Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse bench / table project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/15/2016 - 16:07

The table and bench project were awesome. I got a lot of inspiration from these, and have built 4 table so far. After posting the first one on Facebook, everyone wanted one. The one thing I would recommend is to really pay close attention to the lumber you're buying, make sure it straight and the edges are not chipped, to ensure all yourights seams match up, and your project ends up square.  A tip to alleviate all this,  is to buy everything wider than you need, and rip it straight through your table saw. What I mean is, if the table top calls for 2x10's, then buy 2x12's instead, and rip them down to 10 inches, so you're seams match up perfectly.  It may cost a tad bit more, but you will definitely be happier with the end result. 

Finish Used
Stain and white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Completed Parsons Desk

Submitted by mawiggins on Sun, 08/30/2020 - 12:13

Due to Covid we had to have a desk for our son and the options for ordering were limited and costly. I love Ana White's projects and found her plan for a parson desk. While I have read many of the plans and dreamed of actually building something this was my first completed project. This was fun and my son is happy that he was able to help with the painting.

Built from Plan(s)

Outdoor bistro table and tall backed stools

I build the bar table with an x-base and created some stools using part of the plan. We really wanted backs on the stools so I made them up!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and painted white, sealed against the weather.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/13/2012 - 05:39

That build came out really nice, but the scenic background, wow!!!!

Jake

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 18:16

Hard to believe that you are a beginner. Fantastic work. Keep it up and the whole home will be furnished.

dallynd

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 13:47

I'd love some information on the backs. My husband has a bad back and it's a necessity, but I'm a beginner and not sure how you did it/

Scrap wood mirror with hooks

Submitted by naomi on Sun, 08/31/2014 - 08:14

This was made from scrap wood, a cheap $5.00 mirror and some hooks. This hangs near my front door and I hang scarves and bags on it. Always good to have a mirror to double check yourself before you leave the house. It was based on Ana White's Craftsman Frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Side Street Bunk Beds

Capped railing and head/foot board for a different look. Did not like the look of the carriage bolts so sunk those in and used buttons to cover. Modified slope and added hooks to ladder so we could remove to vacuum etc. Would of added one more step if I were to do it again. My guys are little so added railings to back side top and bottom and extended railings.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ralph Lauren Napoleon Blue. Varathane Polyurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

modified X

Submitted by colsen on Sat, 11/17/2012 - 10:08

This is my very first project. Never used a saw before until a few weeks ago. I am really happy with the way it turned out.

I shortened the plan and modified the second shelf. I was planning on an "X" brace for both sides but got carried away and realized it wasn't going to work on the one side. I like the end result and don't mind that its missing.

I would have finished it sooner but was a bit intimidated by the angled cuts. My miter saw only cuts 45.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Iron acetate, however I applied the stain backwards. I put the tea on last instead of first. Then 3 coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 11/26/2012 - 18:17

Wow you did an awesome job on this! Congrats! Looks very professional. The modified second shelf is a great touch, I think it looks perfect without an X on that side. BTW love the shells and captain's wheel too. :)

Check out / Display Counter

I built this Counter for a new business in Chatham, Va. Will add lighting in side !

Finish Used
Black Stain/Early American highlites/Gloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Grandy Sliding Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/23/2016 - 17:05

Had to trim a little off the barn door track so they would fit, but overall, great project!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic Console Table

Submitted by crazedyak on Sat, 09/06/2014 - 14:10

I followed the plan, and used plain pine wood.  The wood cost $106 at my local Home Depot.  The Kreg R3 Jr. Jig, Clamp and Screws I already had from a previous project. This is a weekend project.  Biggest obstacle here is to make sure the shelves stay level.  After it was built I sanded everything with 180 grit before going to the staining step.

 

Stain...  I made a pot of STRONG Tetly Black Tea and painted the entire table.  I decided to go with this Oxidizing Stain (http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2011/01/how-to-weather-new-wood.ht…) for the wood.  The Black Tea increases the tannins in the wood, which makes a stronger reaction in the woodgrain after you apply the oxidizing solution.  After the solution dried I sanded lightly with 180 grit again and now it's ready for Wipe-On Poly to be applied.

 

Just one small hint.. The Oxidizing Solution takes a few days to react, so plan accordingly.  I let mine set for 7 days before use.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidizing Solution and Black Tea
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Farmhouse Dining Room Table w/ Benches

Made a vintage/rustic farmhouse dining room table with matching benches. Fairly easy DIY job. The notches were the most difficult. Quite heavy, so I suggest using less 2x2 for under-table supports. Turned out beautifully and very happy with it.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bon Appetit Rustic Kitchen Island

Submitted by Janettx on Sun, 11/25/2012 - 07:18

Here is the Easy Kitchen Island all finished. I learned to use my k-reg with this project. To attach the top I instead used corner blocks in each corner of the bottom unit and screwed the top in place. I found this made the piece more sturdy. for the 1x2's I used furring strips which are not very nice however I painstakingly picked through a large pile till I found ones that were straight and without knots. I then had to sand them like crazy. Saved a ton of money but worked very hard. This project actually took 19 - 1x2's rather than what the plan called for. When complete this piece was very heavy...I love it and have found the perfect home for it.
Thanks again Ana!
Janet

Estimated Cost
60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White gloss paint and Mahogany stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic tv stand

Submitted by joslwea on Mon, 09/08/2014 - 09:54

Rustic tv stand made from pallets and reclaimed ship lap and 2x4's

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax early american
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

joslwea

Tue, 09/23/2014 - 20:39

I actually made this without the plans. I saw the picture on pinterest that wasnt linked to your site and just made my own plans for it. If I recall, I made it 5ft in length. BTW, big fan of yours! Your plans are so detailed and your pieces give me so much inspiration as a fellow furniture builder. If you have time I'd love for you to check out my facebook page, jennamaedesigns, and tell me what you think. I'm new to the building bizz but I love it! Thanks again for commenting

Thanks for a super project!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 09:49

I used cedar, stainless steel rails and finished with marine spar varnish.  Gave to my son for Christmas to hold his smoker/barbeque!   Thanks for the super project idea!

Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Marine Spar Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nephew's Custom Bookshelf and Train Table Bed.

Submitted by pondrider on Mon, 09/07/2020 - 12:50

Today Tracie and I had the privilege of delivering a custom bed to my nephew south of Houston. His mom, my sister wanted to combine reading, trains, and of course sleeping. I delivered a bed with their selected color, dark walnut, hidden lights, electrical/USB outlets, a rollout train/play table, and a bed between two sets of bookshelves. Yes, it is all solidly built to be ready to hand down to the next generation. Please know I enjoyed this project while being inspired further to build more. I bragged recently that this would be the perfect bed for English teachers.

2 Person Desk System

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/14/2024 - 09:38

Took the farm house desk and mirrored it. It has four file drawers and a desk drawer on each end. The frame and drawers are clear coat polyurethane and the desktop is stained chestnut with warm satin polycrylic clear coat. - 

Mike Godfrey, Spring Hill, Florida

Built from Plan(s)
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