Community Brag Posts

Shirley Console Table (modified)

Submitted by wenikio on Thu, 04/04/2013 - 14:48

This was a modification of the Shirley Console Table. I had to change the dimensions to fit our entryway, and I wanted some color variation. Because I used two different stains, the pieces had to be fit together, sanded accordingly, taken apart, stained, and then glued/screwed together again. I learned how to use a router on this project, so it was a learning experience (thank goodness for wood filler!). I also inset the sides and back, though it's not really obvious in the picture. The drawers slide on a tongue and groove track. The pulls are white porcelain covered in teal sharpie (baked then coated with acrylic). Definitely learned a lot on this project! As this was made basically from wood scraps, I'm not sure what the cost was. The drawers, minus the facing, is 3/4" oak veneer plywood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax Red Mahogany and Golden Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 17:15

Great project! It's beautiful! Your porcelain knobs method sounds fascinating -- did you sharpie them first and then bake in the oven (what temp & how long?) - that's a super creative idea!

Planked Sideboard Entertainment Center

The design of our planked entertainment center is a compilation from various designs offered on Ana White; Planked Sideboard http://ana-white.com/node/4682 &  Media Center http://ana-white.com/2012/04/plans/rebecca-media-center-console-piece.  This is the 1st piece in our collection of 6 being made in the Farm House style for our Great Room and Dining Room.   We considered this to be our “practice piece” in preparation for the remainder of the collection with many important lessons learned.

The wood used was Red Grandis, which is plantation Eucalyptus and has just recently been made available in the U.S.   Red Grandis is being sold in California to replace Mahogany due to the environmentally unfriendly agriculture practices of many Mahogany producers.  While highly recommended by our local hard-wood retailer, we were reticent as we couldn’t find much information about Red Grandis on the internet.  And, while we don’t completely know how it will stand the test of time, we found it to be very user friendly, and it cut, machined, drilled & stained very well.   

This was our first attempt at making drawers.  While it took some re-cutting / re-routering, we are pleased with the final result and have gained some cautious confidence for the next pieces.  We did learn, in our hands at least, that the Rockler 45° Lock Miter Router Bits  provided a much more reproducible drawer corner than the Rockler Drawer Lock Router Bit - 1" Dia x 1/2" H x 1/2" Shank .

This was also the first time that we have used Miller Dowels and we were very impressed with their ease of use and outstanding fixation.  Additionally, I called the Miller Dowel company a couple of times for information and found them to be very accommodating and informative.  Based on our experience, we would recommend that you consider them for your next project.  One tip that we learned along the way was to put shipping tape around ( 5”strip above, below and each side) the dowel before you cut off the tip as it, apparently, lubricates the flex saw and protects the finished surface from being damaged while removing the tip.  

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain Red Chestnut
Minwax Satin finish Hand-rubbed Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Vintage Stool with a Twist

Submitted by bobmireau on Fri, 04/05/2013 - 20:41

Saw your plan for the vintage stool and had to build it for my grand daughter. I added a little twist to it by adding a saying found on stools back in the 70s. Used a router sign kit for the lettering. The last picture shows the grand daughter's approval

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a cabinet paint for a tough finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Reclaimed Wood Look Bedside Table-Now With Hutch

I couldn't find a kitchen hutch to fit my space/needs so I modified this bedside table plan. I widened it 3 inches then extended it up! Now I have room for all my cook books! I love it!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax early american stain with Minwax water based oil-modified polyurethane in clear satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Rope Puzzle

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/21/2017 - 07:47

This puzzle is similar to the other puzzles I posted over the last year. The goal is to remove the rope/ball from the piece of wood. With very little parts, it was really easy to make – less than 15 minutes. Go to the video for the solution if you cannot mentally figure it out from the pictures.

More Info: https://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Rope-Puzzle/
Solution: https://youtu.be/NmcurEs-BIA

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chunky canopy daybed without canopy

Submitted by a_hard on Sun, 04/07/2013 - 22:09

We (myself and my girlfriend) decided to build this daybed after considering several options for a new sofa. With three big dogs we knew we wanted a big sofa and after looking at many $400+ options we saw several issues (besides cost), The biggest was the availability of slip covers for easy cleaning. We went with the daybed route because a mattress is far cheaper than foam for sofa cushions and twin sheets are readily available for low prices in many colors.

Obviously I altered the plans significantly as I wanted a chunkier, heavier frame that would withstand the abuse of day to day life. Also I removed the canopy as it's not needed indoors. The rear legs are 4x4 nominal which I resawed to 3x3 actual. The rear frame is 1x3 nominal horizontal pieces with 2x3 nominal boards as the verticals. These have rabbets cut in them to join with the horizontal pieces. The bottom support for the mattress is a 2x6 resawn to 2x5 actual and rabbeted to fit each vertical and the legs. Also, the top two horizontals are longer to fit into rabbets in the legs - this allows the back structure to be far stronger.

The sides are constructed of 1x3 horizontals with the leg and arm cap being 2x4 nominal resawn to 1x3 actual. The verticals were rabbeted like the rear to accept the horizontal pieces. The front crossmember is a 2x6 nominal block planed to match the front legs.

Joinerys consists of the following -
All rabbeted joints are glued and brad nailed together.
The legs and arm/top caps are pockted screwed to the horizontal crossmembers.
The front, sides, and rear join with 3 1/2" deck screws and 5 1/2" lag bolts.
Stringers/mattress supports are 2x3 nominal.

Finish is Behr premium plus interior latex eggshell paint/primer sprayed with an HVLP sprayer.

If anyone is interested I can take some measurements and more photos. Right now we just have our old futon mattress on (we're saving to do some other projects).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$375 (including mattress, pillows, and paint)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus Paint/Primer - Tibetan Orange
Paint applied with HVLP sprayer (the type used in automotive finishing).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

School Room Bookshelf

Very quick and easy project. Used the plans but adjusted the width and used pocket hole screws. We made ours 54" wide. After building the entire box and horizontal shelves with pocket holes you can secure the vertical pieces with brad nails. Start with the top row first and you can secure all of those with brad nails. Then use pocket holes on the top of the bottom vertical pieces because it won't really show. You won't be able to nail it since the top vertical piece will be in the way. 

I put some extra 1x2 scrap pieces on the bottom of the shelves for extra support but it would probably be fine without it. We just knew we were going to be loading this thing up and wanted it to last forever and it's not visible anyways.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$85 - We only needed three 8 foot 1x2 pieces because we weren't putting it on wheels and the back we didn't trim since it was going to be against the wall. 1x12 common boards were about $18 each and 1x2 select pieces are $5 Adds up quick but it is some much better than cheap particle board shelves.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

RyobiNATION Potting Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 09:26

Easy build for a teen

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson' penetrating oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Planter Box/Bench with trellis

I used Ana's planter box plans and I designed and built the bench out of pallet wood, and purchased the power coated trellis's and custom fit then to the planters.

Estimated Cost
$110.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Alaska cabin daybed our captains bed

Built it mostly out of pallet wood. Bought 1x12 Hardware for doors

Estimated Cost
$35.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White wash over black transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Katie Nightstand Open Shelf

My husband built these for me and it was his first time building anything. LOL. They turned out perfect for me. It takes a little bit because we had to wait through the coats of the finish. Also, the gloss coat has to set for 24 hours before you can use it. It is highly recommended to wait the full 24 hours, we did not on the dresser I refinished of my daughters, and it started to chip. It was so easy and turned out beautifully!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60-75 for both
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish is Kiltz primer (2coats). Then use Ultra White paint on areas to be painted white. The mint green color is called Sweet Mint from Lowe's spring collection. Be sure to tape off the areas for nice straight even lines. Then add a coat of MinWax Polyurethane High Gloss and you're done!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bethhamstra

Tue, 05/28/2013 - 12:29

I am in the middle of this plan myself. Its been about 6 months in the making since I am pregnant with two small children and hardly can find the time to get out there and build!

How did you start the box and ensure they were square? I have drilled my pocket holes but I'm nervous about drilling the first screw! Did you use a Kreg square clamp??

Your project turned out great and I love the mint green!

britpatt2010

Wed, 06/19/2013 - 12:51

Yes I did use the Kreg clamps. It was very scary as my first project to make sure the boxes were even. I am sorry it took me so long to respond. How did yours turn out? Mint green and coral are my favorite color combo and Lowe's just happened to have the perfect one! I am glad you think I did a good job!

Rustic X Console

My dad and I built the Rustic X Console table this past weekend based off of the plan! The only differences were that we used the Festool Domino tool to attach everything together instead of the Kreg Jig and our Xs are two pieces that we chiseled out to fit together. This plan is awesome and it turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut and Classic Gray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Kitchen Island using remnant Granite

Submitted by gerrell on Wed, 06/23/2021 - 18:07

I've had these granite pieces that I got incredibly cheap from a remnant place last year for another project. A few weeks ago, I put them on some spare IKEA desk legs to make a workspace on my deck. I hated the look AND they were a little wobbly.
I spent some time searching the web and thankfully stumbled upon these plans. I modified the dimensions to fit the granite tops, used fewer pickets on the shelves and painted the whole thing black.

I think it looks great and adds awesome outdoor counterspace on the grilling deck!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Chic Bench

Submitted by cdlwin on Mon, 04/15/2013 - 15:26

This was the first piece I ever made and I was very excited about how it turned out. Last summer I spent a weekend with a friend and she had a bench almost identical to this one in her entryway-- I just had to have it. I took pictures of it from every angle and went home, telling my husband he had to make it for me (he does some woodworking). As time went by and my bench was not made, I finally told him to teach me how to use the power tools... he did and this was the result. I wish I had plans for this, but I do not. I made this bench by looking at the pictures I took of the one I saw at my friend's house. Eventually I hope to get it together in order to make some up-- it was very easy, and I do think someone with some skill (since at the time I had none!) could most likely do the same. I was able to do it about 3 days.

Finish Used
Combination of acrylic and milk paint in Linen and Barn Red
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dmcarwin

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 09:35

Congrats on your first project! It really is a fun bench you did a great job!

Chicken Router Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/03/2017 - 16:26

Router table with Paduok, maple and Walnut beauty. Featuring a Bench Dog Pro-lift router lift, I'm going to have a lot of fun making more beautiful things with this one! Loving how this turned out. 

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

Kids double trustle table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 08:46

I loved this project!!! And am so happy with how it turned out!! I have 4 kids and this has so much space for everyone!
We paired the double trustle table with the farm table benches ( which I adjusted the length and height of the legs to make it kids size.)
The table top instead of a solid top we used 2 1x12 boards. And for the beaches we used 1x10 board for the seat.
Thank you for the amazing plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tops are finished with a walnut gel stain and than coated with a few coats of varathane. Legs and bottom we wood burned with propane tiger torch and finished with linseed oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pussycat bed

Submitted by Sebastien on Thu, 04/18/2013 - 01:21

Want to make a king size version but didn't want to waste material.
I made this bed for our cat to see if I could do it.
Since I made it a million kids have played with it, stood on it, ext...I'll post a picture when I make the king size.
Thanks ana

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X coffee table

Submitted by mdlarson on Sun, 03/08/2015 - 16:07

We recently purchased the L shaped couch pictured with the table but we didn't have a coffee table to match it.  I had been wanting to build the Rustic x coffee table for some time and I finally had the perfect spot for it!  To make the table a little more unique I added a herringbone pattern to the top.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain: Rustoleum ultimate wood stain in Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Coffee Station

Submitted by kittykat on Tue, 06/06/2017 - 15:31

Built this to use as a coffee/smoothie station in our kitchen area. We had some extra space and this was the perfect use for it!

 

My first attempt at making doors.... turned out pretty well. I might add some magnets just to assist keeping the doors from freely swinging.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Modern Outdoor Patio/Deck Collection

Submitted by frmoody on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 14:48

This was a simple yet very time consuming building. Lots of pieces and lots of sanding. I am really pleased with how it turned out. I stained the edges of all the 1 x 4's prior to assembly just to make things easier. I also increased the sides of the chair from 24" to 26" and set the seat height to 18" to match the bench.

Estimated Cost
$255
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I stained everything with Minwax Gunstock and then finished with three coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane exterior semigloss. I sanded with 600 grit paper between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments