Community Brag Posts

Downsized Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 10:25

This table was modified because my dining room is really small. So the table is 71"long x 35" wide. This was actually my second attempt on the table top. The first attempt I only used kreg screws and no glue. To say that it warped is an understatement. This second attempt I used kreg screws and biscuits. For the breadboards I tried something new and used Rocklers Beadlock system. I also used Z- clips to mount it to the base so that as the wood expands and contracts it will hopefully not warp. So far it's remaining pretty flat.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes Graystone, General Finishes Lamp Black Milk Paint, General Finishes Flat out Flat Topcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Adirondack Chair as Housewarming Gift

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/30/2023 - 11:18

Just delivered these Adirondack chairs to my son and his GF as a housewarming gift for their first home. They selected the colors and they turned out perfect! I used a countersink for the front screws and filled with plugs so it looked very polished!

Blanket Chest and DVD Shelves

Submitted by Robinwood on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 19:55

These were all Christmas projects...My daughter needed a blanket chest, so I used Anna's Toy Chest plans - modifying them to add a lid (which also functions as an extra seat). I made the dimensions larger because she had some really large blankets to store and also added some fancier trimming. Her husband wanted DVD storage in their room, so I built the cabinet and painted it to match the blanket chest. I do most of my building in the evenings, so it took a couple of days to build these - the finishing took the most time over several evenings. Also shown is the mail organizer, with an airplane motif because of my grandson's love of airplanes.

Estimated Cost
$100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sandie

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:48

You did a great job on all of it! I especially LOVE the brown color!!

relye4b5

Tue, 03/12/2013 - 19:42

This looks amazing! I'm wanting to do something similar... a 28"x41" toy box that could double a a lounge seat. Would you be willing to share your plans for the lid addition? I really love the lip on the lid to keep the cushion in place!

Robinwood

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 12:56

Sorry, I hadn't noticed there was a new comment. I am one of those who just look at something or see a need and form plans in my head (I'm not good at writing them); so I don't have any plans. I just cut the lid so that it would overhang an inch on the ends and front. Then I cut a 1x2 the length of the lid and attached it on top of the lid at the back (the 3/4 side against the wood). The 1x2's for the end of the lid were cut to fit; the fronts rounded with a jig saw; then attached. I hope this helps.

Bookshelf for our nursey based on your terrific Channing plan

Submitted by Astern on Tue, 12/24/2013 - 14:24

Great, simple bookshelf for our nursery

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 for wood, $150 for paint and tools I needed
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Flat wall paint -- the same we used for the trim in the room.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My gigantic bed!

Submitted by ThiaD on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 07:45

Thank you so much Ana for providing such good plans! I use your Mom's Fancy Farmhouse Bed plans and added drawers underneath (a girl can never have too much storage!) using your Under Bench Trundle Drawers plans. I made it look a bit different than yours so it fits with the desk I already have in my room and used Mortise Bedlocks to assemble it, so it will be easier to take it apart when I move next time. This was my first project using your plans and my Kreg Jig and I'm hooked!

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

Comments

Narrow Farmhouse Table - first build EVER :)

I built something!! I really want to build a bed for my son, but wanted something a little simpler for my first project. This table came together very easily. I can't wait for my craft room to be done and get all my sewing machines set up on it - Thanks so much for your site, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
primer/paint/spray polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Loft beds for my girls

Submitted by Talarin on Fri, 12/27/2013 - 07:03

My wife and I came across this site 2 years ago and immediately fell in love with the loft beds.  I have never done any kind of project like this and really wasn't sure if I could do it.  I'm an IT guy, so the idea of fumbling around with power tools was a bit intimidating.

I decided to give it a try this year, 2013, as a Christmas present for my two girls, ages 9 and 7.  I bought a chop saw and circular saw, had the wood delivered and proceeded to take over the garage.  Following the plans, I started making my cuts.  Made a few mistakes and had to go buy extra wood, but eventually I completed my cut list.  I proceeded to prime and paint the wood, except for where I was gluing as I heard from a friend that wood glue worked much better on wood than paint.  Go figure.

I sent the girls to my dad's the weekend before Christmas.  They had no idea what I was doing out in the garage and I wanted to make it a complete surprise.  I had a good friend come over and help me assemble.  The first bed took just over 10 hours to complete.  Neither one of us really knew what we were doing, so we were being extra cautious.  The second one took us 4 1/2 hours.

I have to admit, I was quite proud of how it turned out.  The plans were really easy to follow, even for a complete novice like me.  I was really surprised at how sturdy the beds were, no wobbling, hardly any creaking when getting in them, a really solid product.  I did some touch up paint after it was all assembled and then I was done. I highly recommend this plan to anyone considering a loft bed.

Tal

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450 for two beds and accessories
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of primer, one coat of semi-gloss white paint. I used a small roller for the vast majority of it so as to avoid brush strokes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Flip Top Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 19:54

Hi Ana,

 

I liked your design, but I've made a few changes to it for my bench:

-The dimensions

-The type of wood used

-All the joinery (Only screws are in the hinges)

-The inlays and a few other aesthetic features.

 

Thank you!

-

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
50% Polyurethane, 50% Mineral Spirits,
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Modified loft bed from cabin bed

Submitted by Stewart77 on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 12:00

We modified the cabin bed plans to a loft bed. This created a space for little man to have all his own area. We also made the roof on a hinge so that we could open up the roof for easy bedding changes. Also used Jen's modifications so we can take the bed apart and move it easier.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White flat paint, dark walnut roof
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Adirondack Chairs and Modern Side Tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 11:37

I love the Adirondack chairs and they were so easy to make. Your directions were perfect. I added an inexpensive cushion from Walmart although I think technically Adirondack chairs don’t have cushions. But they do help make them more comfortable. I also added some tin work design because we live in the south west.

James

Seasonal And Holiday

Modified Entryway Shelf

Submitted by bwconing on Sat, 02/25/2012 - 09:03

I made this shelf roughly from the entryway shelf plans. I modified it to meet our needs in our nursery. We hung it above the changing table/dresser (that we bought) and my wife put some nice pink polka-dot baskets in the cubbies. We use it to put baby accessories in (socks, lotion, rash cream, hair bows, etc.) This was my first project and it turned out better than I expected! It was an all day project for me, since it was my first, but shouldn't normally take that long.

Estimated Cost
$12
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I just used white latex paint. It required 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by pcdaugs on Sun, 12/29/2013 - 21:50

My wife saw this build about 2 years ago and fell in love with it. She decided we should try and find something we could by that was similar but just couldn't find it. Anyway after 9.5 months I finally finished the piece with a couple modifications. First, I added a second smaller open shelf for BlueRay players, video games, and cable box so the TV could be sitting on the top without any clutter.Second, I milled out the corner posts to exactly 2" X 2" square boards so there was little more presence on the side detail. I really like how it turned out and this piece will have a long time home here with. Especially after putting all that time into it!

Estimated Cost
$350 Dollars on Wood Alone
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
This piece will be used as a TV entertainment center.

We just stained it with three coats applied with a cloth and then 2 coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:56

I love how you modified the plans to suit your needs. The wood grains on the sides are very attractive as are the drawer fronts; that doesn't always happen.
The finish is outstanding. I"m sure you're glad you took your time to get this build just right! Congratulations!

pcdaugs

Fri, 01/10/2014 - 15:40

It certainly was a project but in the end I really like what turned out. I can also say my wife was key in getting the finish just right as I am a terrible stainer.

snogirly7

Fri, 07/18/2014 - 17:50

can you post the changes in measurements you did to make this taller? and additional wood I would need to purchase? this looks amazing, great job! I hope I can do this just as well.

Sofa and Long Couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/12/2016 - 12:18

So, we basically took the pans for the 2x4 outdoor sofa and extended it for one of the sofas because we wanted 4-across seating. We also finished up the look by adding vertical beams in the arms and a second 2x4 across the top (see photos). Because of the really long couch, I added extra bracing foot to make sure it won't sag.

 

Once complete, we determined the pillows across the back were a bit too tall, so we adjusted the plans by adding a couple beams and then lengthening it to attach to the back of the arms rather then between the arms. We pocket drilled the beams together and then braced it with 1x4 slats across the back. I also used a 1/4 router bit to soften all the edges. Anna we took your advice and pocket drilled all attachments except the seat slats for a real finished store-bought look. Cost of wood was under $100 because we went with pine. Pillows and seats from At Home put us at about $600 total for the project.

Estimated Cost
All in with umbrella and stand, wood for stand, two couches, pillows, and sand to add weight for the umbrella was under $700.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson Water Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/25/2019 - 07:06

Used construction pine 2x4s. I was lucky to be able to use a family members planer and table saw to cut my pieces.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax PolyShades
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

A First Woodworking Project - Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 17:22

Dual tone: painted frame with stained slats! Final finish with spar varnish and epoxy packed feet. First woodworking project, thanks Ana for the plans! You rock!

Overall took a long time due to the sanding and multiple coats of paint, stain and varnish. The plans were easy to follow and cuts were easy to make. A belt sander really helped with cleaning up some of the messy 2x4s! Looking forward to my next project!

 

Toddler size loft bed

Submitted by jlandr on Tue, 02/28/2012 - 23:20

I built this loft bed for my daughter who is 3. It is built like the loft bed but the height of the fort bed since she is still little. The first night we were worried that she would somehow roll out since the mattress is thicker than I had realized making the side rails shorter, however she has not had any problems. I used 1x2s and a few 1x3s since that is what I had in the shop. If I were to do it again I would use more 1x3s for support or add plywood like the Fort bed.

Estimated Cost
$50 to $100, the lumber was purchased for another project that never made it out of design phase. Not sure how much we paid for it.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray lacquer. Only one coat. We should have used more coats and sanded it down more, especially the edges around the top of the ladder, I've noticed that it is a little sharper than I had intended. My husband is not a very patient man and we tried to build this with the 3 year old and 4 month old in the shop with us. It started out good but quickly became a bad situation because I had already taken her old bed out of the room and we needed to finish this one. Oops! I got a little excited!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:35

I love this bed but I need it in a size that would fit a toddler sized mattress. This looks like it is toddler sized but are the plans for a twin?

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:53

Is there a plan that includes toddler dimensions for this bed. It appears the one pictured is a toddler bed but the plans seem to be for a twin.

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:54

SO sorry about the four posts... didn't see it go through so I tried too many times :(

Dining Table and Chairs

This was my first table - I added extensions by notching out the end 2x4's and making extensions that slide into the pockets. There were a few mistakes I made that will be corrected when I build my next.
I modified the length of the table down to 5 feet long, but with the extensions in it goes up to 8'. The table is also 34" tall due to a giant husband and Great Dane. The chairs were likewise modified in height and I made the backs a bit fancier using 1x2's and a nail gun.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chairs are painted and waxed, table is stained and polyurethaned. When I do my next table it will be waxed.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Perfect table!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 10:58

Dark walnut finish

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Saw Horse Leg Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 16:33

This was a nice easy project that i built for my son for his christmas present! A few pieces of lumber, a blow torch and clear coat.....Done. I recomment this for a starter project!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project