Community Brag Posts

Stained Hailey Storage Bed x 2 (kinda)

Submitted by Lady Goats on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 08:51

I think that the names of beds shouldn't be gender decided!! Just sayin' :-p

My sister wanted a Hailey storage bed for her son, but she really questioned if it would be too girly. Since I have girls, I hadn't really thought about it... but after looking at it for a few (VERY open mindedly, since all of the ones that have been built have been painted white, and made for girls), I decided that it wasn't a girly bed at all. Then I worked on convincing HER of that. I don't think she was convinced until she saw the pieces built...

My step-dad (a VERY skilled carpenter) and I put together the storage bed with a few modifications. We used 1/2" ply instead of 3/4" (the price difference in Vegas was insane for the same grade ply). We also bought an additional sheet of ply for the head and foot boards, since my sister wanted it stained. After the first bed was finished, she asked us to do an identical head and foot board for another bed, but to put side rails instead of the cubbies. This turned out perfectly, since the additional sheet of ply had enough scraps for another full head/footboard AND to make up for the dividers that weren't accounted for in the plan.

We also bought an additional 1x2 to trim out the middle dividers, which was my own preference. I think it looks stupid without it. Not sure if my sister would have cared... AND... the last mod we made was to use 1/8" ply for the backs. It was super cost-effective, and does the job just as well as 1/4".

All in all, this was a wonderful experience for me. It felt REALLY great to be able to do this with my step-dad... intimidating as it was... And there were points where all 3 of us were outside working (my sister, step-dad and myself) while all the kids played in the driveway with us. I can't tell you how awesome that felt :-)

Estimated Cost
$110-$130 for both beds
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Gel Stain (It was either Aged Oak or Red Elm - I remember we debated those two, but can't remember which we decided on!). Top-coated with Minwax wipe-on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mommy can make that

Sun, 12/25/2011 - 11:56

We are planning to build a version of this bed for our son's room. I was so glad to find your brag and have a boy version to show him. He was not too excited after looking at the pink, purple and white rooms. Your modifications look great! I love the even spacing on the cubbies. You all did a terrific job!

First build! Updated Tryde coffee table

Submitted by jengregory on Sat, 10/19/2013 - 13:22

First time builder with a brand new kreg jig! (My husband surprised me with the jig! I am such a lucky gal!) I used minwax dark walnut stain and glidden paint (plain ol' white) with a bit of distressing. I shortened the 2x4s on the top so I could have 2x6 breadboards at the ends. I loved the look from the original tryde table! Really enjoyed the process of building this coffee table! Plan to make matching side tables to complete my "Tryde collection!" Thanks Ana! LOVE THIS SITE!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 (was given a huge pile of kiln dried 2x4s from my dad to kick start my projects!)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain(2 coats) and 3 coats of minwax polyrylic (sanded between coats gently!) for the table top and dark walnut stain/glidden white paint for the base (painted 2 coats, then sanded edges, used the same dark walnut stain as my table top on the sanded edges, then quickly wiped off with rag and followed it with a clean, damp rag to keep stain off of the paint.), then 2 coats of polyrylic (sanded between coats too)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

adirondak chair set

Submitted by KL728MX on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 12:12

custom set of adirindack chairs i bulit for my deck. they are angled in at 20 degrees. i came up with the plans myself after looking at an older set i had purchased that were falling apart.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic rustic cedar outdoor waterproof stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Queen Anne High Chest of Drawers

Here is a High Chest of Drawers (Highboy)I built. The original was built in 1748 by Christopher Townsend in Newport, R.I. It is made of Cherry with Maple as secondary wood. It took about 300 hours to build. All joinery is either mortise and tenon or dovetails. I worked hard to avoid any nails or screw, but the back it held in place with nails. All wood started out as rough lumber and I milled all wood myself. Moldings are of my own design, but based on the original. Brasses are from Horton Brasses. Drawers are all wood-on-wood with no glides, per original. I made a little tiger maple foot stool to get to the top drawers. All escutcheons have working locks.

Estimated Cost
$1100.00 plus $300.00 for the brasses
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Antique Oil Finish, paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

margjack

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 14:55

You are extremely talented! (And I bet you have fabulous tools!) I am jealous!

[email protected]

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 15:15

Thanks for the compliments. Yes, I did make it wholly by hand. All it was was a series of smaller tasks, just a whole bunch of them.

I has slowly accumulated most of the tools required. I have a jointer, router table, planer, band saw, table saw and a hollow chisel mortiser.

The cherry is getting richer over time, so it actually is getting better with age. I really like 18th American furniture. I prefer to work with Cherry, Walnut, and Tiger Maple. All rough wood only, no milled boards of any kind.

Farmhouse Bed in Weathered Gray - Queen Size

Submitted by jedgar77 on Tue, 10/22/2013 - 19:59

Ana,
I want to take a minute to thank you for your website and all the free plans. You inspired me to make my first piece of furniture. I made a farmhouse bed using off the shelf lumber. The stain is weathered gray. I used your link to making your own stain (vinegar and steel wool). The bolts are 3/4 inch and are decorative. Also, I notched the posts so they can support the full weight of the rails. Thanks again, I can't wait to start on my next project!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Per instructions on this site for aging wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Perfect Size Side Table

Submitted by J Spitzley on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 07:36

We were looking for a narrow side table for the little space we had at the end of the sofa. This table was perfect size, exactly what we were looking for and incredibly easy to make.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pantry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/25/2023 - 13:48

Thanks again to Ana White we learned the skills to create our pantry unit.

Comments

Bi-plane Shelf

Submitted by Robinwood on Sat, 11/05/2011 - 20:54

I got inspiration from your pattern, but decided to make it more realistic since my four year old grandson is a stickler for detail. Because I had scraps, the only cost for me was the propeller and wheels from a hobby store (about $8).

The body of the plane was cut from a scrap of 4X4 post; the corners were cut off at 45 degree angles to make it more rounded (sanding rounded it more). I used a dremel to carve the engine indentation. I used 5/8 inch dowels for the wing struts (only because I grabbed the wrong drill bit; you could use 1/2 inch). The wheels were attached to 2 1/2 X 4 inch pieces, which I mitered to make smaller at the bottom.

The backing was cut to fit the length of the shelf and 18 inches high. I painted the background a soft blue and then applied white for the clouds. After attaching it to the plane; I decided to add some pegs.

This is a Christmas gift for him because we are going to redo his room after the first of the year. I will be building him a loft bed from Ana's plans and adding some more airplane decor.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and spray polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 14:58

Your altered design is so professional looking. I have seen plans in a woodworking magazine that makes the bi-plane shelf very realistic, but I would never be able to build it because I don't own the tools. Yours is one any of us could build. Thanks for sharing.

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:46

Looks great! What did you use for the fuselage? I love the pegs for the coat rack!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:48

Sooooo I just read the rest of your post and found out what the fuselage was made out of. Still looks great. Haha.

Simple Outdoor Bench

Submitted by gabdannad on Fri, 10/25/2013 - 14:51

I had to modify the plans. The Size is 14" x 48". I also added a shelf at the bottom for shoes. Can't wait to replace the ugly shoe rack at the front door with this! I also used 1 x 4's for the apron. I found 1"x4"x14' at homedepot for only 3.40per piece!! So I was able to build this for less than $15. The wood has more knots than the other 1 x 4's, but if you look thru you can find some good pieces. I'm going to use this same wood to build the outdoor sectional too.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
14
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/08/2016 - 11:41

I took this picture prior to putting the lower shelf pieces on. Never got around to taking one after.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Table and Benches

Submitted by nichole6 on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 06:45

We built this Farmhouse table in a week. Unfortunately, we didn't get it completely put together for four months. Now it is finished. It is our first project. We used pine and fir boards from our local lumber store. It is finished with red chestnut and dark walnut stain and then a couple coats of briwax dark walnut (love that stuff!!). The table is 96" and pictured here without the 15" bread boards that go on either end. The benches are 8' as well.

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Red Chestnut and Dark Walnut Stain and Briwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

wannabee

Sat, 05/24/2014 - 01:12

I loved your stain. I see you used two types of wood and two types of stain. Can you tell me more? Did you alternate the wood pieces? Did you stain the red chestnut first and followed it with dark walnut? I'll probably copy what you did :)

Garden Bench

Submitted by monster on Sun, 10/27/2013 - 14:48

This bench is HUGE! I think I should have scaled it back. It was fun to make, though. Thanks for the plans :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Caleb's Yeti Tower

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/11/2016 - 17:38

This was easily the most elegant and functional tower design I found on the internet and it does not disappoint! I made a few modifications that included a lower, squarer (?) profile to fit under our counters, a hand painted mural, some stain, and of course some Yeti-your-feet-go-here-footprints on the platform. As soon as the paint was dry, I set my son up at the counter in it. His little face lit up with delight at all the new details and things to see. He instantly started looking at everything with swift little back glances at me that said “Really Mommy?! I can stand here?!” Totally worth it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Enamel Paint
Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Industrial Closet

Submitted by cgarrett42 on Mon, 05/20/2019 - 05:35

After being "so done" with the original closet that came with the home, I decided to rip out all the wire shelving and make a custom closet out of 1x4s and 2x4s.  I pre-stained all the boards and cut to custom lengths.  I kept the integrity height for the shelves of 42" and 84".  Instead of using galvanized pipe, I used Halefe Premium Oval closet rods.  In the end, I have a very stout closet and a much better use of space.

For the small shelf beside the window, I used 1x4s cut to custom length.  Under the hanging shelves, there will be a shoe rack.

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut Polyshade
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen Buffet

Submitted by bbcarey on Mon, 11/28/2011 - 07:20

We wanted a buffet for our kitchen- but couldn't find just the right plan. So I modified the "Dresser with open bottom shelf" slightly to remove one shelf and enclose the bottom with Doors. We matched the colors from our dining room set (black bases with stained seats and table top). The glass was purchased from a local company and is called 'cord glass' to match some other custom cabinets in our home. I do have the sketchup plans- been trying to clean them up so I can get a plan posted... but can email them in their current state if anyone wants them.

Estimated Cost
$400 (but can be done for less)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
High quality latex with Floetrol additive for smooth finish. If I were to redo it I'd spray it on as it wasn't as smooth as I'd wished. I matched the top stain with our kitchen dining room set.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

GotWood

Mon, 11/28/2011 - 10:42

Wow, BBCAREY! Great job! I love the way this looks and it shows that you put a lot of hard work into it. I like your choice in pulls... very nice, but doesn't pull any focus away from the buffet.

In reply to by GotWood

bbcarey

Mon, 11/28/2011 - 11:30

Thanks- I didn't say but this actually was my first BIG project from Ana-white. It did take me longer than I anticipated (two long weekends) the painting was probably the most time consuming as I was trying to get it 'spray on' like- but didn't quite achieve that look.

Re. the pulls; I think there was a total of 5 trips to Menards and HD with different options being considered- we finally went with these as due to the large drawer size all others seemed to be under-per-portioned. So thank you - glad to see it shows well.

Appreciate your comments!!

Tuyetti (not verified)

Wed, 11/30/2011 - 11:34

This is beautiful! You did an amazing job. This is exactly what I was looking for to finish my dining room. May I please see your plans? Thank you so much.

[email protected]

dhendy13

Mon, 11/28/2011 - 16:36

This piece if a beauty. Your hard work does show very well.

I would like it, if you don't mind, if you could send me the plans. That would be awesome. I will email you if I need to to get something explained.

Just moved into a new home and this piece would go great in the dining room.

Thanks,
dana
[email protected]

viola

Tue, 11/29/2011 - 10:13

Mr Carey, I love your buffet. I to would love to have your version of this plan doors and all. Thank you for sharing...Vi

StacieM

Tue, 11/29/2011 - 20:53

This is exactly the type of thing I've been wanting to make for our dining room. Great Job!

Crystal12345 (not verified)

Thu, 12/01/2011 - 19:54

Looks beautiful! Can I please have the plans as well? Been looking for something just like this to build. Great job! [email protected]. Thanks!

mexiian1

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 13:06

bbcarey, I love the way that this buffet looks. Is the top one solid piece of wood? I can't tell from the picture.

In reply to by mexiian1

bbcarey

Tue, 01/10/2012 - 14:48

The top is actually a 3/4" oak veneered plywood with 1x3 (sides) and 1x4 (ends) framing. I used a friend's biscuit joiner and glued the sides on with biscuits. I thought about using pocket holes but wasn't sure how to make the boards stay straight... and had used a biscuit joiner before - so opted for that. Let me know - I can send the google sketchup plans if you want them.

mexiian1

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 13:17

bbcarey, I love the way that this buffet looks. Is the top one solid piece of wood? I can't tell from the picture. Also, I would really like to see your plans for this too, if you wouldn't mind e-mailing me. Thanks!

Patrick (not verified)

Sat, 01/14/2012 - 16:14

My wife and I think that this buffet looks great. You have done a great job. We were thinking about making one also. Could you please send the plans to [email protected]. Thanks ahead of time.

amp024 (not verified)

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 12:41

The buffet is almost a replica of what i am looking for in our dining room except it will cost less than 1/2 the price to make it! I LOVE the buffet. Could you send me the plans please? [email protected]

amp024 (not verified)

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 12:41

The buffet is almost a replica of what i am looking for in our dining room except it will cost less than 1/2 the price to make it! I LOVE the buffet. Could you send me the plans please? [email protected]

nkpearson

Sat, 05/26/2012 - 22:11

The Buffet looks awesome! You have done an amazing job. I really like the glass doors.

Neal

Claudia Ingles (not verified)

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 04:07

Mr Carey, this buffet looks stunning!!!And I've been looking for one(ready to buy) for quite some time and nothing!!! Did you use spray paint to achieve the SO SMOOTH look? It really looks amazing!!!
Can I also receive your plans by email?Thank you!!
[email protected]

KATHY W (not verified)

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 20:02

This looks great!!! you did a wonderful job on it!!

tcaffrey

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 15:29

I would love the plans if you have them!!! Excatly what I have been looking for!! Thanks it looks great

bbcarey

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 19:25

I saw on another post that the sketchup model could be shared to the warehouse- which of course I knew but totally forgot. So- I've uploaded the model for this buffet to the warehouse and it should be able to be accessed from this link:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=8acc2d1db12502a9cc04…

If I had the patience to work up an actual plan I would - but hopefully the sketchup model will help - there should be dimensions and I have the cut list in the model as well. Still let me know if you have questions and I would LOVE to see anyone else's finished project!

bbcarey

Wed, 12/18/2013 - 08:02

Glad it helped- I need to learn how to post a plan- but for now sharing the sketchup plan I am hoping helps (I have some other plans out there as well). I do all my projects ahead of time in Sketchup to plan for materials etc..

mommap7200

Tue, 10/06/2015 - 18:50

Any chance you still have these plans? I can't see them on sketchup.

mommap7200

Sun, 10/04/2015 - 19:11

Do you happen to still have the plans for this buffet? My email address is [email protected] if youre able to send them. I would love them. This buffet is really nice and the sketchup plans are not working for me.

My First Fence!

Submitted by shortyjuan on Tue, 10/29/2013 - 07:52

This project took me about 2 weeks. Granted, it would have been quicker, but I could only work on it a few hours every couple days. I've never built a fence before, I think anyone could do it. Just take your time and that includes time to plan. I designed houses for a year about 10 years ago, so I actually drafted some plans to help me determine how much lumber I would need. This fence will welcome our new family member soon, my wife's 4 year old german shepherd. Also, this is a treated pine fence, instead of cedar. Thanks for the tips Anna.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I will stain this fence next year after the wood dries out.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 10/31/2013 - 01:37

Great job. Definitely more character than the neighbor's! Love the copper post caps as well.