Community Brag Posts

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks wall

The Hot Wheels Wall Tracks are designed to stick to your wall, but ours kept falling off. My husband hates putting extra holes in the wall, so what to do? Build your own wall!
I just used 2x2s as side supports, kreg jigged 3 leftover 1x16 pieces of plywood from another project (if I were to do it over again, I would use one piece of plywood to make a smoother surface) as the wall, and screwed the 2x2s onto scrap 2x4s as the base. I added some 'L' angle pieces as supports at the bottom where the 2x2 join the 2x4s to ensure that that the sides would not start to lean over time... The overall size is about 5 feet across and about 4.5 feet high - I wanted something big enough to fit our wall track pieces on, but not too big...
We painted the wall with chalkboard paint, so we can draw on the background as desired, then mounted the various wall track components on using screws. Voila - wall tracks without messing up your wall. And, the wall is easily movable too.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Spa bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/30/2018 - 00:05

My wife asked for a terrible particle board bench for Christmas.  When I complained about the quality, she told me to build one instead.  I may have been played.

 

I found the plans here and the only modifications I made were resizing to fit our space, and adding a tree design to the sides, cut using my desktop CNC router.  The design was purchased from an artist shop on Etsy.

 

She loves the bench and I saved a few hundred dollars.  I also got to finish another project which is awesome.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Red mahagony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X based pedestal table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/10/2022 - 19:30

The entire table was made from 200mm x 50mm x 2400mm pine landscaping sleepers. Finished with Cabots benchtop clear

Comments

"Cull" Lumber from a big box store= cheap 2x4's for convertable picnic table

Submitted by MrQuinn on Mon, 08/15/2011 - 14:10

I found out what the rack in the drive up area of my local Lowes was!
I often see piles of wood and sheets or plywood and such sitting there, but I never paid it much mind-turns out its a clearance rack of sorts they call it the "cull" rack, because they are culling the items from inventory that may be cut, chipped marked etc.
So I was at the store buying something for my Bocce Court and saw this pile of 16ft 2x4's and saw they were only $20 and there was 8 of them- so I picked em up for a "future project".
Needless to say they weren't the truest boards but they worked well enough for something like this. I had to buy a 2x6 to attach the top to because 2x4's aren't wide enough to give proper clearance as the plans showed(and I really didn't want to reinvent the wheel on this) so i bit the bullet and bought a $3 2"x6"x8'
Now if you notice I used all 2x4's for this instead of 2x6 so I adjusted the top to 14 1/8 to accommodate 4 2x4 pieces separated by spacers I use when installing wood floors. I made no change to the seat dimensions, but there is 4- 2x4's vice 3- 2x6's.
Great plan- perfect for more seating on my weekly bocce nights and they hold in excess of 600 lbs easily for those concerned about load limits.
(Note for those curious, that is my Bocce court in the background, it is 10'x60' and built with pressure treated 4x6's and 2x4's and a whole bunch of DG and crushed oyster shells.)

Estimated Cost
$36
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none-I very rarely finish my wood projects-I will probably spray with a sealant to slow the elements since they will stay outside.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sgilly

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 11:14

I plan to build several of these for my daughter's family. They stand around a fire most nights in the spring. Those nights often end up with roasted hot dog dinners with the friends who have dropped by. The dual purpose of these would be perfect!

Mirror Jewelry Armoire

My bedroom was missing a mirror so I decided to make this jewelry armoire with a mirror front.

I followed the plans very closely, but had to adjust the measurements to accommodate my mirror. I used a piece of screen for the earring holder and rolled up pieces of felt that I covered with fabric on the ring holder. I decided against using a handle since the cabinet is so long.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dan's Salsa Console

Submitted by Bmore2ny on Fri, 11/13/2015 - 19:01

This was my first big project. Came out out pretty well. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Espresso wood stain and satin polyurethane. Universal white eggshell paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dream Dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/01/2019 - 11:40

Built for 3 year old Granddaughter 2018 Christmas.  Great instructions thanks.  Added ridge cap instead of chimney. Stained floors for the hardwood floor look.

Estimated Cost
$115
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Small Bathroom Shelf

Submitted by vendo on Mon, 09/26/2022 - 10:05

We had an existing cabinet in our small bathroom, so I build this small "bookshelf" to fit perfectly under it for more storage. Always inspired by Ana, this is just a bookshelf made with 1x8 boards with a 1x2 face frame. Quick, easy and functional, that's how I like it.

Built from Plan(s)

Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

Submitted by Me-go-Eco on Fri, 08/19/2011 - 10:42

Built this coffee table as a housewarming present for my buddy who got me hooked on woodworking as a hobby! Made from reclaimed wood.

You want to see more? Check out my blog and follow me.

http://me-go-eco.blogspot.com

my twitter is: me_go_eco

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, RECLAIM! Thanks!

Estimated Cost
$10 thrownout wood and leftovers from old projects from Re-use Hawaii.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My coat rack

Submitted by atenney446 on Wed, 09/11/2013 - 17:41

Thank you for such a simple set of plans for such a useful and practical piece of furniture. I enjoyed making this.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Table + farmhouse benches

Submitted by Marimac on Tue, 11/17/2015 - 09:59

I've fixed up an old table and borrowed Ana's plans for farmhouse bench. I've modified them, and this is the outcome.

Estimated Cost
about 300-400€ (in Finland)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Legs "Kitchen white"
Tops "Raindeer"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Such a fun build!

I've used Ana's plans for several builds in my house and this one was so much fun to build. I love the way it turned out and think it looks great! Thanks for all the great plans Ana! Keep them coming and I'll keep building. :) 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak oil followed by one coat of Minwax Special Walnut. Finished off with 2 coats of Varathane 3x thick semi-gloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

trundle Bed

Submitted by TrayScates on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 19:06

Revised plans to fit smaller mattress, removed side, and simplified head board and footboard.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

My first project- we are loving our new bookcases

Submitted by MatiaP on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 22:33

This was my very first project. I had been on the hunt for two bookcases to put on either side of our fireplace. This plan was just right, but shorter than our space so I modified the plan and made the bookcases longer. I used the kreg jig every place I could find. Thanks so much Ana for your website. Finally we are furnishing our new house without breaking the bank. I never would have thought that I could build furniture, just the way we want it, all by myself. It's a wonderful feeling and I'm addicted.

Estimated Cost
$60 per bookcase
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Media console

This is a tv stand I built for my mom, she had to get a new tv because her tube tv finally broke. Her old stand was a big particle board cabinet that wouldn't fit a new flat screen. I seen this plan on here and thought it would make a great stand for her she absolutely loves it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used minwax dark walnut stain and minwax satin polyurethane spray.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Drink serving tray

Submitted by brittanyj on Fri, 11/20/2015 - 10:16

Used scrap pine sitting around- a 1x10 and 1x3's.  Most time consuming part was cutting out the hand holds.  Wanted a rustic look, so I weathered the boards by first beating them with hammer, screwdriver and crowbar, then with tea and steel wool vinegar "stain" to age the boards.  One coat of poly on top.  Made the plugs with dowels, adds to the rustic look. 

Estimated Cost
Free- Scrap wood
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
steel wool and vinegar mix painted on after a tea stain. Poly on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 11:04

This project took an afternoon to cut and assemble and a morning to paint. I wanted to try a light grey stain but only had dark browns on hand so I did a grey wash with some grey paint I had from another project and wiped down with an old rag. I love how it turned out! The X’s Were a little tricky for this beginner but I figured it out after a refresher course with the speed square. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$68
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Grey Wash with a light poly coat on top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom made easy. Thank you!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:59

Wanted something that could accommodate two foot stools so I made a couple of changes to the bottom construction and added casters. My version is a bit rough and ready (first time building a piece of furniture) but your plan was easy to follow and it's perfect for our space. Thank you for making these plans available and your comprehensive videos! My husband wants to know when I'm starting my next project.

Comments

Kid's Storage Dining Table

Submitted by christy on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 17:01

My sister-in-law wanted a kid-sized dining table for all her nieces and nephews, so I made one for her by combining a couple of Ana's plans. The little seats are just a scaled down version of the Easiest Upholstered Bench plans. My kiddos love it so much, it looks like I'll be making another for us.

Estimated Cost
$100 - $150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The base is just gloss white paint. The top is stained using minwax special walnut. I finished the top with 3 coats of wipe-on poly, lightly sanding between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lady Goats

Thu, 09/08/2011 - 11:18

I'm looking for ideas for a round kid-table to go with a window seat I plan on making. This looks great! What're the dimensions of the table-top? It looks like it'd fit a lot of kiddos, well!

Lady Goats

Sat, 09/10/2011 - 07:59

When I looked at the 36", they just seemed too small. It's nice to have something to compare it to! :-)

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 03:24

Hi, can you tell me the age of the kids in the picture? I'm hoping this size would fit my sons with plenty of room to grow. Age/size comparison would help a lot if you don't mind sharing! Your table looks amazing!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 08:10

They are 5 years and 2 years. The older one is pretty tall for her age...about 46 inches at the time the photo was taken.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 08:11

They are 2 years and 5 years. The older one is tall for her age...about 46 inches at the time the photo was taken.

spiceylg

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 10:32

Love it, beautiful job. Built this just from the kid's storage table plans. She references a 32" top but I don't believe they sell that size. Just wanted to make sure the 36" isn't top heavy?

Pink Twin Day Bed made for a Toddler

Simple Day Bed Modified with rail for toddler coming from a toddler size bed.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic in a light pink
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments