Community Brag Posts

Rocketship Bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/31/2020 - 17:27

Pretty much followed the steps as outlined in the rocket bookcase plans. Googled astronaut and spaceship stencils and free hand drew those on construction paper. This bookcase is heading to my 3 year old son's room and he's pretty excited to fill it with toys and books.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss blue and red paint. A sparkling orange spray paint for the fire, metallic gray for the fins and stencils. Covered it with spray poly for a protective coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Simple bunk bed

Submitted by Rebma11 on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 09:01

I'm really happy with how this project turned out.
To attach the beds together I deviated from the original instructions and instead attached the headboard header to the headboard itself instead of to the feet of the upper bunk as directed. I used 3/4" dowels to attach the two beds, drilling 3" into the bottom bunk (through the header and into the posts), and 2" into the legs of the top bunk. This way the beds will easily come apart. They are incredibly secure, and incredibly heavy!

Estimated Cost
$200-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Bed

My boyfriend and I made this bed in about six hours on a saturday. The instractions were easy to follow and I am in love with this bed! Its very sturdy and i get tons of compliments on it! 

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

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/07/2017 - 18:52

Thanks for the amazing detail in your plans. I was able to make this table for my family. 

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

To fit the whole family

Submitted by MWdesign on Mon, 11/02/2020 - 16:24

First table build. Took the farmhouse X and just made it for the dinner table. Took me a long time, learned a lot and bought more tools then needed. Having a little problem when the kids lean on it moves down just a touch. Any info to help that much appreciated.

Used red mahogany for stain and glaze coat for top. First time for epoxy also. Legs are cracked slate.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Glazed coat

Comments

Fireplace Facelift Built-In Bookcases

One of the projects that I've wanted to tackle for a long time has been adding built-in bookshelves to the sides of my existing fireplace. This fireplace (and I'm assuming the mantel) was original to the house and I wanted to create an addition that would look seamless and tie into the existing woodwork. I began designing a piece above the mantel to give the fireplace some height and then I designed the flanking bookcases to match. All of the project details and free step-by-step instructions can be found on my website at: www.momthebuilder.net

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White interior semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Built in Armoire (linen cabinet)

Submitted by cesqueda on Mon, 11/03/2014 - 08:46

I modified the original plan so that it would fit in the area wher my old linen cabinet was.  I also wanted the drawers to be visible.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Antique: I stained dark, rubbed the edges with wax. Then put two coast of white flat paint. I then put on a faux brown glaze. The last step was to sand down the edges and remove a little of the glaze with a high grit sandpaper.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 11:58

Made from the Camp Loft Bed plans.  Added some additional strength with 4x4 legs instead of 2X4 and added some additional supports underneath for the rambuncious kid that was going to be using it.

 

Also since the room was small, it was made to be dismantled with a ladder instead of the stairs.

 

Fun little project for a friend who is also expecting another.  So it looks like we will expand this loft bed for future expansion.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood Stain - Mini Wax Red Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rectangular Industrial Coffee Table

I modified this plan from square to rectangular to fit my space. It is exactly what was needed! Modified size: 27.5" x 55"

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades Black
Matte Poly top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barn Wood Vintage Pendant Lights

We had a dark corner in the living room that was needing some light. I had two vintage pendant lamps (amazing thrift store find) and leftover barn wood from my farm table build. I decided to build a frame to hang the lights in the corner. For less than $10 I have a completely unique lighting solution.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I left the wood unfinished to keep the rustic charm of the barn wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Entertainment Center

Get behind the scenes on this entire project broken down step by step on my blog; http://www.lifewithfingerprints.com/2014/10/the-entertainment-center.html

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted using a Graco TruCoat sprayer.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Corner Cabinet

Submitted by T-Dan on Sun, 02/12/2017 - 13:02

built to fit messy corner.  wife loves it there!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$105 for wood and I had the stains and screws from previous projects. Fixtures (some yet to be installed), were about $20.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
mixture of walnut and gray stains, with polyeurethane topcoat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Table for patio

We LOVED this project for our patio! The cost in lumber was minimal. The design is simple and lovely. We can fit 8 comfortably by adding 2 chairs at the ends of the table in addition to the benches. Thank you for these plans, Ana!

Estimated Cost
130
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil-walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Turned Leg Farmhouse Table 6' x 3'

Submitted by Mhillis on Sat, 01/12/2013 - 08:54

My husband and I decided to tackle this as our second woodworking project together. We have been wanting a larger dining table that would comfortably seat 6 people and easily squeeze in 8 if needed. We decided to build Ana's turned leg farmhouse table, adjusting the dimensions and choosing slightly different legs. These variations better suited our dining room space.

We purchased the "Modified English Country Dining Table Legs" in soft maple and 3 1/2" diameter from Osbourne Wood Products, which totaled $136. The rest of the lumber was made up of pine boards from Lowe's, which totaled around $40-$50. When assembling the 1 x 10 boards to make the top, we used a biscuit joiner to help our slightly bowed boards stay flat. Once the table was fully assembled, we painted the base in Lowe's Antique White (satin finish) and stained the top using Minwax's Special Walnut, then applied at least two coats of Minwax's polyurethane in satin finish.

We made a couple of mistakes along the way which actually worked out for the best, giving the table some rustic character. Being relatively new to woodworking, we neglected to thoroughly wipe the 1 x 10 boards of all wood glue before the glue dried, making it difficult to remove later with sanding. Some wood glue remained, which showed up later once boards were stained. We ended up liking how this turned out to give it some charm and more of that 'handmade' look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Staining top:
1. Sand top completely first using coarse 80 grit and then fine 220 grit sandpaper with electric sander (we used Porter & Cable square orbital sander from Lowe's).
2. Wipe entire surface of table thoroughly using damp cloth. Let dry completely.
3. Apply wood conditioner to entire table using brush (we were lazy and only applied to the top). Let dry completely - overnight is best.
4. Apply special walnut stain evenly to tabletop using brush. Wipe excess using old cloth. Let dry completely overnight. Repeat this process until desired depth of color is achieved (we applied two coats).
5. Lightly hand-sand top with 220 grit sandpaper to prep surface before each polyurethane coat for better adhesion. Clean surface with damp cloth after each sanding and allow to dry before poly. Repeat this process as needed for durability. (We applied only two coats).
Painting Base:
1. Apply two coats of Antique White in satin finish using angle brush. Let dry in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by jjack7 on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 05:52

Farmhouse Table with some slight modifications for sturdiness.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre-conditioner
Minwax Jacobean
Minwas Semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Barn with lean to

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2017 - 19:20

When we wanted a barn for our children to play in and use for their farm we discovered that nothing could be found to fit our fancy online. So with the use of some pictures of old barns and basic ideas we started on our very first wood project. Our tools consisted of a sawzal a table saw and cordless set of tools. Many hours later we have this to show for it. We used lots of scrap wood and bought only the hinges, latches and one sheet of plywood so our costs are skewed from someone trying to do it with new material.

Estimated Cost
$50 and possible as high as 120 for new material
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and clear coat. Some of the trim is painted which requires taping to get the crisp edge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tall planters (yay!)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/16/2020 - 10:55

Made the tall planters to her exact measurements. Used fence pickets but stained them with an orange cedar stain. Put 'em near the fire bowl (and near a quickly made set of AW's Adirondack side tables). Took me a full day to measure, cut, nail and stain. I'm a novice so, this project challenged and pleased me! #speedsquareangles

Estimated Cost
40.00

Comments

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by DianeHibbs on Tue, 01/15/2013 - 15:27

This was my first DIY furniture project!

The materials cost less than $50! Of course, I did buy some fun new
power tools!

Thanks to http://ana-white.com for the great plans!

I learned quite a lot from this. The nightstand will go in our guest room but the next project will be Master-Bedroom-Worthy! I’ll try to share what I learned with you here so you can avoid my mistakes.

I cut all my pieces first. I used super cheap wood because I wasn’t sure how good I’d be at this. Needless to say, they weren’t all exactly straight so my “squaring up” didn’t work out quite as well as I’d hoped.
Lesson: buy straight boards

Then I went crazy with the Kreg jig and drilled all my pocket holes. I tried to use pocket holes for all the connections.
Lesson: just follow the directions

Another thing I'll do differently next time -- I'll sand and finish all the parts at this point before assembling the piece.

I can't wait to try my next project! Thanks Ana!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyshades Espresso - two coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by JenM on Wed, 11/12/2014 - 07:44

This is only the second project I've done, and I think it turned out great.  I modified the measurements so that it fits 3 on each side and 2 on each end, 10 total (but it can seat more; the table is huge).

All I have is a band saw and a drill, and that's all I needed!  The legs and support are Doug Fir from HD.  The top is all 2x10's that I bought at a lumber yard so that they would have it kiln-dried and have the edges re-sawn.  The only 2x10's I could find at the big box stores were green.

I finished it by sanding with 100 grit paper (I read not to over-sand doug fir for staining purposes), stained with one coat of Special Walnut (two coats on the breadboard ends), and 4 coats of satin poly.

This table is a tank.  So glad I assembled it indoors, as we would have had trouble getting it in the house after it was all put together!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Leaning Ladder Desk - Made By Tara Holmes 2017

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/16/2017 - 20:24

Leaning Ladder Desk - Made By Tara Holmes - Australia - 2017

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/22/2020 - 05:47

Thanks for the simple plans Anna, they worked out great!. I resized the table to make maximum use of the material, still within the same quantity you specified in your plans. I glued the legs along the lengths of the table, and kept the table top and shelf screwed in, for easy dismantling, if necessary.

Finally I added pop down heavy duty wheels allowing me to move the table (not shown in this pic) easily. When the wheels are not being used they pop up, making the table very stable. The height of the table is about 1/2” lower than the table saw, making it an ideal outfeed table as well.

Great design, and fun build.

Estimated Cost
Cn$148 (went with a finished 3/4” 4x8’ ply board)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments