Community Brag Posts

This was my first big project, so I opted to use these simple plans. I ended up making some changes on the fly at the lumber yard by switching the 2x4 legs out with 4x4s and the 1x10 top slats with 2x10s for added solidity. I also had to adjust the length of the table from 8' to 6' in order to fit into our dining nook. We painted the legs and skirts with Behr Anonymous Gray and the table top with Minwax Mission Oak Polyshades. We decided to use the 2 in 1 stain in the interest of time (needed to be done by Thanksgiving). The 2 in 1 didn't come out as well as I would've liked, but all in all it adds to the rustic feel of the table.... not to mention the process was an absolute breeze. The simplicity of the plans allowed me to make numerous easy adjustments to customize the table to our needs/wants.

Modified the plans slightly to make a bigger bench, especially on one end. Added rope lights underneath for a cool effect.

I modified the plans to make the top even with the counter, and added a cutting board to the top. The cutting board top is great for cutting veggies, then scooping the scraps right into the can. I also opted for the bead board instead of the raised panel on the door, and finished the door with quarter round to give it a more finished look. Finally I used trim on the base; I had to rip the trim to width to fit my 1x3 on the bottom.

I built this apothecary style coffee table with a few modifications. I wanted the drawer to actually be attached to the table itself, so I attached two 1x3s (one on the front and one on the back) from the bottom inside of one side to the other, if that makes sense. I also attached a 1x3 to the bottom inside of each side vertically between the other added 1x3s for extra drawer support. I used my kreg jig for all of this. I then added drawer slides. I attached the casters to the new added bottom frame where the vertical and horizontal 2x3s meet and viola...an apothecary coffee table with a sliding drawer. I also added a planked back using some extra 1x4s I had in the shop. I wish I had taken a picture of the back, but I forgot! I am horrible at remembering to photograph all my projects, and this table has since gone on to be with a happy home!

This project was a blast to build!!!! I modified the fire truck loft bed by changing a few of the exterior accent pieces. I also built it to fit a full mattress in stead of the planned twin. I did this by adding additional slates for support. I just recently was able to finish it completely when i found someone who could make the decals. Hope you all enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. Also I used cabnet grade plywood so mine cost was a lot more expensive.

My brother built my bed by not following my directives but I love it anyways. We(he) made some changes for a look I wanted and it only took a day to build. The sanding and painting took the longest. My son liked it so much he built a queen size for his girlfriend. His first build. His is the black one.

Nothing was bought for this table. I allocated $5 as cost for the screws and sandpaper. 2 x 6 legs & 2 x 4 rails used wood recycled from material removed during alterations to our 1930's barn. Supports were extracted from the woodpile. Nails were removed where possible, or cut off and punched below the surface where they were not removable. Because the wood was very old and splintery an enormous amount of time was spent sanding.

The top is an Ikea counter thrown out from a kitchen remodel and rescued from the roadside, still in its cardboard box. Score!

I am very pleased with the design and plan to make another using better lumber. The table is very sturdy and will be used as a sewing/crafts table.

The Farmhouse bedside tables I made for my bedroom.

I was looking for a bed for my daughters room. She does not have much storage or room so this plan worked perfect. Took about two days so a great weekend project. Built with love unlike from a store.

The plans for the small and medium picnic table came at a perfect time. Our two granddaughters were growing out of their plastic play table and a big party was on the horizon - a graduation from pre-school.

As it turned out, I had purchased some very nice pine pre-covid and decided to use it for the table. The only change I made to the plan was to use 1" x 6" boards for the top as that was what I had. It gave the table a lighter look. I'm not sure if the boards will cup over time but I'm hoping the 5 coats of Spar Varnish will prevent that from happening.

I was surprised at how easy the plans were to follow and that the level of detail was enough to get it build without questioning "What do I do next?" or "How do I do this?"

I must say that having a miter saw and drill press made the job go faster but I could see that using more basic tools would certainly get the job done. Having the material allowed me to build the table in a single day. The coats of varnish took time to apply and let dry but I believe it will protect the table better than polyurethane.

I wanted a prettier way to store my kids toys in the family room, but was having a hard time finding something with the right dimensions. I modified Grace's Bookshelf to fit my space needs. This is my first furniture build, so it's not perfect. I needed a lot of wood filler and it took forever to get the right finish. But I'm happy with the end product and am inspired to build more!

These chairs turned out great. I have five grandchildren and made one for each. To cut down on arguments, I painted them all the same color and painted their names on their chair. This is a really sturdy chair they will enjoy for years!. Thank you, Ana, for the great plan in your book, "The Handbuilt Home."

I love this plan! It's so versatile. I made this bench for my daughter's entry. First I painted it with an all in one paint/primer in light grey, then I sanded it down to reveal some of the wood grain and roughed up the edges a bit. Next, I brushed a dark ebony stain over the entire bench, one section at a time, and wiped it away. I thought I would get less stain, but really enjoy the end results. Thanks Ana!

Great Miter saw cart plans! Absolutely love how mobile my miter saw is now. I added adjustable shelves and drawers for a ton of storage.

I found this website a while ago, but it was a while before I had an opportunity to utilize the plans as I have a long honey-do list of things around the house (insulation, installing new light fixtures, putting up crown moulding) that took priority. Well, I finally got some time and Hillary's locker cabinet was a perfect first project.

We have a small Cape Cod with no separate entryway, so our coats, shoes, bags, keys, and other accessories ended up on our windowsill or the dining room table, which was okay until dinner started and we had to clear it all off before eating. It was aggravating to say the least. So the narrow cabinet was the perfect solution. I made a few changes to the plan - added doors instead of drawers, and changed some dimensions to fit my space, and I also added trim pieces to the inside shelves to finish it off a little more - and it worked out great. The spaces between the doors and the trim are not even, and while that bothers me a little, I'll just have to improve on my next piece...and there will be a next piece. Soon.

Thanks Ana and Hillary!

I built this media console several months ago. In the beginning I saw the one Ridge Media Console and loved it, but I don't have the right tools to make the drawers like the plans, so I decided to take a couple of plans to make mine different. I also wanted to build a console that was easy enough because I'm still a beginner. I also loved the Benchwright media console and used some of the plans to get what I wanted. The storage flips down by adding euro hinges. And I added doors. I added my own silver decorative pieces. At 1st I thought that was too much silver, but now I like it. When I first built it I would pass by it and had to remind myself I did not buy this at a store, but built it. I can't say how much it cost because frankly I'm not that organized just yet. Since I'm a beginner I go back and forth to Lowes getting something here and there. Lowes and me have this weird relationship. They wonder why I'm there AGAIN; and I just keep coming back, AGAIN. They better watch it, I may dump them for Home Depot - lol.

For the finish I used Rustoleum stains and finishes. I use this because I don't wipe them off and they dry quicker. I use one coat and it's done. Dries by the end of the day and ready for poly. I added the pic for the stain, but Lowes didn't have my colors on their website (shame on you Lowes).

The colors I used were 1 part black cherry and 2 parts dark walnut. I loved the colors so much I plan on using them for the rest of my builds in my living and dining rooms.