Community Brag Posts

Turned Leg Coffee Table

Submitted by kwildman on Wed, 12/26/2018 - 02:24

Turned leg coffee table from pine.  I also built matching end tables (shown in another post).  :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I coat rustoleum dark walnut. Sand lightly. 1 coat old English varathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kwildman

Sat, 12/29/2018 - 05:56

Thank you!  I had stained it with varathane dark walnut and I wasn't happy with the color.  I sanded lightly and went back over with the golden oak that I had from another project.  I love how it warmed up.  

Brian Famous

Thu, 12/27/2018 - 09:04

Did you turn the legs yourself, or order them from somewhere?  They look great, as does the entire piece.

Spa Bench Finished with Milk Paint

Submitted by shaunk on Fri, 08/12/2011 - 13:57

Built this bench over a couple of nights. It was really easy. The most difficult part was deciding on the color and finish. Overall it came out great and looks good by our front door. The finish is Old Fashion Milk Paint in Salem Red. I painted two coats and then sanded the sides and corners. I'm contemplating adding an antiquing glaze to give it an older look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$32.00 ($21 for the wood and $11 for the milk paint)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint two coats of Milk Paint and let dry over night. Sand corners down with power sander. I added distressing marks prior to painting using a couple of nails and a hammer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

simple modern outdoor sectional

Submitted by raflis35 on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 20:35

I utilized a mix of the platform sectional and the simple modern sectional to create this piece. I added the design on the back rather than the simple 1x4. I also made the entire piece out of 2x4s and 2x2s.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
thompsons water seal with stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Easy, Economical Garage Shelving from 2x4s

I modified the width of the shelves and as you can see from the variable height of my garage one side was made higher.  

I used some scrap wook so I was able to cut expenses by about 25 dollars.  The total cost was 50 dollars not including the nails.  Although time is money.  It took me one day to draw up the modified design, get prices and get the wood and then another day to put it together.  With what I saved by doing it myself I could have made more working and buying a premade unit.  However with this said, it would not be my personal accomplishment and modified to my unique needs.  Besides, I had fun doing it.  

Thanks for your info.  It was very clear and simple.  Debbie

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

Comments

Bamboo top buffet

This was a fun project that ended up being a multi-use table! This was originally built as a small island for the kitchen but as the family grew it became a changing table! The top was purchased online at home depot, the base is made of douglas fir 2x4's and the corners accents are Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX Galvanized 16-Gauge 2X Rigid Tie Connector available at HD for about $2 each. Thanks for looking! See more at my website analogwoodworks.com!

 

 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Toasted marshmallow in eggshell
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

From Scrap 2 Useful

Submitted by calcowoods on Tue, 09/06/2022 - 10:09

Diy project with scrap wood laying around the garage. Using a hole saw, cut 1 1/2 inch cookies from several pieces of wood. Glued them into 3 separate towers. Using 1" fostner bit cut recess for tea light candle. A quick sanding and coat of polyurethane. Also, included an example of using plywood cuts into a rectancular shaped candle holder.

They look pretty good for a quick fun project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

kid clara table modified

Submitted by ajcajj on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 18:35

I made this table for a baby shower gift for my newest niece. I used the clara plan as a starting point and went from there. I ended up using (2) 2x12x36 for the top kreg jigged together and sanded them completely smooth. I used existing legs from an end table and added the aprons.

I also just shortened the cubbie length to make it short enough to fit on top of the table.

Estimated Cost
$12- for the 2x12 and a few 2x2, I already had the table legs and the top for the bench
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the table top with some oops stain I had picked up for 50 cents and then put 3 coats of poly on top. I painted the legs/aprons with a bubblegum pink and distressed and lightly wiped with stain. Same colors for the bench.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Georgia's Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 18:04

This build is a little jewelry box for a family friend who just had a baby girl named Georgia. Although I've built this box several times for myself and others to use for storage, I hadn't done a plan for it until now. This is from Georgia's Jewelry Box plan.

The wood is 1x4 and 1x6 whitewood scraps. The hinges are flat "H" style hinges from Lowes. I had them for another project and ended up not using them. The hinge color works very well with the light yellow, which I thought would be pretty for a little girl.

Originally I was going to paint or stencil her name on the front, but ended up printing it on pretty scrapbook paper and attaching with Mod Podge. Also added this paper to the bottom inside the box. Everything is top coated with Mod Podge.

On the inside of the top, I glued a 3" craft mirror (these are available in a 5-pack from Michael's for $1.99).

This was a very easy build. It look less than an hour to cut, build, and sand. The finishing I completed a few minutes at a time throughout the day, but the actual work between drying times wasn't more than an hour.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood & Hardware: Free (scrap/already on hand), and I have loads left over from the Finishing materials: $2.98 for paint sample, $1.99 for mirrors, $6.49 for mod podge
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Valspar Hazy Dawn (sanded between coats), name and box bottom are scrapbook paper attached with mod podge, and the top coat is Mod Podge (satin finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 18:28

Georgia's mommy loved the little jewelry box, and was tickled that I named this plan after her little girl. The best part of the visit was getting to hold adorable 3-week-old Georgia. :0)

California King Farmhouse bed

Submitted by PhilCo on Wed, 11/11/2015 - 07:24

I had to make some adjustments to the size, because our new mattress is 180 x 190cm, and I had a couple of problems with the plan, it was probably me rather than the plan, but nothing that I couldn't overcome. The bed is pino (pine) purely because I couldn't get any other dry timber in Colombia, unless I won the lottery. 

The boards on the headboard panel, I pocket holed (using ordinary wood screws) as well as glued, to ensure they will not part in the future, and I used lag bolts to attach the base to the footboard.

The bed is a few inches taller than the plan, purely because my Wife wanted one of our dogs to be able to continue sleeping under the bed!

Unfortunately due to the small size of the room, the photos do not show the bed that well. The full build is on my Blog.

 

Now to make the night stands! 

Estimated Cost
1256956 COP / $430 US / £282
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Matt Oak Varnish, I only used one coat, because we didn't want the colour to go any darker, I used sponge 'brushes' to apply the varnish on all the visible timber, the base and MDF was just roughly brushed on.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Plank Sideboard / Wine Cabinet

Submitted by denthy68 on Tue, 01/01/2019 - 06:40

Modified Anna White planked sideboard plan.  Made the unit smaller and changed the center cabinet to a wine rack.  This is my very first piece of furniture. It's not perfect, but I love how it turned out.  Routed the edge of the top to add detail and used a tablesaw to square edges of 2x4's for a sharper look.  Fits nicely under my husband's antique mirror.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams satin latex. The first finish I tried was a flat black, but it looked lifeless so I added two coats of satin and am very happy with the finish for look and durability.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Patio Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/22/2022 - 13:05

Based on Ana's 2x4 patio furniture blog and plan wirh some modifications.

Built all in cedar.

Seats are 1x6.
Seat back height is at 36"
Backs are 1x6 .

Cushions are from Home Depot:
Bozanto Sunbrella Deep Seating Cushions
24" x 24" seats with 6" thickness
Back cushions are at least 6" thick.
2200 UV hour fade life.
Aceent cushion are from Lowes.

Stain is Cabot Gold Sunlit Walnut put on with 2 coats.

Covers are custom ordered from Covers and all. Www.coversandall.ca

Estimated all in cost lumber, supplies, stain, covers - $2,500.

Much cheaper less than half than the retail cost for similar quality patio furniture.

Comments

Kids Play Table and Stackable Chairs

I used Ana's plan for the Clara table and the $4 stackable chairs for this project. I spent a total of $30. I used furring strips to save money. My kiddos love it! You can see more details at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/08/table-and-chairs-for-the-playroom… !!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Colonial Red Spray Paint and Minwax Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

playhouse loft bed with storage steps

built this a few months ago, but just now getting around to posting it. I could'nt have ever even came close to building something like this without ana. So thank you.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
pink paint, and white trim paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified shoe bench

Submitted by mdj1281 on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 05:06

In our new home there was a 46" wide coat closet at the entrance. My wife wanted a place to sit down, take off shoes and put our coats and backpacks when we were home. I found Ana White's plans for this shoe bench and modified it to fit our space. The project took 3 days to complete due to the painting, staining and polyurethane, construction of the bench itself was quick. Previously I added a light switch and two 3" LED recessed lights in the ceiling. The project came out wonderful and I am very pleased. Thank you for the inspiration!

 

-Mike

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss paint (2 coats), Minwax Red Mahogany 225, Varathane Polyurethane semi-gloss (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Christmas present from my husband!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 18:03

My husband made this for me for Christmas. He changed the size a bit but overall stuck to the plans. He used Jacobean stain by Varathane and 3 coats of matte poly by Varathane as well. He used an HVLP sprayer to apply the poly and I think that made a huge difference in the smoothness. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean by varathane 2 coats on top with paint brush and used rag to wipe away.
Matte finish by varathane for poly. 3 coats with HVLP sprayer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse table on casters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/30/2022 - 17:17

I bought Ana’s book and combined the kitchen island and the farmhouse table to create the farmhouse on casters. This project was built for a small apartment so that you can use it as a workspace or dining table and then roll it out of the way. The table is counter height so 24” stools fit neatly underneath.

Comments

Best Lounger Ever

Submitted by teeninyg on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 13:37

This was my second project from the site. I wanted somewhere to read my book on the back deck. This chair is perfect. When I get tired of reading I can lay it down and take a nap. It is very sturdy and easy to put together. I do recommend using pocket holes to assemble it. I found it much easier.

Estimated Cost
$70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded the seat and sides of the chair. Then stained it with oak and finished it with polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Planter Boxes

Just in time for Fall Mums, I wanted a set of sturdy planters that I knew would hold up in the winter. I wanted to try something that felt more 'simple' to me than the pattern I was inspired by.

I used some 2" wide pine so they ended up quite heavy, but I know they'll hold the test of time.

It was quite an easy project, and I encourage anyone to make their own. It took me only a Saturday once I got going. Painted them the next day... then done!

Enjoy the details here --> http://projectjumanji.blogspot.ca/2013/08/homemade-decorative-planter-b…

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hose Post

Submitted by KG1000 on Thu, 11/19/2015 - 13:42

We built this from a 4 x 4 left over from another project and 2 - 4 x 4s 36" long from a pallet I rescued from work.  The middle post is 78" long with 3 feet buried in the ground.  The "Fancy Iron Hose Holder" was purchased from Amazon for about $20.  The post cap was a used one rescued from my husband's woodshop.  We layed out the 4x4s on the garage floor and screwed them together, added the hose holder and end cap, and spray painted the project black.  I am going to remove the hose holder and paint it a different color so it will stand out better.

Estimated Cost
Less than $30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint rated for outdoors, less than one can.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modified Trestle

My vintage table collapsed, so I built it new legs using the farmhouse plans. I didn’t want to lose the expandable leaves however, so I decided to reuse the top and add a second trestle so the table can still expand. I sanded and restained/polyed the top and leaves and cut a space in the center support to hold the spare leaves. I’ve never seen a table like it and I’m very proud.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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