Community Brag Posts

Benchright Coffee Table

Submitted by brass2005 on Thu, 02/25/2016 - 19:27

This was my first build other than some outdoor chairs. I learned tons while building and I got to spend time with my sister doing it. Also learned about chalk paint and other finishes from big sis. 

Estimated Cost
$75 I used 1 4' x 8' sheet of pine cabinet plywood for everything but the top to bring the cost down from $150.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General finishes Georgian cherry gel stain. Blue coral chalk paint. minwax early American stain with general finishes gel topcoat for top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Grandy Barn Door Console Headboard with Farmhouse Storage Bed

This is a really cool build with a few of Ana's most popular builds combined!  I used the Grandy Barn Door Console plans and added the farmhouse storage bed plans for a stunning bed with plenty of storage!

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
This is a custom stain I create. I start with a layer of Minwax Dark Walnut. Allow 48 hours to dry. Apply Minwax Whitewash Pickling with a rag. It will streak but that's ok! After allowing 24 hours to dry sand down to desired distressing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

LEMONADE STAND

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/23/2023 - 15:09

My granddaughters took this home today and had a sale right away. SO MUCH fun to build this for them! Can’t wait to start another project! Thank you Ana!!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Modified Fiona Chair, we call it a Nintendo Chair

Submitted by angiemicn on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 01:36

Started out making the Fiona Adironback doll chair, and when my niece saw it in this state, she dramatically screamed, STOP! she's 8, lol. She brought it in to the house, sat her doll in it next to her game chair, gave her dolly the game controller, and began to play 2 player Nintendo, Wii, and xbox.
I've built 5 of these, all for friends of hers, who see her and Sarina (her Doll) playing video games together.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded and sprayed with clear polyurethane to protect it in case dolly spills her drink
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Plant Stand with Casters

I have 3 very large house plants that are a pain to move, say when you want to put your Christmas tree up in your largest window, which is usually where they sit. Two of them are so large that I cannot move them without fear of hurting myself or my house, so I decided to build my own flower pot stands with casters.

I used one 1x3x8 and one 1x2x8 of yellow, 5 1x3 cut to 18in. and 4 1x2 cut to 18in.

When she was all put together, I applied Minwax's Golden Pecan with 2 coats of Polyurethane to seal it from any water mishaps. I struggled between just sealing it and adding a little color with the stain. I think the Golden Pecan did the trick, highlighting the pretty wood grains of the top pieces, even though my big ol' pot will cover up most of it.

More pictures and a tutorial are available on my blog.

Estimated Cost
$15-20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Pecan, 2 coats of Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Plan & just what I had been looking for

Very small kitchen with extremely limited storage. I made this taller than the plan at 48" and narrower at 23-1/2" to fit the available wall space. I added one extra shelf and left off the overhang from the top. As you can see from the photo, there isn't room for an overhang. I plan to put cup hooks under the bottom shelf.

Shelf space is 12" for the top two and 8-1/4" for the bottom ones.

 

Next project; a trash cabinet to sit on the floor underneath the plate rack and look like a mini Welsh Dresser  :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$16 including stain, screws, nails and sandpaper. (I already had the stain and this used maybe 4oz)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Grey, no pre-conditioner, rubbed off and blended after 5 minutes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Repurposed Demolition Trunk

I had an old chest I had gotten from the Army many years ago that was used to pack explosives. I had been using it to store some tools until I built a new tool shed. I went ahead and power washed it and then stripped it. I gave it a good sanding and then applied 2 coats of Minwax Antique Maple gel stain. I then top coated it with 2 coats of Minwax fast drying polyurethane. It turned out better than I expected. One of my sons uses it to store his book bags from school.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Antique Maple stain. 2 coats of Minwax fast drying polyurethane. I applied the stain with a brush. After 15 minutes I wiped it with a cotton cloth. The poly was applied with a brush. I used 320 grit sandpaper between coats. I stripped the old paint off with a cheap paint and varnish remover I purchased at Walmart. I did have to power wash it first because it had quite a bit of oil/grease that was in the wood. I dried the trunk by placing an electric heater next to it over night.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

missinfwb

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 02:28

Just wondering, I always use 3 coats of Minwax fast drying polyurethane on my furniture builds or refinishes. The trouble that I have is the lingering odor. I recently built my son a bed and then finished it and he cant stand the smell and refuses to sleep in it and it has been about 2 weeks or more. Any ideas on how to get rid of the smell quicker. Everything that I have read says it just takes time but surely there has to be a quicker way!! Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

claydowling

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 06:39

At least, that would be my suggestion for him. The smell will dissipate when the smell dissipates, and that's all you can do. You can speed that if the bed is stored in a very well ventilated space for a while, but it's just a matter of the urethane needing to fully cure. That manufacturer estimates four weeks for full cure.

Urethane has a distinctive smell. You can avoid it by using an acrylic finish instead (the water-borne finishes), but acrylic has its own smell that's probably equally offensive.

windjamer812

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 02:27

It does take a little time to cure and eliminate the odor. Any oil based finish; poly, paint, etc. does have a little stronger smell than water based. Try an open box of baking soda. An open window also works wonders. Ever notice how wonderful sheets smell whenever you dry them outside?

Mason Jar Centerpieces

Submitted by bludevil35 on Tue, 12/24/2013 - 05:55

We decided this year to make gifts for our family's Secret Santa!

Thanks again for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$4 for the handles
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pantry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/04/2016 - 19:17

I copied my design from another brag. 48" wide, 14" deep, and 76" tall.

Estimated Cost
$200
Finish Used
Jacobean stain
Satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Closet remodel Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 13:15

My master closet was a mess when I moved in and something needed to be done. I moved the doorway to create more space in my bedroom and closet. I found this lan and modified it try needs. It works great!!

Note: It is much cheaper to purchase the long pipes and have Home Depot cut them down to the right length.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mimi’s Entryway Storage Bench&NarrowHall Tree Hutch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/04/2023 - 20:37

This was a two week project. The width was modified smaller than the plans. The panels on the bench were fitted into dado joints rather than inserting an entire panel on the inside. Also used pocket hole joints where some nails were suggested.
This was my first attempt at a project like this and turned out amazing. My wife loves it too.

Hudson Dresser

Submitted by ktrinity on Mon, 02/20/2012 - 15:04

Took us about three weeks mostly working on weekends. We could only work when our child was sleeping. A worth while project if you have the time, space and tools needed. It weighs a ton when done. Our higher cost is due to using a higher wood quality and $125 for the eight ball bearing drawer slides. All the plywood is birch, the top is an Aspen panel and the rest is select pine.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

KyleV (not verified)

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 11:44

I'm about to start building this and I was wondering how you installed the drawer slides.

Thanks!

Walnut Truss Beam Dining Table

Eight foot Truss Beam Table built out of pine, for about $250 for all of the lumber, pocket screws, stain and poly.

This was my second project, and I found it easier than the Benchright Coffee Table, except for the lifting of the wood. It was so heavy that I needed my husband's help to move the table top after it was pocket screwed together, and we waited until we brought the table inside to attach the base and the table top, due to weight and size.

More photos of the build process: http://thehandcraftedlife.blogspot.com/2013/11/dining-room-progress-diy…

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut (one coat, left on for 5 minutes before removing) + Rust-Oleum Ultimate Polyurethane in Satin (2 coats). Looks nice with a little Old English every once in a while.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rebecca.Marie

Sun, 01/25/2015 - 16:26

Gorgeous table, and it's now on my to-do list for this summer, but I also love the light fixture! Was this a DIY project as well? I've seen plenty of similar projects using mason jars but I much prefer the variety and shape of the glass covers used in this piece, are they upcycled? Any details I can get would be appreciated!

West elm knock off coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 00:36

This is the first piece of furniture I have built that I want to put in our house. I used a lot of our tools for the first time. It was really fun and definitely took me a long time but learned a lot in the process. I used all scrap wood from old fencing & old projects. And I had to make an opening for storage on one side! What do you think? :)

Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood stain with a mix of royal blue unicorn spit and polyurethane top coat. I had to use a wood hardener as well because the old wood I used had some dry rot. It worked well but it changed how the stain took to it a bit
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Storage Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 11:19

I used these plans as inspiration and made some changes per my son's request. I made the base out of maple and changed the board dimensions to 1x2" I also used half lap joints instead of pocket hole screws (personal preference). The top is MDF and I edged plywood and MDF in Maple. Fun Project

Zen

Plane Shelf

Submitted by sidman on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 18:25

Had to build this when I saw it. My coworker just had their first newborn baby boy and wanted hanging shelf's so I built one out of some scrap wood.

Estimated Cost
0
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Red and black Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Bedside Table

Submitted by AndyH on Sun, 12/29/2013 - 07:34

First of your plans I followed and already have two more projects on the go for different tables. Great plans and ideas!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony Stain and Satin Poly and then two coats of Minwax Wax to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

New Kitchen Cabinet

Had a blast building this project. from printing the plan to first coatings of stain was roughly 10 -14 hours including 2 trips to HomeDepot. I opted to use the PineShop Laminated Pine Shelving / Project Wood It has a really great look when done, and as Im in Canada some prices where a little higher than i had hoped. when purchasing the laminated pine panels, i got 3 panels at 48 inch long by 16 wide (for the top bottom and shelf and 2 panels at 36 inch long by 16 inch wide for the sides. these are actually 16 inch wide so if you need to make them narrower run them through your table saw or have the home depot team trim them to the width you prefer or buy the narrower 12 inch panel . Again it was a blast to build, between the kreg screws needed and the panels and lumber and 1/4 plywood back panel and 3 centre mount drawer slides this project came in at $245 Canadian the Stain i used i have plenty of on hand, but if you don't have any on hand add $10 or $20 to your price

Estimated Cost
$200 - $300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain on hand
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bunk bed shelf

Submitted by dkkachik on Tue, 10/22/2019 - 09:31

My daughter asked me for a shelf near her bunk bed to put books, glasses, pen, etc. on.  I found this plan and made it that day.  Self cost less than $15!!  She loves it.  It was super simple to do!  

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Outdoor TV Lift with Electric Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/08/2023 - 10:27

I built a TV lift with an electric fireplace cabinet. It’s 5x2 with casters for easy mobility. It goes perfect out in my bar area. I used siding all around in and the top is pinewood with a lacquer coating for long lasting.

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.)

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