Community Brag Posts

Sylvie's coat tree

I built my daughter a coat tree from Ana's plans and it looks basically just like Ana's-even the same color. My daughter-in-law saw it and wanted one for my granddaughter's room to hold her dressup clothes but she wanted a natural look, instead of painted and her room is basically natural wood, red and white so this is what I came up with. I would never have even known I could build a coat tree if I hadn't tried Ana's first!! This one was super easy and cheap, made mostly with scraps and some varnish I already had. I had to buy the balls, dowel and letter S.

I would encourage anyone to build one of these if they have need of a coat tree. You could even make it adult size if you combined Ana's plans with these plans and screwed in some hooks.

Estimated Cost
about $8.00 if you don't have scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray on varnish and acrylic paint for knobs and letter.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

4x4 Truss Table

Submitted by BojackH on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 20:08

We needed a sturdy table but didn't want to spend a fortune buying one so decided to take a stab at building one.  Our space isn't too large but also wanted the ability to expand the table with leaves if we have a large crowd.  I built leaves by cutting notches in the horizontal leg 4x4 and then sliding in/out with 2x2's attached (see pic).

I will say it makes life a whole lot easier learning how to use Sketchup or some other design software.  That way you can visualize what it will look like, cuts you need to make especially if you will be deviating from the original post design and don't want to do math in your head (like me).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200 for wood
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used the vinegar/ steel wool solution and then 6 coats of Minewax semi gloss polyurethene. Before applying polyurethene, I used a blow torch on the corners to make some neat burn marks.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Scrap Wood Barn

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 08:11

My daughter watched me do another build project and wanted something for herself. We built the Toy Barn from Ana White's plans using only scraps around the garage!

Laura Thompson

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

easiest daybed turned floating twin beds

we love ana's plans, and we love the way this one was executed by the bumper crop. check out more pics of our girl version and how we did it at http://www.iwantbdphotography.com/archives/2661

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none :) gutsy for a kid's room. not sure how they will hold up, but we just love the raw unfinished look
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Loft bed for Wyatt

Submitted by Quartney on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 11:47

I did this project 99.97% alone (if you call "alone" with a 1-year old and 3-year old nearby). This was a challenging project that took longer than expected (one full week, working well into the night after the kids went to sleep). I used furring strips for the 1x3s and 1x4s. They cost about $2 less per board! Total cost of this project includes paint, screws, etc.

Estimated Cost
$240.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zinsser BIN primer, followed by Sherwin Williams semi-gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

John Hopkins (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 20:40

I have been looking for something similar to this but with a futon in the bottom. Anyone seen plans for such a critter?

Caitlyn's Reading retreat

This was not built using one of Ana's plans. I have a book of 2X4 projects that my daughter gave me and actually got me started woodworking. This beauty was one of the projects. It was easy to build and easy to put together but not easy to paint. The lattice was the cheapest she could buy and was "furry". I tried sanding which took forever but it was still a mess to paint. I am including the link to the plans: http://woodtools.nov.ru/projects2/WoodPlan/lattice-bower.pdf
If you build this be sure and sand and paint before putting together-it's so much easier.

It looks amazing in her backyard and she is loving it.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used 2X4s and lattice. If you can afford the better lattice-do it! We just painted it with an exterior flat paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse storage platform bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 20:01

Fellow Alaskan here!
Wood and screw Materials costed $320
The metal storage buckets are outdoor drink buckets from Home Depot $200 for 8 of them!

There are 4 storage buckets on each side! We took this from your farmhouse plan and altered it for king size. And in after thought he made a baby co-sleeper to match, 30$ to make!

Estimated Cost
$550
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weather gray stain
Watered down white paint
Poly on top!
Corrugated rusted metal is restored from a local barn that was getting torn down.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

2 x 4 sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2016 - 09:30

Made from wood salvaged from a renovation.  Cushions from Improvements Catalog and Target.

 

Pin For Later! 

2 x 4 sofa

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee exterior
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

$2.00 Scrap Lap Desk

This was a really quick and easy build. I built it with two bucks and two hours with some scrap wood I had laying around. The only thing I bought was a package of 2 standard hinges ($2). Also, I deviated from the plan a little by not including the lower storage compartments (didn't want it to get too heavy), making the legs 4" shorter (so it's more comfortable to use in bed), and not building the storage dividers under the flip-top lid. Check out more info by clicking my blog link!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$2.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
A quick sanding and a coat of Rustoleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by rendall28 on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 10:59

I made 4 of these chairs for around our fire pit. I chose to sand stain and poly before assembling and plan to add another coat of poly now that they are assembled. Sanding was the longest part of the process for me, but if you aren't as particular as I was about the finished project the time investment would be substantially reduced. I also of course had drying time for the stand and poly. Assembly itself was simple and the finished chairs are comfortable and sturdy without being overly heavy and bulky.

Estimated Cost
130 (4 chairs including finishing)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain: special Walnut

6 cubby book case - nursery

This was my first project. It is for our nursery. Painted white to match the crib and dresser. So much fun. Plan was great and very easy to follow. Thanks to the other brag post which mentioned there was a missing cut for the box (bottom shelf). 28 3/4. I used countersink screws with a 1/2" countersink drill bit. I also used shelf pins to secure the shelf. With the paint I noticed the shelfs were very snug. I would probably take off 1/4" off the shelf size if I built it again. Can't wait for the next project! Thanks.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
130
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint. Eggshell finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

This is my first project and I am so happy with it! Thanks for the plans!

You can see my step by step process here:

http://ordinaryhappilyeverafter.com/blog/category/table/

I'm especially happy with how I was able to attach the top to the bottom without drilling through the top. I describe that here:

http://ordinaryhappilyeverafter.com/blog/2012/08/my-table-is-done/

Thanks for the inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
< 150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean (2 coats)
1 coat polycrylic satin finish on top followed by 3 coats of wax
3 coats polycrilic high gloss finish on base
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Lego Table

Submitted by jwerne2 on Thu, 08/23/2012 - 10:33

Our two boys are really starting to get into Legos so we knew we needed a place for them to play (especially after repeatedly stepping on Legos--ouch!). My husband designed this simple plan after looking at some expensive designs online. He cut a small notch out of the top so legos can be pushed into the storage container. We just used a simple under bed storage box, which is great because it is large and holds a ton of legos.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Channing Bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/13/2016 - 09:47

Stained with Minwax Jacobean. Thank you for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 per bookcase
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean and Semi-gloss Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fold down laptop desk

Submitted by Taa-daa on Wed, 09/21/2016 - 21:42

Inspired by Ana's Flip down wall art desk. It has different dimentions since wall space was limited. I used a magnet as a lock, added upholstered back, dowel for storage and extended the bottom part to add some strength. It is very handy!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
30$
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
spray paint and home made chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Upholstered Leather Headboard with Stacked Wood Frame

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/27/2016 - 09:40

What could be more luxurious than an upholstered leather headboard? The inspiration for the design of this headboard came from the super cool textured wallpaper I recently installed in our master bedroom. See the full tutorial on my blog, The Handyman's Daughter!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain + Poly in Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor rolling bar top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 19:43

We had some leftover granite from an outdoor kitchen build and wanted to maximize the use of it. We loved the look of a rustic table from Pottery Barn and set out to find something that was asking the same aesthetic. I came across the Jilly and Mia workbench console and thought it would work great with some minor modifications. I shortened the overall length and height, went with some heavy duty casters to support the weight of the granite, and reinforced the cross beams that would support the 3/4" plywood sheet and granite. I went with cedar for this build since it was outdoors and I'll finish it with a clear sealant.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by revjball on Sat, 07/11/2020 - 14:58

Wife asked me to find a farmhouse table to make for our house. I was super nervous and had zero confidence going into this project. However, I decided to give it a try. I am super happy with how this project turned out. I modified the plans to have 30" 4x4 legs rather than the 29" the plans call for. This was to accommodate the set of barstools we have currently at our house. We can get 8+ around this wonderful table, and are super excited to keep building!

Estimated Cost
$100-120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax wood finisher - Dark Walnut - Applied with natural bristle brush and t-shirt to wipe excess
Minwax polyurethane - Fast Drying - Applied with natural bristle brush
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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