Community Brag Posts

Diagonal Wall Corner Cabinet

Submitted by joeysmom on Sat, 07/16/2016 - 05:09

I made this cabinet first, actually two of them, that way I would know the exact depth to build my other wall cabinets.  The depth without the face frame came to 11 3/4".  I built it exact to the plans, Thank you Ana!  I did modify the height to 36" and the rails of my face frames are 2 1/2" to accomodate the trim at the top and lighting at the bottom.  I have never built cabinets before and never made a pocket hole before either!  But I couldn't invest the $15,000 that Lowe's quoted me, this house is too old.  So I found a really nice set from craigslist and went from there.  I built all my wall cabinets to a custom height of 36".  The doors came from FastCabinetDoors and they are great quality doors.  The door I chose was "Camden" in oak frames and panels.  I used Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations in Pure White for the finish.  I hope to be finished in 5 weeks.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 for lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations "Pure White". When I ran out, I switched to Rustoleum Varathane Water based polyurethane in Satin as the clear top coat. Its an awesome product. Magic eraser will take anything off of it! And it is the only polyurethane I have found that doesn't discolor white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mother's Day Gift

Submitted by Bunlimited on Sun, 05/10/2020 - 10:12

My son and I made this quick for a gift. Thanks so much for the excellent plans. A couple modifications to use supplies on hand. Turned out great! Remember to fasten seat down before putting on arms.

Finish Used
White exterior paint and stained & varnished seat and back design. Used 1 x's intead of of 2 x 6's for seat.

Comments

A-Frame Chicken Coop (with modifications)

Submitted by anniejw17 on Mon, 07/02/2012 - 18:39

We followed the plans for the A-frame chicken coop very closely, and then modified it a bit at the end.

1. Trim was added to two doors on each side, as suggested. They are secured with latches at the top, more to keep them from falling open than to keep critters from getting in. We used 2x4x10's instead of 2x4x8's on the middle horizontal rail, giving us foot-long handles on each side. My husband and I are able to move the coop about 15 feet at a time, which is pretty good considering it is STURDY!

2. We used 1/2" galvanized hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, as suggested by one commenter (and lots of others in blogland).

3. I cut 1/4" plywood to fit the loft space and coated it with vinyl stick-on tile. This should make it easier to clean. We didn't screw down the plywood, so if we have to, we can remove it to hose it off/scrub it.

4. I cut a triangle of plywood to make an egg door at the end of the roost. It hinges at the bottom (with a 2x4 ripped into a 1x4 to cover the hardware cloth and provide a mounting spot for hinges) and latches at the top. I plan to use cotter pins or something to secure the latch. There is also a piece of untreated 1x4 held in place with tabs at the egg door to prevent bedding from falling out once it's converted to the nesting box (I'm planning to get pullets, not ready to lay yet, so they won't even have a tempting nest box)

5. There was no bottom door in the plans (to allow free-ranging), so I cut a piece of 2x4 to make a triangle against the bottom (same size as the egg door). It folds out (just like the egg door) and will allow the chickens easy access to the yard. We do have hawks in our neighborhood so free time will always be supervised. We also have a dog (who I coaxed into the coop for the main picture, haha!) who will need supervising. She's been around chickens before but you never know what will make her turn on them!

6. There was also no roost in the plans (although if you look at Ana's coop, there is a 2x4 across the middle of the side walls). I had a leftover closet rod, so I mounted that in the covered section parallel to the ladder. The ladder was shifted to the side. For the ladder, I just used a piece of cedar fencing and cut 2 48" dowels into 4 pieces each, and secured those with screws from the underside. I hope my chickens will be able to get up the ladder!

7. I also made a tube feeder from PVC and a dog bowl, and am working on a nipple waterer. Will update post when those are finished!

Now I just have to get some hens! I've been searching craigslist and can't wait!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished except for plywood floor (vinyl stick-on tile) and plywood doors (white exterior acrylic paint)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Awesome entryway bench!

Submitted by FongerB on Fri, 04/18/2014 - 20:45

My second project ever (was feeling brave taking on drawers)!!
I made 2 drawers from the plan and intend on building an upright attachment.
The bench is VERY sturdy and the drawer space is incredible. I managed to fit almost all my sporting gear in one and my board games in the other.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore High Gloss Wood Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X kitchen table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 04:15

We wanted to make a rustic solid kitchen table and the Fancy X was the perfect fit. Originally we were attracted to the beautiful pictures of Jackies framhouse table but at the last minute deceided to switch to the Fancy X plans to make it a little different. We were also attracted to the design because a local shop has one like it for sale but at $1800 thought it a bit steep. The project came to $300 because we chose hardwood for the table top, with pine it would have been abot $200. We are very happy with the results. Thank you Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Scandinavian oli, and Jarrah stain on the frame
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Great Porch Chairs

I enjoyed making these outdoor chairs! I had to make two for when company is allowed to come by again. The plans were simple to follow, and making the cushions was a bit more of a challenge. I ended up having to use a mattress topper cut into 25"x25" squares. I found some great seat covers on Wayfair.

Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades, Pecan satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sofa Charging Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 10:10

We wanted a shallow table behind our sofa where we could charge our phones and laptops while relaxing in the evening. I used three 1” X 6” pieces of cherry, connected with pocket holes, and put a small gusset in the corners. With a couple of power strips inserted in the top and plenty of polyurethane, that was it!

His Hands

woodworking bench

Submitted by jcengel on Thu, 07/05/2012 - 21:17

Used the sturdy work bench plans for the base. The base is 60" x 20". The top is 6'x2'. I wanted 2" overhang all around to accomodate clamping. I used 3/4" oak plywood for the benchtop. It's stacked as follows, oak plywood, 3/4" mdf x 2, oak plywood for a massive 3" thick top. I used pocket holes to join the legs and on a few of the other joints including to attach the top. The benchtop layers are screwed together with 2.5" wood screws with countersinks for the heads. I would have put a full shelf in but that's the piece of wood I had so I used it. I bought the 7" undermount woodworkers vise online for around $70. It's mounted with 2.5" lag screws and washers. I did not use exact 2x4's for the base, I used the standard 2x4's (which are actually 1.5" by 3.5"). The bench is pretty sturdy as is but with the massive top/vise and not using standard 2x4's it is not as solid as I would like. It's fine for now but eventually I going to install some threaded rods through the legs length and width to pull it together rock solid. I put some tung oil on the top and later i'll put some wax paste over that. I'm going to seal the edges with shellac or maybe just leave as is. Eventually put some bench dog holes in the top for my vise. I did this all with a cordless drill/bits, kreg jig, circular saw with homemade fence, rulers, squares, random orbit sander etc. Took about two weeks time, working mostly on weekends. The bench alone is around $130, all bought from a "big box" store. Be ready to spend more $$ on tools if you don't have them. This is my 2nd project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
tung oil
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

modified garden farmhouse table

Submitted by JennyInGex on Tue, 04/22/2014 - 03:24

I put an ad in a local classifieds for free wood. Got some heavy oak beams I had local carpenter saw to make the leg posts. The top boards are construction scaffolding boards. All will be sanded and stained some more, top boards sanded and varnished, bottom boards and posts stained and some holes filled w epoxy and it is good to go.
This was a really fun project. We stood on top of the boards to make them bend down when screwing them in from the top as well as bottom, as the middle board is cracked and bent. I love the table as it is now but it will look even better when the boards are even more worn and grey from the elements. Thank you Ana White!!!!!!!! we can't wait for a book of yours' to come out for a European audience, as we Europeans have a hell of a hard time to convert the measurements! This means we improvise a lot. The tables in your book help, but the local wood we buy in many different countries and stores.. have different measurements!!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We don't have minwax here so it is a French company called Liberon I think
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Dining Room Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/22/2016 - 13:26

This was my first ever DIY project as I wouldnt consider myself a handy man, but I had alot of fun making this table and bench. I modified the design as I wasn't confident in making the necessary cuts for the X but I added a long support underneath the table top so that the top wouldn't sag (hopefully!).  Since completing the table, I've grown more comfortable with my carpentry "skills" and all I want to do on the weekends is build things! I'm sure I'm driving my wife insane!

It took me a lot longer as I had a couple weekends where I could only work on the table and bench for an hour or two but you can definitely do it in a weekend.

 

Thanks Ana! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax Expresso Polyshades
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Queen Pine Bed

Submitted by B.W.Martin on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 19:02

This bed is a modified version of the farmhouse queen. Instead of a footboard I allowed the side boards to continue around the foot of the bed. The frame was built to give support and also house the motor and other moving parts needed to lift and lower the head. In the linked text is a video of the bed with the head lifting and lowering on the mechanical base.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200'ish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyurethane on the pine boards and black spray paint on letter and rope trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Workbench bar

Submitted by ussreddawg on Sat, 07/07/2012 - 11:28

This bar is constructed from blue true dimensional 2x and 4x blue pine. The top of the bar was put together with biscuits. Bottom portion was joined with lag screws. Stained with mini wax.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mini wax stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Student Desk Chair

Submitted by BlueRose on Wed, 04/23/2014 - 15:50

I found your plans for the child storage chair while searching for chair designs to build a student desk for a customer. With the addition of the table to the chair it works well. The wood is from a local sawmill where I work so I can cut it to my specifications right from the log. The wood is Curupay or Bolivian Rose Wood and changes color from brown to red from the sun light. The finish is shellac and varnish. While taking the first one to the customer another person ask for 2 so it looks like I may be making chairs for a while.....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50 Bolivianos
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Shellac and Varnish
no stain required with this wood
Shellac needs to be applied first to seal the wood for the varnish to dry quicker as there is oil in the wood
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Furniture for the Deck

Submitted by Adevney on Mon, 07/25/2016 - 10:05

 I followed the plans to build the counch.  My wife liked it so much she requested the love seat and chairs.  The chair plans were not up on the site yet.  That said, the plans were so easy to follow, I was able to adjust the loveseat plans to make the chairs with ease. Thank you very much!  

Estimated Cost
Couch, Loveseat, and 2 Chairs - Wood, Screws, Stain - $500.00 - Cushions were another $420.00

Each piece took about two to three hours to cut and assemble. The sanding and staining took another two hours per peice
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Mission Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

a little taller, a little less wide and used work holed spruce t & g for insert

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 08:05

I used discarded lumber from when they built our house a few years ago for the support structure. I only needed the headboard for our new split king adjustable bed. There posts are 2 2x6s sistered together. The top shelf is a 2x6 and the insert is 1x6 tongue and groove (got the idea from the fancy farmhouse bed and loved it!) blue spruce flooring with worm holes. I love it, now to do a mashup of the two nightstands with a drawer and a door 😁Thanks Ana!!!
Ps, my hubby also bought me the Kreg electric pocket hole machine for mother's day for upcoming projects. I didn't even know that was a thing until i saw your video... It's awesome!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams urbane bronze sample paint with a Annie Sloan wax finish. I love the depth of the wax finish and we won't be leaning against it since it's an adjustable bed so not a lot of wear and tear.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/15/2024 - 18:16

We used Ana’s Farmhouse queen bed plans to build a replacement for our master suite. We did change a few things such as instead of construction grade lumber I used red and white oak and went with dowels and tenons rather than pocket hole screws. I also lowered the height significantly due to us having a really thing mattress with pillow tops. The result has been wel received by 'management' as well as her friends. Thank You Ana!

Back Patio Woodworks

Built from Plan(s)

Rustic X Console - Gone Beachy!

Rustic X Console, built as directed. After building we sanded the whole thing pretty well, and did one coat of walnut stain. After the stain dried, I went back and painted over with a bright beachy blue, and while the paint was still wet, wiped it with rags. You have to work in small sections so the paint doesn't dry too quickly. I also went over some areas (where the paint was too thick and on the shelves) with a wet rag, then back over with a dry one. Two coats of satin polyurethane (spray) on top and all done! I want to get rid of the lamp and do 3 different sizes of white lanterns instead!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Finish Used
Walnut stain, paint, satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Front porch bench

Submitted by Shane90019 on Sat, 04/26/2014 - 13:31

Second project. I built this bench for my front porch. This was a practice project to get comfortable with pocket screws before I attempt a large table for my back patio.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-olem Wood Stain Kona, Cabot Semi-gloss Spar Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Vintage Doll Cradle

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/27/2016 - 09:59

I used leftover plywood (1/4 inch) instead, but would only recommend it, if you plan to paint the cradle (due to splintering when you make your cuts). I also used my nail gun instead of screws, which worked fine since the wood is a lot thinner and lighter. The cradle is very sturdy and my 4-year-old loves it. Thanks for the awesome plans!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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