Community Brag Posts

Modified Farmhouse Dining Table

Had to make modifications for size, errors, and personal preference, but we love this table! Still deciding on all white paint or a 2-tone finish. Also- first time using a Kreg jig. What an amazing tool.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Workbench Console and Hutch

We are in so in love with this finished piece! We made some modifications to the original plan to fit our needs. We made the top wider - 24" wide like the Pottery Barn original. We also used 4X4's for the legs and widened the distance between the legs to sit the shelves inside the legs.

We also built the second shelf. We created the second shelf to hold wine, so we modified the front of the shelf to allow for the wine bottle necks to rest. The handle was made from plumbing hardware. We got this wonderful idea from one of the posters on this site, I need to find their name to give proper credit, but it worked beautifully.

For the hutch, we also made modifications for our needs. We made it taller by 4" (so 40" tall). We used 1 X 12's for the shelves for a deeper shelf. We also raised the bottom shelf up to accommodate our Keurig coffee maker. We did not divide the middle shelf to leave a tall opening for some items we wanted to display. We also left a gap at the bottom of the hutch for cords.

Once built we distressed the entire piece, then stained with Provencial stain, and finished off with a semi-gloss poly.

The best thing, it cost about 10% of the price of the original!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provencial Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tommirhea

Fri, 09/21/2012 - 06:43

This is so awesome, and nobody will have one anything like it! I love how you totally modified it for your space. The gap for the cords was brilliant-that would be something I would of thought of after I was completely done! This is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

Chalkboard

Child's chalkboard as a birthday present. "Frozen" inspired color theme. Received feedback that it would also work very well as a boutique store sidewalk sign.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10-$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Paint and Primer in turquoise. Acrylic Paint in Purple.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Lego Kentwood Bed

Submitted by Sb1212 on Wed, 10/26/2016 - 20:29

I am one of Ana's biggest fans. I have been building furniture using Ana's plan for a year in a half now. This is my first time ever posting though. I built this lego themed kentwood bed for my 5 year old son who loves legos. The lego house is built with left over scrap wood I had laying around. I love how it turned out and my son also loves it! Thanks Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Toilet paper holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 11:08

Toil paper holder

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around 2$
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak varnishes
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bench with Mini Cooler Holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/11/2024 - 08:49

Took your bench and used center to hold the mini cooler ,u-type frames fastened to 2x4 in bench frame underneath. all 2x4 with the exception of flip top which is 2x4 cut down on either side then the remainder cut again and sanded to give rounded edges. Mitre saw, table saw, 18 gauge brad nails around edges of top bench side and to fasten straps down covering cooler.

Built from Plan(s)

Bistrol Outdoor Lounge Chairs

Submitted by newpassion on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 14:56

This was my very first project. I cut the wood during the week, to have it ready for the weekend. I intended this to be my summer project. I had so much fun, i completed building both chairs in a day and a half!!!!! I then ordered the foam which took a couple weeks. I ordered the fabric online. I had two large pillows which I covered and used them for the back cushion. The total cost for BOTH chairs was under $250.00. Looking forward to my next project. :)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I only used Helmsman Urethane ,which gave it a natural look.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

newpassion

Tue, 09/25/2012 - 06:36

I ordered the foam from DLT Larson Fabrics, Livonia, MI Because of the size 6x28x30 ,the did not have it in stock. They were $54. each.

Easy Console Table

I loved this easy project, and I made it even easier by using a solid pine panel for the top.  I also added a bottom shelf to allow for storage.  Please see my blog post for details on our size customization, cut list and modifications.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-oleum Dark Walnut stain, Valspar Semi-gloss "Bayside"
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mom's Outdoor Dining Set - Thus Far

I'm slowly working on building the whole Simple Outdoor Dining Collection.
When my Mom and I moved into our new apartment, we spent all our money on new indoor furniture, and we have this really huge porch with a nice view and nothing to put on it. So as a surprise after we moved in, I made her the bench. She loved it so much that I decided to make the matching table for her birthday. The stack-able chairs will be her Christmas present, so stay tuned for that if you'd like to see how they turn out.

-The bench was about $20 for lumber, a total of $40 or so with stain and screws and everything.

-Table was about $60 for lumber since I couldn't fit the the 12-footers in my car. I probably spent a good amount extra on a bunch of 8 footers instead. Also wasted a lot of wood that way, but I will find a use for it. Definitely get the 12 footers if at all possible. No need to buy the rest of the materials again if you have left-overs from the bench.

I didn't modify anything on this set at all, it was pretty much perfect the way it was designed. Although I did add some 1x3's to the legs on the bench to make them sturdier- notice the corner leg rather than just a 1x4 by itself. Thanks for these plans Ana, you make me look good!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax's full line: Pre-satin wood conditioner, Ipswich Pine stain, and clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Larger closet / armoire

Submitted by Mfitz08 on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 20:23

I increased the size of the original pLan per the customers request. 45" wide x 72" high x 22" deep. Had to build it in my garage and the dismantle it and build it again at their house as it wouldn't fit up the stairs all together.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used minwax provincial on the main body- the customer is finishing the trim pieces and putting a coat of flat poly on it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hailey Platform Bed - Queen

Submitted by sdelmastro on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 14:45

More than happy with how this turned out. Hoping to do the headboard soon after a few orders. Decided to use ash and match a dresser I made. Used pine 1x6s and attached ash 1x6s on the outside for the frame. Used ash for the trim, as well. Assembled with pocket holes and wood glue. Decided to raise the legs 1" and turn then on the lathe. Used 4x4 douglas fir for the legs instead of a 2x4. Attached the legs with carriage bolts. Not shown are plugs to cover the bolts. Finished with a golden oak stain and semi-gloss polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Already had the ash.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Golden Oak - Fast dry - 1 Coat
Varathane Polyurethane - Semi Gloss - 3 Coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Doll Bunkbed mattresses

Submitted by ewebrat on Fri, 07/24/2020 - 13:28

Not a great pic. Made two to go on Bunkbed. Plans were perfect. I did not use buttons as there is a 13 month old eating machine in the house, but instead used heavy craft thread and sewed an X in eight spots, leaving a small tuft of cut thread. Worked just fine.

Estimated Cost
Zero - already owned materials
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
n/a
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Big Egg Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/22/2024 - 16:11

This is a variation of the green egg table to fit my husband's homemade smoker project. He loves the table!!

Jill Lagman

Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by Kimbers on Tue, 10/02/2012 - 13:42

I wanted a nightstand to match my farmhouse bed. I used the cheapest pine boards I could find to build this and it turned out great!

When I first built it I just used a scrap of fabric tied in a knot for the handle but added a real drawer pull when I built the matching dresser.

(sorry the pictures are crappy cell phone shots)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Kilz 2 Primer then painted with Behr Silk Pillow. I sanded down all the edges then wiped on a coat of Minwax English Chestnut and sprayed with krylon matte clear sealer.
I totally stole the finish idea from boxermum here http://ana-white.com/2011/04/king-farmhouse-bed-1
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Octagonal Picnic Table

Submitted by Tbear on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 11:54

Living in a cottage on a lake during the summers, I needed a picnic table that would take care of a big family so I built the Octagonal picnic table on Ana's site, however with a twist.

Since we are under a bunch of trees, I wanted to be able to scrub the table easily and not have to do any maintenance on it over the long term. So I built the top and the benches using Trex. Yes, it was more expensive but the result (if I do say so myself) was incredible.

Since Trex isn't as structural as 2 x 6's, I reinforced the seats using 2x4s laid horizontally underneath the seam of each of the two bench pieces. I also drove a few extra screws through the Trex benches along the 2 x 4's to further strengthen seating area.

Aesthetically, I didn't care for the 1/2 inch spacing for the table top and benches so I reduced it to 1/4 inch and cut the length of the Trex accordingly. I used decking screws that exactly matched the color of the Trex.

I did take the advice of one of the former builder's of this table and staggered the legs to make it easier to get in and out. That was a worth while suggestion.

The only 'warning' I was given about using Trex was that it could get 'hot' if in the sun for long periods during the day during the summer. This table is in the shade almost all the time, but having said that I have read that the Trex as decking gets no hotter than treated lumber stained the same color.

This is a great design at it was lots of fun to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Maximum Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Printer's Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/06/2016 - 13:54

Really enjoyed making this.  It turned out to be a perfect Entertainment Center.  Will be using the same idea to make a bar piece that will accompany this in our recreational room.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Homemade Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kid's Storage Step Stool

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 07:54

I'm a beginning wood worker enthusiast. I've been slowly collecting plans, tools, supplies and I'm certainly not efficient when it comes to projects- even "beginner" projects like this.

While there's still more finishing to do, I cranked these out over the weekend with a myriad of interruptions - so it's hard to say how long these would really take. I didn't have 12" boards, so glued 1 x 6" pieces together into the shape I needed. Then assembled each with 1 1/4" screws, routed the sides, sanded and cleaned them. The kids will paint them their favorite colors and then I'll put a clear coat on top to finish them up. Once painted and ready, I'll add hands to each side as well as rubber runners to the bottom for stability. These are really nice for toddlers to use while they put on or take off their shoes and put into the storage bin.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~ $30/stool
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
A few things:

1) Assembly of the stool- I assembled mine by fitting them together and using 24" clamps to hold them in place, adjusting each part so it was square to the other parts (sides to front/back pieces, etc. then pre-drilled and assembled with 1 1/4" screws placed at even intervals. Many of the brag posts look like people glued them together. Wood gluing is great which is often stronger than screws- the wood itself will give way before the glue does, I've seen proof of it. At the time of my construction, I needed to assemble them and use them right away so I opted for screws instead.

2) Adding the hinge- Duct-taping it to test out the best fit works really well, but there are at least 3 ways to attach this:
a) hinge on the inside of both the stool and top step
i) non-flush - allows for a felt stopper to minimize wood to wood noise when closing.
ii) flush - mortise or rout out the 1/8" (or whatever the depth of your hinge is) space for the hinge by tracing the hinge location and using a short depth mortise bit OR using a set of wood chisels- not everyone has a router (I had to borrow one from the in-laws...)
b) hinge on the back side- no mortise needed, but be aware of how far back you want the step lid to be able to go, full or 90 degrees from the start.
c) hinge on the inside of one side- i.e.: have the hinge on the outside of the stool and the inside of the step or vice versa.
3) The finish- Mine is still a work in progress- My kids are going to do a family project day with me and paint them their favorite colors. Once they finish painting (with touch-ups by Dad) I'll finish it with a top coat to seal/protect the paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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