Community Brag Posts

Rustic X Desk

Submitted by bozarthm1 on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 07:57

I built this L shape desk based on Ana White's rustic X desk plan. I would not have attempted this without her guidance. Love how this turned out, probably the nicest project I've ever done. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tops are Watco Dark Walnut with wax finish, prime and paint the legs
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mfromo

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 09:34

This is awesome! My son and I are looking to build an L shaped desk for him and this looks to be the one. Any thoughts on how I would mount a computer tray beneath? Think there is enough clearance below the 2x4 without hitting knees?
Thanks!

Diy Upholstered Settee

I started off with Ana's plans and kinda went rogue from there. The idea of creating those curved back legs scared me so I thought I'd sacrifice an Ikea dining chair and use it as the legs. When I ruined one of the legs I decided that I'd come too far to back out and that I must continue. I adapted many conventional methods to make the settee but I'm super pleased with the outcome. For the full step by step on how I completed the settee, please check it out here Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Ultimate in American Walnut, Rustoleum Ultimate Polyurethane in Satin.
Navy Blue Upholstery Velvet, French Natural Nailhead Trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Laundry Room Solution

Submitted by tzachary on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 14:25

I needed a sturdy place to hang clothes in my laundry room as I took them out of the dryer. I saw the dress up center and it was perfect (just needed to be altered to fit adult clothes)

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and Painted with Behr Paint I had on hand
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Herb Garden Planter { $2 }

This is the fourth time I have made these to give as gifts. They are just so cute, easy, inexpensive, and versatile. Now that the growing season is among us, Im sure Ill be making even more.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded, white latex paint, then applied minwax polycrilic
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Entry Way Bench

Built this plan and it came out amazing. I used a sheet of siding for the back to really bring out some grains!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Matte white bher paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Great Porch Chairs

I enjoyed making these outdoor chairs! I had to make two for when company is allowed to come by again. The plans were simple to follow, and making the cushions was a bit more of a challenge. I ended up having to use a mattress topper cut into 25"x25" squares. I found some great seat covers on Wayfair.

Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades, Pecan satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sofa Charging Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 10:10

We wanted a shallow table behind our sofa where we could charge our phones and laptops while relaxing in the evening. I used three 1” X 6” pieces of cherry, connected with pocket holes, and put a small gusset in the corners. With a couple of power strips inserted in the top and plenty of polyurethane, that was it!

His Hands

Garden Tool Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/13/2020 - 13:36

Great project and super easy! Made such a difference in organizing our tool shed. I modified one of the handles because several of my tools would not fit over the 2x4. I also had a challenge hanging it in my shed due to the metal sheeting for walls, but the build itself was very easy. No more messy tool shed! :) As an organization freak, like Ana, this makes me so happy!!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
None - had all the materials on hand
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simple Entryway Bench

Submitted by tfox on Fri, 08/10/2012 - 10:57

I loved this project as soon as I saw it on Ana's site. I made a few changes to the plans in order to suit my needs and also as an excuse to use my new tools. I left out the cross supports in order to accomodate storage underneath the stool and it still retains exceptional strength without the supports. I also used my new router to round the edges on the top peice to give it a more finished feel. I'm really happy with the results and have made multiple for friends and family, both painted and stained.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Red paint over white primer. Finished top with satin spray on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Doggy Bunk Bed

Submitted by LaserTech on Sun, 08/12/2012 - 18:53

I built this dog bunk bed based on the queen farmhouse bed. As you can see the dogs are already fighting over the top bunk. This bed is very very sturdy and should give many years of use. Yes I spoil my dogs.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Roxxy G. (not verified)

Mon, 08/13/2012 - 14:52

I'm so happy I wasn't the only one who looked at these bed plans and thought "my dog NEEDS this"! They both look very happy.

LaserTech

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 17:23

Can you tell they're already fighting over the top bunk! I'm debating on painting it white. I like the natural look though. Thanks for the comment! :)

Jessie Murphy (not verified)

Mon, 12/03/2012 - 11:40

Can you by any chance post the dimensions you used for this bed. I know you used the farmhouse plan, but I'm not good at this at all and need all the help I can get!!

Queen storage bed modified

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 19:11

I used wood from an older Ana white project of a loft bed my daughter had out grown. I liked the look of Ana's Mom bed but wanted storage so I modified the plans slightly. I will add drawers later.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sweet coconut easy flow paint in Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Comfort Collection and Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Modern Comfort Outdoor Sofa and Loveseat to go with the Simple Outdoor Dining Table and Benches that I made 2 years ago. I love that the "Modern Comfort" plans don't require angles or a miter saw. I used a circular saw for all of it!

 

Utility Room Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/13/2016 - 20:58

I'm so grateful for these plans! Since we were building in a basement against a concrete wall, we just made each side with the vertical 2x4 supports, then anchored the shelves to the exposed studs on the side walls for safety. This project was so fast and easy -- I put them together one night after the kids went to bed. They're 8' long and 2' deep, very sturdy, and they were highly economical to build. I love that the shelf is smooth and flat, too, as this makes it easy to store small things as well as large totes.

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Toybox chest turned window seat

I've tried this before as a gift for a friend's new baby. I then wanted to do one for myself but change the measurements somewhat. This is 45" long and the same width as the original. I reduced the height to account for the 3" foam cushion. Besides that it's pretty much the same as the toy chest plan.

Building and sanding took about 3 days working after work only. Painting took the longest time.

Estimated Cost
$90 including foam and upholstery
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer followed by white paint in semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft bed with stair

Submitted by tajordan on Tue, 10/02/2012 - 11:59

When my wife told me that our son needed a new bed, I saw that as an opportunity to buy some new tools. After selecting which bed to build from your site, I spent a few hours over the weekend making the loft bed with stairs. Our son loves it! The only thing left to do is decide on a paint color.

Estimated Cost
110
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
N/A
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Skyscraper desk and modified locker

Submitted by ibthemom on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 17:57

This was my first ever project! I built the skyscraper bookcase and then built a second one, only modifying it to make a locker style cabinet for backpacks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Simple Rolling Bar Cart

I honestly think Ana is a mind reader. Whenever I need plans for a particular piece of furniture, they magically appear on her site. Of course if she was a true mind reader, everything will be exactly as I need it requiring no modifications. That's what makes her plans so amazing. I can build bigger and better because I've learned to modify her plans to fit my current needs.

This Cart was no exception. I had to make mine a few inches deeper and change the height of the legs and it was a piece of cake. I put this together in less than 2 hours and finishing was easy too.

I did a blog post all about what I did differently including how I constructed a towel bar instead of the pipe. Check it out at www.thepursuitofhandyness.com

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25 Depending upon the type of casters used
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil Based Primer & Rustoleum Painters Touch Spray Paint in Paprika Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chest of drawers

Submitted by charae22 on Mon, 08/04/2014 - 08:35

I needed this to be a little taller, so I added another drawer. Other than that, all the other dimensions were the same. I built it in one weekend, but the finishing took about 5 days (for drying time between coats). I was trying to match a baby bed (expresso) so I stained it dark. I also used plywood on the sides, top and drawer fronts instead of pine boards. It really turned out great and matched the bed perfectly.

Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Conditioner, 3 coats of English Chestnut, 2 coats of Ebony (Minwax), 3 coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sharshar1960

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:11

LOVE the finish on this piece! Can you elaborate on the two stains? Did you alternate?

In reply to by sharshar1960

charae22

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:43

No, I didn't alternate. I needed the base color to be a deeper brown so it took 3 coats of English Chestnut. Then 2 coats of Ebony over the English Chestnut, to get the black, layered look. I put each coat on, then wiped it off after a few minutes. On the last layer of Ebony, I only lightly removed the stain. The brown shows through in some areas which is exactly what the bed had. I used the oil-based Minwax.

In reply to by sharshar1960

charae22

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:43

No, I didn't alternate. I needed the base color to be a deeper brown so it took 3 coats of English Chestnut. Then 2 coats of Ebony over the English Chestnut, to get the black, layered look. I put each coat on, then wiped it off after a few minutes. On the last layer of Ebony, I only lightly removed the stain. The brown shows through in some areas which is exactly what the bed had. I used the oil-based Minwax.

tmclifton

Tue, 09/09/2014 - 19:43

I love the finish!  Did you use the satin wipe on poly, or gloss? 

cirkit1

Wed, 10/21/2015 - 11:44

can you comment on the stain with sandeply.  did you use sanding sealer?

i have read many a comment on issues with staining sandeply but yours looks awesome.

i like the approach.

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