Community Brag Posts

How to get kids interested in woodwork...

Submitted by AndyH on Wed, 11/12/2014 - 08:19

This isn't really woodwork but was something made to get my step daughter interested in the art of making things from wood (and other materials)

Made from scraps of wood after an idea we saw on Pinterest.  She helped paint them and make the eyes and scarves for them.

It's the smallest project ever done but hopefully will embed the "bug" into her that making things with your hands is fun.

She has another 5 to decorate ready for Christmas.

Maybe she will be the next Ana, you never know!! :-)

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White water based paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Ana White Admin

Wed, 11/12/2014 - 08:24

Thanks for sharing a cute and fun project, it's never to early to get the kiddos involved!

Toddler bed & Compactum

Submitted by Isabellev on Fri, 02/17/2017 - 00:51

My little one refused to sleep in a cot so i sold it and made him a toddler bed with matching compactum. 

I used an old broken piano chairs legs on the bed.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Nesting Grill Station

I was tired of seeing my propane bottle on the porch and this project was a perfect blending of camouflaged storage with lots of potential countertop workspace. My grill station is smaller and shorter than the original plans to better fit our family size and the porch space we have available. My husband has a bandsaw mill. When he was milling boards this fall, I asked for some 1/2" thick planks just for this project. I also had the knobs and wheels leftover from past salvaging work. I have been trying my best to use up "stock on hand" during this pandemic. Though I spent some time sanding the rough cut lumber, it still absorbed lots of stain. I wanted two tones of color, so that's good, but I still had to mix two stains together to have enough for the lighter parts.

Now we are looking forward to some cold weather BBQ meals!

Estimated Cost
$10 for screws, all else salvaged.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the wood before joining it together so the two shades of stain wouldn't run together. For the darker parts I used Minwax Red Mahogany. On the lighter parts I mixed Minwax Early American with Natural (because I was running out). After staining I put the table together and finished it with Minwax Polycrylic, until that ran out, then Bona Mega satin floor finish. I put three coats of finish, sanding between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mamasue72

Tue, 07/04/2023 - 08:38

Love this size. My deck is small so this is perfect. Thank you for posting the brag😊👌

Pottery Barn Benchwright Coffee Table Build

Submitted by brittanyj on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 12:09

Wanting to finally get rid of our hideous fake wood coffee table, I found these plans to make the Pottery Barn Benchwright Coffee Table. I am so pleased with the result! It's really heavy and sturdy. Took about 4 days total, and around $100. First time making drawers. Overall the plan was very doable. Looking forward to making a pub table and chairs, and built in bookshelves next!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Kona Stain and Poly, then matte urethane on top and legs for extra protection.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Firewood Shed

When I decided to build a woodshed I was freaked out because I've never done anything even remotely like this.  I struggle with precision and patience, which made this project seem overwhelming as I knew I had to do a lot of prep work to properly level the ground, measure the wood, learn how to operate a saw, calculate angles to cut, etc...  I did a lot of research online and found this simple blueprint a great starting point.   I made some adjustments since i needed a much bigger shed, it's 11.5' x 7' x 7'.  Also, I already had the wood resting on pallets so I just build this shed around the wood with no built in floor.  Overall, I'm thrilled with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic x table

Submitted by V_garcia on Sun, 02/19/2017 - 19:37

Love my entry way table, plans details really easy to follow! Thanks you so much for this helpful website.

Estimated Cost
95
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut minwax stain and semi gloss minwax water basse sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by highwayk9 on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 19:42

I made the farmhouse coffee table using 4/4 300 year old pine that was on a local home for 150 years. The frame, I used recycled pallet boards. Very simple to build, everyone love this table.

Finish Used
Clear Gloss polyurethane

Comments

Wine Rack

This is my first attempt at making a wine rack. It holds 18 bottles and 9-12 glasses. I made it from 1/2" red oak plywood and 1x3s. I used a drill press with a 3" hole bit and 1 1/2 bit for the neck supports. The one pic shows how I kreg jig the supports to a scrap piece of plywood so I could stain all sides of the pieces at once! Plus it allowed for a quicker drying time. I kreg jig all the supports from the back side with 1" PH screws and glue. I used my router and a straight edge to dado the top and bottom shelves to the side walls. This rack measures 5'Hx 15 1/4"w x 17" deep. The wine bottles do not stick out past the front at all. I stained it in a dark walnut to give it a country feel.

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

Restoration Hardware Dining Table

Submitted by Rounders7 on Tue, 11/18/2014 - 07:08

Restoration Hardware Inspired Dining Table.  Got these plans from Shanty 2 Chic. 

Estimated Cost
$150 for the table and bench.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

13 ft Community Farm Table with extended Trestle base

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/21/2017 - 18:43

Began with supplied DIY plans from the www.ana-white.com and slightly modified them based on the length and width of the table. Table now resides in Haddon Twp, NJ as a community farm table for a small local business. The plans provide the foundation and cut list and depending on your experience, comfort level, and tools it is fairly simply to elaborate, expand, and modify.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Base cost $250 - materials, hardware, paint, finish, sandpaper
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
gloss black and clear poly seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/05/2020 - 11:13

I built this console table modeled from other diy plans on the Ana White website. The construction took 1 afternoon, but the project start to finish was 3 days to allow time for finishing. The overall dimensions are 49”W x 16 1/2” D x 30” H.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre Stain Conditioner
Verathane Brairsmoke Stain
Mini wax Satin Polyurethane
Behr Farmhouse White Chalk Paint
Behr Clear Finishing Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by MrsTalbott on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 07:50

I was so inspired by this site, I just had to try something out for my self! Being a beginner it was a little difficult trying to get the notches perfect without the correct tools! A table saw is neccessary but me and the fiance kept at it! After all assembled we banged up the table with some heavy duty chains, Gave it two coats of Minwax Dark Walnut, and finished with 2 coats of Minwax Poly Satin finish. We left out center support so we could get it in the house and installed once it was in, this is one heavy sturdy piece of furniture!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Minwax Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Octagon Table

Submitted by Avi8tor727 on Thu, 11/20/2014 - 07:28

Octagon table with metal chairs

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with a vinegar/steel wool oxidizing mixture-then with common tea. I then used rustoleum matte finish polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

First Build EVER!

Submitted by arowe10 on Fri, 12/11/2020 - 06:42

This was a great “gateway” build! This is easy to do and gave me the space to dig deeper into my newfound woodworking hobby! It’s not perfect but I love it!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)

"X" Coffee Table - Walnut

Submitted by avanti on Sat, 01/26/2013 - 10:10

My daughter and I chose this design for a table for her new apartment. I happened to have some walnut lumber available, so we decided to use that, and it turned out a little less rustic than some of the tables, but it is exactly what she wanted. It was a great project to do with her and we both had a good time, plus she has a piece of furniture she is proud of.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
clear polyurethane wiped on - three coats sanded lightly between coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Cmontagna on Sun, 11/23/2014 - 18:31

Used the Rustic X Coffee Table plans for this project. I altered it slightly to add the bread boards on the end. I also used my jointer to create a more flush joint between boards. When I went to cut the "x"'s out of 2x2's the boards ended up being too short. I'm working on a similar piece for a family member and I am waiting to cut these pieces until I'm almost finished to save stock. I also used a chain, hammer, nails, and metal clamp to beat the table top to "age" the wood a bit. 

 

This project doesn't take long to build. Finishing takes about a week. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 - $150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Finish:

- 1 coat of black tea

- used the oxidized solution on certain parts of the boards to create definition.

- Sanded these spots to lighten them up.

- 2 coats of Minwax Red Chestnut stain.

- 2 coats of finishing wax

- 2 coats of polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table/Ice Chest Beer Cooler

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/27/2017 - 10:55

Took an old whiskey barrel, secured the staves before cutting in half. Built a frame around the top. Built the lid out of old cedar picket fencing and cut the legs out of old Barnwood. Sprayed the inside with Flex Seal to make it waterproof. And used an old used Horse Shoe for the handle. Stained in 4 different shades and clear coated the whole table. 

Estimated Cost
Whiskey barrel $80 plus misc supplies. Approximate cost to build less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax wood finish stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2 twin sized beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/14/2020 - 12:35

I submitted this build under anonymous on accident. Please assign it to my profile when posting if possible. Thank you.

Comments

Kentwood Bed

Submitted by 5tarts on Sun, 01/27/2013 - 21:39

My wife and I began the Kentwood bed last weekend as a project for 1) our oldest boy needed a new bed 2) a family project and 3) a project that would count for my oldest Weblos project to earn a building badge. After reading up on it about a month ago and finally finding the last Kreg jig in town (fairbanks, ak) we purchased the wood and began the building. This plan calls it a weekend project which it would have been if I had not been in school and other family engagements to get too during the weekend. So the weekend project turned into a two weekend endevor. After much hard labor and buying two cans of stain ( as the first can took a dive onto the garage floor and stained more floor than my project) the finally result is pictured. My wife and I love the look and sturdiness of this bed. After completion and final assembly my only addition or change to this plan would be to suggest using hardware attaching the side rails to the head and foot board, so there is less wear and tear on your project. Thanks for the plans!

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

Tracie's Ladder Shelf

Submitted by pondrider on Wed, 11/26/2014 - 10:32

I used all distressed or reused wood. While I followed plans from Ana’s posting I used reused or distressed wood, cutting the wood to the plans specifications.   Cutting the wood I also considered the nominal size of lumber and the size requested in the plans.  Even with the unit sanded and pained the I like the character that has come through.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Used my own materials
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanding and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by jhprice1 on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 13:50

Big thanks to Ana for the plans and the rest of the community for ideas! This was my first major project, and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. This bed was based on the King Farmhouse plan. I wanted a look that was a little less rustic than the classic farmhouse style, so I substituted the boards for oak plywood and framed it out with some pine boards and cove molding.  The pine boards are 1x3s.  I topped the headboard and footboard with a 2x4 and then a 2x6 overhanging the 2x4 evenly on three sides (it's flush in the back).

The posts are 4x4 cedar.  I used lag bolts and glue to attach the posts and concealed the large holes with wood plugs cut from scrap sections of the 4x4.  

I wanted to be able to break the bed down, so I used Rockler no-mortise bed fittings to connect the side rails to the headboard and foot board.  I highly recommend these fasteners.  They are easy to use and seem very solid. I framed out the bed with 2x4s that I connected directly to the side rails with pocket hole joinery.  (First time using the Kreg jig - love it!!).

Thanks again!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded everything down to 150 grit, applied one coat of Minwax Hickory Gel Stain and then one coat of Minwax Sedona Red Wood Finish stain.  I didn't use wood conditioner because I couldn't get the color dark enough.  I don't think the final product was too "blotchy" without the conditioner, but your mileage may vary depending on materials.

I used shellac for the finish, and I'm happy I did.  There was definitely a learning curve (don't go back and try to fix blemishes and missing spots, as it dries too quickly-just add another coat), but it's a forgiving and beautiful finish.  I did three "sessions" with 2-3 coats per session, sanding by hand with 220 grit paper after the first and second session. I switched back and forth between brushing the shellac and applying it with a rag. I didn't come away with a strong preference either way.  I was happy with the final result without rubbing it out or polishing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate