Community Brag Posts

Bed with storage

Submitted by trwarner6 on Mon, 01/05/2015 - 16:32

I used two benches on each side attached the two with 2x4s and built a drawer on wheels for the middle

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sutle touch hi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Large Shark HD4 Extended Bed Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 05:21

I started with the sturdy workbench plans ( http://www.ana-white.com/2011/03/sturdy-work-bench ) but enlarged it to 38x64x33 to accommodate my new CNC machine.  The plans give you enough enformation so that making a size change it very easy.  I used scrap wood I had and Plywood so the project only cost $85.00 to build.  I didn't have many 2x4's so I used the 2x6's I had instead.  Very sturdy table that took about 4 hours to build.

Thanks,

Janet Fox

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
85.00 in plywood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
left raw
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

The Desk with hutch for my Granddaughter.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/28/2021 - 00:33

Had to add leg supports for the none drawer side and added a back for the entire unit. Fun Project. 15th birthday present.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Student desk to my Granddaughter.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Matt's Gallery Shelves

Submitted by Kenndfan on Sat, 03/02/2013 - 15:11

6 feet long gallery shelves using Ana's plans! They were built in 10 minutes! Total cost was about $30 for all three.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
A combination of Red Oak and Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Schmatt's Bar

We built this bar from two separate sets of plans. One was from Shanty 2 Chic and their outdoor bar. Because I don't like the flat top design and prefer to have two separate levels for bars (one for mixing drinks and one for drinking them), we used a tutorial from Pinterest as well. I essentially looked at pictures and evolved our own take on it. We decided to use 1X12 and 1X4 that I have stocked up. We also had an alder bar rail left over from our own bar that we attached. It fits well through doors and fit perfectly in our minivan for transporting. 

We gave this to my husband's cousin and his wife because they were hosting their first New Years Eve party. We are waiting for their instruction as far as shelving on the inside (they are still discussing for how many glasses and whether or not they want a refridgerator/kegorator installed) and the finish. 

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish yet
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cascading cedar planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/08/2017 - 17:18

Instead of the 2X6, we used an additional cedar board to complete the sides and the ends of the planters.  This was more cost effective and still provides enough support to hold the planters.  This is a great alternative to the more expensive items we found online.  We will be building multiple to put in an unused space in our yard.  Great project!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15 each
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
no finish, we prefer the look of aged cedar
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farm style desk

Submitted by Barlam on Sat, 03/06/2021 - 17:32

Used the DIY Plans but my son wanted the shelves to match the desktop. Very happy with result

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Walnut stain plus 3 coats of varathane

Comments

Cooking Tools Drawer Organizer

This is for my cooking tools drawer. It's still a bit cramped, but it's much easier to find things now (and I don't have room in my tiny kitchen to expand)! I used a pine 1x3, which was sanded and sealed with a Minwax stain/poly blend. I used a countersink bit to drill the pieces together and used Elmer's stainable wood filler, but it didn't take the stain well. I'm not sure if it was the wood filler or the sealant. Next time I might try a stain and then a poly coating instead of a combination. This was my very first project so I'm pretty excited about it. I will post pictures of my utensil drawer soon.

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain/Poly blend in honey oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Vintage American Girl Doll Bed

Submitted by cjleslie1 on Fri, 01/09/2015 - 20:28

I made this as a Christmas present for my little cousin. I was looking for something fast and last minute and found this. The plans were super easy to follow. The only change I made was the headboard is a little shorter than the plans because I used all scrap wood for this. It was a hit at Christmas! Thanks Ana!
 

Estimated Cost
Free
Used Scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White trim paint I had hanging around.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mini & Modified Planked Sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/11/2017 - 17:03

My husband did the build and I did the finishing. This would have been much easier with the correct tools such as clamps and squares but he got by. We did have a Kreg jig that made the assembly much easier. This took about 15-20 hours over the course of a week long spring break.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $325
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Except for the stain I used spray paint which made the finishing process go much faster and made it easy to get into all the grooves.

For the top:
Two generous coats of Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain in "Espresso 273" using a cloth to apply and then a clean cloth to wipe off the excess after allowing some time for the stain to soak in. Added two top coats of Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane in "Clear Satin".

For the base:
Primed with Valspar spray paint in white. Then added two coats of Valspar spray paint in "Secluded Garden" Satin finish. Sanded the edges a bit and then went over it and quickly wiped off with the same stain as the top. This soaks into the exposed wood on the edges and leaves a bit of residue on top of the paint itself. Sealed over the top with a coat of clear satin top coat. Also used just the clear spray seal on all the exposed wood on the inside of the base.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Planter Box on Wheels

Submitted by thediyplan on Fri, 03/12/2021 - 09:55

Have you ever wondered how to get your kids to eat more vegetables? If you get them involved in growing their own plants, they tend to take a much bigger interest in eating their leafy greens. But before planting, you need to get a planter and fill it with dirt. To save money, why not build your own DIY Planter Box on wheels? You could even have kids help you, just like we did with a school that our kids go to. Follow this simple plan that I’ve made with step-by-step instructions on how to build it.

We were asked to build a project for two classes, so we decided to build a couple of planters that will allow them to grow their own vegetables. I pre-cut the boards and drilled the pocket holes at home. Then as a class, we assembled the planters together and filled them with dirt. It was a fun project to build as a class and to see kids get hands-on experience, building something out of wood.

See my website for additional pictures and how I've built it, TheDIYPlan.com

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified Doll Bunk Bed

Submitted by dbwalk on Mon, 01/12/2015 - 20:19

I made this bunk bed for a friend's daughters.  I modified the plans by using 2x2's for the bed posts instead of 1x2's.  It made it harder to hide the screws but in the end I think it looks better.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $20.
Finish Used
I painted the wood with white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Tv stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/15/2017 - 04:57

I had an idea of what I wanted and this plan helped me get started.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Country white paint. Black glaze.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Double Seater

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 14:27

Using the plans for the adirondack chairs we made a super comfy double seater from recycled sofa arms and pallet wood, put an extra diagonal support leg in the middle. Thank you for making these plans available!

Comments

Entertainment center

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 12:54

I love how this turned out! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered grey stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First Wood Project Ever

Submitted by jendon on Sat, 03/20/2021 - 19:48

This was my first project ever. My goal was to finish it before my husband came home. The self tapping screws were wonderful to use. My husband thought I bought it. He was very impressed and proud of my new hobby. I cannot wait to build the planters next. Thank you Ana for the video and plans. It is amazing what you can do with great directions.

Finish Used
Walnut

Comments

Farmhouse Dining Table

My wonderful husband built this for our rather large family. He made it long enough to sit 4 comfortably along each side with one on each end (total of 10) but we can squeeze up to 14 if needed. Per my request, he omitted the cross bar at foot level since I didn't like how it looked. We also used 4x4s for the legs instead of 2x4s. It was a little trickier to get the cut just right, but we managed ;) Start to finish, this table was completed in 3 days with a lot of hard work. We still need to figure out some kind of finish since stuff tends to get stuck in the cracks between the boards. Just haven't had time to work on it. All in all, VERY happy with the results. Now time for some matching benches and chairs!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Console table

This console table was built using Alder lumber.  I modified Ana's plans slighly by removing the center, vertical brace, and changing the thickness of the top.  I also altered the top by making it a "breadboard" style top.  The finish I created was unique in that fact that it was a 5 layer process.  Because Alder wood is a "blotchy" prone wood, I sealed it with shellac first, applied 1 coat of antique walnut gel stain, sprayed a toner (dye mixed in shellac)  to darken the wood, and then applied 2 coats of poly.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
shellac, gel stain, transfast dye, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor beverage cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/20/2017 - 14:55

I love using recycled and refurbished wood.  I saw some Cedar leftovers and made this project.  @theshopbycecilia

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Espresso Farmhouse Console Table

Submitted by MacandFab on Mon, 03/29/2021 - 04:28

I built the farmhouse console table over the course of 3 weekends. A relatively easy build, the pocket hole were the most time consuming. Its made mostly of Douglas Fir, and pine for the 2x2's. It's a heavy piece, it weighs about 250 lbs - ish. But the wife loves it, as it will be going in our kitchen.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso top with 3 coats of poly and a solid black stain on the bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Bench

With lots of leftover wood from previous projects (farmhouse table and sideboard), I decided it was time to start another project. (I did head out to Lowes to get a piece of 4x4 for the legs...they only had Cedar. My friend found some Fir at Home Depot for a buck more).

Found the plans for the Farmhouse Bench, looked at other brag posts and their suggestions...then got to work!

Cutting the pieces was fast and relatively easy. Predrilling the pocket holes also went quick. Putting the pieces together was also very fast (though I did have to add extra pocket holes here-and-there so that the legs and two end-aprons were more sturdy).

Sanded the piece, then added a coat of Rustoleum Dark Walnut Stain, and then a couple coats of Deft Satin varnish.

Estimated Cost
$20 (for extra lumber and materials). Already had leftover lumber from previous projects.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Dark Walnut
Deft Satin Clear
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project