Community Brag Posts

Modified Chevron Bed using Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/02/2017 - 10:47

My husband and I really enjoyed working on this together. We had a bunch of leftover engineered hardwood flooring. It worked out great for this project! We staggered the boards in the chevon pattern and took it all the way down instead of reversing it (since it seemed like so much more work and I thought the mattress and pillows would cover it anyway), so it was simple to piece it all together. I love the look. We made the bed with detachable railings, which was necessary - because this bed is HEAVY. Thanks for the great idea!

Estimated Cost
$20 (utilized plywood and hardwood flooring that we already had)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rolling storage cart as a laundry caddy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/27/2020 - 21:30

I needed a laundry caddy that fit in a tight spot in my small laundry room. I adjusted the dimensions of the rolling storage cart, and it works great!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Flat Wall Bookholders

Submitted by vpihoney on Sat, 01/05/2013 - 18:23

I built the flat wall bookholders to go with our new bunk beds! We love them! I built the small, 24" shelves.

Estimated Cost
Less than $10 for both 24" shelves
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
A blue latex paint from Behr. Primed it with one coat of 123 Bullseye since we had a small can already.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Affordable pipe slat bed

Submitted by Dafoemomma on Mon, 10/27/2014 - 18:13

We fell in love with the look of this bed but at $600 it was out of our budget.  The heavens opened and the angels sung when we found Formufit furniture grade PVC.   It even comes in different colors!  We used 1" but I would recommend 11/4" to make it a bit more sturdy.  We glued most of it together and chose to omit one section out of each of the headboard and footboard.  Another note, because the PVC slips in the fitting about 1" you need to add 2" to each measurement.  We did not and it turned out just fine but we were 2" shorter than the measurements.  We also used four 3' sections, 2 four way in the center and added two more legs and caps as the formufit doesn't come in longer than 5' and we wanted more stability.  The wood slats will be put on when our split ring hangers get here as we couldn't find them in out town.  Total cost was about $150 because we used recycled pallet boards for the mattress platform.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Twin sized bed
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Full Farmhouse Bed

Yes, the plan used was the Toddler Farmhouse Bed. Just make sure to use the dimension for a full size mattress, do the math, and create your buy list accordingly. I did make some minor changes to accommodate the larger size, more weight, and a heavier person. For the Head and foot boards, I used the 1 x 2 to frame, but used 2 x 2 on the outer leg for additional support. I also used 2 x 2 's to create the internal supports for the frame along with the 2 center support legs. This bed was built to be used with a box spring instead of a platform type.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$165
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Chalk Paint with a Matt Finish clear Poly top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My First Build -- the $55 Fancy X Desk

This was my first build EVER. I had never even used a saw before, so if I can do this, so can YOU!

The original plans call for this desk to be 72" in length, but my space only allowed for a 60" desk, so I cut the 3 braces that go along the back down by 12", as well as the 2x6s that make the desktop. The cross-braces in the back were also cut down, but I did that by measuring for fit (as demonstrated by Ana in one of her videos where she made the x-bench).

I described this as a weekend project ONLY because of the time I had to allow between coats of paint, etc. I built it easily in one day (with kids at home!).

This was a GREAT experience and I am HOOKED! Thanks to Ana and Shanty-2-Chic for designing this!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted the base with flat black paint, and the top of the desk with Minwax Jacobean stain (primed with the Wood Conditioner first, and finished with the Polcyrilic Spray that Ana recommends).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lianna (not verified)

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 08:27

I hope to build this desk this week! Your post timing is great! AND your end result is gorgeous!!!

berryrach89

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 19:31

I absolutely love this. I've been searching for a new desk and I think I want to copy yours. Love it.

Jodye (not verified)

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 00:35

Well done...I too have been contemplating giving this ago. Our out door glass table exploded due to the heat here in Australia on monday...never going glass again...did I mention the nightmare clean up job :-((
Im building the big version....Im excited..you did it so I can too!

Garden bench

Submitted by jsosebee on Sat, 11/01/2014 - 18:59

 

What goes here?

Estimated Cost
$45.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

rustic glamour hidden desk

Submitted by Johnny469 on Wed, 02/08/2017 - 11:22

This is my version of the hidden desk. This desk is completely made out of solid wood. The stained wood is pine and the natural wood is a mixture of oak, cherry and maple.  I still have to add shelves and door pulls but otherwise its done.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Living Room Console

My first project completion based on Ana White plans

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two Coats of Primer, 2 coats of white Satin paint. Top Shelf is stained with "Early American Oak" followed by x2 layers of Polycrylic for more resistance
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rope Trim Console Table

Submitted by efmolly on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 08:58

This is a pretty basic console table I built for a craft show last month (that's why I don't have better photos). I started with the top. Using my Kreg Jig, I pocket holed 3, 1x6's together and added some 1x4's to make breadboard ends. For the base I used reclaimed table legs from a table I bought at a garage sale for $5! The aprons are 1x4's, pocket-holed to the legs. I did add some diagonal support blocks in each corner to keep the whole thing square. Using pocket-holes once again, I attached the top. I then simply measured the aprons, cut the rope trim and attached with glue and 3/4in finish nails. I have a few more projects like this featured on my blog http://pneumaticaddict.blogspot.com .

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The top I blended 'Golden Oak' and 'Walnut' oil-based stain from Minwax. The base was 'Aqua' spray paint from Rustoleum and then glazed with a light mix of 'Raw Umber' tint and Martha Stewart glaze. The whole piece is sealed with 2 coats of Polyacrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Upholstered Toy Chest

We made these toy chests for baby shower gifts.  We followed the plan for the most part.  We skipped the notching on the front of the chest, and opted to upholster the top.  I added names to the front as well to personalize them a bit as well.  Overall, it went pretty smooth, once we got going.  The plans were clear and easy to follow.  This was our first build off of plans from Ana-White, and I think they turned out pretty nice! 

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

Comments

DIY Guest Bathroom Makeover on a Budget

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/11/2017 - 09:31

My husband and I decided that the best way to keep our guest bathroom makeover on a budget was to build the vanity ourselves.  

Estimated Cost
$700 - $800
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained and varnished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/07/2020 - 19:42

Add shelf between top and drawer. Also added wireless charging to the top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Antique Aqua followed by Antique White.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

X coffee table

Submitted by Terrybob on Thu, 11/06/2014 - 05:01

coffee table

Finish Used
Antigua white glider gel paint. Stain on top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Larger Rustic X coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/12/2017 - 20:42

I used upscaled plans for the table that ended with a table top of 60" x 36" that helped match our oversized couches. Fun easy project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For Top: Varathane- wood conditioner, Briarsmoke stain, sealed with 3x thick polyurethane.
Base: Glidden Diamond Acrylic paint in Antique White, sprayed on with spray gun.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Grandy Barn Door Fireplace and Matching Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 17:38

We originally built the original console a while ago as an entertainment unit for underneath our television. We enjoyed the console so much that we decided that we wanted to do another modified console with a fireplace in it and make the other one into a buffet/storage area for the dining room.

Both of these are fairly modified from the plan, however the basic concepts remain the same. One big thing that we did was use 1x4s as much as possible to reduce the different sizes of lumber we were buying to both reduce complexity and end up with as little as possible scraps.

The frames are made of the 2x3s, The sides (4 deep), shelves, middle shelves and face frame are all 1x4s. The back and inside frames are scrap plywood. The top is 1x6s.

The addition of the fireplace was not difficult. What it did require us to do was to add the centre section and essentially create a box that is closed to the outside cabinets. If it were not closed off it wouldn't support the fireplace insert correctly. The important piece with the fireplace is to ensure you have enough clearance on the top and sides to allow the fireplace to mount safely without overheating. The nice thing about this setup is the additional shelf above the fireplace which we used for electronics. The wires go through the back of the cabinet and it looks very clean.

These are probably my favorite things I've built this year. They're simple to make and add a lot to any living space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint for body
Minwax Polyshades Classic Black for top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

farm table

Submitted by jclarkusaf on Sat, 01/12/2013 - 10:04

it was a great project i made a few mistakes here an there but i really like the table. and i love the lag bolts makes the table a little more interesting to me.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
miniwax early american and matte finish polyurethane coating
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Small Kitchen Island

Submitted by stacynabby on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 10:15

I built this for my mom to replace her small, rolling butcher block. I wanted to add in the tilt out trash cabinet, so I built off the back of it to give her some storage and a bigger work surface. I had a local countertop business custom fabricate the top out of a piece of scrap quartz (that was the spendy part of the project).

Estimated Cost
$40 for the wood and $480 for the quartz top
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades natural
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farm Table & Re-Purposed Chairs

Submitted by khudson on Wed, 02/15/2017 - 11:22

Following Ana White's Plan for a Farm Table, we were able to build our own and it turned out perfectly! We also re-purposed chairs to complete the look!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Kitchen Table
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Toy Box

I’d previously made a farmhouse table for my son and his wife (photo below). They had a baby this past August, and I thought a matching toy box for the dining room would be a good Christmas present for our grandson. The design includes a chalkboard on the front. I wanted this to last for generations, and used birch for the project as well as dowel pins to join the boards. When the baby gets older, I’ll build a matching two-compartment cubby to stack this atop, so he can continue using the chalkboard.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bombay Mahogany, by Minwax (Polyshade Satin Stain and Polyurethane)
Semi Gloss Navajo White paint by Sherwin-Williams
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments