Community Brag Posts

Kitchen Trash Pull Out Cabinet

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 05/26/2012 - 08:29

Plan was super easy to follow. Built a drawer type pull out so I could fit in odd sized trash cans. Made the pull-out part like an open sided drawer box, out of lightweight wood, and attached the door to it - used 75-lb euro drawer slides. Construction took a couple of afternoons, and finishing took a couple of afternoons. The finishing materials were all left over from other projects, and the plywood for the cabinet sides was left over from our kitchen island build. Topped with a leftover piece of countertop. The contractor who installed our new countertops said I did a good job on the cabinet build. I was very flattered! Ana, thank you for your wonderful plans!

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats Benjamin Moore Aura paint in Spanish Brown (sanded between coats). Brushed on glaze (mixed 2 oz clear glaze + 1 TB flat black paint - lots left over), 2 coats of water based poly (satin) top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 07/26/2012 - 15:16

Thank you Gina! Yep, I built the door too! :) This one is made from an edge glued Aspen wood panel (available from Lowes, ripped to size with the table saw), and then I added the wood mini-stop moulding 2" in from the edges (did these measurements and attached the trim before sanding). I did the glaze pattern over the paint so it looked like a frame and panel door when it was all done. This door is the same style we did for our pantry and island. I'm planning to do all the rest of my cabinet doors over (one at a time - ;0) to match this one. PS - I used the edge glued panel instead of plywood for the door so the edges wouldn't need any extra covering up, and also they are nice and flat and super smooth so they don't need much sanding. Aspen wood took the paint beautifully, and the grain doesn't even show through once it's painted. I had used stain grade pine panels for the pantry and island, but I think I'll stick with the Aspen for the rest of them, to save myself some sanding. ;)

Queen Farmhouse Headboard

Submitted by Sarahatlen on Mon, 03/10/2014 - 16:16

We made this for our master bedroom. We had wood that was already primed so it made the project go faster. Also, the wood for the back panelling isn't entirely straight which I like because it allows slits of lights to flow through and looks a little more rustic. I used a soft blue paint for the color called abracadabra. I hand sanded in some areas to give it a worn look and then I placed a stain over the top in which I almost immediately wiped off because I wanted it to be very minimal.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Shed Ramp Build

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 06/11/2016 - 06:07

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Shed-Ramp/

Video:

https://youtu.be/WTqfV1HDstc

My garage was starting to get cramped so I decided I needed a shed for the lawn/garden equipment. I thought about building one but bailed and decided to purchase a 10’ x 14’ shed with 6’ wide doors from the nearby Amish community. To not be a total slacker, I decided I could at least build the foundation and ramp. I’ve never built a ramp so I did a little research online and found that there are an abundance of styles, both good and bad. Anyway, this is my attempt at ramp design. Hope someone finds it useful.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A Place for the Christmas Stockings

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/17/2023 - 12:44

Christmas Stocking Stand by Julie Latham on Facebook.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Deck Chair

Submitted by bigskygirl on Tue, 05/29/2012 - 12:44

I used the plans for the simple outdoor lounge chair and just made the arms wider, the cushions came from Target.............the dog loves it !

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Benjamin Franklin oil based Dragons Breath
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Londons91 (not verified)

Sat, 07/28/2012 - 18:06

My husband and I love to sit outdoors and read with a hot cup of tea. The wide are will be perfect for us. Would you mind sharing the cost of your project?

Camey21

Sun, 09/14/2014 - 22:04

Hi!  I would love to make this patio set but I am having some trouble with cushions. I noticed that Ana stated this chair will use a standard size 20x20 cushion.  On your notes it says you got your cushions at Target, are they 20x20, I love the deep cushions but cant seem to find any that sized. Are yours 20x20, or did you modify you project? If so, what dimensions did you use? Thanks so much!!!

Camey21

Sun, 09/14/2014 - 22:05

Hi!  I would love to make this patio set but I am having some trouble with finding cushions. I noticed that Ana stated this chair will use a standard size 20x20 cushion.  On your notes it says you got your cushions at Target, are they 20x20, I love the deep cushions but cant seem to find any that sized for the bottom ones. Are yours 20x20, or did you modify your project? If so, what dimensions did you use? Thanks so much!!!

Custom Star Doll Closet w/Pink Doors

Submitted by devinmlyn on Sat, 03/15/2014 - 16:15

My daughter has been accumulating American Girl doll clothing and accessories since her birthday last summer (2013), and we were rapidly running out of room for all of it. Luckily, her Grandpa ("Pop") is a skilled carpenter and whipped up this awesome closet for her in a weekend (including the amount of time it took to pick out all the materials, paints, and paint everything/let it dry). She absolutely loves it and it is the perfect way to keep everything organized, while still looking great!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex acrylic paint in antique white for the main structure, and bright pink or the doors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Bench - School Colors

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/15/2016 - 09:29

Great design and project!  I am working on the second one in my wife's school colors.  Thanks!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Picnic Table

When my kids were stuck between that "baby" picnic table, and the "real" picnic table, we found the plan for this! It was the perfect size, and was a great addition to our backyard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax 2-in-1 in Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Child Beach Sling Chair

Submitted by ktjoy86 on Thu, 05/31/2012 - 08:57

I used two towels to make the sling portion of the chair, instead of outdoor/decor weight fabric. Even though the towels were thick, I did not need to change the dimensions of the dowels or slits in the wood that hold the dowels.

Estimated Cost
$1, I had the towel, hardware, nails, paint, and some scrap wood already.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and then painted with leftover satin-finish paint. Lightly sanded between 2 coats of the final paint color.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Mary1025 (not verified)

Thu, 05/31/2012 - 16:59

What a great idea to use towels. I have a few extra beach towels that would be great for this.
Thanks!

Step up bed

Submitted by Coach Ty on Mon, 03/17/2014 - 12:23

Base was easy to do, drawers were another story! very big drawers, plan a lot of time for these.

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

Comments

Fillman Platform Twin with Barn Wood Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/21/2016 - 07:15

I started with the Fillman Platform Twin Bed plan and made a few modifications.  

  • I adjusted the size of the bed slightly to fit the mattress we purchased for the bed.
  • I wanted the bed to be a little taller, so I simply added a few inches to the legs.  
  • I made the headboard from old barnwood and added pieces around the side and end rails of the bed to tie it all together.  
  • Used a bunky board instead of slats to hold the mattress.
  • Decided to stain the legs and paint the top cap cream to match some other furniture in the room. Still not sure if I love it, but I thought it might be too much dark wood if I stained it like the legs.  

With a mitre saw, Kreg jig and nail gun, this project is pretty simple to put together.  Obviously painting or staining takes some time, but the bed itself can be put together in 1-2 hours.  

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso stained legs with polyurethane finish, Semi-gloss cream paint on top cap with polycrylic finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

Reading Loft

We converted our mud (junk) room into our daughter's playroom. The room is awkward (5' X 12'), but I knew I wanted a reading loft by the window. The area we were working with was 63" wide and 23" deep. I wanted the loft to come right up to the window which is exactly 5'. This is obviously not a standard bed size so we couldn't just buy something. I came across your site (love it!) and found the loft bed plan. I reconfigured the loft using our measurements and my husband is the one who actually built it. It turned out so well! I still have some pillows to make, but my daughter and her friends have already been spending a ton of time up there!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Swiss Coffee Satin Paint. I used two coats with a roller.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Apothecary Coffee Table

I am happy with how this turned out, but I did run into a couple of problems while building this. First of all there is a typo in the cut list. It says to cut the drawer sides 23 and a quarter inches, but they need to be 21 and 3/4 inches. I built the drawer to deep and then had to take it apart and cut the sides down. Then the drawer was ever so slightly too wide to fit under the table after I put the L-brackets on (which are definitely needed to make the table sturdy enough.) So I had to make a little room under the table by taking the sides back off and adding a little piece of wood as a spacer on either side.
Also I decided to use poplar for the top just to make it a little more dent resistant because poplar is a hard wood. But after I started staining it I learned that poplar acts like a soft wood and can be very blotchy when stained. I had to keep going darker with the stain to try and make it even. It came out okay in the end.

Estimated Cost
$120 for wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For top and inside of drawer: Minwax prestain, minwax special walnut - 3 coats, minwax poly in gloss - 3 coats. For the rest I used glidden white primer and white paint plus a coat of polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toddler bed variation

Submitted by montero65 on Thu, 06/23/2016 - 09:54

I really liked the design of the Rustic platform bed, and wanted to make a small version for my toddler.  So I tweaked everything down to fit a toddler mattress, and then reduced the wood sizes for weight (2x6 became 1x6, 2x4 became 1x4).  First built with the slats design but was way too heavy, so went with a sheet of plywood.  Headboard is still 2x4 and 2x6.  I also got rid of the platforms so the bed could go up against the wall.  Finally, added the side rail guard so no rolling out onto the floor.  That required a new tool (yay!) and I bought a biscuit joiner to make it.  It took some effort to get it mounted to the bed rail, but it works.  In the end, my toddler loves it, and was so excited when I brought it in.  She loves having her own sized little bed that she can hop into (and out of) as she pleases.  Best of all, it's strong enough if she needs us to snuggle her, we can lay next to her.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded, then sealed with Kilz primer, and painted with semi-gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Built in Japan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 04:59

I ended up using Japanese cedar for the top. I was happy with the way this came out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under 10,000 Yen.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint, stain and poly for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adapted Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 10:47

I made this with on the farmhouse bed plans using red oak and cherry. A new child, new house, and two dogs later, I finally managed to finish it after three years.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
1,000
Finish Used
Super-blonde Shellac, paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Flower Planters

Submitted by mags247 on Sun, 06/10/2012 - 08:07

My co-worker and I built these planters from pallets that we had lying around at work. The only expense we had was the Kreg Jig I purchased (and love). It took us about 5 hours to put them together, including the time it took to cut the lumber to size. Then we used Thompson's water seal and stapled commercial grade landscaping cloth inside the planter. We made them for work and hope they will just naturally age. This was an easy project and we will definitely make more of these.

We had leftover screws, landscaping fabric and water seal from other projects.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We just used Thompson's water seal to let the wood age naturally.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Red Shoe Shrine

Submitted by Julie737 on Fri, 04/04/2014 - 18:17

I was looking for an excuse to use my new Kreg Jig and also Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. My entrance from my garage had a cheap two level shelf which never was enough for all our shoes so when I saw this I thought it would be perfect. This was my first Ana-White project and the left cubbies ended up being wider than the right. I loved the Kreg Jig. What's cool is I did it all alone, with the help of my husband watching my kids! It was a lot of painting to get the distressed look that you really can't see from the pictures but I am very happy with it and it is very sturdy. I ended up doing 4 columns instead of 3 but only one shelf...probably also why the measurements got messed up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed in Dark Brown paint I had leftover, Distressed with vaseline and sandpaper, Painted with Annie Sloan Chalk paint, and applied clear wax. Also, distressed the pine before painting with my hammer and screw driver.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate