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Blanket Ladder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 12:01

Used 2x6 boards on the outside to give it a bit more depth, mounted the rungs at a 45 degree angle and used a pocket hole jig so no screws show. Height is 5' and left a bit more room on the bottom so I could cut it shorter if I ever move. Sanded it down and applied stain and a polyurethane coat to finish and protect.

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Blanket Ladder
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bench to Table conversion

Submitted by Donna_Led on Fri, 04/09/2021 - 15:22

We made two of the Picnic Table to Bench units in the month of March. The second one is in the bottom part of the picture hidden by the wood rack. I took the picture from our upstairs porch. My husband is still amazed that we accomplished this. He is not a DIY'er. We built a new house in 2016 and had a bunch of leftover wood sitting on our (unfinished) basement floor. We managed to build our benches mostly from that wood. We did have to buy 3 more pieces to finish the second back/tabletop. Then we got the balance of the wood moved out to our storage barn. The color is deck stain from our porches. I chose 20 hours as our time frame because the used wood required a lot of sanding and prep work. Our time frame was probably about 3 weeks but we are 68 and 73 years old and were really in no hurry. The plans were very simple to follow. We made them 6 feet long.

Built from Plan(s)
Picnic Table that Converts to Benches
Estimated Cost
Nearly free except for the big bolts and three 2x6x8ft boards. We had everything else.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Solid deck paint from Lowes in a cedar color we already had.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Flip down kids table

Submitted by EDanido on Thu, 03/21/2013 - 04:22

I saw this plan a couple of months ago, and knew right away that this is what we need for our kids - their old table was always filled with papers, crayons and they never had enough space to store whatever they did.

I made the table longer so that it would be enough for both of them, and added foldable legs to support the table top.
Since I didn't find the right hinges for the legs, I used a piece of 1x1 with wood dowels which are attached to the inner side of the legs when unfolded.

Built from Plan(s)
Flip Down Wall Art Desk
Estimated Cost
$ 40 - but I had to buy the wood for the table top twice...
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sawdust

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 16:08

Well, I now know what I'm doing tomorrow! I'm going to make a small hinged one to go in our entryway because we have nowhere to put stuff while we're getting our shoes on. Yours looks great!

Rustic hall tree-bench

I built this in a weekend. I used the Kreg pocket hole jig to build frame and also secure back panels to side rails. The bench is 4' wide and almost 6' tall. I put the coat hooks on either side of the top rails.

Estimated Cost
$140.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Flat white covered w/ semi gloss urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Large Porch Bench - NW Indiana

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/30/2017 - 17:37

Instructions were very easy to follow. I got wood at Home Depot and had it cut to size there as well (fit better in car that way). Without help it will take longer than if you can get a person to help out. I needed to go buy a Kreg jig, Kreg nails, and a c clamp. I used chalk paint from Joanne's. Done in 2 days. 

Built from Plan(s)
Large Outdoor Bench with X Backs
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Modern Adirondack Chairs - First Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/16/2021 - 06:32

I ended up painting them a Bright Blue and Bright Red like crayola colors and I forgot to take an after picture but I was so excited about this because it was my FIRST time building something with wood. My husband made the table with the scraps I had leftover.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair

Comments

Modified Bench for backyard camping

Submitted by Keith on Sun, 03/24/2013 - 11:44

My family and I really enjoyed camping last year and with the addition of another child we will not be able to get out this season. So, I modified the simple bench plan to create a comfortable seating area while we "camp" in the backyard. With the money I saved building vs. buying, I was able to purchase a new miter saw and sander and still save a ton of green. I plan on building a couple side tables to complete the set. Thanks for the site Ana, it helps make our home more warm and affordable.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outdoor Dining Bench
Estimated Cost
$100 a bench (most of the money in the cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sprayed enamel paint with a spar varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse headboard

I built this headboard a while back but just never got around to posting it.  I distressed the wood, painted it mint green and applied a chocolate glaze. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build Wood Headboard (All Mattress Sizes)
Estimated Cost
$100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Mint green and chocolate glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Play House

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/02/2017 - 21:12

Made from plans on website. Granddaughters favorite color is purple so that's the theme. Siding and room match house.  

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Flower boxes from scrap 1x4 with artificial flowers. Inside painted walls purple and white and ceiling is sky color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/22/2021 - 10:17

I originally made the Adirondack chairs in a Beach style, then I made them matte black for around the fire pit. I modified the design a little, making the arms wider (to accommodate food and drink better) and fanned the back a bit. Everyone loves the look and how comfortable they are, as well as how sturdy they are. Goodbye to those plastic chairs that break.

Thanks for the great project ideas during the quarantine.

Built from Plan(s)
Sturdy Adirondack Chair Plans with Back Leg and Footstool
Estimated Cost
$70/each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
FLat Black spray-paint, and High Gloss Bright Colors brushed on (then Turtled Waxed so the chairs dry quickly)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X console variation

Submitted by khanson17 on Wed, 03/27/2013 - 10:45

My wife asked me to build her a sewing table so I modified the x console a bit. Pretty happy with the result. Still need to add the hardware to complete the piece. Finished with the vinegar / steel wool solution after pre treating it with black tea. First time using that technique and will definitely use it again.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Console Table
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
That stinky oxidizing vinegar solution with a black tea pre-treatment. Need to be careful that no glue, grease or dirt is on the wood, preventing the solution to work its magic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

katiemakes

Sat, 03/30/2013 - 01:36

I'm very jealous of this desk, looks amazing, is there a tutorial on here for the finish you mentioned? Tea and vinegar sound like fun!

khanson17

Fri, 04/05/2013 - 22:20

I can't remember where I stumbled across the technique but basically you take some steel wool (0000), tear it up, put it in a big glass jar, fill it with stinky white vinegar and let it sit for a few days to dissolve the wool. Shake the jar every day or two and don't cap it tight. In about three days the wool will have dissolved and you will have a murky liquid.

I then brewed some black tea I bought at Walmart and painted the entire piece with the tea. After it dried I painted over it with the vinegar, and wallah! it totally changed colors...not sure why it does...something to do with oxidization and tannin and chemical reactions.

Then I went over the entire piece with furniture wax.

There are plenty of online tutorials which go into more detail. My suggestions is make sure your surface is completely clean and as smooth as possible. Let your tea layer completely dry before applying the vinegar and then let your vinegar layer dry outside. We rushed the table into our house mere moments after it was dry to the touch, so our home smelled like stinky, rusty vinegar for a few days. I can't stand the smell of vinegar....I loathe salt and vinegar chips....blah.

Anyway, glad you liked it.

spiceylg

Tue, 04/07/2015 - 06:05

Love this mod. Might copy but will cut into the desk portion so the sewing machine surface is flush. I have a desk in which it sits on top now and have thought of cutting into it, but it's Amish made and the thought of ruining work gives me the willies, ha! Anyway, great job!

Little girl hideout

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 15:20

I changed the entrance from the front to the end and added the steps.

Built from Plan(s)
How to Build a Loft Bed
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Gel stain with General Finishes Arm R Seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Upcycle Lead Glass Window

Submitted by LARMO on Sat, 03/30/2013 - 08:17

This was a recycle from a window replacement project on my 108 year old home. I removed the leaded glas window from the top of a 4.5 by 4.5 street facing window with a reciprocationg saw, attached a 1x4 pine board with trim screws on the ends and trim nails on the mid-portions. Painted it with satin black with a sweep of gold and pewter for a little dramatic effect, purchased a heavy weight mirror hanging plate and attached to the wall and window back. I'm thinking of backing it with a mirror to improve looks,

Estimated Cost
$15.00 $3.00 for paint, $3.00 for pine board, $9.00 for hanger
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1 can of black satin with gold and pewter overlay paints
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 03/30/2013 - 09:39

This is just lovely! What a wonderful use for a piece of history, it's now a one of a kind piece of art, and an instant heirloom!

Flip up desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/09/2017 - 17:09

I'm in love with the way these turned out!  Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$150 (incl finish)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain in Gunstock, varathane polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Step stool

Submitted by brittrad14 on Sun, 05/09/2021 - 10:22

Love, love , love this step stool. It’s perfect and relatively easy to make.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Step Stool Plans with Splayed Legs
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood finish early american
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Shirley Table

This is 2 different shirley console tables .  I did both out of pine boards and golden oak stain.  One I used wax on and the other poly.  

Built from Plan(s)
Shirley Console Table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Oak, Poly on one of them. Wax on the other.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Pub table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/13/2017 - 07:07

A full write up of this build, including photos & dimensions, is here: http://imgur.com/gallery/YyawW

Built from Plan(s)
Pub/Counter Height Table
Estimated Cost
The wood cost $40.
The Kreg K5 pocket hole jig cost ~$130.
The stain & polyurethane cost ~$15 total.
The lag bolts + washers + nuts cost ~$10 total.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1) Sand all individual pieces (prior to assembly) by hand. I believe I used only 60 grit sand paper, because I wanted to retain the look of lumber.
2) Varathane brand stain; color "Early American." Applied with a rag, not a brush.
3) Varathane brand Triple Thick Polyurethane; satin finish. Applied with a rag, not a brush. Polyurethane applied to the 2x6 table top surface boards only (i.e. I did not apply polyurethane to the table's skirt or to the table's legs).
4) Lightly sand the dried polyurethane by hand with 300 grit sand paper to obtain a smooth-to-the-touch surface finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Desk with Wormy Chestnut

Submitted by csolanzo on Mon, 05/17/2021 - 10:37

I just completed my first build (#AnaWhiteFarmhouseDesk). It has a ton of mistakes, but they are my mistakes to learn from.
1. Measure twice cut once not measure once cuss twice.
2. Cutting 2x4s in half does not make a store bought 2x2. Which is really 1 1/2 x 1 1/2. Who determined that we would measure wood (used in carpentry which requires very precise measurements) and just round up? Awwe, they'll figure it out!
3. Steelwool & vinegar stain with a black tea conditioner provide a beautiful aged wood appearance, but when using different types of wood it is nearly impossible to match (maybe even store bought stains are like that, too.)
4. When your 95 yr old grandfather (how freakin' cool is it that I have a 95 yr old grandfather... With a planer no less) tells you to catch the "wormy Chestnut planks" on the other side (okay... I'm bragging about getting my hands on wormy Chestnut for my desk top) remember to bring you own PPE because at 95 he doesn't require ear protection and doesn't give a frog's fat a$# if sawdust shoots in your eyes & nose... What's the problem???? He never had a new pair of shoes until he was in the military serving in world war 2 so what's a little sawdust?
5. Sometimes you just need to ask for help from your trusty uncle! Thanks to my uncle Nathan (Lord do I love this man!) I finally, with his help, completed the build by assembling the desk top yesterday. I was so afraid of screwing up my gold desk top (aka wormy Chestnut)
6. Mistakes... Do not fear them, but rather embrace them because that is life's playground where learning happens.
7. Learn from others. Thank you Ana White, Woodworking for beginners members FB group and YouTube!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Desk
Finish Used
Steelwool & vinegar stain with a black tea conditioner provide a beautiful aged wood appearance for the body.

Desktop and shelf hardwoods were given a few layers of had rubbed poly.

Red Hen Home's Farmhouse Table and Bench

This is the third farmhouse table I built, although it is trifle smaller to fit in a smaller space. I think this one is just about 62” long. I also built a 48” bench to go along with this table, and I think they look so cute together!

Blog Link
Farmhouse Table with Bench
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket Hole Plans
Farmhouse Bench - No Pocket Holes Version
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom mix of Minwax Antique Walnut and Weathered Oak. Finished with hand-rubbed polyurethane, followed by paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

smitty22

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 08:59

I love your farmhouse tables! Did you make any changes to the plans when you took away the stretchers? I really want to make a table like this soon!

Shorted 4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by ClayCox86 on Mon, 02/16/2015 - 13:19

Shorted this length of the table by 6 inches to fit the available space. Came out great. Tip: If using pine, after stain dries, gently sand again with high grade paper to remove raised ridges after wood has absorbed stain, but not hard enough to remove stain. This will help make the eating surface much smoother to the touch. 

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
Estimated Cost
$110 dollars in wood. $50 in new equipment, sandpaper, stain, and gloss.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1st coat: Steel Wool (grade 0) and vinegar (Let sit 3 plus days, the longer the better);
2nd coat: MinWax: 1-qt. PolyShades Antique Walnut Gloss Stain and Polyurethane in 1 Step;
Last coast: 2 coats of Rustoleum Ultimate Polyurethane in Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments