Community Brag Posts

Growth Chart Ruler

This was a super easy project and I like the way it turned out. I just got a 1x6 board in pine (that cost about $3.50) sanded it, stained it and marked all the inches with a pencil. I then used a painter's pen in black along with my square to get all the lines straight. Then I used some stencils to do the numbers - also with the painter's pen. The whole project took probably an hour to do (besides waiting for the stain to dry).

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak - 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 08:06

So I followed the plan except I tried to use more pocket hole screws. I managed to use them for all parts except the seat and back. Looking at them I see how I can use them for those areas too ( just a little pre planning next time)
I’m using Behr Wedgwood waterproofing stain and sealer to complete the project.
I love all your plans and can’t wait for my next project.

Comments

Parson Chair

Submitted by marla on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 21:29

Made this for my son's playroom. I added the cross supports in the base to make a sturdier chair.

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

Comments

SWING TO BENCH

Submitted by Swhite on Thu, 11/21/2013 - 13:01

Really simple edition to make this project portable and efficient for group functions. Add some legs lol. Measure the height you want from your kitchen seat, cut, and screw to the bottom. The pictures should help with how to place them.

Hope you like it

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160 for both benches, screws, glue, brushes, and stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Coffee colored stain from home depot
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Rustic X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 21:55

I started the project on a day off and finished it over a few long nights in the garage after work. It turned out pretty nice. I ommitted the middle legs, shortened it from the original plan to 65" long, and made it 31.5" tall. I also added breadboard style ends to the top to show less end grain. It is shown with a 55" TV on top of it for perspective. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70-90 including lumber, sand paper, stain and poly
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax wood conditioner, Minwax Dark Walnut, and Minwax Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Full Size Jr. Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 09:58

Initially, I made this loft bed so my son would have more room to play on the floor, but what I found out was that he was playing in his bed and sleeping on the floor. About 3 months after having the bed in his room, we put his bed underneath, on a frame, and I put plywood and wood looking wall paneling on the bottom to make a floor. We moved the twin mattress from the floor to the loft, so now he has a place to play with his friends.

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

Comments

tfbucfan

Mon, 07/11/2022 - 14:26

What adjustments did you make to the slats. I’m wanting to build a slightly oversized full loft bed for my daughter. The extra space is for a reading chair and maybe shelves. Dimension would be ~100 x60. I’m nervous about the slats spanning the 60 inches and what I need to modify from the junior loft instructions

Chippendale Chest of Drawers

This is a Chippendale Chest of Drawers in Cherry. I did it a couple of years ago and it is still holding up very well. It was my first experience with ogee bracket feet and I was very happy with the way the feet turned out. It is a lot easier than it looks. There is no secondary wood, it is wholly out of American Black Cherry (prunus seritina). It took about four months to build and it has exposed dovetails on the top as the carcass is dovetailed together. Brasses are from bail pull type brasses.

Estimated Cost
$400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Antique Oil Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

MINI FARMHOUSE BEDSIDE TABLE

Submitted by blacorc on Mon, 11/25/2013 - 05:44

I made the mini farmhouse bedside table as my first attempt at wood-working! It was really fun, and turned out pretty good for my first shot. I need to learn how to cut more consistently and get better at making things square. Thanks for the plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White enamel spray paint and Rust-Oleum stain (Kona color) plus polyurethane coat over the stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Guest/All Purpose Room Closet Makeover

Submitted by JessMN on Wed, 02/10/2016 - 13:31

We are slowly remodeling our 1972 townhouse and it was time to do the guest bedroom closet so that we could get a bit more storage in the house. I contemplated getting a pre-made organizer but decided to make my own after perusing Ana's site. Its my first "from scratch" furiture-type of project and I chose the cheapest quality plywood, which was a mistake and cost me extra hours in trying to "pretty" up the wood. but overall I'm happy with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first ever wood working project

Wood working is a hobby I got into because my wife realised I needed something to take my mind off my job. I worked in IT when I started and I was coming home frustrated, annoyed, and often angry. I think she had an ulterior motive because when I suggested wood working she seems to have come up with a bunch of projects pretty quickly from Pinterest.

My first real project these deck chairs which I really enjoyed making. I've made a couple of changes to these since making them by removing the bolts and replacing them with 20mm dowel with a 4mm dowel pin. These work really well and stops us from getting shredded by the bolts.

I purposely left unfinished because I was basically developing them at the time and then just kind of liked the look as they got older. Basically these chairs are now about 6 years old and still going strong.

I'm looking at making some more sets for friends.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Au Naturale
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Clubhouse Bunkbed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/19/2023 - 19:24

My oldest boy has been begging for Bunkbeds. With his birthday coming up, I searched to purchase some bunks. I didn’t really like what I found and remembered this site. I fell in love with the sweet pea bunk bed and knew I had to make it for my boys.

It took about a month for me to complete. But I was working about 3 hours daily. One during nap time and two after bed time.

Overall, the plans were very clear. There was one part I can’t remember where the measurement was wrong. Definitely read the plans to make sure. I’m sorry I can’t remember where it was at the moment. These beds are awesome! They are so cozy and fun. Both of the boys love it and my oldest definitely thinks I’m the best mom ever! Thank you for the free plans!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

farmhouse night stand

Submitted by CoreyS on Sun, 01/08/2012 - 20:51

I just Built two of these for my wife and I. the plan was great and easy to follow for the most part i would really suggest spending as much time on the drawers as possible it makes such a big difference getting them to slide easily. now hopefully with anyluck ana will find time in her busy life to post a farmhouse tallboy dresser plan or something close to it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of mixwax pre stain wood conditioner then two coats of chocolate coloured stain then two coats of semi gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Variation of Planked Sideboard

Worked on this piece on and off for about 4 months! Was hard, but worth every penny. Spent about $300 on materials. Has seeded glass inset cabinet doors with soft close hinges. 80" long x 34" high x ~ 20" deep (I think). Bought black cherry through a specialty lumber supply (I highly recommend cherry!!). Used a cherry dye on it, and Waterlox original to seal it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Water based cherry dye (1 coat) followed with top coat of waterlox sealer (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Wed, 11/27/2013 - 18:59

This is probably the most professional appearing project I have ever seen on this site--both in building and in finishing! I love cherry finish, and this one gorgeous! Kudos!

joeyrego

Sat, 11/30/2013 - 12:22

Hey johnhawkfan56,

It looks awesome man. Great job! Got some questions. Would you mind telling me a bit more about the top? I'm assuming you used 3-4 boards glued together? Would you mind sharing some details about making and gluing up the panels? Did you use pocket holes or maybe biscuit joints to keep them even? Did you use a jointer or a thickness planer for the boards? Lastly the finish is incredible. Any pointers or tips on applying the dye or Waterlox?
Thanks
Joey

jayhawkfan56

Sun, 12/01/2013 - 13:08

Joey-
Used a biscuit joiner to put top boards together, it was 3 boards of differing widths. A lot of times with the different woods (cherry, walnut, etc) the boards aren't as uniform. Don't have a planer or jointer, so just got lucky/used some heavy sanding with orbital to smooth things out. The finishing was really easy. Go to a specialty wood shop and ask for cherry dye that penetrates the wood well. Only one coat is needed. Keep in mind, some folks don't recommend dyeing or staining cherry because sunlight naturally darkens the wood to that color. For waterlox, make sure it's in a well ventilated area. I sanded to 240 and did not sand between coats. 3 coats would be enough. Waterlox on cherry alone looks fantastic as well, but it's not that red right away.

Cedar bench for my Mom (aka coffee table)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 17:46

Have loved watching Ana's youtube channel for a few years now and finally got the nerve to try and make some thing. I have always made doll furniture so I thought that I would try and make 1:1 scale furniture. I loved that video she did on the no-pour concrete paver outdoor coffee table and thought that the plans would make a wonderful bench. It took me a couple of weekends but I did it. Added some little accent pieces to the corners cause the bench did seem a bit wobbly. But it still turned out well and I love it. You get such a great high off of making and completing a furniture build. Gave it to my Mom for christmas. She loves it. Only one problem is that everyone who sees it says that it's a lovely coffee table. lol

Estimated Cost
$46.00CDN
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Boiled Linseed Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Another great Loft bed

Submitted by mijohnst on Thu, 01/12/2012 - 08:30

This is another one if your popular loft bed houses. Thanks very much for the plans! I changed a few things, but not as dramatic as others have done. Was a fun project and my daughter actually helped. One spur of the moment idea was to allow her to paint a mural on the backside so that in few years when she out grows it we'll be able to look back and remember how we built it together.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White and blue paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sat, 01/14/2012 - 10:34

You guys did a great job - very cute! I also love the idea of a hidden mural that you get to revisit in the future. So cool!

Farmhouse Printers Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/16/2016 - 11:29

I've been seeing these gorgeous printer cabinet everywhere. I mean everywhere. I had wanted one for a long time but they looked complicated. I mean, they do, look complicated. 

Finally we bit the bullet and got to working on this. We started at 3:30 on saturday, worked until 6:30 and then worked on it 9 am - 12 pm on sunday. 6 hours and we made this. 

I know it might take some a lot longer, but we build furniture for a living so we might be a bit faster in the building department. 

Husband built, I sanded, stained & varnished.

It is stained in our custom beachwood mix. Head on over to our blog to read the full story.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
374.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used our custom beachwood stain & matte Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ten Dollar Ledges (which were free - sort of)

Submitted by lcf on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 22:18

Thanks for a great plan! I've been procrastinating in posting, since I have plans to start blogging and wanted to link. Unfortunately, my blog remains a pipe dream as I still can't come up with a name.

The two long ledges were the ones I made (smaller ones are ancient.) These have helped me a great deal in my efforts to pull together/put my own stamp on the most awkwardly laid out and chopped up house imaginable! The 'in your face effect' created by my piling nearly every photo I own on them should be temporary - wall space will open up as other rooms get done. I do think they soften up the gigantic television (Ok, stop laughing. It was worse before.).

While the Ten Dollar Ledges were the inspiration for these, I didn't follow the instructions, since I have lots of leftover plywood and buying lumber when you live in the country and drive a VW Bug is not much fun. I'm very pleased with both the shelves and the garage space their creation opened up. There was a tradeoff, though, as it took me far longer than the hour or two each would have took had I used dimensional lumber. Four inch rip cuts are a pain! (especially since I was a bit too perfectionistic.) But I'm very happy with the results. Thanks again!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
very little (always have screws on hand and used paint I had)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black semigloss spray paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

patricia klein (not verified)

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 16:20

Hi - I am SO EXCITED - just made a $10 ledge! I have been wanting a photo/art ledge for a long time and actually purchased one from Pottery Barn which I returned. I hated the finish on it an found it very difficult to hang, not to mention that it was expensive! I had some idea how I might make one but wasn't sure, so went on line looking for instructions. So glad I found yours - it was really easy and looks great. The best part is that you can make it whatever size and finish that you want. Now i have to get busy making art to fill it! Thank you so much for your great ideas - i see quite alot of others on your site that I just might try.

Cedar Fence

Submitted by jvos on Wed, 12/04/2013 - 06:04

I've needed a new fence for years but was intimidated by setting posts. I decided this year to hire someone to set the posts and then build the fence myself. Then I saw a brag post on here where the person used Oz-Posts. After researching it, I decided this was the way to go. It was simple and fast! We obviously need to cut the tops off the posts yet!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$900 - 70 feet of fence
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Dining Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 10:58

Here is our beautiful truss beam dining table that we built with 100% solid ash hardwood using mortise and tenon joinery and finished in Early American stain! ❤️

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Early American stain by Varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/07/2023 - 10:48

My husband needed a solution for the garage. I showed him your video and he went right to work. We both love it! Thanks for the inspiration and all you do, Ana!

Comments