Community Brag Posts

Kreg Jig Workbench

Submitted by angiemicn on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 04:02

I wanted to start building right away....But had nowhere to build! Anna suggested the Kreg Jig, and since my birthday is when I found the site, "suggested" this as a gift to my daughter, who passed it on to the big guy...and viola, Master Kreg Jig. Happy Birthday to me! I got the plans from the Kreg Jig Community....super helpful site, answer all questions, and a great resource to beginner builders.
The worktop is made of 2 pieces of MDF, which is SUPER durable. Loved working with it. This took a day, and not a day goes by that I don't use or get some kind of compliment on it. What's really neat is there is a utube video to follow as you build geared towards the just starting out builder, which shows layout, cuts, jigging, very easy to follow. Plan is on Kreg Jig Community, free if you register, as well as lots of cool free plans....not quite as cool as Anna's :)
Very reasonably priced about $70 inc 100 ct Kreg screws

Estimated Cost
72.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
left unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Moose Head

Submitted by Newfey on Wed, 08/07/2013 - 17:37

This is a wall ornament I made for my daughter for their get away home on the golf course at Canadian Lakes, MI. "No animals were hurt in the mounting of this moose head" The only thing to suffer was a few pieces of scrap wood that I had laying around.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and spar varnish. Just something that I had lawing around
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Newfey

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 08:24

My daughter say a small one on a shelf in a little restaurant in Stanwood, MI and told me that she would like one, only larger. That was as large Asia could make it wit the scrap wood that I had laying around.

Newfey

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 08:29

My daughter say a small one on a shelf in a little restaurant in Stanwood, MI and told me that she would like one, only larger. That was as large as I could make it with the scrap wood that I had laying around.

Kitchen Island Trestle Table

This was something my wife needed for the kitchen. I told her to find one that she liked and I would build it. This took about 6 hrs because I was building from a picture and no measurements. I dropped the shelf a little lower so my wife could store her mixer and stuff on it. Needless to say I think it came out pretty nice. We are still going to paint it and put one more coat of stain on the top.

Estimated Cost
$140.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Oak Stain on top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Indoor Basketball hoop

Submitted by Shells1104 on Wed, 05/16/2018 - 19:37

Joined 1 x 3 boards together with pocket holes and wood glue. The hoop is reused from an old " over the door" hoop. Decided to just drill straight through the boards into studs. Really easy and my son loves it!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
weathered gray, early American, ibswich pine.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Outdoor Modern Comfort Loveseat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/25/2022 - 18:19

I used some 2x6 boards leftovers from some deck work. The build is solid.

Comments

My Outdoor Modern Farm Table

Submitted by tara-m on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 10:22

I have a rustic outdoor room made out of our garage. We started the project last summer but it took until this weekend to get a table built. I was skeptical that I would be able to build a table myself, but I knew this table would fit in my backyard decor and I had to do it!

Using the plans from the site, I was able to build this almost entirely by myself. I got help for flipping it and adding the side aprons.

I started around noon with a trip to Lowe's and was done by about 7:30. The wood and screws cost around $50. I still have to finish it and am thinking of staining it dark brown.

Also, the guy at Lowe's recommended that I used deck screws. So that is what I used. I did not pre-drill all the holes. I also put the 2x6s in the table top, then flipped it over and added the 2x2 supports and screwed them in. I think that saved some time and seemed to work out okay.

Thanks for a great project, Ana! I am so proud of myself that I did this! Now I am off to make a bench to match.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Caddy for the Bathroom

Using Ana's great Reclaimed Soda Crate Caddy plan I built the perfect wood caddy for my bathroom by just adding rope handles and stenciling "BATH" to the front.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Mixwax special walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Corner cabinet

My mom had been wanting a corner cabinet in her dining room forever but every one we found was mad expensive. So I built her one as a gift. She loves it! I used left over paint from her dining room walls so the colors match exactly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100. Paint was free as it was left over.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior wall paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack stools or end tables

Super strong stools and/or end tables! I LOVE them. Wanted a rustic vibe, stained with Varathane Briarsmoke with Varathane matte poly. The build took no time at all... The only reason this is a day project in my opinion was the true time it takes for drying between finishing coats. They were both built in one evening. Can't wait to build the Adirondack chairs from Ana's book to go with them!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1coat of Varathane Briarsmoke + 3 coats of Varathane Matte Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Project - Sawhorse Table

Submitted by scot price on Fri, 07/08/2011 - 10:36

This was my first project that I took on from this site, and I was very happy with the result.

I used the plans from the Simple Sawhorse Table, and adjusted to our needs.

The only real adjustments were instead of using a solid top, I used 2 2x10's. I also made the total length 90" on top.

Very great site, and hope to be building more soon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For finishing this project I sanded, then put a layer of Amber Shellac down. After that dried, I sanded with a finer grit. I then put a layer of rosewood stain down, and let it dry without wiping excess off. Finally, I sanded the entire table with 0000 steel wool.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Table and chair

Submitted by carongirls on Sun, 08/11/2013 - 13:56

I made the $4 dollar chair and Ana Table. For the chairs I used 2x2's for the legs to help sturdy it up and because of that my seat slats are closer together. It's a very sturdy chair. I can sit on it and it doesn't budge.
The table was easy to do.

Estimated Cost
Chair $4.50 Table $17.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Left over paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tommy bookcase

Submitted by Kleinzeit on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 12:57

I started off following the plan, then decided I didn't want to put a full back on it. Then I decided it was a good time to learn how to use my new router, and the next thing you know, it had turned into this! I didn't know what I was doing, so I just made it up as I went along.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
American Walnut aniline dye, Dark Walnut stain, Medium Walnut Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic Cupcake Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/09/2022 - 13:20

This plan has detailed instructions attached.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Narrow Modifed End Table

I wanted a table like Ana's narrow cottage table, except I just wanted an open shelf instead of a drawer for a basket.

Here is my version modified to fit my needs. Thanks to Ana, of course. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Undecided...

Step by step and cut list on my blog.
http://thequaintcottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-simple-end-table-for-small-spaces.html
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clubhouse Fun!

Submitted by nleonard85 on Tue, 08/13/2013 - 12:36

This project is fun and relatively quick for the end result. All together, it took just over 20 hours. For the most part I followed the instructions and wood cuts according to the plan. I ended up having to tweak some things and I'm not sure if the error was in the plans provided online or my own error. Probably mine!

I thought I would add that, for the sign, I simply picked a font on the computer and printed out big letters (a size that would fit nicely on the sign) and then used those letters to trace out the border. Then I painted the letters by staying inside the lines! Easy Peasy. I used a small rustic rope and drilled holes in the sign to slip the rope through. I then tied knots so as to hold the sign in place. Works great and definitely completes the set. I thought about skipping the windows, but I'm so glad I did not. They really stand out and look amazing. My son loves to open them and just stare out (who knows what his imagination is making him see).

This bed is great because it allows for another area below. My son likes to turn on a lamp, sit in his chair and read. Thank you SO MUCH for this plan!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American. Applied with rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

BrettPaPa

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 09:43

This is spot on! Great job! Your finish is just super! What stain and color did you use?

nleonard85

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 13:35

Thank you! I used a water-based Minwax stain from Sherwin Williams. The color is called "Early American" and the product number is 230. I applied it with a rag since it is easier and I think it actually looks the best.

Smaller Version

Submitted by Pomarola25 on Fri, 09/11/2015 - 03:01

Took me a bit longer since I had to make a new cutting list as my table was smaller.  Plus, the wife wanted a really dark rich stain on it so several coats went into the stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Harp Design Turned Leg Farmhouse Table

Submitted by danicarby on Sat, 08/04/2018 - 12:12

A friend of mine loves the tables by Harp Design Co. but she wanted changes made to it such as the apron being inset, removable legs, oak wood, specific finish, etc.

She hired me to make her one and it's been an exciting build!  I built it from a pile of raw wood, turned the legs, etc.

My favorite thing to do is to inpsire others to reach beyond what they're comfortable doing - that's why I post about my projects through my website so other people will feel like they can do it too!  https://theprojectlady.com/how-to-build-a-harp-design-table/

 

I'd rate the level of build as intermediate, but really anyone can make it easier or harder.  The most challenging part is the legs - do something more simple, hire someone to make you some, order them online, etc.  The posts I created for this table are in-depth but don't let that intimidate you!

 

Happy Building Friends!

Estimated Cost
$450 for oak wood, $100 for finish, $30 for hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes High Performance Clear Coat with Transfast Dye (tinted color)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Outdoor Bench with Cedar Slats

Submitted by kmatt55 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 17:53

I am close to completing an outdoor set with only the table to go. My parents are going to love this at their new house they are building!! I found the cedar 1x4's at home depot for about six dollars a piece. I painted the base a basic semi-gloss white before I built the bench. It's so much easier to paint first and build later. I have a few more touch ups but I am happy with it. I used the Kreg Jig Jr to screw in underneath($40), which made this project and every project I've done so far that much easier.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white exterior.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhoppy

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 15:28

Looks great! Love the two toned wood look. I wondered whether you added an extra support in the middle... sort of seems like there's one at least in the last picture. Also did you build the top completely separate so it was one piece? Sorry for all the questions. I really want to make this bench for a friend and I would like it to look better than the last outdoor table I made with my kreg jig. Thanks

kmatt55

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 16:42

Thanks! The bench had a little flexibility when I sat in the middle of the bench. I added the extra support in the middle which made no difference at all. It turns out that cedar is a naturally light and flexible wood. If I had it to do over again I would use treated pine for the white base and keep the top cedar. The 1x4 cedar from home depot I used is actually .625 x 3.3875 not .75 x 3.5. So as you can imagine, it threw off the whole slat configuration. Best thing to do is use 28 or so .25 inch spacers to place in between the 14 or so slats on level ground. Once you space the slats like you want, then you can maneuver the frame freely until its even on both sides. Once it looks even on both sides start screwing kreg screws at one end and continue until the last one is done. FYI - I highly recommend drilling the pocket holes first before building the frame in Step 1. Hope that helps!!

kmatt55

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 17:05

Almost forgot. I did add 2x2's in between the blue and green boards on each side of the frame to add more support. The middle board I added as you can see in the last picture did nothing structurally speaking.

bhoppy

Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:11

Thanks for the tips. I finished cutting all the wood and am going to start putting it together tonight... After reading through the comments I think I'll join the 14 slats together with the side 52 1/4 boards before attaching it to the frame. Did you use an extra 1x3 for the second leg board?

Playhouse loft bed with stairs

Submitted by Benjies on Fri, 08/16/2013 - 13:24

This was my first "real" project other than making a small bench to hold my miter saw in order to make this project! :)

Saw these plans and instantly fell in love. I knew my daughter's birthday was coming up soon (she turned 4) so I got to work!

I used Poplar wood that had different nominal dimensions than the standard making this project not nearly as easy as what it should be. A lot of headaches, but seeing Tatum's smile on her face when we revealed her surprise made it ALL worth it!

I mostly used my Kreg Jig and Kreg screws. Used my nailer to tack up all trim. used wood screws to secure all of the walls together through the legs.

For the stairs, I purchased a large bathmat from Walmart and cut it to fit each step. I tacked it down with some staples and adhesive. I used 12" continuous hinges for the stairs and they worked perfectly.

Keep in mind other expenses, as the bill can increase rather rapidly!

My total wood bill was $398...but I used Poplar. If you go with pine, it will cost you less. $40 for primer and paint. $100 for new twin mattress. $30 for protective mattress cover. $75 for pottery barn quilt set (eBay). $13 for carpet on stairs. $24 for hinges ($8 each)!! $28 for 2 sets of sheets...bringing the grand total to a whopping: $708!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats of primer then Glidden latex paint from Walmart.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner