Community Brag Posts

Outdoor Bench

Submitted by blacorc on Mon, 12/30/2013 - 10:45

Built this bench for my parents for Christmas. They were super impressed and I had a lot of fun. Cost for the wood and screws is only about $40. Stain/Sealer can cost about the same.

Obviously I decided not to do the woven back and go for the simpler straight slats. I prefer this look and I'm sure it was easier than cutting all those angles.

I was proudest of the armrests which I made using a jigsaw to round off the edges, a circular saw to make the thinner part, and shaped it more with a rasp and file, then finally a fine grit sandpaper. Super fun.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mom of 4

Thu, 02/13/2014 - 10:36

I am going to build this bench with a slat back as well. Yours looks great. Just 2X2's, right?

Farm table and bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/13/2016 - 21:05

The table was my very first project and with the help of my Dad, we completed build, stain, and finish in 2 days.  I've had it over a year now and of course it is still beautiful (I've learned not to move it around too much to clean because the legs have a few splits in them now!).  Just finished the matching bench ($17 project). I adjusted the legs to make them longer, so that my kids will sit up higher at the table  :-) 

Estimated Cost
Table about $75. Bench $17.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax honey stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Main closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/27/2019 - 19:23

10 ft closet that had a lot of space but little organization. First attempt at building anything. Built the bench first in four different sections then attached together. Closet already had two long 10 ft boards so just added vertical dividers to match the cubbies for each person. Added shelving on sides using the concepts of making the original bench. Our baseboards have tile that was installed up to it so I didn’t attempt to remove them but notched out the backs of the wood to fit around. On the side left about 6 inches and installed the rod front to back using C hooks to hang things from them. Will be adding lots more hooks on the sides as well. Used a couple different plans but ended up making changes along the way based on my skill level and what I thought would work best for the family.

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted sections are Sherwin Williams Olympus white and stained shelves are classic oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kid Built Stool!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/10/2023 - 08:46

Summer lessons, had my 10 year old and 13 year old build. It was their first project and they did all the work. Great designs and easy to follow. We will do more this summer from Ana White.

Jerry

Built from Plan(s)

Laundry basket dresser

Submitted by ana8178 on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 06:54

I love this for the laundry room! We actually had a pretty blue paint left over from a different project, so it was perfect. Thanks for the wonderful plans :)

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde End Table w/Shelf

Submitted by Ckb210 on Tue, 12/31/2013 - 08:55

The first of many projects to come. I plan on modifiying the design to create a taller table to join as a bedside nester. Photos soon!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barnhouse Door Cabinet

I began woodworking over the last year, having had no real previous experience, and fell in love. I work full time as a branch manager for the local Secretary of State, and have to fit my new hobby in where I can. Although I stumbled my way through the first few projects with my husband's help, I have grown both in knowledge, and confidence with each new creation. When I first started out I was nervous using cutting tools, relying solely on his assistance and focused on the nuts and bolts portion of the plans. However, I am now able to complete even more complicated plans with no assistance at all. Ana White plans are easy to follow and always end in a beautiful piece. The cabinet that I am submitting for this contest is by far my favorite of the pieces I have made so far. I think it turned out gorgeous, and I'm very proud of the work that I was able to do.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did a gray chalk paint with a chalk corresponding finish. The door was a satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2 Person Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 12:45

Made 2 of these for my coffee shop in Puerto Rico. Easy instructions. Thank you!

 

Javiel Cardona

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Entry Way Piece

Submitted by Brian on Sun, 03/04/2012 - 08:52

This was our finished product following the design from Anna that was exactly what we were looking for to fill out entry. We were able to design it to fit our space and our needs for a family of 4 and as you can see it gets used ALL DAY. We both like the stained finish rather than paint and the only regret I have is not using the Kreg on everything. On a side note we also liked the top piece so much we created off the design to build a storage area for the kids in their playroom. The only thing missing from the picture is the rod that we will be hanging baskets off underneath. Thanks Anna for the ideas.

Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Camp Loft Bed

Submitted by steasck on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 14:45

My dad and I built this project for my 3 year old daughter for Christmas. She was ready to move out of her crib and this bed seemed like a great fit for her. We followed the plans almost completely. We opted to use a piece of 3/4 in. plywood on the cleats for the mattress support instead of slats. We also added 4 cross cleats under the plywood for added support. I added a florescent light over the play area underneath because it was a little dark under there. I'm very happy with how this bed turned out and my daughter loves it as well!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of stain and two coats of varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Tables for a wedding

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 08:20

We were going to rent 5 farmhouse tables but the cost of renting was more than double the cost of building them myself plus by building them myself I could finish them the color that I wanted. We were then able to sell 4 of the 5. I kept one for my self. I also was able to build a smaller size one to custom fit my son and daughter in-law new house. Nothing like the satisfaction of building something for something so special.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Roughly 125 per table.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Base coat heavy Varathane Weathered Grey
Once that coat was dry I used a thin coat of minwax Jacobean to get in the cracks and holes and a layer of depth.
Topped it with minwax polycrylic matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tgrott

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 16:31

...did it take to complete all of those tables?!? That was such a special thing to do for your son's wedding...and then for them to have a smaller version for themselves, I'm certain it will become a family heirloom passed down through the years! Those tables "made the look" for that entire setting! Just gorgeous! :)

Cabin Bed Bunk Beds

Submitted by cpedraza on Wed, 10/30/2019 - 20:26

Fell in love with Cabin Bed by Jen Woodhouse but really needed bunk beds for my grand kids. So I modified the plans just a little. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered Gray Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Channing Bookshelf

This is the first piece of furniture I have ever built. I'm super proud. It was fairly easy. I can't wait to fill my house with all of my future creations!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted 2 coats of primer followed by 2 coats of an antique white latex indoor paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Toy Workbench

Submitted by betsy47 on Thu, 01/02/2014 - 20:16

This was quite a straightforward project. I added a shelf along the bottom and a small overhang with scrap boards. Both add a lot in terms of play, especially because I screwed little hooks into the overhang which my son loves to hang things on. This toy workbench can be a lot of things - fun for tools, nature play, art, an outdoor kitchen, or so many other options.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 (I used a lot of scrap)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None - I like the plain boards for a workbench. That's how mine is too!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Dining Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/22/2016 - 08:16

Rekourt dining room table with bench 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane weathered grey top and white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

We made a Farmhouse Bed!

Submitted by michellefl on Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:50

I still can't believe my husband and I built this. We have never built anything before. well unless assembling cheapo furniture from a box counts! It was scary at first but nothing you can't do trust me. It is not perfect but it looks awesome I think. It's about 2 inches too wide on each side of the mattress, not sure why but you can't really tell. I am super happy with it! Thank you so much Ana for this website!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 16:45

This looks great. I was wanting to make this (and paint it black) when we move soon. This was great inspiration.

spiceylg

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 09:01

You did a beautiful job. The spacing might be due to the fact, that Ana states in the plans that she turned her mattress sideways. I haven't read them in a while, just going by memory, but I think that's what she said.

Great headboard

Submitted by kezsub on Sat, 01/04/2014 - 19:03

I took this and modified slightly. My wife wanted it a little lower since our room is smaller. I took the original plan then just drew out a rough sketch with the dimensions I wanted. I modified the cut list accordingly. I prepped all the wood for cutting and had all wood cut and headboard assembled in just over 4 hours. The finishing of puttying and sanding, puttying and sanding, puttying and sanding, then painting and painting and painting took about 2 weeks due to weather and other time constraints. But the patience paid off and we have a nice looking headboard. We had no scraps so the cost for us was about $150. Already have had friends ask how much to make one for them.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150-170
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
cream flat paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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