Community Brag Posts

10 dollar ledge

10 dollar ledge with small trim on the bottom (now cost 20 dollars total)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and two coats of white paint (with floetrol) applied with paint brush
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Updated Tryde Coffee Table

This was my first building project, and I'm very happy with the results. It was a cinch to put together, too. My husband helped me cut the pieces after work one night and then I put it together that Saturday. I decided to do a two tone finish with the legs and apron painted because our local Lowes didn't have 2x4s and 4x4s in the same type of wood, so I was afraid there would be too big a difference in the way they take stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 including lumber, screws, paint and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The legs and apron are spray painted with black Valspar gloss paint, and the top was stained with Minwax Kona stain. I did the painting and staining prior to attaching the top to the bottom and then gave it three coats of poly to help with durability.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

4x4 Truss Table

Submitted by BojackH on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 20:08

We needed a sturdy table but didn't want to spend a fortune buying one so decided to take a stab at building one.  Our space isn't too large but also wanted the ability to expand the table with leaves if we have a large crowd.  I built leaves by cutting notches in the horizontal leg 4x4 and then sliding in/out with 2x2's attached (see pic).

I will say it makes life a whole lot easier learning how to use Sketchup or some other design software.  That way you can visualize what it will look like, cuts you need to make especially if you will be deviating from the original post design and don't want to do math in your head (like me).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200 for wood
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used the vinegar/ steel wool solution and then 6 coats of Minewax semi gloss polyurethene. Before applying polyurethene, I used a blow torch on the corners to make some neat burn marks.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Queen Bed

Submitted by cabinK on Wed, 01/29/2020 - 23:32

Made this awesome project from Ana's plans. The best part is it came from old barn wood that has been stored for decades. Had to plane most of it to get it closer to dimensional size to work with the plans. I have had a lot of advice and recommendations from friends and family on how to finish it, but I like it perfectly natural with nothing added. The finished picture appears that it has a finish on it but it was just the difference in lighting. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Only paid for screws and sandpaper
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Scrap Wood Barn

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 08:11

My daughter watched me do another build project and wanted something for herself. We built the Toy Barn from Ana White's plans using only scraps around the garage!

Laura Thompson

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

10 foot long Provence Table with 4x4's

My mom was looking for a new outdoor table, and asked me to come up with something. I found the link for these plans (http://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2011/04/free-diy-furniture-plans-t…) to knock off Restoration Hardware's $4000 Provence Beam outdoor table. Overall I liked the plan, with the chunkier look of the 4x4's. But there were a lot of errors in the diagrams, and the finished height is 34" which is ridiculously tall for a table. So we took it apart and cut the legs back down to change the finished height to 30". We chose rough-cut cedar for it's look and outdoor properties, not wanting to use treated lumber for a dining table. We couldn't find 2x10's like the plan, so we substituted seven 2x6's just like Ana's plan, but left a 1/2" gap in between so water can drain and not pool on top and rot the wood. Also, since we were working with 4x4's for the legs, we chose heavy duty lag bolts instead of screws to join them together. I love the finished look they give. Overall it's a sturdy, yet lightweight table that my mom loves and has already used for entertaining!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
outdoor sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

brookifer86

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 10:02

Thanks Brook! It was so much fun to build. I put my dad and husband to work while I was the "project manager" ;)

Pioneer Twin Bed

Submitted by timh on Sat, 02/08/2014 - 15:48

This Pioneer bed took me several weekends this winter, doing a little at a time. It was a challenge for sure because there were a few errors in the plans, but with some improvisation it was easily avoided. This bed is very simplistic but the design allows for some personal flare and variation to be added. Be sure to make precise cuts! Be sure to pick out straight boards!

I used specialized software to make the head and foot curves and printed them on paper, then transferred them to the wood. I did not put the two blocks on the headboard posts...because to me it just looked plain silly! I added two bun feet to make it look like genuine bed knobs and they look excellent. Also for the foot board posts I used specialized square pieces of wood found in the hardware store that have a nice design in them doe a decorative look. they indent far enough towards the bed that they actually hold the sheets in place!

I did not paint it. Instead I used a golden oak stain, one coat. Then put two coats of high gloss on it. This also strengthened the soft white pine I used to build it.

I did not follow the part about the slat placement nor where the bed rails should be mounted, as this will vary depending on the thickness of the mattress you get, or if it has a box spring.

I used bolts to hold the bed rails in as well, along with nails and screws.

Sandpaper! Use it a lot!

$65 to build, although I already had nails, glue, sandpaper, stain, and varnish.

My daughter just loves it and I know it will be around for years to come!!! Everyone in my family loves it too. I highly suggest anyone who is looking for a simplistic looking twin bed, and who knows how to take their time and follow directions, to make this bed. Feel free to write me if you need help. [email protected]

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Golden Oak Stain, high gloss varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

timh

Sat, 02/08/2014 - 15:51

Thank you Ana White for such a nice website with great resources for all of us who like to build things ourselves and save a buck or two!

Purple chicken ark w/ retractable wheels

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/07/2016 - 16:59

We worked on this project on and off for a couple weeks.  60 degree angles were the hardest part.  Decided against adding upper coop floor to minimize cleaning.  Coop will only be used seasonally.  End coop is very heavy, so wheels were a must.  Scoured internet and found simple retractable lever design with bolts to adjust wheel height.  Very happy with project, thank you Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Faux Printmaker's Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/05/2020 - 14:23

This was pretty difficult for a beginner, but only because I had never made something with a frame that had to be squared up. I didn't realize I need a big square and should have checked each join of the 2x2's to the plywood. Ended up that the center supports were not square but this was after I had already made doors and drawers. So I rigged them up with shims to make them fit better. However, I still think it turned out great and one day may take it down and fix it or sell this one and make another. I added tea stained vintage font numbers to the pulls. To me, this really made the piece special. I would suggest a little more instructions for doors and drawers. Ana has a great youtube on drawers I found today. I will definitely use that method next time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
One coat of Varathane Special Walnut with one coat of Weathered Oak on top of it; sealed with Polycrylic after stain dried well.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First Project - Farmhouse Storage Bed

Submitted by kmac1036 on Fri, 04/27/2012 - 11:55

Working on getting furniture done for my kids. Gives me something to do when they are away on visitation. New furniture from a store is too expensive right now & gives me something to work on to keep my mind off of things.

Modified to fit a Twin XL mattress.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Passion Pink latex enamel semi-glass from Sherwin Williams. top coat with polyurethane for chip/scratch resistance
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

birdsandsoap

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 13:37

Beautiful job! I love the color. I have memories of being gone for weekends on visits and coming home to a newly decorated "Rainbow Brite" bedroom and my mom assembling a waterbed for me on the kitchen floor (it was the eighties); it felt great to know that my mom was thinking about me while I was gone, your kids will not forget those things.

amercado

Wed, 05/16/2012 - 09:48

Hi!, i am new to all of this and would love to make this bed for my daughter, could you share the measurements for the twin version? thanks!

fortmac (not verified)

Sat, 06/02/2012 - 03:12

Hi, I like this bed for my son, also looking for the measurements for the twin version.Thanks

Nicole 1016

Mon, 08/27/2012 - 11:05

This is gorgeous! I would love to know how wide you made this and if you only had to adjust the headboard and footboard?

grreenbeans

Sun, 01/17/2016 - 09:17

Hi! I know this question has been posted before and replied to but, for some reason, I can't see the replies so... would anyone mind maybe sharing their converted measurements for a twin sized bed? Thank so much! This will be our first project and I'm sooo nervous!

grreenbeans

Sun, 01/17/2016 - 09:17

Hi! I know this question has been posted before and replied to but, for some reason, I can't see the replies so... would anyone mind maybe sharing their converted measurements for a twin sized bed? Thank so much! This will be our first project and I'm sooo nervous!

Firemedic

Fri, 02/05/2016 - 20:20

I made this bed in a twin. The twin mattress is 39x75. That's 21 inches narrower and 5 inches shorter than a queen. So just make the head board, foot board, and slat measurements 21 inches shorter keeping the height the same. The length is five inches shorter but to get three drawer slots the same size I made mine 75 3/4 long. ( 24 1/4 for each drawer slot).

Farmhouse table

Submitted by bwheat5 on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 09:09

35X72 standard table height.
Made this Farmhouse table for my daughter for her birthday tomorrow. Hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it. Happy birthday my girl.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Distressed finish, Minwax Dark Walnut stain, Deft Semi Gloss Lacquer, Minwax Finishing Wax Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Angel2b on Tue, 05/10/2016 - 16:22

I enjoyed this project. Easy instructions. Great results.

Estimated Cost
$180 I brought the cushions %75 off at Walmart last year.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr premium plus (Ultra) - stain-blocking paint & primer in one
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sofa table

Submitted by djandcj on Fri, 02/14/2020 - 11:09

We converted the sofa table to a storage area with drawers and games area and repurposed the bar stools at the kitchen island

Lemonade Stand for Fundraiser

One of my daughters recently was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We are raising money to get a Service Dog for her and I was able to throw together this awesome Lemonade Stand from your plans, Ana. Thanks for the fun and QUICK project that will hopefully help my daughter with her fundraising goals. {Son not included with lemonade :)}

Gene

Library book holder

Submitted by ltl_lisa on Sat, 04/28/2012 - 18:33

Finally a place to hold library books away from spilling milk and coffee cups!

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

$30.00 DIY 2x4 Console Table

I modified the plans like another brag poster did. How I built this is explained on my site. Thank you so much to the other poster for the inspiration!! And of course, thank you to Ana White for this amazing site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
30.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot's Stain + Sealer in "Aged Leather". 2 coats of stain and a few coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bedside Stand

Submitted by Dlwj27 on Thu, 05/12/2016 - 17:04

This project was easy & fun to make.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Waverly White Chalk Paint and distressed using Americana Decor Timeless Chalk Paint. Finished with Dark Brown wax and Miniwax Dark Walnut Stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kind bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/16/2020 - 22:07

King bed hand made made with 1by4 pine boards

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Twin Farmhouse bed for a room to grow in!

I saw this on the site, and I knew it would be perfect for my soon to be 4 year old boy's room. I wanted something that would be strong (hellloooo 4 year old boy!!) and not too "babyish" to last him through several years of preference changes and growth. This was not too difficult at all! Though I slightly modified some of the construction to make it easier to break down. I ended up using a box spring with a mattress, instead of slats to save a bit of money. (We got the box spring and mattress for free from a relative.)

I made this out of pine, and bought everything from Home Depot. Total cost for everything (including paint, sandpaper, wood glue, etc) was about $160! We are loving it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Primer and Paint in 1, satin finish, color "Beluga"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

shaneandterrid

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 23:09

Hi,

I love what you have done here. We have just finished our first build and am about to start on another for our oldest girl. Check out our blog, its the latest entry on this page.

Love it.

Thanks,

Shane

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