Community Brag Posts

Narrow Modifed End Table

I wanted a table like Ana's narrow cottage table, except I just wanted an open shelf instead of a drawer for a basket.

Here is my version modified to fit my needs. Thanks to Ana, of course. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Undecided...

Step by step and cut list on my blog.
http://thequaintcottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-simple-end-table-for-small-spaces.html
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Easy Workshop Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/01/2022 - 04:21

Great plan and great instructions (especially the cuts). My only two deviations from the original design were to use carriage bolts to secure the long apron pieces to the legs (I like to have the bench frame be more flexible while I add the components and then tighten everything up once all the pieces are in place) and to add adjustable feet (You might have stellar tradesmen up there, but down in the Pennsylvania woods, we tend to get the C & D graduates from Trade School; hence, level, evenness, & square are rare qualities to be celebrated when encountered and not taken for granted). My only other comment regarding the instructions would be to mention in the tools required that either a big honking set of clamps (36" span) or maybe ratcheting straps would be a good thing to hold the shell together while you are trying to screw the cross pieces into the shell. Maybe you are good enough to do it without clamps / straps , but I sure couldn't get the (slippery) glued cross pieces to stay put without some kind of support. Other than that, great design and instructions. Thanks!

Copy Cat Bedside Table

I needed new bedside tables to replace mine that were falling apart. I love the whole Stratton line at PB. I wanted to make something similar, but a bit more sturdy.

So, I made this table with a much more solid bottom shelf and a deep drawer with a full face to mimic the sides and the back panels.

Estimated Cost
Wood $20-$25, Drawer Slides $7, Drawer Handle $2
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I haven't determined yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Harriet goes outdoors, dressed to impress!

Submitted by E.A.Y. on Tue, 08/27/2013 - 14:26

It took me a long time to finish the chairs, although the table was a snap. The time consuming thing was my desire for two paint colors. Painting is not my strong suit. But I got it done, just in time for our annual Labor Day house party.
I cut the lumber using our radial arm saw. I sanded with an random orbital sander, and used really great cordless drill and driver. My husband likes to buy good tools, but hardly ever uses them.
I had never used pocket screws before: I love them and found it very necessary to use the face clamp and right angle clamp Kreg sells to prevent splitting. My assortment of speedclamps were not getting the job done.
For the table, I tried masking off the white when I painted the red on the legs, which did not go so well as there was annoying paint-creep under the tape. I also decided that the red paint needed two coats to look good (it actually seemed to do better on bare wood then on primed wood.) So that took more time.
I finally bought a really good paint brush and that made a huge and positive difference.
I had intended to paint the chairs' slats red, but the back frame white, and the side supports red. To do this I intended to paint individual pieces and assemble the painted pieces, but the splitting (before I invested in the specialized clamps) was heartbreaking after all the sanding and painting. So I took a month off from the project, ordered clamps, recut a few pieces, and simplified my paint scheme. Much better!
I'm looking forward to starting my next project (NO paint!)

Estimated Cost
$70 (USD) for lumber, $37 paint, $25 for screws (leftovers)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore exterior soft gloss in red and white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hoop Trash Can

Submitted by spiceylg on Sat, 11/10/2018 - 03:23

My family is doing a home made Christmas this year.  I fell in love with this plan the first time I saw it.  While out shopping, I happened upon this trash can on sale which reminded me of a basketball net and knew I had to build this project.  We used leftover plywood which necessitated using paint to hide blemishes.  The size was modified a bit to fit this trash can.  I think it is really cute!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$6 as the paint, 2x4 and plywood used were left over from other projects. The longest amount of time was taken up by painting, not the actual build.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue - Behr sample
White - Rustoleum
Black - actually a stain - unsure of brand and not close by as I type this - Ebony
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X Dining Table

Submitted by raybotelho on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 06:57

I built this table a year ago just never got the chance to post pics. It was an easy build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
It's been so long I cant even remember exactly :/ but I believe I started with the vinegar steel wool mixture.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 09/07/2013 - 17:16

Your table looks beautiful! Love the finish, and the way you arranged and photographed it is wonderful, great job!

Elijah's Washer & Dryer Pedestal

I got this Idea from Sausha's washer dryer pedestal post.  Before then i didnt know people even built pedestals for their washer and dryer.  Just purchased new front load washer and dryer and they wanted 250 bucks extra for each pedestal.  That is 500 bucks and is absolutely rediculous.  So i opted out of those and thought to myself maybe I can build something instead.  So I began my search online and stumbled across this post which seems to be the most popular pedestal build on the web.  I think sausha's build is fantastic and absolutely beautiful though I went another way with mine.

I tend to like to overbuild things.  Especially in this case, seeing as the washer weighs a beastly 200 pounds by itself.  I figured with clothes and water it would be about 235 pounds just for the washer.  I noticed that with the aluminum drawer pedestals that you can purchse with the washer and dryer the support is only where the legs from the washer and dryer will sit.  That was all I needed to get on my way.  Purchased some regular old douglas fir 2x4's, 4x4's, and a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4 inch plywood.  I opted to use fence post brackets to tie everything together because I didnt feel like driller pocket holes in each 2x4 when you were not going to see them once its all said and done.  The fence brackets are not structural so they lack ridgidity untill you tie everything together with the legs, slats, and top.  Cut the top from the 3/4 plywood sheet and used the left over plywood to cover the front and the sides.  I left the back open as it is not seen anyway. 

Total size of the pedestal is 56" wide x 31" deep x 12 3/4 inches tall, but you can build it as wide, deep or as tall as you need it.  When i was done putting it together.  I tested it by jumping up and down on it and I weigh 230 pounds.  So this thing is quite strong.  I finished it up by covering the edges where the plywood meet with Edge moulding and the bottom with baseboard to match my laundry room.  I used Behr premium plus ultra paint on most of it and, behr alkyd paint for the baseboards.  Gave the top a couple coats of General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane.  Which isnt neccessary but I opted to do so because of the weight of the washer and dryer and the General Finishes High performance dries harder than most other polys that I have used.  I only used it on the top though. 

Taking into account that I used the paint and baseboards left over from renovating my laundry room.  This project cost about 150 bucks.  200 if you have to purchase the paint and moulding.  Quite easy to do and though I made the cutes I needed with my table saw.  This can be done with a circular saw and a drill.  No exotic tools are needed.  Will post finished pictures when my washing machine and dryer are delivered on friday and they are sitting on top of the pedestal. 

Estimated Cost
150 give or take a few bucks.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

hanging bed

I saw this bed and just had to have it for my daughter. She loves it so much and it looks great in her room. It was easy to make, but very heavy. We were very meticulous to hang, we might have spent more time hanging it than building it :) There is more info on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
35, but we had some extra lumber and screws we used
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
primed then painted
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Tryde Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 00:30

This is my first DIY build project and it turned out awesome. For some reason I was unable to find untreated 4x4's anywhere in Hawaii, so I took two 2x4's and attached them by countersinking wood screws. Beware, the dimensions of this project are massive. I scaled down the measurements drastically to fit in my living room with my sectional.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Unknown
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
A coat of Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner then two coats of Mixwax Polyshades Mission Oak Satin finish with light sanding between applications. I stained the top and legs separately for ease of application.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse King Bed - knotty alder and grey stain

This was my first building project! I had so much fun with it ... for a guy that can't even hang a photo on the wall! My dad helped and he had all the tools. I spent a few weekends with him so not only was a good father/son project we had something to show off at the end. I think I've caught the woodworking fever.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
prestain, weathered oak stain, danish oil finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dentalba

Mon, 12/23/2013 - 12:10

I really like the look of the stain. I would be interested to know what changes you made to the original to achieve this look. Also, where did you find the lumber? I can't find knotty alder around here.

locke1103

Thu, 10/23/2014 - 06:32

Is there a way to find the materials needed and specific instructions on how to make this bed? I LOVE IT!

winnsamuel

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 19:22

Hello,

This is awesome, I've been looking to build a bed frame for my new apartment.  Does anyone know where I can find the plans for this project.

Similar to the person above me, I am new to this and not quite sure what to do.  If anyone can provide me with a little insight to this project I would really appreciate it!

 

Thanks!

Rustic X console table Tv Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/01/2016 - 18:21

I built this for my mom after finding plans online. Since then I have been inspired by Ana and Jacob to build all furniture I ever need from this point on. No more over priced cheap store bought furniture. Thanks Ana and Family for your plans and helping me find peace in the workshop.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 with stain and screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Pecan from min wax and two coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Farmhouse Bed wth Boxspring

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 10:49

Wood = Pine
Finish = Minwax Special Walnut (after Pre-Stain)

This was a pretty straight forward build, but nice to have an extra set of hands. On the top board of the head/footboard, a countersink bit was used to recess the screw heads (otherwise, all fasteners in the plan are concealed). Then a mixture of glue/sawdust was used to smooth over the countersink hole. The whole project was sanded starting with 60 working up to 220.

We followed the plan, and in the photo this is the height of the bed with box springs and mattress. The bed feels sturdy and comfortable. It was a fun project and my first shot at interior furniture.

 

craft island

I built this craft island for a friend for her basement playroom space. Click the blog link for full build details and the inspiration picture.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1. ZInsser oil based primer
2. Two coats BM high gloss white enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Grill Table with Marble Top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/14/2023 - 12:07

I used some leftover marble from having our countertops replaced and modified the plans to fit the marble. Love my new grill table!

Shawna

Built from Plan(s)

Poker table with hiding beverage holder

Submitted by jasonr on Mon, 04/02/2012 - 12:48

*I did not have any plans to work from*
the cost really depends on how much you can get your wood for. I had a lot left over from previous projects, so $500 is only a low guess.

This is the second of 3 poker tables built.
Each side is 24"
the table measures 58" across
Some of the accompanying photos of the build were from my first table, but thought they might help.

I purchased a foam pad and "speed cloth" from a local poker supply store. The slide away bev. holders are kept in place with rare earth magnets

If you need any specifics, I'll try to help

Estimated Cost
500+
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
tung oil-
start with a 50/50 mix of turpentine and tung oil and rub into the wood. It will dry fast and absorb quickly. Wipe off excess after 15 minutes (if any). Allow 24 hours between coats. Sand with 220 grit and rub in tung oil with a few drops of japan drier. I add 1ml of japan drier to 40ml of tung oil. Allow oil to sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping off oil. Buff with cloth and allow another 24hrs. Sand with 0000 steel wool and repeat application process. Continue everyday until the desired finish achieved
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

carcreek

Tue, 02/25/2014 - 10:12

If you have plans for this poker table I would love to see them! Beautiful table.

Mudroom Bench with Locker Hutch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/08/2023 - 08:35

Garage bench with lockers. Plans and videos provided great inspiration and proves most anyone can do it.

Steve L. in Ohio

Comments

Farmhouse king bed

Submitted by hailey807 on Fri, 01/17/2020 - 20:42

i love the farmhouse look and decided to start changing the furniture in my bedroom. I went shopping and everything I liked was very expensive. I looked online and found DIY plans on Ana’s website. They were an awesome start. I tweaked a few things and absolutely love the end product. 
 

I decided to buy a metal frame and put the mattress on plywood. It’s as solid as a rock!!

Estimated Cost
500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I did one coat of Danish Oil in dark walnut. If you have never used Danish Oil....I highly recommend that you try it. I applied the oil with a foam paint brush and wiped off the excess with an old pillow case. It took about 2 weeks for the smell to lighten up.


The knotty alder is beautiful wood. It sands nice and stains easy.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

easiest daybed turned floating twin beds

we love ana's plans, and we love the way this one was executed by the bumper crop. check out more pics of our girl version and how we did it at http://www.iwantbdphotography.com/archives/2661

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none :) gutsy for a kid's room. not sure how they will hold up, but we just love the raw unfinished look
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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