Community Brag Posts

Outdoor Adirondack Chairs and Modern Side Tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 11:37

I love the Adirondack chairs and they were so easy to make. Your directions were perfect. I added an inexpensive cushion from Walmart although I think technically Adirondack chairs don’t have cushions. But they do help make them more comfortable. I also added some tin work design because we live in the south west.

James

Seasonal And Holiday

Modified Entryway Shelf

Submitted by bwconing on Sat, 02/25/2012 - 09:03

I made this shelf roughly from the entryway shelf plans. I modified it to meet our needs in our nursery. We hung it above the changing table/dresser (that we bought) and my wife put some nice pink polka-dot baskets in the cubbies. We use it to put baby accessories in (socks, lotion, rash cream, hair bows, etc.) This was my first project and it turned out better than I expected! It was an all day project for me, since it was my first, but shouldn't normally take that long.

Estimated Cost
$12
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I just used white latex paint. It required 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by pcdaugs on Sun, 12/29/2013 - 21:50

My wife saw this build about 2 years ago and fell in love with it. She decided we should try and find something we could by that was similar but just couldn't find it. Anyway after 9.5 months I finally finished the piece with a couple modifications. First, I added a second smaller open shelf for BlueRay players, video games, and cable box so the TV could be sitting on the top without any clutter.Second, I milled out the corner posts to exactly 2" X 2" square boards so there was little more presence on the side detail. I really like how it turned out and this piece will have a long time home here with. Especially after putting all that time into it!

Estimated Cost
$350 Dollars on Wood Alone
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
This piece will be used as a TV entertainment center.

We just stained it with three coats applied with a cloth and then 2 coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:56

I love how you modified the plans to suit your needs. The wood grains on the sides are very attractive as are the drawer fronts; that doesn't always happen.
The finish is outstanding. I"m sure you're glad you took your time to get this build just right! Congratulations!

pcdaugs

Fri, 01/10/2014 - 15:40

It certainly was a project but in the end I really like what turned out. I can also say my wife was key in getting the finish just right as I am a terrible stainer.

snogirly7

Fri, 07/18/2014 - 17:50

can you post the changes in measurements you did to make this taller? and additional wood I would need to purchase? this looks amazing, great job! I hope I can do this just as well.

Sofa and Long Couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/12/2016 - 12:18

So, we basically took the pans for the 2x4 outdoor sofa and extended it for one of the sofas because we wanted 4-across seating. We also finished up the look by adding vertical beams in the arms and a second 2x4 across the top (see photos). Because of the really long couch, I added extra bracing foot to make sure it won't sag.

 

Once complete, we determined the pillows across the back were a bit too tall, so we adjusted the plans by adding a couple beams and then lengthening it to attach to the back of the arms rather then between the arms. We pocket drilled the beams together and then braced it with 1x4 slats across the back. I also used a 1/4 router bit to soften all the edges. Anna we took your advice and pocket drilled all attachments except the seat slats for a real finished store-bought look. Cost of wood was under $100 because we went with pine. Pillows and seats from At Home put us at about $600 total for the project.

Estimated Cost
All in with umbrella and stand, wood for stand, two couches, pillows, and sand to add weight for the umbrella was under $700.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson Water Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/25/2019 - 07:06

Used construction pine 2x4s. I was lucky to be able to use a family members planer and table saw to cut my pieces.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax PolyShades
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

A First Woodworking Project - Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 17:22

Dual tone: painted frame with stained slats! Final finish with spar varnish and epoxy packed feet. First woodworking project, thanks Ana for the plans! You rock!

Overall took a long time due to the sanding and multiple coats of paint, stain and varnish. The plans were easy to follow and cuts were easy to make. A belt sander really helped with cleaning up some of the messy 2x4s! Looking forward to my next project!

 

Toddler size loft bed

Submitted by jlandr on Tue, 02/28/2012 - 23:20

I built this loft bed for my daughter who is 3. It is built like the loft bed but the height of the fort bed since she is still little. The first night we were worried that she would somehow roll out since the mattress is thicker than I had realized making the side rails shorter, however she has not had any problems. I used 1x2s and a few 1x3s since that is what I had in the shop. If I were to do it again I would use more 1x3s for support or add plywood like the Fort bed.

Estimated Cost
$50 to $100, the lumber was purchased for another project that never made it out of design phase. Not sure how much we paid for it.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray lacquer. Only one coat. We should have used more coats and sanded it down more, especially the edges around the top of the ladder, I've noticed that it is a little sharper than I had intended. My husband is not a very patient man and we tried to build this with the 3 year old and 4 month old in the shop with us. It started out good but quickly became a bad situation because I had already taken her old bed out of the room and we needed to finish this one. Oops! I got a little excited!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:35

I love this bed but I need it in a size that would fit a toddler sized mattress. This looks like it is toddler sized but are the plans for a twin?

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:53

Is there a plan that includes toddler dimensions for this bed. It appears the one pictured is a toddler bed but the plans seem to be for a twin.

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:54

SO sorry about the four posts... didn't see it go through so I tried too many times :(

Dining Table and Chairs

This was my first table - I added extensions by notching out the end 2x4's and making extensions that slide into the pockets. There were a few mistakes I made that will be corrected when I build my next.
I modified the length of the table down to 5 feet long, but with the extensions in it goes up to 8'. The table is also 34" tall due to a giant husband and Great Dane. The chairs were likewise modified in height and I made the backs a bit fancier using 1x2's and a nail gun.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chairs are painted and waxed, table is stained and polyurethaned. When I do my next table it will be waxed.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Perfect table!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 10:58

Dark walnut finish

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Saw Horse Leg Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 16:33

This was a nice easy project that i built for my son for his christmas present! A few pieces of lumber, a blow torch and clear coat.....Done. I recomment this for a starter project!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

What's Your Sign

I've loved doing some custom signs lately. Since I didn't have anymore reclaimed plywood I let my boyfriend Kreg Jig do the work joining some boards together, and let me angle grinder do all the damage.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
beat up wood with angle grinder
Base coat with a mix of leftover blues and greens
sanded, over sanded
coat of leftover red mixed with some other acrylic reds
sanded and over sanded to reveal lots of that blue
used projector to throw my adobe file up there, traced with paint pen, then filled in. Sanded and distressed a tad more. Sealed with a coat of satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Shoe Dresser

Submitted by flyboy599 on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 08:04

We started using the plans from the site while modifying some dimensions to best fit our space. To reduce the guesswork in aligning the drawers and drilling the dowel holes, we routered a slot in the side of the drawer (shown in the pictures) then drilled a 1/2'' hole in the inside of the frame to insert the dowel. Doing this allows us to easily insert and remove the drawers for adjustment or cleaning.

We attached nylon straps to the bottom of the bin to hide them and used some hardwood plywood to completely cover the back.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax natural stain (w/ prestain) and two coats of semigloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

abc1234

Mon, 02/19/2024 - 15:39

I like your idea with the dowels. I want to do the same but I thought the dowels would need to be closer to the front corner for the doors to open properly. Do you find your doors open ok?

Great Simple Desk!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/18/2016 - 13:51

I made this sawhorse desk for my 11 year old daughter's room makeover. It's a nice, simple plan that was fast to cut and assemble. I would trim the top of the saw horse legs to be under 24 inches to make sure it completely fits under the desk top. I may add a backsplash type backing.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi-gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Paneled TV Console Table

I wanted a TV console table but didn't need all the bells and whistles of cabinets and drawers. I actually couldn't quite figure out the "Rustic X" design so I decided on side panels instead. Plus, I didn't really want to see all our stuff from the side anyway. 

I used 1x6s for the top, 1x12s for the middle and bottom shelf, 1x3s and 1x2s for the side panels, and 1x3s and 1x2s for the trim. I used 1/4' plywood for back support and to hide cables. 

This thing is solid! I live in CA and I'm not fearful of my TV falling with "The Big One" coming. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Penetrating Stain and Minwax Polyurethane
White Cabinet paint by Sherwin Williams
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sunny Cupcake Play Kitchen!

My friend and I built this out of white pine, using plans from here. We threw our own changes and special touches on it and used the fridge plans to build a pantry also. We painted it yellow, and used vintage inspired and cupcake fabric prints. I also found a miniature ice cream parlor set on Craigslist. I painted to table top and we upholstered the seats with the same cupcake fabric. A few kitchen accessory kits and VIOLA! My girls LOVE this and it cost under $200 to build. I would recommend building over buying ANYTIME you can! Thank you Ana White and my friend for making my girls' Christmas the best yet!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic One Paint+Primer in Golden Slumber. Semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

linzi_sparxxx

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 15:14

They stood there, one staring at the kitchen, one staring at the table set, for like 15 seconds with their jaws dropped. It was priceless. I had so much fun, and it's really so easy to do. As long as you have the tools!

linzi_sparxxx

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 07:55

Thank you! I absolutely love this kitchen. I recommend building over the cheaply mass produced ones you can buy at Walmart and Kmart. I'd like to see some pictures of yours too!

Momofmarlee

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 19:45

Hello, I am about to start building this project for my little girl. I am so excited! I was wondering how you did the knobs for the oven and stove. I love them. Do they turn? Did you find an already round piece of wood or did you have to cut it that way? I love love love your kitchen. So creative and so many great ideas! Lots of love went into that I can tell. Thank you for your help!

Tsu Dho Nimh

Wed, 12/04/2013 - 03:03

The knobs look like those "mushroom" cabinert pulls with a line painted on them for the temperature. They seem to have a round settings dial painted behind them.

If you want them to turn, just don't tighten the bolt completely.

Husky Farmhouse Table

My Sister thought this table would be a perfect edition to her new Farm House styled home that she was building. My sister asked a local wood turner if he had any old chunky legs sitting around...and he did! He sold these beauties to her for $20/each, steal of a deal.
We followed the Husky Farmhouse Table plan except with a few modifications. We used 5x 2″x8″x72″ pine boards instead of the 2″x6″ boards. I thought it was necessary to add some supports to stiffen up the table top, so we cut 3 pieces of 2″x4″ about 25″ long and glued and screwed those boards into the underside of the table top.
Next we substituted 1″x4″ furring strip board for the 2″x4″ skirt and eliminated the 1″x2″ trim and put a cute routed bead around the skirt. Since the table legs are round at the top instead of square, we changed the skirt attachment and screwed the legs to the table top. We cut the skirt boards to fit and screwed them in place.
The table turned out gorgeous, my sister adorned this table with fun ombre chairs. Thanks Ana for the plan.

FYI: tutorial for the silver travertine herringbone floors on blog:-)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso gloss, and Minwax Classic Black gloss. 2 wet coats of espresso gloss, followed by 2 wet coats of classic black. The Espresso went on with a redish color, the black made it very rich!
The legs and skirt are painted white, we plan on using antiquing glaze to get a more defined look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kristihw

Thu, 01/02/2014 - 15:41

I love this table. I have been enjoying a lot ever since my sister built it! Thanks Ana for giving us this great idea. I have received a lot of compliments from visitors. It wasn't too hard to build either. Definitely worth it!

Outdoor Pool Cabana

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/31/2019 - 20:21

I wanted a huge cabana for my outdoor pool area to have a place guests could kick back and relax if they weren’t swimming. I took the plans from the one arm and armless outdoor sofas and modified the plan to include posts and a lattice top for shade. This inspired plan was finished off with cushions from at home and features seating comfortably for 9. Everyone loves this area in the backyard to kick back! At night we have solar lights twinkle at the top and they complete the project perfectly with a soft twinkle.

Estimated Cost
$250 before cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing yet. Needed to wait for the pretreated wood to finish drying out.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

TWINNING!

Twin Farmhouse Storage Bed With Hinged Footboard.
After making a queen-size for myself, I built this twin-sized version for my niece. Along with a "Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired" theme, she got a new bed and a new bedroom for her 15th birthday.
For this version of the bed, I made just one storage cubby because it sits against a wall. With the addition of the hinged footboard, she has a secret vault for storing her Super Secret Teen items (or shoes or snowboards). I followed the traditional farmhouse bed design, omitting one 1x6 in the head/footboard panels. This way, it is not as wide and the storage cubby meets the bedpost on center.
(Again, my daughter modeling the hinging action).

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and painted with Olympic Heirloom Lace in Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kad050209 (not verified)

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 20:43

I'm wanted to make my daughter a bed simple to this... Was wondering, since you took one 1x6 piece out on each end... How many inches is the gap from the wall to bed? I want to have my DD's bed against the wall but, since she is only 3 I don't want a big gap for her to fall into! I hope you understand what I mean. Thanks.

In reply to by kad050209 (not verified)

birdsandsoap

Tue, 09/11/2012 - 21:53

The gap is actually determined by the widest part of the bed, which is the cap piece on the head and footboards. At most, your gap would be around 3 inches, but you can shove a foam pool noodle from the dollar store in that gap if you are concerned she will get stuck.

And just to be clear, I only removed (1) 1x6 from the headboard and (1) 1x6 from the footboard to match; not two boards from each panel. Wasn't sure if you understood.