Community Brag Posts

The Christmas present finished in July

Submitted by LFSNC on Sat, 07/26/2014 - 17:37

As a Christmas present, SNC promised LFS a new table, her choice of plans. It's July, and we just ate our first meal at the finished table! We'd looked at a few of the plans around the site, but really liked the angled legs of the Benchright Farmhouse Table, and SNC thought the metal accents would get in some manliness!

We didn't quite read all the comments before we began so we faced the issue of plan directions v. cut list not matching up, which we didn't learn until 10 steps further down the build/assembly. We had a hard time finding non-rounded off edges for the 1x2s, as well. If we'd realized the impact those edges have further down the project, we might have been pickier at the lumber store. Using the Kreg Jig came in super handy on the legs & frames. We picked up a DeWalt kit that had extra long driving bits and just used regular Phillips head screws sometimes.

Since we live in NC, surrounded by hundreds of old tobacco barns, LFS wanted to use reclaimed lumber for the table top. After boards that were too thin, warped, short and generally insufficient for our basic skills and tools, we went to a specialty lumber yard and got gorgeous cedar instead.

We weren't loving the sagging of the end frame 2x4s, so we hid them a bit by making the table top breadboard sandwiched between the end 1x6 cedar boards. We used 1x6 and 1x8 boards for the tabletop.

For the stain, LFS further perused the site and went with a Minwax Pecan stain, layered with a Rustoleum Espresso that got wiped off every few minutes to let the pecan have a chance of peeking through on the legs/base. While we both liked the cedar, the light/dark contrast was too contemporary for our taste, so we used the Pecan on the top as well. The table got 3 layers of Minwax Helmsphar, lightly sanded with 220 grit sandpaper between layers.

The aforementioned first meal had guests at the table and comfortably sat 6 adults who all sang it's praises :) Fun awesome (and sometimes awesomely frustrating!) build, super happy the Christmas present monkey is off our backs, but even more glad to eat dinner at it now.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Pecan, Rustoleum Espresso, Minwax Helmsphar
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

4ft. Rustic Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 07:57

This rustic console was inspired by Ana Whites console, but I made some minor modifications to make it my own. This is one of my favorite pieces to make. I had some scraps laying around and decided to make this piece.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Conditioner
Minwax Provincial
Minwax Polycrylic Semi Glossy
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Family Picnic Table

Submitted by B.W.Martin on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 18:24

The 8' picnic table plans are great for a family of 8 or less, therefor the only changes that I made to the original plans was to use 10' boards for the table top. I centered the the table boards on top to allow for an extra chair on each end for more seating spaces.

Another alternative with the 10' table top boards would be to slide all of the excess footage to one end of the picnic table to make room for someone in a wheelchair. The original plans are great and turn out just like you would like but don't be afraid to modify your work!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Desert Brown Thompson Water Seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Camp Loft Bed - Full Size

We built two of these beds for our daughters and modified the plan for their full size mattresses.  Also modified the rails for a different look.  Of course their dolls needed matching beds as well :)

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Roller Cart

Submitted by Ulrike on Fri, 07/31/2020 - 09:30

Fun and easy build. Took ~4h all in.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Picture Ledges

Submitted by KaityJene on Mon, 10/08/2012 - 20:52

I went with a 1x6 on the bottom so that I would be able to display more than just pictures. So far they are working great and I love them.

I used the kreg jig, filled the holes with wood filler and then painted them white.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed with Sherwin-Williams primer and then painted with Alabaster white.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Twin Farmhouse Bed with Trundle

We made the traditional Twin Farmhouse bed using Ana's plans. We did modify the height of the headboard and foot board in case we decide to move the bed to under her window.

I was very particular about the sizing and placements of the sideboard/trundle. I did not want a big gap between the mattress and the trundle. Also, did not want the actual bed mattress to sit down too far into the 1X10 and look like a crib.

Very happy with the results. Thanks so much, Ana!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats Valspar Antique White, semi gloss
2 coats Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ladybug618

Mon, 08/18/2014 - 05:01

This looks great! I see you have carpet (as do I) did you use caster wheels? It looks like it's resting on the floor. I want t build but, I'm concerned about the ease of sliding. Tips appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/15/2016 - 04:21

We used the same farmhouse table plans. We just used 2x6x8 for the top and capped the ends with 2x2s instead of the breadboard. Leaving the boards long gives use optional seating on the ends. From start to finish it took about a day and a half. 

Estimated Cost
Lumber $75
Stain $14
Screws $14
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain plus polyurethane in American walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Water Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/03/2020 - 09:39

Water/ Sand Table inspired by your build

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
>$100
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Train Table with drawers and flippable top

Submitted by kcobbuofa on Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:50

When I built the Mom's Train Table, I wanted the top to flip to look like an actual painted train table. That meant while the kiddo was playing trains, he wouldn't be able to access the storage below the plywood. To solve that problem, I used almost the entire storage space for two drawers, one for trains, one for track. The drawers were built on wooden slides, using 1x4" pieces for the sides and backs. The slides were waxed to slide better. Since the drawers allow access to the inside of the table, I also decided not to add the "access hole" to the center of the plywood top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with pecan color and a high gloss top coat. Sanded again with high grit after two coats and then a third coat was applied.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dresser

The hubby and I love doing projects together! I drew up what kind of dresser I would like and we built it together. It was a fun project after his deployment to Afghanistan.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
A mix of CeCe Caldwell paints, stains and glazes.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

booksnotbombs

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 08:15

This is absolutely beautiful! Both the build and the finish are impressive. I would love to build something similar. You should post your plans as a new plan on Ana White's website! :)

Made with my dad!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/17/2016 - 19:56

My dad was a lot more particular with this than a farmhouse table is intended to be. Lol

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax water based stain, cut in half with water, and polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY sofa couch / slide in coffee table

Ana has great instructions, definitely have been using her alot. During the pandemic picked up a couple new hobbies and tools. I did the sofa couch from her plans. The coffee table I created off the whim but used her basic instructions on how to make table tops / benches. These came out super nice, surprised me and my wife :)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded several times varying 120 / 180 / 220. Stained with Valspar semi-transparent natural redwood naturaltone.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My Printer's Console

I built this console for my living room. I love the style and the color of the console of shanty2chic and I wanted the same.
Thanks for the plan and inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150 euros
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
stain and varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Project Jumanji

Sun, 09/01/2013 - 06:46

You did a great job! Any tips or hints about steps that you may have done differently from the plan, or found challenging or got you stuck?

Dark Walnut Finish Classic Coffee Table

Submitted by Ryan8720 on Wed, 08/06/2014 - 22:08

This is my variation of the Rustic X Coffee Table. I was going for a more classic to modern look and I prefer dark stain. This was my first furniture building project and I'm very happy with the results.

I changed the top to be three 2x8's (1.5" x 7.25") and the bottom shelf is five 2x4's (1.5" x 3.5") and adjusted lengths accordingly. I also shortened the legs to 14" so it's a good height for use as a foot rest from the couch.

I was originally going to change the X's on the ends to 3 vertical 2x2's, but we have our first baby on the way and the way the spacing worked out was asking for a head to get stuck. So I decided to leave it open.

The table top and the bottom shelf were biscuit joined instead of doing tons of pocket holes. I recommend that if you have access to a biscuit/plate joiner (I borrowed a friend's) . The rest of the frame was done using pocket holes from the Kreg jig.

I recommend buying Kreg Jig R3 instead of the Mini. You get way more for your money. I also recommend using the Kreg pocket hole screws, some of which come with the R3 kit. They make driving much easier and you don't have to worry about stripping the square heads.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 - $75
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut stain, 3 coats Minwax fast drying polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table and chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/21/2016 - 09:52

Seven foot farmhouse table with weathered grey stain. Instead of using the pocket hole method we screwed the boards together and put stainable wood filler over the screw holes. The chairs were made from ana white plans as well.

Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax classic grey stain, let sit for 20 min then wipe off with clean towel.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mickey Mouse 4-person Seesaw

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/09/2020 - 22:04

The kids need more things to do at home with shelter in place so I decided to build them a seesaw inspired by Ana White's seesaw plan.

I modified it a bit..
- added Mickey Mouse-shaped backrests (cut out the shape with a scroll saw)
- built it with four seats instead of two
- upholstered seating with thick 2" foam padding
- installed tennis racquet overgrip tape over the handle bars
- rounded many of the corners

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Back