Community Brag Posts

Simplest Console (first furniture project)

Submitted by Yrkylvr on Sat, 04/05/2014 - 18:50

First furniture project with my Kreg Jig. Went smoothly. Loved the plans and how descriptive they were. This is a great beginner project. It only took me about 2 hours to complete.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Kona Stain and Valspar paint on bottom (white) then distressed with mouse sander. Actually the more the paint gummed up on the sanding disc the better it distressed!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sun, 04/06/2014 - 06:33

Congrats on your first furniture project, great job! Your distressed finish and stained top are awesome. Love the Kona stain color, and I think it is the perfect amount of distressing on the paint. Beautiful!

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Shugh on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 16:01

Thanks for the plans!

Estimated Cost
$200 and 40 of that was a box of 1000 screws, and 35 for stain (not in image)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Still to be finished/stained
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Ana White style modern Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 09:19

Thanks Anna, great design great plan. My first attempt at a chair. Was a lot of fun , just have to build 5 more, my wife loves it.
Bob
Duluth MN

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Un decided
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Patio Table

Submitted by Rennie82 on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 17:42

Project took a lot more time and patience than the last few little ones that I have done. I like the simple outdoor table but wanted a little bit more. I used the basic concept and mixed it with a patio table from PB that I really enjoyed but didnt want to pay $800 for. The table looks fantastic and am still debating on what type of finish, if any, to use. Hoping to make the matching bench soon for one of the sides of the table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $120 including the carriage bolts so I can take off the legs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None as of yet, leaning towards Thompsons clear waterproofer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Our Porch Swing Bed

I have wanted a swing bed for ages and got hubby on board with this. We built a full size bed (plenty of room for me and all 3 grandkids!) using poplar. I had the turned dowels from a major score at my Habitat Store several years ago. $2 per dowel! I wanted an old fashioned look and so added the corner brackets to all sides and the resin appliques on the back.

I primed with cream colored ceiling paint, an "Oops" paint from my neighborhood home improvement store. The baby blue was another "Oops" paint - another score- only $5 for a gallon of Valspar eggshell. After a very light distressing, I finished it with a paste wax.

I make the design and drawing and Hubby makes all the cuts. I joined all with biscuit joinery for a strong and solid piece.

We hung it from the ceiling joists with 1" manila ropes, added lots of pillows and plants and it is my happy place. A night blooming jasmine adds a heady fragrance that puts me right at peace ... A great refuge from a crazy work day!!!

Estimated Cost
$500 without the bedding
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar eggshell finish in a baby blue for a matte look, finished off with a little aging wax and final coat of paste wax. (Hard edges were lightly sanded to give a bit of distressing)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

House Bed

Submitted by T.R. on Tue, 07/05/2016 - 07:42

Took a canopy bed plan but made it to look like a house for my grandson.  

He loves it! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Treehouse Bed

I built this for our two year old, who absolutely loves it. We really like the rustic look, and it's a very sturdy bed. This is a weekend project if you don't have young children. If you do, and you have limited free time like we do, it's more like a month-long here-and-there project ;) Try to get the flattest boards possible, so you don't have to spend a lot of time jointing and planing to correct any twists or warping. We chose to mount the step a little higher than Ana's plan, but aside from that everything is to her plan's spec. Thanks for the great plan, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$225
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Off-white paint for the frame rails and panels, and Minwax Ebony wood stain for the roof.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

coffee table made from a pallet.

Submitted by robin214 on Sun, 06/17/2012 - 22:14

I made this table out of a free pallet. The legs are cut off of an older scraped table and then I used poly with no stain. I used 1x2 furring strips in between slats to make tabletop solid.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Reclaimed Wood Bench...My First DIY Piece

Submitted by Stacey G on Fri, 04/11/2014 - 09:11

This was my first attempt to use real power tools and make furniture. After being inspired by Ana, I purchased my Kreg Jig and got to work! I needed a coffee table so I tweaked this one to fit my needs. I ended up staining it with Minwax Gray, but it wasn't rich enough for me. So I took white, black and brown pain and dry brushed it to give it that old barn wood look.....OMG I LOVE IT! It came out perfect. So much better than in the photos even! Thank you for the inspiration Ana.....What will I make next???? Hmm......

Estimated Cost
15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Truss Table and Benches (Western Red Cedar)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/07/2016 - 14:47

We built this outdoor table and benches using Western Red Cedar for a patio area outside our house.   The cedar is pricier than doug fir or other woods, but is highly rot resistant and the best choice for an outdoor table.  We used Ana White's 4x4 Truss Beam Table and Benches plans and Kreg blue kote screws since they are weatherproof.   The breadboards were a little wobbly, so we reinforced them with black metal corner braces (http://www.truevalue.com/product/Hardware/Miscellaneous-Hardware/Corner…) and black coated exterior screws (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-12-x-1-1-4-in-Phillips-Flat-Head-Wo…).   These braces provide a cool architectural look and provide much needed support for the table ends, and especially the bench ends.    We stained the Western Red Cedar with Minwax Weathered Oak and finished it with two coats of Man O War Spar Urethane in Satin finish.   Hopefully it will stand up to the elements and last for years to come.   Thanks for the plans Ana!

Estimated Cost
$600-$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak (2 coats); Man O War Spar Urethane Satin (2 coats). Sanded with 400 grit sandpaper in between coats of urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Play Kitchen!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/28/2023 - 08:57

We modified Ana White’s excellent Mud Kitchen plans, adding a third section and scaling the whole thing slightly larger to be a better size for our 4 and 6 year old grand daughters. It was so much fun to make and accessorize!

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Hollister Co. Inspired Farm Table

I wanted to contribute a plan but unfortunately I'm still learning how to use Google Sketchup. However, here's a brag post in the mean time! My husband were asked to replicate a display table from Hollister Co. and this is what we came up with. :)

Estimated Cost
$100-150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona stain by Rustoleum and Briwax Dark Wood sealant.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Fillman platform bed full size

Submitted by Mgros483 on Sun, 04/13/2014 - 18:54

Modified the plans for a full size mattress, also used 2x6 lumber for the main frame. Installed LED strip lighting around the perimeter for a night light. Also built my own headboard, modified for the full size. I used laminate flooring for the center inlay.

Fun project, about 6 hours to build, total cost around $200 with the lighting.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain brushed on, let soak for 5 minutes then wipe off with a rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kentwood Nightstand Painted with Tattered Angels Paints

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 05:22

I saw the plans for this nightstand and loved it! It was exactly the piece of furniture I was looking for to use as an end table. I decided to stain the top and paint the bottom. The outside is a greenish-teal color and the inside is a light, fun yellow. I also submitted this project to Canvas Corp Brands' Blog and they published it! See the blog post here: http://blog.canvascorpbrands.com/diy-end-table-painted-with-tattered-angels-paints/

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax stain in the color of English Chestnut for the top. I also added two coats of shiny poly over the stain. For the paints on the bottom I applied Tattered Angels DIY and Decor paints in the colors of Mankato and Chamoise. I first wiped down the whole piece with a damp cloth to remove dirt, and then since it was already sanded, I just began to add color. I used a rag to stain the top and applied two coats. I used a small Purdy brush on the bottom to apply the paint. I did a light coat of paint first, then came back with another light coat to cover any spots I missed.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table

My First Build!!

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Grey Stain
Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Leaning Wall Shelf

Submitted by King418 on Wed, 06/27/2012 - 19:01

Easy project, I really enjoyed making this and it looks great! I used MDF for the shelves and finger jointed poplar for the rails. I work in a lumber yard so the materials and tools were readily available. I recommend for all levels and again really enjoyed making it! Hope you enjoy my first post!

Finish Used
Black wood paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Library Book Cart

Submitted by kkllgg on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 09:12

This was one of my first woodworking projects I completed with limited help from my handy husband. And the first time I used a jigsaw (to cut out the handles). I used mostly scrap MDF we had leftover from other projects - only purchasing one additional sheet of MDF for around $12. The MDF worked ok, but I did have some trouble with splitting when screwing it all together and screwing the castors on. Used our Kreg Jig where it made sense.

As a beginner, this project took me somewhere in the neighborhood of 16 hours over the span of a couple weeks. Cost was approximately $50 - including the MDF (but I used mostly scrap we had on hand), spray primer and paint, castors, and "Library" decal.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
To finish, I primed with Rustoleum spray primer and sprayed several coats (two cans) of Rustoleum spray paint in their bright yellow. (Note that if using MDF, the spray paint did not cover the edges well. I read a tip online that suggested spreading a thin layer of drywall spackle over the edges and that worked for me.) I had someone on Etsy make the chevron "Library" decal for me for about $5.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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