Community Brag Posts

Modified Cube Bookshelf

Submitted by liquidzoo on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 11:24

After building one 6 Cube Bookshelf (http://ana-white.com/2010/07/well-i-did-promise-you-i-would-work-on.html) so my wife would have somewhere to store toys for the kids, I decided to modify the plan to use in our bedroom.

I chose to put doors on it, and learned quite a bit. Rather than 6 standard cubes, I went with a single divider on each shelf. The back and the doors are both made from some Bead Board trim packages that I found for about $12 at my local big-box.

I added a 16" wide board on the top to create the look I wanted.

I also want to note that when you're working alone, some right-angle clamps are lifesavers! Makes it a lot easier to keep square and hold things together while you drill and screw everything together.

I chose some hardware that came close to what we already had in our bedroom. The hinges took me 4 different trips to get right (first was wrong type (did not want self-closing), second was wrong depth, third was wrong color).

Overall I'm very happy with it and so is my wife. We replaced a piece of furniture that was twice as wide and it's amazing how nice it is to not have to walk around it when walking through our bedroom.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Top, door panels and back were stained using a satin cherry finish. Trim and main body was painted using an enamel black paint (1 coat is all it took with the enamel paint, Glidden Onyx Black using a Behr Enamel base)

After everything was dry and prior to assembly everything received 2 coats of Satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Storage/Coffee Table

Submitted by bvescovi on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 09:57

I am redesigning my family, which is really the children's playroom. I have decided to change it to a beach theme. I saw the project on this site and knew immediately it would be a perfect fit as a storage/coffee table. Within 5 minutes of me completing the box, my three year old started filling it up with toys.

I have to admit it is slightly tall for a coffee table, so I'm debating cutting off the legs. It would be easy enough to do without taking the entire project apart and it would make it the perfect height.

I did have to plan my build around my work schedule and the kids, so I did what Ana suggested and built a panel a day. I cut all the wood one day, then built a panel a day. The last day, I started putting the pieces together, put the bottom boards in and made the top.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
So far I have not finished the project. I haven't decided if I want to leave it and just Poly it or stain it with either sunbleached or weathered stain. It is a beach theme so either color stain would be great.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Re-purposed Piano Coffee Table

I inherited the guts of a piano, and just had to make them into something funtional.  I am a musician, and these piano hammers were great inspiration for my next build.  I made a box out of 2x8s, braced them with 4x4's (which also added height) and attached some metal 2 1/2 in casters.  I set the hammers inside the box, and topped it off with plexiglass.  A functional work of art to be enjoyed for generations!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain and Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Numbered cubbies

Submitted by Kimberly W on Tue, 08/30/2011 - 09:49

I was so excited when I saw the plans for this and knew I had to make it. I love the way the wood looks with the numbers stained. It only took a couple of hours to get it exactly as I wanted. My kids love that they now have a place for all their crayons and school supplies.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

double pedestal table

Submitted by Binda B on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 09:26

I think the hardest part of making this table was making it square. I think a tutorial video would be very beneficial. Took me a while to make due to life priorities, but it is finally done! Kids have already taken it over! My favorite part is letting them draw on it and make it theirs. Will be fun in the future to look back. We also wrote the date on it. I do think clamping is a must. I didn't do that at first and ended up taking the top apart and redueing it with clamps and glue.

I didn't want cracks that food could get into, and those 2x4's are rounded. So I ran those boards through a table saw to make sure they are flush with the 1x6's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00 for everything. the 1x6's were a higher quality pine. the rest was the cheaper pine.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood conditioner, american walnut by rustoleum, 4 coats of minwax semi gloss polyurethane. LOTS of sanding was done on the top of this table. Including steel wool.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Truss 4x4 Dining Table

Submitted by SiaTanner on Fri, 11/27/2015 - 11:25

I somewhat followed the general context of the plans for the bottom, but I added bracing and general durability changes to the plans. As the original builder did not take thought into the event of moving/ un- assembling, warping, expansion or durability. I used kiln douglas fir  (4x4, and 2x4) and kiln dried pine bread board tops. All bracing joints were predrilled and then screwed in with 4.5 or 2 inch screws, as a kreg jig joint should not have stress- I want this table to withstand someone leaning or in the instance sitting on the tabe to be safe- a 1/2-1.5 kreg screw would not work. I also changed the bread board to a 1x10- as most of the 2x10 at the stores were warped or chemically treated. Underneath we added bracing with an additional 2 2x4 beams, with cross beams in the middle to prevent sress. We opted not to have breadboards, as I did not want to mortise or tenon joint the ends. We followed close to the plans- but inforced stronger bracing to withstand weight applied to the table and easy dissasembly. :)

My cost was a little higher - but I did not want chemically treated pieces or warping. There was additional cost in 4.5 inch screws, and brackets but under 50 dollars. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood: 197
Brackets: 32
Screws: 12 (Already has 2inch)
Bluing Agent: 5 (already had)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sand 120 grit, then 260. Vinegar wash to 'condition' the wood for absorption to prevent spotting/bleeding. 50/50 Mixture of Dark Walnut and Special Walnut. Hardware was Zinc Coated- sanded and vinegar washed- final coat was bluing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Aged turquoise

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 09:09

Aged rustic turquoise 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
To be auctioned
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Book Nook Tent

I loved this plan as soon as I saw it. The only modification I made was I used a 4x16 8oz drop cloth up on over the center instead of curtains or fabric and painted the wood with orange gloss spray paint. The kids love it. I think we may make come doors and ties to make it cozier but they love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Multi-Purpose Paint Spray in Real Orange
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Anna Lawrence (not verified)

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 13:05

I think I am in love with the look of the drop cloth and spray paint. :)

What a fabulous replacement for the curtains... I know at our HD or L a huge cloth is $8 or $9 bucks, so that's a really economical choice.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 13:44

I love your tent! I am thinking of making one but want to get an idea of the area it will take up. Can you tell me how much space (l, w, h) it takes when assembled? Thanks!

CraigCaggiano (not verified)

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 08:21

If you want to make one to sell let me know!

Anthropologie Style Farmhouse Table

My husband built the table and benches and I applied the finish. It pretty much took us most of two weekends, but was well worth it. We learned that we should have used kiln dried wood for the table top, since ours warped pretty significantly. We will most likely replace the planks on top of the table in the near future. Also, the plans for the length of the bench don't allow for the benches to be pushed in under the table. The supports get in the way (make sure your measure!). I used Minwax Ebony stain and wiped it off quickly after applying it, so that the wood would show through. I also used a satin finish to keep true to the vintage look, yet give the table some protection from the elements.

Estimated Cost
140.00 for both the table and benches
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Ebony
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified salsa console buffet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/22/2019 - 16:25

Made a little smaller than original plans and completely out of oak  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400 (oak is expensive)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax early american.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Reclaimed Wood End Table

Submitted by sc4bship on Mon, 09/05/2011 - 17:49

I've taken quite a bit of time building this project. My goal was to use all material we had here so, I had to cut down 2x4's and 1x6 tongue and groove. I am proud of how this turned out, now to build it's match.

Estimated Cost
$0 all reclaimed wood and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 09/06/2011 - 09:45

Great job! I love how this table turned out - especially for the price! Really well done.

JongPogi

Sun, 01/20/2019 - 12:42

Hi, can you add details on how you achieved that finish when you get a chance? like colors of  the paint and how many coats.. thank you.

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