Community Brag Posts

Weekend Project: DIY Kitchen Island

Submitted by bdel on Fri, 11/10/2017 - 11:09

We have a limited amount of counter space in our kitchen, while also having a large open space that is unused. We've always planned on including an island once we renovate, but we didn't want to wait. We decided to build a butcher block-style island with open shelving underneath - a simple design that would give us all the counter space we needed and some additional storage space.

We bought a premade bamboo tabletop, as well as 4x4 cedar posts for the legs, 2x4s for the framework, and 1x2 slats for the shelf.

You can see all of the details of how we built it in the blog post, but here are a few of the features:

- an interior framework that connects to the tabletop and outer framework so that no screws are visible on the outside

- countersunk GRK structural screws used to attach the legs htat look like carriage bolts

-feet are angle cut so that floor is less likely to be scratched if the island is moved

 

We're really proud of this build and are enjoying having so much extra counter space. It's amazing what you can get done in a weekend!

Estimated Cost
$200 - $250 - pre-made top, cedar 4x4s, pine 2x4s, pine 1x2s, assorted screws, finishing nails, stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial stain on pine (2 coats), mineral oil on bamboo top, no finish on cedar.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Clubhouse based on Ana's Plan

Submitted by MattSl on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 09:18

I used Ana's plan as a base.

I changed it from 8x8 to 8x12, made the 4x4x8's to 4x4x10' for a higher main platform and swing platform, and added a 12' long monkey bar set to the other side. Also, an 8' climbing wall and a plank walkway to accompany the two slides.

For the clubhouse, I used Hardiplank 4x8 sheets for the siding and an EZ-Framer kit for the structure itself.

The slides I purchased from Lowes, monkey bars from Amazon, and the swing frame braces from Amazon as well. The swing kits I got from ebay.

Estimated Cost
1500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

DIY Modern Rustic Outdoor Chair

Submitted by susanshamp on Fri, 07/10/2015 - 15:07

I made this outdoor chair by looking at a variety of plans and designs from Restoration Hardware and other stores. Check out more info on the project on my blog link. Thanks for looking!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Wife's Kindergarten Classroom

Been a while since I had time to actually build anything worth posting about! My wife wanted some items for her Kindergarten classroom this year, so built several items, most inspired by the Farmhouse family.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sido17

Thu, 07/18/2019 - 15:27

I would love the dimensions or plans for this. Would love to make it for my classroom.

dlee69

Tue, 07/30/2019 - 12:07

Hello

Can I please get the plans to the u shape table?

Thanks

Linguine

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 12:09

I am guessing the corner posts are 2 x 4s, the top is 2 x 10s.  It looks like the width is 6’ (looking at the floor carpet tiles being 24” square). So 2 - 2 x 10s side by side for the main part of the desk top and 2 - 2 x10s perpendicular on each side of the chair.  I guess the height is subject to choice and the length of each side would also be subject to choice or to the length of the 2 x 10s to be economical.

 

an educated guess would be 4 - 8’  2x10s for the top and 6 - 6’ 2 x 4s for the legs?  

 

Anyone else have any input here?  Open to suggestions.....

Wooden Christmas Tree Shelf

I made this easy and cheap Christmas tree wall shelf to add character to my guest bathroom.  I went through all my wood stash and found enough wood to build this project with! 

Make sure to pay attention to the long and short point directions in Ana's plans.  Since I was hanging this above my toilet, I didn't need the hooks so I just omitted the bottom piece all together.

I ended up using wood glue and a nail gun to put everything together so it went really quickly. 

I painted the whole tree with green chalk paint and distressed the edges with sandpaper.  Hung it up with L brackets in a stud.

Fun and easy project!  Thank you Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0 (I used scrap wood I had on hand)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Green Chalk Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Dressor project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/14/2022 - 16:57

First Dresser project using the plans on this site.
My wife is very happy with the result and so am I!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Floating Bunk Beds and Desk

This little girls room needed a little happy birthday!  I planked the wall with birch veneer, made simple box frames for the beds and desk, and attached them to walls with heavy duty cable.  Then my friend added her designer touch, and made it cozy and  girl CHIC!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shiplap Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/20/2022 - 19:10

We did the Easiest Shiplap Fireplace in a weekend, thanks to Ana’s plans. I convinced my husband to help me build this by upgrading to a 65” tv and adjusting the dimensions. We also built a shelf behind the tv to hold our receiver and Xbox that is hidden when the tv is in place. Ana’s tutorial was amazingly and gave us the confidence to finally build something that’s been on our list for 2 years!

Comments

Coffee Bar barn door console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 12:15

Modified Grady barndoor console into a coffee bar with chalkboard upper piece

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Grey paint
Minwax dark oak stain
Chalkboard paint valspar
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ruggedcrosscus…

Wed, 11/18/2020 - 19:01

This piece was built by my hisband Mo Coomer. Our little shop is called Rugged Cross Custom Designs. It states submitted by anonymous.

scraps come to life!!

Submitted by sueslager on Mon, 03/26/2012 - 06:15

Thank you ana ... and all of you "braggers" ... I have a huge list of projects now, but this is the first one from your ideas. I had an old piece of 3/4 plywood left over from something else so that became the top .. and other sizes were adjusted as needed. I realize now that i should have taken pictures along the way ... it was pretty ugly before finish :) The top is brown paper bagged ... the best instructions out there are at http://lovelycraftyhome.com/2011/11/09/the-ultimate-brown-paper-floorin… ... it is truly almost magic how beautiful such simple ingredients and technique become (and cheap) Thanks again!

Estimated Cost
free - from leftovers and scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
satin black oil enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bunnie1978

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 07:20

I love the texture. I have never heard of paper bagging. LOL. It is very unique, and I'm sure it can be just as durable as anything else with the right finishing. Nice job! I am very impressed.

sueslager

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 10:20

my finished dimensions ended up being 13 (W) x 48 (L) x 18 (H) ... found Ana's dimensions were very adjustable though ... the only trick was the cross braces ... and those i ended up having to hold in place and draw the cut lines .. my geometry failed me :)

from what i hear the "paper bagging" is quite durable .. there are reports all over the web of people who have had it in place on their floors for years with only occasional touchups with poly ... definitely time consuming with needing so many poly coats .. but they go quickly. i'm putting it on my stairs next ... have tile below, will be wood above .. and i'm too cheap to pay for hard wood stair tread!!

kaytrishjr

Wed, 03/28/2012 - 13:25

You did a wonderful job!!!! Mine is holding up just fine, my son practically does cartwheels on it everyday, no problem! Now, I'm about to start on my floors this week, cant' wait to see how it turns out!

sueslager

Wed, 03/28/2012 - 17:52

i already tore out the carpet on my steps ... if we still like it the bedroom will be next ... hope your project goes smoothly!

Floating Wood Table Runner

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/13/2023 - 09:00

I made one of these for my dining room table and my family liked it so much I made 2 more. The last one I made from a live edge piece of black locust and made the base out of black limba. The second one my daughter wanted a little wider so I used a 1X10 instead of a 1X8. A lot of fun to make and everyone really likes them.

Keith Ullrich of Windsor Woodworks

Seasonal And Holiday

Coffee bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 12:42

I used the plans for the mini frig/microwave cabinet. I modify the length and width because of the scrap wood I used. The wood I used was from our basement stairs that we retreaded. I used a cup wire brush on the wood to give it the rustic look. The barn door hardware was from Ana’s tutorial video (turned out great). First coat of stain was honey oak, I left it on for a couple of minute then wiped it off. Second coat was ebony, same technique as the first coat. Once the stained dried used a spray matte poly on the top, did 4 coats, sanding with a 800 grit between coats. Hope you’ll like it

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

DIY Electric Fiireplace Bump Out

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/04/2023 - 11:23

“She believed she could, so she did!” ~ R.S. Grey

Christmas fireplace of my dreams is now a reality!!

Really surprised myself with this project in the best way! It was a stretch of my skills, involved lots of critical thinking and modifications to fit my space. But I absolutely love how it turned out and it’s always a good day when you get to play with new tools!

Whitney Metts on Instagram

Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor Sofa Mash-up

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 19:51

My wife loves the X pattern of the Weatherly Sofa, but wanted the tilted back from the Simple White Outdoor Sofa. This was our best of both worlds effort!

Estimated Cost
$85 for lumber and materials without cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and outdoor paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Katie.Belmont88

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 19:18

I love this! I was so excited until I realized that this was a brag and didn't have plans. I don't know if I'm as talented at modifying as you are. :)

Seasonal And Holiday

2x4 and 2x6 Chairs and Couch

Submitted by clintusaf on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 16:43

I used the Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s plans and slightly modified then to make a 3 seater couch. My cushions(most expensive part) were 24 in x 24 in and purchased from Lowes for $40 per seat. The couch is 79 inches in total length. I also dropped the seat down to the lower level to allow more room for my cushion backs to sit further down into the seat.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompsons Waterseal Teak Oil Walnut Semi-Transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting Bench

Submitted by fifi_momo on Mon, 05/12/2014 - 19:45

I adjusted the depth of the bench to accomodate a bath vanity top with sink (from the Habitat reStore). The width was adjusted to allow for 2 feet of workspace to the left of the sink. The overall height was adjusted to my wife's height. The front legs were made longer than the rear to account for the slope of the yard location.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great weekend project...the "love swing"

Submitted by Don Ellery on Mon, 05/19/2014 - 15:49

A great weekend project...the "love swing"! I used the plan from Ana for the swing seat and added two arm rests from left over 1x6, rounded them off and sanded.

I cobbled together an A-frame to hang everything, made from five 8 foot 4x4s and two 8 foot 2x6s laminated together for the stretcher. Assembled with 1/2" galvanized carriage bolts and hung with 1/4" chain.

Definitely going to want a good miter saw for the A-Frame angles (the top ones are a bit tricky to get everything lined up)

Love it! Thanks for another great plan Ana..and of course..Shanty2Chic!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 ish..including the A-Frame... the hardware and chain can be pricey!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr exterior weatherproofing stain - Chocolate.

Just 2 thin coats, dries fast...second coat can be applied later the same day.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Carpenters Daughter

Mon, 12/12/2016 - 17:09

Could you please post the plans to build the a frame as well? I really love what you did and would like to copy it! Great Job!

Don Ellery

Wed, 07/19/2017 - 11:31

Hi! I wish I could, but I didn't take any notes on the angles or lengths when I made this and I left it with the house when we moved. 

Simple modern outdoor chair modified to match my porch.

I built a set of these chairs based on Ana's simple modern outdoor chair. I wanted it to match my front porch which I built a few weeks ago. Thank you for the plans.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Still waiting for it to dry, then I will use a oak stain and outdoor polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

boneill

Wed, 07/29/2020 - 19:24

Looks awesome. Would be great to see how to do this step by step . What size seat slats did you use ?

Seasonal And Holiday
Back