Community Brag Posts

Large Plant Caddy

Used cedar fence planks. These were pretty cheap at Home Depot. My husband wanted to use them for another project, but ended up not needing them. So instead of returning, I used them! I needed a caddy to hold a planter well over 150lbs. My husband and I had to load on a dolly to move around. It was made out of 2 planks and I added copper wheels (each wheel holds about 80lbs) from Lowe’s. I had a few extra planks, and made an herb window planter...I’ll post on that too!!

Estimated Cost
12
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax- Sedona Red/ Totalboat Halcyon Clear Amber Gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Camp Loft bed

I used the plans from the Camp Loft bed and adjusted to exactly what I needed. Two twin beds in a small bedroom without losing any floor space. I found the slide on craigslist while I was building this and it made the best addition. I also added a shelf along the base of one bed for the boys to have a play table and adds stability to the base of the bed to keep it from rocking.

Estimated Cost
200-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I have not yet added the finish as I needed the beds up asap. I plan on spending a weekend when the kids are gone by simply adding a coat of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lois (not verified)

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 17:38

Great Bed! Can I get the plans the way that they were modified? I am a beginner and definately need the step by step plans. This would be great for my nephew's!

Raye Lin (not verified)

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 14:09

I just made the first bed as the plans had. Instead of doing the stairs I just did an extra 2x4 across the legs so they can get up onto the platform. For the 2nd bed I followed the same instructions as the first but only doing one end and the rails (made a giant L) then flipped and screwed right into the side of the other bed. I used pocket holes all around so it went together very quickly.

Natali (not verified)

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 20:57

I really like this bed!my boys will love it! I am a beginner can I please get the plans and tell me how to make the bed with 5 feet high for more space
It will be my first time I can't wait. Thank you !

theprovocative…

Mon, 06/24/2013 - 10:36

I have scoured the web for this loft for my two youngest girls! As I am terribly untalented at drawing up plans PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP make your adjusted plans available? I have until the end of next month to build this for my princesses birthday and I'm more than a touch frazzled that I cannot find these plans anywhere. Take pity on the less talented and please post your plans? Or email them? [email protected]

Thank a ton in advance!

SuperDaddy4

Mon, 12/08/2014 - 13:48

Great work with the modifications! Can you please share the new plans for the changes you made or let me know what exactly that you did to achieve the finished results. Thanks in advanced!

SuperDaddy4

Mon, 12/08/2014 - 13:48

Great work with the modifications! Can you please share the new plans for the changes you made or let me know what exactly that you did to achieve the finished results. Thanks in advanced!

mideastmom

Thu, 06/30/2016 - 20:16

I know it's been a while, but if you would share your finished plans, that would be great. We have the original camp loft, bought from someone else who built it, and we'd like to modify it to be an L-shape loft.

Simplest Armoire as a pantry cabinet

Submitted by aklab on Sat, 08/23/2014 - 19:45

Used the simplest armoire plans -- great plans and relatively simple for a first-timer like me. Chalkboard paint on the doors made it fun for the kids!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 including lumber, paint and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
glossy white latex paint and chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandson toy box

Submitted by joker16417 on Sun, 12/11/2016 - 15:25

I used the plans from this site with just a couple changes but the idea came from this plan here 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gliddon paints and wall decals
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor loveseat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/24/2020 - 17:43

Just wanted a nice looking bench to seat at the porch! This turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Special Walnut and oil based polyurethane

Laundry Dresser

Submitted by Tina Barta on Fri, 11/09/2012 - 01:20

My very first build inspired by the Ana-White.com website. I would declare this as a success. Decided to make two laundry drawers and keep the bottom open for extra supplies. Perfect for our household.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer Zinsser 1-2-3, leftover paint sitting around in garage.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Saddle Seat Stools

Submitted by naomi on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 06:57

After a lot of cutting, screwing, chiseling and sanding... oh and a lick of paint! My new little Saddle Seat Stools are complete. Time will only tell whether they will hold up to the abuse the boys give them especially Brodie! These new stools only cost me $48 to make the pair and I got all the timber from Bunnings

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$48
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak and White Enamel Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/15/2016 - 11:31

When my daughter was born I promised that I would make her a dollhouse. A few weeks ago I found these plans, and absolutely loved the visual layout of the rooms. I stuck with this layout and tweeked the dimensions according to what worked best for the space it would proudly sit in. It is 46 inches high and 31 inches wide at the walls, and is made from 12 inch wide MDF which I primed with a latex primer and then finished off with a semi-gloss white on the majority of the walls. I also mixed the colors for the roof and also the 3 accent walls to give it an extra wee shot of color. 
I was very, very happy with the end result, and haviong caught what I now know as the "dollhouse bug" I though "what about if I added a chimney ?". So I added it. I then thought what about adding a roof ridge and something to cover my dodgy gable on the roof front . The house looked even better. Progressing onto full-blown "dollhouse-flu",  I then decided to make a chair for what would later be the living room. That was it, fully addicted now I couldn't stop and found myself obsessively planning, designing, messing up, re-designing, cutting, building and painting until I reached the point where last night I attended my first "DA" meeting. 
I found Dollhouse Annonymous very helpful and although not cured, I realise that it is perfectly acceptable for a 44 year old Scotsman to build a dollhouse for the daughter (naughty 2 1/2 year old daughter) that is the love of his life. If she is happy when she unwraps it on Christmas morning, then all of the work shall be worth it. 
This site is top of my bookmark list and I love it. !

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Narrow end table

I adjusted the dimensions to fit my space and added a shelf on the bottom. I built it using my Kreg Jig.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the end table and then polyurethaned over the stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchright Round End Tables

Submitted by DWL on Sat, 08/30/2014 - 21:06

This project was a challenge because of the instructions regarding the "recommended" pocket holes for the aprons. I soon realized you can't put a 3/4 pocket hole on a 45 degree mitred edge, and when I adjusted the depth of the pocket hole, I could not for the life of me screw it into the legs without the apron getting sucked past the edge of the legs. I ended up putting the pocket screws on the outside which I know is a major faux pas for wood workers, but because I used Kreg wood plugs and painted it, you can't see the little ovals where the screws are.

The photos are just for scale. The little girl is a big 2 1/2 year old, and the dog is not a St. Bernard.

We love the table and it works great for baby brother's room.

Thank you Ana for another great project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gripper primer and Semi-gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Truss Beam Table 35x60 size

Submitted by mlatanzi on Sun, 12/18/2016 - 22:12

Truss Beam Table size 35x60

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut, Spar Urethane Ultimate
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Planters

Submitted by ajmorfeld on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 15:03

Very easy fun build. I laid out the fence boards and marked the 5 degree angle but cut them with a miter saw as I was not confident to use the hand saw. Also numbered each section to easily put the sections back together. Miter saw was set to 5 degree angle also. I initially built with 7 boards and then took off two of them as it was really tall.

Estimated Cost
40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr solid stain in Cordova Brown
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bedside Table

For the 7 years I have been married to my lovely wife we have used an old 70's bedside table and some Rubbermaid boxes as our nightstands. It was time to give my wife a nightstand that she would love. With the help of the Kreg Jig, a new table saw and some trials and tribulations in staining, I have given her a special treat. Best part: She loves them!

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

Comments

Jake

Tue, 11/20/2012 - 02:11

You did a great job on the night stands. What did you use for the legs? They look like 2x2s but where did you get them?

Scott Kershaw

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 01:47

Funny enough the legs are ripped down to 2x2's but they started as 2x3's. The 2x3's were cheaper at my local big box joint. What was nice about ripping them down on the table saw was that I could get a nice square edge on everything unlike just throwing a off-the-shelf 2x2 on there with their inconsistent rounded edges.

Home Depot DIH Workshop Rolling Storage Cart

So I went to the DIH Workshop held at my local Home Depot and finished my cart over the weekend. I had the guy at HD cut my plywood down, won't make that mistake again. He made each one about a inch shorter than I asked for so I had to make my adjustments for everything else based on that. Next time I will take a tape measure with me to make sure instead of lugging everything to my car, taking it home and then measuring.

All-in-all I like the way it came out even with the minor adjustments still a fantastic cart.

Estimated Cost
$52
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Paint Gold
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rozika's Dollhouse

Submitted by Bgergoke on Fri, 12/23/2016 - 10:34

Thanks Ana for the plans, it was big fun to build! Had to do it while babysitting after work hours in our Budapest appartment, so all our neighbors had a lots of fun too while sawing and drilling in the night! 

At the start I had some difficulties with your inches and feet, but at the end I had to realize that milimeters weren't my thing either... but it looks good from the distance. Still needs to be filled with furnitures and dolls, but that will be the task of Rozika. 

Estimated Cost
ca. 200 USD, had to buy some tools too.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white lustre for the frames&walls, water based topcover for the rest, serviettes for the decoupage.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X-Table & Vintner's Hutch

Inspired by the Fancy X Table plans, this table was made from scraps of thresholds and door frames. The table legs were made from the runners and deck board from shipping pallets.

The Vintner's Hutch was created by re-purposing fencing for the wine rack, decking for the buffet top & pallets for the buffet itself.

The little guy featured in the additional pics is a twin to another accent table. All three tables can now be joined to make one 12' long table for the ultimate family feast. Magnets are used to make the connections!

It is an honor to post these on the Brag Board since I was inspired by the old "Knock-off Wood" to start building furniture 18 months ago as a way to bring in income and help pay for my wife's MS medicine. A humble and sincere "thank you, Anna" for reminding me that , even if I can't do much, I will never be accused of not doing what I can. You've inspired me to stop feeling sorry for myself when money was tight and collectors were calling. Now I proudly own Chucked Wood; where old pallets go to live!

Here's to life...

Cheers!

Cory
www.facebook.com/chuckedwood/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 in screws, wood glue and some hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax's Red Oak stain
rust oleum ultimate polyurethane - Matte Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 11/21/2012 - 14:51

What a nice post and beautiful builds! Keep up the great work and best wishes in your endeavors.

Cory Phillips

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 20:08

Goodness Pam, I really appreciate your kind words. I am always floored by your brag posts!

Cheers!

CP

Juanita_r

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 19:09

Makes me want to sit down there and enjoy the company of great friends and some wine, cheese and some fresh crusty bread. amazing!!! Your wife is very lucky to have you!

Cory Phillips

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 20:09

I'm blessed to have her. As cool as Anna is, Shelby has taught me how to be authentic, sincere and thankful for the small stuff.

Cheers!

CP

Juanita_r

Fri, 11/23/2012 - 02:08

Makes me want to sit down there and enjoy the company of great friends and some wine, cheese and some fresh crusty bread. amazing!!! Your wife is very lucky to have you!

Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/26/2016 - 08:15

I started with your Hall Tree plan and added some upper storage.  The only trick there was to make two of the lower storage units and I turned one upside down to create the upper storage.  The extra space makes for double the storage.  Instead of using the pine for a back wall I substituted Wanescoting on the back and side walls.  I added 1-1/2' base moulding and a 1" moulding to finish off the seat edge and the top of the Cabinet. Also had to put moulding on the sides of the Wanescoting tofinish off the exposed edge.  I applied Rustoleums Cabinet Finishing kit to the bare wood.  This is a 3 step process and is similar to antiquing with a polycrylic finish.  The finish took as long as the build process but was well worth the time.  Finally I added the coat hooks that are black with brushed copper highlights.  I picked up some stamped rustic stars on-line for $3.50 for a set of 5 and painted them black and applied them with a hot melt glue gun.  Feedback from the family and our friends has been great and they all love the finished project.   

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350 Total
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Cabinet Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

King Bed Frame and Bedside Tables

The bed frame was actually pretty easy. I had an adjustable bed frame so I actually need to make the connecting pieces a little bigger so the frame could go up and down. It’s actually extremely sturdy so I’m happy with it. Anyone can build the bed frame.

The bedside table was way harder. The 1x2s were super frustrating and the drawers were annoying. I’m about to finish a second one and I wasn’t nearly as particular about the measurements and I think it looks just as good and I got way less frustrated. This was tougher than the frame for sure.

Cost and time are including the stain. I built the white furniture, plan on eventually building stuff to replace all the black furniture.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My finished flip top console table

Submitted by Janettx on Sun, 11/25/2012 - 06:36

What a fantastic fun project. I spent more time on the finish than I did building this piece. I used outdoor rail posts for my legs because it's all I could find. These rails were larger than the 2x2 required so the back top board had to be a 1x6 to accommodate for this size leg. Besides the narrow hinges I also used some supports under the top so the top would stay up when opened. I didn't want any tiny fingers getting smashed.
I am thinking of doing this one again but altering it to be a sewing machine table. I'll post a picture if I am successful.
Thank so much for the fun project.
Janet

Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner