Community Brag Posts

I built this closet for a room in a newly renovated house which was improved from a 3BR to a 4BR but the new additional BR didn't have space for a closet. The entire closet is made of only cheap 2X4's and galvanized pipe found at the local hardware store.

The user didn't need the middle shelves so I modified the original plans to make it shorter in width but 4 inches deeper by using 10" nipples instead of 8". I sanded and stained all the 2X4's first before doing anything. Then I created the 3 legs first (end boards - 82" inside boards - 17.5"). Once the legs were ready, I cut the boards for the shelves at 79" (4 boards for each shelf, evenly spaced out). Before putting the shelf on the legs, I laid each leg on the ground and unscrewed one side of the shelf and added wood glue in the hole, then screwed it back in to increase stability. Next, drill the pipe holes evenly and connect the pipe. Once the pipe is connected, place (4) 79" 2X4's evenly distributed on each shelf and drill 2 screws from the boards into the bottom of the legs on both ends and the middle to stabilize the shelf. From here, I took some pledge and wiped it down which smoothed down the surface. The longest part of the project was making sure the stain was dry and evenly applied.

I recommend using a miter saw for straight and smooth cuts and take the time to sand the wood (even the ends after you cut it).

2X4 Studs - 28
10" 3/4" Galvanized Pipe - 6
36" 3/4" Galvanized Pipe - 2
3/4" Galvanized Pipe T - 2
3/4" Galvanized Pipe Cross - 1
3/4" End Caps - 6

Pipe Wrench for tight connections
2.5" Screws (Drill pilot holes for everything)
1 1/8" drill bit for each hole
Stain - Minwax Espresso
Wood Glue

These were all Christmas projects...My daughter needed a blanket chest, so I used Anna's Toy Chest plans - modifying them to add a lid (which also functions as an extra seat). I made the dimensions larger because she had some really large blankets to store and also added some fancier trimming. Her husband wanted DVD storage in their room, so I built the cabinet and painted it to match the blanket chest. I do most of my building in the evenings, so it took a couple of days to build these - the finishing took the most time over several evenings. Also shown is the mail organizer, with an airplane motif because of my grandson's love of airplanes.

Basically I took Ana's plan and tweaked it to create a diy sofa, a love seat, and a corner piece to make a sectional. All 3 pieces have the same basic design and function (they all have a storage compartment), although the corner piece, because of its placement and the thickness of the seating cushions, doesn't open unless the couch is opened first. We purchased custom cut, 6" thick foam cushions for the seats (we bought the XL-38 foam from https://www.buyfoam.com/, but if we had to do it again, we'd go with the XL-28 as the 38 is VERY firm). We also used upholstery fabric instead of a paint drop-cloth to cover the couches. The foam and upholstery fabric upped the overall cost significantly. Other changes from Ana's plan, I used 15/32" OSB because the 1/4" plywood just felt too flimsy (I'm a large guy). I also added I bolts to the underside of the seat before the foam and upholstery so I could add a stress relief rope to prevent the kids from opening the top and dropping it and ripping out the hinges. I used piano hinges as they seemed to me to provide the most support. Finally, I ended up using 1x2s for the base trim since I couldn't find any 2x2s that were straight and finish-ready, then I added router detailing to provide some visual interest. I used 3" pieces of 4x6 for the feet and added matching router detail. Additionally, I used T-Nuts and bolts to make the feet and base trim completely removable.

This was such and easy project. It went together in a few hours. The hardest (and most time consuming) part was finishing it. I detailed the build process on my blog if you'd like more info.

This is the 3rd wagon I've made.  It makes an excellent 'heirloom' gift that you can personalize for each recipient that will last for years to come and can be handed down through generations.  I decided to go with 5" wheels on my wagons.

I made the countertop with 2 plywood boards screwed together and topped the stainless steel with heavy duty adhesive.  I adjusted the plans a little to accommodate my space.  Thanks for the plans!  It was a fun build!

I built this outdoor play area for my kids this past summer.  The area under that portion of the deck was always messy and muddy and so I wanted to make use of it.  I built the deck and anchored it with lag bolts to the deck supports.  On the one side I used rubber mulch and on the other there is play sand.  I dug holes in various locations and filled with gravel to allow for drainage under the sand and mulch.  For the awning I used plain cedar shingles.  I added a shower that is just regular 1/2" metal pipe with a hose adaptor.  The shower wall and fence are just old pallets that I had for a while, cut to size, which was pretty much random but they came out great.  I added a misting system under the awning that works great, the kids love the cool mist on the hot days. Overall, a heavy job ripping up the grass, moving the wood, gravel, stones, sand and mulch, but a fun deck build and even better experience doing this with my kids by my side!  

I made 2 for my bare front patio

I altered the plan a little - this is 40" square.  I edge-glued planks for the bottom level, so I had them sit on top of the aprons instead of inside them.  Note: if you have top and bottom aprons attached to the legs before you put the bottom in (that will sit on top of the apron and not within), you can't get it on in one piece...oops. :) The most difficult part was the herringbone - figuring all the dimensions, cutting everything precisely, getting all pieces to fit, and finding a way to attach it to the framing boards and support in underneath.  I love the table, but I'm very frustrated with the finish.  It's so blotchy, and I tried to do everything correctly to prevent that (see info on the finish).  With every project I learn a few things...

We customized the train table a bit and laminated the top into one solid piece so that we could paint a car map of our neighborhood on the underside. It's heavy! But with two boys in the house it's never really on anyways! :)

Christmas 2010 gift!