Community Brag Posts

Angle Frame Bunk Bed

This angle frame Twin over Full bunk bed with a trundle was made of yellow pine and stained with a dark minwax stain from Homedepot. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Minwax Stain from Homedepot
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entryway Bench and Storage Shelf with Hooks

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/08/2017 - 11:02

I believe I built this to spec from the original plans without much deviation using higher-grade pine boards (straight and not too many knots).  It took an afternoon to build.  I primed then painted with 3 coats of "Mocha" paint.  There are 3 antique bronze hooks which are hard to see, but go well. The biggest challenge was finding baskets to fit, after the fact.  I happened to get lucky with baskets for the bottom bench, but never did find anything to fit the top, at least in the way I envisioned.  I wish I'd have located a set of baskets first, then measured and built the bench and shelf to suit the baskets.  The bottom baskets actually stick out the back of the bench by about 3/4". Any rectangular baskets I found for the shelves seemed to stick out the front a couple inches.  I highly recommend getting your baskets FIRST, then adjusting your measurements to accomodate them.

Estimated Cost
Less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Indoor paint, mocha color.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Tiered Flower Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/04/2021 - 14:30

We made this tiered planter for a Mother's Day gift for my wife. It was a simple build and the plans are very easy to follow. I couldn't get any cedar fence pickets so I used standard 1x6x8 cedar boards that were available at the local big box store; that's why the cost is a little high. The planters were made 24" wide for more room instead of 16'" wide as per the plans. We personalized it by adding the quotes to the boards and burning them into the wood with a pyrography pen.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Classic Penetrating Wood Stain - Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Loft beds

Submitted by marquez313 on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 10:55

How I Spent My Spring Break Well, it was a long week but I finally finished. I made 2 complete sets of loft beds for my oldest son and my daughter. The plans were great and easy to follow. A few notes; the actual width of a 1 x 8 is 7.25 inches (not 7.5) and a 1 x 12 is actually 11.25 inches (not 11.5). I noticed this when constructing the legs and putting the optional shelf supports on the large bookcase. It's not a huge deal, it's only a quarter of an inch. Also, if you are going to assemble and paint in the room, paint the interior of the bed area BEFORE attaching the slats. That added a lot of extra painting time for me. I made a few modifications as well. For the desk, my wife suggested that the width of a 1 x12 was a bit narrow, so I cut a 1 x 6 and biscuit joined it to the desk front. I cut a 22.5 degree angle on the end that meets up with the small bookcase that is attached to the desk. The straight edge lines up with the face of the other small bookcase, like a puzzle piece. I then covered the desk top with a piece of plexiglass to make the surface smoother and to hold picture (slide under the plexiglass). In addition, I bought an LED light system (about $40 from IKEA) and installed under the 2 top shelves of the large bookcase. Really cool effect and the kids love it! Overall, I am very happy with the project results. Looks great, very solid and lumber on cost about $400 for 2 complete sets. Just need to put in some sweat...

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Satin finish latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Display Wall Unit

3x4foot wall unit for displaying pottery and your kid's Lego sets that took you 3 hours to put together.  Back boards have been washed with diluted blue green latex paint and then stained with Minwax Special Walnut.  The main frame is just stained, distressed and then waxed.

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut, Behrs Latex paint diluted, Minwax wax Paste
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Greenhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/12/2017 - 05:36

It was a Mother's day gift for my mom. My sister and I built it from the plan except we doubled the length and made the walls 38 inch total height no we didn't have to cut metal down and we made the door a 36 inch door.

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

(Vintage X) Back Step Stool End Table

Submitted by diegaeb on Thu, 05/13/2021 - 23:38

I was looking for a plant table and fell in love with the vintage x plan. And it was perfect to get rid of some of my waste wood from other projects.

I love to work with Ana's plans :-)

Estimated Cost
just waste pieces from other projects
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Mylands Duke's House No. 44 Wood & Metall Eggshell

Comments

Pallet Shelf

This was my first time using my jigsaw. Easiest project ever, and I love the result!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

NightStands to match bed

Submitted by ejkamp21 on Sun, 02/15/2015 - 11:07

Built this set of Nightstands to match a bed that I made.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
MinWax Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

fancy X inspired hallway table, slate tile inlay, turnbuckle tensioners

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 08:04

Just finished this for our front hallway. 

All made from one ripped down 8ft 2x10 board of fir. (table saw to cut 2 strips at 2.5 inch wide (top rails), and 2 at 1.5inch wide (legs), and one at 3/4 inch (stretcher).

Leg braces are angled 20deg / 70 deg to make them more upright and give a sleek profile. 

Stretcher goes through the legs and is held in place by wedged shims.

‎Stainless tension wires and turnbuckles underneath to keep it all tight - and give an industrial look. Need a lot of strength to crush teh ferrules onto the wire.

Top surface is 2 of 12" x 24" bathroom slate tile inlaid into a recess that was cut into the top rails.

finish is 3 coats of minwax glassic grey, and 2 coats polyurethane, sanded deeply in some parts to weather it.

Took me about 8 hours. 

I can provide more instructions if anyone is interested. 

Austin

[email protected]

Estimated Cost
wood board - 12$
turnbuckles, stainless wire and fittings- $20.
2 bathroom tiles: $4
8 hours in my garage: priceless.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax classic grey
minwax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Table 1

Used the plans here to make the table. Modified the dimensions slightly to fit my space by re-drawing the plans in AutoCAD 3D. Added stainless steel adjustable feet to the legs for leveling. Wanted to keep the wood up off the ground since this table sits on my back patio. Amazon link for feet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VRPCDNL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title…

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$220.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso Stain on top
Minwax Satin Polyurethane on top
Sherwin Williams Exterior Latex Paint - White on base
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bird House Kid's Kit

Submitted by Lady Goats on Fri, 04/05/2013 - 07:49

The Big Kid and her friend were standing behind me when I pulled up Ana's birdhouse kit plans and they begged to build one, too. Initially, I wasn't wanting them to use my nail gun, so I predrilled the holes for all the brad nails. Details are on my blog.

I was able to get three birdhouses from two 6' fence pickets (had to make one about a half inch smaller all around, but it's barely noticeable!)

Thanks, Ana!

Estimated Cost
$4 for 3.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
They're left au naturale
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Dining chair

Submitted by Gizmolady on Thu, 02/19/2015 - 08:50

I needed chairs to go with the table I built the previous year. Thank you so much for sharing these plans. The plans are easy to follow and adaptable to any need.

I narrowed the seats to 17" wide and adjusted all measurements accordingly. I used a scroll saw for the backs, dark walnut stain and poly to finish. I was in a hurry so I managed to get all 12 chairs made, with off and on work, approx. 1 month. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 per chair.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain, polyeurethane gloss.
I wouldn't suggest the water based poly, it dries way too fast and bubbles are a problem. I cut the first set of pieces and did a trial run to ensure they fit properly, then I cut and sanded all pieces for the remaining 11 chairs prior to assembly. I finish sanded again after assmbly was done.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

3 Tier Planter

Submitted by ranlim on Thu, 05/18/2017 - 21:24

Love this planter. Used quality pine. Perfect size for the balcony! I use it for fresh herbs... i have have other people wanting one too!

Estimated Cost
17
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Special walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King Size Farmhouse Bed with Dog Stairs and Storage

Submitted by jkjackson on Sun, 05/30/2021 - 15:21

We have a frosty faced blind girl and an aging tri-pawed that we wanted to be able to continue snuggling with us so we adapted the Farmhouse Bed with Storage to make it a king size. We made the drawer boxes deeper which allowed us to get rid of our dresser to create more space in our room. And we added a flight of stairs for the pups.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes White Wash with Arm R Seal Oil Based Satin Finish top coat. (If you want the white wash to be more white and less amber, use water based.)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Spa Bench - My First Project!

My first attempt at this type of project. We needed a good place to store the pool towels. My wife asked me where I bought it from!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Flip Top Storage Bench

Submitted by rherlein on Sun, 02/22/2015 - 10:22

This was very easy but was still one of my favorite builds.  I used oak for the bench top and poplar for the rest.  I used the pocket hole jig and gorilla wood glue and it is incredibly rigid and sturdy.  I changed the height to 24 inches so I could raise the shelf platform up to 10 inches from the floor.  This allowed me to place shoes under and on the shelf.  I stained with polyshades mission oak and added an additional coat of satin polyurethane.

Estimated Cost
$80-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades- Mission Oak / Minwax Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My simple entertainment center.

Submitted by senlo1970 on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 19:02

I have a good size bedroom, but things kept cluttering. I needed somthing small where i could store a few thing's like, movies, x-box, and cable box. So decided on the bookshelf. It's the perfect addition to my bedroom set. Thanks Anna for your awesome projects.

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

Laundry dresser ( modified)

Hey Ana! I just want to start by saying thank you for the great plans!! We are by no means builders but your EASY step-by-step instructions and photos enable us to fake it really well. I needed a laundry dresser for my very small laundry area and bigger bins (teenage twin boys). The round tubs on the floor were NOT working and were becoming a hazard. I have no access to pallets so we used 1x4's and furring strips. I also painted it the same color as my walls so it would blend a little better. SO very happy with it!! Thank you, thank you!!

Estimated Cost
$20-$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Workbench Console with Hutch

Submitted by Jamaunzie on Tue, 04/09/2013 - 06:11

When I first saw this and showed it to my wife it became number one on my Honey Dew list. I did not like the open space between the bottom shelf and top, saw on this site where someone put a wine rack of shorts as a second shelf. So I did the same I used 1x4 instead of the 1x10 used on bottom shelf. I also used 1x4 for the top to help eliminate the gaps between the boards that the 2x4’s would cause. To help give something for the 2x4’s and the 2x6’s to attach to I screwed 2x2’s to the 1x4’s around the edge. Gives the illusion of 2x4’s and makes for a very smooth and flat surface for the top. The Hutch I made it taller to be able to put taller things under the first shelf. I also installed lights on the top shelf and trim.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded and Sanded started with number 60 grit and worked to 220 grit then used 320 grit by hand. I used one coat of Miniwax English Chestnut hand rubbed I put three coats of Ploy hand rubed with steel wool between each
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Baby proof

Submitted by shoak on Thu, 02/26/2015 - 12:02

We just recently had our first child and decided we needed to protect our electronics a little better from the soon to be mobile baby. Turned out great! I highly recommend leaving the back off until the piece is completely stained or painted. It takes up less floor space and the tv is totally out of reach of little hands. We customized the shelf heights to fit the sound bar and computer perfectly. I was so excited when I stumbled across these plans looking for a new tv stand. Everything I found either wouldn't fit my computer     Or didn't have doors. Love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain with two coats of satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments