Community Brag Posts

I had an old hand pump that I turned into a fountain.

So not all of the measurements in this plan are correct, and it doesn't include any top for the table nor does it box in the back side of the tilt out. The instructions are also very scant. The table comes out very heavy and this design probably could have been done without the heavy 2x4's. I'm used to Ana's designs and this "lady goat" is not close to Ana's work. Definitely glad I have some experience otherwise this would have been a bust. Also with a little Googling, I found that 1/2" metal conduit clamps turned upside down work great for holding the kettle and keeping the heat off of the wood.

I used the Farmhouse Kitchen Island as inspiration as well as the Ikea Stenstorp Kitchen Island, but I designed the island to fit my kitchen and what I was looking for.

First purchase was the butcher block top from Ikea (Varde countertop, 57.5x25, birch, $80).

I built the frame using 2x2s, allowing for about 1/2 inch overhang of the countertop on all sides. Next installed the two shelves for each cabinet. I decided to use wood planking from Home Depot ("Knotty Pine" planking) to keep the weight of the island down. I liked the look of these planks and the ease of installation (nail to the frame, cut to fit). I built the cabinet doors using 2x12s. They are functional, but at some point I will probably make new doors using plywood.

Originally I wanted bar stools with the legs at a slight angle. I used the same 2x2s as used on the island frame. I cut the legs at a 4 degree angle but did not like the way the stools looked. Redesigned the stools to be straight and simple. The seat is a heavily sanded 2x12. The seats are slightly too tall since I forgot to account for the height of the furniture pads (the ones I use are about 1/2 inch each).

I used pocket holes for everything except for attaching the butcherblock to the island (just drilled underneath). Filled with plugs and sandable wood filler.

We needed to store 16' long lumber as well as plywood and shorter lengths of lumber, but didn't have 16' feet of wall.  So we used the 2x4 garage shelving plan to create the frame for a lumber rack.  We did screw the "ladder" parts of the shelving to the wall.  This is working really good for us and was inexpensive and easy to make.

This is one of my favorite pieces because the white contrasts perfectly with the walnut hardwood.  The base of the table is all standard 2x4 and 4x4s, and the tabletop is 100% walnut.  

Made from a picture on the internet and made a few changes so it would more complete

This is my first try at building furniture. I've built larger things in the past like decks and a fort for my nephews, but never furniture. Even though I used the plans to build the main box, I did change up the bottom and added some new stuff. I added wheels to the bottom my wife could easily move it around her classroom. I didn't want to put a square base on it because I thought it might hit her ankles when she was standing close to it. So I sort-of notched it out to give an opening for her feet and I used some scraps to create a short shelf at the bottom. I also added more trim that the plans call for. I cut strips of the pine plywood for the base molding and topped it with quarter round. I used corner trim for the front corners, the self inside and the bottom notched shelf. I also used screen trim for the back of it. I think it came out nice and I've very pleased with it. I used 2 coats of Minwax PolyShades American Chestnut on it.

I'm building a house for a client who wanted a country farm house feel.  The kichen cabinets are custom frames with beaded board inserts.  

Custom Kitchen Island

The custom kitchen island is unusually large for this size home at 10' 6" x 4'. The base cabinet 90" x 25 1/2".   But, there is no dining room.  I wanted the island to not look like the rest of the cabinets.  Then I found Ana's design.  I reworked the design to fit my space and the buyers preferences.  Trash pullout, larger drawers ect.  My plan was so far from typical site built trim that I decided I would build it myself or it would really be a budget breaker.  I do have experience in all aspects of building but, this is my biggest trim project.  Time?  I'm sure I have 40 + hours in it.  Money?  The columns alone were $500.  I'm sure I have $1,500+ in it.  Don't even ask how many cool tools I had to add to my collection just for this project!  

I built the custom kitchen island in pieces in the shop, and assembled it in place.  Very heavy, no way to move it after assembly. The stain went on today.  I'm happy with the way it turned out.  Thanks for the inspiration Ana!    

I changed the plans a bit and added backs to the chairs. I've never used a saw or a drill before, but I am thrilled with how easy this was to do. I love the end result!
I found cushions to go with the furniture at Target.