Community Brag Posts

Cedar Raised Garden Beds - 3 Tiers

Steps:

1) Cut the boards to the specs below or adjust to your space

2) Kreg Jig the cut boards along each of the sides (length wise and on the ends) for attaching and making a box.  

3) Make 3 separate boxes, don't assemble until you move to location.  I used 4x4 cedar posts in the corners of the base box to add stability.  I used 2x2 pine in the front corners of boxes 2 and 3 for stability.  Install these after the dirt has been added so you can hammer in as a stake, attach with screws on front and sides.  I created 2 stakes for boxes 2 and 3 and added to the front to prevent bowing when the dirt is added.

Box Dimensions:

1) (base) 70.5" L x 46 W x 4 cedar boards high

2) 70.5" L x 32 W x 2 cedar boards high

3) 70.5" L x 16 W x 2 cedar boards high

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor chair frames and coffee table

I built a set of chairs and a coffee table for our newly designed outdoor area. These look amazing and people love sitting on them and hanging out outside our house.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Brick Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 18:08

We used Ana White shiplap fireplace tutorial to build the structure and then followed her advice for brick installation instead of shiplap. It all turned out so great. The fireplace has changed the entire feel of our house now. Thank you Ana!

Comments

2x10 Step Stools

Submitted by msyoung22 on Tue, 08/16/2016 - 07:26

My kids needed a step stool and I had some scrap wood (2x10) left over from a previous project

Estimated Cost
20 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax (weathered oak stain)
Minwax polycrylic protective finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kristyzed

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 20:40

These are great.  Can you share dimensions and if there are any angle cuts on the legs?

msyoung22

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:12

Thank you! The dimensions are the same as the Ana White "Simple 1x10 Single Step Stool" except I used 2x10's instead of 1x10's like the plans called for. I also used some scrap pallet wood to make a design on the top of the stool. 

- Stool height: 7 1/2" for legs, 1 1/2" for top, and 1/2" for scrap pallet wood; which gives a total height of 9"

- Stool width: 9 1/4" x 16"

- 5 degree angle cuts were made on the legs

King classic storage bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 10:08

Built fairly close to original plans. Though we did modify slightly to create a slightly taller bed.

We placed a simple - but sturdy 2x4 frame between the sides. The span seemed a bit wide and we did not want any sagging.

We skipped the optional drawers, instead we will be building lightweight wooden storage crates to fit the storage spaces specifically.

Not a hard project. Though be sure to measure twice before you cut. 🤣

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
VALSPAR SIGNATURE INTERIOR PAINT & PRIMER in ebony field.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse coffee table under 40 - ( 65 dollars Canadian)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 15:50

This was my first project and had tons of fun building it. Can’t wait to build to end tables to match.
The plans are so easy to understand. The only change I made was instead of exposed screws I used the pocket hole method

Estimated Cost
65 dollars ( Canadian)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax pre- stain wood conditioner, minwax classic grey ( 2 coats) minwax clear satin poly urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mh6558

Fri, 01/12/2024 - 08:33

This is beautiful and just the look I'm going for with the color scheme. I am wondering if it would be easier to paint the wood before constructing it? Also, what is the pocket hole technique? I think I would like the screws hidden too.

Modified Ann White Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 17:07

This is a modified version of your Farmhouse Coffee Table.

Comments

Ana's ultimate workbench (Ryobi)

Submitted by CABANE on Fri, 01/12/2018 - 13:38

This is the perfect workbench for my needs.

I upgraded the casters to bigger ones as my shop's floor is in rough shape.

I also added storage under the two work surface next to the miter saw. This was just a matter of closing under the 2X4 frame and making the two sections on casters a little shorter. The only downside for that mod is that the plywood can bend a bit since it is not screwed to the frame. I don't mind since it falls flat as soon as there is weight on it. Also, this mod makes it hard to include fence system (it would need to be removable, like fixed with dowels only, no glue) and almost impossible to include a precise fence system since it would need to be removable. In my case, I do rough, non-repetitive cuts, so there is no need. 

TIP : Pay a little extra for smooth plywood. I lost a lot of time sanding mine :(

Estimated Cost
$150 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

groche

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 08:21

Awesome! Do you have pictures/info for the cart that has the Dewalt table saw? I have the same one and would love to build the cart for it.

Faux fireplace with hidden storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 22:32

I slightly modified my build. I kept the same dimensions as the plans, but made the top shelf 7” from the top to allow for a bigger firebox. I added faux brick made from masking tape, joint compound and chalk paint. I changed the molding a bit and used 3” pine slats for the top. Inside I added 3 shelves, attached with pocket hole screws, to fit in as many DVD’s as possible. Overall this was an easy build. It took me almost as long to paint it, as to build it. Thank you Ana for the plans!

Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with Sherwin Williams Alabaster. Faux brick is chalk paint from Waverly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X coffee table with Minwax Classic Gray stain

Submitted by cariaw123 on Thu, 11/21/2013 - 07:54

This project was quick and painless. I recommend for a beginners project (but expect to get frustrated over building the x's into the side though). I stained our table with the Minwax Classic Gray stain and used the Minwax water-based polyurethane to seal it. I realize that the stain is difficult to see but it is a beautiful stain that has turned into my go-to stain. The stain is not too gray and you can see the natural color of the wood through it. The photo gives the impression a glossy finish. In reality, it is more matte.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80-90
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Gray stain with Minwax Water-based Polyurethane.
NOTE:The stain goes on pine and whitewood VERY differently. The pine pieces come out very dark with the stain being brushed on and immediately wiped off. For the whitewood, you can leave it on for 10 minutes and it'll reach a threshold for the amount of stain it will accept. I just sanded the darker pieces down a little bit to match the lighter pieces. (Does that make sense?)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toddler Bunk Bed

This project cost around $75 dollars for all the materials and paint. It took about 10 hours to complete. It is costructed of pine 2x4 with the exception of the slats which are 1x3.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex Semi-gloss Interior/Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

chalip2

Wed, 06/22/2016 - 18:45

Love the bunk bed, its looks perfect for my needs.

Is there anyway you can send me the plans for this?

Hexagon Picnic Table

Submitted by JohnNH on Tue, 08/02/2016 - 06:20

Thanks for the plans.  My little brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters and I made this table and had lots of fun doing so.  We made a few modifications which might be useful to others:

1.  We modified the center joints (at the lower and table level) so that one 2x4 could continue across the entire diameter of the table for greater strength (see pictures for details).

2.  As recommended we extended the seats out 4".  This made it very comfortable to get in and out.

3.  We started the center with 2 pieces of 2x6 rather than 6 with the thought being that this would help strengthen the center of the table.  (see pictures for details).

4.  We added a stiffener at the center 6-way joint on the lower level to help really strengthen that center joint.  This was made out of 2 pieces of 2x6 as shown in the pictures.

 

Thanks,

John

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-transparent Redwood Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Round Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/17/2020 - 22:23

Like any good DIY project, I started with plans and then changed pretty much everything.

We wanted a modern but sort of rustic table for our dining area. The Modern Round Table plans almost fit the bill but not quite. The local Lowe’s had the perfect answer—Birch plywood. It also fit our Alaska setting.

I laminated two half sheets of 3/4” together, then cut out a 48” round top with a router.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil Natural, then 4 coats of Polyseal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doggie Daybed

Submitted by moosmani on Tue, 12/04/2012 - 20:18

Since making a twin size daybed still seems intimidating to me, I decided to get some practice by making a small version for our dog. I modified the doll farmhouse bed making it a bit larger and in daybed style. We'll see if our doggie takes to it. If not, it will be a toddler couch!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly Shades
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dananryan

Tue, 12/04/2012 - 22:14

I love the modifications you made. I believe you are ready for a twin size. Lucky doggie...

spiceylg

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 05:40

Oh my gosh, I love it. I have to build one for my dog. You did a great job. You are definitely ready for the twin, go for it! Love the dog cushion, too!

abbpim

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 07:07

I built the big farmhouse storage bed and nightstands in my bedroom and my dog needs her own little farmhouse bed now. I've been trying to decide how I want to do it... You've just decided for me. Thanks!

Ashley I. (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 09:00

I love this!!! I think I might steal this idea and make one of these for my nephews as a little couch. About how much did you spend on lumber?

moosmani

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 20:52

I pretty much just followed the plans, except making it taller and wider by adding more slats and making everything taller. The finished dimensions turned out to be approximately 26 ½” x 16 ½”. I kind of made it up as I went, but I did take some notes. Here is the first part of my altered cut list:
9 ea – 1x3 @ 8” tall (headboard panel slats)
10 ea (5 for each side) – 1x3 @ 5 ¼” tall (side arm panels slats)
2 ea – 2x2 @ 8” tall (side arm legs)
2 ea – 2x2 @ 13 ½” tall (headboard legs)
For the rest of the cut list, I didn’t take notes. I just cut the lengths to fit my new dimensions. I hope this helps. If you’d like more measurements just let me know and I can measure the actual bed.

moosmani

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 20:21

Thank you! I made the cushion with foam and batting. I got the foam piece from the fabric store. It was 2" thick, 22"x22" square. It was on sale, but I don't remember how much I paid. I cut it down to 22" x 12” to fit the inside of the bed. A regular handsaw worked great for cutting the foam. Super easy, but messy. I wrapped it in batting so it finished a little bigger, 23” x 13”. I bought one pillow sham from Walmart because I liked the design and cut it apart to make the cushion top. The rest is from one of those cheap fuzzy blankets.

moosmani

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 21:08

Thank you! I have much to learn about finishing. I first used regular stain. I think the color was gunstock. It turned out so not what I was going for. It was too orange. So then I stained it again with Minwax Hickory Gel Stain. Better, but the wood putty still showed and looked terrible. So I resorted to Minwax Bombay Mahogany Poly Shades which I found difficult to work with, but it did a fantastic job of covering over the wood putty filled holes. I think I used either 2 or 3 coats of the Poly Shades. I’m sure I could have skipped the first two stains and could have had the same result!

colsen

Mon, 12/17/2012 - 19:30

Fantastic bed!! I've been shopping for a dog bed. This is 100 times better than anything in the store. I may have to borrow you're idea :)

Rustic x hall tree

Submitted by Takoravi on Mon, 10/05/2020 - 08:50

first furniture build from scratch. A few minor differences. I decided to distress by staining entire piece with minwax espresso stain, then painting over with white chalk paint and sanding through. Decided to leave bench and to molding stained for effect. Love the piece and so does my wife.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Laundry Orgainized

We needed to organize in the laundry room. This was the perfect idea.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
This was easy and fun to do. My husband and I worked on it together and we are both alive to brag about it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Apothecary Jeans Dresser

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 18:27

I used Shelf Help for the plywood pieces and a mash up of Ana's plans for the rest. I shared a video on my family page for steps used here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urFoX5j4J0s

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sofa Console Table Bar Height for Dining

Submitted by ezematis1 on Mon, 01/23/2023 - 06:55

I took the basic idea of the Rustic X Console. Raised it to countertop height so I could use it for three stools. I also added a shelf so people sitting on the sectional could put drinks right behind them. Added a charging station to that shelf as well. Topped it with a live edge black walnut slab. Finally, I didn't use the X because the table was too high and the base was too narrow to make the X work. I used a tablesaw to cut a grove in the legs and then put a 1/4 plywood panel.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments