Community Brag Posts

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

Beautiful Bed Knocked Out In 2 Days! Thank You :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2017 - 04:48

My husband and I love this bed design.  The instructions were incredibly simple to follow and quite fun.  Finished the whole bed in two days.  Thank you for the tutorial!!!

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Charcoal stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

For daddy's little girl

Submitted by pasjdad on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 12:50

This is Harriet's higher chair, rejiggered with 2x3s because lumber is expensive and that's what I could find in straight lengths. Seat and back are made with plywood from a project panel. Tried to fill all my gaps and hide all my screws that would be visible from the outside and added a foot rest. Finish started out okay, but as I tried to tweak it and re-cover some things, I became less and less happy with how it came out. Note to self, "stenciling is hard". Next time we will most likely transfer pre-done graphics from the printer.

Most of the time in this is in the finish. Some of the dry times were 24 hours others were 15 minutes.

Edit: Roundover bit for trim router used on edge of seat and around the edge of the back. I found this a necessary addition, but it would have come out better on edge laminated 1x4s instead of the plywood I used.

As an aside, Ana's page was instrumental in my buying decision of an incredible lineup of Ryobi tools (2 drills, impact driver, circular saws, oscillating multi-tool, powered caulking gun, inflator, trim router, Evercharge hand vac, And a EZ-Clean... But there are more I want/need... :-D ), and a Kreg K4. They are worth every penny. A lot of Milwaukee tech is getting integrated into some of the latest Ryobi tools. Even more worth it is upgrading the clamp on the K4 to an auto adjuster. ;) Makes life so easy. Thanks for the inspiration, Ana!

For any beginners wondering: Glue AND screw things together. Screws hold better than nails, but are not enough especially when building something that is supposed to take weight, and kids like to wiggle in chairs. Modern wood glue makes a bond that is stronger than most wood. if you try to pry apart a glued joint, you will notice that the wood will split and break before the glue gives way. I'm 275 lbs and this chair I made for my toddler doesn't groan or squeak when *I* sit on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
More than I want to admit
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint. Glossy clear coat, followed by clear lacquer in high rub areas.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

The Firetruck, Modernized.

Submitted by burnstyle on Sat, 04/13/2013 - 15:44

I am a single father, and a firefighter/medic. I noticed that every time I took my son to the station with me all he wanted to do was play on the trucks. So I decided it was time he had his own.

I found the plans for the firetruck bed and though.... this would be cool, but it's a bit too simple for my tastes.

I took the original plans and made the bed two foot longer, and incorporated a pump panel on the side.

The pump panel is full of old pump dials and switches taken off of a salvaged truck Each one of them works (well... they show a reading at least) and light up when you throw one of the switches. The second switch on the pump panel controls the red lights on the top of the bed.

Inside of the bed I set up a 20 inch monitor hooked to a pc hidden in the upper storage, the PC has no keyboard or mouse, it is controlled remotely from my phone or computer via VNC, or remote desktop. It streams any and all of his favorite shows and movies from our network and allows him to interact with his mother via Skype.
We built a dash and installed a steering wheel.... (because how else would you drive the truck?) and a CB.
The CB was gutted and a county scanner was installed, so whenever he turns the CB on he can here the county dispatch
There is a pressure regulator valve on the dash (which he pretends raises and lowers the bucket) the valve has a switch underneath that turns on his flashing bubble light up top (which was also taken from an old firetruck) and starts a siren sound that I took out of an old firetruck toy that he had broken.
The ignition switch was taken off of a little tykes car that he had outgrown.

I posted this bed to reddit and the response was overwhelming! Check out some of the articles people have written about it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/19/diy-firetruck-bed_n_2716538.ht…

http://now.msn.com/fire-truck-bed-photos-dad-makes-son-cool-bedroom

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
High Gloss latex
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Growth Chart Ruler

Submitted by pde00311 on Mon, 03/02/2015 - 07:40

I followed the instructions at 517 creations to make this: http://517creations.blogspot.com/2011/04/ruler-growth-chart-pottery-bar…. It was relatively quick and easy project that I made to chart my daughter's growth on her second birthday (and our little ones' future birthdays). I printed the numbers off my computer, made an indent with ball point-pen and then traced with a paint marker. It took a little patience and concentration, but I drew the lines and numbers without barely making a smudge.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Ipswich Pine with Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/29/2017 - 20:15

I was looking to purchase a new coffe table when I found your tutuorial to build this Rustic X Coffee Table. I feel that I have a much nicer table than I could've purchased at a store. Or if I did find this table at a store, I'd imange it would cost around $400. So, thanks for taking the time to create and share these with us. I think it turned out nice. Also, this is the first time I've ever used a pocket jig, and I'm in love. 

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Steel Wool / Vinegar, Used Wax to seal it, but I don't think wax does a good enough job protecting it. I'll prob throw some poly on it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Laddet Planter

Submitted by Steven W. on Sun, 06/20/2021 - 21:38

This year for Valentines Day, I wanted to do something special for my wife...
Rather than buying some THING, I decided to build a cedar ladder planter for her. I've built a few things now from Ana's collection of plans (a farmhouse bed for my daughter, a potting bench that I use for an outside cooking surface at our remote property in the woods, and outdoor chair and sofa from 2x4s)
I followed Ana's plan to the T and it came out beautifully! (Just like the other projects)
Obviously with the whole COVID craziness and subsequent wood prices lunacy it cost more than $20, but it was still EXTREMELY reasonable. A family friend said they'd seen similar ones (to not nearly as pretty) costing WAY MORE than what I paid for materials.
I've been meaning to put pics up here for a long time but, life, army, COVID craziness...
For the gift, I filled out with raised bed type potting soil and put "chocolate roses" and a gift card for the local nursery to buy whatever plants or flowers she wanted...
I think she was a little irritated with me the days leading up to it because I was spending all my time outside in my shed and not letting her come in... but the end result blew her away (and made her feel a tad guilty for thinking I was just trying to not spend time with her hehehe)!

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Classic Storage Extra Wide Media Unit

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Sun, 04/14/2013 - 18:32

My in-laws were in need of a place for their new tv. They choose the plan and I got to work.
I really wanted it to look similar to the furniture that They already had so I used oak and provincial stain.
I surprised them by adding one pull out drawer to each side for easier location of the movie collection.
I was happy with the results!

Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial stain, semi-gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Joni

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 19:25

Wow -- you did an unbelievable job of coming up with something that looks like it should have been there all along. The stain matching looks flawless. Really nice job.

Btl

Thu, 07/07/2016 - 08:54

Did you make the top and shelves out of oak plywood with edge banding?

Is that commercially available trim at the top, or did you make that?

Firetruck bedbunk ! Special thanks to Ana white and Jeff.

Submitted by Will-I-am on Tue, 03/03/2015 - 13:29

This Firetruck bed was made from the plans from Ana white !
We did some little modifications to it.
All sizes where changes to cm instead of inches (we live in the Netherlands, so no American sizes will do here, since all sizes are different.)

Al the electric is 12 volt, and everything works with the key.
Put away the key, and there will be no electricity... :)

it was a hard work (about 1,5 week) but its worth it.

The bed is made out of MDF. The structur inside is pine (so it can keep a big time of weigh)

 

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Paint,
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/02/2017 - 04:52

My first build. Wanted something to put in front of my window for my cats to sit and look out on.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Artminds Trellis chalk paint, weathered oak and provincial stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Relax at Moose Manor

Submitted by jendon on Tue, 07/06/2021 - 08:04

We have a wonderful rental cabin in Grand Lake, CO. I wanted to add some special seating outside. These chairs are perfect, comfortable, and even the moose came by to see them. They agree too that Ana’s design is wonderful. My daughter and I worked on these together, from beginning to end. We cut, sanded, stained, and finally put it all together. These are so comfortable, even my husband agrees!! Thank you Ana for the plans and video. I will be adding the table to go with them too. Jennifer

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi transparent deck stain that lasts 8 years outside. This stain is hard to work with. Lines and color variances. Next time I will just use an oil based stain with outdoor poly with several coats. Much easier with the time I put into this stain process.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Toddler Stools

Submitted by sraper2 on Tue, 04/16/2013 - 20:16

I thought you had a plan for these but I'm looking through and the closest I can find is the Vintage Step Stool. Either way it is because of your site that I have learned and become comfortable with building so I thought I would share these stools here. I made a little toddler chair to go with them to that you can see on my blog. Thanks for helping to make things like this possible!!

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

Comments

Rustic Book Shelf

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 03/07/2015 - 13:52

This is a matching book shelf to the 55-fancy-x-desk.

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Rustic-Book-Shelf-or-TV-stand/

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
PolyShades Classic Black Satin Stain and Polyurethane from Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Day bed with headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 12:02

We needed a custom bed to fit a niche. We used the Daybed with storage drawers, but shorted the length by 1.5 inches to fit our space. Our daughter is very happy with her new bed.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Dog Bath

Submitted by dananicb on Thu, 07/22/2021 - 07:21

Tego needed a raised dog bath. No, I needed a raised dog bath. Specifically, my knees needed a raised dog bath for Tego. So, after looking at Pinterest and Ana's plans, I decided what I really wanted to do was customize something to fit my needs (and knees) and build it myself. Overly ambitious for a first-time woodworking project, but hey, raise the bar.

I started by reading and rereading Ana's beginner's woodworking guide (very informative). I also learned so many other things along the way. There's a reason, besides looks, you need flat boards (they need to screw together tightly). Unfinished basement floors are so not level (especially near the walls). Screw lengths matter (need shorter ones for thinner boards). The big-box store doesn't make precise cuts (but they can make a lot). Planning for the finishes will save you time (know your basket sizes). Just to name a few.

It's going in an unfinished basement, so I wasn't going to tile and add glass doors. I wanted to keep it relatively simple, basic.

The stairs were the hardest to measure and build (math matters) - and I might re-do. I made the steps smaller, dog-sized, but she finds them awkward. I'd stick with typical riser heights, but it depends on the size of your dog.

Plumbing to link the tub drain to the utility sink drain was the most expensive. Probably I could have done it myself, but I decided not to learn both plumbing and woodworking for one project.

Overall, I'm pleased with the result - and Tego is learning to love it.

Estimated Cost
$250 in supplies (plus plumbing)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior paint in semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments