Community Brag Posts

Rolling shelf turned laundry cart

Submitted by makermave on Sun, 11/21/2021 - 16:17

This is my first build! It came together really easily. I modified the dimensions to fit my space. I didn’t add the black pipes, simply because I couldn’t find all the pieces, or the corner brackets, and I think it looks great without them. I added a handle (a towel bar I found on Etsy) to pull it in and out. I used rough cut cedar, and have not finished it. I’m not sure if I will. I wanted to spray paint the wheels, but the person that helped me attach them (a.k.a. my dad) was ready to to help me before I had them painted! But I love it, and it really adds functionality and stoage to this little gap between our washers and dryers.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Storage beds (twin) with Corner unit

Submitted by Dinabu on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 08:48

We made these beds for my daughters, who were ready to pass on the bunkbeds to their little sisters. We have 4 girls in one room, so use of space is crucial! I originally wanted the hutch as well, but as you can see in the picture, we had to work around a wall cut out, so we modified the corner unit to have a larger shelf area to fit the space. We also left the sides open to be able to slide containers in to store out of season clothes and blankets, though the ends have a backing.

Estimated Cost
$250-$300.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pantry Bin Storage

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 01/18/2022 - 10:21

I used Shelf Help for the plywood pieces, then planked the sides with some 1x's, and added a face frame for the top edge. Casters allow for it to be moved easily and cleaned under. This is a great way to add extra storage under the pantry shelves and this design is super easy to modify for any size and height!

Comments

King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by peaches76 on Sat, 05/28/2011 - 01:34

I had been dying to make this bed for awhile but first I needed to convince my husband that it really would be okay to let his sentimental old headboard go. He doesn't like change. Obviously I eventually won. This bed is absolutely bomb proof! I built it as a platform bed and plunked a brand new memory foam mattress on it. We love it!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed. Painted in Behr Cotton Fluff - Satin finish. Sanded and stained with Minwax Dark Walnut stain. The stain was pretty dark but I wanted to use up what I had. I just kept plenty of paper towels and paint thinner nearby to thin it down to the shade I wanted.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

New Outdoor Kitchen!

Submitted by ColleenM on Wed, 07/06/2011 - 06:48

This is the new outdoor kitchen I had been working on - finally finished! It was inspired from the kitchen island plans - I like the slats, and thought they would work well outdoors for air flow and water drainage. I worked around the existing grill, and it is all modular, so it can be moved if necessary (such as painting or treating the deck). It includes cupboards underneath the bar, dorm fridge and sink with storage under the countertop. The cooler stand raises the cooler up to 'user' level (no more bending!). Because I'm an avid recycler - most of the products used were recycled items. All told (not including the already purchased grill) - this kitchen cost me a total of approximately $95.00 (I had a lot of the materials already). This project took me approximately 5 weeks working on it part-time after hours. I built one cabinet at a time, then the countertops.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$95.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used the same paint I used on the house - an exterior Behr latex stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kmatt55

Wed, 07/06/2011 - 17:29

This looks really awesome Colleen! I was thinking about putting a sink like that on my deck. What kind of finish did you use for the countertops? Would you please post more pictures of it? Great job!

ColleenM

Thu, 07/07/2011 - 04:42

Thanks Kmatt & Viola...I'll try and get some more pictures up asap. For the bar top and countertop I used tile, and treated the grout lines many times with a waterproofer. Both tile and grout were purchased at our local ReStore - a total of 20 cents a piece for the tile, grout was $3. Not bad for a countertop!

mamafiona

Wed, 07/20/2011 - 11:48

Wow, this is really amazing! This is just what we need for our new deck - something modular and not too expensive to build. Do you have any more pics? I'd love to see what the area in front of the grill looks like. Very, very nice work.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 10:54

Hi, I was wondering if you have the plans for the kitchen around the bbq grill, i would love to make this for my husband for his birthday.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 18:38

Hi, this is great. Is there anyway you can post pics of the front of the bar where the sink is and especially the bbq, I want to build around my existing bbq grill but dont know how. thank you so much.

Camp loft bed

Submitted by dmather82 on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 18:15

My first build... Not perfect but it has led me down a new path... Thank you soooo much Ana! More to come and a plan of my own in the works!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Small Cedar Fence Picket Storage Shed

Submitted by Pembat on Sun, 10/06/2013 - 20:37

Built this in a weekend, took about 1.5 days. I ended us using 2x4's instead of 2x2's, I think it resulted in a much stronger frame. I also built a base for it to sit on. I got pre-stained cedar fence boards, and overlapped them 1" instead of a 1/2". Pretty easy project, I ended up siding the back on the ground, installing it, and then adding the side walls without the siding (just the framing), and then sided them in place. The doors work perfectly. I took my total inside dimension between walls, made sure the opening was square, and then divided that by two to get the width of each door. I then took another 1/4" off that, so each door had an additional 1/8" gap, it worked perfectly. When I set the doors, I put them on a piece of roofing closed as I screwed in the hinges, and then opened them and removed the roofing. I opted to run the door siding horizontal to use up a bunch of waste wood. I'm happy with the outcome. I also found some 6" self starting lag bolts and lagged through the back of the shed into studs (through the siding) into the garage behind it.

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

Reclaimed wood and hardware pergola

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 12:39

100% reclaimed wood and hardware used for this custom pergola.  Designed to be more modern and simple cuts.

Estimated Cost
0.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Workbench modified with casters

Submitted by ogie287 on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 20:06

I love this workbench! I added casters so I can move it around the garage, outside, wherever it's needed. I just took 4 inches off the bottom of the legs. My hubby is admiring my handy work and planning on making one for himself.

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JBeecher

Wed, 01/25/2023 - 14:31

Love this with the casters! So beautiful. I'm new here and wondering at what point you took 4 inches off the legs. Did you build the table and then just cut off the legs? Or did you adjust the measurements of the cuts? Thanks in advance! :)

JimCoz516

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 02:32

The overall height of a 4-inch caster wheel is a little over 5 inches with the mounting bracket, so that also needs to be taken in to consideration. 2nd photo shows the overall dimensions, but to me the bracket and brake area appear to be a bit more than 1.03 inches. https://amzn.to/3DkMKzB
I think the best bet would be to have and measure the overall wheel height, prior to measuring and cutting the lumber.

Abbi's Cozy Cottage Bed

I was looking for a bed for my daughter, and a project for my sister and me. I looked at a well-known children's website and fell in love with their cottage loft bed, but didn't want to pay $1,300 for it. My sister found Ana's website with plans and everything for the same bed! We built the bed, (with the help of our husbands) that weekend. Abbi loves her bed! Thanks, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar paint - cottage stone (white), swamp water (green), deep sunset (pink), and Behr Ultra - bear rug (brown).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Stormie (not verified)

Fri, 11/18/2011 - 23:05

Precious! What is an estimate on price of lumber please?

Gerri Larson (not verified)

Wed, 11/23/2011 - 15:45

Need plans for a cottage loft bed with stairs. Where do I find plans

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 12/03/2011 - 13:32

I need plans for that as well as possible full bed on top plans?

adp7907

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 13:44

Hi. I would love to have a copy of the plans. This is perfect for my daughter!! Thank you

Madeline Layson (not verified)

Sat, 05/19/2012 - 20:28

This photo looks like there is more space under than he other photos. Did you follow the exact plans or alter them. I want to put another mattress on the bottom as well

Fillman toddler headboard

Submitted by brogers67 on Sat, 11/02/2013 - 15:02

Loved this design as was sinple and elegant and easy to execute !! Constructed out of salvaged timber so only real cost involved the screws and paint .

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 11/02/2013 - 18:15

What a great bed, this is super cute! Love the decorations for the headboard. Looks better than the PB Kids bed!

Christmas Kitchen Set

Submitted by Fuchsia on Mon, 12/26/2011 - 10:44

My father in law and I built this kitchen set for my two daughters, ages 3 yrs and 9 months. It was so fun to work with my father in law. I have built a few things before (table, chairs, doll bed, etc.) but nothing of this quality or magnitude. He is a great woodworker and knows how to do all the neat finishing touches that just make the project look really professional. I learned a ton working with him and had a blast!
I was inspired by Ana's kitchen sets and used a combo of then and the Lowes plans and I was very happy with how it turned out. I changed a few things: put two doors under the sink, made "gas" burners instead of "electric", used half the sink cabinet top for the sink and left the other half for counter space, added a clock to the stove, made the oven door open down.
The sink is a food service warming pan 1/4 size and the faucet came from Wal-Mart for $10. I will probably replace it with a nicer one from the ReStore when I get a chance
Break down of costs:
Lumber: $100
Hinges and pulls: $40
Paint and primer: $45
Burners: $20
Sink: $24

Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior: Glidden Red Delicious high gloss enamel
Interior: White
Oven: grey stone textured spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Mon, 12/26/2011 - 13:09

Holy cow! Fantastic job! You guys really pulled it together and I really love the creative use of hardware, etc.

Fuchsia

Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:03

Sorry I didn't see your comment sooner - I made the burners with craft wood circles and squares and 1/2 inch pieces of wood. I notched the ends over the circle with a chisel.

Farm House Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 08:52

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 11:35

Fancy X Farmhouse table for the wife. Modified to 8ft table with 2x 4Ft benches and 1x 8ft bench. Used bolt screws to diagonal slats for looks and pipe horizontal support vice the 2x4. Top is Dark walnut stain and an egg shell Chalk paint with outdoor clear coat. Kids had a blast distressing the table and benches for an older look. Not a bad weekend project.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Closet Organizer

Submitted by kristen on Sun, 02/05/2012 - 10:26

I needed a closet organizer for my daughter's room that could grow and change with her age. Right now it needed to have lots of shelves at her height to hold the massive amount of stuff an 8 year old can accumulate.

Once she transitions out of the toys, I plan on moving the shelves all to one side or the other for shoes, and adding another rod. Another possibility is shoes in the door organizer and 4 sections of hanging clothes...regardless, the end result has options that will grow with her!

I was able to keep the cost of this down because I used all scrap plywood to make the drawers. I did splurge in S4S pine lumber rather than trying to make rougher cuts nice.

On the left door is Ana's Behind Closet Door Storage plan as well :)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kilz No VOC primer, Olympic No VOC paint in semi-gloss (white off-the-shelf tint)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 11:17

I love the idea of the stuffed animals on the door! Those things multiply so fast and get in the way of making the bed - great closet!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 18:58

Right now DD's room is a blank canvas. One of the first projects (after getting her window in) is to figure out the closet. I think this will be my inspiration!

Looks great!

kristen

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 19:25

Thank you! I am loving how organized her whole room is because of the closet being in good shape. And everything has a spot now, so it's easy for her to get it back where it needs to go!

Oh, those stuffed animals. I mentioned to her the idea of paring her collection down and she was horrified at the idea!

In reply to by kristen

claydowling

Mon, 02/06/2012 - 06:40

A shocking notion. I think there's a box in our storage area with my wife's stuffed animals somewhere. Keep in mind, my wife isn't a 20-something who just moved out of her parents' house. We have a grand-daughter. Stuffed animals are forever. In fact I think one of my nephews still has my teddy bear.

kristen

Mon, 02/06/2012 - 09:04

...at the bottom of the basket where her stuffed animals used to live, were two of mine from when I was little, lol!

But you bring up a good point about forever. I think I need to put a ban on any new ones joining her stuffed animal family from here on out. Pretty soon I'm going to need to add another closet to her room just for those!

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 17:32

How did you build and incorporate the drawers?

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

kristen

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 20:46

claydowling

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 19:12

The easiest way to do a quick drawer, if you don't know how to do dovetails (and that's a simple skill totally worth learning), is to drill holes through the sides and into the front, and pin it with hardwood dowels. Use a domestic hardwood, you'll be a better dowel and a dimension that matches drills you own. The cheaper white imported dowels don't match any drill diameters that I can find.

hoffer5353

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 13:18

I am wanting to add shelves and drawers on a closet and am afraid it will be too big for the space. How wide is your closet?

In reply to by hoffer5353

kristen

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 20:53

Here is the post with the plan mock-up with dimensions:

http://pinktoesandpowertools.com/2012/01/24/how-to-build-a-closet-organ…

It says 65.5" wide on there, and I don't believe I made any changes, so that should be accurate. I think you could get away with having an approximately 46" wide closet. You could have the drawers in the middle and then 12" wide shelves on either side that would fit sweaters, jeans, shoes. If you made them adjustable like mine, then you could really maximize the space in there. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of room in front of the shelves if there is wall there--you want to be able to easily take things in and out.

Good luck!

mrs.T.La Forme

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 17:49

i just want to say I`m jealous i wish my closet looked like this. cant wait until I`m skilled enough to try it .

kristen

Tue, 02/05/2013 - 15:08

I'm looking forward to doing this to my closet too!! It's a good project to take on once you want to try out drawers for the first time--since it's behind doors, it doesn't have to be perfect. Good luck!

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/06/2019 - 05:40

I have a friend who had a dream to have a Thanksgiving table that would seat her whole family! She asked for Two extra benches for the ends. She loves her new table, and I loved building it for her!

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
High gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

modern outdoor lounge chair

Just finished this beauty, entirely made with 2x4, plans were modify to match our outdoor sofa and coffee table. I think our best looking project so far ;) Thank you for inspiring me to build !!!

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

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic Console Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/06/2016 - 07:31

This was my first project building something from this site. I absolutely love it! We didnt add the X's because the miter saw was at my dad's house, which I was kind of sad about, but I think it still looks good. Not too bad for mine and my husbands first build! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Grill Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:21

 

This rolling bar was inspired by Ana White's plan.  It is used as a bar and conceals an electric smoker and a grill.  I added handles for moving and some hooks on the sides.  I stained the salvaged 2 X 6 's and brushed on clear oil based poly on the new Cedar fence boards.

Billie