Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Bed and Argie Bedside Tables

Submitted by Anymouse on Thu, 04/30/2015 - 21:28

I went ahead and splurged on this project. It's all oak with a clear finish to show off the wood. I also put full extension slides on all the drawers. The bed is solid. It doesn't move a bit.

Estimated Cost
More than I care to admit.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Two coats of Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Charging Station

Submitted by Bradnag on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 05:20

I used the charging station plans as my first attempt at building something using pocket holes, and also my first real attempt at building any piece of furniture from scratch. I stuck pretty much to Ana's plans except for not cutting the front footer (I didn't own a jigsaw at the time) and using panes of frosted glass as the center of the doors.

 

As a piece of furniture it gets used every day, but it has been most invaluable to me as a learning experience. I've built many pieces of furniture in the time since I made the charging station, growing my skills each time. But this project was where I started, so it always feels a little extra special to me.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, weathered gray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 16:28

My 8 year old really wanted a loft bed. We were homeschooling and he was struggling with fractions so I decided to use carpentry to teach him fractions. He was hands on in every aspect of this project and did 80% of the work. I’m very proud of him!

Comments

Old Door Cofee Table

This table was built out of an old 5 panel door and some scrap would that we had lying around. old hinges and knob came from a local antique store. To finish the door my wife crackled the top and clear coated it. 

Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Red Cedar "Simple Outdoor Dining Table"

This table follows the plan pretty closely except that I wanted to use Red Cedar because of its beauty and durability. We can only get Red Cedar at one National Chain here and it only came in 6" widths, which meant a few recalculations. We also used deck strips (as recommended at the store) to attach the top from underneath (shown in photo) and adjusted the screw length to accommodate. We were able to keep waste to a minimum (seen in photo with triangle) by making sure to cut varying lengths from the boards (ie. one board gave us the length and width of the table). This was made easier by the available lengths of board from the store (8', 10', 12'). Another recommendation from the store was to use coated screws with cedar to prevent black streaks over time.
I love my new table!

Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

egookaasan

Wed, 11/11/2015 - 11:08

I was wondering about the size of this table.  If I need to make three different sized tables, 36x36  24x24  and 24x30 would this pattern be easy to adjust?

Thanks,

Sarah

A rustic coffee table for my mum

Submitted by sagey on Sun, 05/03/2015 - 21:59

This is a turned leg coffee table that i built for my mum. the top is reclaimed and the legs were found on a cheap craigslist side table!

I used corner brackets to secure the legs so they could be taken on and off...as i needed to ship the table in the mail.

The boards on top were already distressed but i used a gooey month long festering vinegar and steel wool concoction to add even more interesting layers.

I am so happy with the table and my mother is in love with it!!!!

Thanx again for the great plan and resource that helped me build it!

Estimated Cost
wood free
legs 35.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
top= oxidizing solution vinegar and steel wool steeped for over a month.
wax finish
legs chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic Table

Submitted by mmmond03 on Sat, 09/16/2017 - 16:09

Built this table with some modifications from the rustic table plans. Made it 6ft and added the breadboard end. Fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil Based poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Counter Height Table & Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 17:42

Built this amazing table & chairs a few years ago for a customer.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cubby Bench

Submitted by dhenderson on Sun, 03/20/2011 - 17:57

This was a very fun project to work on.  One of my first ones, I chose this to replace the store bought cubby book shelf in my daughters room with something she can sit on as well as use for storage. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25-30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats total - each of a different color stain. Haven't added the poly yet, that is on my to-do!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My very first build and I love it

Submitted by kimewest on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 20:47

This is my first try at building! Well, I have built above ground gardens but never furniture. Seeing what everyone has done on this site encouraged me to give it a try too. I'm so glad I did and it turned out exactly as I wanted. Now, I have several other projects that I'm excited to start. This could get addicting.

I needed a side table for my office and wanted it to match the decor. I have all black picture frames and accessories and needed the wood to look very similar to what was on the couch. I had planned on painting the bottom shelf but really liked it plain so decided to stain it as well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $60 but would have been less if I'd done this before
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
High gloss black paint and Minwax Rosewood stain. I finished with a glossy polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hall Tree

After 10 years of kicking around back packs and shoes that are always in the way, my wife decided she would like a Hall Tree for our foyer. For the last year or so I have been gathering ideas from the internet and putting plans together in “Sketchup”. I wanted to re-purpose some old doors and door knobs and was fortunate to find them at local auctions and antique malls. I’ll have to say that finding a pair of matching solid wood doors was the hardest thing to do. I was lucky to find a pair at an antique mall, and only paid $36 for both. The porcelain door knobs are used for hanging our jackets and coats. I found several of these at an auction. I used a piano hinge for the bench and installed a soft close hinge made by “Sugatsune” which I found on “Amazon’s” website

 

 Not cheap but well worth eliminating the dreadful slamming sound of the bench door. I had never distressed anything, but this and my wallet received plenty during the build. I’d have to say the best part of the build was working with my little cookie monster. She was always wanting to help, and I’m gonna let her because you all know as well as I that those days won’t last forever. Not a professional by any means, but Thanks for looking.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain, Antique White and Turquoise Latex
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

adeath

Thu, 05/07/2015 - 11:31

This is really fantastic. I love the doors as a design element. I may just have to head out this weekend and find some matching doors.

c_loughridge

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 05:10

Thanks Ana. Also thank you for all you do to keep this site up and going....really appreciate all the great plans and ideas.

Safejosh

Thu, 11/17/2016 - 11:37

I would love to build this but, I could not find the plans for this size of a bench to match the back piece. Could someone please assist? Thank you.

Farmhouse bed - twin size

Submitted by Teazle33 on Wed, 09/20/2017 - 19:30

This is the first bed I have built. It turned out better than I expected. The plans were great and easy to follow. I completed the bed from start to finish in two days. The steps I made from leftover material. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Country Rustic Shelf

We just bought our first home a few months ago.  It is taking me a long time to decorate, because I am more picky about what goes on my walls.  I saw this shelf and I knew I had to build it.  It was really simple to do.  I even did it without my husband, and that is huge for me. I have step by step pictures on how to make this shelf on my blog.
supersaturdayldscrafts.blogspot.com

Ana's Barn Beam Ledges are very simular, but I turned them and added molding to the front.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For the finish I used dark walnut gel stain, and then after the stain dried, I painted it with Home Depot Vermont Cream. When all the paint is dry, you sand the outside so the stain shines through to give it a more rustic country look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by mebohn on Fri, 06/07/2013 - 05:46

I This project is definitely the most difficult I've ever built. I've done lot of drawer slides before, but for some reason this one was the hardest. I think the culprit was squaring, which was mysterious to me bc I'm careful to take a square constantly. Could've been bowed boards, too. But, after some patience and forcing the boards to do what the should, it worked. I did rip down 2x4's for strength b/c our stores do not carry the upgraded 2x2's and furring strips would just not have been strong enough for a dresser. My son is very happy to finally have a place for his clothes. Thanks Ana for these plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel Wool and vinegar, Rustoleum ultimate poly in matte
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 06/07/2013 - 08:26

Your efforts were worth it. This came out beautiful. Looks professional.

Rustic x end table

Submitted by ayoung82 on Sun, 05/10/2015 - 13:43

I had to redesign the top because my wood was too narrow and warped to make it as per the plan, and I'm too cheap to go and buy some more. I think it worked out OK. I enjoyed making this piece and I'm trying to develop my accuracy in wood working. My patience for the "finishing" element is improving, but I'm still a Sand-a-phobe.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
€40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin Poly & Medium Maple Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hall Tree Bench DIY

Submitted by jimmysingh on Wed, 10/11/2017 - 08:13

Modified From Ana's Fancy-hall-tree bench plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White primer one coat, paint two coats, gloss water based polyurethane one coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Desk with X Detail

Submitted by vendo on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 11:46

I found a loft bed on the marketplace and had fun revamping it! I wanted to add a desk underneath that matched the existing desk surface, so needed to slightly modify the plan to make it the same height and width of the opening. This was a simple build, built in about 2 hours and the finish took about the same. I modified the bottom to be a full shelf, love the way it came out!

Built from Plan(s)

A bathroom cabinet for all that stuff!

Overall measurements: 24x40. I followed the same basic steps as the nursery armoire, but on a much smaller scale and with a 1x3 added to the back for hanging the cabinet on the wall. I sketched this out on my own and built it to fit above the toilet in my girls' bathroom.

For the first time, I used my table saw to route a space for the 1/8" MDF cabinet backing and drawer bottoms. I will probably use the same method again, but the MDF has to be absolutely square for it to work.

Also a first for me, I used a shelving jig to drill perfectly spaced shelf pin holes on the inside of the cabinet. I love the jig and the accompanying drill bit (from Woodcraft -- orange and blue do not carry it) and I'm looking forward to using it a lot more in the future.

The white latex paint finish is covered in Krylon "crystal clear" spray, which is (sadly) not actually crystal clear. I really like its durability and ease of application (re-coat after only one minute!), but will only use it on darker colored projects in the future. I'll have to sand, paint again, and recoat with my old standby, Minwax Polycrylic, to get rid of the yellow tones in the "crystal clear" Krylon spray.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray primer followed by Sherwin-Williams ProClassic semi-gloss white (which I applied in several thinned coats). Krylon not-so "crystal clear" topcoat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bunkbeds with Stairs

Submitted by Yodannos on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 13:19

We have a rental unit and decided to fill one room with 2 sets of bunk beds. One is a twin over a full. The other is a full over full. Due to a duct running through one corner, and limited amount of space, I decided to build a set of stairs on the 17" gap. I used the simple bunk bed plans, but modified it to the style of the farmhouse. Also, I changed several of the heights of the foot/head boards. The full over full will have a ladder coming off the end and is in progress.

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony Stain. Satin Polyeurethene.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Queen Bed and Headboard

Thank You Ana-White for the amazing plans for this beautiful farmhouse queen bed! Not bad for the first try!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Rustic Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 10:09

Built by Wndy D Keever-Keefe

"This was my very first build ever. Totally inspired by Ana White, I happened upon her site one day about 4 years ago and have since built lots of her plans."

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner