Community Brag Posts

Bar stool becomes porch table!

We had a couple of these bar stools from our apartment-living days. We didn't have a need from them in our house since we have no bar -- so my husband made a small porch table that we DID need.

You can read about it here: http://crabandfish.blogspot.com/2012/06/fish-made-porch-table.html.

Thanks!! :)

Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
high gloss black spray-paint, greenish-blue oops! paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by bmrankin on Thu, 04/17/2014 - 06:59

We followed the king sized Farmhouse bed with a few changes. We added 5 inches to the footboard so that it was almost flush with the mattress. This was just a personal preference. The bed went together pretty easy and looks amazing in our room. We LOVE it!

Since we did the king sized plans, the side runner boards do not fit inside of the headboard but we did make them flush with inner edge {attached to the front though instead of to the side}. Since we did this, we had to go and buy brackets to attach the side rails to the headboard and footboard. We also had to go back in and cut off the 3 inches that they add to the side rails for it to be able to be screwed to the inside of the headboard. Just a few minor adjustments and it all came together great.

We finished it with minwax dark walnut and two coats of clear coat.

We already had the stain and clear coat so this project cost us about $170 for the wood.

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

Fillman Storage Bed Queen Size

Submitted by smclarke79 on Sat, 07/16/2016 - 16:11

Fillman storage bed made using the plans for the twin. I changed the measurements to fit a queen. This took about 2 and half weeks to build and stain. The head board and foot board were built as pieces and then stained, then put together after as the stain was earlier to apply and avoid blotching. The drawers were straight forward. Thanks to kreg and the rip cut for making it easy to cut the plywood easier to handle. I used about 4 sheets of 3/4 inch oak, 1 sheet of 3/4 inch plywood select for the drawer boxes. Then 1/4 inch plywood for the back and bottoms of the drawers. I used euro slides which I put on after I had the boxes made. I used a router to route the edges for the faces of the drawers. We used a royal mahogany colour for the stain and used 3 coats and then one clear coat. This was a big project for me, and my first big project. I have a few extra pictures that I will upload later showing the building phases.  materials used, oak, plywood, pine and spruce lumber for the legs of the head and foot board. I live in a northern community in Canada and material is hard to get here. I used what was available. Estimated that this project costed about 400 to 500. 

Estimated Cost
400 To 500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Royal Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mother's Day Gift

Submitted by Bunlimited on Sun, 05/10/2020 - 10:12

My son and I made this quick for a gift. Thanks so much for the excellent plans. A couple modifications to use supplies on hand. Turned out great! Remember to fasten seat down before putting on arms.

Finish Used
White exterior paint and stained & varnished seat and back design. Used 1 x's intead of of 2 x 6's for seat.

Comments

Farmhouse Stair Railing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/03/2024 - 08:44

We built our house 5 years ago and I’ve disliked our stairs since then. They were never finished and were big and bulky compared to the rest of the house. These plans were the perfect fit. We switched the top 2x4 for an actual handrail, purchased from a big box store. We used pocket holes to install it and I couldn’t be happier. It’s now my favorite thing in the house. We plan on adding a loft and will use these plans for the railing.

@livingsmallerintheholler

 

i did it!!

Submitted by sueslager on Tue, 07/03/2012 - 12:22

Amazing what some basic lumber can make! Read the comments included with the instructions ... the 1 x 4 cut list was especially helpful. All told it was under $30 for a very comfortable sturdy Adi !! Some modifications I did for mine ... I used pocket screws to attach the seat slats and arm rests ... no splinters :) I found it easier to attache the middle back support loosely to the arm supports, then attach to the back slats in the correct position Paint was Clark & Kensington All-In-One from Ace in Fairfield Manor -- it's a beautiful watery green ... perfect!! Thanks Again Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
exterior satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

20 second tidy up coffee table

Submitted by TLinskey on Sat, 04/19/2014 - 07:45

This project was simple as long as you follow directions. I had some problems with the finish but in the end it all worked out!

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Ipswich Pine Minwax followed by Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mantel Meets Mission

Submitted by Debbie440 on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 09:25

Didn't know what to do with the center open square.  I didn't want to use plywood, so I used 1x3 slats for a Mission style bed look.

I am not a fan of the unfinished, raw look of the two boards meeting on the sides of the headboard in this plan. So I filled with wood putty and sanded (a lot).

This headboard is very top heavy. I wish I would have tried using 1X4's instead of the 2X4's like I read someone else did.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35 for lumber + molding and paint and basic building materials
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Matte Paint with a Matte Top Coat. Stained and distressed top molding.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Great Porch Chairs

I enjoyed making these outdoor chairs! I had to make two for when company is allowed to come by again. The plans were simple to follow, and making the cushions was a bit more of a challenge. I ended up having to use a mattress topper cut into 25"x25" squares. I found some great seat covers on Wayfair.

Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades, Pecan satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Linen Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 10:07

My husband and I built the Hemnes Linen Cabinet for our daughter and it turned out beautifully! Thanks for the plan, Ana.

Cheryl

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Alex's Art Table & Chairs

Submitted by skane724 on Thu, 07/05/2012 - 21:28

I've never thought that I could build any piece of furniture.. then I found a blog called Shanty-2-Chic and it was two sisters who built any piece of furniture you could think of from Ana White's project plans. So this is my first brag and I'm soo thrilled at how they turned out. Of course it didn't run smoothly the entire time.. I had some bumps along the way (that meaning I had to rebuild a chair like twice to get it right). I really don't know much about different type of work tools and all the different size wood and nails... but I did it and I can't wait for my next project!!

I didn't list the time it took because I did a little here and there.. it took me a month or so to complete! I also didn't have a lot of the tools, so price would include cost of wood and tools. I also would like to mention I used the Kreg Jig to build and I love it and would totally recommend it!

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
I stained the top with dark walnut and layered it with a polyacyrlic gloss. The rest is a Rusteloum Painter's Touch White Paint. I still would like to get a sealer for the rest of the table.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 05:42

You did a great job, especially for a first project! Welcome to the community! You'll find it's addicting!!!

My Chicken Tractor

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/22/2016 - 16:33

I used your plan to create a breeding pen for my little brother's millie fleur d'Uccle. I am using it as a 4H project. Thank you so much for the plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Queen Pine Bed

Submitted by B.W.Martin on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 19:02

This bed is a modified version of the farmhouse queen. Instead of a footboard I allowed the side boards to continue around the foot of the bed. The frame was built to give support and also house the motor and other moving parts needed to lift and lower the head. In the linked text is a video of the bed with the head lifting and lowering on the mechanical base.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200'ish
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyurethane on the pine boards and black spray paint on letter and rope trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tall Tommy Bookcase

I got a request to build a taller version of the Tommy Bookcase. The only changes I made to the plans were switching the sides to 60" tall and adding two additional 40" shelves. To save on the cost of buying several 1x12's, I used a sheet of PureBond birch plywood. I didn't want to mess with the Kreg plugs or seeing the holes, so I countersunk screws into the sides and used 3/8" plugs to hide them. For the bottom, I trimmed down a 1x4 to the right width then added 1/2" moulding to the top of it. At the last minute she decided to add beadboard, and I found two quarter sheets at Lowe's on clearance for less than $8. I finished all the rough edges with edge banding. I really like how it turned out! It's a very solid, sturdy bookcase, and for $80 it's a fraction of the cost of the half sized PB one!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat Rustoleum's Ultimate Stain in Golden Oak, three coats of spray poly then a rub-on finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Inquisitive

Wed, 03/13/2019 - 06:41

What size screws did you use and how many on each shelf?  If I use this to make a pantry that backs up to the wall and is fastened to the wall, do I need luan in the back for the strength of the shelves?  Could I put in cleats instead?

 

Modern Slat Top Outdoor Bench

Submitted by TxDork76 on Wed, 04/23/2014 - 20:59

This was a super easy and fun bench to make.

I ended up having enough 2x4 and 1x4 scraps for the legs and only had to pick up a a couple of 2x4s.

TIP: Others pointed said that you should paint slats before assembly... I highly recommend it as well. It was a bit of a pain trying to get between the slats to prime and paint though would likely be easier w/ a sprayer..

Finished it with some oops paint in a nice color and a 3 coats of spray urethane.

Great beginner project for sure. It may take a couple of days to finish but most of that time is spent waiting for paint/urethane to dry between coats :)

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats primer, 3 coats Exterior latex paint, 3 coats spray urathane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Our Pacific Northwest Privy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2016 - 11:25

We have a small rustic cabin that needed a clean, functional outhouse.  We followed Ana's plans, but with a few modifications to include a Solar gray polycarbonate roof to let in light.  We also decided on cedar board & batten for the siding.   We look forward to many years of use. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr - Cedar naturaltone Weatherproofing. All boards were cut to size and then stained with 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

a little taller, a little less wide and used work holed spruce t & g for insert

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 08:05

I used discarded lumber from when they built our house a few years ago for the support structure. I only needed the headboard for our new split king adjustable bed. There posts are 2 2x6s sistered together. The top shelf is a 2x6 and the insert is 1x6 tongue and groove (got the idea from the fancy farmhouse bed and loved it!) blue spruce flooring with worm holes. I love it, now to do a mashup of the two nightstands with a drawer and a door 😁Thanks Ana!!!
Ps, my hubby also bought me the Kreg electric pocket hole machine for mother's day for upcoming projects. I didn't even know that was a thing until i saw your video... It's awesome!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams urbane bronze sample paint with a Annie Sloan wax finish. I love the depth of the wax finish and we won't be leaning against it since it's an adjustable bed so not a lot of wear and tear.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by tylerdr on Mon, 07/09/2012 - 00:26

The only thing I did different was I pocket hole screwed each slat together before attaching the top and bottom trim. Took a little bit longer but that's just the way I did it. Not sure if it made it easier or sturdier or just took more time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades Mission Oaks Gloss 2x and Poly 2x.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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