Community Brag Posts

DIY Modern Stair Railing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:57

During a home renovation we found out part of our stair rail would need to be replaced and the quote from the contractor floored us. We were searching for an economical way to DIY the stairs and come across your idea. I immediately loved it and we worked to figure out how we could put it together with our limited construction knowledge. The end result exceeded my expectations. I totally love it!

Entry table using Cottage Media Table plans

Submitted by KelleighW on Wed, 04/18/2012 - 15:17

I used the Cottage Media coffee table plans and modified the length and height to suit for the space I needed. Ana's plans were super easy to follow and am pleased with the end result.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chocolate Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King Farmhouse Bed

My husband and I built this bed as our first ever project. It was so easy. It took about 8 hours plus painting time. I modified the original King plans by raising both the headboard and foo board 6 inches. This meant every vertical measurement was changed by 6 inches. I am also using a metal bed frame with box spring. We are next going to make the matching nightstands! Super excited to continue building my own furniture!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Olde Century Paint:
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

crooked dog house

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/01/2016 - 15:31

A few years ago I was looking for plans for a dog house to be used as a prop for a seasonal photo promotion. I found these plans and made the house, it was perfect! The promotion was to get a holiday photo of your dog in exchange for a donation of dog food, which was donated to a local food bank. The project brought in over 500 pounds of food!

The plans were super easy to follow and the structure was very soild.

Thanks for all you do!

Ken from Canada

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Headboard with Fold Down Tray Tables

Submitted by t856463 on Sat, 01/25/2020 - 21:05

Wow, my 2nd piece of furniture I attempted.  A lot of wood filler was involved.  My shelves seemed too big, so I just did one, then my back board accidentally got used in “open shop” so I used some left over pegboard.  I had fun but spent a lot of time fixing “oops, that doesn’t seem right”. Peg

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and stain

A First Planter Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 15:44

Cedar Planters, my first planter. Thanks Ana!

Caleb

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Updated Tryde Coffee Table

This was my first building project, and I'm very happy with the results. It was a cinch to put together, too. My husband helped me cut the pieces after work one night and then I put it together that Saturday. I decided to do a two tone finish with the legs and apron painted because our local Lowes didn't have 2x4s and 4x4s in the same type of wood, so I was afraid there would be too big a difference in the way they take stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 including lumber, screws, paint and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The legs and apron are spray painted with black Valspar gloss paint, and the top was stained with Minwax Kona stain. I did the painting and staining prior to attaching the top to the bottom and then gave it three coats of poly to help with durability.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Barn door tv stand

Submitted by BojackH on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 20:44

We had a cheapo tv stand made out of pressed board which I felt was one nudge short of collapsing.  So decided to build an upgrade.  There were a few electronic components I wanted to be in the middle so designed a 3 bay instead of the 4 bay originally posted here. I used the picture from the sliding door hardware tutorial site - but instead of joining the plywood box with kreg screws I instead used Spax MDF screws on the end grain + wood glue (they work great and don't split the plywood at all - no need to predrill either!).

For the shelves, I drilled a buncha pin holes in case I wanted to adjust the height.  For the top I used 3 2x6's instead of the 1by used here.

With the backing, I used scrap planks from a couple pallets - I spaced them at about 2 inches to allow airflow for the components (HTPC/ PS4/ modem) as well as the ability to run cords through.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minewax Special walnut for base & doors. Minewax Dark Walnut for top. 3 coats of Minewax Satin Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

The Mail Boss is ready

Submitted by JanMarie63 on Fri, 01/31/2020 - 20:20

The Mail Boss cabinet with chalk paint and wax finish. Ana White plans.

I worked on this project off and on for two days. I love it! Thank you Ana 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue chalk paint and clear wax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

accox16

Wed, 02/05/2020 - 20:46

Love this & we would like to make it! Want a “command center” to get organized. We have all needed tools. Can you estimate the supply costs for the building materials?

Shiplap Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 08:13

So excited for my new living room space thank you for your great tips!

Kandis white DeCarlo

Comments

Pioneer Twin Bed

Submitted by timh on Sat, 02/08/2014 - 15:48

This Pioneer bed took me several weekends this winter, doing a little at a time. It was a challenge for sure because there were a few errors in the plans, but with some improvisation it was easily avoided. This bed is very simplistic but the design allows for some personal flare and variation to be added. Be sure to make precise cuts! Be sure to pick out straight boards!

I used specialized software to make the head and foot curves and printed them on paper, then transferred them to the wood. I did not put the two blocks on the headboard posts...because to me it just looked plain silly! I added two bun feet to make it look like genuine bed knobs and they look excellent. Also for the foot board posts I used specialized square pieces of wood found in the hardware store that have a nice design in them doe a decorative look. they indent far enough towards the bed that they actually hold the sheets in place!

I did not paint it. Instead I used a golden oak stain, one coat. Then put two coats of high gloss on it. This also strengthened the soft white pine I used to build it.

I did not follow the part about the slat placement nor where the bed rails should be mounted, as this will vary depending on the thickness of the mattress you get, or if it has a box spring.

I used bolts to hold the bed rails in as well, along with nails and screws.

Sandpaper! Use it a lot!

$65 to build, although I already had nails, glue, sandpaper, stain, and varnish.

My daughter just loves it and I know it will be around for years to come!!! Everyone in my family loves it too. I highly suggest anyone who is looking for a simplistic looking twin bed, and who knows how to take their time and follow directions, to make this bed. Feel free to write me if you need help. [email protected]

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Golden Oak Stain, high gloss varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

timh

Sat, 02/08/2014 - 15:51

Thank you Ana White for such a nice website with great resources for all of us who like to build things ourselves and save a buck or two!

Queen Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/07/2016 - 17:56

Made the bed using the Queen Farmhouse bed plans as a guide.

Wanted to include my box spring so modified the frame so the bed sits inside the frame.  Also had to increase the height of the head and footboard to accommodate the additional height of the box spring.  

Added middle legs to the frame, somewhat for support but mainly to make the connect to the head and footboard easier (since I was doing it myself).  

Used leftover prefinished fooring for the paneling.  Like the contrast with the white, plus really ties it in with the room.  Bed came out really well, wasn't sure since I've never used plans from this site before but can now say, will be doing so in the future. Next up, matching farmhouse mini nightstand! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin white enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen Island - The Matador

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2020 - 09:48

A Fun Saturday build. Went a little heavy on the Kona stain but like the way the table surface came out.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain - Kona - Varathane - 3 Coats
Finish - Water Based Polyurethane - Varathane - 4 Coats on surface - 3 Coats rest of build
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table

Submitted by bwheat5 on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 09:09

35X72 standard table height.
Made this Farmhouse table for my daughter for her birthday tomorrow. Hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it. Happy birthday my girl.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Distressed finish, Minwax Dark Walnut stain, Deft Semi Gloss Lacquer, Minwax Finishing Wax Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Vertical Herb Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/10/2016 - 20:04

Used your plans but make changes to the planters since I do not own an angle machine.  They look great and the cost was less than $30

Estimated Cost
$28
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck screws
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

NextGreenLife

Tue, 05/30/2017 - 14:33

Can appreciate wanting to do projects but not having all the necessary fancy tools.  I need to make two of these anyway (one to give away), so going to steal this idea to make it a wham-bam quick job!

Library book holder

Submitted by ltl_lisa on Sat, 04/28/2012 - 18:33

Finally a place to hold library books away from spilling milk and coffee cups!

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Thanks for the plans!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/12/2016 - 18:29

Ana, thanks for the plans! I modified mine to have more of a roof to give my son more play space and added a toybox at the "back" of the boat. Still need to pick up sand but has turned out great so far! I think it will be the starting point for a full playset.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
225$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor oil-based enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Drawer Bench with DIY Cushion

Submitted by vendo on Sat, 10/07/2023 - 12:57

My mom asked for a drawer bench. I haven't been very successful with drawers so I accepted the challenge. It turned out really good, now I want to build more drawer projects! To top it off, I decided to try my hand at building the cushion too, since it was custom sized. There are several good tutorials online for no sew options. The cushion only took about 1/2 hour to put together.I got fabric that is easily cleanable and wipeable. I'm excited to surprise my mom with her new bench!

Built from Plan(s)

Twin Farmhouse bed for a room to grow in!

I saw this on the site, and I knew it would be perfect for my soon to be 4 year old boy's room. I wanted something that would be strong (hellloooo 4 year old boy!!) and not too "babyish" to last him through several years of preference changes and growth. This was not too difficult at all! Though I slightly modified some of the construction to make it easier to break down. I ended up using a box spring with a mattress, instead of slats to save a bit of money. (We got the box spring and mattress for free from a relative.)

I made this out of pine, and bought everything from Home Depot. Total cost for everything (including paint, sandpaper, wood glue, etc) was about $160! We are loving it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Primer and Paint in 1, satin finish, color "Beluga"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

shaneandterrid

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 23:09

Hi,

I love what you have done here. We have just finished our first build and am about to start on another for our oldest girl. Check out our blog, its the latest entry on this page.

Love it.

Thanks,

Shane

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