Reviewed Plans
Every plan below carries an engineering-backed verdict — build it, build it with fixes, or skip it.
DIY Outdoor Sofa
Low, solid outdoor sofa — comfortably holds ~400 lb.
- Cost$150-$200
- SkillIntermediate
- TimeAn afternoon
- Holds~400 lb
Modern Outdoor Sofa
Roomy cedar outdoor sofa good for ~400 lb — sturdy for two; don't stand on it.
- Cost$250-$350
- SkillIntermediate
- TimeA weekend
- Holds~400 lb
DIY Modern Outdoor Sofa
Seats two (~250 lb), but it's tippy — anchor it, and don't treat the back as a perch.
- Cost$100-$150
- SkillBeginner
- TimeA weekend
- Holds~250 lb
DIY Mobile Miter Saw Stand with Wheels
Rolling saw stand, ~150 lb top — cheap and sturdy.
- Cost$50-$100
- SkillIntermediate
- TimeAn afternoon
- Holds~150 lb
DIY Miter Saw Station
Sturdy saw station good for ~150 lb — a reliable shop build.
- Cost$225-$250
- SkillIntermediate
- TimeA weekend+
- Holds~150 lb
Miter Saw Station
Big advanced shop station, ~120 lb work surface — sturdy, plan on a full weekend+.
- Cost$400-$600
- SkillAdvanced
- TimeA weekend+
- Holds~120 lb
DIY Mobile Miter Saw Stand
Solid mobile saw stand — happily holds a saw + workpieces (~150 lb).
- Cost$150-$200
- SkillIntermediate
- TimeA weekend
- Holds~150 lb
Parsons Style Coffee Table
Massively overbuilt little coffee table — this 2″-thick oak slab will outlive you.
- Cost$100-$200
- SkillIntermediate
- TimeA weekend
- Holds~250 lb
Bracket Open Shelving
Good ~50-lb-per-shelf wall shelving — anchor it, and confirm whether it's 1× or 2× stock (the plan contradicts itself).
- Cost$50-$100
- SkillBeginner
- TimeA weekend
- Holds~50 lb
Easy and Simple Dining Table
Beginner-friendly ~250 lb dining table — does exactly what it says.
- Cost$100-$150
- SkillBeginner
- TimeA weekend
- Holds~250 lb