Community Brag Posts

Easy Shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/12/2016 - 12:52

So easy. Being able to just use 2x4s was so convenient for transporting and cutting. This is a small room so the only hard part was figuring out the math to get 4 rows in this tight space. I made 2 changes: instead of 4-2x4s wide I did 5 so the bins fit better, and I didn't use a any 2x4s on the bottom shelf because they can just sit on the floor, so it saved me buying more wood. Super happy with this, now I just have to make another one for our garage so we can store more things!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/27/2020 - 14:22

I built this scaled down version of Ana's Hall Tree to fit into a 3 foot wide space in my daughter's living room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Whitewash
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Sewing & Craft Table

Using Ana's plan for a simple sewing table, I modified it to meet the needs of my daughter.

I only used 1 wing instead of two and made a brace that folds away under the leaf. On second thought I added a safety leg and foot to keep the table from tipping when the sewing machine is on top of the leaf.

I trimmed out everything but the leaf with 1 x 2 pine.

The top (with leaf raised) is 31 x 46 inches of work space. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White satin paint ( 1 1/2 quarts) applied with a roller and a sprayer
Water based polyurethane on the top only, applied with a brush.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Western Red Cedar Stool

I made this for my wife. It is a simply design but she loves it and I think it turned out very nicely. I had an 18" inch long western red cedar log laying around that I sat on sometimes and wondered how I could make it more comfortable to sit on, and this is what I came up with. I peeled the bark with a draw knife. and then marked out a 3" thick slab out of the middle lengthwise and carefully ripped it out using a chainsaw. I used the two end pieces as the base by turning the outer sides in while using the slab for the top. Out of a smaller log I cut the cross member about an 1 1/2" thick sized to fit between the legs. After lots of sanding I was able to get the marks from the chainsaw out and assembled the pieces using 5 1/2" x 1/4" hex head screws countersunk and holes plugged with 3/4" poplar dowels. After a final sanding I applied 3 coats of Spar-Urethane. The red parts of the cedar turn a rusty color quickly after sanding so a finish needs to be applied rather quickly. I hope you like it.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Spar-Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Rustic Hall Tree w/Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/30/2020 - 10:39

Thanks for the inspiration Ana! My daughter wanted a custom size hall tree and bench with a light switch cut out - basically your plans with an ebony stained poplar seat and bead board backing (to match her wainscoting). I had a little crown left from another project so I added a little detail to the top shelf.....And a Couple of lower level Hooks for the grandkids coats! She loved it and it was fun to make!! Mike in Columbus, OH

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$98.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony varathane stain(seat) with varathane ultimate polyurethane oil based semi gloss Interior finish on seat(4coats)

Kilz2 primer/stain blocker interior white

Finish paint Behr marquee Semi gloss custom white to match room color.

Seat sanded to 400 all other areas to 220 before paint. Between seat coats of ur at hand used 0000 steal wool lightly with soapy water mixture.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2x4 Sofa w/ Chaise and coffee table

Submitted by andrew_w on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 10:25

Just completed this to make the most of the little hot weather we get in the UK. Great plans to follow thank you. Built around a cushion set for a rattan corner sofa which was then filled with 3" firm upholstery foam

Estimated Cost
£200 including upholstery
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ronseal Natural stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Full Size Loft

So I had an IKEA DELSEV single bed frame which i bought off someone who didn't need it anymore. Great sturdy bed for $25, but I wanted more space in my rental room, so I decided to go loft given the generous ceiling height. I did some research for ideas to convert my current bed, and found the perfect one at your site! I made modifications to your plans so that I would be able to walk underneath without having to slouch, and adjusted some measurements to integrate the IKEA bed frame. The project only cost me $38 worth of timber, screws were pinched (with permission!) from my landlord's stash, and this was the result after 3 days of cutting, sanding, partial assembly, staining and varnishing, and final assembly! The small tin of stain and varnish was originally for a wooden rack project for my vintage bicycle, and i managed to cover both rack and bed frame with the entire tin, down to the very last drop!

Estimated Cost
$38
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
British Paints Stain and Varnish, Maple Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My version of the small chicken coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/07/2016 - 12:58

Plans for this coop were fantastic. It was a lot of work, but really fun to build.  As hard as I tried to keep the cost down, it cost probably close to $300 in materials, but it is well worth it compared to the quality of similar priced premade coops.  I did not want the garden bed, so I enclosed the run fully with hardware cloth. I also added a 2" lip around the cutout in the floor so they wouldn't push all of the bedding down the hole. 

Estimated Cost
~$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lady Goats

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 13:17

I just got your email and had to run over to check it out. Looks great!! That was a great idea to add the lip to the opening (am I weird for not using bedding in the coop? We just have the painted floor that we scoop out every day). 

The red roof and the flower box are making me swoon <3

Teen loft bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/22/2020 - 20:34

Combined two plans found on this wonderful site with our own revisions to provide a larger desk work area (20" deep). I also added a small shelf to allow for setting a book, water, whatever on it without getting out of the bed. As my first "indoor" project there were several lessons learned - one is to buy the higher grade lumber for the primary components including legs and beams. I did not do this and I had to spend more time than I should've finding good square, straight wood. Another lesson was that staining and polyurethane coating are a skill that requires a lot of practice and time. I and my daughter are thrilled with the final result but choosing to stain/poly it likely doubled the overall build time. Still no regrets, though. My 12 yo daughter just loves her new bed and thanks to this site for the spectacular ideas.

Estimated Cost
$600?
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Cherrywood gel stain (2 coats) and Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane (3 coats). For the gel stain, apply with cotton rag and do NOT let it sit on the wood for more than 10 minutes before wiping it off. Before applying first coat, vacuum the wood especially the knots, wipe all with white cloth, wipe with cloth dampened with mineral spirits and let dry, then wipe with tack cloth, then apply stain. AFTER the first coat and between all subsequent stain coats, let fully dry and wipe with tack cloth before applying poly. For the first poly coat, wipe with white cloth, then wipe with tack cloth, and apply poly using a china brush (specific for finishing). Submerge your brush in mineral spirits and press down to eliminate bubbles, then wipe it along newspaper until mineral spirits are nearly gone from the brush. Cut the first coat of poly 25% with mineral spirits and brush on in even strokes. AFTER the first coat, sand lightly with 220 or 320 sand paper, vacuum all dust, wipe with white cloth, then with cloth dampened with mineral spirits and let wood dry, then wipe with tack cloth, then apply second coat with full strength poly using the same process of first eliminating the bubbles from the brush. Repeat that process for all subsequent coats. Then let dry for several days before assembling the bed.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Street Number Planter

I was looking for a way to give our house some better curb appeal and decided our stree numbers could use a facelift.  The majority of money spent on this project was for the numbers since I had enough spare cedar laying around.

house number planter

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Sedona Red
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Heavy Bench for New Greenhouse - Modified Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Tonya P on Wed, 09/12/2012 - 11:38

Before my new greenhouse was even delivered and built, I was searching for ideas on potting / greenhouse benches. The company wanted nearly as much $$ for the benches as they did for the greenhouse. By accident I came upon Ana's site. I saw the Farmhouse Table plans, then I saw Handy Andy's modification of the plan, and I was inspired to build them myself!
I found a big pallet of 2x pieces of wood at Menards for $25. They usually set out a pallet of odds and ends that are of "like" items. These were about 3.5' long pcs of 2x10's and 2x8's and such (I have enough of these to do the other benches I want to build... and then some!). I also used some 2x4's that came off a really nice sturdy pallet that we picked up for free, and the rest were just boards we had around the shed.
Hubby was willing to help me with this project, but I wanted to do it myself. He did help with the heavy lifting, and I do appreciate that :) Once I had the frame built, we had to move it into place in the greenhouse otherwise we would not have been able to get it in there. And now that it's complete... it's HEFTY!!! And believe me, it's not going to shift about! lol I also put 2x4's across the bottom of the legs so that it wouldn't sink down into the pea stone floor.
The benches basic construction is the Farmhouse Table, but I added a bottom shelf, a little like Handy Andy's. I must say, because this was not a fine piece of furniture, I was not as intimidated or nervous. It was great for my first ever big project :) It took me some time to complete it, over the course of 2 days, but then I also have to cook and clean and work and garden and a hundred other things in a day :) So, I was in no hurry, but it was a very fun project and I'm SO glad I took it on.
I will be building more of these benches to fill up my beautiful new 10x14 Cedar Built Greenhouse.
Thank you Ana, and Handy Andy!!! I couldn't have done it without your examples!
~ Tonya

Estimated Cost
$10 more or less
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar colored stain sealer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Matt’s Cedar Planters

Submitted by Laffer12 on Sun, 08/02/2020 - 18:11

As a beginner this was a pretty fun and easy project. I did use wood screws to hold the edges together since the fence boards are typically curved and brad nails didn’t seem to hold on my first try. Ultimately I really enjoyed the results!

Built from Plan(s)

Outdoor Sectional and Pallet Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/20/2016 - 17:56

Hi Ana! 

My husband used your plans to build the 2x4 outdoor cedar sectional :) He did it in 1 day and it couldn't have been easier! He even tried first time working with pallets to make a small table and it came out perfectly too! Can't wait to enjoy family time on our new back porch.

Thanks Again & Love From Austin ❤️

Kathleen 

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

meredithl

Thu, 10/24/2019 - 16:35

Hi, your furniture is beautiful.  May I ask:   Where did you find your cushions?  And what color/ brand stain did you use?  Lovely job.

Seasonal And Holiday

Plant stand

I made 3 of these for a friend. 2 @ 16", 1 @ 20".

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00 for 3
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Shui sugi ban. Just burned and brushed off.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Country Desk

I wanted a good solid desk for my office and I thought these plans were perfect. The wood, screws, paint, and stain all cost less than $30. Instead of using 2x4's for the top I used a solid piece of aspen. I then stained the top and painted the bottom white.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Factory Cart Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/31/2016 - 16:33

I built this last weekend and had a blast with it.  The design was from Ana's Factory Cart Coffee table, but I built it a little bit different.  The side boards are from 1x8 pine instead of 1x6.  I wanted it to be a little bit taller.  I ended up getting the casters from Home Depot. They were $25 each.  However I saved some cash on the top by using wood from a pallet that I sanded down and stained.  The overall cost was about $120 with $100 of that being just the casters.

I did the No.52 and max weight by creating a stencil and painting it with black paint and sanding it down.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The painted section is chalk paint with a brown wax. The stain is minwax Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My mail boss

Submitted by heidi4kidz on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 08:16

I made it a little taller and it is all a filing cabinet.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Vinyl Record Storage

I've made another record cabinet, this time with a nice dark walnut stain.  To see more details and plans visit my blog.

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/

 

Cheers,

Ian

Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Inspired By Home - Coffee Table with Rustic Top & pure white X-frame bottom.

I own a small furniture and home décor company called Inspired By Home and we love Ana White's site! When we saw this mirror top coffee table, we knew we had to have one for our home. Since we have a 3-piece sectional sofa that takes up the majority of the living room space, we knew we needed something that was a little bit smaller so I made some adjustments to these plans. The dimensions for our coffee table are 34"L x 28"W x 21"H. Most coffee table are about 18"H but our sofa sits a little higher and I also have very long legs so I needed something a little bit taller. We also decided not to do a mirror top because A) we didn't have an old mirror we could use, and B) because we are not big fans of having any glass tabletops. I instead went with a rutic look and added a bottom shelf to match.

 

If you like this, you should check out some of our other designs here.

 

Thank you, Ana and your team!

 

-Inspired By Home

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the tabletop and shelf I started off by painting the boards entirely with a white cabinet enamel that I got from Lowes. After that dried a few hours I sanded it down (the more you sand the less you will see the white). Because it's an enamel, you really have to sand through all the way to the bare wood in order to get the stain to take and give you the dark stained areas. The stain I used was Minwax, Dark Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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