Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse King size bed

Built entirely from 2x4 - 22 studs altogether - the tricky part was cutting a rebate into the trims so that they look like 1x4 from the front. adjusted plans to suit australian king size mattress & made everything lower & used plenty of kreg screws to put everything together (inspiration from plans in the book). here studs are sold 'rough headed' - so there was an insane amount of sanding - not helped by the fact that I was a novice to the belt sander. Took the best part of 4 weekends to get it all together

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax 'Puritan Pine' stain plus 2 coats of satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My first planter box!

This planter box turned-out looking great! I put it together the first go-round using all kreg-jig screws, but couldn't get the pieces to sit flush with each other, so I took everything apart...and used star-drive screws instead of nails). I have decided that I hate nails.

I used the kreg jig to attach the 4 posts, but then used brackets to attach the rest of the panels -- this worked well! Once I put the slats in the bottom, it was very sturdy.

 

TIPS: don't be afraid to alter the plan. If you like working with brackets, use them!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
n/a
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beginner Farm Table & Benches

This was my first time building anything! The plans were so easy to follow along! Once I master some things like this, I can work on fine tuning things a bit more so I can build some more intricate plans. Thanks so much for your website! My kids are loving the BBQ's outside at the table!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I haven't added a finish yet but will be soon.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Beryl

Tue, 06/02/2020 - 15:09

re the farm table. your cut list calls for 8 2 x 4 at 28 1/2 inches but the plan actually only needs 4 of them. The pics do not show you doubling the 2 x 4s for legs. Am I missing something.

Custom Garage Shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/19/2023 - 17:43

I have to say, this turned out phenomenally for me. I set up my whole garage with new shelving, planned it all out so I have very little plywood waste by altering the widths a little. This is by far the best carpentry project I’ve ever completed. Thank you for the great video, and I love the Kreg jig. That made a big different too. Over 2 years since I installed them, and they are all still solid, level, and plumb.

Chris from Maine

Cabin/Simple Bunkbed

Submitted by Ballowe on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 21:41

We built this bed in the Cabin style, but we wanted to be able to stack it Simple style. It turned out beautifully!!

Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Fruitwood
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Family Project

Submitted by brennamae on Wed, 04/09/2014 - 18:39

My husband and I loved this idea but we don't have much wood working experience. My brother and sister in law were visiting and we decided to make this project together. Our son loves Turtles and we already have a bunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle "stuff" so we thought that would be a great theme. The guys cut all the wood and assembled and the girls did the painting. Then my brother in law who is super talented added in the details.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse King Bed Frame

Submitted by mshelley on Wed, 07/06/2016 - 20:59

I decided to build the Farmhouse King Bed. I liked the look of the frame and am happy with the outcome. This was my very first piece of furniture I've ever built. Already started on my Farmhouse Bedside Tables!!! 

Estimated Cost
$200-$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a Stone White paint, True Turquoise and a dark stain to let the trim pop. Finished with a semi-gloss clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bench Reclaimed Wood

Submitted by grarob1956 on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 18:42

I used the Ana White plans from the Large Porch X Back Bench. However, I downsized it to 2X2 instead of 2x4's for a lighter project. I used the wood I salvaged when I replaced my fence. It was about 15 yrs old. I cut off the rotten parts and used the good parts. It was pressure treated and still in very good condition. I cut down the 4x4's to 2x2"s via my table saw as well as the framing of the 2x4's. I used leftover treated 2x2's from a pergola I recently completed for the X back. I used leftover fence planks for the seat. The only cost I incurred was 3" screws and wood glue. I had a gallon of the paint in my garage that I had purchased at Walmart a few months back for another project for $7.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex Paint turquoise
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Laundry Dresser foling area and hanging shelf

Submitted by sandrabees on Tue, 06/19/2012 - 13:15

more details on my blog. I built 2 of the laundry dressers. adjusted the placement of my baskets due to restrictions in the overall height of my unit (I have a ironing board cabinet built into 1 wall that I still wanted to be able to open and use :) I used MDF, but it was a bear to work with and next time I would spend the extra $$ on birch. i painte the bottom in a semi gloss. and plan to add the doors (which will have a beadboard backing) they will be painted white with a dark walnut glaze. The top and shelf /brackets are all done in a distressed finish with ebony and mahogany stain mixed then 2 coats of poly very sturdy even filled!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white semi gloss paint, (will be glazing with dark walnut as well),
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sherice

Tue, 07/15/2014 - 20:27

Very cool rendition of the original plans. I like the folding area, awesome job!

thewife

Fri, 06/26/2015 - 00:00

I have been wanting to make the laundry basket dresser but am holding off because we are moving. What color did you us on the walls, I love it.

Sideboard Media Center / Media Console

Submitted by ashwihi on Sat, 04/12/2014 - 14:39

For the paint and stain:
The Wife and I really wanted a rich red color, but didn't want it to be so bright that it stood out funny against the rest of our furniture and settings in the living room. So, I went and picked up some Espresso Water Based Stain from Woodcraft, from the brand "General Finishes" for the base coat and the for the 1/4 board back. As you can see in several of the photos, I didn't cover the entire thing and in some areas I purposefully was SLOPPY (Yes my Wife's name is Amy). Afterwards... for the red coat with the finish.... my wife loves using this Annie Sloan paint that she uses to refinish other projects... Basically follow any tutorials on youtube or on her webage. It can be a hard to find paint, but I think a milk paint and clear wax and a brown wax will do the trick also.

For the build:
I took the planked wood sideboard plans and pretty much threw out the middle doors and drawers. I have a pretty serious entertainment center in our living room and the center channel speaker is by no means small.. It's so large that at the box stores, I could never find a media console that it would fit. I chose 3 shelves because I wanted it to look fairly even. For reference... the center shelving area is approximately 25 inches wide.
Nothing really special here, if you need some hints or tricks that I used message me and I'll help the best I can. I'm by no means an expert at this, Just take your time and anything you do will come out looking great. Plus. YOU MADE IT!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$250-300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
See above
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jessee

Mon, 01/12/2015 - 12:41

Your media center is gorgeous. Would you be able to share the dimensions you used for your cabinet? I would like to make something similar to what you have in size. My email is [email protected] if you would like to contact me personally.

Thanks,
Jessee

Walnut stain clubhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/09/2016 - 23:43

My son saw a similar bed online that he wanted, but unfortunately we couldn't purchase it due to the 9' ceiling requirement. So, while searching for another store that might carry an 8' ceiling version, I found the instructions to build your own clubhouse bed on Ana's site. I have no idea what possessed me into thinking that I could build this myself, as I have never built anything before, but....I went for it. I bought all the tools and lumber, and took my time with building it. It was a great learning experience! As a divorced mother of two, I feel proud that I was able to build this completely on my own. My kids now look at me like I am some superhero that can build anything. (They are busy compiling a list of other things they would like me to build!) Thanks Ana for the instructions and the inspiration! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Dark Walnut Semi-Gloss water based Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by beverett04 on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 04:03

My daughter has been begging for a nightstand so she can have a lamp and put her glass of water on. I found this plan and thought I would be able to build it. My husband helped some to speed up the process. (he cut some of the wood for me).

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Linen White from Rustoluem and Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Square Farmhouse Table

From the Modern Square Farmhouse table.

Estimated Cost
Around $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Table for Military Family

Submitted by Smokeydog on Tue, 04/15/2014 - 08:49

My niece's husband is career military and they move a lot. She saw the farmhouse table on Ana's site and asked if I would build her one that could be disassembled for moving and have extensions for large group gatherings. Challenge accepted!

In order to take the table apart, I used 2 - 6 inch long lag screws at the top of each leg that screwed into the 2x4 supports for the table top. Due to the weight of the table, it is advised to turn the table upside-down when removing the screws or assembling the table. Next, I used 3 inch lag screws to secure the beam under the table. Again, the lag screws are easily removed for moving.

For the leaf inserts, I utilized a dowel jig so the leaf extensions could be easily inserted and removed on the sliders that support the breadboard ends. (It is necessary to drill the holes out a little larger that accept the leaf dowels. If this is not done the leafs will fit too tight and it is difficult, if not darn impossible, to remove them.) This was advantageous for two reasons ... (1.) The leafs are easily installed and removed; and (2.) No need for leaf extensions that have their own 2 x 4 sliders. This reduces storage space for the extensions and eliminates the slider insert hole cutouts on each end of the table because the slider is never removed.

The table, when disassembled, is in (8) sections:

(2) table leg sections
(1) table top
(1) Main beam from under the table
(2) Leaf extensions
(2) Breadboard ends attached to 2x4 sliders

My niece is simply thrilled with the table.

Estimated Cost
$295.50
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Min-Wax Dark Walnut Stain and Satin Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

staciemay

Tue, 04/15/2014 - 10:39

This table was built for me! I like it for several reasons, but the main reason is that because we are a military family. Therefore, we move every two to three years and our furniture always seems to break. I have always wanted a solid farm house table, but not only are they expensive, they are hard to manuver and move. My uncle customized this table so that it would serve three important purposes for our family. One, it extends with two easily storable extensions, two, it comes apart, giving us the opportunity to move with it; and three, it is incredibly sturdy, therefore, making our next move a guaranteed success. So excited to have everything I want in one table for 1/4 of the price.

CSaintD

Fri, 04/25/2014 - 07:59

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful gift. I am retired military myself, so I know how hard it is to move so often. I appreciate your sharing with us how to make it so it can be disassembled. I am going to try to build this with your instructions.

Smokeydog

Fri, 04/25/2014 - 18:50

If you have any questions on how we put it together let me know. I'd be happy to help.

Smokeydog ( aka: Uncle Tim )

First build for First Child!

Submitted by Travisoff on Tue, 07/12/2016 - 23:32

This was my first piece I have ever built. I probably spent just as much time on the finishes as I did building it. It is something I am so proud to give to my newborn son Beckham and I could not have done this without the plans and inspirations from this site. Can't wait for my next build!!!

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint with an antique glaze. Dark Stain and tung oil for the top surface. I also stained the insides of the drawers!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Living Space - Inspired by Ana's Plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/07/2020 - 10:25

My wife and I were looking for a way to make our deck more enjoyable. I came across Ana's plans a year or so ago, and after building the couch and chairs, I decided to make a loveseat, add a rug and outdoor curtains. Hopefully one day I'll add some lights and an outdoor fan to complete the look.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

kids play table stool

I built the kids play table stool for a birthday gift, handpainted with a single letter monogram.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. two coats Behr lake blue
2. distressed
3. stain Minwax early american
4. seal clear gloss poly spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Stained and Distressed Farmhouse Table and Bench

Submitted by bmrankin on Thu, 04/17/2014 - 06:51

We followed Ana's plans almost exactly. We decided to do without the slower board that ran the length of the table and it is still super sturdy and we love it. When we were finished building, we filled all the cracks in the table top {between boards} with wood filler and then stained the top. I wish I would have filled the cracks on the bench too because there is a LOT of food that gets stuck in the cracks with little ones. I also wish I had done a self-leveling resin on the top right away too because when we moved the table, it did crack some of the wood filler that was in-between boards. It is still much better than having cracks that food can get stuck in, but I will for sure be doing the resin in the near future to make it more of a solid surface and make it so the soft wood can't have writing marks in it from my kindergartener.

We painted the legs to make it two toned. Once I had 3 coats of white paint on it, I sanded the edges and then rubbed the whole surface down with the same stain that we used on the top. This made the edges that we sanded stand out but also made the white paint not so white. It is exactly how I wanted it to look. It came together so perfect

We put 4 coats of clear coat on it too and its shiny and beautiful. This was the first big project that my hubby and I built and I am quite impressed with how well it turned out. The finishing is what took the longest. We had the table built in a day or two but it took me all week to get it painted and clear coated.

With all the wood, paint, stain and clear coat this cost us about $225 for both the table and bench.

Estimated Cost
$225
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut, Bear white paint, Polyurethane clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dkbutler

Sun, 10/30/2016 - 18:43

Do you have a set of plans that you would be willing to share for this table?

Thank you

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