Community Brag Posts

Kids Table & Chairs

Submitted by jeffh on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 12:12

I washed the plans for the farmhouse table in hot water!

I modeled this kids table off the farmhouse table and then made the chairs out of 3/4" plywood with bright colours.

Estimated Cost
two 2x10s and four or five 2x4s, plus screws and stain for the table. All four chairs were made out of one sheet of 3/4" plywood. The stain and paint probably cost more than everything else put together, but I still have tons of it left. If you exclude the leftover stain, I'd guess about $75-$100 for everything.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Can't remember. Walnut was the stain colour.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy Sliding Door Media Console

We decided to go big or go home. We made the console almost 8 ft long out of all Rustic Alder. Took almost a month with a few hours here and there in the garage. But everyone loves it and we can't wait for it to find a new home! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tops and doors Java Gel Stain, Painted in a light gray milk paint...All General Finishes products.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Queen Bed and Fancy X desk

Submitted by musickbox on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 13:00

We built the Farmhouse queen bed and fancy X desk for our bedroom. It was relatively easy and looks so great! The bed is made of pine and cedar. (It is really really hard to find pine 4x4 posts that aren't pressure treated around here.) We used pine for the desk. Paint color on the bed and base of the desk is Behr "Polar bear" with a coffee stain distress. The desk top is Benjamin Moore "Dash of pepper." The bed cost about $175 to build and the desk cost $30. (We used a lot of scraps for the desk.)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Polar Bear paint, Benjamin Moore Dash of Pepper paint, coffee stain distress.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 17:03

Your bed and desk are beautiful! Great job on this build, and I love the colors!

Country style dresser

This is a country style dresser I built from one of ana's plans. I slightly modified the top and the dimensions to fit my needs. Painting this dresser was the biggest challenge. First I stained the entire dresser, then I applied 3 coats of ce ce caldwells chalk paint. I then used a wet rag to wipe away the yellow in areas I wanted distressed. Last I applied a paste wax to seal it.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
top: red oak stain and 2 coats of poly
bottom: ce ce caldwell's carolina sunshine chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dananryan

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 08:59

The paint job is superb. It makes the dresser look like an antique. Love the hardware too. A real gem. Wow!

Rustic X Kitchen Island - Double

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 01:54

I followed the plans except for the top, I used a 2x12, 2x4 and 2x12 pocket holes together.

 

Burnt the wood with a torch and stained over.

Thanks for the plans!

 

Questions? [email protected]

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax provincial and topcoat polyurethane and mineral spirits 75/25 mix
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor day bed

Submitted by TamTamW on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 09:28

Loved making this. Used old sun curtains and a sheet for extra splendor. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified Jr. Loft Bed

We loved the idea of the Jr. Loft Bed, but made some modifications to fit our needs.

Modifications:
-I didn't really feel the 2x6 railing was needed, so to cut costs, we used all 2x4s. On the end, I put two 2x4s one on top of the other to keep the mattress from sliding off the ladder side.

-Height was a concern for me as my kids are 4 & 2. So I lowered the overall height by about a foot. 54in is the height. Since we are putting my youngest on the bottom (on the floor) we made sure she had enough head room.

-We wanted this to be STURDY and reversible. So we added bottom supports on both long sides to ensure that the frame wasn't going to move. We also added six 2x4 supports under the mattress on the top. I can climb up there to tuck in sheets with no problem.

-We skipped the stairs & landing. I didn't want my kids to be playing on the bed. So we skipped the stairs and just built a ladder into the frame instead.

This was a fairly easy build. We previously built a HUGE Ana White Table. And I felt like I was kreg jigging for DAYS. This was only a few hours of cutting, sanding, kreg jigging, and a simple put together. Staining took the longest! It's a great bed and we're so excited it's finished!

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Minwax Polyshades. Classic Oak Gloss. 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Console entry table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/20/2023 - 12:07

This entry table I made from wood I got from a recycle center of wood products. It’s been in our entry now for several years. I have only basic tools-no planers and jointers, etc. I do have a fold up table saw that I use once in awhile. I enjoy working with natural /live edge and or construction grade materials. Always impressed with the items Ana has built. Good job Ana😁👍

Built from Plan(s)

4x4 Truss Table and Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/24/2019 - 12:41

Modified so that it could fit 12 people comfortably.

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

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Childrens table and chairs

We built Two children's table and 8 stackable chairs for one of our daycare's. It took a lot of work but once we figured out the first chair it was a breeze for the other 7.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We stained the wood in a Cherry Stain and finished with multiple coats of Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

timh

Sat, 02/08/2014 - 15:54

Awesome! I built one for our homeschool and it works great. Yours look very nice.

Lovely

Submitted by NanOk on Mon, 03/09/2020 - 20:15

The plans were simple to follow and made an awesome headboard! Just what we wanted! All pieces were finished prior to assembly. Built a simple box frame for the mattress to match. Love the result! Thank you Ana! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Bookshelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/31/2016 - 01:21

I love the look of this bookshelf, thank you so much for the idea.

I definitely recommend to cut the crossing boards each at a time as they differ even if in milimiters.

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mother's Day First Build - "Cameron" Vintage Storage Dining Table

Submitted by meggrs on Sun, 05/20/2012 - 17:04

This wasn't my first DIY project but it was my build from this side and first real woodworking project and it's been the most satisfying to date. I made this table for Mother's Day for my mom who has been dreaming of the PB Cameron fixed trestle dining table but couldn't take the hefty price tag. Things I changed: - I added the "pegs" on the table ends to make it look more like the PB version. They are just 1/2" round wood plugs glued to the trestles. - I was going to add two more tabletop braces underneath (again to make it more like the PB version) but I cut one of them incorrectly so I just added on more in the middle. I'm turning the boo-boo lumber into a yarn swift; waste not. Things I learned: - If the wood is going to be stained and varnished, shell out for the *good* stuff. I had to put on way to many coats of polyurethane to make the cheapo pine boards smooth enough even after I had dampened it to raise the grain and sanded it. - Don't believe the stated length of the boards you buy. 36-inch boards are actually 36 inches and a bit. I ended up having to disassemble and re-cut my tabletop supports. - Practice with your jigsaw if you haven't made curved cuts before to see how tightly you can turn. Luckily I had extra ply to make another couple trestles after I botched the first two...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160 for materials
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Table base:
- Stained edges with Minwax Dark Walnut.
- Two coats Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.
- One coat Annie Sloan clear soft wax.
- Distressed edges with sandpaper to show stain underneath.
- One final coat Annie Sloan clear soft wax and a good buffing.

Tabletop:
- One coat Varathane wood conditioner. (Pine takes stain unevenly without it.)
- Three coats Minwax Dark Walnut.
- 18-million coats Minwax Semigloss Polyurethane. (It seemed like it anyway.)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tracysmith

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 21:33

I've had to learn some of those things myself since I started building a year and a half ago. Sometimes it's frustrating and even costly, but when you learn it, you learn it and you never have to again. haha Unless you're really a gluten for punishment. ;-) Good job and thanks for sharing with us some of those lessons learned.

Barstools

Submitted by lazyLiz on Sat, 06/09/2012 - 21:22

A 30" tall bar stools inspired by the plan simplest stool.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$ 40- $60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
valspar white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Handygirl

Sat, 07/07/2012 - 18:47

I love these stools! I love the curve in the top. Are yours square on top or rectangle?
Also, what size of board is the top (seat)?

Rusty Cottage

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 05:32

I like your design. Finally made an account and will be making matching ones. Thanks for the inspiration. If the better half doesn't like the first one I will have a new stool for my workbench

MrsPowers

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 20:27

Hi! You're stools came out wonderful. I was wondering how you got the seat to be curved that way.
Thanks!

A-Frame Chicken Coop (with modifications)

Submitted by anniejw17 on Mon, 07/02/2012 - 18:39

We followed the plans for the A-frame chicken coop very closely, and then modified it a bit at the end.

1. Trim was added to two doors on each side, as suggested. They are secured with latches at the top, more to keep them from falling open than to keep critters from getting in. We used 2x4x10's instead of 2x4x8's on the middle horizontal rail, giving us foot-long handles on each side. My husband and I are able to move the coop about 15 feet at a time, which is pretty good considering it is STURDY!

2. We used 1/2" galvanized hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, as suggested by one commenter (and lots of others in blogland).

3. I cut 1/4" plywood to fit the loft space and coated it with vinyl stick-on tile. This should make it easier to clean. We didn't screw down the plywood, so if we have to, we can remove it to hose it off/scrub it.

4. I cut a triangle of plywood to make an egg door at the end of the roost. It hinges at the bottom (with a 2x4 ripped into a 1x4 to cover the hardware cloth and provide a mounting spot for hinges) and latches at the top. I plan to use cotter pins or something to secure the latch. There is also a piece of untreated 1x4 held in place with tabs at the egg door to prevent bedding from falling out once it's converted to the nesting box (I'm planning to get pullets, not ready to lay yet, so they won't even have a tempting nest box)

5. There was no bottom door in the plans (to allow free-ranging), so I cut a piece of 2x4 to make a triangle against the bottom (same size as the egg door). It folds out (just like the egg door) and will allow the chickens easy access to the yard. We do have hawks in our neighborhood so free time will always be supervised. We also have a dog (who I coaxed into the coop for the main picture, haha!) who will need supervising. She's been around chickens before but you never know what will make her turn on them!

6. There was also no roost in the plans (although if you look at Ana's coop, there is a 2x4 across the middle of the side walls). I had a leftover closet rod, so I mounted that in the covered section parallel to the ladder. The ladder was shifted to the side. For the ladder, I just used a piece of cedar fencing and cut 2 48" dowels into 4 pieces each, and secured those with screws from the underside. I hope my chickens will be able to get up the ladder!

7. I also made a tube feeder from PVC and a dog bowl, and am working on a nipple waterer. Will update post when those are finished!

Now I just have to get some hens! I've been searching craigslist and can't wait!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished except for plywood floor (vinyl stick-on tile) and plywood doors (white exterior acrylic paint)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Old Deck Wood Laundry Crate

Submitted by dmcarwin on Mon, 06/02/2014 - 07:56

I have been in love with Ana's laundry dressers since she first posted them. When I helped makeover my sister's Closet/Laundry room I knew she had to have one! Only problem? We were out of funds. I wouldn't let that stop me!! With some free old deck wood I modified Ana's laundry dresser into a rustic awesome laundry crate! Talk about bringing cute to the laundry room, this totally fits the bill, and it is of course useful. She uses the top as a folding station too. To make it taller I cut small pieces of the deck wood and stacked them for feet, which I love! Then I added casters so she could roll it around the room. For a full tutorial check out my blog post, you won't be sorry!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free! (ok, I spent $4 on casters, they were on sale at Harbor Freight)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Three coats of poly on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Media Wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 18:47

My husband and I have started our first DIY project! I was on PB website and found the Logan Media suite and fell in love their was just one problem I can't afford to pay 2,000 or more for an entertainment center. So I drew out the plans for it and went to my husband with the idea and he was all for it!! He really likes to build outside of work he enjoys it and we have a lot of fun together as couple. Were not completely finished yet and I will update this blog once were done but for now this is what we got.

Mudroom bench and storage rack/shelves

Thants for the inspiration We love it.

Comments