Community Brag Posts

Outdoor bar grill surround with 2 post pergola

I wanted to build an L shaped outdoor bar with a 2 post pergola over the grill.  I couldn't find any plans online that would fit the space I had, so I decided to build it myself with custom dimensions.  The top bar is approx. 7'3" across, and 15" wide, while the distance from the right edge (next to the house) to the end of the bar is approx. 9'1".  

I framed it with PT lumber and the 2 pergola posts are sitting on top of the pavers and supported internally within some of the framing studs.  Since the pavers sit on top of concrete, I didn't feel the need to dig up the existing pavers and achor them in the ground.  

I used hardiboard for the exterior and tiled the lower section of the bar.

For the actual high bar top, I wanted to do something unique, and found a 900 year old scrap slab of Cypress at a local lumber yard.  One side was smooth, but underneath was gouged out from different saw cuts and very uneven.  I screwed a piece of 3/4" PT plywood underneath and trimmed it with 1-1/2" Cypress.  I stained the whole thing with a dark honey colored stain and put a generous amount of poly on it once it was dry.  There are a few cracks and nicks on it, but once it was stained, it looked awesome.  

Estimated Cost
I lost track after a while, but I would say $600-700.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax honey colored stain for the bar top. Minwax provincial stain for the pergola and minwax dark walnut stain for the oak trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tabletop chalkboard easel

A mini version of the original folding chalkboard easel. A smaller chalkboard space at 13" x 13" this size is perfect for tabletop use and easy carrying for kids.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Paint two coats (green = Glidden lucky shamrock, red = Behr tile ted) or stain = Minwax Early American
2. Seal clear satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Jelly Cupboard Armoire

Submitted by Fallmark18 on Fri, 12/12/2014 - 11:23

This is my first solo and most ambitious project. I only had some help with getting the doors hung. I combined my long-time love of machine embroidery and my new found love of woodworking to create the doors on this project and really make it something special. I'm going to be using this piece in place of a chest of drawers in my bedroom.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Cabernet and several coats of Rustoleum Interior Ultimate Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 13:21

What an awesome project! Love the finish, and the design on the doors. How did you do the door panels? They're lovely!

Fallmark18

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 14:53

Thanks so much for the compliment! The door panels are made of replacement storm door screen. I used my embroidery/sewing machine to embroider the design onto the screen.

Fallmark18

Tue, 12/16/2014 - 09:25

I'm so glad people like it. Everything I know about building I've learned from your site!

Deck chair Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 20:14

Dear Ana, 

I built this Deck chair as per the plans on your site. Super easy for amatuer beginners like me. Enjoyed making it. Thank a lot!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Yellow wood stain with Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First project!

Submitted by Bradley832 on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 21:38

Just finished the legs on my first project tonight. Instead of using the Krejig I found a really nice pocket hole jig that had some amazing reviews at my local Harbor Freight. Turned out really nicely if I do say so myself. I intend on finishing tomorrow as far as building goes. Will probably sand and stain a dark espresso in the next week or two.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Will post more as it gets finished
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mudroom Bench Built-In

I wanted to revamp my mudroom and need some storage so I built a bench and designed it as a built-in.

 

Please check out my DIY blog:

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/2nd-post

 

thanks,

Ian

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi-gloss paint with a water based polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wiccan Altar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 18:12

I took the plan from this and rather than have a two tone with paint, I stained the entire thing and used my wood burner to burn a pentacle in the top. My wife loves her altar.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Accoustic Guitar Becomes a Custom Wine Rack

Submitted by Sasquatch on Mon, 02/11/2013 - 15:24

Music and wine have always gone well together, but never quite like this...
Like most of my projects, this one was inspired by giving an old object new life. In this case, the guitar was one I had used in my job for a few years before it started to fall apart. As soon as the nut fell off, and one of the tuning pegs broke, I decided it was time to expedite the deterioration. Surprisingly, it's not that hard to get the neck of a guitar off it's body. Some light heat from an iron applied above the 14th fret softens the glue. Pry gently and you're free!
One of the main design features in my work is that I put a lot of thought in to the hardware. On most of my pieces, the hardware is either extremely obvious, or not there at all. In this case, I chose huge, bulky bolts to hold the neck on to the base. I've always been intrigued by the way things work, so I tend to want the mechanical aspects of art to be thought provoking. Juxtaposing the industrial look of bolts against the elegance of a musical instrument was really fascinating to play with. This kind of balance is what inspired the name 'Industrial Zen'.
More pics at www.orenpersing.com

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

Comments

Wounded Marine

Tue, 02/12/2013 - 07:08

I really like this idea. I have a family member who loves both wine and playing guitar. I just might have to steal this idea. You did a great job!

Ashley Makes: Clothesline Picture Frame

This was a quick weekend project.  I built two:  one for myself and another for a sister.  I really like this frame.  It's a neat way of displaying photos.  

You can check out my blog for more build details.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum's Early American with 2 coats of Minwax Poly Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

9 ft Fancy X with Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/18/2021 - 19:08

9 ft fancy x farmhouse table with breadboard ends.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax early American mixed with special walnut.

Base: rustoleum spray paint in heirloom white.

Both sealed with Minwax polycrylic satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Toddler Bed

Submitted by Delilah on Sat, 12/20/2014 - 10:52

We used the idea of the traditional wood toddler bed but modified it to get the look we were going for.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax natural wood stain and satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Grandy console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/21/2017 - 06:13

I took a different direction on the doors instead of using the barn doors I used old wooden windows in place of them. 

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

Rustic Adirondack Chair... Nailed it!

My first project using Ana's plans and they were easy to follow! I feel great about the project and plan to expand on it. I may double the width and make a little Adirondack bench seat!

Estimated Cost
$50 with hardware
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Mahogany stain and polyurethane

Farmhouse queen sized bed

Submitted by Miaya39047 on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 21:27

This project cost about 120.00 to make and about a weekend to build it. Plans make it very easy and it's beautiful and sturdy. I painted it antique white and used 1 coat of polycrylic on it.

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

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Modern bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2017 - 16:11

easy and fun .. our front porch loves it

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen Island with pallet wood

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/23/2021 - 19:35

After following Ana Whit and other bloggers for a long time i figured my skills were at a level to try an advanced build like the Kitchen Island.. But i also wanted to challenge myself even more and was determined to make it from as much reclaimed wood as i could, mainly pallet wood.
With a lot of modifications to make it work i think I got a good result from these plans.

While i used as much reclaimed wood as i could, i still needed some clean 2x4's , 2x2's

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I burned the top and used a cup wire brush on an angle grinder to get the effect of barn wood. then a couple coats of lacquer on the top. And a spray finish of polyacrylic for everything else.
chalk pain ( linin) to do the White wash
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Entryway Bench

Submitted by ElyseKaire on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 13:17

My husband and I used your instructions and made this bench! We are further furnishing our home, and we love it! We went with a weathered gray stain to match some other furniture we have.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Toddler Sized Cabin Bed (Crib Mattress)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/26/2017 - 19:35

Loved the twin sized cabin bed but my grandson is a few years away from needing a big boy bed.  Husband scaled down the plans and this  is what we came up with. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate