Community Brag Posts

Cubby Storage System

Submitted by beckysnest on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 11:04

This was my first building project ever! Even though it took longer than I expected to complete (I have four tiny kids and snagged an hour here and there during nap time over the course of many months), it was absolutely worth the time investment (and wait)! Hanging the doors was tricky (my awesome husband tackled that part), but other than that it was easy to put together. Finishing it was the hardest part by far. If I were to do it again, I'd probably do some preliminary sanding of the boards before putting them together and I would most certainly not use oak (I was talked into it by the HD guys) especially since I ended up painting it. I think it would have turned out just as great if I'd used a cheaper wood or MDF. Thanks for the plans Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Started with two coats of Behr Ultra Interior Satin (paint w/primer) color matched to Martha Stewart Barn Red (sanded between coats). After one final (light) sanding to distress, I finished with one coat of Ralph Lauren Glaze in Tobacco that I had on hand (brush on one side of surface and then quickly wipe away excess with an old rag--moving the rag in the direction of the wood grain). The glaze brought out the wood grain more and helped tone down the exposed wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 15:19

When my son graduated from the paramedic course in college I asked him what I could make for him. He said that he needed a desk. So I made one using your plan out of 2X4’s. I used my propane torch to lightly burn the wood, then I made a void and inserted, my Cap badge from when I was in the service and coated the top in epoxy . The rest of the desk has several coats of polyurethane

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Clubhouse based on Ana's Plan

Submitted by MattSl on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 09:18

I used Ana's plan as a base.

I changed it from 8x8 to 8x12, made the 4x4x8's to 4x4x10' for a higher main platform and swing platform, and added a 12' long monkey bar set to the other side. Also, an 8' climbing wall and a plank walkway to accompany the two slides.

For the clubhouse, I used Hardiplank 4x8 sheets for the siding and an EZ-Framer kit for the structure itself.

The slides I purchased from Lowes, monkey bars from Amazon, and the swing frame braces from Amazon as well. The swing kits I got from ebay.

Estimated Cost
1500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Tiny house MIL unit

Ever since I saw the "wild rose" I knew it was the one I would build for my mom. I wanted a tiny house she would not have to climb a loft for her bedroom and still fit everything she would need. This is a brilliant layout! Many family, friends, and strangers donated money, time, appliances, and windows to get this house built. My husband and I have been finishing it up ourselves with some professional help in between since September and just put the appliances in today. Tomorrow the sink and counter-it's really happening, pinch me I'm dreaming! Thank you Ana & family, I can't imagine what kind of house my mom would have ended up with without your help. This was a really easy and fun build. Thank you so much!

Estimated Cost
20K
5 months
Finish Used
outside will be painted with stian. Inside we mixed a stain of red mahogany and early american to match the windows
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Lukilla on Wed, 01/19/2022 - 11:54

Had fun with this build. Love how large this table is. Gives me a place to put my feet up and there is still room for the kids to play with Legos. Lots of storage space underneath.

Finished with Varathane Golden Oak with Minwax Ebony lowlights.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Sewing Table for small spaces

I loaded this project months ago, but somehow it was removed I believe during one of the websit updates. So far in my wife's crafting life she generally cuts things out on the floor. It's not so good. Our dining room table is usually covered in food or playdough so she generally just spreads things out on the floor. I realized how much she needed a table, and armed with new power tools from Christmas and my birthday, I set out to make me a crafting table. This was my first project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax blue rub on stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Makeup table

Submitted by kgclark31 on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 18:02

Made this table for my sons girlfriend for her makeup and to use as a table for her laptop.

Comments

Bottlecap Buffet Coffee Liquor Party Super Bar!

Built the project from the original plans. Modified by creating a shadow box style countertop. Also decided to make the shelves movable rather than just being static. Purchased the mini barn door hardware kit from Amazon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500 total with barn door hardware kit from Amazon and 3/8 inch tempered glass for the top.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and wipe on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed Mod

Submitted by adck9d on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 14:01

Took the Farmhouse bed model and incorporated a geometric headboard. This thing is heavy!

Comments

Wife's Kindergarten Classroom

Been a while since I had time to actually build anything worth posting about! My wife wanted some items for her Kindergarten classroom this year, so built several items, most inspired by the Farmhouse family.

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

Comments

sido17

Thu, 07/18/2019 - 15:27

I would love the dimensions or plans for this. Would love to make it for my classroom.

dlee69

Tue, 07/30/2019 - 12:07

Hello

Can I please get the plans to the u shape table?

Thanks

Linguine

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 12:09

I am guessing the corner posts are 2 x 4s, the top is 2 x 10s.  It looks like the width is 6’ (looking at the floor carpet tiles being 24” square). So 2 - 2 x 10s side by side for the main part of the desk top and 2 - 2 x10s perpendicular on each side of the chair.  I guess the height is subject to choice and the length of each side would also be subject to choice or to the length of the 2 x 10s to be economical.

 

an educated guess would be 4 - 8’  2x10s for the top and 6 - 6’ 2 x 4s for the legs?  

 

Anyone else have any input here?  Open to suggestions.....

Outdoor chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 13:23

built straight from ana's plan. Used cedar 2x4s. super easy to make really happy how they came out. Cushions were like $52 per set at home depot.

Comments

Georgia's Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 18:04

This build is a little jewelry box for a family friend who just had a baby girl named Georgia. Although I've built this box several times for myself and others to use for storage, I hadn't done a plan for it until now. This is from Georgia's Jewelry Box plan.

The wood is 1x4 and 1x6 whitewood scraps. The hinges are flat "H" style hinges from Lowes. I had them for another project and ended up not using them. The hinge color works very well with the light yellow, which I thought would be pretty for a little girl.

Originally I was going to paint or stencil her name on the front, but ended up printing it on pretty scrapbook paper and attaching with Mod Podge. Also added this paper to the bottom inside the box. Everything is top coated with Mod Podge.

On the inside of the top, I glued a 3" craft mirror (these are available in a 5-pack from Michael's for $1.99).

This was a very easy build. It look less than an hour to cut, build, and sand. The finishing I completed a few minutes at a time throughout the day, but the actual work between drying times wasn't more than an hour.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood & Hardware: Free (scrap/already on hand), and I have loads left over from the Finishing materials: $2.98 for paint sample, $1.99 for mirrors, $6.49 for mod podge
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Valspar Hazy Dawn (sanded between coats), name and box bottom are scrapbook paper attached with mod podge, and the top coat is Mod Podge (satin finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 18:28

Georgia's mommy loved the little jewelry box, and was tickled that I named this plan after her little girl. The best part of the visit was getting to hold adorable 3-week-old Georgia. :0)

Modified shoe bench

Submitted by mdj1281 on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 05:06

In our new home there was a 46" wide coat closet at the entrance. My wife wanted a place to sit down, take off shoes and put our coats and backpacks when we were home. I found Ana White's plans for this shoe bench and modified it to fit our space. The project took 3 days to complete due to the painting, staining and polyurethane, construction of the bench itself was quick. Previously I added a light switch and two 3" LED recessed lights in the ceiling. The project came out wonderful and I am very pleased. Thank you for the inspiration!

 

-Mike

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss paint (2 coats), Minwax Red Mahogany 225, Varathane Polyurethane semi-gloss (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Floating Bunk Beds and Desk

This little girls room needed a little happy birthday!  I planked the wall with birch veneer, made simple box frames for the beds and desk, and attached them to walls with heavy duty cable.  Then my friend added her designer touch, and made it cozy and  girl CHIC!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Christmas card frame

Modified Ana's plans to omit the chalkboard and make larger.  Measures 75"h x 36"wide.  All 1x2s, cuts are 2 @ 75", 2 @ 34 1/2", 2 @ 73 1/2", 2 @ 31 1/2".

Estimated Cost
$20 (4 - 1x2x10)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
The Real Milk Paint Co. flag red, dark wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Above Toilet Cabinet

Submitted by Smokeydog on Thu, 12/24/2015 - 13:08

I built this above toilet cabinet for my son and his wife for Christmas.  They needed a little extra bathroom storage.   Turned out pretty good.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$135.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
BEHR SATIN PAINT
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

blowtorch stained kitchen table

Submitted by KL728MX on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 12:55

I combined two plans to make this and added my own touch to it as well. I am 6' 4" and wanted a taller table but I really like the farmhouse table. I found 35" turned table legs at Lowes that worked perfectly. I also found these really cool 2'X4' butcher block style spruce panels that worked great for the table top. I pocket holed 3 of them side by side to get the size I wanted. I built the frame out of 2X3's and trimmed them out with some molding. I had seen people blowtorch tables before and I thought it would look really good. I added the stain afterward to darken the color and it came out awesome. I painted the legs and frame white to match the trim and cabinets in my kitchen.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
blowtorch and minwax gunstock stain, 3 coats of polyacrylic satin clear
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

CSaintD

Wed, 01/06/2016 - 10:12

That is a great idea for the table top - using the panels, I mean.  I  never thought of that as an alternative to the long 2x boards.  Great job!

KL728MX

Sun, 01/24/2016 - 12:46

I really aprriciate your comment. It was really easy to use the panels and it also eliminated the amount of pocket holes needed. It also made it alot easier to get a smooth and flush table top. The only downside is you typicaly want the wood grain to run the length of the table. Given the size of the panels I had to run the wood grain the other direction. I still like it but some wouldn't because of that reason.

Custom mudroom storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/26/2023 - 14:04

Used this app to build a custom nook for shoes and coats. Its been fantastic and super easy to put together!

Comments

Community Garden Farm Stand

This spring, my neighborhood started a community garden.  Five families came together to break ground, sow, tend, and give away our produce.  The local church close by allowed us to use their front lawn for the "Lakeside Community Garden," located in Duluth, MN.   Every Saturday during harvest season, we gave away our produce to the community.  I took on the project of building a farm stand.  One of our neighborhood families donated re-claimed lumber to the cause, and I started building.  I had research many farm stands on-line, and knew I needed two large boxes to hold the veggies, as well as a sign to indicate what produce we were giving away.  

Estimated Cost
$free!!! Use what you can re-claim, and design your own stand.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner