up and down those steps, but I think the finished result was worth it. They look much nicer, and we can get dust and dog hair off of the steps with just a Swiffer. Plus, it only cost about $200 to do 2 sets of stairs (6 steps up and 6 steps down).

So, why didn't I stain or paint the tread surfaces? I originally planned to, and did a lot of reading and research on what to use. But, I was worried about slipping on the stairs. Mom (who lives with us) isn't as mobile as she used to be due to a hip replacement and arthritis, and I was worried about her slipping on the smooth tread surfaces. Even if I'd used slip resistant paint, I was still worried about her foot slipping off the round bullnose at the front of the tread (that's happened to me with the carpeted stairs). The vinyl planks have a textured surface. We have these on several of our floors throughout the house and they aren't slippery for her feet. The stair nose has ridges and also is a bit squared, so it doesn't allow your foot to slip off of the front edge.

I know this is non-standard from what most people would expect to see on stairs, and we'll surely have to change it if we ever sell our house, but in the month we've had this project complete, so far it has been great.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pulled up a huge number of staples and tack strips, filled in holes with wood filler, sanded with 80, 150 and then 220 grit sandpaper, vaccuum and tack cloth wipedowns. Primed with Zinsser Bullseye primer. 2 coats of Ace Royal semi gloss in Wishbone on risers, skirt boards and trim. Tread surfaces are luxury vinyl plank with pewter stair nose edge.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SunnyL

Mon, 10/07/2013 - 16:00

How have your stairs held up over the last year? I'm considering doing the same thing. I'm worried about them being too slippery (my planks are not textured) and the fact that the manufactuer says not to use for stairing. Your stairs look great!

JoanneS

Mon, 10/07/2013 - 16:33

Thanks SunnyL! The stairs are holding up great! The stair nose makes it so your foot doesn't slip off the end, and they sweep up beautifully. We have 2 beagles that shed a lot, and it's a cinch to get the dog hair off the stairs ;).

I'm not sure about doing this with a slick surfaced plank, though... One of the reasons I chose to use this particular plank is that it's textured and not slick at all.. These have the adhesive on the back and haven't moved or lifted a bit. This is the one I used, it was a great price and is wearing beautifully.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_33259-84875-WD4011_0__?productId=3032606&Ntt=vi…

Good luck on your project! :)
Joanne

3rd and 4th Projects - Modern Farmhouse Table w/Benches

I worked on the benches and table for three weekends. All are finished in Ebony by Rustoleum. I used the non-Kreg plans for the benches and the updated Kreg jig plans for the table. I spent a lot of time at Home Depot selecting straight, flat boards for the table top. I literally dug through all of their 1 x 6's and laid them out on the floor in the store to find a good fit. I finished the benches with three coats of Minwax semi-gloss, and I finished the table with three coats of Minwax gloss. I prefer the higher gloss so I may put a coat of gloss on each bench so they all match. I also put some heavy duty furniture felt on all of the legs so they slide easily across the wood floor without scratching! I've been using a sad hand-me-down table and folding chairs for the past couple of years. I couldn't be more pleased with how this turned out.

I live in Alaska and the lumber for the benches cost about $35. The lumber for the table cost $65. I spent about another $100 on wood conditioner, stain, polyurethane, screws, sand paper and a brush. So all total, I have about $200 invested.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Ebony
Minwax semi-gloss (benches) and gloss (table)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Paulieboxer

Ana, First time I have every attempted any kind of woodwork/building furniture other than building Ikea stuff. The plans were very easy to follow and now I want a chop saw for xmas. I roped my daughter in to help me and we completed the project in 2 days. Husband was totally blow away by our achievement. I love it and feel accomplished. Away to work on the table and further benches/seating over the next few weeks. Pauline

Estimated Cost
£200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Peg Doll House

My grandson wanted a set of peg dolls and a house to play with them in.  I wanted to build something that was gender-neutral - so many doll houses are pink and feminine!  This doll house is sized just right for his peg dolls and playmobil people.  It's made from 1/2" poplar, although it could also be cut from a sheet of 1/2" plywood.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
clear polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar picket shed for mower

Submitted by pilot1910 on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 21:36

I loved the plan for the cedar picket shed. It was tall enough to block my neighbor's view, so I shaved 20 inches off the height. It is the perfect size for a mower. We made a floor out of 12 inch blocks. The ground we have here packs very well, so I think it'll be good for a long time. We also have a lot of wind, but this thing isn't going anywhere!! It is solid. I also like the fact that it takes a stain right along with the fence and there is no painting involved! The hinges you recommended were great.

Estimated Cost
about $300
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Vinyl Record Storage

I've made another record cabinet, this time with a nice dark walnut stain.  To see more details and plans visit my blog.

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/

 

Cheers,

Ian

Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Tbecker on Fri, 02/17/2017 - 18:06

I completed these chairs about 3yrs ago.  It was a great project and I learned a lot.  I really appreciate this site and have made a sofa and 2 benches as well.  Thank you Ana for the site and I wish HGTV or another station would pick up your DIY show!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$37.00 each including paint
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor Rustoleum
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Outdoor Chairs (modified for 24in cushions)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 18:25

I built two of Ana's "Modern Outdoor Chairs" and adjusted the plans to accommodate 24" in cushions. We're pleased with how they turned out and have gotten great use out of them. Thanks for the plans, Ana!

Estimated Cost
~$60 per chair (not including the cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used the exact finish that Ana recommended.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor Toys Contained

Submitted by lmflerlage on Mon, 02/22/2021 - 12:32

I love this dual outdoor seating plus toy storage bench. I lengthened the plans so I needed to add some additional support for the lid. I also decided to go with a rope pull which is easier for the kiddos to utilize.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cabin Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/23/2017 - 07:40

Spent my time home from work building this for the cabin this summer. will be using coushions from ikea that are water and uv resistant as well as double sealed with removable covers for washing. 

Estimated Cost
120 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
dark walnut and an oil based varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn Greenhouse

Submitted by Tristankb on Sun, 04/14/2013 - 23:44

So a few notes... We added a base of 2x4 pressure treated wood footing around the entirety of the greenhouse which should help keep it from rotting? Blocks are an alternative here. Our lumber store didn't carry the right size of tin sheets so we added a 2x10 at the bottom which seems to work and still look okay. We picked up a 30" metal screen door there which should assist in keeping out the critters and allows us to lock out our small kiddos who might wreck the plants :) This is a great plan!!! Thank you so much! Oh - materials ran about $700 including screen door? We went through about 4 1-pound boxes of sheet metal screws and at least a large box of 3" screws?? and 2 small boxes 1.25"?? If you cut you pieces right you may end up with an extra 8' clear sheet of corrugated plastic? We spent about 20 hours building just the greenhouse but we had hauled a lot of stuff to the site by hand... We are new to carpentry and pulled this off so anyone can do this!! Dremel tool works for cutting plastic, but not as good as the tin!! Good luck and cheers!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None yet planning to waterseal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

romanweel

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 16:02

This looks amazing! Are you planning to raise your beds in there? Is there a floor, or is that just mulching over the grass? This looks like Exactly what I'd like in my own back yard!

Amazing Farm Table and Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 19:55

Built this deck dining table and benches from Lowes cedar, and the results way exceeded my expectations! The plans were so well written, it was easy to slightly modify (made both table and benches wider and longer) and the build was very simple. The clear directions helped give me the confidence to do this and we have got so many nice compliments. There was nothing this sturdy and simple even available to buy. I even built a coffee table and bar table after modifying the plans a bit. Thank you Ana!

Comments

Bike Storage

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:10

I live in a smaller rental with limited garage space, so I needed a place for my kids bikes. This is what I came up with. It required minimal screw holes in the treated fence posts and I attached a rail system(rubbermaid fasttrak) for the bikes to hang from. I used Ana's easy shelves plan for the upright supports and then just added some corrugated roofing and cedar fence pickets (which I had on hand) to finish off the top.

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