Community Brag Posts

Garage shelf and work bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 12:29

Used the plans from attached garage shelving to make a 10 ft, 24 inch wide shelf then used similar idea for workbench which I still need to put doors on. I love it! Such an easy plan!

Comments

Country style dresser

This is a country style dresser I built from one of ana's plans. I slightly modified the top and the dimensions to fit my needs. Painting this dresser was the biggest challenge. First I stained the entire dresser, then I applied 3 coats of ce ce caldwells chalk paint. I then used a wet rag to wipe away the yellow in areas I wanted distressed. Last I applied a paste wax to seal it.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
top: red oak stain and 2 coats of poly
bottom: ce ce caldwell's carolina sunshine chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dananryan

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 08:59

The paint job is superb. It makes the dresser look like an antique. Love the hardware too. A real gem. Wow!

Owens nightstand for Ben

Submitted by Mommy2BMR on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 20:46

This is my first furniture build! I am thrilled with the way it turned out, and now I am totally addicted. It's going into my son's room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Indoor Playhouse

Submitted by Alaskagirl on Thu, 02/28/2019 - 12:47

Husband and I built this beauty over a rainy weekend. He had cut the wood a few weeks before, then we had to wait for a free weekend to assemble. We switched the placement of the walls around so the bed wouldn’t go over a heat vent and had to trim a few inches off the legs to fit with our lowers ceiling. I painted the back wall with chalkboard paint and we added shelves to the side like shown in the blogpost linked on the build page. We added a light above and Christmas lights below to brighten things up. A book sling and pulley with basket added the perfect finishing touches. All our boys love this magical new addition to our youngest son’s room and gave already spent many hours playing there. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Haven’t finished yet, waiting for drier weather, then will add two coats clear polyurethane to keep the natural look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My daughters platform bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 05:33

I’m in love with how well this bed turned out. Modified by using a 2x4 for middle support and 1x4’s for slats. It was less money and felt better for support. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American stain & matte poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Murphy bed

Submitted by bpcooper14 on Wed, 05/08/2019 - 06:09

So I've always wanted to build a Murphy bed.  And by always I mean since I first came across plans here that made it look so simple.  It ended up taking me a while to do because my job has me working 6 days a week so I was only able to work on it for short chunks of time.

I ended up utilizing a few different plans and mashed them together to build a full size murphy bed.  The shelves are the support legs when the bed is down.  The "hinge" mechanism are heavy duty 360 degree seat swivels.

All-in-all it turned out WAY better than I expected with only some minor issues throughout the construction process.  

Next up is a twin xl Murphy bed with a murphy desk attachment that will serve as a craft  table when up.

Estimated Cost
3 - 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood ($25 each)
3 - 1x2x8 to wrap the frame ($2-3 each)
1 pack Door Hinge pins to serve as the pins to hold the bed upright ($3-5)
1 pint stain
1 pint shellac
2 - Heavy Duty 360 degree seat swivels ($20)
Screws/nails/etc.

All told, this project probably cost around $200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ultimate Workbench/Miter Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:32

This plan is exactly what I needed for my workspace. I ended up adding some slat wall pieces and cabinets above from cubicles in an old office nearby that closed down for a tool wall and storage. I left the right opening empty due to how unlevel my floors are. I may close it in later with drawers or cabinets, but it will be my sitting workspace for now. I trimmed out the edge with 1x2s and painted and stained everything for aesthetics.

Comments

Farmhouse Coffee Table [Beginner/Under $40]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/25/2023 - 03:46

Than you Ana, My first time ever that I have made anything - my coffee table taking pride of place. Looking forward to making my next project from your plans.

Comments

Mirror hidden shelf

Submitted by Bread0186 on Fri, 04/14/2023 - 17:52

Built 2 of these for some friends. One of them plans on putting it in the wall! Loved the build and they love the product.

Comments

Sister's Table

This was the second table I built - it was much improved on my first and was for my sister as a Christmas present. It has 4x4 legs that I notched out with a circular saw for the legs and a spruce top. I modified the length down to 6' for her house but added extensions on the end that make the table up to 9' long when fully extended.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut with Polyurethane and a epoxy coating on the top to seal all the cracks, as sister has two little kids.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Faux Fireplace with Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 16:33

Went with a black, high gloss finish which I sanded down with 220 grit sandpaper to soften the look. Cut up a birch tree from the backyard, back-lit the logs with two strands of orange Halloween lights from the dollar store (we drilled a hole in the bottom back for the plug for the lights).
Added a remote extender so we don't have to open the front middle door in order to operate our streaming devices.
Love to be able to decorate this for the holidays--can hardly wait for Christmas!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black high gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

L-Shaped Desk

Submitted by flyboy599 on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 08:16

This desk was made using the "Fancy X Desk" and "Modular Office Base" plans. A CPU enclosure was added with a similar "X" design. The top is 3/4'' plywood with 1x2's and 2x2's providing the framing. A 1x4 runs down the back of the desk with a cord try to hide cables.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black paint and primer in one with 5 coats of polyacrylic on the work surface.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ksc70x

Thu, 01/07/2016 - 15:16

HI, The desk is awesome and I thought I would make this my first attemt at building something.

But I am unable to find the instructions.

Please help.

 

Thank you.

ksc70x

Sun, 01/10/2016 - 08:46

Ok after reading the subject matter I realized that this is the merging of two different desks.

Can you post a photo of how you joined them.

The support for such a long desk is my concern, with out it having any middle support or at the the corner?

 

Thank you.

ksc70x

Sun, 01/10/2016 - 08:47

Ok after reading the subject matter I realized that this is the merging of two different desks.

Can you post a photo of how you joined them.

The support for such a long desk is my concern, with out it having any middle support or at the the corner?

 

Thank you.

veggie storage

Submitted by tjhead on Thu, 03/24/2016 - 10:08

I loved this plan.  It was my first build from Ana White plans and a true jumping off point for my imagination.  I used pine boards, matte red underneath and semi-gloss white top coat.  Steel wool was my tool for the distressing.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Matte red undercoat and semi-gloss white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mini Farmhouse Bedside Tables

I made two of these bedside tables for our master bedroom and I LOVE how they turned out. Really like the white with my red mahogany headboard. These weren't too difficult to build. The only problem I ran into was trying to fit my drill in some of the tight spaces to get some of the screws in. I had to do a few of them by hand with a small screwdriver. I mostly used leftover scraps to build them. The tops are made of several boards kreg jigged together rather than one big piece. I was a little nervous about the drawer because I have never made one before, but it wasn't as bad as I thought and it came out just about perfect! yay.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used white primer and two coats of white paint. Still need to give them a couple of coats of polycrylic...
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Tue, 01/14/2014 - 16:39

Love this nightstand, it's the perfect size, not too big or too small. Your white finish looks great, and the drawer looks perfectly even. Great job!

ACEuhheartz

Sun, 02/09/2014 - 10:47

Awesome job with your drawer! I just finish build my mini table now and getting ready to cut up another woods for the drawer part, what size is your front drawer? Is it 11 1/4? What about the length? I want to make sure I measure it right before I cut em soon.

tricia.flores

Tue, 02/11/2014 - 18:29

Sorry, I just saw your questions! Yes the drawer front is 11 1/4 wide, and the length of the drawer is 11 1/2. I just followed Ana's cut list exactly for the mini farmhouse bedside table. Since you already have the table built you can measure the opening for the drawer to make sure it will fit.

My Simple Outdoor Lounge Chair with 2x4 modification

I modified this chair with 2x4's as the base and 2x2 for decoration on arms, this is prior to sanding and finishing

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15-$20 dollars, depending on local lumber prices and finishing options.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

RandyW

Sat, 06/13/2020 - 16:33

I always take my sander to the sharp edges and round them off

Open Shelf Console with Modifications

Submitted by Stacie on Thu, 01/23/2014 - 07:32

I modified the size of the original plan to better fit the space. It is slightly deeper and taller than the plans. I also used a router to create a rabbet for the glass inserts in the doors.

The finish is a homemade chalk paint followed by multiple coats of furniture wax. The build itself was quick and straight forward, but the finish took the most time.

The console really pops in a room full of stained furniture. I love the look, shape, and versatility of it--thank you for sharing the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Finish Used
I painted it with three coats of homemade chalk paint and followed by 3-4 coats of wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Val Manchuk

Thu, 01/23/2014 - 08:36

This project looks really good. I love the glass inserts and the color you chose.

Val @ artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

Altered Apothecary Media Console

Submitted by vlilly on Sat, 04/12/2014 - 08:34

I had the wood to make this for about 2 weeks. Started on Tuesday and finished Thursday evening! I wanted the look to be different from the Apothecary look so I made the doors a little different!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained all wood with Rustoleum "Carrington" stain, then painted over the bottom part with Rustoleum "Heirloom White" Spray paint. Distressed through the white so the dark stain could peek through.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jeanniemn

Mon, 04/14/2014 - 17:16

I love this! I just finished putting the frame together but wasn't loving the original door look. Can you tell me how you did the beadboard doors? And what hinges? Thanks!

vlilly

Sat, 04/19/2014 - 08:02

Sure! I just bought a 4'x8' sheet of beadboard from Lowes. I have about half left over. They sometimes have half sheets but didn't when I went. I had them to rough cut it into 20" strips to fit in my car. It came white but I painted over it with Rustoleum Heirloom White spray paint. I bought 2 12ft boards for the frames, I think they were 1/2"x2".. only around $8 per piece and they are stocked vertically at lowes near the beadboard (at the store near me at least!) I cut the beadboard at home and then cut the frame board to fit. I used glue and a brad nailer with 5/8" nails to attach them to the beadboard. My doors had to overlap the plywood since I had the extra shelf that was flush with the rest of the cabinet.. I couldn't inset my doors like she did at Shanty-2-Chic. I bought the same hinges she used, the brand is Liberty and I found them at Home Depot. $5 something for a 2 pack. They are awesome! The doors aren't heavy duty but we didn't need them to be. You could always add a layer of MDF or Lauan if you wanted them to be more sturdy!

I hope this helps.. I'll be glad to answer more questions!

jeanniemn

Thu, 05/01/2014 - 18:28

Thanks!! We are almost done but are stumped by the hinges (I bought the Liberty ones too). Any tips on those? I think we are just over-thinking it, it can't be that hard!!

jeanniemn

Thu, 05/01/2014 - 18:42

Thanks!! We are almost done but are stumped by the hinges (I bought the Liberty ones too). Any tips on those? I think we are just over-thinking it, it can't be that hard!!

pde00311

Fri, 05/02/2014 - 06:53

...has completely stumped me before, and buying the wrong type has halted one of my first projects. Make sure you pick the right hinge for how you want your doors to align. From my experience, HD sells mostly "overlay" and "3/8 offset" hinges, with a small selection of "inset" hinges. These links are to a different hinge manufacturers, but the little pictures/explanations have helped me figure out what type of hinge I need to buy:

http://www.rockler.com/how-to/understanding-hinges

http://www.menards.com/main/store/20090519001/items/media/Millwork/Belw…

(and vlilly, I love the distressed finish on the console above).

Storage Dining Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/22/2024 - 07:34

Kitchen dining bench with storage. Due to the plugs being in an awkward position, I opted to build this bench with a facade as opposed to adding a back and sides. This also meant it had to be panelled in situ which was a fun challenge! It has piano hinges as well as soft close pistons making for a great storage bench that is in keeping with the rest of our kitchen.

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 19:25

First table build! We modified the plans with no breadboard ends since we live with lots of humidity and wanted to allow the wood movement. We also used 4x4s for the legs. White chalk spray paint legs and custom mix of special walnut and weathered oak stains. We LOVE it!!

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)

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