Community Brag Posts

x-table and benches

Submitted by kcaldes on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 11:32

Good plans and easy construction. Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

yogijenn

Thu, 08/08/2013 - 08:54

Planning to build a set like this for my new patio. The angles on the bench legs don't appear to be 45s. Could you share a few detail about them? Thanks!

The "not so Ryan" nightstand part deux

Submitted by Medickep on Mon, 08/05/2013 - 21:21

So This project was a little harder than I anticipated, but thanks to Anas' Rhyan nightstand plans as well as Kimbers project on the "not so Rhyan nightstand" I was able to get these done. A special thanks to Kimbers for several consult emails as well as some tips on getting materials at cheaper prices!!

I often got cheap material in the scrap area of the orange box. There actually was some good stuff there if you go early and get it before the contractors do! 1/4 sheet of 3/4" birch plywood for 4.01$

For this project I used the rattle can. I've had it suggested to me for other projects but was never willing to try it. It worked really well. No brush strokes but the down side is that it hid nothing!!!

Estimated Cost
Maybe 80 or so. To many trips to keep track of!!
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I tried oil based rattle can paint for this one. One coat of primer and two coats of paint. The rattle can hides nothing on the wood though!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bathroom Mirror

Submitted by AndyH on Thu, 08/27/2015 - 19:31

Bathroom mirror made from 1 by 6s and a 24 inch by 20 inch plain mirror.

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean, then vaseline on the bits you want to show through the wood. Extra white satin paint sanded slightly and then another coat and sanded smooth by hand with 400 grit sandpaper.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Tilt out trash can with drawer and shelves

Submitted by tholler on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 19:59

A few 2x4’s and some old fence boards. 

Danish oil - walnut. 

Estimated Cost
Used mostly scraps. Bought 4 2x4 at $4 each. Hinges were $4 too I think. Had 1x6 in scrap pile for drawers.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil - walnut. And great patina from old fence boards...
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Balin Consle Table Extraordinaire

My wife and I picked this out as our first somewhat complex piece from Ana's site to make. Most of the table is made from left over 1x4s I had from a fence we made. I only needed 2 1x12s as we didn't make the drawers as deep.

Because I cut down the 1x4s for the legs (and didn't examine the plans in detail first) I made them 3 inches wide when the ones in the plan are only 2.5 inches wide. This made for a few adjustments, such as the middle two drawers being a bit narrower.

The fronts of the drawers are normal height, but the boxes are only 4 inches high inside (so they don't fill up with as much junk, lol).

The 1x12s were only 11 inches wide, so I laminated some 1x2s on the sides to make it wide enough.

I think it really turned out well and we're already planning some complimentary pieces for our living room.

Counting the left over wood from the fence it probably cost around $50 including the stain and polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We stained the table with minwax walnut stain, sanding lightly after 2nd and 3rd application. After that we put on 3 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane sanding between each. Lastly, on the top we put on 3 coats of clear gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

School Table

I made the legs rounded instead of cut like the plans showed. I also made the table top much larger, so I extended the legs and the table supports. The kids picked Tree Frog Green by Valspar. They loved helping paint!

The chairs are the Children's Storage Chairs.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Tree Frog Green. Two coats of Minwax Polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Outdoor Patio Furniture

Submitted by disneynut on Tue, 05/22/2018 - 19:26

I used modified plans from Thrifty and Chic. I have the same cushions size from Target that she has. It worked out beautifully. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
High gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Indoor Playhouse for nephew

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/26/2022 - 10:18

First project with pocket holes. A little challenging for a complete beginner, but pretty forgiving and fun to make! My nephew LOVES it!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Free Farmhouse Table

I got all the wood from the dump. The best way to get a good glue up for the table top is joint the sides flat, and then hand plane the top for a smooth surface. Gorgeous table for nothing.

Estimated Cost
$0.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Non wax Shellac, Walnut Stain, Semi-Gloss Poly, Red Spray Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by KKGaskin90 on Sat, 07/07/2018 - 17:38

We couldn’t be happier with the outcome! This bed is beautiful and everyone who sees it is impressed. We did raise both the footboard and headboard so that both gave a bit more impressive appearance and so that the footboard rises above the mattress.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut interior wood stain by Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Built-in Entertainment Center with Drawers

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/02/2022 - 19:16

Modified the mudroom bench with drawers to make a built in entertainment area. Thank you for the ideas. It was tricky to modify and definitely a learning experience but I always learn something new when I build.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Second Project - Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by scot price on Fri, 07/08/2011 - 11:41

This was our second project from the site.

We used the plans from the Queen Farmhouse Bed as a guide, and used information from the Two-Tone Kingzize Bed to finish it off.

Some differences we had were to used a single panel instead of multiple panels for the headboard and footboard. We then bordered that panel with 1x3's, and a 1x3 down the middle of the panels.

We also attached the box frame (we dont use boxsprings) a little higher than the plans. We attached these at 11.5 inches up. If you like high sitting beds, this will do it.

Great project. We havent sanded/stained it yet.

Estimated Cost
250 - 350
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish yet, but plan to go dark stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

wonderfullyweird

Tue, 07/03/2012 - 07:47

Thanks for the tip about attaching the frame higher. I prefer high-sitting beds (I'm tall, so I hate feeling like I'm falling onto the bed), so I'm happy to see I can make it higher up.

StudioVaHi (not verified)

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 08:29

Love the single panels. Did you use one piece of wood for the panels? What size? Also, would love to see pictures of it with finish!

Striped Tent

Submitted by akruszyna on Sun, 08/11/2013 - 14:32

Not too bad for my first project without my dad to oversee! I did adjust the plan a bit for a more colorful option. I bought a 9' x 12' canvas drop cloth at Home Depot, cut a 3' wide strip, and used Dritz Stitch Witchery to finish the edges. I then mixed samples of Behr paint with fabric medium to paint stripes. So that I could wash the canvas if needed, I attached it with Velcro strips at the base of the tent.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Flat Gray Primer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Easy Peasy Garage Shelves

Submitted by NickInHB on Mon, 09/07/2015 - 13:12

This was such an easy project to complete although it did take some time to measure and cut all the boards.  I could only transport 2x4s at 8' so after cutting the height to 6' for the braces I used the extra 2' for the shelf width.  The extra width really helped with some of my storage totes.  I made the first section at 5' in length to handle the heavier totes, and the second section I used the full 8' board with a brace in the middle.  I wish my garage was a little deeper to handle 16' of shelves as it would have saved me a good bit of time.  I'm also glad I have an extra ryobi battery to charge while I assemble.  Gotta love how fast those things charge.  Can't wait to try another one of your plans.

Estimated Cost
Around $130 from the Depot. 2x4 at 8' $2.73 a piece and two boxes of screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

alipettaway

Sun, 05/31/2020 - 22:32

Awesome job!! I’m wondering if plywood can be used for shelving instead of more 2x4s like on the non free standing garage shelves?

Rustic cooler

Submitted by LARMO on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 18:26

Rustic cooler made from pine

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior semitransparent cedar stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hall tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/11/2022 - 10:16

Hey Ana,
Just wanted to say thank you for giving me the inspiration to take on this project. I changed a couple of things to fit the space , but totally your design! Much love and look forward to the next project!
Johnny

Twin Fancy Storage Bed

I built my girls' beds using two of Ana's plans. I used all whitewood boards for the construction. It took a few hours to build both beds and I love the result! I used my brad nailer and gorilla glue for both the headboard and bed base. I also used drywall screws (my fav) to attach the bottom bed pieces. You can see more details at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/01/beds-finished-well-almost.html !

Estimated Cost
Under $100 for each bed
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of custom cream color you can find in my blog post above. I use Whizz 4" rollers on almost all furniture painting... LOVE.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grey Secretary From Ana's Book!

Submitted by ksmith311 on Tue, 08/13/2013 - 17:46

This was our first build requiring any doors. We didn't get them perfect, the inset part was kind of challenging, but its still functional and beautiful! I will be lining the top section (the desk part) with mirror and will be using it as a vanity desk! It has created sooo much storage in our extra bedroom and I LOVE THAT! It was a pretty easy build except for adding all the doors and hardware, which turned out to be the most frustrating part. We added some leftover crown molding to the table top which makes it feel a little top heavy. I'm thinking about adding some chunky feet to it to balance it out a bit.

The secretary is from Ana's awesome book: The Handbuilt Home!

Cost: approximately $60

Finish: Soft Gray paint in eggshell (What was I thinking using egg shell? It should have been a semi gloss but I guess that's what happens when you're using what you've got.)

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Soft grey paint in eggshell
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate