Community Brag Posts

King Farmhouse Bed with Trim

Submitted by efmolly on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 09:45

I followed Ana's plans for the King Farmhouse bed to begin with. I then added some small crown and cove molding to make it look a little fancier. To make the bed match existing furniture, I used a hole hog drill bit to cut out semi-circular holes from the feet of the footboard. I feature a few other projects like this on my blog http://pneumaticaddict.blogspot.com .

Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I created this finish in attempts to match existing nightstands and dresser. I built the bed with a different species of wood to save costs, so some creative, faux finishing was required.

The top plates are stained with 'Golden Oak' oil-based stain from Minwax and sealed with 2 coats of Polyurethane in semi-gloss. The rest of the piece was painted with Antique White, latex paint. I then glazed the entire painted area with a warm, light brown glaze. Following that, I selectively added areas of different colors of glaze. First mustard yellow, then olive green, then dark brown. I hand painted faux knot holes to mimic the ones in the existing furniture and then sealed everything with 2 coats of Polyacrylic in Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog Kennel

Submitted by swari on Tue, 11/04/2014 - 12:03

What an awsome introduction to using a Kregg Drill. The plans were so easy to follow, making this a really fun build. I did increase the dimensions of the kennel to accomadate Ezzy's full grown size, but the plans were otherwize followed. The tin signs arranged for the top of the kennel makes it a great conversation piece.

Estimated Cost
Lumber and hardware cost $100.00. We used Chilli Pepper Red in Benjamin Moore Satin, $80.00 for a gallon and we had plenty left over for touch ups if the puppy chewed, and a walnut stain to add a distressed look. For durability, a polyurethane coating was added. The vintage tin signs were a ridiculously costly addition at $20.00/sign, but we wanted something a bit different. The kennel will be moved into the home office so the signs on top will be a nice "pop".
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chili Pepper Red, by Benjamin Moore in a satin finish. Distressed the wood and applied a walnut stain followed by a coat of polyurethane. Tin signs cut to fit the top and glued/screwed down.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Succulent Planter From Pallets

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 02/11/2017 - 13:47

This is a very easy project to make for the beginning woodworker. It is low cost since it is made from scrap pallets and should only take a couple of hours to make. The same plans can be used to make a nicer version from 1x4 cedar boards. The planter holds succulent plants which are almost care free and extremely easy to grow.

More Info: https://www.instructables.com/id/Succulent-Planter-From-Pallets/

Estimated Cost
$1
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Dog Kennel

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/08/2020 - 11:33

Large dog kennel/ end table. Love it!!

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cubby Bookshelf large

Submitted by bhoneycutt on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 20:57

Had a blast building this. I am still learning as I am just starting out building and woodworking. Took a afternoon to build it and a few days with coats of primer and paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
85$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by ssshindler on Fri, 11/07/2014 - 05:39

This is my first project and I am thrilled with how it turned out. Thank you Ana, you have empowered this stay at home mom! 

Finish Used
minwax dark walnut stain, polyvore wax varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

sagey

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 18:41

I  love this table sooooooo much .

please explain exactly how you achieved the finish on it > is the wood reclaimed!!!!

sagey

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 18:42

I  love this table sooooooo much .

please explain exactly how you achieved the finish on it > is the wood reclaimed!!!!

Lovely loveseat!

Submitted by dtmak on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 19:13

I made the "Outdoor Loveseat" from the "Modern Comfort Collection". The plans were very helpful! As a true novice, one issue I ran into was that the seat back bottom slats was about 3/8" longer than would fit. In any case, I was able to trim the boards down and the seat looks great. I ordered the cushions from Amazon.

The seat is now at my father's house where he can sit in the sun - when it's warm enough (in the spring/fall/winter) or cool enough in the summer. The build time was longer because I cut the wood and pre-assembled major pieces at home and then drove the pieces to my father who lives out of state.

Thank you for sharing the plans!

Estimated Cost
$56
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Simple Workbench

Submitted by coolove on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 15:27

A few months ago, I made a simple workbench to store my miter saw and other power tools when I'm not using them. I love it. It was a very easy project. I opted to do a full bottom shelf and added more 2x4s instead of the standard three.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish but I applied three coats of wood hardener for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Castle Loft Bed "Frozen" Themed

I present the "Castle Loft Bed" with minor modifications. Finished in a "Frozen" theme.

It was time to upgrade my youngest to a "big kid bed" and she was insistent on a frozen bed. After searching for various options we settled on the "Castle Loft Bed" from the Ana White catalog of plans.

We left the slide off, due to available space. Also we changed the steps to be more of a usable toy box/storage and hamper area. I also modified the internal bookcase to have a small "secret" cubby for her "valuables". We also added color changing LEDs to fit the little princess's mood.

 

I hope you like my rendition and keeps in spirit the DIYers quality.

Estimated Cost
$425.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Various paint colors
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Hall Tree

Rustic Hall Tree
I have been looking for a really nice Hall Tree with out having to spend an entire week just to build it and I found it here. I followed the plans with the exception of the width, which I had to narrow due to where it was to go. I also had to shorten due to wife's height (5 ft 1). Because I help with my friends projects I end up with left over odd and ends and can use them in my projects. The backing I used is T- 1-11, that I sanded down till smooth and then painted. The seat and shelf is a 1 x 12 x 6 bullnose that was left over from a prior project that I cut to 1 x 12 x 3, then ripped the other half to fill in the seat making it 18 inch wide and used the other half to make the top self. The trim was left over from a book shelf that I helped a friend build. I painted the tree but stained the seat, shelf, trim and X with red mahogany stain to match the floor and then sealed with 4 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane.
Thanks for the plans, next project will be a desk for up stairs.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little foot stools

Very quick stools: 45 Minutes

Materials:
Lumber (plywood or solid 3/4 stock)
foam & batting to size
Straight Legs Plates
pre-made legs (finish to taste)
spray adhesive
staples
fabric

Tools:
Hammer
small flat head screw driver (helps to have one on hand)
small drill bit and screw driver (or cordless drill)
good shears and a razor blade. I circular fabric cutter is awesome and leaves a clean edge)
Staple Gun

* Out of a reclaimed 1x12 cutout 2 8"x14.5" pieces of lumber.
* Space out and attach the Straight Leg Plates (pre-drill the holes)
attach legs
* spray adhesive foam to the board.
* drape your batting over the foam. (I stretch and stable the batting).
* drape and cut fabric to the right dimensions (leave a little overhang to fold under.)
* Staple the fabric (either pleat or 45 the corners)
* Hot glue or nail head on your trim. If using nail heads make a ribbon from the fabric you are using.
* Done :)

My next set will be solid with nailheads

Estimated Cost
25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly or Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

thebeatonpath (not verified)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 09:20

So excited to see this! Recently purchased leg plates and legs for pennies at an estate sale and thrift store and wanted to make something from them, plus I already have the foam, batting and extra fabric. I have now found just the project because we have NO foot stools. THANKS for posting!

Tryed Side Table

Submitted by CJaq7 on Wed, 11/12/2014 - 17:16

Absolutely love this site. Built 2 of these for my living room. Now building the matching sofa table to match. Couldn't be easier and I think they turned out great. Thank you for all the great plans

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Pecan with Minwax Satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Night stand

Submitted by JReed on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 13:03

We had a lot of scraps left over from a previous project so my husband decided to piece together a night stand for our daughter's room. We modified some end table and bar stool plans to fit what we were looking for accordingly. Because her furniture is natural color, we left the wood and just coated twice with polyurethane.

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

Comments

Simple staircase bench

Submitted by BenjiRPX on Sun, 11/16/2014 - 12:02

A simple bench to try my first Kreg Pocket hole Jig. I designed the bench myself, but did not create plans. I used pine wood and 3 layers of varnish for protection. My wife wanted to natural finish so I preferred varnish over paint.

Surprinsingly easy project ! And my wife is very happy that the staircase if finally tidy. Happy wife, happy life ;-)

Estimated Cost
20 euros
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varnish - 3 layer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Little Helper Tower

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 07:54

This project is so great! At first I put one side of the hinges on backwards but it was easy to fix and now it actually folds flat. I left the stabilizer feet off because I only have about four inches beside my fridge to store the tower in but it it's still completely stable. My son was "dancing" on it yesterday and it held up perfectly! Thanks Ana, I'm so excited to use this for years!!

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

Christmas pie safe

I found the knob on clearance for 59 cents at Lowe’s and the hinges were under $3. The rest was just pretty plywood and some thin poplar instead of edge banding with a boiled linseed oil finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Boiled linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mamasue72

Sat, 11/25/2023 - 12:17

I am so in love with this! I love traditional and antiques this old time pie safe is what I have been looking for. Especially with cats around. Beautiful and simple!

Seasonal And Holiday

julia nightstand

Submitted by jjsarkinen on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 13:55

Nice plan to do. Used an off white paint and antiqued it with stain pen.

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

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by jesskb on Tue, 11/18/2014 - 14:37

This was my first build and I'm really happy with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used the oxidation technique and finished with 5 coats of satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Custom built kitchen

Submitted by DIYMomof4 on Thu, 02/23/2017 - 11:30

With our old kitchen crumbling to pieces, I decided to build a new kitchen.  I followed several of Ana's cabinet plans to build the entire kitchen(more than I could list at the bottom).  I was able to customize the cabinet sizes in order to maximize my kitchen space.  I made the doors myself, so I didn't need to worry about standard sizing.  It took me about a year from demolition to completion.  I had to buy a few new tools, all the wood, appliances, the floor, and countertop, and still spent around $5,000.  I learned so much from this project and we all love our new kitchen!  Thank you Ana for all of your wonderful plans!     

Estimated Cost
under $5,000 - including a table saw, hardware, appliances, flooring,
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Target Coatings golden chestnut stain and waterborne alkyd varnish semi-gloss. You can order this online.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate