Community Brag Posts

Bar height table witb 4 chairs and 2 benches. My mom wanted a new table big eight to sit 6 to 8 people, I think it can fit 10 though!

After getting ridiculous quotes for new cabinets, we searched out ways to save money. Ana White, your site has been a blessing! I have a construction background and was planning on doing everything except cabinets and electrical. I estimate that your plans and inspiration have saved us at least $7500.00!!! Thanks so much. We will continue to update as progress continues!

I've been wanting a storage bench for my bedroom to store bed pillows and blankets while we sleep so that the dogs don't take them over during the night on the floor. This is perfect. Just need to finish painting or staining. I did add a plywood bottom. I may add trim to the bottom as well. My first larger project without my husband's help! 

My first woodworking project.  The plans were fantastic and easy to follow. Thanks!

Built this to clear up my son's room a bit. Lots of flexible storage for his legos, rock collection, art supplies, and everything else cluttering up his room.

Loved the simple lines of this project - the first one I attempted! I used a 1x10 instead of a 1x12 (because it fit better in my space) with the called for 1x6's. I looked for an interesting piece of knotty pine to add some interest. Two stains were layered and a top coat was added. Timeline is total time but spread out - includes time with a paint brush but not drying time.

I made this porch bench for my daughter-in-law 's birthday. She purchased bench cushions from Pottery Barn and asked if I would build the corresponding bench. Using the dimensions of the cushions and examining online photos I was able to build the framework and tried my best to duplicate the
Chatham series bench. Not quite ready to tackle the curved bench rest and arms but after watching YouTube on how to make curved woodworking items I might just take a shot at it next time.

She really loves the bench and I am pleased with how it turned out.

I changed up the legs because I had a beautiful piece of reclaimed wood I've been looking to use.  I did use these plans for the concrete top and it turned out great!  Just followed all of her advice.  It's very smooth, almost feels like soft cotton, with only tiny bubbles.  Thanks for the great plans!

I built this lovely, modern park bench from plans I found at Ana White. The only adjustment I made was to make the legs out of 4x4s. I like this plan because it's all straight, right angle cuts, a one day project, which I tackled by myself. I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the miter saw. The wood cost under $50. I plan to paint it with primer, then white exterior paint, both of which I have around the house. Stain would be beautiful, too. If I had to do it over again, I would paint all the pieces before assembling. And I wish I had a brad nailer; it would make attaching all the slats go much faster, and would have to fill as many screw holes.

Built this with matching benches that will store underneath the table completely.  Thanks for the great ideas!!

When we resurfaced our deck last year we had to remove the built-in benches due to code regulations, so I knew I would get to make new benches this year. We wanted them to be a flexible size so we could rearrange the deck easily for eating, entertaining, enjoying the sun and the shade. Based on the size and shape of our deck, a square table for 6-8 people was going to be the best option.

After looking at a couple design plans, I decided to combine a few plans to get exactly what we wanted. To get a mid-sized square table I used the leg structure of the Fancy X Table with the construction method and the stability from 2x6s of the Square Pedestal Table. The top is joined from seven 45.5" lengths of 2x6 and two lengths of 2x4s. It ends up being 52.5" square. It is snug for eight people, but comfortable for six. We didn't end up using the skirt boards so there would be more knee room. The base is mounted on the diagonal for the same reason.

For the benches, I used the supports from the Fancy X Benches, with the bordered top from the Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Bench, since it would match the table top better. The benches are 48" long, and only two supports were used for each, inset 5" from the end of each bench. Likewise, I used a single stretch of 2x4s for the seats rather than seam them in two parts like the 106" long original plans. I did add an extra 2x2 support board under the seat platform to keep the 2x4s even over time. Overall, I made five benches - four for around the table and one for next to the BBQ. They are blue so they provide some color against the brown deck and green tree tops that surround the deck.

For both the table and the benches, I pre-stained the surfaces that make up the inside of the Xs. It made it easier to get good coverage there.

I also made a quick flip-down BBQ prep station, on similar lines to the Flip-down Wall Art Desk out of two 5/4x6 and two 5/4x4 cedar boards. The shelves are on adjustable pegs.

The costs broke down - with all hardware, screws, putty, sandpaper, stain, etc. - as: $90 for BBQ station (lots of hardware), $200 for 5 benches, and $155 for the table. I did a lot of sanding and filling to get the rough 2x4s smooth. In the end, there was about 50 hours in the benches, and 20 in the table. The BBQ station was less than a day, including mounting.

Thanks to Ana White and Lady Goats for the idea from their prior plans on the Rustic X Bookshelf. The bookshelf is 6ft tall and the shelf height is perfect for DVDs or books.