Community Brag Posts

kids play table stool

I built the kids play table stool for a birthday gift, handpainted with a single letter monogram.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. two coats Behr lake blue
2. distressed
3. stain Minwax early american
4. seal clear gloss poly spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Stained and Distressed Farmhouse Table and Bench

Submitted by bmrankin on Thu, 04/17/2014 - 06:51

We followed Ana's plans almost exactly. We decided to do without the slower board that ran the length of the table and it is still super sturdy and we love it. When we were finished building, we filled all the cracks in the table top {between boards} with wood filler and then stained the top. I wish I would have filled the cracks on the bench too because there is a LOT of food that gets stuck in the cracks with little ones. I also wish I had done a self-leveling resin on the top right away too because when we moved the table, it did crack some of the wood filler that was in-between boards. It is still much better than having cracks that food can get stuck in, but I will for sure be doing the resin in the near future to make it more of a solid surface and make it so the soft wood can't have writing marks in it from my kindergartener.

We painted the legs to make it two toned. Once I had 3 coats of white paint on it, I sanded the edges and then rubbed the whole surface down with the same stain that we used on the top. This made the edges that we sanded stand out but also made the white paint not so white. It is exactly how I wanted it to look. It came together so perfect

We put 4 coats of clear coat on it too and its shiny and beautiful. This was the first big project that my hubby and I built and I am quite impressed with how well it turned out. The finishing is what took the longest. We had the table built in a day or two but it took me all week to get it painted and clear coated.

With all the wood, paint, stain and clear coat this cost us about $225 for both the table and bench.

Estimated Cost
$225
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut, Bear white paint, Polyurethane clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dkbutler

Sun, 10/30/2016 - 18:43

Do you have a set of plans that you would be willing to share for this table?

Thank you

Fillman Storage Bed Queen Size

Submitted by smclarke79 on Sat, 07/16/2016 - 16:11

Fillman storage bed made using the plans for the twin. I changed the measurements to fit a queen. This took about 2 and half weeks to build and stain. The head board and foot board were built as pieces and then stained, then put together after as the stain was earlier to apply and avoid blotching. The drawers were straight forward. Thanks to kreg and the rip cut for making it easy to cut the plywood easier to handle. I used about 4 sheets of 3/4 inch oak, 1 sheet of 3/4 inch plywood select for the drawer boxes. Then 1/4 inch plywood for the back and bottoms of the drawers. I used euro slides which I put on after I had the boxes made. I used a router to route the edges for the faces of the drawers. We used a royal mahogany colour for the stain and used 3 coats and then one clear coat. This was a big project for me, and my first big project. I have a few extra pictures that I will upload later showing the building phases.  materials used, oak, plywood, pine and spruce lumber for the legs of the head and foot board. I live in a northern community in Canada and material is hard to get here. I used what was available. Estimated that this project costed about 400 to 500. 

Estimated Cost
400 To 500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Royal Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Bed Garden Mother's Day Present

My 15 year old daughter and I built this as a Mother's Day gift. We used basic ideas from plan, but while looking for wood we came across stair treads and decking posts that we thought would work. We were very happy with the results. This thing is very solid and much better quality than the more expensive kits you can buy.

Estimated Cost
$130 plus plants and dirt
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Repurposed Wood Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 07:56

The family needed a safe place for backpacks, shoes, jackets and everything else needed for school. I modified Ana's plan since this project was made with recycled shipping pallets. Rather than struggle with warps, twists and other imperfections I embraced them with glossy white paint. I added the waxed pine panels to absorb the daily use and abuse and be readily buffed when necessary.

 

Built from Plan(s)

Benchwright Table

Submitted by Jen Marzen on Tue, 07/03/2012 - 00:24

The benchwright table.... This is my 3rd project. I was very intimidated by the angles and bevels but they turned out to be not nearly as bad as I expected. This table is not made to Anna's dimensions.... i wanted the table to be able to fit 8 chairs so I added 10 inches to the length measurements, I also wanted it to be wider so I added 11 inches to every width measurement (which equaled 2 extra 1x6 boards for the table top) In hind sight i think i would have either made the table a little taller or used a 2x4 for the stretchers instead of a 2x6 because the space for your knees with the 2x6 is a little tight. Before finishing i distressed the table with chains, nails, hammer, and screwdriver gouges. I still have to add some details...... I want the stretcher to have the turnbuckle like to pottery barn version and I have not found the right size pipes or turnbuckle yet so that will come sometime in the future. I also still have to add the bolts to the breadboards. Now to find some great chairs (don't mid my awesome patio folding chairs that are currently in use lol) I think im going to go for the mismatched painted chairs, maybe in a fun color like blue or red?

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut stain and 3 coats of satin polyurathane.

After the 1st coat I questioned whether or not I chose the right stain and it wasn't as dark as i wanted so I waited 8 hours and applied a second coat of stain. After the second coat I didnt like it at all, thought it was way too dark (it looked black) and was kind of disappointed with my decision to keeping going and not sand it down and start over after the 1st coat. but my husband convinced me to keep moving forward and put the poly on to see what it looked like. I applied that poly and LOVED the results, the poly lightened it up just enough and gave the distressing and grain just the right amount of definition i was looking for!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Gate

Submitted by zduchene on Fri, 04/18/2014 - 22:41

When we first moved into our new home one of the first things that I built for it was this custom gate that resides at the top of our stairs. We needed this to keep the baby from falling down and keep the dogs out when need be. Overall it was a great way to separate the two areas. It is also inexpensive and easy to build. I used a pneumatic nailer for all of the joinery on this one so it was quick to build as well.

Estimated Cost
75-125
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American Varathane Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mantel Meets Mission

Submitted by Debbie440 on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 09:25

Didn't know what to do with the center open square.  I didn't want to use plywood, so I used 1x3 slats for a Mission style bed look.

I am not a fan of the unfinished, raw look of the two boards meeting on the sides of the headboard in this plan. So I filled with wood putty and sanded (a lot).

This headboard is very top heavy. I wish I would have tried using 1X4's instead of the 2X4's like I read someone else did.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35 for lumber + molding and paint and basic building materials
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Matte Paint with a Matte Top Coat. Stained and distressed top molding.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Planters for under $20

Submitted by emilacious on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 16:27

Used treated wood and stained it with a misting sealant from Lowe’s! Modified a few things and gave it to my mother-in-law for Mother’s Day! She loved it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Truss Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 10:12

Our 4x4 Truss Beam Table made by my husband for our new house. Stain is Minwax slate gel stain.

 

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

outdoor dining table

Submitted by jcengel on Thu, 07/05/2012 - 21:27

Followed the directions for the simple outdoor dining table. Mine is still unfinished. Plan to paint and primer it white. There were some errors in the plans. Do not screw the top framing together with butt joints and still expect to be able to put the leg bolts through. They will hit each other. It was only a real problem for me on one of the legs but if I had knownthere would be a problem I would have found another way from the start.

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

My Chicken Tractor

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/22/2016 - 16:33

I used your plan to create a breeding pen for my little brother's millie fleur d'Uccle. I am using it as a 4H project. Thank you so much for the plans.

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

Rustic X Console Table Build

Submitted by amandak778 on Wed, 05/13/2020 - 06:55

This was the first time I've ever set out to build something 100% on my own. I saw a photo of this table and fell in love and decided why not build it?! Made my material list, got all the supplies, and refused to let my husband help in any way shape or form :). I was able to finish the build and get paint on in a day and stained the 2nd day so one weekend later - I have my table!!!

The directions were great and now I'm working on my 2nd project and planning my third! Even started acquiring my own tools so I don't have to use the hubby's lol ;)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)

Rustic X console

Submitted by ussreddawg on Sat, 07/07/2012 - 11:54

A x console table made to fit in recessed area near dining table. This was made out of scrap and left over blue pine. Top, middle and bottom shelves were joined with biscuits and kreg screws. In order to get more dimension out of legs I made out of 1x that were ripped at 45 and then the 4 pieces were joined with biscuits. Was stained with white mini wax

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white wash mini wash
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sarahwilley2

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 10:04

So instead of using the 1x12 for the shelves, you make them with (looks like) 2x3 or 2x4? I'm trying to figure out how to make mine deeper than the 16 inches it's drawn up for.

ussreddawg

Tue, 09/04/2012 - 14:01

I ripped 1x12's down to 1x4 and then used biscuits to edge join. I used a 1x2 for the edges (face plate) to add strength. I ripped them down because I like the look of smaller width boards and also my 1x12 were a little warped. If you have autocad I can send you my plans.

sarahwilley2

Tue, 09/04/2012 - 15:51

I unfortunately don't have autocad. I did some sketching and drawings and came up with that I'm shortening the length of the table and making it deeper. It'll be 46 inches wide and 24 inches deep. I'm using 2x6 for the bottom shelves and 2x4 for the top. Where I want to put it is limited space. Thanks for the advice!

Tryde Counter Height Table

I took Ana's beautiful Tryde Coffee Table plan and readjusted it to fit my needs for a kitchen table. It measures approximately 32" x 32" x 48" and I followed the plans provided almost to the tee. I didn't include the 2x2 table supports since the table seemed sturdy enough, and drilled straight into the top of the table and just covered the screws with Elmers stainable wood filler. I kind of rushed the project due to lack of time, and only really did one coat of stain of the Dark Walnut. It actually turned out really well, and had some of the texture of the wood show through the stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut (Use foam brush)
Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish (Use foam brush)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Our Pacific Northwest Privy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2016 - 11:25

We have a small rustic cabin that needed a clean, functional outhouse.  We followed Ana's plans, but with a few modifications to include a Solar gray polycarbonate roof to let in light.  We also decided on cedar board & batten for the siding.   We look forward to many years of use. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr - Cedar naturaltone Weatherproofing. All boards were cut to size and then stained with 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Short version of cedar shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 14:35

We wanted a shorter version, so that it would hide behind this fence. I just needed somewhere to store lawnmower, wheelbarrow, and a few yard supplies. I started putting the roof on hinges, but the gas struts couldn't support the 170 pound roof. So it's fixed in place (stronger structure anyway). That's why I went with 2x4's for the framed walls instead of 2x2's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Not yet finished, will get to that.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

White Farm Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/15/2024 - 18:20

I was recently divorced and decided to fully transform my bedroom. It's not quite done in this picture - but the bed is! This is Ana's King farmbed, and it's amazing.

Comments

Scooter

Submitted by tylerdr on Mon, 07/09/2012 - 00:04

Pretty simple to build. I would suggest when notching the main body and the front piece, to notch the main body only about 1/2 an inch and the front about 3 1/2 inches. The body is very thin, so having it notched all the way down can, and did, cause it to break. Just a suggestion though.

Also the plan does not include the braces for the body to attach to the rocking legs. I just measured the base of the scooter wheels and added about 1/2 inch. I cut that width off the end of the remaining wood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red, blue, and black spray paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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