Why I Built this Modern Fence Picket Planter

I needed a planter base for an upcoming project. When I saw this brand new plan of Ana's I thought it would be the perfect fit. I especially loved that it was easy to customize to get the size I wanted.

Why We Love this Modern Fence Picket Planter

How I Built this Project - Square Size (follows same Steps)

I started by cutting all of my 2x4's and laying them out.

The plan calls for a 1/2" space at the bottom, so I clamped the project to my work table along with a scrap 1/2" piece of plywood for the spacer. I predrilled all of my boards before assembly.

I built 2 legs for the size I wanted.

I then began cutting the fence pickets, I set them on their side and cut the 45 degree angle. This was my first time with mitered cuts, it was easier than I thought! It's not perfect, but definitely gives that more modern feel. 

Before attached the pickets to 2 of the sides I fit and clamped them. Once I liked how they lined up I glued and nailed them one by one.

I then measured and fit the last 2 sides. 

Once the sides were all enclosed it was time to add the top. Same thing, I just measured, fit, glued and nailed these pieces. (I ripped a fence picket to 2.5")

Now just cut pickets down to sit down in the frame for the depth of plant you want to set in. 

I also like this design because the interior framing allows you to add a 4x4 post to create string lights, or a place to add a hanging plant up top.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Modern Fence Picket Planter

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

S'More Station

We love this project as a S'More Station - just add in pebbles and gel burners! Pair with our S'More Serving Center for the perfect make your own dessert center!

Why I Built this Project

We needed a simple solution for all the our fishing rods.  We have many different lengths of fishing rods, from ice fishing rods to longer rods for bigger fish.I wanted to create a system that was compact and easy to use, fit all the different rods, without requiring expensive hardware or mounting on the wall.  

I have been thinking on this for many weeks, and built a few prototypes.  I discovered that placing the rods inside, with the handle extended down, created a self holding system with the fishing line pushing the rod out, holding the rods in place.

This system works well with rods with reels and lines.  It may work with just rods or jut rods with reels, but not as well.

I ended up building two different versions - a tall version and a half height version. 

Ultimately, I felt that a version in the middle of these two was the gather choice - three rungs high, but extend all the way to the ceiling so the rods could rest on something if they strayed right or left.  This is done in the plans.

Why We Love this Fishing Rod Rack

• Holds many fishing rods of different sizes in a tiered design, so you get more storage in the same footprint
• Easy to set rods in place
• Great for different length rods
• Reels set on the inside to further protect
• Very easy to build and customize
• Leans against the wall - no holes in the wall

How I Built this Project

This was a very easy project to build -  I used a compound miter saw to make all the board cuts.

Then I layed the legs out on a work surface (could be an even garage floor too)

Then lay out the 1x8 boards on top, and screw down with 1-3/4" self tapping star bit screws.

You could probably get away with a 1x6 board but I liked the 1x8s because it gives lots of room for the rod handle to land on the board.

Installation is simply leaning against the wall.  Then just set the rods on it!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Leaning Fishing Rod Rack

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

My oldest daughter is moving into her first tiny studio apartment!  She can't hang anything on the walls, but needed a coat rack in the entryway.  I built this for her, designed to be lightweight and easy to move, inexpensive so its not a forever commitment, but still cute and super functional!

Why We Love this Lightweight Coat Rack or Instant Closet!

• Lightweight - easy to move upstairs or between rooms
• Coat rack without holes in the wall
• Can work as a closet too
• Inexpensive and fast to build
• Wood look is cute and stylish
• Fun and easy project
• Can work in a bathroom too!

How I Built this Project

This was a fun and fast project that I built in about an hour to surprise my daughter.  I used a compound miter saw to cut my boards, but you can use a circular saw or even a handsaw to make cuts.

I predrilled all the screw holes first (this is outlined in the plans exactly where to predrill)

Then I assembled the ladder part first.  I used a scrap piece of 3/8" plywood to hold the shorter 1x2s up to attach so the shorter 1x2s are centered on the legs.  I used glue at all joints.

Then I added the 1x12 shelves.  You have to make sure these are attached square.

Then finally attached the third leg to the ends of the 1x12 and top 1x2.

I used Varathane Rustic Brown Aged Wood Accerator product - it is very beginner friendly and creates a neutral wood tone.

Heres completed in the shop, letting the wood stain dry.  

I did contemplate adding hooks but this would increase the cost quite a bit.  So we left without.  Some S hooks on the ladder end could add some functionality to the ends, or even so hanging baskets. 

All in all - a great project for an apartment or small room.  It is on the smaller side, and is lightweight so it's easy to move around - but the lightweight does make it easy to knock over.  

We love how it turned out and my daughter was very thankful and has already packed it off to her first apartment.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Instant Coat Tree or Closet Organizer!

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

With Mother's Day coming up I wanted to create a unique way to give gifts for the mom's in my life. I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be a great fence picket project, so this is what I came up with.

Why We Love this Wood Gift Tote

• Budget-friendly—made from fence picket scraps
• Great way to use up leftover wood
• Beginner-friendly build (simple cuts + basic tools)
• Quick project—perfect for last-minute gifting
• Uses minimal materials (just wood + rope!)
• Unique “handbag” design that instantly elevates any gift
• Doubles as the gift and the packaging
• Easy to customize size, shape, and finish
• Works for so many occasions (Mother’s Day, teacher gifts, housewarming, holidays)
• Reusable—becomes decor, storage, or a planter after gifting
• Lightweight and easy to carry with rope handles
• Perfect for styling—fill with flowers, treats, or themed goodies
 

How I Built this Project

Start by cutting and sanding your pieces. For the curve, make an outline of a round object and cut with a jigsaw. Use the first one as a template to trace before cutting the second one. 

I then marked and drilled my holes and added the rope handles.

After that I nailed the end pieces in place.

Glue and nail the bottom piece. You can use a fence picket here, I opted for a scrap piece of plywood that I had on hand for a more low profile look.

Fill it with flowers or goodies!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Fence Picket Gift Tote

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

I needed a new guest room bed and wanted something that felt "hotel-lish" for our guest.  I also never wanted to clean under the bed again.  So I designed this bed with the enclosed base and hotel style look.  

It was easy to build in the different pieces, move up to the room by myself and assemble.  A king size bed is a big project.  The way this bed comes together, it is do-able by one person.

Here's How I Built this Bed (by Myself!)

I followed the cut list and cut all the boards.  I built a standard king size bed.  

I knew this was going to be an awesome project and wanted it to look professional, so I used hidden pocket hole joinery whenever I could.   Here's the pocket holes drilled in my 1x12 boards -

Then, I built the footboard - here's how 

I attach the shorter 1x12 pieces to the footboard 1x12 with pocket holes on the outside for increased strength

And then added the 2x6 on top.  In the plans, where to drill pocket holes is detailed.

Now on to the two side rails -

This is the frame for one of the side rails, made of 2x6s.  I did join this with just screws since the mattress will cover most of the top.

Then I added the 1x12s inside the 2x6 frame for the side rails.  I built two side rails.

Here's what the side rails will look like from the outside.  So beautiful!  And I love that it works as a toe kick too!

After staining (and building a headboard - more details coming soon), I brought everything into the room and started assembling the pieces.  It is so handy that the pieces stand upright and don't topple over, so you can do assembly by yourself.  

The pieces are individually light enough to haul in by yourself too.

So the two sideboards get attached to the footboard at the bottom on the inside.

Then you add in the inner cleats and center support to support a mattress slat system.

And then place the 1x3 cleats on top.  

What I did was place all the cleats and attach, so the bed frame is a solid individual piece.  Then I attach the headboard to the frame with screws.

Free Plans to Build Your Own Modern Platform Bed Frame (all sizes)

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Design image is rendered from build photos

Why I Designed and Built this Console Table

Sometimes, you don't need storage.  You just need a piece that anchors some decor, give you some space to set things, and makes a room feel cozy.

That's this piece (and collection).  

Our Homestead Collection of plans feature simple to build pieces that ground decor, create surfaces to set things, and provide just the right amount of hominess.  We love that these pieces are built using standard lumber, so they are inexpensive and fun to build.  You can stain them any color too.  They are all easy to modify in size.

How I Built this Console Table.

Here's how I built this Console Table -

First, I built the leg sets.  I choose to use pocket holes here as this hides the fastener holes.  It would be much easier to just use the self tapping screws from the outside.

Next, I built the top.  Then I attached the legs to the underside of the top.  The screws to use here are the 2-3/4" self tapping start bit screws (spax or similar)

Then I clapped the bottom shelf board on and screwed it down from underneath - no visible screw holes!

Now for the finish.  I sanded with medium grit sandpaper and then applied wood stain.  The color I used is Hazelnut by Varathane.

Turned out pretty awesome!

Video of this Console Table Build

Here's a quick video of building this console

More Plans in the Collection

We love this plan so much, we made matching plans!  

Check out the entire collection here.