Community Brag Posts

TV Stand

Submitted by gjohanson on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 13:40

I started with Michaela's Kitchen Island plan, but reduced the dimensions and material sizes. I used 2x2s for the legs and 1x3s for the rest of the project. Everything was kreg jigged together. This project would've taken less time but the drying time for the stains ate up work time! :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used espresso poly stain for the frame and Rustoleum's wood stain in American Walnut. 2 coats each and then sealed the tops with a poly sealer in clear gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Planter

Submitted by bclute on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 10:28

I built these out of necessity to keep my tipsy Christmas decorations from blowing over. The last couple years I spent a lot of time picking these trees up off the ground. I like how they turned out and were relatively easy to build.

I was excited I got to use my Kreg Jig for the first time, which looked more difficult to use than it actually was. Although these are cedar planters I used all pine from big box orange. Some leftover from the farmhouse queen bed I built and the rest I purchased.

The finish didn't turn out as grey as I would have hoped using the steel wool and vinegar, but I still like the aged look. I added the "x" detail in the front afterward and instead of staining my wife thought it looked better natural. Either way I would have been happy. I will be able to use these year round in some capacity.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used some scrap and some new, but these cost me about $15 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel Wool and Vinegar followed by Thompsons Water Seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rocket bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 16:02

My son saw this project and wanted a rocketship.  I was also tired of piling up his books on the floor.  The only wood I bought for it was 1/4" ply for the back as I used leftover 3/4" plywood for the bookcase itself.  Fairly easy with a Kreg, it just took a little while to finish all of the painting.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
the only paint I bought for this was the red - just bought a sample of Behr's MPH in Satin. I used leftover Behr National Anthem (originally purchased for a dresser that I made my son) and some shade of white that Ihad used on closets (eggshell sheen but can't remember the exact color).
And of course, Zinsser Bullseye primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Headboard

Submitted by Linaloo on Fri, 09/09/2011 - 12:34

Made by my husband.

Estimated Cost
$60 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Theresa619 (not verified)

Mon, 09/26/2011 - 01:21

Love this! I also want to build this headboard and finish it in a bright white. One question- how did you secure it? Is it in any way attached to the wall or the bed frame or is it just leaning there? Thanks, and great job!

Sand Box

This is a 4 x 6 sand box. I took the Idea from this website and add a roof just for looks. It is made with 2 x 12 , 1 x 4 and 2 x 4. I used Flood Stain which I loved the clean up. I made the second one with 2x12 and 2 x 4 because it was going on a comminuty playground and I thought it sould be stonger. It takes 22 50 pound bags of play sand to fill it. Had a great time building them Thanks for the idea

Estimated Cost
160 without the roof and 200 with
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Flood Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bedside tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 06:21

The plans are pefect. Very easy to follow and the measurements make the drawer install a breeze. Very enjoyable project.

Estimated Cost
$100 for a pair, including the pocket hole jig and excluding the plywood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 16:16

Built these for my Father-in-laws birthday

Comments

Turquoise Chaise Lounger

Using this plan I built my lounger with some changes, mainly adding lawn mower wheels to one end. The cushions I made have a mesh bottom to let the cushions dry faster, and zippers so they can be removed and machine washed. More details on what I used and many more photos on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
oil based primer, 2 coats exterior latex paint: Glidden Swan White in semi-gloss, Minwax Outdoor polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 12:49

I love the idea of the mesh! It would work as a great bench when you need more seating too. I think it'd be nice with huge wooden wheels also.

Customized Bench with 2 cubbies

Submitted by DogDoc25 on Sun, 09/29/2013 - 20:06

I made this bench for a friend who had a very specific space that needed a bench. I had to make it so that there was about 30 inches of length on top but with enough room on the inside of the cubbies for 10-11 inch baskets but also had to make it so there wasn't enough space for a dog to get its head into the baskets when they were put into the cubbies. So it took some thinking with the math, but ultimately, I think they turned out great and the 10 inch baskets she bought work perfectly. I made the legs with 1x3s instead of 1x2s for extra support (and that's also what I had in my scrap pile). I left it unstained because my friend is going to do that part. This took about 3 hours to plan and build. I used the kreg jig to hide pocket holes to attach the legs to the top and bottom and also to attach the inside divider to the top of the bench (I used nails to attach the inside divider to the bottom).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used all scraps, but if I were to have bought the wood it probably would have come to around $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

console table

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 19:39

This table was modified from a few different plans. I built it as a stereo/radio stand for our cottage. The 2x8s on the top have special meaning as we used the boards as a ramp to haul our fridge in.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Goudey stain in Roasted, 2 coats of Deft polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

TV console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 14:25

Had to build something to go with our brand new OLED TV. Combined Ana's 'Grandy Sliding Door Console' with a modified version of these modern barn door plans found at https://howdoesshe.com/build-a-fixer-upper-style-modern-barn-door/ from @angelarosehome to make the finished product shown here. My wife loves it (the pup doesn't mind it either)! 

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

New Bookshelf, First Project!

Submitted by AmberAZ on Thu, 09/22/2011 - 19:16

My DH and I built this using the side tower plan. It was about $50 in materials, including the birch 1/4" plywood we used for the back. We made it 48" tall and 24" wide. I finished it with a charcoal grey water based Minwax stain, and then sanded that out to bring out the wood grain more. I topped it with two coats of wipe on poly, also by Minwax. It was not too hard to build and was pretty fun actually. I am just glad that it actually looks like a piece of furniture and not some boards screwed together. I kind of want to do one with red stain now to make it look like barnwood, hmmm...

Estimated Cost
$50 plus a little for finishing supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax water based stain and wipe on polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X Kitchen Island - Double

Submitted by katie0910 on Tue, 10/01/2013 - 11:53

This is my latest project and my first project post on my new blog. I've included some step-by-step photos on my blog. I'm using this kitchen island as a craft cart in my craft room. This project was so fun and easy to put together. I love how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Paint + Primer in Rushing Stream
Valspar Antiquing Glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

NimbleShopper

Wed, 10/02/2013 - 06:52

We have a small house and my craft closet shares space with well other household stuff. :( My sewing table is the computer table when my self employed husband doesn't need to work. Your work has give me a great idea for a roll away craft table. Something like this could really work for me. Thanks for posting it, and good work!

spagirlval

Thu, 10/31/2013 - 19:10

I'm in the middle of making one of these also. I had to shorten by 4" so it will fit where I need it to go. I love the color you used. I might need to try that with a dark stained top.

our modified version of printers sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 20:22

we took Ana's plans and modified them to fit our space. I ended up routing the edges of the 1x3 and 1x2s for the door and drawer fronts to give more definition between the boards to help with the illusion of seperate drawers. I absolutely love how this turned out! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400 including hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General finishes antique walnut gel stain and high performance top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

handmadewithash

Mon, 12/21/2015 - 15:20

this looks great! That's a neat  idea about routing the edges. I started this project a year ago, but I've picked it up again.  Where did you purchase your pulls from? I'm having the hardest time decided which ones to go with.  

My first bed

Submitted by DAFrancis on Sat, 02/16/2019 - 10:20

I rasied it up abit and put the head board slats on the front of the headbard frame. Great design 

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

Doll Bunk Beds

Submitted by CUTiger89 on Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:54

This is absolutely the first thing that I've built and I have the bug now. Having been recently laid off, this project peaked my interest from a creative and financial standpoint. Handmade gifts are the best and I've long been a paper-crafter. This was a birthday present for my daughter that would be something that she would love and that her friends wouldn't have. The challenge was impossible to resist. Aside from not mastering wood filler as well as I would have liked, I could not be happier with the way it turned out. Ana's plan was super!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
primed and then finished with interior satin white.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Charging Nightstands

Submitted by SaraLodise on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 12:45

This was such an awesome plan for us. We have two phones, two kindles, a tablet, a laptop, lamp dimmers and heated mattress pad controls. Needless to say the wires got a little out of control. The plans were super quick and easy, and it was no hassle to make two of them. I used the same stain combo Ana used on her's but I finished with Miniwax Polycrylic for extra protection against wet water glasses, early morning coffee spills and dog slobber. I love the rustic earthy tone the stains make. Dresser set soon to come! P.S. the center pieces on the doors are left over oak scraps I had in 1/2" thick. Thus, they stained a bit more red than the pine boards. I was worried about the contrast but I really like the way it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$60 per nightstand (Inner shelf, ply backing & door centers were left over scrap, also got the door latches free with a PB coupon)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Prestain -> 1 coat Miniwax oil-based in Weathered Oak -> 1 coat Miniwax oil-based in Special Walnut -> 2 coats of Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TeriA

Thu, 10/03/2013 - 14:46

Why do you tease? That latch is no longer available!

But seriously, beautiful night stands.

Farmhouse Table and Benches

Submitted by chadk on Thu, 12/24/2015 - 11:27

I modified the dimensions of the pocket hole farmhouse table plans so the table would fit our smallish dining room.  60 inch table and matching benches from the Friendly Home.  It turned out great!  We couldn't be happier.  This was our first build.

 

Thanks Ana!

-Chad

Estimated Cost
$200 +/-
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Mission Oak Stain and a triple coat Minwax Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 11:10

Absolutely in love with this table. It turned out even better than we thought since this was my first diy project. We didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars buying a table similar to one we could make ourselves so we decided to give it a go. Our biggest issue with building it was the wood warping. We could only work on it every other weekend so the wood starting moving and it wasn’t on a flat surface. Definitely tie it down to a flat surface if you can’t build it all in a few days. We reinforced the breadboards with pocket holes on the inside and out because the first time we only did the inside, it snapped off. We used a lot of glue the second time around. Will definitely be making more tables in the future.

Estimated Cost
130$ Wood and materials
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats Varathane Jacobean, 2 coats water based satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 18:51

Needed a bed. After looking in town for premade beds, I wasn’t satisfied with the workmanship or price. I thought I could build one much nicer than what I was seeing. With these plans, I was able to make it happen. It turned out way better than expected. After a couple of strikes with paint, I watched a couple of YouTube videos on painting furniture black and that’s all it took to get exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for the plans. I also made the mini farmhouse bedside tables. I’ll put pics of it under the tables category

Comments

Sausha's Washer/Dryer Pedastals

I liked Sausha's original design of the washer and dryer pedestals, but I wanted to add a few little personalized touches to it.

First, rather than using MDF, I went with plywood because of cost and weight. Also, I chose not to fill in the imperfections of the surface of the plywood. The top piece will be covered by the washer and dryer, and the bottom piece will be covered by baskets, etc. I like the look of the imperfections, as well.

Lastly, I spent an extra $10 on some additional cap molding for the base and the top, just to give it a more finished look. My wife chose white over black to fit the room better.

This was my first project and I am excited to build more!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding twice with 120 grit, I sanded once more with 320 grit to give it a smooth finish. I then painted it with a roller and brush using a semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments