Community Brag Posts

I made this project for my gentleman friend.  He didn't have much of a childhood, so I made him this toybox and then filled it with toys from the 80's as a birthday present.  These plans were perfect for the occassion.

I certainly spent more than the estimate.  This was likely because I used select pine boards, and my finish was rather complicated including some pretty pricey hardware.  However, the thing I like most about being able to make my own furniture is that I can make it exactly how I want it, and sometimes that ends up costing more money.  In the end, I have a table that "looks like a Leonard project" according to my uncle, which is pretty much the highest compliment that can be bestowed on such things by any one of my uncles.

I also spent more time than was mentioned by others.  All told, I spent about 24 hours on the project over a four day stretch.  I did the project on my own, and my process for filling holes and sanding is rather laborious.  I actually went through that process twice even though sanding is, by far, my least favorite task.  The finish was also quite time intensive.  

Speaking of the finish, this was done in all water based since I live in a condo with very little ventilation.  I started with Minwax waterbased stain in American Walnut.  I then applied two coats of white wash before sanding it down to reveal more of the wood grain.  I'm so pleased with the finish!

However, the thing I'm the most proud of is how square this thing is.  Math teachers could build accurate trigonometry word probems off of this thing!  I decided to reverse engineer the most important bits in order to ensure squareness.  For example, I built the table top first.  I then drew out a perfectly square outline on the bottom side.  I then used counter sunk screws to attach the frame to the bottom side as well as the Kreg jig to fit the pieces of the frame together.  Similarly, I cut the bottom piece of playwood perfectly square, and then I attached the 1x12s to the plywood to ensure everything stayed square.   Those 1x12s are just too swervy otherwise, which can become rather unweildy.  

All told, I am very pleased with the finished product.  I love having the ability to build high quality furniture that will live on for a long time to come.

Life between tours can be challenging. Both for the re-entry and the need to SLOW DOWN! My love put this project on my shop table after returning from the NE in mid-April. A fun job for my son and I to play at. I had purchased twenty, 12'x1"x6" tongue & groove heart-pine months ago from HD. $1.97 down from $16.70! I ripped the T & Gs off and cut the lumber down to specs for this project. SUPER fun and easy to make! I discovered the exterior primer + paint after I finished building and probably would have preferred to do 2 coats, prior to making with touchups AFTER the assembly...next time! (Bought a KREGG JIG for this project and love it.)

Modern Farm Bench w/ Texas Flag

I came across the plans for the pate rack and realized it would be a perfect fit in my dining room. My house is just shy of its 100th birthday and I have been tackling renovation one room at a time. I have been trying to find new ways to use all of the materials that have been removed or replaced during my renovation. I was able to use the damaged shiplap and warped baseboards from my first room's renovation and create a plate rack shown.

Thank you for the plans!

My partner and I struggled with how to make a bookshelf wall around a fireplace that is flush with the wall. The solution! Build out the lower portion of the fireplace wall about 8 inches, add stone, then cabinets and shelves. Materials used: butcher block counter top, real wood panels for wall, oak wood for shelves, and poplar for the painted portions. The mantle is laminated wood made to appear like a large piece. We have a power strip accessible on both sides to keep things plugged in. The hardest part was continuing the crown molding around the top. We are pleased with the result!!

I took the plans from the Chestwick platform bed and headboard and built it using King size bed dimensions. For the box of the bed, I used 2 x 12's instead of 2x8's. It seemed more substantial for a king bed, and this way, I didn't need to use a box spring.

My mother needed a bench in her small entryway. She had definite dimensions in mind and we looked everywhere. None fit the bill. Then I saw these plans and we went from there. She had leftover fabric from recovering her dining room chairs, and I had the plywood. She wanted the Queen Anne legs to go with her traditional furniture; we put felt floor protectors on the bottom of the feet of the legs, which helps keep the bench from moving so easily on the tile floor. The plans were easy to follow, including the tutorial on how to sew the slipcover. The bench worked out just like she had hoped. Thanks Ana, for the great plans.

used a keg jig so all screws are hidden underneath. Lots of sanding, but was worth it for the finish though. 

Family surprises you at your place for thanksgiving? No problem just build a table!

This sand box was very easy to build and it works great. The only thing I would change is cutting the "arm rests" at 7 1/2" instead of 6 1/2". I did that for the second set of arm rests (when I downloaded the plans many weeks ago the cut list was wrong). It made putting that section together a lot easier.

I easily spent more on the hinges (at $5 per hinge x 8 hinges) than I did on the wood itself.

My 1 and 1/2 year old loves playing in it and now I need to build a toy box for him to put all of his sand toys in!

The console is tall, perfect as a serving comsole or for a portable BBQ. I used straight stair baulsters for the feet at 34". Fun, quick project. This was my third Furniture project from the Ana White site.

Clair

woodpaintcreate.com

I built this table from the Tryde end table with shelf plans with modifications. I cut the table top boards from 23" down to 16" and added 2x4 bread boards 1 on each end. I also added a magazine pouch on one side of the table.

I took the suggestions for the Mini-Farmhouse Bedside Table and revised it a little further. First I cut the legs to 18" which gave me a total height of 19". I enclosed the back to avoid looking at the back of the drawer. I covered the drawer with a piece so it overlaps the drawer slot. Worked great at hiding some of my mistakes. From the pics you can see that it sits next to my easy chair in Mi Cueva de Hombre. Great project.

I made this Console following your step by step rustic X console plan. turned out great! I love your site!

I built these benches out of cedar, which added considerable cost to the job.  The total cost for four benches (including stain) was about $240.  I used clear cedar and Sikkens outdoor stain in chocolate brown.  I also modified the plans slightly to create stronger joints, using rabbet and mortise joints and Titebond III (waterproof) glue.  This only slightly changed the dimensions, but I think it will make the benches last for years to come.  It did add some time to the plans, as I think butt joints would've taken only 2-3 hours total before sand and finish.