Community Brag Posts

Leaning Shelf Project

Submitted by bknjohnson on Thu, 01/16/2014 - 10:17

I started with Ana's plans and modified them for our specific needs.  We have a corner in our hallway very well suited for a shelf system like this, and my wife wanted to fill that area.  So, my finished project is 4 feet wide. Other than adjusting the plans for the width and then the lumber needs accordingly, all of the remaining dimensions and measurements in Ana's plan remained the same.  

I built everything using oak 1x4s and oak plywood, and pocket screws to build each shelf and the ladder portion.  

I read the comments here about attaching a piece of oak to the front of the shelves to hide the plywood layers, and wish I had read that before cutting all the pieces. I was able to make that modification without causing too much rework, I just had to cut the trim a little to match the new depth of each shelf.  

This piece is very heavy when fully assembled!  I decided to leave the ladder assembly separate from the shelves during the finishing process, and then carried everything to the living room.  I attached the bottom shelf first and worked my way up.

Each shelf is attached to it's respective support and to the ladder legs by wood screws, and each shelf is screwed to wall studs. Thanks for the plans Ana, this was a nice Christmas gift for my wife. :-)

I listed this project as Intermediate only because I modified the plans to fit our particular needs.  The measuring and cutting were relatively straight forward, attaching with the pocket screws took some time to get everything right.  Finishing took time to allow each coat to dry thoroughly.  Assembly also took me some time, just to make sure each shelf was level and ensuring I was drilling into studs and not sheetrock.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
All Minwax products: 1 coat of Pre-conditioner, 2 coats of Golden Oak stain and then 3 coats of Polycrylic. I only put one coat of the Poly on the wood surfaces that I knew would be hidden such as the back of the trim against the wall, and the tops of the shelf supports.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bunkbed a with trundle

This was a on the fly build no plans  just wanted to post it for ideas for everyone

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax American walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bookshelf Desk

Submitted by amanda1558 on Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:39

If it was not for this site I would not think we could do this. Inspiration was from the IKEA LACK bookshelf and varioous craft desk tutorials on here. Bookshelf is 7 ft tall, 4 ft wide and shelves are 16 inches deep. Writing desk area is 3 ft long 2 ft wide. It could be done cheaper but it needed to hold all my daughters toys in bins so we paid more for the 16 inch deep boards. It only took a Saturday afternoon to build, but more time in decorating, clear coat of stain. It has a acrylic top writing surface.

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

Comments

neverlate

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:35

my brother saw this on line picture and he would like to make it for his little girl. Like to get the plan from you if you have it.

Easy Doorway shelves

Submitted by elana on Sat, 01/18/2014 - 17:23

Why should doorways be boring? I used 1x6 and 1x8 lumber to build a shelving unit around the doorway. Now I have somewhere to display pictures and creations from my kids too. Measure your doorway to see what size lumber works best for you. Prime and paint with Dove White and add white caulk to any imperfect cuts to smooth things over. BTW, cats love the shelves too!

Estimated Cost
less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Please use a primer that is made for covering knot sap as this will eventually bleed through ordinary primer and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Chair - Complete with Bottle Opener

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/23/2019 - 07:42

I loved this project! It was simple to follow and I can't wait to make the sofa this upcoming spring to go along with it. We added a bottle opener just in case you get outside, sit down, and forgot to open your beer! lol

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

Tryde Media Center

Submitted by kendaves on Thu, 04/05/2012 - 21:24

I had just built the Tryde Side Table and it was so easy I gave a shot at this project. Took about 4 hours to build and is a really sturdy, good looking entertainment center. The only thing that I did not like that I would change is an overlap of the tabletop in the front. There is an overlap on both ends but not in the front. Other than that, I really like the outcome.

Estimated Cost
$75 - $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Headboard - King

Submitted by ivanakom on Mon, 01/20/2014 - 20:37

This was a super fun project to do and very easy too. I did this while I was nine months pregnant. The instructions were very clear and the total cost was great too!

Finish Used
Aged the wood with tea bags and a mixture made with stainless steel and vinegar.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

3 pedestal farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/13/2016 - 18:00

Just love how this turned out
The plan was so easy to follow
I stained with black then sanded to give it a rough look marking up the corners etc and then applied dark walnut
I am waiting on brass studs /nails to trim the apron in the centre applying brass corners will keep you posted

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

$10 Picture Ledge

I made it! Yes, my first project is complete. I made a small piece to place in my soon to be repainted half bath. It was not perfect, but for a first time project and stain job, I am proud of my work. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$16
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bar Stools

Submitted by old_man on Sun, 04/08/2012 - 11:01

These are simple, cheap, easy, and effective.

I modified the top so that I could just use the left over 2X6s I had and it would somewhat match my table. I felt it worked. There is probably something like $5 in wood in each chair about about 20 screws...that's it.

Word of warning, because you are using 2X2s these chairs will twist a little. Can't change physics but for $5 what do you want...

This is a fun little project that is quite easy but will make you think about how you can modify it and how/where you should use all your screws both to make it strong as well as to hide them.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut. Satin Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by stell on Wed, 01/22/2014 - 19:23

Was my first project from Ana White's designs. I enjoyed making it, and plan on following up with the outdoor loveseat this spring.

Estimated Cost
Wood & hardware $80, the finish $16. The cushions were $126
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Solid Exterior Stain in Antique Silver.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

20' x 7' hand built oak entertainment/ bookcase built-in

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/31/2019 - 08:36

A fun project I did for a homeowner in Rosemount Minnesota. I had 100 hours in it at the end but they were very happy with the end result!

Estimated Cost
2500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Golden oak stain with a semi gloss poly finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Farmhouse Doll Bed

I built the Farmhouse Doll Bed for a friend with a photography studio who was looking for some newborn props. I used glue and nails for the headboard/footboard construction, and screws with 3/4" plywood for the bed portion so it would be very sturdy. I made the mattresses out of some spare 2" foam cut to size, and made a slipcover out of a pillowcase so it's washable.

Estimated Cost
free, from scraps
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Brown gloss spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My farmhouse dinning room table

Submitted by BthAnn08 on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 17:45

I loved working on this project! This was my first real building project! My friend Jody and I had a blast working on it together. It can seat up to 8 people which I love when my family and friends come to visit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Early American and a Rust-Oleum polyurethane matte finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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