Community Brag Posts

Headboard from a door

Submitted by Medickep on Mon, 05/06/2013 - 07:27

I made this Headboard from am old 5 panel solid core Douglas fir door I found at a building construction recycling place. I originally wanted to stain it, but the door, which was previously stained with a polyurethane proved to be very difficult. I wanted to avoid dealing with a hollow core door after trimming both sides to make it symmetrical.

I purchased some French cleats to hang this, but you could make some out of wood to cut more costs!

Very cheap to make!

Estimated Cost
160-180 (depends on the door you select)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a high quality primer first and good paint that had self-leveling qualities to it. I was applying with a brush and wanted to avoid brush strokes. A paint sprayer would have been better!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Patio Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 21:19

I liked the plans, and the table came out beautiful. Only issue is that there isn't much support for the bread board ends. Don't try to move the table by lifting up on the ends. May need additional bracing in the future. Was able to make a side table with the leftover pieces and an extra 2x4. Love it.

Estimated Cost
Under $100 for farmhouse table and matching side table.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dry brushed white on top, with a tea and vinegar stain over it. Clear polyacrylic top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Grand Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:35

Our grandsons live 10 hours away. I always try to make something for them when they visit. When we saw them a few weeks ago they needed a table their size!

Built from Plan(s)

My first Farm House Table

Submitted by terricrowe on Wed, 05/08/2013 - 12:16

I have been building things from recycled fencing we acquire from our business for a while, but this is the first large table I have made. I used recycled backing rails and pickets to make the Farmhouse table from Ana's plans. I shortened the length of the table but otherwise pretty much stuck to the plans. I did use different wood for the top then Ana had, I used old white painted backing rails that are basically 2x4's for the base of the table and I used old gray weathered pickets for the table top. It isn't perfect and my notch's could have been more presice, but I am still happy with the outcome.

Estimated Cost
0 for materials
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none, I will let he buyer decide. I used old wood to start with and I love that look. I do refinish newer pieces to look old, but with this I don't have too!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Martina Bath Wall Storage

Submitted by wkgibson on Sun, 03/29/2015 - 17:34

I followed the original plans, mostly.  I mitered the corners on the trim and 1x2s, and I used a 1x2 just under the top instead of closing the back since I went with a dark stain (General Finishes Gel Stain- Java, Deft spray poly satin).  This is one of my first projects, and I got to play with a block plane, gel stain, pocket-hole plugs, moulding, table saw, and my nail gun for the first time.  I was especially pleased how well this matched the dark cabinets in the room.  Man, stain is a pain.  I may make everything in raw cedar from now on. 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes Oil Based Wood Conditioner
General Finishes Gel Stain- Java
Deft Satin Poly (Spray)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kid play table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:42

 All handbuilt kids table it comes in different colors. It's also good for the kids to eat outside when you're having your barbecues for the summer. 

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

Wide Short Pine 1x12 Bookshelf

Submitted by ariela on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 03:15

This was my first project ever, and while there are a few things I could have done better (don't judge the imperfections!) the shelves still came out beautifully. I followed Ana's plan exactly, painting the backboard a charcoal grey before attaching, and the shelves themselves white with light lemon yellow on the inside-sides. If I were to make these again, I would want to sand the shelves down more and use a higher gloss paint or sealer. The matte finish is more difficult to clean when it gets dusty, which happens pretty quickly!

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

Oversized Redwood Heavy-Duty Outdoor Dining Table

I modified Ana's plans just a bit.

8ft long by 3 1/2ft wide. Used 2X lumber instead of 1X in hopes of reducing the chance for warping over time.

I also went w/ 4X4's for the legs.

Cost was a bit more for redwood here in the Bay Area of California.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut w/ outdoor sealant-protectant
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Twins LOVE their new stable!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/02/2017 - 15:27

This was a relatively easy project that my husband and I worked on together. We couldn't stomach the cost of buying two stables (hold one horse each) from Target for $80 for our twins' doll horses, but this price and project is perfect. The instructions were amazingly on-point and only appeared to miss the 1x1 cross-bar piece for the doors. Very minor for an amazing, free pattern. 

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Honey oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our first built-ins!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:24

We wanted to build a home for our records and books. I found your channel and was amazed at the customization possible for our space through Shelf Help. This was our first major woodworking project and felt empowered. Thank you, Ana!

Comments

Rustic Bench as Wedding Guestbook

Having already built a rustic bench to go with my Farmhouse Table, I knew it would be the perfect guest "book" bench for my wedding. For only $15 (I had the lumber for the top on hand), and the help of all my bridesmaids during my bachelorette weekend, we built this bench in just about an hour. Everybody had a hand in it, which makes it even more meaningful. It sits at the foot of the Farmhouse Bed my husband and I built from reclaimed barnwood from my father. I love that we have something so hand-made and sentimental to commemorate our wedding celebration. It makes me smile every time I look at it!

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded the entire bench with 80,150,200. I primed the entire bench (including the underside, just to cover all my bases) then painted 2 coats of semi gloss white, sanding with 200 between coats. To make the center design, I printed out my art onto computer paper, covered the back with graphite (just scribbling with a pencil) then taped it to my bench. Trace the outline of your art with a pencil and a firm hand. When you remove the paper, you'll see the outline of your design. I traced it with silver paint pen, then filled it in. After I had all my signatures I sealed the top with two coats of Mod Podge (but polycrylic would probably work too).
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Happy Mother's Day

Submitted by MamaYoung2 on Sun, 05/12/2013 - 07:16

My homemade mother's day gift for my mother in law. She likes to sit in her living room looking out the big picture window at the birds eating at her birdfeeders. It's also a favorite passtime of my son who spends time there occasionally. What better gift than this! I wanted to do something a little less simple than the single "house" so I made the main one smaller, and then added two more houses to make bird townhouses.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
acrylic tole paints. Will seal it with something suitable for outdoor use.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Triple Pedestal Farmhouse

Submitted by ANguyen on Wed, 04/01/2015 - 14:55

My husband and I were on the search for a dining room table.  We loved the look of Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware but did not want to spend the money for it.  Then we came across the plans for this table.  We had already used Ana's plans for a Restoration Hardware coffee table that we loved, so figured we'd give this table a shot.  These pictures don't do this table enough justice.  My husband and I LOVE the plans and everything about this table!  It has so much detail and character as you would see from expensive stores. To top it off, we got it complete just in time for having our family over on Easter.  Thank you Ana for sharing this gorgeous plans! 

- Amber and Dave

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I would estimate around $200 but we bought some tools that we can use on other projects as well :)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut Stain - Two coats
Minwax Fast-Drying Semi-Gloss Polyurethane - Three coats
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

anb80

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 16:29

Beautiful! I've been drooling over this table too. Yours looks amazing! It looks longer. How long did you make it?

ANguyen

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 11:43

Thanks so much! It is longer than I thought it would be. I was originally going to do three chairs on either side and two at the ends. But I love how it turned out even better. We followed Ana's plans and is 106" long. Fits perfect on 8x10 rug! :)

teachingmomma

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 13:14

what beautiful work! The stain choice is just perfect. Do you mind my asking where you bought your chairs? I'm having a difficult time finding chairs with a plain fabric.

Patio Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2017 - 08:21

The plans were very easy and the chair came together nicely and quickly.  I used all 2x4's instead of 2x4's + 2x6's and alternated 1x2's for dimension. My husband is a pretty big and tall guy and he really liked how the chair felt sitting in it. Very roomy for even him. I could've gotten this done in about an hour, except where I live it was about 110 degree dry heat so I had to take a lot of water breaks. But overall, I love the chair!!!

Estimated Cost
$25.50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Desert Sand Semi Transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Corner bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:50

I always wanted a corner bench for the kitchen table at my family cottage. Lots of room for everyone and little kids don’t fall off. Love this plan. Thanks for sharing it!

Comments

Tryde Side Table

Submitted by kari on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 12:23

This was my very first project, with a little help from the husband.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean stain and polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mother's Day

Submitted by BrettPaPa on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 08:25

I just wanted you to see what a great Mother's Day gift your planter made. It was a great project for a 4 year old grandson!!!

Thanks, Ana

Estimated Cost
$10.00 including plants.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Tiled Bar & Bar Stools

Submitted by iChristee on Sat, 04/04/2015 - 13:08

This was my second Anna project! I changed this one up quite a bit (size and style) so it would fit the area were I wanted to use it. I just love how it turned out!

The tiles were left over from my kitchen backsplash. They are inset so that they are practically flush with the wood on the top. 

Total cost: ~ $150.00 for the bar and 3 bar stools. 

 

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique Walnut Gloss - stain & poly in one
I found the stain & poly in one to be hard to work.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tmoules

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 01:54

Is there a cut sheet on the material used to make the 3 tiered top.?

One arm sectional with table from scraps

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 00:28

We built the one arm sectional but 8 ft cedar was all we could buy. So with the scraps left over we built the coffee table to match. Couldn't be happier with it. 

Estimated Cost
$250 without cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner