1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Homeschool contained

Submitted by lmflerlage on Mon, 02/22/2021 - 12:06

I needed a cabinet to contain and conceal our homeschool supplies, especially since this it is located in our main floor living room. This Barn Door Cabinet plan- modified to fit our space did the trick. I absolutely love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Barn Door Cabinet or Pantry
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rust-oleum Weathered Gray for the door
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Fall

Jewelry/Makeup Storage Cabinet

Thank you Anna for providing the template plans for this project. My wife had a mirror leaning on the wall in our bedroom that rarely got used and jewelry all over the dresser. So thanks to you I was able to turn this cheap mirror into useful storage and organize her jewelry.  Thanks! 

Built from Plan(s)
Full Length Mirror with Sliding Storage Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glossy spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Wed, 10/07/2015 - 10:18

Thank you for building!!!  Your post just made my day, I'm so happy to see your build! I love the customization with the jewerly holders too!  Thank you so much for sharing!

Mudroom Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/23/2022 - 15:43

This mudroom bench is my favorite Ana White build! Everyone has a place for shoes, backpacks and boots can be stored in the bench. We added baskets to keep gloves, hats and other small items organized.

Built from Plan(s)
Closet Mudroom Bench with Hinge Up Boot Storage Compartment

Comments

Bathroom Vanities

Submitted by kdins31 on Sat, 01/04/2014 - 13:09

Rather than burning a few thousand on vanities for my bathroom remodel I decided to build them instead. The bottom shelf on the right slides out for a footstool so the kids can reach the sink.

Estimated Cost
Wood was cheap, the granite and sink were not, though I was able to save by getting remnant slab from granite shop.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Joni

Sun, 01/05/2014 - 20:55

These are so beautiful -- they really look like high-end rustic pieces. The slide-out footstool is genius. The distressing is fantastic. I really love your pebble art as well.
Would you mind sharing the stain color?

Mud Kitchen

Submitted by Noyehx4 on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 12:48

This was my first build, like ever. I am very proud! Props given to my hubby who is a carpenter by trade. I went back and forth on stains and paint colors at home depot. He didn't rush me and was awesome the entire time! He actually picked up the supplies, and is now a fan of the self tap screws! He thought he knew where everything in home depot was, but he had to ask to find those LOL. He wanted to use his new nail gun, but I wanted to follow the plans. The plans are awesome! We decided not to add an oven door just yet. Likely will soon. (Avoiding pinched fingers for now) I also have the knobs for the front, but it was hot and since I had only just stained them, they needed time to dry and second coat yet. (I kind of forgot about them once I finished them with my new dremel) We purchased the hose kit from the kitchen section at home depot. It came with everything, I searched market place and even posted asking if anyone had a used one for sale. No luck. This was $20 and came with everything, the guys at home depot showed me what adapters to get to ensure that it would hook up to our garden hose, and we grabbed those too and they worked perfectly! I messed up cutting one of the angles for the shelf the wrong way, but there was enough scraps for my husband to help me fix it. It was a fun build, and so rewarding to see our kids playing with it! I used my dremel 4300 and it wasn't powerful enough for the thicker wood, so my stove tops are thinner, but he actually enjoys setting them up and spraying them off the table with his hose! I painted the brass hooks green when we were painting the kitchen so they would match. The pots and pans came with the little tote and the apron chef hat and pot holder. It was a perfect finishing touch. *Edit to add photos kitchen hose kit from home depot, reading comments, others had a hard time finding adapters. I suggest taking what you have with you to home depot so they can show you what adapters you need. We needed three because we have a quick attachment on the end of our garden hose, (for our sprayer) now little mans mud kitchen can be connected and disconnected easily!

Built from Plan(s)
Mud Kitchen
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Enamel Spray Paint and Behr Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mailbox

Submitted by loniwolfe on Tue, 01/10/2012 - 13:50

My grandmother has been in terrible need of a new mailbox. The one she had was original to the house, 1972, I believe. Needless to say it was falling apart.
My stepdad and I built this for her, and my sister painted on the name adn address.
All better now!

PS, I chose Grace's Mailbox plan because you have to choose a plan when posting a brag blog and we didn't use one, we just kind of winged it.

Built from Plan(s)
Grace's Mailbox
Estimated Cost
$20-$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear wood sealer, spray can
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

L-Shape Outdoor Bench

Submitted by ShannonG on Mon, 07/24/2023 - 13:21

Modified to make an L shaped bench . Absolutely love it! Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Park Bench

Comments

Awesome Garage Shelves

Submitted by scrapngurl on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 14:24

Thank God for these garage shelf plans! :D We have a one car garage that was disorganized and full of stuff. We tried to organize with some metal shelves, but they were very disappointing. They could not hold a lot of items because they were unstable and their measurements did not maximize the space we have. This was my first build and my husband thought I was crazy to attempt it. Neither of us knew what we were doing. However, the plans are simple, clear, and straight-forward and we had no difficulties. I can fit so much on these shelves because they are so sturdy. Love them!

Built from Plan(s)
BEST DIY Garage Shelves (Attached to Walls)

Modern slatted bench

Submitted by Whimwhams on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 11:51

I made this for my sister the day before her house warming party. It was a pretty easy build. I used wood glue and 2" nails. Using a nail gun, this came together pretty quickly. I do wish that I had wide enough clamps to hold everything in place while it dried, because there were a few gaps due to some imperfect boards. I used 104" stud length boards, so I only need to purchase 7 instead of 9. this was enough to make the cuts for the top and both leg pieces from each board. the price was the same and we had limited space in our van for boards, so this was a better option for us. I used a sprayer hooked up to an air compressor to apply the stain and was able to get in between the slats fine with this method, brushing over it as I sprayed. Luckily I chose the same color as her deck not knowing, so it matches great. Now I need to make one for myself! :)

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Slat Top Outdoor Wood Bench
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Wood Framed Console Table

Submitted by schup21 on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 09:35

I was looking for a console table and saw your website while searching various stores online and decided to go ahead and build one myself. Followed your plans for the waterfall console table and I think it turned out great and for a fraction of the cost! Thank you and you definitely gained a new follower!

Built from Plan(s)
52" Waterfall Framed Console
Seasonal And Holiday
Fall
Spring
Summer

Modern Rustic Outdoor Sofa Inspired by RH Merida

Submitted by susanshamp on Sun, 04/01/2018 - 14:19

I was in love with the RH Merida set because of its clean lines and modern style. Also, the plan seemed simple enough that I could re-create it without a pattern. The only thing that I did not like about it is the lack of arms. I really like to have a place to put my arm or my beverage :) - so I added arms to the design.

Blog Link
Modern Rustic Outdoor Sofa Inspired by RH Merida
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bogle

Wed, 05/20/2020 - 10:45

This is Awesome. I'm halfway in the middle as i thought I could complete without plans. Do you have any plans could share. Please....

Simple Square Cedar Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by Finns-Dad on Mon, 03/12/2012 - 17:58

I've been planning on building a patio table for this coming spring and summer, but didn't know where to begin. I found Ana's wonderful site and now I don't know where to stop! So many great ideas.
After seeing ewood's great table I decided to make one similar. I made my square table based on Ana's and ewood's basic designs. Thank you both. I also made a bench based on Ana's design.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outdoor Dining Table
Estimated Cost
300--475
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semigloss Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

7CsShepherds (not verified)

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 07:37

I have a family of 7 (soon to be 8, I hope), and was trying to figure out how to fit us all on the rectangular table. This is the solution! I can simply make 4 benches to go with it! Thanks for the idea and the picture!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 07:24

Love this table and your modifications to ewood's table. I was wondering what size are the legs on your table - I can't tell if they are 4x4s...which is sort of what I'd like to have on mine. And they are under mounted, which I love because I want to make ours with the ability to remove the legs for reduced storage space in the winter. If you could would you mind putting a few close up photos of how the outside corner came out and the underside of the corners. It would be much appreciated.

K_W (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 07:27

Love this table and your modifications to ewood's table. I was wondering what size are the legs on your table - I can't tell if they are 4x4s...which is sort of what I'd like to have on mine. And they are under mounted, which I love because I want to make ours with the ability to remove the legs for reduced storage space in the winter. If you could would you mind putting a few close up photos of how the outside corner came out and the underside of the corners. It would be much appreciated.

Finns-Dad

Sat, 04/14/2012 - 13:35

Hi - sorry it took a little while to get back to you. Yes the legs are 4x4's. I used knotted cedar 4x4's for the legs and made them 29" tall. I wanted to be able to disassemble the table and put it away for winter, so I attached the legs using carriage bolts, 2 per side (4 total per leg). I drilled holes using a pilot bit, then used a spatter bit to make the larger holes for the carriage bolt.

I didn't bother to counter sink them, but if I made another I think I would try that to make a more polished look. The legs are sturdy, the table doesn't wobble at all, but I am sure that someone with more furniture building experience might have a different/better idea.

I've added a couple more photos showing the corners, outside and underneath. I've also added my very basic plans that I used to make the table, one of these days I will study Ana's post of how to use sketch-up, until then this is what I worked with.

Joni

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 09:26

Can you tell me what size (width) boards you used on the frame pieces of the table, and what size on the inner boards? From your diagrams, it looks like the frame is made of 1x4s, but the inner pieces look smaller. Thank you !!!

Your table is absolutely beautiful. It looks like a very high-end piece of furniture. One of my favorite things is how the carriage bolts are installed -- I wouldn't change a thing on them!

Finns-Dad

Tue, 07/30/2013 - 16:36

Sorry it took so long to reply - I didn't see your post. So far the table is holding up well.

You're right, the top is made from 1x4's, including the inlaid slats. To support the top, I cut 1x4's down to 1x3's so they remain hidden by the side 1x4's of the frame.

Aussie Paul (not verified)

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 18:02

Love the table - looks absolutely fantastic! I have been looking for a decent square outdoor table for ages and this one certainly fits the bill.

Can you please add a photo of the underside of the table and advise how you fastened inner boards on table top. Thanks.

Finns-Dad

Tue, 07/30/2013 - 16:40

I added a new photo of the bottom. Hopefully this will help show how I attached the top. I have a number of additional photo's I can send to you if you like - this site limits the number of photos I can add.

Everything is attached from the bottom to hide the screws. I used a kreg jig and it helped so much - i really recommend it.

Belmo

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 12:35

I love the look of this table, man - I think I'm gonna steal some ideas from this.

I have a question about your top, though. The slats look to be 1x4s, which I can understand, but the edges seem to be a bigger size.

Did you use 1x6 boards for the edges? 1x8s? Something else?

Thanks for your help.

Finns-Dad

Mon, 09/02/2013 - 11:03

Thank you - please take any ideas from it that you can. That is what I love that about Ana's site. You can take these great ideas and make them fit your own style...

You're right - the table top is made of 1x4's and 1x6's. When i put the top together I made the frame first. Then I added the exterior 1x6's. Next I added the center 1x6. Lastly I cut each 1x4 to size and added them.

livingston.140

Sat, 05/17/2014 - 07:15

This is an amazing table, it is beautiful! I am somewhat new to wood working and was wondering if there was a material list? I plan on creating this in AutoCAD first, so I have a visual to work off of. Also what did you use for spacing in between the boards or what was the allowance of space.

Thanks again, your work is beautiful!

livingston.140

Sat, 05/17/2014 - 07:15

This is an amazing table, it is beautiful! I am somewhat new to wood working and was wondering if there was a material list? I plan on creating this in AutoCAD first, so I have a visual to work off of. Also what did you use for spacing in between the boards or what was the allowance of space.

Thanks again, your work is beautiful!

leitaf

Wed, 04/22/2020 - 20:37

In looking at the plans and the underside of the table, there are some measurements missing that make it a little hard to decipher. It would be good to know the lumber sizes e.g. 1x4x8 etc. the underneath side seems to have some additional boards that don’t seem to be in the drawing. I was just wondering if it might be possible to get some additional details?

@njhorseplayer

Sun, 05/24/2020 - 08:05

This is a beautiful table and I'm going to try and replicate in a rectangular version. Primary question I have is what length screws you used to affix the framing pieces underneath to the top side so that the wood doesn't split and that the screws don't pop thru the top. Any help you can provide would be appreciated, if even you still look at this page. Thanks in advance!

Rustic X Shelves

Submitted by Texjan on Sat, 10/25/2014 - 14:49

This project took a bit longer than I expected but the outcome was well worth it!  I would use the Kreg Jig plugs for the upper shelf because you can see the pocket holes.  I finished the inside shelves with American Walnut stain with a white wash.  The paint is American Paint Company in Uncle Sam, with dry brush of Shining Seas and Dark Wax.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Tall Bookshelf
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Stain
Paint- American Paint Company Chalk and Mineral Paint in "Uncle Sam" with dry brushing of "Shining Seas" and finished with Dark Wax. The Shelves were stained with Minwax American Walnut stain with a white wash over that.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm table for my sister

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 14:09

So my sister moved back to Southern California from New York. She found a great place but needed a table. I made one table and one bench. My sister then found two chairs for the other side. This is the second or third thing I have made/built from Ana’s site. Thank you for making me feel more manly with great instruction. I also built this pre Covid-19 when lumber was not so expensive.

Built from Plan(s)
Beginner Farm Table Benches (2 Tools + $20 in Lumber)
Beginner Farm Table (2 Tools + $50 Lumber)

Comments

Two Story Rabbit Hutch

For my first woodworking project, I foolishly decided to build a rabbit hutch without plans for my daughters new Easter Bunny. So I literally scratched some ideas on my wood working bench and started going to work. I did some construction over a decade ago, but never attempted to build any furniture before, so I'm pretty happy with how this came out.

I spent a few days researching various rabbit cages and for our place we needed something that was ascetically pleasing and functional as it was going in our living room. I got some ideas from the web and decided the best thing for us would be to have an entry ramp, 2 sets of barn doors for each level (for easy cleaning) and an open roof. We went with linoleum floors since she's already litter trained. The floors could easily be modified to add 1/2" wire mesh if we decide to change things down the line. Also, we chose an espresso finish with silver hardware to accent the wire mesh

I pretty much crashed and burned on the staining as I've never done that before, but it ended up looking ok after all. I did a light sanding, but will probably invest in a planer and jointer to get my wood in better shape before assembling in the future. Also, I'll probably lightly dab some stain on ends of wood before final assembly as it made it difficulty trying to hide the white pine with the dark stain.

Other cages I saw ran around $200-$350.00 so i don't feel so bad about the cost. It's really the time that it took learning and making mistakes. I'm sure if I had plans I could of cut my time in 1/2.

Total Cost came out to around $150.00 but probably would of been cheaper if I had some plans to go by. I probably wasted a few 2x2s and accidentally mis-cut a scrap piece of 1/4"plywood which added another $16.00 to the bottom line.

Here's a breakdown of my total cost.

Hardware - $30.00
Includes 5 latches, 4 sets of hinges (8 total) and a 3' piano hinge

Stain - $8.00

Linoleum Tile @ ¢.69 sq ft - $16

Brushes, Stain Rags - $5.00

Screws - $6.00

Wire Mesh Roll $30.00
Needed 2 rolls at $15.00 each. I used 1" Wire Mesh measuring 2'x15'

Total Wood $50.00-$60
I used 2x3's for the legs - 2 @ 8' - $2.00 each ($4.00)
probably 15-20 2x2's - $1.52 each - can't remember how many I used to be honest ($30.00)
and a few 1x6's for the Doors - $2.00 each ($6.00)
Sheet of 1/4 plywood - $12.00

Blog Link
JasonGriffith.com
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ashinshaw

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 08:09

I also have been thinking with the idea of building a two story hutch for our rabbit. I love your ideas so now i have a new project to work on. Thanks for sharing!

Nicolene (not verified)

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 12:46

I LOVE your cage! We have 2 rabbits and 2 Guinea pigs which means we have 2 ugly cages in our living room. We are planning something similar, but a bit bigger (but lower if that makes sense). And we'll put a 3rd story on for our Guinea pigs. So we have everyone on the same patch of real estate so to speak. I was going to do 3 solid walls with wire "windows" too keep all the hay, poops and such contained. I am also going to put lockable wheels underneath, so I can move it to my office if I ever need to (parties and renovations).

Is there anything that you can now think of that you would like to change on yours? R my research purposes.. :) It looks awesome, I'm just picking your brain for "hindsight" tips.

Mimi's Faux Mantle with bookshelves

Submitted by JoshuawG09 on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 18:15

Made from the modified Mimi's Faux Mantle design from another brag post.

Built from Plan(s)
Fake Fireplace Mantle built from Pine Boards
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Valspar furniture paint. However, I will never buy it or use it again. It's just over priced paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

laurenwalker

Tue, 12/19/2017 - 22:01

Are you able to tell me how wide this is from the end of one bookcase to the other? I'm trying to find out if it will fit in my living room. Thanks!

Restaurant High Chair with an add-on

Submitted by rbgreene04 on Sun, 01/18/2015 - 18:57

After my 6-month old daughter outgrew, or just got tired of sitting in her bouncy seat on the table while Mommy and Daddy ate, I decided to build her a high chair. I loved the plans and it looked pretty easy. It took me longer than expected, but I was using scraps and trying to be efficient with my cuts and waste. After making the chair, my wife said it'd be nice if we painted it Minnie Mouse themed, so I cut the ears using the jigsaw and attached them with pocket holes. I could have just made them as part of the chair (the back piece) but the idea didn't come until after the chair was complete. To make the ears, I just used a compass and quite a bit of an eraser. I used grid lines and tried and retried and retried and retried until it looked almost Minnie Mouse-ish. I was going to try a bow, but didn't want to to ruin it. I'd also like to try to inlay a bow, but that would mean not being able to paint it so that was a no go. I haven't added the safety straps yet, but I have them and will be putting them on before she sits in it--so no need to call social services.

Built from Plan(s)
Restaurant High Chair
Estimated Cost
Around $30-40 including paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I taped off the ears and lower stretchers and spray painted the body of the chair. Then I used a brush and brushed on two coats of the black for the ears and bottom stretchers. Lastly, I used a circular sponge brush from a hobby store to make the polka dots. I'm not very good with the sponge brush so I had to fill in with a small detail brush. I don't like the brush lines so I'm going to try and sand with 350 or 400 grit to get rid of the brush strokes. Then, I'll probably sand up to 600 grit to get a smooth finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

French County Wardrobe

This is probably one of my favorite pieces I have built.  Challenging but fun.  I built it as two separate sections, an upper and lower cabinet to make it easier to carry indoors.  I added a full-extension drawer below for storage. The two-toned paint combination did take a lot of extra time. Because I used an airless spraying to paint I had to tape and cover each section separately. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Simplest Armoire
Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Venus teal and creme brulee by Behr. Dark walnut stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wood Chuck

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 10:43

WOW it looks awesome the extra time spent on the painting was more than worth it looks spectacular. I bet you also could make a great profit selling this Wardrobe either on line or in a consignment shop, if I had the need for one and the money I would defiantly buy one!!

MrCoffee

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 13:54

I love the way the paint job came out on this and I really dig the having the molding on the top stained.

Calmly

Sun, 03/08/2015 - 07:36

This looks awesome! I love the the paint finish and it your profession work

TwoCuteKids

Mon, 03/09/2015 - 17:30

I agree this is your best so far...which is hard to say b/c all your projects are amazing! I love the style, the paint colors, the stained top, and the hardware!

whopua

Tue, 11/10/2015 - 11:13

Are there any available plans? I'd love to make this for my wife!

Anela

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 15:06

It looks really great! 

I have fallen in love with it the second I saw it and somehow I am now convinced that I need a new wardrobe ;) 

I guess you don't have plans for the wardrobe laying around - but would you mind doing a fast sketch (just a simple one on paper) with all the measurements noted? I would be thrilled to try building it myself in the summer. 

Greetings from Germany!

Anela

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 15:07

It looks really great! 

I have fallen in love with it the second I saw it and somehow I am now convinced that I need a new wardrobe ;) 

I guess you don't have plans for the wardrobe laying around - but would you mind doing a fast sketch (just a simple one on paper) with all the measurements noted? I would be thrilled to try building it myself in the summer. 

Greetings from Germany!

petemoore

Mon, 08/22/2016 - 07:32

its very nice but there are no plans

can you put up the plans or email me them please

many thanks

leftysgirl

Tue, 07/18/2017 - 05:43

Are there plans used for this beautiful piece? I do not see any links. Help please!! I absolutely need to make this armoire :) :) 

Trash / Recycling Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/27/2021 - 11:21

This was a build I was able to check off my Honey-do List. We use it as a Trash / Recycling Cabinet. Basic cabinet build with tray drawers for the trash cans.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Kitchen Island with Slide Out Double Trash Cans
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments