Community Brag Posts

Library Coffee Table with Reclaimed Barn Wood Top

Submitted by wendywmp on Wed, 08/21/2013 - 19:42

Modified the plans to be only 3 drawers which saved on weight and hardware. Used reclaimed 100+ year old barn wood for the top, adding lots of character.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabinet: Minwax gel stain in Red Elm, and Winwax wipe-on satin poly. Top: West System epoxy to stabilize and fill 'defects', sanding sealer and wipe-on satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X

Submitted by Burrel on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 08:22

I built this for my daughters house warming gift.

Estimated Cost
125.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY farm house table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 21:41

Followed the farmhouse the design but with my ite dimensions and 4x4 legs. Also painted base and blue/gray to pop through when sanding eyese.

Estimated Cost
175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic x console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 18:38

Built this for a friend of mine, but didn’t need it quite as long…I absolutely love this table!!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

The Easiest Shelf!

Submitted by osopurdy on Wed, 07/27/2011 - 21:19

This really is a easy beginner project and adds instant decor for your wall.

This project is also pretty versatile because it lends itself to ANY decor. You could go totally country like I did or pick a nicer, newer pallet and paint or stain it for a more modern or traditional take. Whatever you choose, it's something you can do in no time at all!

Another great thing about this is you don't need any fancy tools, although it does make it easier! You can choose from a circular saw, a sawsall, a jig saw or even a hand saw to cut your section out.

Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Lightly sanded then sprayed with a light coat of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Daun Family Coffee Table

Submitted by stevendaun on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 08:10

This was an excellent set of plans and the finished product looks great in our home.

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

Garage Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/24/2018 - 08:43

This was a pretty easy project, but I had to adjust the vertical legs to accommodate the sloping garage floor. I drew a  horizontal line for the top edge then measured to the floor at the spacing I wanted the vertical legs. I used these measurements to cut the three vertical legs. It’s level and straight, even though my garage is sloped. 

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Garage shelving
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/09/2022 - 22:36

I have not yet sanded or sealed the chairs. I made two in 5 hours because I ran out of screws and had to go and get some more but I made these for my husband and my 15 year wedding anniversary to be able to spend more time outside after the kids go to bed. It cost me $130 plus the cushions to build

Comments

I couldn't be more happy about a garbage can!

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 12:29

I started this project thinking that I would put in a rental home we were working on. But after I completed it I couldn't part with it.

I found the plans to be easy to follow! I watched the videos and tackled the raised panel doors. I wanted to add some height so added a few inches just in-case. I couldn’t bear the thought of completing this project and my garbage can not fitting. So I did use 1x6 for the rails and found it didn't look too bad.

I put a lot of thought about what color and finish I wanted. I thought about distressing it but couldn’t decide on the color or technique. So I decided on Color Place paint that I had left over from another project. I am going to find a spray paint that matches and do the inside.

I choose an oil rubbed bronze knob that I had left over from a kitchen remodel, added a magnetic closure as well as a door safety chain. I have lots of little hands and toes that I don’t want getting smashed. I like the idea that if I want to open it all the way for cleaning all I have to do is unhook the safety chain.

Over all I am so pleased with how it turned out. It keeps the garbage and smell in and curious fingers out! My kids love to put stuff in the garbage now!

I spent a weekend with a visiting friend and made one as well as completed two more for Christmas gifts.

Thanks Ana

Estimated Cost
$30-35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2-3 coats-ColorPlace-Redwood semi-gloss exterior
1 coat-Minwax-Polyurethane-Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

simple stool

Submitted by vic b on Mon, 08/26/2013 - 19:27

I shortened the legs to 20 inches and left the lower rung off.
It lives in the playroom and is just the right height for our sons desk.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Media and Storage unit

Submitted by jpurp on Sun, 10/11/2015 - 18:47

I followed the basic plans but adapted it to fit in my cabin.  The whole unit is 82" high by 126" wide.  I also put in more drawers and made the fronts in a shaker style. I used 2x4's that I ripped down to 2x2's and 3/4 inch birch plywood.  I trimmed out the birch with 1" pine boards. I sanded the whole unit, primed with an oil primer and painted 2 coats of latex from General Paint in Grayling.   I don't know how many hours I put into it.  A lot.  Probably around 80.  Mostly by myself.  My husband helped with getting the 4x8 sheets of plywood through the table saw and occaisonally when I needed a 3rd hand to pursuade some wood to do my bidding.  I love how it turned out.  Tons of much needed storage in my cabin.

Estimated Cost
Wood, screws, sandpaper, primer and paint. Approximately $600. I'm in BC Canada. Most things cost more.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oil primer and latex paint from General Paint. Colour Grayling.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by bcarter_1 on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 04:32

We modified these plans to make this, liked the sides.

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

Comments

Extra Large Canopy Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/23/2022 - 08:34

I followed the plans on the site but made the rear posts the full size of an 8 foot 4X4. For the front posts I had to cut down to fit around the fan/light. For the headboard I simply put 2X6's spaced out 3 1/2 inch between, I used scrap 2X4 for spacing. To attach all the piece I use those newer large Kreg screws for large lumber, way bigger and stronger screws. The bed platform is 1/2 plywood, added a 2X4 for support and skipped the support in the middle. Extra screws and metal L brackets hidden and added for support. Used a router to round out all edges and multi-tool to sand the rest.

Comments

Red Coat Tree

Submitted by StacieM on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 19:35

So I finally painted my coat tree this weekend (in the 105+ degree heat). I love it. It's far from perfect but it was only my second project and was a great learning project and serves great for towels, coats, hats, dog leashes, etc. Sorry about the poor photo.

Overall the project took much longer than it should have since I was cutting everything with a crooked cutting circular saw so getting the angles right took a long time. (I have learned that a power miter saw is worth every penny!)

I'm very happy with it. Thanks for the great plans Ana!

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of spray primer, two coats of Krylon Pimento spray paint (Satin finish).
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Casual 2x4 (sort of) Desk

Submitted by Sox on Thu, 08/29/2013 - 03:30

I had to a quick conversion from the original plans as we get metric wood sizes so decided to use the following:-
Desk frame: 44 x 94
Desk frame front: 44 x 69
Desk Top: 32 x 144
I drew up new plans to fit my 1500mm space I needed the desk to fill, with the new wood sizes.
The purchase of the Kreg Jig was my best investment as it made construction so easy.
I finished the desk off in Antique Oak after wanting to add a little Antique White to it, but got scared that I would mess it up!
Total cost for wood and finishing materials was R1,500.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Nova 18 - Novadye (Antique Oak)
Woodoc 10 Indoor Polywax Sealer (Velvet)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sox

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 08:39

Many thanks for the compliment. The design is based on the casual 2x4 desk on this site, however I made adjustments and redrew them due to the standard timber size I could get hold of and also a bit of personal preference. I have the plans in electronic format should you wish to have a copy.

Easy night stand!

Submitted by Medickep on Thu, 10/15/2015 - 08:33

I made this fast and easy table, I was using as a small night stand in a small bunk room at my work for a coworker.  I used scraps that I had and had him choose a paint I had on hand! Covered the top with polyacrylic to add some protection!

Estimated Cost
Free, since I used stuff on hand, otherwise 40-50???
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used two coats of an old based primer and than two coats of paint, which was Renaissance Alkyd paint. 3-5 coats of polyacrylic on the top surface.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fancy Farmhouse Bed to attach to existing frame

Submitted by Kboshers on Wed, 11/07/2018 - 10:00

This was a fun and quick build!  Because I had an existing bed frame (and didn't want to headboard to stick out past the mattresses) I narrowed this by eliminating (1) tongue and groove board and changing the "legs" to 2 x 6 boards instead of the 2 x 4's in the plan -- overall width ended up at 76-1/2".  Before framing out the tongue and groove, I cut the exposed tongue off of the last board so the frame would attach better. After getting it all together, I wished I had used a 1 x 4 (or perhaps even a 2x4) as the very top piece so it hung over the moulding more.  I painted it with Old-Fashioned Milk Paint in Tavern Green and sealed that with Howard's Citrus Shield.  The wax turned it a little too John Deere green so I'm thinking I'll go back with a Burnt Umber Wax to darken the color a little.  Overall this was a great project that got me back in Dad's wood shop and refueled my love of building things.  I'm searching out my next project now.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Boards were just about $40 but mouldings almost doubled that price to just around $75 total (I had all the needed fasteners). There were much cheaper moulding available in narrower widths, but I wanted them to be more substantial.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Milk paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Teenager Desk

Submitted by vendo on Thu, 08/04/2022 - 20:33

Loved this simple desk project for my teenage daughter. She has spent many hours here with her school work. My favorite part is that it only took a couple of hours to build, is lightweight and doesn't take up much room. I think it would be perfect for a dorm room or small space. Thanks for the great plans Ana!

Built from Plan(s)

Playhouse loft bed

Submitted by redbic on Sun, 08/07/2011 - 16:24

This is my very first project! I had so much fun building this for my son. His room wouldn't fit the stairs so I modified the ladder so that it was inclined to make it a bit easier to climb and less scary for him. This was such a fun project to take on. Thanks Ana for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Connie

Mon, 08/08/2011 - 03:13

Love it! My granddaughter wants one for Christmas and I can only hope it turns out half as well as yours! Great job!

jlbbrandt (not verified)

Sun, 12/11/2011 - 12:35

Hi. my husband is just about finished building this bed, and now it's time for me to paint it. Just wondering how you painted it for a nice finish. Did you use rollers or brushes? And tips on technique?
Thanks!

Cozy outdoor seating at last!

This project seemed to take forever, but it was so worth it! We finally have a great cozy outdoor space to gather around the fire pit comfortably. Thanks so much for the plans Ana!
I should mention I used 2x3's instead of 2x2's for all legs because pressure treated 2x2's here are only 1 1/4"??

Estimated Cost
$175 lumber & $225 cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr premium weatherproofing stain in Padre Brown
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments