Learning how to build your own coffee table is fun and can probably be the most rewarding project. What better way to entertain your friend or guest in a table that you've built yourself!
Based on experience, I didn't have a hard time constructing and with a good plan, I'm sure you can easily build your own coffee table as well.
But before you get all excited in building your own coffee table, you just need to get down these basics first.
MEASUREMENT
You have to decide on the exact measurement of the coffee table you have in mind. How big and how high do you want your coffee table? One of the best thing in building your own coffee table is that you can easily customize it to suit the look and size of your living room.
TOOLS
You'll hardly need power tools to build your own coffee table. You'll only be needing some basic hand tools which you probably have already in your house. I remember using a drill but you can just as easily use a screwdriver with bit instead.
MATERIALS
Choosing the materials to use in building a coffee table is your personal choice. Some would like glass for their table top while others, me included, likes to use wood for their coffee table.
If you are going to choose wood, you have to decide beforehand if you are going to use some finishing or paint. Some wood look best as it it while some wood needs to be painted or have applied finishing.
COFFEE TABLE DESIGN
You can easily customize your coffee table design but for basic coffee table plan, I still rely on a good and easy to follow instruction to build a coffee table. This way, I don't overlook some things right into the building process.
It's pretty to learn how to build a log bed. Though you need to have some supplies and a simple plan beforehand to make the building process easier.
I always find log bed to be charming so when there was a point that I had the spare logs to build one, I immediately made a trip to the hardware store and give a shot at building a log bed.
Based on my experience, there are things you need to keep in mind when building a log bed. At the top of my head are: SIZE
You can build a log bed around the size of your available logs or customize it to the size of your mattress or maybe even the size of your available space. That's the beauty of learning how to build a log bed, you get to customize it to the way you want it.
TOOLS
To build a log bed you need to get some tools in hand. There are some tools which can easily be found right in your own tool box like a chisel and saw while there are other tools which you have procure as this mainly needed for refining of wood.
Some of these tools are:
Tenon Maker
Tenon maker is to a log as pencil sharpener is to a pencil. Tenon maker comes in varying capability suited for the different sizes of logs. Sure, you can make do without a tenon maker but that require far more effort and time.
Draw Knives
Draw knives can be a straight knife which is used for stripping wood or it can be a curved knife which can be used for peeling. This tool is specifically used to peel and strip the bark of the logs and of course, it can also help shaping the log in whichiver design you desire.
Bit Set
I'm talking about the bit set specifically used in cutting wood.This may be used with a hand or electric drill.
DESIGN
It would do well if you have a ready design beforehand. A good log bed plan proved to be a tremendous help personally when I was learning how to build a log bed. After having made the decision as to the size of the log bed, the plan has helped me with its step-by-step instruction with some pictures thrown in to avoid some confusion.
That's why I personally suggest that you worked with a very easy to follow plan. You can check this plan I've used in building a log bed as well as my other woodworking project. It may offer you the same benefits.
As a DIY person with passion specifically for woodworking, I've always wanted to build a dining room table. It wasn't until I had the weekend free that I got started building a dining table. And was I glad that I find the time to build. It was one of the woodworking project that I'm really proud of.
To build a table for a dining room is a matter of setting the style for the whole dining area. The dining room table would serve as the focal point of the whole setting, thus it is imperative that the dining table is well built and of good quality.
In building a dining room table, I have to consider some things like:
MATERIALS
Most common materials used for a dining table legs are wood and metal. While wood, glass and granite are also commonly used for tabletops. I personally prefer using wood as it compliments with my dining area and I've had more experience working with wood.
SIZE
Another consideration is the size as well as the shape of the dining table. The more common shape of a dining table is circle and rectangle. These are very safe choices though you also cannot go wrong with an oval shape.
As for the size, you would want the dimension of the table to be just about right with the space available in the dining room. It must also allow some space in the dining room for people to move about.
Another thing is the proportion of the different parts of the table. The table top must be proportionate to the legs, to the apron as well as the whole structure itself. It must come off well put together.
FINISHES
There's no one standard finishing to a wooden dining table. It all comes down to personal preference. The safest suggestion I can give is to use the same kind of stain that you used on other furnishing in the house. This way, all furniture will come together in a blend of style. But if you are to make table more durable, you may consider using multiple levels of clear coats.
DESIGN
Dining room table comes in various shapes and design. Some tables come with the table legs straight, tapered or curved. There are also many variation to the tabletop as well.
To build a dining room table, I strongly suggest you work with a dining table plan. This way, you have a clear idea on the design, materials and you also have a step-by-step instruction on how to go about building a dining room table.
In my case, I already have a resource which I've been using in my previous woodworking projects. They also have many dining table plans to choose from. This is also the same resource I been using to build my own dining room table. A very nifty guide indeed for a DIY person.
Almost everyone I met assumed that learning how to build a canopy bed is hard and costly. I don't know what it is about canopy beds that gives it a "costly" look when in fact, making a canopy bed is rather very simple.
Getting Started to Build a Canopy Bed
If you want the simplest way of building a canopy bed, you might want to consider just making a canopy frame for an existing bed.
It's also very cheap if you are going to use PVC pipes for the frame from which you can hang the fabric. The only thing you have to consider here is if your ceiling is sturdy enough to be able to hold the additional weight.
On the other hand, I personally chose to build a four poster bed with canopy myself using wood. It just conveys elegance to have it built that way.
To have it built this way, you can start to build the makings of a basic bed. You can opt for a double bed, queen or king size bed. Make sure you use wood for the leg part of the bed as this is where the upright of the canopy bed frame will be attached.
Then, you have to decide on the height of the frame so you can buy the appropriate measurement of the wood.
For the materials you use for the frame, I strongly suggest something that is not very heavy but is sturdy enough to support the drapes.
After having all the materials ready, you can build the canopy bed frame separately. Make sure you have the correct dimensions. To build a canopy bed frame,you can use simple angle brackets to join the wood at the corners to make sturdier.
After finishing the building the canopy bed frame, you can then attach the the uprights at the leg part of the bed. It is best to have the upright touching the floor.
You can then hang the drapes or netting in a very fashionable way.
Learning how to build a canopy bed is very easy. But the process of building would be even simpler if you have step-by-step instruction as well as pictures to guide you in implementing the steps.
This is definitely one advantage I have that's why I was able to finish a building a canopy bed in no time at all. I was using a very nifty catalog of plans which I am also using in my other woodworking project.
Having experienced having lots of relatives visit us during the holidays and being short on space made me decide to learn how to build a trundle bed. And it was very neat as even when we rarely have guests that many, the trundle bed is still used as storage drawer by my kids. Talk about space saver!
Building a trundle bed is not that hard. Although there are some things you need to consider in building a trundle bed.
First, you need to measure the main bed for which you're going to put the trundle. The dimension of the trundle is such that it is no more than that of the main bed.
Then, you also need to measure the height of the space under the main bed. This would determine the maximum height of the trundle bed. You need to build trundle bed with at least 4 inches gap between the trundle and the main bed. Take note that the size of the mattress should also be taken into consideration when determining this measurement. This would ensure easy movement when you need to pull out the trundle.
Building a trundle bed is much like building a drawer. Only this time, a drawer the size of a bed. You can use plywood for this purpose and nails or heavy duty staples to join the wood together.
To make the trundle movable, you need to attach wheels at each corner of the trundle. You may need to turn the trundle upside down to do this easily. Make sure that when you were measuring the height of the trundle, you have included the wheels in the calculation otherwise, if the wheels increase the height so much, you may have a problem in storing the trundle under the bed.
To make sure you don't overlook some minor yet necessary details, I strongly suggest that you use a plan with step-by-step instruction on how to build a trundle bed.
Personally, I've used a very good plan when I was making a trundle bed. Probably the reason why I was able to complete it in a day.
If you are planning to learn how to build a bunk bed for you or even for your own child, I say, bunk beds are good options as a space saver.
I've built one myself for my kid's room and with the kiddie design I've put in, my children are simply loving as they can also have their sense of style added giving it their own stamp of personality even if one bed is atop another.
Learning how to build a bunk bed entails more work and planning than say, building furniture. However, with meticulous planning and commitment to get the job done, building a bunk bed is certainly doable as long as you know how to follow easy instruction from a ready made plans.
I've learned many things while I was building a building. Things, which I'm about to share with you in this article.
SAFETY
Safety is a prime concern for me as a parent. You know hoe growing children are. One is often enough to make you dizzy with their flurry of activities. Put two of them in the same room, and it's bound to be some kind of a circus.
That's why I made sure I built a very sturdy bunk bed for both of them. I chose a hard wood for this purpose as it provides more stability to the structure.
Also, more attention should be given in building the ladder as well as the guard rails of the the top bunk. And personally, I have my younger kid stay on the lower bunk as I just think that any kid below 4 should not be allowed to sleep on the upper bunk for safety reasons.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
You can build a bunk bed just by using some basic handtools like saw and drill. As for the materials, the type of wood you are going to use is completely up to you. You just have to make sure that it is sturdy enough.
Based on experience, you're going to need 4 4x4 for the posts, and 4 2x4 but then again, wood usage is dependent on the design of the bunk bed. I've used more wood than necessary as I've installed some built in panels and small cabinet for the bunk bed.
DESIGNS AND FEATURES
The first time I've let my kids on my plans to build a bunk bed, they're completely against the idea, especially my eldest. However, letting them see the design of the bunk bed I'm planning to build for them, they were eager to have the bunk bed done.
They completely love the panels and cabinets I've installed in their own space of the bunk bed.
It was an extra effort I have to put in but having a bunk bed plan beforehand made everything easier and faster for me. Personally, I've always been using plans for each woodworking project I'm building and building a bunk bed for my kids is no exception.
A good plan makes it easier for me to execute as it has the necessary step-by-step instruction so I don't have to overlook some things. Of course, having pictures thrown in definitely made the instruction easier to follow.
Learning how to build a podium is one of the easiest woodworking related activity I've ever done. Probably since it isn't as detailed as some furniture I've made in the past.
Podiums sometimes known as pulpits or lecterns are important fixtures on a stage. There are variety of design that you can use for a podium especially on its front side. Most often the design is largely dependent on the purpose of which.
Build a Podium the Easy Way
As I've mentioned earlier, building a podium isn't as hard as some other woodworking projects that is, if you have basic podium in mind. However, the good thing is that even if you are just able to build a basic podium, you always have the option of customizing it later on and adding some designs and embellishments once you have the basic construction done.
Building a Podium - Things to Consider
When I built a podium for a function room late last year, I've had some things to keep in mind to make sure the podium is exactly suited for the purpose it was built for.
Some of these are:
Height and Width
How high and wide would you like the podium to be? In my case, I just have the average height of men in mind when making a podium as most speakers in that function room are men.
This is something that is entirely dependent on the height of the common user of the podium.
Basic Podium vs. Multi-purpose, Multi-compartment Podiums
You have the option of constructing a basic podium which is generally ver easy to make. You'll just be needing a three sided frame with dimensions of your choice keeping the widest side for the front side of the podium you are making.
A multi-purpose podium however, would require to have some compartments installed to make some space for the materials that the speaker might be using. When I was making a podium I've added a sort of built-in cabinet in the podium as requested by the owner for storage purposes. Microphones and some equipment needed for the sound system is stored there.
Movable Podium vs. Fixed Podiums
To build a podium, specifically a movable one, you only need to attach an industrial strength wheels on the base of the podium. Just make sure they are locking wheels to ensure unwanted movements when using the podium.
Furthermore, you may want to use lightweight materials for portability.
If you opt for a more fixed podium, you can just add more weight to its base to allow still for minor movements. However, you may also attach the podium to the floor for a more permanent fixture.
Plans for Building a Podium
To build a podium, a podium building plan will make the job easier. This way, you would have the basic construction plan all ready for you.
Of course the podium design would have to depend entirely on the purpose it is built for.
In my case, I used a very nifty guide in building a podium. I've been using this resource not just in making a podium but in my other woodworking projects as well. You can check out this resource and I'm sure you'll find it helpful as well.
Rocking chairs would make a good furniture piece on the porch or by the fireplace. It definitely is worth the effort to learn how to build a rocking chair. It is one of the most comfortable chair to have around the house.
And I should know, several times, I found myself dozing off just after a few minutes sitting in a rocking chair.
How to Build a Rocking Chair - First Things First
Before building a rocking chair, you need to decide first if you wish to build the whole set or you may just want to add a rocker to an existing chair.
Yes, you do have the option to do this and yes, adding a rocker to an existing chair is a whole lot easier than building the whole thing but for a woodworking enthusiast like me, it's definitely less the fun.
Plus, not all chairs can be made into a rocking chair. You'll need to have a sturdy chair made of hard wood for this purpose.
To build a rocker, you'll be needing a plywood onto which you will draw and cut the template for the rocker. This template is then used as an easy guide for drawing and sawing the rocker from the wood.
WOOD
In building a rocking chair, you need to decide which type of you are going to use.
As mentioned earlier, the sturdier the wood the better. Pine is the least expensive choice for this purpose but if the rocking chair is intended for outdoor use, I'd suggest something sturdier like oak.
TOOLS
Back when I was learning how to build a rocking chair, I haven't used some fancy tools. Basic woodworking tools like a band saw, t-square, screwdriver and a drill I've borrowed from a relative was able to do the job.
Now, I'd welcome the help of some power tools anytime to get the job done faster.
SOME TIPS TO FIX ROCKING CHAIR CREAKS
Even if you are still in the process of learning how to build a rocking chair, you may want to know some tips to fix rocking chair creaks.
* Tighten the nuts and bolts of the rocking chair. * Use WD-40 to lubricate the metal joints. Or if the noise is due to wooden pieces rubbing into each other, you may use talcum powder instead. * If squeking persist, you may want to transfer the the rocking chair to another area as the noise might be due to the flooring. Pretty obvious, I know, but hey it happened to me so might as well mention this.
DESIGN AND PLAN
The one thing I can credit my successful initial attempts at building a rocking chair is due to a very good, step-by-step, DIY rocking chair plan.
Sure,you can always draw your own diagram with your own design and your own dimension. But I want to do away with the headache that's associated with numbers and dimensions. I just wanted a very easy to follow rocking chair plan that I'm sure would work so I can spend my time doing what I love the most, getting my hands working in building things.
So to everyone who also felt the need of a very good rocking chair building plan, check out this nifty resource I've used not just in building a rocking chair but in my other woodworking projects as well. www.WoodworkHaven.info
Expecting the arrival of a baby can involve a flurry of activities. Among which is deciding if you are better off in buying a ready made commercial baby crib or learn how to build a baby crib for your own bundle of joy.
In my case, having completed some woodworking pieces and furniture in the house, I've always known there's nothing more special than something you've built with your own hands.
As it was, I was determined to put in the time and effort to build a baby crib. After all, it is something that my young tot is going to use for the most part of his infant years. Might as well build something special.
While I was learning how to build a baby crib, I've always known that safety for my baby is going to be topmost priorities.
Here's some of the safety measure I've put in place in building a baby crib:
* Wood slats are no more than 2 inches apart. * I made sure there's no rough edges and I've added paddings on some corners for extra protection. * Rail height is at least 26 inches high. If the height of the rail is less than three-fourths of a baby's height, it is no longer safe for the baby.
WOOD
In learning how to build a baby crib, I've come to the point of choosing a wood to use. I have the option of choosing a soft or hard wood. Generally, hard wood cost more than soft woods, but knowing I wanted to build a sturdy baby crib, I opted for mahogany.
Of course, the type of wood is going to be your choice but you have to keep in mind some factors like sturdiness and durability and for how long you wish to use the baby crib.
FINISHING
It is imperative that you apply enough finishing to the newly built baby crib. The finishing would smoothen out surfaces and it would seal the wood and bind the fibers well. This way, safety for your baby is ensured and splintering can be prevented.
All finishing is non-toxic once it's cured. But as a parent, I want the added assurance as babies would just chew on just about anything especially when they are at the teething age.
That's why when it comes to finishing I go for shellac as it's sometimes used on confectioners coating on candy. It is a non-toxic as I like it to be.
Baby Crib Design
In learning how to build a baby crib, I've come across a very good and workable baby crib plan which save me some troubles and headaches.
Having a comprehensive list of materials beforehand, I was able to anticipate the total cost of the baby crib and a step-by-step instruction save me some time in being able to prepare the necessary tools. It also left nothing to the imagination on how to go about building a baby crib.
If you're fairly new to woodworking and you've only got a couple of experience under your belt, learning how to build adirondack chairs can be one of the highlights of your woodworking endeavors.
Building adirondack chairs is both rewarding and fun at the same time. Looking and lounging in an adirondack chair that you've built with your own hands is certainly one of the reward.
How to Build Adirondack Chair - Getting Started
To build adirondack chair you need to have some of the groundworks first. You need to consider the type of wood you'll be using, the tools you'll be needing, the plan or the design of your adirondack chair as well as the finishing you are going to use to achieve your preferred look.
WOOD
You can use variety of woods to build adirondack chairs however, you also need to keep in mind the type of climate you have in your area as woods are subject to decay in adverse climates.
Most woods can be used within arid climates. Cedar as well as redwood can be used in most climate zones while pine, with an applied finish can be used in temperate zones. For tropical zone, I highly suggest limiting your to cedar or cypress.
TOOLS
Learning how to build adirondack chairs certainly doesn't require use of power tools. However, if you have some of those tools around, it would really speed up the process.
Personally, I've used a table saw, tape measure, square, clamps, drill/driver, drill bits, jig saw, goggles (safety measures must always be in place no matter how big or small your project is), dustmasks and palm sander if you have one available.
Nothing fancy, really.
FINISHING
The type of finishing you are going to use is going to depend on the type wood you used as well as the look you wish to achieve with your adirondack chair.
Generally, spar urethane is good for pine. Exterior stain works great on cedar and oils like linseed and tung can be used on teakwood.
But I said earlier, you also have to consider the design you wish to achieve in choosing the finishing. So as a general rule, I Strongly advise that no matter what the finish you decide on, you test it out first on a same type of wood that you are using before applying it on your adirondack chair.
ADIRONDACK CHAIR BUILDING PLANS
One of the reason why I had such an easy time building my adirondack chair was I had such a good adirondack chair building plans that I was using. Each task was easy to accomplish as I was able to follow the step-by-step guide laid out in the plan.
I also had some options on the designs for the adirondack chair as it has many designs to choose from.
Given that I was able to build my own adirondack chair using a very workable plan, I strongly suggest that you do the same. It would save you some trouble and headaches.
A good adirondack chair building plan must have a comprehensive list of the materials you'll be using and a step-by-step intruction along with it. This way you'll be able to anticipate the cost as well as the tools you'll be needing.
A do it yourself woodworking require a level of commitment and determination. Beginners are expected to experience some glitches and minor frustrations at the beginning. However, once you master the craft, do it yourself woodworking is one of the most rewarding project you can embark on.
Before you start a do it yourself woodworking projects, you have to lay some groundwork first and determine the things you have to consider.
First off, let me begin by asking what is it that you wish to build?
Do you wish to build those simple projects like birdhouses, children's toys, or perhaps a simple table? or do you wish to build the more complicated projects like a garage, sheds, and cabinets?
Your answer to this question is a requisite to all other factors that you may have to consider.
Another thing is what tools do you want to use? You have the choise of using power tools or hand tools. Hand tools are good for basic projects but I should say that it is also very indispensable even if you have power tools around. Even to this day, I still use my chisel, planes and hand saw. I strongly suggest if you are still starting out and you are looking at doing this for the long run, you may want to invest in a very good woodworking basic tools. I wouldn't recommend you buy the cheapest ones as it may cost you more in the long run and safety measure for such tools may be compromised.
Furthermore, you may want to consider your work space for a do it yourself woodworking endeavor. For smaller projects, smaller spaces will do. However, when you are working on a project that entails the use of tools, you have to put in place some safety measure to make sure accidents wouldn't happen and children wouldn't come near your equipment.
One of the important things you need to have beforehand is a complete and detailed plan of the project you want to build. A good do it yourself woodworking projects plans will help you determine the type of materials you will be needing, the amount you're going to spend as well as the tools you are going to use.
