Community Brag Posts

This was my first build and I learned A LOT and watched A LOT of youtube diy videos. The main take-away from this project is not to build in the freezing cold if the finished project is for inside. I finished this project in below freezing temperatures and I noticed that the wood expanded (increasing slightly the gap between the finished boards on the top) when it was brought inside.

I built this from the original farmhouse table plans with no kreg jig although I did buy and use a pocket kreg jig to make the extensions. The main modifications were using 4x4s such as were used in the Country Living magazine spread that inspired this build and also making modifications to allow the addition of 15" extensions at each end of the table's bread boards.

My first challenge was figuring out how to build with the 4x4 legs instead of the 2 2x4s screwed together. In order to accomplish this i had to use a chisel to create the corner lip that the table top frame would sit on. I added photos of this so I hope it will help someone. Chiseling these 4 corners (one on each post) only took an hour or two and was so worth it for the look of the 4x4s. Just measure carefully and work carefully with a sharp chisel. I actually removed half the wood by sawing off the corner at a 45 degree angle. Remember when cutting your boards for the table ends that a 4x4 has different dimensions than 2 2x4s screwed together. Compensate for this in your cuts.

Another challenge was hiding the screws on the table legs and table top. I was leaving the finish natural so didn't want to use wood fill. I accomplished this by getting a countersink bit and then buying wooden dowels the same diameter. For these screw holes, after finishing screwing, I put a dab of wood glue in the countersink hole, inserted the dowel as far as it would go, used a fine hand saw to cut off the dowel flush with the table and then used a hammer to make sure the dowel was in tight and flush.

I had trouble figuring out how to attach the table top frame to the table legs with the long screws from the plans so I included a picture of this step. Its really easy but I was not able to use three screws as the plan calls for. I used two instead and it has been very solid. I used the long screws as proscribed.

Finally, I wanted to build extensions (2 2x8 boards kreg jigged together) so I could increase seating up to a max. of 12 persons, so I needed to cut out 2x2 gaps on the table ends. I also included a picture of these in place. To make room for the 2 2x2s that extend under the bread boards and table top to brace the extensions, I left out one of the 2x2 cross beams at each end of the underside of the table (the boards that the table top boards screw into).

I hope this is helpful to you!

Built this for my son that we adopted from foster care. He is into Minecraft and we need an extra bed for future foster. Thus the Full over Twin and the twin is removable for a play area underneath.

Modified one of the couch pieces so that the back rest only went as far as the depth of the adjacent couch; thereby making the rest of the couch a chaise. Cushions were custom made (walked into local fabric store and asked for a referral). Cushions were sliding out the back; but my build partner came up with a genius solution - used inexpensive metal threshold material and screwed it to the back seat slat. Works like a champ and looks nice too! 

Loved the Farmhouse table project. I took it a step easier. A local door builder had clearance doors for a cheap cost. I found the door I wanted (42"x96"), cut off about a foot length wise, refinished the top and then added a modified farmhouse table apron and legs to it. Then used the distressed finish I found here on Ana-white.com to finish it with. I used a red paint and a dark walnut stain. All together it took about 4 hours of actual time. Though there was a overnight wait period after paint and another one after stain before I finished putting it together.

After searching for many months to find the perfect potting bench, it was clear I would have to create it myself. We finally used my moms old photography sink, that was lonely in our shed, to good use. My hubby and I just adjusted the dimensions to drop in the sink. It turned out so much better than I could have ever expected.

Our version of your Fancy X Farmhouse Table for you best friend.

This was my first project. I used wainscoting for the door backing. I was happy with it for a first project.

My attempt at the murphy bar featured on this site. Still have to add the sash locks. Added pallet crossmembers at the back, an x in the leg, and a french cleat to mount to the wall. 

12/16/14 UPDATE:  Posted a plan for this project, linked in this brag post

This is a variation of the Easy Jewelry Box plan. The completed measurement is 11” wide, 14 ½” high, and 7 ½” deep. This one has a center “tower” with 5 drawers 5 ½” wide, and a wide overhang on the top and bottom, which covers the 2 side doors that open out for hanging necklaces. The drawers are lined with embossed felt, and the drawer bottoms and insides of doors are covered with sticky-back felt. The 2 removable ring drawer inserts are some scraps of 1” foam, covered with scraps of the sticky-back felt, with slits cut into the foam with a utility knife (cut the slits into the felt first, attach it to the foam, then cut the slits into the foam). Cost breakdown: antique brass knobs: $28, sticky back & embossed felt: $14, hooks: $15, wood: $35, hinges: $7, paint: $5. (already on hand: finish nails, glue, sandpaper, left over stain & poly) . I worked on this a few hours a day over a long weekend, probably about 12 hours total. Finishing took most of this time, the build was actually only a couple of hours.

For my daughters 8th birthday I decided I would make her a doll house for her American Girl dolls. Then I decided to make all the doll furniture too. Then I started thinking that I might as well sew all the bedding and cushions. She loves it!! 

We built this bed for our daughter. We needed more space in her bedroom and she LOVES it! Thank you so much www.ana-white.com and Pinterest for the plans! Turned out awesome!

This is my wonderful Outdoor Dining Table!!

My husband's first project and I couldn't be more pleased with the end result.

Thanks Anna White for your EASY to follow instructions!