Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Queen size bed from rough saw milled pine

This rough milled lumber had to be planed quite a bit. and the sizes  also differed. We ended up with thicker sections than on the original plan. Also used bolts to bolt the heavier headset and footrest to the base.

Screws were used instead of nails. This inland Karoo area pine is very hard and crack very easily. warps too. Well seasoned wood were used. Finish is normal sanding sealer for a mat look.

thanks for the lovely plans Ana.

this is a proven classic.

My First Project

Submitted by PS on Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:31

My husband and I got sick of buying particle board furniture and having it fall apart. I was so excited to see these desk plans and decided to build each child one of their own.

I tweaked the plans a lot. I learned a little SketchUp in the process. Each of these desk tops sits on 4 16x16" bases. Each desk has one drawer base, one fixed-shelf base, and two adjustable shelf bases. The bases can be rearranged as desired and can later be used as shelves when we don't need the desktops anymore.

All 3 desks took me just over 4 months to complete. Of course, Christmas happened during that time.

I used Fir based on some misguidance at the lumber yard. I'm still a little upset by that. I used pine edgebanding and am pleased with the finished look though. I just hope the wood is hard enough to not suffer too much damage.

I really enjoyed this project and my kids are loving the results. Their desks don't wobble and they have a lot of space.

Thanks for the jumping off point and all the instructions here. My next project is a built-in entertainment center. Should be fun!

Estimated Cost
$325 each
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax Water Based Stain in Golden Harvest (or Harvest Gold, I forget the right term)
MinWax Water Based Poly - Clear Semi-gloss

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

One Piece Play Kitchen

Submitted by erlenzen on Mon, 01/06/2014 - 17:18

This was my first project and I learned a lot about drilling and sawing. I love the cute kitchens people have built with this plan, but we went for realistic with neutral colors since it is going to be in our own kitchen and not in a playroom. The biggest challenge was was that I was continually finding components I wanted to add, but then I would have to redo things I'd already done to fit them in.

For someone doing this plan, my only suggestion is to put the pocket holes inside the oven area instead of inside the sink area, as the countertop is easier to screw in that way.

For the fridge, I used 11x14 clear acrylic for the shelf and glued in a motion sensing light. For the farm sink, I used glidden super glossy white paint, which is supposed to not show brush strokes but it did for me. I also made the shelf under the sink a half shelf. For the oven, I used cookie racks from the dollar store and a push-on light inside. The counter top is a realistic looking laminate I found in the shelving dept of Menards for $2. I found the wire disks for the stove top at a surplus supply shop for 75c each. My husband tiled the backsplash and we added that board after the grout had dried so the rest of the kitchen wouldn't get grout on it.

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

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 01/06/2014 - 17:59

Great job on this play kitchen! It looks awesome, love all the details you used. That counter top looks very real, and I love how you put the white inside the fridge with the light! Clever and super creative! Fantastic job on your first project!

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:05

This is one of the most realistic-looking play kitchens I've seen. I love the look of the farmhouse sink, the white interior of the fridge, and the tile backsplash. This will be wonderful to pass down to a future generation!

Easter Dinner

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/28/2016 - 08:10

For our first Easter, my wife wanted to bring both our families together to celebrate in our new home. I've never done any woodworking before but the plans from Ana and Shanty2Chic allowed me to stretch my creativity. I got some awesome power tools from my father and started cutting away. 2 weeks later we were eating, drinking, and laughing over a 106" farmhouse style dining table. The materials were from the local home store and it was untreated lumber. Because of my inexperience I bought Prime Douglas Fir. The table took 4 of us to move from the detached garage to the living room. Who knew that wood was so heavy!!! Thanks to Ana and the girls at Shanty2Chic for some great tips. I relied on the pocket holes to attach the top boards but added a 4x4 in the middle for a feature piece to the table. The table top support beams are through tenon and mortise (I researched this on YouTube) but shimmed a bit since I didn't make them 100% perfect. The bottom 4x4 support is laid into the 4x4 on the leg support. Such fun, and am definitely looking to start more (perhaps with a lighter wood) projects soon. I'll continue to post any/all future projects.

Estimated Cost
$115 - $125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
5:1 Varathane Weathered Gray Stain/Poly Blend and Dark Walnut
I also sanded the first coat with 180 Grit in some areas and then rag stained some Dark Walnut and immediately wiped it off with a lint-free rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

4x4 Truss Bench

Submitted by JustJ on Sun, 11/17/2019 - 07:01

Fun project. Quite easy,  but extremely sturdy.   Gonna work great for kids. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 for two
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen breakfast bar with built in trash receptacle

Submitted by tommybo76 on Wed, 01/08/2014 - 17:49

I wanted to add a breakfast bar to our kitchen but had nowhere to place the garbage can. An Internet search eventually led me to Ana's site and the perfect solution. I used the trash receptacle idea and integrated it into my breakfast bar. I added a cookbook shelf and incorporated shelves on the other side to use wasted space where leg room was not impeded. I also built a hidden shelf for cell phones, keys and wallets. The top is from Ikea and I cut to fit. The structure and base was all cut from a sheet of MDF and I added bead board for a bit of design. This site is fantastic! I've built modified versions of plans from this site including the shed, tv stand with side DVD shelves, mud room lockers, and have plans for more projects. I will post these projects soon. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tommybo76

Wed, 01/08/2014 - 20:27

The trash can space was originally going to be an area to store wine...thanks to my wife's suggestion I had to think of a way to store the trash can. That led me to this site and I've now been inspired to do several other projects based on plans found here. This site is terrific and inspirational!!

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by kelseyt15 on Mon, 11/25/2019 - 11:11

My first project! I was surprised how much fun and how easy it is to build something that’s beautiful & functional. I’m hooked! I can’t wait to build more!

Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Special Walnut & Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 15:03

I loved the look of the original but went with more of an antique icebox feel. Made from cherry and aged with lye and a danish oil top coat.

reader build

Comments

Florida Gator Themed Playhouse

My husband Jon recently built this playhouse with/for a friend of his from work. It took them two months to complete and it's awesome! Jon's friend is also a die hard Gators fan so they made sure to add blue and orange as much as they could. Thanks Ana for giving them the courage to take on such a feat!

Estimated Cost
$2000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

birdsandsoap

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 01:51

Great Job! All this says is "GO BRONCOS!" I'm an Idaho girl and I love the BOise State colors, lol! "Playhouse" is an understatement. This is a jungle. This is a huge play structure! and it is awesome.

Double Shed Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/05/2023 - 09:31

Our family decided to raise chickens but needed a place to keep them safe at night. We used your shed plan and adapted it to create necessary venting for the chicks.

Since we had 16 chickens we knew one coop would not be enough space so we built two. We created a vented tunnel between the two coops so the hens could go back and forth between them as they wished while still being protected. The girls are very happy in their new space!

Thank you for your great plans.

Holly

Built from Plan(s)

First Project Rustic Farm Table

Submitted by HoodFam on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 07:44

This the first project my husband attempted. I hope I can be more involved in the next project. I'm very proud of his first table! We plan on putting it on the screened in porch of our new house we are getting ready to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
30-50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We used "Early American" as the stain color for the top. We used Olympic paint color "Admiral Blue" for the legs, then distressed them.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

GUEST (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 08:33

I have a question. When you stained the top, how did you ensure that your paint was not affected by the stain? I am working on m y first project. I have it all together, painted the bottom, but am stumped by how to stain the top with out ruining all my hard work. Any advice would help.

HoodFam

Sun, 05/13/2012 - 12:29

So sorry I just saw your comment! We used a scrap piece of cardboard to put up against the table when "edging" the stain or paint. We could get in the corner alone the bottom where the stain and paint meet without having to have super steady hand or be completely stressed. Hope this helps!

Rustic X Bench

Took a day to build a bench to match my table! I am in love with this bench.

Take a little extra time on your angles to make sure you get them right or you will end up with a gap!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Satin Black Paint, Minwax English Chestnut, Poly Semi-Gloss on seat top only
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Build A House Bunk Bed

House Beds are a huge trend right now. I saw my first house bed over a year ago and I fell in love and I swore that as soon as we built our daughter a toddler bed someday, I would make a super cute pink house bed, decorated in cute pom pom buntings and it would be perfect. Well, fast forward a year, and she’s only 16 months, still a ways away from being in a toddler bed. Then I had a idea! We are in the process of decorating our boys bedroom. and we needed to build them a new bunk bed set as their old set was massive and took up half their room. Click link below to view the full tutorial!

Estimated Cost
53.00 ( we only had to buy the wood )
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded with our dustless sander and then painted grey with chalk paint ( two coats ) and finished with a matte poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King Bed Frame

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/08/2019 - 21:18

My daughter got a new king mattress. We went shopping for a bed frame, they were all really expensive or junk. Decide to make our own. So far its coming out great. Total build time 5 hours.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
220.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Bunk Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 11:56

My latest project - a bunk bed for our grandboys, coming to visit in a few weeks from Germany. The end slats are connected with 36 stopped mortise and tenon joints. The rails are connected with 8 through mortise and pegged tenon joints. The drawer pulls are walnut and large enough for a toddler to operate with both hands. The fences use dowels and are pegged on the ends. The ladder utilizes a french cleat to hold it in place.

https://www.facebook.com/randallgroves

Built from Plan(s)

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!

Table

Submitted by Burge12 on Tue, 01/14/2014 - 09:35

This is my first table. I used the Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table plans, but modified it to fit our kitchen.

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

Comments

JoanneS

Tue, 01/14/2014 - 16:35

Great job on this table! I like how you placed the pedestals, you can push the chairs all the way in on the ends. Your finish looks beautiful!

Washer & Dryer Pedestal

Thank you dmccoy!! Washer & Dryer Pedestal / Platform with Drawer

Followed your plan and these came out sturdy and solid.

I adjusted it to 55 inches to fit my smaller space and decided to not build the drawers.

So simple to put together and saved over $400 

Estimated Cost
About $100
2X6 wood, plywood, screws
I had extra paint in the garage
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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