Community Brag Posts

Tall Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/09/2024 - 07:27

My husband, Daughter and I built this loft bunkbed for our seven-year-old granddaughter‘s birthday. It turned out wonderful and she squealed when she saw it! Thanks so much for your online plans.

Jan Ott

Armoire

This was the nursery armoire design we used. My husband modified it slightly. Beautiful isn't it.

Estimated Cost
$150-$175
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint color is valspar cabin red, with antique glaze over it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modern Patio Furniture- My Take

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 18:32

This was my very first build project! Ana White you are AWESOME. Each plan was so easy to follow. I added the headrest based on a version I found in the brag posts. It really does ensure that the back cushions stay in place!!!! Love it!!!!

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I stained it several times with Behr outdoor stain for decking because I wanted a deep red look to match the cushions
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

goose71

Sat, 08/15/2020 - 19:22

Thanks. These have been the best alternate plans yet. I was looking for a headrest option as well, wasn't sure they looked as good, but this interpretations is beautiful. i will be copying it for my furniture.

Smaller Rustic X end table

Submitted by cgolden on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 22:20

I built these two end tables from the rustic x end table plans. I tweaked the original plan to make them smaller. I only used 4 - 2x6's for the top instead of using 5, and I used 2 - 2x6's for the bottom shelf instead of using the 2 - 1x12's. My top is 20x22.5 and the base is 18x18.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$12/table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I started off with a blend of minwax classic grey, rustoleum sunbleach, and rustoleum kona (I was going for a weathered grey look). It looked good on the scrap piece i tried, but it turned a blueish grey on the tables. I then covered everything with minwax ebony to try an kill the blue tint and darken it. It ended up being a dark brown with some gray tones. Finished with minwax satin polyurethane. I spent alot more time playing around with stain colors than I did actually building the tables.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bobcan (not verified)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:36

Great job ! these Rustic table are good for interior design and make a good look .I read this , have good price ,timing ,wood and also your hard work .

jhmesa

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 05:43

i love this! we just built the bigger one to find out it was a bit too big but we were still able to find a place for it. my husband and I are going to build your smaller version cant wait!

ChristianFro

Mon, 06/13/2016 - 12:50

I built the larger version and found I want to tone it back a bit.  How tall did you build yours?  What angle cut did you end up with?

Beginner farm table bench/outdoor seating

Great, sturdy, easy build!!! Looks amazing and will be my new picnic outdoor seating. I cannot wait to build the next bench and table to go along with it. Thank you for the plans!!!!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I have not finished it yet, but will stain then use an outdoor poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Grandy sliding cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/03/2016 - 23:10

Built by Cunningham Custom

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1000-$1200 used all premium material
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherman williams ovation paint for the body and minwax jacobean for the top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My Mom's King Fancy Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by thehallway on Fri, 10/26/2012 - 08:28

I built this bed for my parent's guest room at my sister's house. It is very similar to a bed mom had been wanting. They wanted a king size so I had to do some modifications to the original plan - primarily adding 16" to all width measurements. I also used 10 - 1x8s for the headboard panels. That made the panels slightly too wide, so I had to rip a little bit off the 2 end panels.

The hardest part of the project was getting it in her house! The legs made it about 1/4" too wide to fit it thru the door. We were about to remove the legs (which would have been a disaster since they were glued, screwed and painted on) when we finally figured out the right angle to squeeze it in. I had to touch up the paint in a few spots once we got it in position, but that was much better than having to remove legs and put them back on. We still need to get plywood for the mattress to sit on and I'm going to add a middle leg for extra support since it's a king. I will probably eventually build nightstands to go with it. Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out since this is my largest and "fanciest" project so far.

Estimated Cost
~$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Satin Latex Enamel in White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bran2511

Tue, 04/09/2013 - 12:41

I really love this bed, however, being military we move quite often. Is there a way that you would recommend I could alter it so that it can be broken down a little to make it easier for moving? Thank you much :D

bran2511

Tue, 04/09/2013 - 12:41

I really love this bed, however, being military we move quite often. Is there a way that you would recommend I could alter it so that it can be broken down a little to make it easier for moving? Thank you much :D

jlouki01

Sat, 08/24/2013 - 18:31

I just posted a brag post with this bed in black. I will see if I can upload a photo of how I built this bed for very easy break down. I looked at all the brackets etc.. with this being built out of pine I was not 100% confident in the Rockler / Wood craft brackets. I used a forstner bit and a 4.5" bolt with some washers.

Reclaimed Wood Headboard, Double Size (Cedar Siding)

Made with leftover lapped cedar siding from our woodshed, plus a few pieces of reclaimed 1x4 and some new 1x3.  Wanted it to be navy, and it is.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Navy blue satin paint. Don't - I repeat - don't prime with white primer, if painting a final dark color! It took 4 coats of navy to completely cover the primer. Either skip primer or have it tinted closer to the final color. Should have known better.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/08/2017 - 17:33

The plans provided for the table and bench were excellent. I also had help from people in the local Lowes lumber department who talked me in to using cedar. They also recommended using lag screws where possible so (for the table) I ended up using lag screws in some places where the pocket screws were recommended. 

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

Vertical Planter w/ Succulents + White Opaque Stain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 23:20

Made this over a few afternoons during the interesting year that is/was 2020! First DIY project and really enjoyed it! I used an opaque white stain and it's filled with succulents from our local nursery (Lincoln Nursery in Pasadena, CA). Painting took the longest as one coat of the stain still let some of the knots in the wood show through. Thanks so much for the plan and inspiration!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Opaque white Behr outdoor stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Lego table with hidden storage and shelf

Submitted by pjmal1979 on Mon, 01/18/2021 - 05:15

Lego table with removable top, hidden storage, shelf. 44.5”w X 20” deep X 18.5”h

Estimated Cost
$100-125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Willow Grey stain, water based polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Console table turned Hedgehog cage holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/23/2021 - 08:43

Sorry, the pictures are on their side. I used the Rustic X console table plans, but left out the X and made it taller and wider. I didnt have a stripper nor enough skinny wood to lay the slats on the shelf like that did in the video, so each of those slats are held up by pocket screws. Whew! Will avoid doing that again if possible! I did, however, stain BEFORE i built and that made all the difference! Also for the top I used a quality piece of compressed wood which bumped the cost $20, but seeing that a cage was going on top, i wanted a solid piece to hold any shavings. I also added a railing so the cage would stay in place. My neighbors LOVE it and I'm just super happy with how the stain job came out. It was actually a fluke, I think I failed to stir it completely on the first coat and when I was touching up it got waaay darker so I just rolled with it and made it two toned. LOVE the result and not sure if I can pull it off again haha

Estimated Cost
78
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Verathane classic Wood Stain in Special Walnut. Like I said before, the two tone was a fluke. I don't think I stirred it completely on the first run, and while touching up it became much darker. I rolled with it and just highlighted the edges and I LOVED the outcome. This was my favorite build to that point. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tall Secretary Cabinet with Modifications

Submitted by Stacie on Mon, 12/29/2014 - 08:15

I built this desk as part of redesigning my homeschool room, and made a few customizations to better fit our needs.  It's taller and deeper than the plans, which allowed for a larger work opening for a larger computer.  It also gave me much needed extra storage space.  

 

The cabinet is made from 3/4" and 1/4" PureBond birch plywood cut down to size using my Kreg Rip-Cut.  The frame is built from pine 1x2s and 1x1s.  The three cabinet doors are pine 1x6s and 1x2s joined together with biscuits, and trimmed to the correct size on the table saw.  Because the secretary desk is deeper than the plan and the mail slots are small, I finished with stain and polyurethane prior to assembly.  This saved a lot of frustration of trying to stain in tight spaces.

 

Thank you for the plans, Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Dark Walnut, Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hall Tree for Mudroom

I made this to fit the room and to help organize and cleanup the laundry / mud room. After searching for plans online I just sat down with pencil and paper and drew up my own plans, cut sheets and design from a combo of numerous projects I found in Pinterest.

Estimated Cost
500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
All wood primed with Sherwin Williams Preprite Problock Primer and finish painting with SW ProClassic Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Satin finish in Dover White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Triple Pedestal Dining Bench

After completing the table and being very happy with it, I had an overabundance of confidence making this bench. That probably is why it was so frustrating when things didn't go so well.

I made a few errors but two really stick out to me. The first was making the pedestals too much like the table pedestals. I screwed and glued an extra piece of wood on top of the bench pedestals (just like there is on the table) before I returned to the plans. This was not an easy fix and involved crowbars, chisels and cutting the heads off of stripped wood screws. Lesson: READ THE PLAN!

The second error relates to why the bench is a shade or two darker than the table. We used the same can of stain, but neglected to use wood conditioner. It appears that the wood conditioner (or our failure to mix the stain well enough) on the table made the stain much lighter than we expected. We have since fallen in love with the table's color; however, the bench came out the color we had originally expected for the table, which is much darker. We are going to do a test at some point to determine whether it was the wood conditioner or just the poor mixing that lightened the table. One other possible explanation is that we got the wood from a different place. This wood did seem a bit softer, in case that makes a difference. As a result of this color difference we are going to literally sit on it (the bench) for a while and decide whether we will strip and re-stain the table. It seems easier to re-do the table darker than lighten the bench since all we would need to remove is the poly. We're not in a hurry though. We might end up liking it well enough like we did the table. The bench almost matches our son's highchair, so it almost looks intentional. Lesson: TEST THE STAIN FIRST!

Fixes and stain-color aside, the bench was not terribly difficult to make and the plans (when I bothered to read them) were very easy to follow. I'm looking forward to bringing these lessons to the next project. My wife is requesting Adirondack chairs. Fortunately for us both, Mrs. White has shared some very good looking chair plans. Stay tuned.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Fillman Dresser

Submitted by Lady Goats on Mon, 01/19/2015 - 12:58

Spent forever building this modified version because I couldn't figure out what kind of drawer faces I wanted. Finished with General Finishes gel stain and Minwax Paste Finishing wax. 

Estimated Cost
Used scraps, so all that I paid for was the knobs and finishing wax.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
GF gel stain in Java and Minwax Finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Beautiful bed!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/19/2019 - 09:05

This bed is gorgeous and the plans are perfectly laid out for even a beginner to use.  We were making a full bedframe, so we used the exact measurements given in the cut list and it fit the mattress just right.  We made the accompanying headboard with a few changes.  We were using pine and wanted the headboard casing to match, so we just used 1x4's and routed the edge with an ogee bit we had on hand.  We also wanted the platform just a tad bit higher and made the legs 10 inches instead of 7.  We also ended up making the platform slats out of 1x4's instead of 1x3's as they were cheaper.

 

Pin For Later! 

Beautiful bed!

Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of Minwax Honey stain, finished with flat spray poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My first big woodworking project - a farmhouse table!

Submitted by jfleming on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:02

I used the no pocket hole plans and as per someone's great recommendation - I moved the stretcher supports to the inside of the legs to give a little more room when the chair is pulled out and someone is sitting on an end. I also made a planer tool for my table saw so I could square off the edges of the table top boards and the bench seat boards. The boards then sat closer to each other so I don't have places for crumbs to fall down between the boards. I did have a couple of sections that didn't quite match up and used resin to fill those areas after staining the boards. I then used a lacquer finish (Watco clear satin lacquer). The stain is Minwax English Chestnut but I did use the Minwax wood conditioner prior to the stain for a more even uptake of the stain. All great recommendations from folks on this site!

Comments

Storage Sofa / Convertible to Bed

Submitted by SRA16 on Sun, 03/22/2015 - 09:06

I used the plan for the base idea for my sofa. I decided I'd prefer arms to curl up in and also to add a convertible feature turning an ottoman using the same base plans into an extension option for using the set as a bed or lounge area. Twice the storage, twice the function!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400-$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used natural duck cloth for the fabric. Easy to clean and water resistant.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sam5657

Fri, 07/23/2021 - 19:33

I was planning on building your storage sofa, but when I saw the one with the arms; I thought that I would rather build that one. In the spot where the plans should have been; it refers you to the storage sofa. The problem is; it doesn't tell you what you need for or how to build the arms. If they are somewhere else; could you tell me what heading that they are under.

Sandra Cahoon

[email protected]

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 15:15

I made five of your 2 x 4 Adirondack chairs. Well I started with one and then my wife wanted four more after she saw how it turned out. We absolutely Iove them and they are easy to make! Thanks Ana!

David Knight

Comments

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