Community Brag Posts

Airplane Reading Light and Shelf

Submitted by tommybo76 on Sun, 01/26/2014 - 12:31

I was inspired to build an airplane shelf for my son based on the plane old shelf design, and I've always liked WW2 era p-51 Mustangs. So I thought I'd give it a shot. I built this design out of mostly 3/4 plywood scrap. I glued 3 pieces together for the fuselage and routed out the wings for a rounded look. I then thought it would be cool to add some LED lights. That got me thinking, if I added enough lights underneath the wings he could use it to read books at night. There are 12 lights underneath and it seems to be very bright. The prop spins thanks to a few washers and a long screw. Most of my cost was tied up in LED lights since I used spare parts and scrap wood. It took me at least 10 hours to build as I had never tried to build something like this and experimented along the way.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint (separated on and brushed depending on what I had on hand)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Workbench

Submitted by jbknakal on Wed, 04/20/2016 - 05:36

I used melamine for the top and shelf to get a nice surface for working on

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Entryway (mudroom) Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/08/2020 - 13:29

This was my first time building anything from scratch! I used the plan "Mudroom Bench with Easy Drawers" for the bottom section. I did not make any modifications, but I did have some trouble with the drawers. First I made the drawers 1/8" wider than the available space (after adding the hardware); so to resolve that I had to notch out the frame and sink one of the drawer slides.

I never realized how finicky drawers can be, but I learned a lot from this project, and my family loves the finished product.

I chose not to use the plan for the hutch, because the cost was starting to creep up, I didn't want walls on the left and right. So I just added bead board directly the wall (glue and brads) and added some trim. For the upper unit (cubbie), I just made a basic structure out of 1x10's, and I used some bead board scrap as a backer (turned the pattern out). I then sunk a couple of anchoring screws into the back (which will be hidden behind baskets) and added a couple of decorative shelf brackets for added stability.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bright White Acrylic Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linen Storage Tower

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 12:23

This tower plan was perfect for re-using some already stained 1x12’s I had from another project. It fills up that little square of unused space at the top of the stairs, and gives us extra storage for towels and TP for the 3 bathrooms in our house. I substituted 1x2 and ¼” plywood for the door and used some 1x2 and 1x3 to attach and build it in. This project has been up for a couple of months now, and has come in handy. This was my first attempt at doing something as a ‘built-in,’ and it gave me confidence that we could do our next big project (the pantry) as a built-in. Since the side and shelf boards were already stained, once it was assembled the finishing was easy- all I had to do was stain the trim boards to match, and paint the door and the inside.
Thanks for this great plan, Ana! I’m planning to build several more of these, for my sewing room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot water based stain w/poly (walnut) on the sides and shelves and minwax express color in walnut on the trims. Door is painted with Ace Royal semi gloss in Crushed Peanut, and the inside color is Wishbone.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

{shortened} Farm House Bench from The Handbuilt Home

Submitted by Shorty on Sun, 10/02/2022 - 11:03

We needed more chairs for our dining room table but didn't want to invest in more chairs; this plan from The Handbuilt Home proved to be the perfect solution! We shortened up the dimensions for the bench so in the end it didn't require much wood and was a very simple build (especially with the aid of a pocket hole jig!). Because we have a baby, my husband and I tag teamed this effort. I re-dimensioned the plan & marked off the cuts, then he went in cut. I sanded down the jig saw cuts and assembled the box (it was such a fast build with pocket holes!). We worked together to put the frame on with some finish nails & a hammer. After making the box I was nervous the bench would be a little flimsy, but after adding the frame the bench was -very- solid. Espresso stain made it match our existing dining room furniture perfectly. This was a very satisfying build.

Estimated Cost
$40 not inculding hardware or tools
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Espresso.

We prepped with wood conditioner and applied two coats of stain. Finished it with Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane in Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Ana-White designs - open wardrobe with sliding mirror cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/25/2016 - 04:43

Inspired by both Ana's Industrial Closet design and the Sliding Mirror Cabinet.

Making maximum use out of a small space, bought a mirror from Ikea and removed it from the existing frame, everything made in virgin wood from DIY store. Two tier clothes rail to separate big coats from other clothes, two height shelf system to accomodate sloped ceiling. A lot of fun to make!

Estimated Cost
£120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique Pine Rustoleum varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Grandy Barn Door Console Modified

Submitted by Allan_F on Wed, 01/15/2020 - 19:30

Changed the width, added shelf dividers.  Used three six inch wide boards for shelves (actual width is 5 1/2 inches each) 16 1/2 total, perfect for the project.  Used poplar.  Mini barn door kit from Amazon.  Put a strip of felt with adhesive on the lower back side of the door and on the front inside of the U bracket guide to prevent scratching.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Horse Handle Teeter Totter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:28

This is the Seesaw I made for our Granddaughters, plans were easy to follow and the girls love it.

sawhorseworkshop

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Children's corner storage bed

Based on a combination of storage bed plans on this site and bit of imagination, we built this wonderful corner bed for our daughter. It took some time to get the measurements right (we had to convert everything to the metric system since we live in Europe) but it turned out great.

Although the bed is in the corner right now, we made the cubby holes on the side facing the wall anyway, just in case we want to move it to the middle of the room at a later date. For now, we just placed the corner board in front of those.

Thanks everybody for the wonderful plans!

Estimated Cost
$ 450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Water based full gloss, colour 'White Tie' from Farrow & Ball
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

KinderKrazy

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 09:14

Cannot wait to try to build this for my son's room! Cute and creative. Love it...great job!

ctmkgw03

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 04:37

I love this and so going to get hubby to make this for my sons room we are currently in the works of doing a remodel.

KimberBee

Wed, 03/20/2013 - 01:00

This is almost just what we're looking for. I love the use of space beneath the headboard shelves. I'm going to build my daughter's for a full size matress and make a twin trundle beneath it. Great job on this one.

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by jessikira on Thu, 01/30/2014 - 18:34

This was our first project from Ana-White. I had a coffee table which I loved, but I inherited it from a dumpster years ago (great find!) and time finally caught up to it. I decided this time around I didn't want to spend over $300 on a "rustic" coffee table that everyone has. So my boyfriend and I decided if we were going to have a table that others have, it might as well be unique in the sense that we made it!

We split the time in about a 3 week period (we both work full-time so time in our house is at a minimum). We bought the wood, cut it, and used a Kreg Jig to start putting it all together. We had some trouble with perfecting the X's (as you'll see) as our saw didn't quite hit the angle. But we managed to get it done.

The most time consuming part was sanding, sanding, and sanding some more. We went with the oxidization finish which was kind of a pain... we probably will never do that again. The outcome wasn't all that much better than regular stain. Then we used poly on the top instead of wax so it would be more durable.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the entire thing based on Hillary's instructions using a foam brush (black tea, steel wool-soaked vinegar) then added 3 coats of satin poly to the top for durability and lightly sanded afterwards to bring out the grey color of the oxidization.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

The Ironbolt Table

Submitted by susanshamp on Wed, 04/27/2016 - 22:22

This table was inspired by one from Restoration Hardware. It was constucted using Fir and black pipe fittings from the local hardware store. Please check out more pics on my blog (I had trouble uploading them here due to file size). Thanks for looking!

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

DIY Laundry Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 14:56

Our laundry renovation with the cabinet loosely based on the Ana's kitchen cabinet plan. I used 7mm red oak plywood for the door and side panels with some with Baluster hardwood for the doors frame. 

The benchtop was all cut from my usual 200mm x 50mm pine landscaping sleepers.

Mark

Comments

Storage Sofa

I loved the idea of the storage sofa! Such an easy build and I tweaked the plans to fit my needs... I used 5" high density foam, I lengthened the sofa to 84" (so I wouldn't have any wasted foam and also so my extremely tall son could stretch out on it without his feet hanging off the edge), I used a 2x8 for the box, and used 1/2" plywood for the seat because 1/4" ply was too flexible. I also made the seat with a zippered cover to encase the foam, batting, and plywood. This way, I can easily remove it to wash it. It's my favorite place to sit while I'm working!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used General Finishes Stain in Espresso for the base and legs.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rae25 (not verified)

Tue, 05/22/2012 - 13:00

Gorgeous job! Hope mine turns out this well. How much fabric did you end up needing? I plan on making the seat cover removable as well.

Rae25 (not verified)

Tue, 05/22/2012 - 13:04

Gorgeous job, I hope mine turns out as well!
Question, how much fabric did you end up using? I plan on doing the removable cushion cover as well.

Freddy

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 13:21

It is really a fantastic idea to use storage sofa, as it can be used for dual purposes of storage plus sofa. Moreover, it will not occupy much space in the room. Anyway, please click here to see my site.

krystistaheli

Mon, 12/30/2013 - 17:43

Where did you purchase the foam? Was the $100 for just lumber costs or for the entire purchase? Thanks.

evajohn01

Sun, 11/24/2024 - 23:54

Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks! circle clothing

Tall corner cabinet with additions

I loved the tall corner cabinet but hate to have my television out in view all of the time so I used the plans and made an additional door opening for the tv. I adore it and now have so much space I chat wait to tackle many more projects!

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Arch Nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/27/2020 - 14:06

I built a pair of these nightstands to go with the Farmhouse Headboard that I made from plans elsewhere on this site.
I used tongue and groove bead board for the tops and drawer fronts.
Decent 2 x 2's are hard to find so I ripped down 2 x 4's for the legs on my table saw.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 per nightstand
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Honey Oak Stain
Water based polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified 5-Board Bench

My partner purchased one of these benches for $100 at a shop in Michigan, but we gave up it over a year ago, and have missed it ever since. I decided to make one myself, using project board for the top and legs instead of 1x12s to make it sturdier. The bench will actually be used both indoors and out, but I applied Behr exterior paint to help it weather to elements.

Though it is tough to see in these pictures, the under layer of paint is actually a spring green, while the top coat is bright blue (both custom mixes), and the edges have been sanded. My partner wanted the V in the legs to remain green, and so they are. We're both very happy with the bench, and so glad we found the plans on this site. What a savings!

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint (includes primer)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Medicine cabinet

Submitted by Krisanna79 on Wed, 02/05/2014 - 23:58

3'x3'x6".
Used to store all of those meds and vitamins and bandages for kids, adults, pets, etc.
Pine wood, painted stripe backer board, rubbed bronze hardware, dark stain and distressed white finish, seeded glass, adjustable shelves.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outside:
Minwax English chestnut: one coat.
White porch and trim paint: four coats.
Sand to distress.
Polycrylic spray: two coats.

Inside:
White porch and trim paint: two coats.
Minwax Helmsman urethane (yellowed slightly): one coat.

Backer board:
Taped off lines with painters tape.
Turquoise, white, tan, green acrylic craft paint watered down: two coats each stripe.
Remove tape and sand to distress as desired.
Minwax helmsman urethane: two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Corner Base Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/03/2016 - 17:00

This was the first time my husband has build kitchen cabinets.  We have used many wood working plans from this website.  The cabinets are made of two sided prefinished maple wood.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Spray Painted Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced
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