Community Brag Posts

Our New Table...the table of my dreams!!

I have added hundreds of plans on my to do list, and some of them may have been a little easier, but I really wanted this table. Badly.

So, my husband and I, decided one weekend to build the Modern Farmhouse Table. Even though we have a saw, we decided since this was our first project, we would have Lowes cut our wood. Big mistake.

When we got home, we organized the wood as to what is what, and measured. It was while we were measuring, when we noticed that a lot of the wood was cut wrong :(

So let that be a lesson...ALWAYS CUT YOUR OWN WOOD!

We went ahead and put the table together, and even though there are some gaps, which I'm planning on filling, I am proud with it.

It's been 3 weeks since we've built the table, and I still have A LOT of sanding to do, and I still need to finish it, but I am proud of what my hubby and I built together so I have to brag!

Next on our list is to build the benches...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Entry table/console table

Submitted by Medickep on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 12:52

I made this entry table to go by our front door. It's a spin off from the "console table" posted by Anna. I read some of the comments from people who had problems with her plans as a result of different standards in lumber and decided to alter this some!

I cut the side braces short enough so when I included the measurements of the legs the actual table top extended approx. 3/4" further past the legs and apron of the table. I also went with one sheet of wood on the table top and finished it up with some trim around the edge of the table top.

Estimated Cost
approx. 100.00 (depends on wood used, I used hemlock)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I wanted to paint the table to matched a near bye coat rack I made. I primed the table first and painted it with three coats of Behr premium paint. I also used a polyacrylic to protect it a little from my boys. I did three coats on all of it and two additional coats on the front of the legs, apron, table top and bottom brace. Make sure you sand with 300-400 grit between coats!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Planked Wood Headboard in Cal King

This project was a blast to make. And, it really is doable and a lot less time then you would think. And finishing it with milk-based paint is even more enjoyable. I used screws and a drill (pre-drill!) and it was wonderful.

Here's some advice for the plan:

- Mount the back of the headboard with a piece of wood and use a metal support as shown here. Just make sure the board is wide enough to be level with your back trim, or else the metal support won't be even when you screw it down. And when you pre-drill this board, make sure you don't go all the way through, or else you will have holes through the front! It stunk to have to putty them all in, but thank heavens for putty.
- Although the instructions say to make your top 1 x 3" trim to fit in line with the top of the headboard, I made mine one inch longer on both sides, and then the 2 x 4" one inch longer to go on top of that 1 x 3" on both sides. That was just the look I wanted. Although you can get your wood pre-cut, I would recommend cutting it all yourself, especially since you will need these cut afterward once the rest of your headboard is put together.
- Ana's 'get started' tips are very helpful. Be sure to check them out first!
- Make sure, make sure, make sure you dry thoroughly between coats. Patience is a virtue.

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I distressed with milk-based paint... it always gives it such a unique look every time! Here's what I did:

- Stain your wood with a foam brush that you can by essentially anywhere--craft stores, home improvement stores--going along the grain of the wood. Do this for all painting and staining. For a dark finish underneath, use a dark stain. I used Minwax in Dark walnut. Leave the stain on for at least 15 MINUTES before you wipe it with an old t-shirt or a lint-free rag, like the one you would use to polish your car.

-Buff with a crinkled brown paper bag. You won't need to do this too intensely, but make sure you're thorough.

- If you want some of those big, antiqued stain spots, take a candle and really rub certain spots, such as the knots and the edges of the wood. However, it can be easy to forget where you rubbed with the candle, so you might want to draw up a rough diagram of a headboard and mark an X where you rubbed the candle. Rubbing with the candle will make the spot of the paint come off much easier--you'll see how well it will come off when you sand. But I would hesitate from rubbing it too much, because it makes your paint 'peel off' eventually if you do it in excess.

- Paint your headboard, giving it at least thee coats. My first coat was really thin so during my first coat I went right ahead and painted it again right then. Then I did a second and third coat. Let it dry completely between your second and third coat. I waited at least eight hours between coats.

- Once it's dry, sand your headboard BY HAND with at least 100 grit sandpaper. If you want your piece to have a more distressed look all-around and not just in certain places, sand your piece after each coat of paint dries. Just rub with your hand smoothly in strokes, and you will see how easily the paint comes off, and how it will give you that distressed look like magic. I did this for my dresser and I loved the look. However, I did not use the candle-wax method because I sanded after each coat. If you wait until after the third coat to sand, you will have to work harder, but your paint will still come off and look distressed very nicely.

- Stain the top of your paint (I used the same dark dark walnut color). Immediately rub off the stain with an old t-shirt or a lint-free rag. Rub it down to get the desired look of your stain. If you choose to have it a little less antiqued, you can skip this step.

- Finish with a Polyacrylic topcoat. They are safe and it really gives a nice, finished (and less DIY) look.

- Mount it with bolts on to your bed frame!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simple Outdoor Table

Submitted by ShannonMN on Sun, 06/02/2013 - 11:06

I took the Simple Outdoor Table along with a table I had seen at Pottery Barn and kind of put this together. It made of cedar and stained with a natural to keep the pretty color.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr stain and protect in natural color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bullitt453

Sun, 06/02/2013 - 19:28

Very nice! If you don't mind me asking, about how much money do you have invested in the table? I have been considering building something very similar, though smaller.

ShannonMN

Mon, 06/03/2013 - 13:25

Thanks! I did have extra wood left over but if I had to guess it was around $100 - $130 and that's for all cedar.

storchinsky

Mon, 06/03/2013 - 16:58

I really love the way you did this table! I've been considering a bunch of different plans and haven't been entirely satisfied with any of them. What are the dimensions of your table? And do you have measurements, or did you just figure it out as you went?

In reply to by storchinsky

ShannonMN

Wed, 06/05/2013 - 08:33

I started out with the size of 8 ft by 40 inches. It isn't exact but it's real close. After I had the initial measurements I just kind of pieced it together. I got ideas from looking at different tables on here and followed the pattern of the one I liked at Pottery Barn.

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