Community Brag Posts
small pantry
![](/sites/default/files/shelves_1.jpg)
A quick pantry idea using 4 - 1x12x6'. 2 for sides 2 cut into 24" shelves. Start with basic box and then fill in shelves where you need them. Used 4" 2x4 scraps for feet. Put together with screws and nails will eventually add back panels to keep it square.
Scalability is a huge plus
![](/sites/default/files/3154816997_1351469943.jpg)
This project scales very nicely, and lends itself to many different variations.
I was asked by my wife to create a sturdy but small table for my child's school that would support an election box for students, and afterwards be used as a decorative hall table. I wanted to use some leftover 1x's instead of the plans instructed 2x's, so I halved many of the dimensions to keep the scale relatively the same. By halving the dimensions, I had enough wood to create two tables, and I'll use the extra as a printer stand or plant stand, but the point is this plan offers many different latitudes. I will stand by the strength of these tables - by using a half lap joinery as a cross beam, not only did i add some mission style faux tenons, but the strength is unbelievable! Considerations for this plan can include making a "well" underneath the desktop, with a hinge access to the well - or slanting the desktop and off centering the I beam to allow for more leg room.
I really enjoyed this project and invite others to try it.
http://ana-white.com/2012/08/plans/55-fancy-x-desk
![](/sites/default/files/3154816998_1351469943.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154816999_1351469943.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817001_1351469943.jpg)
Comments
My First Credenza-like Printer Table
![](/sites/default/files/3154849865_1407995656.jpg)
made out of maple plywood and edge banded. the doors are not totally square but for a first go I am ok with it but its been a great learning lesson. I know where I am and where I want to get to in terms of skills.
def have to give props and shout out to Ana. her "can-do" attitude is infectious and the website is awesome. great resource and inspiration.
still gotta put on the doorknobs which were picked out by my 5 yr old son and are awesome...
![](/sites/default/files/3154849866_1407995656.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154849867_1407995656.jpg)
Comments
My version of the Small Rustic X Bench
![](/sites/default/files/1480694642957-51024174.jpg)
I've used saws before (radial arm and chop) but had never built anything. My husband helped me but let me do the work. This was my first time drilling and using the Kreg Jig. I'm planning my next project...
I added a cross piece below the X and stained the top.
Comments
Fri, 02/03/2017 - 10:25
It's my bench but I forgot to log in before posting.
Still love it. Can't decide what to do next.
Fri, 02/03/2017 - 11:30
Beautiful job, love it! We
Beautiful job, love it! We changed you to the author now too! Thanks for posting.
Trestle Desk
![](/sites/default/files/3154817179_1351831203.jpg)
This desk as planned was really quick and easy. I choose it for my 13 year old's room so I had him help me with everything. Added in a 2X6 from one end to the other with Pocket Holes in the bottom for a place to put his feet and just that much more support. The top is a door I ripped down from a house that was being torn down. Really Easy!
![](/sites/default/files/3154817180_1351831203.jpg)
They call it the Castle Bed
![](/sites/default/files/3154850032_1408475724.jpg)
First, thank you everyone on the site for the excellent contributions, ideas, comments, and inspiration!
I decided to attempt this bed after I made the Clubhouse bed for my 2 yr old and his older brother was jealous beyond belief (to be expected, right?). My 4 yr old has a full size bed, so I needed a plan that was a little friendlier to changing the bedding and with a little more clearance underneath.
I came across this plan and knew it would be perfect. One of the previous comments included instructions for materials and cuts for a full. I followed those and like magic, this bed came together in a little over a week. My 4 yr old LOVES it and calls it his Castle Bed!
I especially like that the materials are pretty consistent - 2x4s and 2x6s.
Thanks, all!
![](/sites/default/files/3154850033_1408475724.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154850034_1408475724.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154850035_1408475724.jpg)
Comments
Farmhouse table
This was a week-long project. I love this site because there are so many original tables to get great ideas from! I chose the Farmhouse table plans because of its simplicity and beautiful lines. The length of the table was a little much for my room, so I shortened it a touch. Dark walnut for the stain and Satin Ultra Pure white for the legs to match the trim in my house... a real beauty! Have fun with yours!!!
![](/sites/default/files/3154817276_1352064149.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817277_1352064149.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817278_1352064149.jpg)
Kid's room makeover
![](/sites/default/files/3154850129_1408650743.jpg)
My kids we're spending the summer at their Dad's, so I wanted to surprise them by redoing their room. I've never built anything before, but I've found that I really love it!
I decided to take the advice of another builder and reduce the width by 1/2 in in order to get 2 toy boxes out of one 4x8 sheet of plywood. I also added a lid.
I tried to replicate a driftwood type paint finish by making a stain out of steel wool, and apple cider vinegar. After it was dry, I did a paint wash with a charcoal colored paint, then added a bit of cream paint to lighten it a bit, and dry brushed it on, I did this one more time making it even lighter, then wiped and blended. After the piece was dry, I waxed it using a dark wax made from Howards was paste and Minwax jacobean stain.
The inside is ombre painted too!
I really love the way they turned out!
![](/sites/default/files/3154850130_1408650743.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154850131_1408650743.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154850132_1408650743.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154850133_1408650743.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154850134_1408650743.jpg)
Rustic X Console Table with X Top
I've needed a console table for under the stairs but everything I've looked at has always been too long. l took the plans for the Rustic X Console table and modified them to fit the space perfectly. I love the look that I was able to get by adding the 1x2 Xs to the top.
planter box
![](/sites/default/files/planter%20box.jpg)
i made 2 of these to stay in front of my garage
used old barn wood and scrap 2x4s
pain from my extra
bradnails
pocket holes
Fun Bedroom
Still have to build the headboard. We routed in a channel in each tower to install a rail system to make the shelves adjustable.
![](/sites/default/files/3154817355_1352226745.jpg)
Square planter
![](/sites/default/files/20140827_133135.jpg)
My husband built this planter in just a few hours. He said it was pretty simple, and the plans were easy to follow.
Scooters!
I was excited to make these for my 2 nieces. It was new for me to cut at degree angles but it came together well. I did them over time but I'd estimate about 2.5 hours for each scooter (I'm a newbie). I ended up putting a 5th wheel in the front to stabilize it more. Since it's a gift I thought better to be on the safe side. Casters were much cheaper on amazon than at Home Depot.
Thanks for the plans Ana!
Shelf/Desk Organizer
![](/sites/default/files/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825163416705.jpg)
I loved the cubby storage idea from Ana. It was the perfect solution to help my family stay organized during virtual learning at home. I tweaked it a bit to match my more modern decor, but love it! Thanks for the inspiration!
![](/sites/default/files/IMG_20200825_183402.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/IMG_20200825_183343.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/IMG_20200825_183244.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825163402939.jpg)
New Farmhouse Dining Room Table
My family has been in need of a new place to sit and have dinner. As a homeowner with little experience in making furniture I decided "I can build one of the tables on Ana's website." I never thought I would learn as much in the long process. I watched Patrick Hosey's video on the Farmhouse table close to 15x to learn tips and tricks. Made a plan. Then went to Lowes to execute my plan. Got home, realized I needed more material than I originally thought and went back to Lowes. Unfortunately, that step happened more than I would like to report.
First lesson learned for me pine is a difficult wood to make perfect. Some of you might have had luck with using pine but in my hands it was very difficult. I had a hard time sanding with my Dewalt palm sander and not making the dreaded squiggles or curly q's. I, of course, didn't see them until after the first coat of gel stain was on. So I had to sand the table back down to the starting point.
Second lesson learned for me was do not get ahead of yourself when applying the lacquer. I used a Deft Premium Gloss spray for my lacquer. I used Mineral Spirits to clean off any dust on the surface from lightly sanding . However, I made the mistake of putting on a second coat when I thought the mineral spirits were dry. This led to cracking and bubbling of the lacquer and a lot of swearing/drinking. I had to sand, very carefully, back down to the first layer and then start over.
Third lesson I learned was overall I love making furniture no matter how frustrated I can get at points in making it. There is something very fulfilling knowing that my family will now sit around something and share fun special meals and experiences over my table.
Please let me know how you think I did and feel free to offer tips and tricks for working with Pine. Thank you Ana and Patrick for the inspiration!
Bryan
![](/sites/default/files/3154817506_1352669645.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817508_1352669645.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817507_1352669645.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817512_1352669645.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154817513_1352669645.jpg)
Comments
Sun, 11/11/2012 - 20:30
All your hard work shows in
All your hard work shows in that gorgeous finish!
Thu, 03/28/2013 - 22:12
I had to laugh a little when
I had to laugh a little when reading this... I do the same thing...although less now. When I first started building, the folks at Home Depot, knew to ask if I needed help and I'd make trip after trip "forgetting" something. Now, I don't forget as much, have better plans and a more thorough shopping list! Hehehe
You did a great job and once I get my dining room back in order, I'll be making a table for my family to sit around too!!! Oh, and about the pine... I strongly feel that the better grade of ANY wood, the better your project will be. At my local HD, I can get a premium pine. It's more money, but the end result is a much better one and always remember with any project, take your time, get it right the first time. :-) And swear as much as you want = as long as no one else is listening! ;-)
Homeschool Room
My wife and I decided to renovate our office and turn it into our homeschool room. Built a farmhouse table for the kids (4) to use instead of individual desk along with a cubby bookshelf to use for storage. I love the way it turned out and so does the wife.
![](/sites/default/files/2014-07-23%2010.07.09.jpg)
Farmhouse Nightstands
![](/sites/default/files/Nightstands_1.jpg)
This was fairly easy to make. It's a lot easier when you have the right tools. It took a little while to understand how to figure the degree angle for the X braces. I also did a half lap joint for the X braces instead of 3 separate pieces. I also used drawer slides and added a drawer face to cover the drawer opening. I just think it looks cleaner. Thank you for these plans I am very happy with my new pieces of furniture!
Benchwright Farmhouse Table & Benches
![](/sites/default/files/3154817632_1352837932.png)
This is my second project from plans on the site. My first build was in taking the rustic x table and modifying it coffee table size. After having success with that I decided to build the dining table. It took me a bit of time, mainly because I hate sanding and finishing. The 1x6's on the top were a bit uneven, so I took a hand plane to the seams. This didn't completely sand out, but it gave the top an older worn look that I really like. I did not add the iron pipe. I had a hard time finding any of the decorative embellishments for the ends and I also decided that being 6'2", I might enjoy the extra leg room.
I built both benches according to plan, except that I increase the outside 2x2s of the top to 2x3s and made an upholstered bench to serve as a cushion. I liked the look of the wood top for the benches, but wanted something a little bit more comfy.
I would strongly encourage anyone to build items from any of these plans. I've always been good at building, but just needed something to serve as a guide. There are times when your own modifications come in to play. I think that reflects you taste and in some cases the material you have available to you. But all in all, everything I've tried has worked well.
![](/sites/default/files/3154817633_1352837932.png)
Counter Height Garden Boxes 2 feet x 4 feet
![](/sites/default/files/planter.jpg)
I used the Counter Height Garden Boxes 2 feet x 4 feet plan (http://ana-white.com/2012/11/plans/counter-height-garden-boxes-2-feet-x…) but decided to make the sides 12 inches high versus the 8 inch in the plan.
I decided to use two layers of weed control cloth on the bottom which I used a staple gun to attach. I then used 7 evenly spaced 1x4's for support. I then layered old newspaper on top of the weed control fabric. Filled the planter with 2 large bags of Garden Soil from Home Depot, and finally put down a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to help with moisture control as I am in Florida and the sun dries plants out quickly. I do plan on running a timed drip line irrigation to the planter this winter.
Since Cedar is very hard to find here, I opted for pressure treated wood. For those concerned about using pressure treated wood in gardens I offer this for you to read (http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/is-treated-lumber-safe-for-building-r…).
When all else was done I planted Basil, and 2 types of Tomatoes (Roma & Cherry). The planter has been such a success I am planning to build several more this winter.