Community Brag Posts

8 Foot Picnic Table

Submitted by hummbaby on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 17:11

I built the 8 Foot Picnic table off of Ana's plans but didn't do the greatest job following the full directions. I was going a little too fast. The area I most regret moving too quickly on was the legs. I neglected to look at the sketch of the table legs with dimensions close enough to see that the spread for the bottom of the legs should be 47-1/4" and that the top 2x4 should extend beyond the top of the leg by 3". I only looked at the note "meets at corner" and built the legs off that. The legs were thus, not uniform. The next error I made was not measuring my 2x6 boards to make sure they were equal. All were longer than 8' and none were the same length. When I started attaching the unmeasured, uncut boards to the table legs, I attempted to attach them per plan but ended up with a table slightly out of square. Overall though, I am generally happy with the table and will be donating it to my church. If I build more in the future, I will make sure to space my legs correctly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Redwood deck stain, distressed by sanding, Thompson's water seal
I began by brushing on the deck stain. The next day I sanded the top of the table and seats with 60 grit sandpaper and then smoothed it with 120 grit. This evened out the stain and hid any brush strokes. I then wiped it down to remove the dust and coated it with Thompson's clear water seal.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Play Kitchen with Fridge

Submitted by DMax2010 on Sun, 10/07/2012 - 11:51

This was my first build! I made this kitchen for my 2 1/2 year old son, and he LOVES it! I used the Kreg Jig which made it super easy to build. It was the finishing that took the most time. That and I had to squeeze the work in during naptimes and bedtimes.

I followed the plans for the Simple Play Kitchen and also the Old School Fridge. I added 3 inches to the height and width of the sink and stove pieces after reading another post. The fridge I kept the same dimensions as in the plan.

For the accessories:
Fridge handles: under 3$ each at Lowe's, Stove handle about 4-5$
Sink faucet: random plumbing part from the plumbing aisle at Home Depot, glued together and then spray painted
Sink hot and cold knobs: clearance replacement knobs from Home Depot
SInk: pet food dish spray painted
Stove burners: wooden discs from Michael's, spray painted black
Stove Knobs: replacement knobs also found at Home Depot
Stove Light: $5 at Home Depot, it's battery-powered push light, and happened to have a magnet on the back of it, so I screwed a magnet plate in the oven and now it stays in place, the velcro didn't work
Towels and other accessories found on clearance at Marshalls

The building part went quickly like I said, but the finish took forever! But it was worth it to see the look on my son's face when he finally saw it. He loves it!

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sink and Stove "countertops":
Rustoleum Multicolor Textured Spray Paint in "Aged Iron", used 2-3 coats each, then used Rustoleum Fast-Drying Polyurethane finish, 2 coats each

Sink and Stove body pieces:
This was frustrating. I wanted a stainless steel finish, and thought the one that got the best reviews was Krylon Spray paint in Stainless Steel finish. It didn't work out well at all for me. First, it was difficult to find, I could only find it at Michaels and they only had a couple cans of it. It seemed to not coat well even with the primer on. It also had a glittery substance that didn't go on uniformly, so there were splotches of it here and there. Then oddly, some black glittery stuff would appear. I did shake it well before I used it. So I ended up sanding and using so much of the stuff and never got a good finish.

I ended up using Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint in "Dark Steel", for the final coat, which was close in color, without the glitter, and covered pretty well.

Fridge: for the fridge, I tried to use the Rustoleum Magnetic Primer. This was a disaster for me! It was very thick and didn't mix very well at all. It used a foam brush to put it on, I wish I had used a small roller brush instead, I think that would have been better. It streaked and dried streaky. After a lot of sanding and re-priming with normal primer, I had a decent finish, with some defects from the magnetic primer I just couldn't get out. I used only the Rustoleum Metallic in Dark Steel on the Fridge.
Poly: Rustoleum soft finish in Matte.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

joshuaaslocum15

Fri, 05/06/2016 - 11:50

I couldn't help but get a little excided when I found this play kitchen you have built. I am currently building a tiny house in my daughter’s bedroom and I am working on her kitchen. I have been having nothing but nightmares trying to get a realistic stainless steel appliance look. I have tried stainless steel contact paper and the exact same glittery stainless steel spray paint you tried before. I also ended up with a horrible outcome and had to sand everything back down and start over. I can wait to go to home depot and get the colors you used for your final coats and give them a try. You may have just saved my workshop from a father that might have went incredible hulk on it from one more failed attempt at creating stainless steel looking play furniture...  Thank you!!! 

Simple toy box

Submitted by Rcbaker on Tue, 07/29/2014 - 08:11

I followed the directions other than the hinges in the plans. Those hinges where $25 a piece so I went with a basic hinge and added the soft close attachment. Works just a as well! This was a mother day present and it turned out so nice I hated to give it up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a dark stain and sanded with 2000 grit sandpaper to smooth it out
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kulichka

Fri, 10/17/2014 - 08:38

Hi, can you give me the specific hinges and soft close attachment that you used? I'd love to make the box but can't spend the $50 on the hinges.

Looks great, by the way.

Thanks!

DIY Hall Tree Brag Post

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/09/2016 - 19:14

 First project so I followed I plans pretty close. I took the Cut list to Menards  lumber yard  they  got the wood together for me for around a hundred bucks .

I used a Minwax orange stain brushed on polyurethane.

The 1x4's are used for the back had very rough saw marks my sanded everything before I stainded it after I stand it I sanded it lightly to expose some wood and then I brushed on Minwax polyurethane I am happy with the results bright color yet you can still see the wood grain

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 for wood $20 for finishing supplies $10 for brushes and sandpaper
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyurethane and Minwax stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Outdoor Seating Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/05/2024 - 10:49

I wanted an outdoor lounge. My partner had to work so he helped me get started and I finished it alone. He surprised me a build a corner table to complete the look.
I love it !!

Donna H.

Built from Plan(s)

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

Farmhouse Toddler Bed

Great plan and an easy build. NOTE: The plans mention that not all toddler mattresses are the same dimensions. Make sure to measure your mattress and adjust the dimensions accordingly. Our mattress was 2" longer and 1 1/2" wider than the plans. I used all 1 X 4's for the headboard and footboard instead of the the 1 X 3's on the ends. I would recommend you make your cuts as you go to allow for the differences in dimension.
NOTE: The mattress is originally a Crib mattress. Crib company wanted almost $100 for the conversion piece to make the crib into a bed. I showed them. Lol

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum White Chalk Paint and Rust-Oleum Matte-Clear Protective Top Coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy Doll Bed

Submitted by Linda7 on Fri, 10/12/2012 - 14:04

I made this set for my granddaughter using the Fancy Doll Crib plans. On this build I enlarged the size of the Fancy doll crib to be closer to the Olivia crib. For anyone interested: ends-13 5/8”; bottom-21¾”; side rails 21”; legs-20”; 12- 3/8” dowels @ 8¼”. I thought the scale of the finials from Lowe’s were too large, so I found some I liked better at Hobby Lobby: 3 pcs per pack @ $1.47, item #165274. Since I got 6 altogether, I put two on the high chair. Love the look. I also changed the shape of the curve of the ends and replicated that on the highchair back. The shape of the highchair tray is also curved and slightly cantilevered over the side ends; the tray is 4¾” x 13” to allow for the curve, cut from a 6” wide length of scrap. The vintage lamb theme that I used with my great-nieces is carried out with this set, too. I found the water-slip decals at www.decalcottage.com.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Not including the bedding, between $20-25
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed using Kilz, then I used left-over Olympia bright white interior paint which I sprayed on. I mistakenly used a water-based brush-on acrylic urethane which yellowed. So I will sand and repaint the one piece.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tracysmith

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 18:53

This looks great! I wouldnt have immediately thought of finials on these... fantastic look!!

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

Adirondack Chairs for new Fire Pit area

Submitted by TonyLiddic on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 09:58

We've been talking about adding a fire pit and seating area for awhile. Our oldest daughter's graduation party combined with extra available time due to Corona presented a perfect opportunity to try something new. I've never built anything like this and have very limited experience with woodworking but I came across these chair plans when searching for chairs to buy. Not too bad for a first project! Started digging up sod about a month before the Grad Party. Worked on it a couple hours a day and maybe 3 full weekend days. Came out great and is a wonderful addition to our backyard.

Estimated Cost
$900
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 thin coat of Thompson Timber Oil (Cedar Semi-Transparent) applied before assembling each chair. Used about 2/3 gallon for all 5 chairs and light posts.

Rustic Reclaimed & Scrap Wood End Table

Submitted by AnnieO on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 09:22

I needed an end table that was a little bigger than the average end table - I had a space to fill in a corner between a couch and chair and was tired of the blank space being used as a dumping ground for...things my kids didn't want to put away or throw away. :) So I pulled ideas from a couple projects here and came up this. The cost was free since I just used the leftover wood from other projects we'd done and paint we already had lying around.

Estimated Cost
Free to Me
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint & Clear Poly - The paint for the top was a watered down brown. I used that instead of stain for 3 reasons - 1. So I could get the right shade of brown - I couldn't find a stain color I really liked, 2. I didn't want to wait for the stain to soak in anyway and set, 3. I wanted to be able to easily change it if I didn't the colors. The bottom part of the table is a bright green with a brown (the same as the top) wash over it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/09/2020 - 19:11

We are in love with our new table! It was definitely a labor of love and being so large we had to transport it in pieces but it was very worth it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Burnt Pine Bed Frame

This is a king sized bed frame. The beams interlock. They were burnt with a torch, stained and clear coated. The headboard was my first attempt at upholstery.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean, Rockhard Table Top Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Aj (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 18:54

Oh my gosh, this bed is absolutely gorgeous! Did you use or modify one of Ana's plans, draw it up yourself? Would absolutely love the plans to build one for myself if its okay :)

johnny_paints

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 07:31

Thanks! I don't really have any plans for it. I got the idea from searching screwless bedframe. Found one one instructables site:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Nail-less-glue-less-almost-screw-less-f…

I wanted one that could be built with no screws (the headboard does have some screws though). My plan is to raise the frame on posts also so I could get rid of the box spring.

The hardest part is making the wedge cutout. I used a miter saw first and finished the cut on the scroll saw to get straight clean cutout. (step 3 from the website posted shows a good picture)

The headboard is basically a smaller version of the bed frame. Then I stapled the fabric on, then stuffed it with quilting baton.

Hope that helps. Check out the link, it will help more.

Side street bunk bed

This was a great first project. My son was outgrowing his toddler bed and needed something new, and he wanted a bunk bed.

The bed is made exactly per the instructions for the Side Street Bunk Bed (http://ana-white.com/2012/03/plans/side-street-bunk-beds). The headboard and footboard are very heavy- get some help carrying them in the house. It has a coat of primer and 3 coats of black and red.

Assembly took about a day and a half, and the painting took another 2 days for the 3 coats. I didn't sand this down at all- and gives it a "rugged" look. The 3 coats of paint help to soften the feel so no worry of splinters. I have the ladder built, but just not installed yet.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar 2000 black; Valspare ultimate red
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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