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New Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/27/2016 - 16:59

This is my first carpentry project. Bought my house recently and it had the white wire organizers on the wall but I wanted to do something different. Only had 6' width to work with so had to shorten it a bit and lose the middle shelves. Lowes didn't have enough 1x4's for the shelves so I used 1x8's and just left a gap in the front which in my opinion looks good.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Closet Shelving
Estimated Cost
$200-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of Early American stain followed by a light sand and 1 coat of Minwax Polycrylic Clear Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Apothecary cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/09/2017 - 06:47

I've wanted to build one of these forever! I changed the plans a lot to accommodate my needs, but I loved the idea of faux drawers on the doors to have an authentic look. It fools most people! Took 2 weeks for me to complete, working on and off. It has great storage inside for all the kids' stuff I didn't have a place for previously. The stain is ebony by minwax and the hardware pulls I purchased for under $10 for 30. 

Built from Plan(s)
Apothecary Console Table
Apothecary Cabinet Featuring Build Something
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax ebony stain with varathane poly in satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen pantry cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/13/2017 - 18:28

Some added storage for small kitchen appliances

Built from Plan(s)
Patrick's Jelly Cupbard
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted antique white with a reddish undercoat peeking through distressed areas
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Footbridge

Submitted by sooz122 on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 18:36

I wanted to make a footbridge for my mom so she wouldn't get muddy when she crosses a small drainage ditch when goes walking on the trails behind her house. I didn't have a plan and this was my first build and I loved it! I just wanted to give everyone an idea of something to build. Can't wait to build more.

Estimated Cost
45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Minwax Walnut with a couple coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Motorcycle Gear Locker

Submitted by abarbato82 on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 05:45

Had all my motorcycle gear throughout the garage and wanted to pull it all together. The single locker plan was a perfect blueprint with just some adjustments to height and width. Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)
Single Locker Cabinet

Comments

Kitchen Island

The plans were easy to follow. I modified my island to fit my space and cut it down to 44 inches in length.

Blog Link
Home Frosting
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Kitchen Island Plans
Estimated Cost
The entire project cost $47.00.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the top and shelves with Watco Danish Oil in dark walnut and then used a satin finish varathane for only the top to protect it from spills, etc. The sides and legs were painted with an interior latex paint called "Sandbar" from Home Hardware.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Emily Jo (not verified)

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 15:33

Your island is gorgeous, and I love the modification you made to the original plans on the shelving support! I would like to know what size the boards are that you used so that I can duplicate. Thank you!

Lisa Tamaye (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 18:10

This is great! ANyone know how I could extend one side in order to put stools for an eating area?
Would love to do that!

Alice (not verified)

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 19:43

I would think it would be basically the same build, just add brackets to support the extra wood.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 15:20

I want to make this Kitchen Island but if can't find the Supply List. Would you mind posting it or emailing me please! This will work perfect in my Kitchen

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:46

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top 24"x6'that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4' for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:50

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top, 24in.x6ft., that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4s for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 11:58

Just click on the link for the instructions. It's under the heading 'About This Project' titled as 'From Plan: Easy Kitchen Island Plans'.

Click where it says 'Easy Kitchen Island Plans'. When you hover your cursor over the words, you will see that is a hyperlink.

Lindsey Adams (not verified)

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 06:48

I love your island and I also have a small kitchen...would you happen to know the sizes of the boards you used? Thanks

??? (not verified)

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 14:31

Yours looks so different and so much better then the one that show how to make it, how did you do it? I really would love to build it but have no idea how...
Thanks so much!

CBsMama (not verified)

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 13:08

This island is perfect. I love the shelves and the size. Any chance you could send me the dimensions of this island and details on how you did the shelves? Great job!

lizzy1299

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 15:03

I'm SO glad I stumbled acrossed your website! I LOVE that island and getting ready to get all the stuff to make it. Did you use the Kreg Jig thing the original person used...? If not, how did you cover the screw heads?

Thanks!

ameliam

Wed, 12/31/2014 - 07:37

Hi, this is my first time building anything. I really like the modification made to the original plans. I like the legs facing the other way. I can't figure out how to modify the cuts on the sides and front and back supports for the top to adjust for turning the legs the other way. Are there modified plans. LOL I need instructions, I’m not quite there yet on doing it myself. Thank you

djbeenie

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 15:03

How did you mount the 1 x2s since its on the side of the 1 x 4s. Did you tac them in. I really like the way that looks. Thanks!

MBuckson

Mon, 03/16/2015 - 08:00

Amazing island! I am in the middle of building this and looking ahead to the finishing aspect of it and I have a question: What tool did you use to apply the oil on the counter top? A cloth or a certain type of brush?

wiri0302

Sat, 06/06/2015 - 18:33

Hello, i love this island but maybe i missed it. What kind of wood is everyone using? Frosting said $47 but that could only be for pine right? Are people using pine to build this? I would like it to look just like the picture. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

Fireplace

Submitted by lugfish on Sat, 11/21/2015 - 20:47

I really loved the design of Mimi's Faux Mantle. But the wife wanted an electric fireplace for the living room, so after shopping around for them and not finding any that we liked. I suggested we use the Mimi's Faux Mantle design and custom it to fit an electric firebox. We order and firebox then followed the plans pretty close as you. Then finished it in a pure white with an espresso stain. This was our second wood project and had a great time working together on this project. We can't believe how it came out and are already planning more projects.

Built from Plan(s)
Fake Fireplace Mantle built from Pine Boards
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pure white with an espresso stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cross35

Sun, 11/22/2015 - 14:49

This is exactly what I'm looking to build! Can you give more detail?  Maybe point me to the electric fireplace that you used?

lugfish

Mon, 11/23/2015 - 13:29

thanks, The electric fireplace insert I bought was a 26 inch SimpliFire insert from HEAT & GLO. I ordered from a local vendor and it took a few weeks to get. They had two sizes and based on the space and the plans I went with the 26in. I really liked the look of Mimi's Faux Mantle, so I used those plans but had to change them just a little. First I had to build the opening around the insert and then add sides. I didn't need to but I added a bottom mantle to make it feel like a really fire place.Oh I also made the top mantel a little more bigger than the plans. I hope this helps and good luck on building yours. If you need any more info just let me know.

Seasonal And Holiday
Christmas Decor

Built in bookcase with lights

Submitted by AndyH on Sat, 12/12/2015 - 14:19

Built in bookcase with lighting and power outlets in cupboards for audio and DVD equipment to feed to the wall mounted tv (to the left).

The photo with the lights is when it was unfinished and I also decided that I didn't like the inset doors and so made new overlay ones. Now I have four doors I need to use on another project...

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Pro Classic Extra White Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Mon, 12/14/2015 - 05:43

Inspiring to see such amazing work!  Love the attention to detail and precision.  Ana

Bown

Sun, 09/10/2017 - 18:45

Did you go by a plan? I'd like to do this but I definitely need a step by step plan.

Fireplace with recessed TV mount

Submitted by medicscott on Thu, 02/16/2023 - 07:46

This is a very custom fireplace that I built for my wife as a 40th wedding anniversary gift. It is built around a Samsung 55” Frame TV and a Vivo motorized mount. The motorized mount allows the TV to be lowered to a better viewing height than the standard above mantle position which is usually too high for comfortable viewing.

In order to maintain the flush mount effect with the TV in art mode, I recessed the mount into the fireplace. That required building a “back” frame for the TV mount then the outer frame for the surround. I covered the outer frame with ½” OSB then ship lap. The mantle and hearth is made from Poplar with walnut stain and Polyurethane satin top coat. The hearth opens for storage.

This was sourced from several different plan sets with a lot of customization and input from the Technical Support Staff at Vizo-US.

Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Shiplap Fireplace Tutorial with Free Plans and Video

Comments

Ana White

Thu, 02/16/2023 - 09:46

Happy Anniversary!
This is a beautiful, well thought out project.
I was hoping someone would do the recessed mount, and you nailed it! It's so much better with the tv flush like yours.
Also love the motorized mount.
Thank you very much for sharing photos.
Ana

4 sided picnic table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 13:59

4 sides for the whole family to sit.

Built from Plan(s)
Square Picnic Table

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Easy Upholstered bench

Wonderful project! Very fun. Built a bench from scrap 2x4s (left in the garage by our home's previous owner, so they were free!) and a piece of MDF shelving. Perfect for our entryway. The bench itself was incredibly easy to build. The hard part, in my opinion, was finishing it. So many pretty things to choose from! I used a piece of 2-inch foam plus a double layer of batting for the top, some striped upholstery fabric, and 160 nailheads to finish it off. Love it.

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Slipcover Bench Plans
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in cognac, and then two coats of minwax poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 12:54

Love it! Wondering if I could build it and have some type of slipcover on it. (house with three kids under 5 years old does not go well with permanent upholstery! haha)

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 09:06

If you check out Ana's original plans for the Easiest Upholstered Bench, you'll see that she DID use slipcovers! You could make different ones for each season, or for holidays like Christmas or birthdays...

ehahn1

Wed, 10/30/2013 - 08:36

Hi Katie, I am having a difficult time finding fabric (hard to believe)! did you get yours online? How wide are the stripes? most fabric I am finding is not wide enough to cover the top and sides. Thanks for the help! Great build!

Toy Storage

Submitted by bridge318 on Mon, 12/30/2013 - 14:17

Half of the spare bedroom in our basement is our toy room and I wanted to be able to host visitors without them being overwhelmed by our toys. The units on top are three separate units. We didn't divide the middle unit so we could use as book shelves. The open units on the bottom are tall enough for car elevators, etc. I like the half units on top for the plastic storage boxes where I have craft/art supplies (I don't want my kids getting that when I'm not in the room!). We used white paneling on the back of the shelving. We used a piece of trim on the bottom to cover up the legs, but I wanted to show you that the entire unit does not sit on the carpet. The totes are Martha Stewart brand from Home Depot. (I apologize for the blurriness of the last photo.)

Built from Plan(s)
Open Bases for the Cubby Storage Collection
Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood - Customize Size
DIY Custom Bookshelf Hutch Storage
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz Primer (1 coat) and High-Gloss White paint (2 coats)
We waited to paint until it was all put together, but if I could do it over again, I would paint the boards before assembling and touch up what was needed. I sanded in between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Platform bed

Submitted by joja on Thu, 04/05/2012 - 07:02

Inspired by Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ally (not verified)

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 11:21

Now this is my kind of project! Looks easy but polished. Do you have plans for this?

joja

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 12:03

Platform bed measures:

- Deck: 18x120 mm, width = matress width + 10 cm, length = matress length + 5 cm.
- Headboard: Height 80 cm, width = matress width + 10 cm.
- Beams bed: 36x150 mm, length = matress length - 5 cm.
- Beams headboard: 36x150 mm, height = headboard height - 5 cm.

joja

Wed, 04/18/2012 - 14:00

Sorry, forgot to write that the headboard "deck" is made from 18x120 mm.

PS) We used fir, but pine or cedar or the like is fine.

Sdash

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 23:04

I would love to make this but I would require plans in order to build it. So if there is any way I could get plans you would make me quite happy.

Levi's play kitchen

Submitted by Ash Matson on Thu, 12/26/2019 - 11:17

We modified the plans a little we made the 2 pieces together instead of separate. We used a 2” hole saw to cut out the oven knobs, then drilled holes a tad bigger than the screw so they would still turn once attached. We also made the back splash taller to accommodate our faucet that had to attach on the back splash instead of the counter top. We used all pocket holes to attach everything it makes it look so much nicer but doesn’t need to be done that way. We bought vinyl circles for the burners on the stove. A dog bowl for the sink and a laundry room faucet for the faucet.

Links to products we used

Faucet - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KRCTHEA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oven hinges - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K7V8UU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6 – 4 inch circles matte black Stove vinyl - https://www.etsy.com/listing/713062039/circle-circles-pack-set-vinyl-decal-car?ref=yr_purchases

Sink 56oz dog food bowl - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H6OXRN0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oven handle - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sumner-Street-Home-Hardware-Vail-10-in-Center-to-Center-Matte-Black-Pull/1001368422

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Play Kitchen Sink and Stove
Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Backyard Retreat Daybed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/08/2023 - 08:43

We fell in love with this daybed plan right out of the gate but had to modify the plan somewhat due to the rain and crazy weather we are experiencing during the warmer seasons. Rather than use a twin mattress we purchased the largest size outdoor cushion we could. We covered it in Dacron wrap and used an olefin material for the huge cover which maxed out at 54x96. It was one heck of a big zipper to sew! The material is mould and mildew resistant and has proven to be really resilient and I vacuum to keep it clean. It feels luxurious to slide into. We added a polycarbonate roof with a 6% slant, that projects 8-10 inches from the front and back, for rain and snow and because it sits under a crabapple tree which provides shade but will drop small projectiles on your head. We wanted to be able to manage the snow efficiently if we received a heavy fall. We hung the curtains using a chain link fence rail and are able to spend afternoons resting catching the breeze and reading so comfortably. It is situated in a southwest exposure so they are necessary to provide a little protection. The curtains are closed and secured with clamps for heavy rainfalls and so far so good! Everything has stayed dry despite high winds.
 

As you can see from the little ramp, we have four buddies that love the bed as much as we do! It is our little retreat. We love our magic space and the relaxation we experience the minute we slide in. Thanks for such great plans. It was so straightforward that modifications were simple and easy!

Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor Daybed with Canopy
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

DIY Children's Picnic Table

My first truly functional build! I love how it turned out, but even more importantly my kids are loving it - we are literally using it for every possible meal and snack right now. Perfect summer project, and bonus - we get to keep all the eating messes outside! 

 

Blog Link
DIY Children's Picnic Table
Built from Plan(s)
Little Kids Picnic Table
Estimated Cost
$22.50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For the first table I sued a combination of stains.. Minwax Jacobean and Weathered Grey with a white latex paint wash. White semi gloss Behr for the legs and bottom half of table.
Second table I used Varathane's Vintage Aqua and I sealed both tables with 4 coats of Varathane's SPAR- Urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen table and bench

Submitted by Corky2321 on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 14:55

Super fun and easy project! I had to cut down the length of the table to 6 ft to fit the space in the house. I also did 2x8 tops on the bench for more surface area. I will def be building an ana white project again!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Farmhouse Bench - No Pocket Holes Version
Estimated Cost
$100 for all supplies for table and bench
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Patio Table & Bench

Submitted by madore07 on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 18:47

Great projects for any beginner. Make sure you're working on a level surface for the table. I purchased simple planter boxes from a local hardware store, and worked around those. For the bench, my only suggestion is to verify you are square at each step- other than that it's pretty straightforward.

Built from Plan(s)
Patio Table with Built-in Beer/Wine Coolers
Modern Slat Top Outdoor Wood Bench
Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner