Community Brag Posts

Easy 2x4 potting bench

Submitted by Randall on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 11:20

Great easy to follow plans, I cut both front and back legs from one 2x4x8’ by having the back leg 1” shorter than plan. Also bought 1x4x39” slats at less cost than buying the 8’ ones.
Great unit would be perfect for near the BBQ and any place needing storage and work bench

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympia Outdoor wood sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farm Bench with a Twist

Submitted by GrahamD on Fri, 07/06/2012 - 20:22

I am new to furniture making and my neighbor and Friend showed me this website. I wanted a piece a bit more modern looking with a rustic flair so I picked this bench for the ease. I did however change the dimension of the bench to accommodate a Fallow that I shot last year and had tanned. I look forward to building the next piece.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
65.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats primer
2 coats black paint
2 coats poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Red Oak Truss Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/14/2024 - 19:03

Used red oak lumber with ash grey rubio monocoat. The tabletop is 90"x40" and I made the base 64" long in order to place a chair at each end of the table.

Ashely Shook

 

Built from Plan(s)

Back To School Podium

I recently landed my first teaching position, and unfortunately my predecessor left quite a blank canvas for my classroom. I will be teaching math and definitely needed a lectern to hold my book as reference for examples during instructional time. However, I was completely unable to fork over $200 for a lectern...so of course I turned to Ana White! I saw the Podium Plan that another had submitted, and used it as a guide with some changes:

1) My dimensions are 15" wide by 21" long by 43" tall (I'm shorter than your average bear).

2) Used the table saw set at 45 degrees to create mitered joint edges with my plywood

3) Inset the shelves into the frame for added stability using a router.

4) Added casters to the base for maneuverability

5) Added an easily-removable laptop shelf for the side for easy hook-up to the Promethean Board in the classroom.

6) Decoupaging my name to the front for some visual interest...(and of course to claim ownership...:) )

My room is painted yellow, and all of my accessories are teal, lime green, and brown. This is gonna look GREAT in there, and best of all, it's attractive AND functional!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Spray-On Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

birdsandsoap

Sat, 07/28/2012 - 22:23

I don't remember having ANY teachers with anything this cool and personal in their classroom (except maybe woodshop, har-de-har-har). All the other teachers will be jealous!

Storage Step Stool - First Build!

Submitted by red98dawg on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 11:50

We moved my 3 year old son into his big boy room with a queen bed; it was a little tall for him so it was difficult for him to get in the bed so I set out to find a step stool. They were between $60-$80 and there was no way I was going to spend that kind of cash…..so that is how I found Ana’s site!
I built this with no problem and even got to know my jig saw a bit better.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Jacobean, 2 coats
Minwax - Fast-Drying Polyurethane, 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Laundry Pedestal

Submitted by Kamoanui on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 09:42

This was quick build. First time for us using trim, so we wasted a few feet getting the angles right. We attached the legs directly to the frame, and did not use the metal brackets. We also did not build the floor frame. We measured how high/wide the laundry baskets ($3/piece at Target!) were, and made it to fit them. We added a piece of rubber mat to the top (bought at Lowe's). A few weeks later we helped our daughter and son in law build one for their new house!

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coop and run for Six

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/24/2016 - 08:10

We wanted our chickens to have plenty of room for when we ere not home and could not let them free range in the yard.  One of the six was a rooster-- and long story-- but we don't have him any more-- so 5 chickens now enjoy this coop/run.  It cost about $300 in supplies.  It is 16 feet long.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

First Project

Submitted by dragondad on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 11:34

Well, I started with one chair and finished with a full set. Not bad for a first timer. Definitely room to improve. Little tip if you're going to make this amazing set... raise the backs as they are too low with thicker cushions. I built a casing to go on top after the fact. Pretty happy with how it all turned out. Thanks Ana for the plans... now onto the next project!

Comments

Desk/Craft Space Table

I just started wood-working and found this to be a really nice build. I did, however, adjust the height of the desk legs from 31 inches to 36 inches, because I am 6'6" and felt I needed the leg room. I used 4 Severe Weather 2 1/4in x 2 1/4in x 36in Colonial Treated Deck Spindles from Lowes at $2.88 each for the legs. I also, added the drawer dividers to help organize the storage space. Otherwise, I stuck to the plans. 

Severe Weather 2-1/4-in x 2-1/4-in x 36-in Colonial Treated Deck Spindle http://www.lowes.com/pd_7954-432S2236T15N_4294610196__productId=3185415&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

Stainless Steel Drawer Pulls http://www.homedepot.com/p/Liberty-8-5-6-in-Steel-Bar-Cabinet-Hardware-Appliance-Pull-117060-0/202023671?MERCH=REC-_-NavPLPHorizontal1-4-_-NA-_-202023671-_-N

 

 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Smokey blue chalk paint (1 cup of paint, 1 teaspoon of plaster of paris, & 1 teaspoon of water)
Minwax classic gray stain (used to give distressed spots more dimension)
Minwax dark walnut stain for desk top
Johnson paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Square Farmhouse Table

Submitted by eddingsr on Sun, 01/08/2017 - 13:17

I built this table for a friend who wanted a rustic, plank-top kitchen table. She wanted a square table with 4x4 legs. Since I don't have clamps, I used pocket holes and wood glue for the table top. Also, I only have a 7&1/4" miter saw, which means the 4x4s were too thick to cut. So I made one cut in the legs, then flipped them and made another. It worked! :) I sanded down the sides of the table top with 80 grit. They needed to be evened up since some of the planks were a little longer than others. I back braced underneathe the top with (3) 1x3s. Then, I sanded all over with 120, vacuumed, then wiped it down with a damp towel. Fun build!! 

Estimated Cost
~$100 for lumber, screws, wood glue, sandpaper, and finishing products.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
For the finish I used Minwax wood conditioner, then a coat of Minwax stain in Provincial. I went back and put a second coat of stain on a few of the premium pine pieces, because they soaked up the first coat really well, and I wanted some darker pieces on top. I let those soak for about 15 minutes. Afterwards I did 2 coats of Polycrylic all over, then a third coat for the top only. I dry sanded between coats with 600 grit sandpaper.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Glass Top Vanity

For anyone who is interested in building their own glass-top vanity with pull-out drawers :)

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Ultra White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Just My Size Closet

Just My Size Closet!

Built this from Ana's plans with a few modifications.

Started with a big empty box after ripping the old stuff out and finished with this look.

Adjustable shelves and all !

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint my wife bought !!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Plan for Garage Shelf!

Submitted by edapina on Wed, 11/26/2014 - 07:35

This was an easy project to complete in an afternoon that does not require any advance woodworking skills

Estimated Cost
About a $120 bucks considering that I had to buy all the wood and a box of 2 1/2 In screws!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish used.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

edapina

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 09:41

This is my second completed project with plans and ideas from your website. Thanks for your good work!

Economical Basement Shelving 2

Submitted by Veronica P on Sun, 12/14/2014 - 19:41

I've been organizing our unfinished basement so that my boys have more space to run and ride their bikes over the winter. I needed something to organize our off season clothes and bins of clothes that my boys are growing in/out of. This plan was perfect. It's not my prettiest build but it's soooo functional!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Boy Scout Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 14:04

Table created for the chartering organization for Troop 4900 in Woodstock, GA (Woodstock Community Church).

Some deviations from the plans...we notched two of the cross member that support the seats and glued/screwed them together for greater strength in the center. That left 4 supports to be installed with pocket screws (weak). We added two small 2x6 supports where all these members join in the center and screwed the supports to the cross members, reinforcing the center and taking load off the pocket screws (see photo). Also, as you can see, we built the framing for the seats and table top, then added legs and placed the table top last to assure a level table top.

Finally, a recommendation - use 1x6 boards for the table top and seating areas for a lighter and more manageable table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Picnic table and parent table (by the playground) for a church.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fairies Do Ride Teeter-Totters

Submitted by Tea Granny on Wed, 03/06/2013 - 11:38

This was a very quick project. Only took 5.5 hours from start to finish, including dragging out and putting all the tools away afterwards!

I left the teeter-totter unfinished, not sure how it will make it through the winter. I may decide to paint it this summer.

I used a length of copper pipe for the bolt to ride through, along with some washers between all the pivot points. This should help keep the boards from wearing away over time.

This has been the BEST outdoor toy around! It gets used EVERY day in the nice weather.

Thanks Ana for the great plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Total of $20.52 without screws ($14.20 for wood, $6.32 for washers, bolt, and nut)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My take on "Lady Goats" cedar shed

Submitted by donbay91 on Sun, 03/14/2021 - 19:02

I absolutely loved these plans for this shed. I'm new to the site but I've been using your plans for things here at home... love it. I went with just one door to give me more places for shelves and I also went with a clear corrugated roof since it's shaded on that side of our house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300ish
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish yet. I haven't made up my mind
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modern Laundry Basket Sorter

I built this project totally from pallet wood and leftover 2x4's. I already had the paint and stain from other projects, so the only cost was for the baskets, which were $6 a piece at Ikea. This project turned out even better than I expected and I couldn't be happier.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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