Community Brag Posts

Numbered cubbies

Submitted by Kimberly W on Tue, 08/30/2011 - 09:49

I was so excited when I saw the plans for this and knew I had to make it. I love the way the wood looks with the numbers stained. It only took a couple of hours to get it exactly as I wanted. My kids love that they now have a place for all their crayons and school supplies.

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

double pedestal table

Submitted by Binda B on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 09:26

I think the hardest part of making this table was making it square. I think a tutorial video would be very beneficial. Took me a while to make due to life priorities, but it is finally done! Kids have already taken it over! My favorite part is letting them draw on it and make it theirs. Will be fun in the future to look back. We also wrote the date on it. I do think clamping is a must. I didn't do that at first and ended up taking the top apart and redueing it with clamps and glue.

I didn't want cracks that food could get into, and those 2x4's are rounded. So I ran those boards through a table saw to make sure they are flush with the 1x6's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00 for everything. the 1x6's were a higher quality pine. the rest was the cheaper pine.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood conditioner, american walnut by rustoleum, 4 coats of minwax semi gloss polyurethane. LOTS of sanding was done on the top of this table. Including steel wool.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Truss 4x4 Dining Table

Submitted by SiaTanner on Fri, 11/27/2015 - 11:25

I somewhat followed the general context of the plans for the bottom, but I added bracing and general durability changes to the plans. As the original builder did not take thought into the event of moving/ un- assembling, warping, expansion or durability. I used kiln douglas fir  (4x4, and 2x4) and kiln dried pine bread board tops. All bracing joints were predrilled and then screwed in with 4.5 or 2 inch screws, as a kreg jig joint should not have stress- I want this table to withstand someone leaning or in the instance sitting on the tabe to be safe- a 1/2-1.5 kreg screw would not work. I also changed the bread board to a 1x10- as most of the 2x10 at the stores were warped or chemically treated. Underneath we added bracing with an additional 2 2x4 beams, with cross beams in the middle to prevent sress. We opted not to have breadboards, as I did not want to mortise or tenon joint the ends. We followed close to the plans- but inforced stronger bracing to withstand weight applied to the table and easy dissasembly. :)

My cost was a little higher - but I did not want chemically treated pieces or warping. There was additional cost in 4.5 inch screws, and brackets but under 50 dollars. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood: 197
Brackets: 32
Screws: 12 (Already has 2inch)
Bluing Agent: 5 (already had)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sand 120 grit, then 260. Vinegar wash to 'condition' the wood for absorption to prevent spotting/bleeding. 50/50 Mixture of Dark Walnut and Special Walnut. Hardware was Zinc Coated- sanded and vinegar washed- final coat was bluing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Aged turquoise

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 09:09

Aged rustic turquoise 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
To be auctioned
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cabin Bed

Submitted by coskam14 on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 17:29

Cabin Bed for toddler. Alternate take on the Jen Woodhouse bed. Built to fit the space

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Book Nook Tent

I loved this plan as soon as I saw it. The only modification I made was I used a 4x16 8oz drop cloth up on over the center instead of curtains or fabric and painted the wood with orange gloss spray paint. The kids love it. I think we may make come doors and ties to make it cozier but they love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Multi-Purpose Paint Spray in Real Orange
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Anna Lawrence (not verified)

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 13:05

I think I am in love with the look of the drop cloth and spray paint. :)

What a fabulous replacement for the curtains... I know at our HD or L a huge cloth is $8 or $9 bucks, so that's a really economical choice.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 13:44

I love your tent! I am thinking of making one but want to get an idea of the area it will take up. Can you tell me how much space (l, w, h) it takes when assembled? Thanks!

CraigCaggiano (not verified)

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 08:21

If you want to make one to sell let me know!

Anthropologie Style Farmhouse Table

My husband built the table and benches and I applied the finish. It pretty much took us most of two weekends, but was well worth it. We learned that we should have used kiln dried wood for the table top, since ours warped pretty significantly. We will most likely replace the planks on top of the table in the near future. Also, the plans for the length of the bench don't allow for the benches to be pushed in under the table. The supports get in the way (make sure your measure!). I used Minwax Ebony stain and wiped it off quickly after applying it, so that the wood would show through. I also used a satin finish to keep true to the vintage look, yet give the table some protection from the elements.

Estimated Cost
140.00 for both the table and benches
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Ebony
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toy Box / Blanket Chest

Submitted by ScottyG on Fri, 12/04/2015 - 11:10

A few weeks back, my niece asked it I wouldn't mind building a Toy Box to auction off at a benefit she's holding this Saturday (December 5th - 2015). She and her husband are adopting 4, count 'em FOUR orphans from Latvia, so naturally I was more than happy to oblige. I didn't use any specific plans per se... I just used some pocket hole cabinetry I've seen on this site and others, as well as some pictures I found on the internet of different toy boxes and blanket chests for inspiration. The final project cost about $55 all in, including lumber and hardware. I used 1x3s and 1x2s for the frame, one 4x4 sheet of 1/4" plywood for the panels, and one 3/4" x 16" x 8 foot project board (which I got for $11 and change!) to use as the bottom and lid of the chest. For hardware, I used a couple of box hinges, a lid stay so that the lid both stays open on it's own and closes softly (gotta save those little fingers, y'know ;) ), and a cool wrought iron knob I found at Hobby Lobby for about $2 (gotta love the 40% off Black Friday Deals!). Oh... I also picked up a little quote plate from Hobby Lobby too, just too add that extra touch. ヅ Stain is Rustoleum American Walnut with 3 coats of satin poly.

UPDATE:  The auction was yesterday and the chest sold for $330!  ヅ

Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum American Walnut stain with 3 coats of Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

hmetcalf10

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 14:26

Such a beautiful chest for a beautiful cause. The special extras - the plate and knob - are so perfect. Congratulations on the money raised...worth every penny.

Modified salsa console buffet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/22/2019 - 16:25

Made a little smaller than original plans and completely out of oak  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400 (oak is expensive)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax early american.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fireplace with hidden Mantle storage and side bookshelves

Submitted by ibseenu on Thu, 12/01/2022 - 14:30

Thank you Ana for you Fireplace design as it was exactly what I needed! We’ve lived in our house for 3 years now and I’ve wanted a fireplace ever since. Your plan was perfect and with a few modifications I made it come to life. My 9yr daughter as I was almost done building thought there should be a shelf for books and movies below the fire place. It gave me the idea of adding storage on the sides. I had already had the idea of the mantle storage and just used a floating shelf idea and made that. This was a lot of fun!! It took me a little over a week to build. But can’t wait to build something else for our house… like the mudroom!

Amy

Comments

jtemperley

Sun, 01/08/2023 - 19:02

That looks awesome! My husband and I are planning on doing this as well. I do have a question, as I see you have carpet just like us. Did you cut out the carpet where you built out, and if so how did you go about that, or did you just build on top of it?

Wooden side table

Submitted by Lizann on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 16:45

Created from recycled decking timber

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tung oil and wax
Edges darkened with ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X Console Table

This was one of my favorite projects!!!  I never could of completed this project without the guidance of Ana's blog and Hilary From the Friendly House. Thank you!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Office shelf

This took about 7 hours over the week after work. 

Estimated Cost
Had the extra wood already.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain “Provinicial”
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/19/2022 - 08:04

Working a full time job, I was still able to finish each table within a week (taking a couple hours a day to cut, build, sand, burn, stain, ect). These are my second and third tables that I’ve ever built and looking forward to making more.

Comments

Teal Dresser

This was our last furniture build to complete our DIY bedroom makeover. We have a small space, so the dimensions of the Beach Cottage Dresser were perfect. We used mostly spruce, because we were going to paint the project. We used leftover accent paint from the walls and stained the top to match to rest of the furniture we've built. This was our third project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We stained the top with Dark Walnut, and painted the rest with two coats of Benjamin Moore Blue Oasis.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

wall decor for my wife

Submitted by jarsofclay on Sat, 09/28/2013 - 10:31

Well I decided to do some wall hangings and this one was my favorite all hand craftedand hand painted. Feeling inspired by wife I wrote this personal note to her "Home is wherever you are. "

Using four planks I lined them up and then made a picture frame and screwed it all together for a " farm door" look. Then I stained it and proceeded to paint it free hand.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Expresso
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pendant Light

This project didn't require much when it came to woodworking other than the wood mounted base. I have seen a few variations of pulley pendant lights on the web and thought it would be neat to build my own. I came across an old pulley and hanger at an antique mall. I bought the light hardware from a local big box store. I put some scrap lumber to use and applied some paint and stain I had around. I was hoping to make this my first custom made item to sell but once the Christmas season is over and the decorations are packed away, the Mrs. says she wants this hung in the house.Thanks for looking.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex and stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Kid's play kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 18:54

Play kitchen I made for the grandkids 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Burned wood and stained with golden oak Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 18:35

My wife wanted a coffee bar and I wanted a fridge for wine and beer. So we compromised on this.

Comments

Tryde Coffee Table

Submitted by j2s on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:12

My Tryde coffe table. Fun to build and looks great! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain, Ivory Rustoleum Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Storage Bed with lights

Submitted by jtiffany83 on Sun, 09/29/2013 - 22:25

I started this project and wasn't sure what I was doing. This is the first project I've ever built and I look forward to the bigger and better projects I will be doing. As a spent several weeks online looking for the perfect bed to build for my son, I found this web page and truly found it to be easy to follow and easy to customize.

I built the bed and bought the fabric storage boxes at a local store and decided that the lights would be a great addition. I found some LED lights on Amazon.com which were extremely easy to install. The lights added only an additional $28, total, which added a cool new look to my sons room. He uses the lights as his nightlight and I love the way it turned out.

My next project will be the king farmhouse frame.

Estimated Cost
$185
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Regular light black stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments