Community Brag Posts

Corner Cabinet - Large

I built this larger than the specs given because I wanted it to hold more. 12in shelves with an 8in back just seemed way too small. That would hold a plant or a bowl (as seen in the other brags). This can hold a plant *and* a bowl. If your space can accomodate it, I suggest making this larger.

This has shelves 16in deep and the back is 10in wide. This resulted in a front profile of about 42in across and a side depth of about 30in. I also added two cross members (?) over the shelves to give it a more finished look

Attach the back to the shelves first and then measure the rest from there. The materials list is modified as follows: back = 1x10x6ft, shelves = 2 x 3/4in by 16in by 8ft (will be enough to make all 6 shelves).

Pine back and shelves but I went with fir for the front frame/doors because the fir was much straighter and less prone to warping. It was my first time using a pocket hole jig. You gotta love that thing. The only other tool we used was a jig saw and a nice long straight edge (and a chop saw - helps with accuracy when building the frames).

Total cost of project was around $300 but considering we couldn't find anything like this in any store, and it fit our needs perfectly, it was well worth the time, cost and effort. The pictures don't do it justice.

Thank you Ana! It was just what we were looking for.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax wood treatment, stain and gloss spar urethan on the shelves and frames. Minwax tonge finish on the beadboard.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Desk build With My 7yr Old

My daughter and I decided to build her a desk this past summer. We went with a precut project board from Home Depot for the top. I didnt like how the bookshelves were attached so I used round head bolts and nylock bolts underneath. This way I can later resurface the top as well as makes it easier to move. We used a redwood stain and 4 coats of clear semi gloss. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

One Arm Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/28/2017 - 13:25

We are loving this outdoor sectional! It was super easy to build! The hardest part was figuring out cushions. I made the bottom cushions and got the back pillows on sale at Costco for less than I could make them. Thank you!

Estimated Cost
Less than $100 not counting cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor Sherwin Williams Sealskin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Molzhon3

Mon, 07/08/2019 - 20:35

I love the cushions! Where did you find them? I’m building mine tomorrow but not sure where to get cushions. Thanks! 

farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket hole

Submitted by dmsweeney on Fri, 02/05/2021 - 09:28

We made 30 tables for our daughters 2017 wedding . We finished them with Miss Mustard seed Curio milk paint ( diluted to a stain 4 to 1 )and Hemp oil.

Comments

Queen size platform bed w headboard

Submitted by blighton on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:35

queen size platform bed w matching headboard.. Sunbleached stain sanded to look aged..

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

Inspired by Ana.

Loved this idea so much - I developed it as a kit for my Scouts to put together.

Estimated Cost
$10.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
This one was left unfinished. I use milk paint to finish. Gives it the old fashioned/weather look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sofa Table

Great design and fairly easy to build,

Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax "Driftwood" #2126
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Spice Rack into Pantry

Submitted by mitkoed on Fri, 02/12/2021 - 18:05

I was going to build a spice rack but the project kept growing until this is what I had. It's 50 long x 96 tall x 22 wide . I started with the wire shelving already being used and I used 1/2 inch plywood, face framed with 1x2's and 1x3's built the door spice rack using 1x4's attached to plywood door frames doors with 1x2's. Hung the doors with 3 self closing hinges on top and 5 on bottom because the doors are heavy and will be more so once the spices are added. Works beautifully. Painted doors with valspar acrylic using a paint brush and stained the attached 1x2 outer frame and the face frame with walnut.
Edit : since posting the entire inside has been painted and I'm thinking I should of even built it bigger or the next project rather needs to be another one😂

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Walnut stain and acrylic paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

http://ana-white.com/2010/10/my-new-desk.html

Super easy and fun to make. I opted for 1/2" plywood to keep cost and weight down. I just adjusted the jig for 1/2".

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax polyshades in Espresso.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Flower Caddy

Submitted by donnamarie on Sat, 01/03/2015 - 14:08

I made three of these caddies from Ana's 'Reclaimed Soda Crate Caddy' plan.  I finished all three in white semi-gloss paint and added mason jars to hold flowers, pens, silverware, you name it.  I kept one for myself and gave the other two to my mom and mom-in-law for Mother's Day.  I completed this project around 3 years ago, and since then have used my flower caddy whenever I remember to get a bouquet.  It always brightens up my decor and receives compliments.  It's a very cute and unique project.  Enjoy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
one coat of primer followed by two coats of Sherwin-Williams Dover White in semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rocket Bookcase

Submitted by dacajun on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 15:12

Built this several years ago to display my sons action figures

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
apple red and navy blue
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Frame around bathroom mirror

I built a frame around the bathroom mirror. I used pine 2x3s. I used pocket holes and glue on my joints. I used minwax dark walnut. I’m happy with how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
Less than $10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Office seating and lounging

Submitted by Dwilly0571 on Wed, 02/27/2013 - 17:59

This is my 3rd project from this site and I am very ecstatic with the result. Though I am from a family of carpenters ( father and brother are carpenters) I am an amateur at this. I followed the plan with a little modification for 24 X 72 foam padding. Additionally I added batting to the top and side of the foam pad to add extra cushion.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cooler Patio Table August 2014

Submitted by Kimbers46 on Mon, 01/05/2015 - 12:52

We built a slightly sturdier version of this patio table with 4x4 legs instead of 2x4 legs.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Deck swing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 03:24

Used left over deck boards

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

S&H bedroom

My nephew ordered the bed for his bride to be and one year later I gifted them the bedside tables to match as a wedding gift. This plan was easy for someone who has trouble with drawers!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
basically free. Used scrap wood from beds built. bought hardware only.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Expresso stain with dry brush white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Playhouse Loft bed

Submitted by jlhelzer on Fri, 03/01/2013 - 23:56

Thanks for the plans. Our daughter loves this bed and I am so proud of my husband for building it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

14' dining room table

14 foot dining room table made by following the fancy plans.  Modified with 2 bases and 14' boards on top.  Awesome project!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
#320
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
American walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Stool

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/08/2017 - 09:23

Voilà . Bois recyclé.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Doll Bed

Made from 1x3 and 2x2 pine furring strips and a piece of 1/4" scrap plywood. I added an additional support across the center of the bed to provide some extra strength as was suggested in the tutorial. Painted with Benjamin Moore Select Soft Gloss White. Mattress is a foam pad inserted into a pillow case which is folded over to make it easy to wash. The bedding was purchased through TreasuresDollShop located on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuresDollShoppe

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with Benjamin Moore Select Soft Gloss White.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Shanty Sideboard and Hutch

My husband and I just bought our first home and in the kitchen there was a large wall that needed a large piece of furniture. To purchase something like what we needed in a store would have been outrageous! I found a piece of furniture that I loved and that would be the perfect fit for that wall on your website. I printed it out and gave it to my dad, who is pretty crafty himself and asked if he could make it for us. He looked at it and said sure. We made a few adjustments to your design. This is how it turned out. I love it and it looks perfect in our home!! Thanks for sharing your ideas!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced