Community Brag Posts

Large Porch Bench

I made this gorgeous bench about two months ago as a gift for my mom on Mother's Day. She loves it and It's currently sitting out by her pool. We love how solid and deep this feels. This was my first project where I was using miter cuts, and it took a bit to get used to. I wish I had a brad nailer to help secure the X pieces on the back board. I used pocket screws and plugs, but it was a bit of a struggle trying to maneuver the drill. I ended up having to use a screw driver to make it fit.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Shousugi ban with Maker Brand Simple Finish. Total Boat Halcyon Clear.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laundry Sorter

I was tired of having my laundry piled on my garage floor. These plans were the perfect solution. It fits great in the small space I had next to my washer. And it was so easy. I was able to do it all by myself. My husband just had to catch the plywood for me when I ripped it. I was able to find the baskets on the plans at Target and used left over paint from my sons' playroom. My laundry is now always sorted, making it much easier and faster to clean.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based paint in eggshell finish. Since this was going to be in the garage I just used leftover paint. If it would have been used anywhere else, I would have used a semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wine Cabinet - Made from jelly cupboard\pie safe plan

We used the plans from the jelly cabinet \pie safe and added a wine rack at the bottom and wine glass rack that the top! I love it! I get so many compliments on it.

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I wanted it to look rustic\antique so I used spray paint and regular paint. It was my first time doing something like this. I was pretty much just experimenting and it turned out perfect.. We are building one for my Mom next, I wait to see how it turns out!!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Queen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/11/2016 - 16:49

Instead of just screwing the rails to the bed, I used bed rail hooks to connect the bed for easy disassembly. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White satin paint, roughed up with sanded edges
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Treehouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/25/2020 - 14:31

We improvised as we built the tree house but did start with your basic idea and it did turnout pretty well. Followed the modern tree house video. A suggestion would be the clear roofs that makes it even cooler.

Outdoor Comfort Collection and Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Modern Comfort Outdoor Sofa and Loveseat to go with the Simple Outdoor Dining Table and Benches that I made 2 years ago. I love that the "Modern Comfort" plans don't require angles or a miter saw. I used a circular saw for all of it!

 

Outdoor Umbrella Stand

This was such and easy project. It went together in a few hours. The hardest (and most time consuming) part was finishing it. I detailed the build process on my blog if you'd like more info.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Craft Room Cupboards

My wife was wanting to get some cupboards and a hutch for her craft room that we were setting up. I looked to buy something but it was very hard to find anything the right size and combination. I was looking at different plans and I came across your site and was inspired to have a go myself. I used the plans for Patrick's Jelly Cupboard and also the Schoolhouse hutch.
I had to change some of it to get the right fit. It took a fair while to complete but I now have a very happy wife

Estimated Cost
$800 au
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Enamel Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

"The Most Beautiful Bed in the Whole World"!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/13/2016 - 20:08

My husband and I just moved into a new home with our 3.5 year old little girl. We wanted to utilize the space in her room as efficiently as possible yet still accommodate her request for the "most beautiful bed in the whole world!" We found your plan and decided to adapt it to her style...and this was the end result!!! Thank you so much for the plans, we both love your work!

Estimated Cost
$225 due to our decorative additions and decision to use 4x4 cedar posts for added stability. Cedar was the only untreated 4x4 lumber available in our area, and raised the total project cost by nearly $80.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used a basic primer and sealer followed by Behr interior semi gloss in "Cotton Sheets". The pink used was a custom blend with cool undertones. I used "Crystal Clear" polyacrylic on the bed and wished I hadn't. It wasn't nearly as clear as it claimed and left yellow stains on the finish that I had to cover later. The stairs were done using project paper from JoAnn Fabrics decoupaged with mod podge/extreme glitter mod podge and finished with a coat of semi gloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Work Bench

I just started wood working this past few months, and this is I think my 6th project already. Super easy to make and so sturdy!! This will definitely help make building easier!!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Reclaimed-Wood Headboard, Queen Size

You can't tell in the pictures but the frame where the bolts are supposed to be barely touch the legs on the headboard. I have a standard queen bed on a standard queen frame, but it's just a bit too wide to bolt the frame to the headboard. I also had to take about 8 inches off the original plans because of the window the bed is under. Measure, measure, measure.

Get straight wood. The straighter, the better.

I used standard finishing nails and liquid nails glue to hold it. I didn't need to break out the Kreg Jig as the original plan stated.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I made my own finish using steel wool in vinegar. This is what took the most time.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sewing/cutting table

Submitted by drc3924 on Thu, 06/19/2014 - 19:53

This has become my dream sewing/craft desk!! This project took about a week from start to finish (with work days in between). The shorter portion of the desk is used for my machine and sewing. The taller portion is used as a cutting table. The plans (dimensions) were tweaked some to get the perfect heights for me :).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding I painted 1 coat of interior primer the about 2-3 coats of mint flat interior paint. I decided not to add a clear coat just because I wanted to use my amazing desk ASAP!!!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tamaralyn79

Wed, 03/25/2015 - 06:31

Your desk is GORGEOUS!!!! It's exactly what I've been looking to build for my space. I would love to know how you modified the plan to make it.

TaylorMade1205

Wed, 03/25/2015 - 07:23

I also wanted to comment on the thread shelf you build, that is really awesome, you can see all your colors right in front of you. Mine are in a drawer and I have to pull the whole thing out to see what I need. This is really giving me ideas.

kchess

Fri, 09/04/2015 - 08:45

Would you please send the plan instructions (with measurments).  It is perfect for me as I sew and embrodery both and have two machines.  

Lilia's Dresser and Nightstand

Submitted by EngrTodd1 on Sun, 09/18/2016 - 08:34

I made this dresser and nightstand for my oldest daughter when we moved her into her "big girl" room, as we were expecting a second daughter who would take the nursery.  I ended up modifying the design a bit with the side panels to have them more closely replicate the multi-layered look of the actual Pottery Barn dresser.  I wanted to add a nightstand to have another matching piece for more storage.  I ended up taking some average dimensions from other kid's nightstands online and designed and built it in the same style and manner as the dresser.

 

The overall project took WAY more time than i thought it would but I'm very happy with the way it turned out. This was the first time that I used a router to cut grooves in the drawer box pieces to slide in and lock the drawer bottom in place.  Also, this was my crash course with an HVLP sprayer as well.  Hopefully, these pieces will be able to handle all of the abuse my 3 year old daughter will surely give them.  Thanks to Ana for the wonderful plans!  Also, thank you to Ed for his detailed write-up on his modifications, http://www.edhart.me/2015/05/how-to-build-a-kendal-extra-wide-dresser/.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$600 for both dresser and nightstand
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zinsser BIN Shellac based primer.

Rust-Oleum Satin White Enamel Paint top coat.

Applied with Rockler HVLP sprayer.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Modified Hailey Platform Bed

Submitted by amjoear on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 16:54

Our first building project and couldn't be happier with the outcome!

My husband and I were in the market for a new bed frame, but nothing in the shops were what we were looking for. We discussed making it. I came across these plans (http://ana-white.com/2012/01/plans/hailey-platform-bed) and off we went! The headboard was something we "designed" on our own (we did not work off any plans). We wanted something simple and functional.
We started from scratch .... had to buy tools, wood conditioner, stain, etc. But unbelievably thrilled with the outcome (and cost)
It is a very sturdy and heavy bed, something that is great for use, but may cause some issues when we move .... ;)

I did not include the time needed to dry, only the time it took to get items/measure/cut/build/assemble.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approx. $300 (includes all tools needed, wood, stain, etc.)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Premium Wood Stain
*conditioned, stained, top coat (glossy), once over with sandpaper (220 very fine with handheld sanding block), second application of top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hallway Table

Submitted by DawnB on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 22:51

Turns out this plan was made for this random spot in our hallway! I used leftover butcher block for the top.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King Headboard

We used these instructions for this project. This is for our king size bed. We used premium pine wood from Lowe's and Home Depot. The boards weren't 100% perfect, so on the back side we had to attached a piece of wood vertically and centered to straighten them out. For the stain we used Minwax Honey 272 and applied a coat of polyurethane (clear satin). 

Estimated Cost
$500 (remember, this is for a king size bed)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Honey 272
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

When you follow directions and plans..

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/04/2020 - 05:54

Followed Ana’s plans down to the measurements. Didn’t have a brad nailer, so I attached the 1x4 sides with 3/4in pocket holes and 1 1/4in PH screws. Additionally used trim screws and 1 1/4 finish nails throughout it for places I couldn’t put a PH. Plan on getting four more brackets for the bottom half, like the top. Very proud of myself.
Stained the legs, top, and base before completely assembling them.

Estimated Cost
$35 (without tools and screws)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Briarsmoke. Three coats of Satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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