Community Brag Posts

Pony Wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/13/2020 - 06:17

Love your site. The 8’ pony wall I recently made was a great plan. I’m also going to build the outdoor storage plan you have. Thanks for your creativity!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Linseed Oil

Madison Changing Table: Part 1 (Side Bases)

Submitted by Huthbert on Tue, 10/23/2012 - 15:13

Still working on part 2 and part 3 of this project. We've been eyeballing this project for awhile and are so excited with the results! We love that we can potentially use these as bedside tables in the future.

We wrote out how we did everything on the blog: http://thehuth.blogspot.com/2012/10/madison-changing-table-part-1-side-…

Estimated Cost
$60 (for both tables)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Irish Mist Paint and Minwax Satin Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

iCoffeeTable by Jordan

Submitted by jcrist30 on Tue, 08/12/2014 - 10:26

With all my left-over oak plywood laying around from a previous project and the need for a new coffee table, I decided I could easily utilize what I had on-hand to build the iTable (we've begun referring to our breakfast nook as the "indoor lumber yard", as it's full of scraps that I KNEW would be useful :) ). I rip cut the plywood to 5 1/2"-wide boards and cut to size for the center of the table. All I had to buy were the oak boards for the four trim pieces on top and the 6' 4x4's for the legs (I also used the rip-cut oak plywood for the skirts since the edges are not visible).

I sanded the project down with 80-grit and then 120-grit sandpaper. I used Rustoleum Kona stain (this was my first time using a non-Minwax product, and I have to say that Kona from Rustoleum is my new favorite color). I sealed the project with two coats of Minwax Polycrylic Semi-Gloss on everthing but the top of the table, where I applied three coats.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Wood Stain in Kona; Minwax Polycrylic in Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

All the furniture from my single days is now gone

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/27/2016 - 15:00

I built both the table and bench fron the "fancy x farmhouse" plans. All said it was about $140 in wood and another $100 or so in clamps and tools that I needed.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tween X Desks.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/16/2020 - 11:26

I had fun doing this project. I dont have a miter saw but made happen with my circular saw. Desks are 48 in long and 24 in wide,I used a bookcase shelving panel for the top of the desk. I made this for my 8 and 4 yrs old kids.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65 each.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Winwax, wood finish, dark walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modular Fridge Cabinet

Submitted by ccobb1612 on Tue, 07/30/2024 - 09:21

Small refrigerator stand with storage.
One 4x8 sheet of plywood
Depth 19”, width 20” , height 42”
May work with less stress if width 21” for this size refrigerator.
4 caster wheels

 

Fits around my thermostat!!! Downsized Puzzle Bookcase for DVD Storage

Submitted by moosmani on Sun, 10/28/2012 - 09:41

This was my first build and I learned a lot, like it’s better to just invest in some decent clamps at the beginning of the project rather than waiting until near completion. Anyone with any experience at all and with more than 2 clamps could have finished this project in a fraction of the time. However, I enjoyed every minute of it. This project took a week to complete only because of the wait time between finishes. The bookcase itself went together surprisingly fast, especially once I got more clamps. The hardest part was making it square. This plan was the perfect solution for my thermostat placement problem. I had been searching high and low for DVD storage to fit within the confines of my space. It had to be low profile to leave the doorway clear and it had to allow the thermostat on the wall to be accessible, yet big enough and wide enough to fit all our DVDs. This puzzle design couldn’t have been any more perfect. I was so excited to find it. I just made a smaller version. It expands to exactly the space I need. Many thanks to Ana and this wonderful website! I have spent countless hours studying and reading on this website. I am now thinking about building in every spare minute I have!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Elm Gel Stain and 2 coats Minwax Bombay Mahogany Poly Shades
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Playhouse Loft Bed

This was a great plan to follow. I made a few modifications such as adding a back wall that I painted with chalk paint so my daughter can draw to her hearts content. I also added a bit above the door so we can post messages such as her name or "girls only". I decided to skip the stairs being storage thinking it would simply be a junk collector and added a small step at the top as she found it a bit too high to get into her bed. Finally the painting took sometime as I used cabinet quality paint for durability but it's a bit tricky to work with. As a final touch I installed LEDs from Costco on the interior ceiling and back top rail all controlled by a remote with over 20 colors to choose from and adjusting brightness. Can't wait for my next project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabinet and melamine paint. More durable and will stand up to kids.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Console shelf without X

Submitted by Scrivman33 on Thu, 12/01/2016 - 20:04

I started with the intentions of making the exact rustic X console shelf, but when I was looking at all the brag posts, I found one that had the two tone color. The individual used doug fir and only stained the shelves. Once I saw that, I knew what I wanted to do.

 

I purchased all doug fir 2x6s and 2x4s and ripped down the 2x4s. Built the same way, except when I was done I like the way it looked without the Xs, so I decided to keep it that way. Once thing I'm very glad I did was stain the shelves prior to building the shelf. I did all of my cuts, drilled all my PHs, sanded my shelf pieces, assembled my top, and stained the top and shelves. Once that was done I sanded all of the other pieces and started buliding the frames. When it came time to install the shelves, they were dry and it worked perfect.

 

After it was all built, I used a varathane satin clear coat over everything. The stain used was Minwax Espresso, 1 coat, let sit for no more than 3 minutes (just the time it took to brush it on).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 for lumber, ~$25 for PH screws/stain/clear coat
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax oil based stain - Espresso
Varathane Satin clear poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pallet Shelf Spice Rack

Submitted by rjh2006 on Thu, 11/01/2012 - 17:33

My mother lives with me and we loved the Pallet Shelf Project and made a back door shelf/coat rack. Then, task maker that she is, she decided we need a spice rack in the kitchen, and viola. Still needs another coat of minwax, but should be ready to hang tomorrow! Thanks Ana!

Finish Used
Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Project Locker Repainted

Submitted by pondrider on Tue, 08/19/2014 - 06:24

This was my first project which was at our daughter’s prompting with a gift of a Kreg Jig. With her marriage and husband joining the military it has been moved several times. The great thing is that it structurally it is as solid today as when built. Even though I don’t like painting I could not turn the request to sand and repaint. Now I have added a miter saw and installing a dust containment system to our garage along with a side yard full of pallets. I used http://ana-white.com/2011/12/plans/hillary039s-locker-cabinet-charging-… to make the project.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Reclaimed Turned Leg Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/05/2016 - 10:49

Made of 100% reclaimed southern pine with oxidized vinegar/steel wool for the finish. 

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Outdoor Chairs

Submitted by zachnewc on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 07:59

This was my first woodworking project and they turned out great! My wife and I will use these around our fire pit for the summer. I spent one day cutting the wood and putting the project together, and then a couple weeknights sanding and staining the chairs. I thought the directions were spot on! I look forward to my next project!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paramount Semi-Transparent Deck Stain - Warm Teak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Read the Contract before Signing

Submitted by Jake on Sat, 11/03/2012 - 19:11

The wonderful wife wanted a corner cupboard so I built the one you see in the pictures. Before I go further I would like to warn anyone attempting this project to please follow the instructions in the plan. I didn't and built the frame first but quickly discovered that it is the back and shelves that determine the final dimensions of the frame. I got lucky and the fit was ok. Here are a few things that I did:

1. I filled in the rough joints made by the plywood sides meeting the front frame and back by gluing in 1/4" round dowels. Looks pretty good.

2. With help from Habitat for Humanity ReStore I found the 1/2" thick stone to fill the void made by the door frames. Looks pretty good I must say.

3. I have a trademark called a "Conversation Starter" in many of my projects. Another name is called a mistake or oversight. Look closely and you will see that I grouted in one of the four stone sections upside down and the center jewel is out of place.

4. I could not find decent hardware locally so I went to Kennedy Hardware in Zionsville, Indiana and found the black cast iron hinges and clasp.

5. I did not read the contract with my wife and discovered that I now must repaint the entire dining room to match the corner cupboard. Read before Signing.

Building the cupboard was a fun project that will test all of your abilities and patience. Just remember follow the instructions and keep it square and level in all dimensions.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I think I spent close to $200 because the hardware was $30 and the stone for the doors was $24 and I bought the higher grade pine for the cupboard and door frames.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Three coats of Behr Pearl White (it contains primer) with lots of sanding pre-paint and light sanding between the first two coats. I found that using the foam brush for the last coat keeps the brush marks to a minimum.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Juanita_r

Sat, 11/03/2012 - 23:53

I love it, looks great. I'm sure you wife is very happy with her new piece of furniture (& getting the room painted). Remember ... happy wife, happy life ;)

Jake

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 17:33

Juanita I need for you to explain to me the female mind. We have only been married for 45 years and I still do not understand. The corner cupboard became paint the dining room. I did that. Next the floor needed upgraded so I am almost finished laying a new oak floor. As I neared the end I have been informed that the wallpaper needs to be changed. So the $150 corner cupboard has become the $1000 room makeover. I should have seen it coming!

Jamaunzie

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 13:39

Well Jake first let me say very nice job. My wife had mention wanting a Corner Cabinet for one of the bed rooms and pointed this one out. ( I was unable to keep her off this site after I finished the hutch ) I was looking at it and then read what all you had to do afterwards LOL. So I am going to get it in writting that I get to build my workbench for the shop, after this build. Again Nice Work

Our Farmhouse Bed - Queen

Submitted by kalbr2 on Thu, 08/21/2014 - 06:30

This project was super easy to follow the instructions. We did have to rip a couple of the boards for the paneling on the back to make everything fit together with no gaps but it turned out beautiful!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/10/2016 - 04:45

I wanted a bright and fun toy box to give to my nieces for Christmas because they are so bright and fun.  I opted for fun little ball feet instead of continuing the sides down.  Thanks for the great plans! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Variation on the outdoor sofa

Submitted by AzSandrat on Sun, 08/23/2020 - 08:47

Being older, my wife and I wanted the deck sofa with an angled back, so... here it is, stained in a dark walnut. We bought the cushions cheap ($120 for all) at Home Goods.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Spar Urethane with a dark walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
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