Community Brag Posts

Ariel's Coffee Table

I built that table for a friend using primarily hand tools. The only power tools were a table saw to rip the legs from a scrap 2x12 from another project, and a drill for draw-bore holes.

The table is made from pine, so that it is light enough for a woman of small stature to carry it up to a third-floor apartment. The frame is made with mortise and tenon joinery for strength, and the joints are draw-bored to make sure it doesn't fall apart in our lifetime.

The top is a glued-up panel from five other boards. This was my first panel glue up, so it was a little bit exciting in the same way that a kitchen fire is exciting. The surface has a rustic texture, made by planing it smooth with a cambered jack plane. The texture isn't visible under normal lighting, but with a raking light you can see it. It's very interesting to run your fingers over this table because of the texture from the plane, and the strong grain of the white pine.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The finish is amber shellac, with four coats of gloss polyurethane, thinned 1:1 with mineral spirits to improve the flow and help the finish self-level.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Loveseat

Still need to stain but this was my very first project and it turned out well!  The directions are very easy to follow and I am very happy with it!

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Will be using Minwax oil-based stain over a wood conitioner, and a clear flat oil-based top-coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by DCecil43 on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 19:54

Just like my previous post on the nightstands, It was cheaper to build a bed that I envisioned instead of searching for something over priced.  I found the plans for this bed on the site but made the headboard a little over 6 feet tall.  This came out amazing and really compliments the nightstands.  I also built the sconces that are centered over the nightstands to keep the tops of the nightstands clean and not cluttered.  They also have touch pads for the lights mounted behind the bed to make them easy to turn on and off.

This is hands down the best transformation in any room in my house.  Ana, you saved me a ton of money with DIY.  I even picked up most of the Kreg jigs along the way which is an added bonus!

Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American Stain and Minwax Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

King Farmhouse Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/18/2019 - 15:41

After a successful attempt at Ana’s farmhouse desk I decided to make a bed for my wife... needless to say I think she likes it! Thanks to Ana and Pretty Handy Girl’s plans! (This is my 3rd woodworking project)

Estimated Cost
700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Cabinet Enamel
Minwax Dark Walnut stain
minwax Polycrylic satin polyurethane

I used acetone to transfer the graphic I designed for my inlay. I carved out the inlay with a router. I stained the wood and then painted the surface black.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First Woodworking Project - Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/03/2019 - 07:34

I am embarrassed to admit, but we had been using a 8ft plastic folding table with a table cloth and folding chairs for TWO YEARS prior to this build. I had struggled to find a table that was large enough and that I actually liked. I was so fed up that we decided to build this table. It was a huge learning curve because we had never build anything before. BUT IT IS DOABLE and FUN!

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mimi Wax - Walnut & Mini Wax Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Tall Bookshelves

Submitted by frmoody on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 09:23

A friend wanted these bookshelves to match the Farmhouse X Desk but she wanted them narrow so they would fit in a small office. This was a very challenging and at times frustrating build getting everything to fit and getting the X's correct but in the end they turned out very well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The wood was painted with a white cabinet paint and the shelves were stained with Varathane Kona.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

American Girl upholstered arm chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/21/2016 - 13:47

I used the pattern and instructions on how to re-size from http://1inchminisbykris.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/chair-upholstering-tutt…. I then built the base using 1x1 and part of a wood closet rod I had left over and drawer bottom material from Home Depot.  I know those descriptions are not super informative but it's just materials I had around the house.  Once the base was built I used Ana's instructions from the doll mattress tutorial to sew the bottom and back cushions.  Unfortunately, I don't have pictures from the build but I intend to make her a couch when I have time so hopefully I can add some pictures of that to give an idea of what the frame looks like.

Estimated Cost
~$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/24/2023 - 09:23

I made a pair of Adirondack chairs for my nephew and his fiancé. I use the old Home Depot plans (not sure if they're still online). I used treated 2x4's and cedar 1x4's.

Comments

King Size Fancy Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/08/2019 - 04:04

My hubby and I never really wanted a king size bed until we had grand babies and the bed just wasn’t big enough. I found the Ana White Fancy Farmhouse bed plans, ask if he thought he could make it....he did not disappoint!!! I love our new bed and it’s ready for Honey and Pepe’s first sleepover.

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

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by WolffA on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 08:15

Used Kreg Jig HD screws and pocket holes with glue. Stained in Dark Walnut. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

West Elm Bed Knockoff

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 13:00

We paired this bed frame with Nathan James upholstered headboard to replicate our favorite Airbnb we stayed at in Telluride. That bed was a $1300 from West Elm. Minus the tools, this bed came in around $500 for everything (including bedding).
Wood: Douglas Fir
Stain: American Walnut

Built from Plan(s)

My first build. Queen size playhouse loft bed.

Submitted by Bunnie1978 on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 18:57

Aiden's Clubhouse.

I can't even believe I was able to build this! Everyone thought I was crazy for undertaking such a huge project. I made it a queen size because my son would always sleep in my bed anyways... so I just gave it to him. The bed took 4 weeks because I could only work on it on Saturday afternoons. The first week, I made a frame with cleats on the wall. The second week I built the house and stairs. The third week I built the slide and did some of the painting. Today, I finished painting and trim.

I did modify the plans and merged the plan for the slide into my plan, which was a last minute addition. As such, I had to "measure-and-cut-as-you-go" build this bed. I would highly recommend to anyone considering such a task, don't do that. Make a plan, cut all your wood, paint before assembly, and stick to the plan. My stairs all lift up, and under the top landing there is also a cut out inside Aiden's clubhouse-you can see it behind him in the picture below. Also under the slide is a cut out for storage. I have not done anything with the inside of the clubhouse yet. Someday...

I designed the bed specifically so that I could take it apart if we ever move... we live in an apartment. The stairs/stairwell are only connected to the rest of the bed with a single screw. The other wall is a bit more difficult to remove, but not impossible.

I learned a few things doing this, that I want to share with you all..
1. The Kreg-Jig is the best thing ever.
2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE power tools.
3. 4x4 sheets of MDF are difficult to carry upstairs by myself.
4. I can do anything.

I hope you all like it. This was my son's 4th birthday present and he really loves it.

It isn't finished yet though. The far wall in the room is about 2 ft away from the bed, and I haven't decided what to do with that side of the bed, so it's still plain. I would love some ideas! What do you think?

Estimated Cost
$800 including the new tools.. table saw, nailer, kreg, new drill
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr paint. I coordinated the colors on the Behr website to try and match the colors already on the wall.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:30

I did make a couple mistakes with the slide. I made it too narrow. Right now it is 1 foot wide. Next time I would do 1 1/2 feet wide. I also would make the landing at the top bigger. I like the angle of the slide now at 45 degrees, but my son did have to learn how to slide down it without falling foward at the bottom. So, a more well designed slide would be less steep, wider, and with a bigger landing at the top. Another tip... for the top of the stairs, take extra care to make sure they swing straight and are about 1/2 inch less wide than the space so they don't scrape the side of the stairwell walls.

spiceylg

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 03:56

This is you FIRST build? Impressive indeed. You did a great job and Aiden is one blessed boy!

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:32

Technically, I did finish the ten dollar ledge above his bed earlier this week, before I completed the bed, but it was all part of the same project! :) The only other thing I've built is 2x4s slapped together to hold aquariums. My other hobby is breeding fish. :)

Ganny Girl

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:01

This is amazing! I can't believe it was your first build! Did you add any extra support to accommodate the queen size mattress?

Bunnie1978

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:29

Yes I actually made a whole frame. Basically just studs - on the walls they are just screwed into studs in the wall, then the other two sides are supported by the walls of the house and a vertical frame piece also. There are two stud slats connected to that, so that bed isn't going anywhere. This is the same method I use for supporting 1500 pound aquariums. I have a bunch of 1x3 slats in there as well...

So, if I want to move the bed, I would remove the side with the stairs (~62 inches)- that whole side is one unit, secured to the frame with one screw, and secured to the other wall by about 5 finish nails and one screw. The longer wall (~85 inches) is secured to the frame by 6 screws.

Queen mattresses are HEAVY. :) I learned that too.

Dani83264 (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 08:21

we're making the Playhouse Loft Bed for a queen bed as well. Maybe you can answer a question for me. Are the dimensions to fit a queen size bed as written, or do we need to convert them. A queen mattress is 75 x 80 and it looks like that's what this is made to fit, but I don't wanna find out i'm wrong after I already have that thing hoisted up over my head :) Thanks for any advice you can offer!

ashleymyers233

Thu, 06/25/2015 - 00:53

Can anyone guide me as to what parts of the clubhouse and castle bed plans were used here to make this bed

Farmhouse Bed - Canadian King

Submitted by rbernier09 on Thu, 11/28/2019 - 06:39

Followed Ana’s plans to the inch and I had no issues at all everything fit like a glove. I used knotty pine for all facing boards except for the 2x4 sandwiched second from the top on both head and footboard (used spruce). I used spruce for anything that would be hidden. Glue and #10 fasteners. Instead of screwing the side rail cleats to the foot/headboard post I used 3.5 inch bolts and washers.

A Canadian King is when your dog owns your bed and allows you to sleep in it.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Circa 1850 Bleach.
Minwax white wash pickling stain.
Old Masters Wiping Stain - Dark Walnut.
Varathane Diamond water based clear coat - Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Flat back book racks

Submitted by Spolitte on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 20:39

These came together nicely but I definitely advocate the right tool for cutting the curves on the sides. Also, the next time we make them, and we most likely will, I will make the roomy version. The wider size will give us a little more room for a few extra books. All in all the girls are very please with them. I like that they are just above their bed to make night time reading easy and fun. Couldn't have done it without you Ana. Thanks.

Estimated Cost
10ish dollars minus paint
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We painted all the surfaces a No Voc semi gloss for easy cleaning. When it came time to add the girls names I found that a bright semi gloss with layers of corresponding glitter paint added the vivid contrast and bling that all little girls love.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Folding workbench

Submitted by mellyc_fl on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 17:42

We do not have a garage yet, so this size works great to push out of the way when not being used and pull out for a workbench and also to extend the table top for the saw.  The plans were easy to follow and easy to modify.  I added a base made of 2x4’s to make it sturdier since it will be moved across a deck vs a level floor.  I also added some boards behind the shelf to keep things from falling out the back and adjusted the height to match the table saw top.   Next up will be a router table stand to replace the camping footlocker. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Book Rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/22/2016 - 11:08

I built this book rack using scrap wood and modified plans from the Full Length Plate Rack. It was a really straightforward build, and functions very well as vertical storage that takes up little space. I predrilled, screwed and glued all of the joints, vs. stapling.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of "Simplicity" country chic chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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