Community Brag Posts

Rustic X Coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/11/2017 - 14:13

I upscaled the size of my table to 60" X 36" to match my oversized couches. I then used decorative corner brackets I found on amazon for the corners, and 1" decorative nails for the base of the legs. Fun project!! Next up are matching end tables and entertainment center.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Briarsmoke for the top, finished with Varathane triple thick polyurethane. Antique white acrylic for the base.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Christmas Tree Shelf

After building myself a Christmas Tree shelf for 2019, friends and family wanted me to build them one for 2020. Three people wanted a smaller tree so I scaled down the plans and used 1x4's ripped to 3 inches. I also included cup hooks (3 or 4) and an aluminum french cleat hanger I found on Amazon for about $5 each when you buy three.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10-$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Various stains. Including mahogany, pecan, oak, special walnut, and white. Three clients wanted theirs unfinished.
For a top coat I used spray lacquer on one of white-washed trees and clear Krylon on another. No top coat was applied to the other trees.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by wabilinski on Fri, 11/07/2014 - 13:04

Wanted to build a couple chairs to place around the fire pit and enjoy roasting marshmallows on crisp fall evenings.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$40 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
-Valspar Duramax Exterior Matte Tintable Latex-Base Paint and Primer in One
-Cabot Satin Spar Varnish Aerosol Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clubhouse bed!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 18:23

love this plan!!! Thanks so much!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$310
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified farmhouse king bed

Submitted by hrsgrl337 on Thu, 11/12/2020 - 09:26

I used the king farmhouse bed plans and modified to build our new bed. Painted then used briarsmoke stain over paint.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and stain

Comments

AllieD's high rise shelf

Submitted by AllieD on Sun, 01/13/2013 - 14:37

This was my first project and I'm really happy with the result. I didn't even make any mistakes! I love it and my friends always ask me to make one for them too.

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

Barn Greenhouse with Entryway

Submitted by MikeMc100 on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 19:46

This was built mainly as a place to bring our pond plants in for the winter. After looking at various kits we decided this was the best option for us and much cheaper.

The size was increased to 12 X 12 and the walls/ceiling were increased another 15" in height over the original plans. An entryway was added to block the cold wind as our original barnstyle door wasn't tight enough and ended up being too drafty. Also added an RV type autoswitching propane system and blue flame heater for backup. For the winter months we insulated the lower portion of the interior walls with spun fiberglass and 6 mil film stapled over it. 

This is a very utilitarian version that serves our needs well. Great original plans and easy to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

cmswebster

Mon, 11/10/2014 - 09:57

Did you have to change the angles for the roof beams?  If so, what angle did you use?  

Ana White

Tue, 11/11/2014 - 16:04

Wow, this looks awesome!  I love the arctic entryway (thats what we call them up here in Alaska) and all the mods!  Thanks so much for sharing!

Sawhorse Desk

We were looking for a temporary desk to fit in a space next to our fireplace until we can build some built-ins. We modified the width and depth to fit. This was super easy. We love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 different contrasting stains
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

I used the Turned Leg Farmhouse Table Plans for the frame of the table, but changed the measurements to fit the table top from the Farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket Hole Plans. I also saved a little money by using a set of black turned legs from an old kitchen table. 

Estimated Cost
$70-$75 - Saved some money by using a set of turned legs from an old kitchen table.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I sanded the entire project with 150 grit and 220 grit sandpaper. I wanted the table top to be as smooth as possible, so I sanded it with 400 grit sandpaper. For the finish, I used Minwax Dark Walnut Stain and three coats of Minwax Satin Finish Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Tbecker on Fri, 02/17/2017 - 18:06

I completed these chairs about 3yrs ago.  It was a great project and I learned a lot.  I really appreciate this site and have made a sofa and 2 benches as well.  Thank you Ana for the site and I wish HGTV or another station would pick up your DIY show!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$37.00 each including paint
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor Rustoleum
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Outdoor Chairs (modified for 24in cushions)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 18:25

I built two of Ana's "Modern Outdoor Chairs" and adjusted the plans to accommodate 24" in cushions. We're pleased with how they turned out and have gotten great use out of them. Thanks for the plans, Ana!

Estimated Cost
~$60 per chair (not including the cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used the exact finish that Ana recommended.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

Tryde Coffee Table and End Tables

Submitted by jzacharuk on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 16:09

This set of tables is exactly what my fiance and I were looking for. Its rustic knotty look pulls the room together and glows a warm colour when the fireplace is on. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 for all three tables
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Timberlox Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Joni

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:04

Very nice! Nice pictures. I love the knots in the wood and the natural finish. Nice job on all the custom sizing too. They look great in your room.

Benchright Table and Bench

My wife and I just purchased a new home with our first dining room. While debating the expense of buying new dining room furniture we decided that we should try a do-it-yourself project and were lucky enough to stumble on Ana's website. While we had never done any real woodworking (we made a cat tree once), Ana's plans and the accompanying comments were easy to follow and proved that even beginners can make cool furniture!

We built the bench first and managed to complete it in one weekend without much trouble. This helped us learn the basics of the tools we were using, especially the miter saw. The table followed.

We wanted a slightly larger table and bench than those in the plans so that we could host more people and fill out the room. Our table is 78" x 38.5".
Increasing the width required adding an additional 1" x 6" on the table top. The only other change that we made was to extend the 2" x 2" on the side of the table the entire length of the table as is required in the bench instructions. We thought that this provided more stability for the bread boards. We used a threaded rods and turnbuckles on both the table and bench for the accent piece between the legs.

While we certainly had hiccups along the way, but we really enjoyed the process, and love the dining room set that we built. It was a really rewarding experience and now we're looking forward to building most of our furniture!

Special thanks the Ana for her plans and website. We couldn't have done it without her.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Black Walnut and Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Loft bed

Submitted by Joep_erez on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 10:55

This took me about 1 1/2 week to complete.  I'm active duty military so my hours are always crazy.... I didn't get this from any specific plans. If anyone needs guidance feel free to get in touch with me.. you can also follow my work here...  

https://www.facebook.com/J0EPEREZ/

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

benches for kids table

Submitted by adecesare4 on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 15:32

Well I have found your site through Pinterest md now I am Addicted. Not only did I make one stool, but now three ( one for each of my boys). I will be finishing them shortly. But since it is my first project I wanted to share and thank you for the plans.

Next up is a sofa table (90% done already) and the media center (which I will float and use as storage for kids toys and double as a window seat)

Anyway, these stools are great, the kids love them and thy will go great in the kids room under the camp loft bed or loft playhouse bed (my next project :)

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Will be staining and then putting polyurethane over top for protective durability
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified farmhouse table with extensions

Submitted by William E on Tue, 11/18/2014 - 19:28

Modified the main table by knocking down the length one foot. Slightly reduced width based on lumber used by about 2 inches. Added two extensions. Used 2x4s for side aprons and 2x6s for end aprons. This allowed me to notch 2x3 (lumber size) holes in the ends to slide extension arms in. Arms held by friction and torque so if you do this make the holes tight. Don't over stain or poly. Slide wax candle on arms to help them slide in. If lose you can install a latch on arms under table. All items from Home Depot. Last photo shows dry fit of extension prior to screwing on top from the bottom. Gave me best alignment.  If you haven't paid it forward for this great FREE site, do so by ordering Ana's book a Handmade Home. Making the coffee table I found in it this weekend. Good luck all and if you are wondering if you should? Yes, you should. 

Estimated Cost
150 minus kreg jig. Had all other tools.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red mahogany left on for ten plus minutes. Three coats of mini wax oil based poly. Sanded in between with 400 grit. Final pending 0000 steel wool dipped I wood paste. Don't worry if you mess up. Just sand down and repeat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Large Wood Pet Kennel End Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/23/2017 - 18:27

I used the plans provided. I made a small change to the windows and made the bigger. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based stain with water based sealer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grammy’s bench

Porch bench for my parents’ new house.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior Valspar - Bright Red
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Reclaimed-wood headboard queen

Submitted by dianek on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 07:25

Super easy project with huge results!

Took us 2.5 hours to build and about 2 hours of finishing work. Be sure to use a square as you position each panel.

Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Mix of dark walnut and golden oak and 2 coats of poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner