Community Brag Posts

Variation on shoe box

A challenging project, using 150 year old recycled wood, hence finish showing respect to it's age. The challenge was getting the internal swinging shelf right.

(Boxes underneath are easy to build MDF toy boxes - different project). All Christmas presents

My FIRST project!!!

I've recently started woodworking and have gathered a few tool out in my little shed (10x12) and started playing around. After finding this site and browsing the plans I came across this one and decided I'd give it a try. The leg lengths were a little shorter than what I had expected so I added casters to each leg to raise the height a little and to give it mobility. It took me longer to complete since I was doing it in my spare time and had to figure out a few things. I bought the Kreg pocket hole kit and had to play around a while with it. I also had to practice my staining since I hadn't done that before either. Also, if possible- I'd recommend finishing the slats before putting them on.. they're a pain to try and paint after assembled. Any questions or comments email [email protected] **update 4/26/12 - 2nd picture is where the island sat since I made it- finally had to say goodbye since my house is tiny-- Quick $125. First day it was posted on CL I had 5 responses- within a week and a half it was gone**

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax's Gunstock stain on the top and a semi gloss white on the base
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

a miniature version for a one year old

I was looking for inspiration for the grandchildren when
I came across the full size version. I have now made 3 of the 1\3 sized as pictured, in different colours. It takes longer to paint them than make them.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ronseal exterior wood treatment
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Blue Shocked Sideboard

Submitted by joshwgnr on Sun, 07/12/2015 - 08:17

One of the most rewarding, yet frustrating projects done to date.

A project completed over the course of several weeks challenging the limited tool set available.

In the end, the cost of new tools and frustration of assembly was all worth it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Material Cost ~$600

Hardware, hinges, and slides add up quickly.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Espresso stain for exterior, Blue paint interior
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

End Table

Needed an end table, left out the x's on the sides.

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Winwax American Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chicken Coop to Greenhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/05/2022 - 06:39

Using a couple of the Ana White Plans and YouTube videos, converted a run-down, Carpenter Bee infested chicken coop into a functional greenhouse with running water and electricity.

Comments

Rustic Farm Table and Benches

Submitted by verymom on Mon, 05/23/2011 - 17:13

We shortened the table and lengthened the benches - you can see all our details and changes in the blog link.

Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint & Minwax stain (finish took way longer than building!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

JRSMRS's $50 Daybed Brag Post

The daybed took about 4 weekends, and started with a lot of trial-and-error. Around the 3rd weekend, and a lot of "redo-ing", it started taking shape! This daybed will go on our screen porch, along with the homemade outdoor pillows and mattress cover. This project was definitely frustrating at times, but has been well worth the effort.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pressure treated lumber for the frame, and 5/8" wooden dowels for the design.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Console, Coffee and End Tables

Submitted by deblynn42 on Thu, 07/16/2015 - 12:29

I modified the Rustic X plans by removing the X's on the sides and using 1x3in slats on the shelf.  They were made for a beach condo so I wanted a more open look.  I wanted a white washed finish and after trying several ideas from the internet I came up with this process:  First, I used rags to rub on Minwax Special Walnut stain as lightly as I could.  Second, I diluted latex satin white paint, at least 50-50, and brushed it on a small area and immediately wiped it off with a clean rag.  I used Minwax Polycrylic as my protective layer.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut stain, white latex satin paint, Minwax Polycrylic Clear Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

amati5

Mon, 07/20/2015 - 10:28

What kind of joint did you use?  I don't see any holes or screws and very nice looking finish.

deblynn42

Mon, 07/20/2015 - 14:57

The Rustix X plans use the hidden pocket screws using the Kreg Jig tool.  It really makes a strong joint.  All the hidden pockets are on the underside of the trim pieces.   The top and slats are screwed on with normal wood screws, again from the underside.

Bedside End Tables

Submitted by Grace734 on Mon, 02/05/2018 - 07:38

These are made from the three drawer plans but modified the size to meet our needs and used planks for shelves instead of drawers. Painted white and black gel stain. 

 

UPDATE FROM ANA - We have received MANY requests for this plan and have created a plan inspired by this post here.

Shopping List (for ONE bedside table) + Tools

  • 1 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue
  • Kreg Jig
  • Compound Miter saw
  • Drill
  • Brad Nailer (18 guage)

Cut List (for ONE bedside table)

  • 4 - 1x2 @ 14" - Side panel trim
  • 8 - 1x4 @ 23-1/4" - Side panels
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 27-1/4" - Legs
  • 6 - 2x2 @ 14" - Shelf support
  • 8 - 1x4 @ 17" - Shelves
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 18" - Top

Cut 1x4s and 1x2s with miter saw. Layout side panel 1x4s as shown above.  Measure and cut 1x2 to length.  Nail the 1x2 to the 1x4s, two nails per overlap with glue.  Make sure your side panels are square.  Build two.

Drill 3/4" pocket holes on inside edge of 1x4 ends as shown above.  Cut 2x2s with compound miter saw. Attach to the 2x2 legs with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Set Kreg Jig to 1-1/2" setting.  Drill 1-1/2" pocket holes on end of each 2x2, one per end.  Attach to 2x2s with wood glue as shown above.

Cut 1x4 shelf boards with compound miter saw.  Nail and glue to the inside of the project as shown above.

Cut 1x4 top boards with compound miter saw.  Nail and glue to top with 1-1/4" nails and wood glue.

If you wish to add a back, measure and cut from 1/4" plywood and attach with 3/4" brad nails.

Estimated Cost
100.00 for both.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of eggshell white PPG
Two coats of ebony gel stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Child Size Adirondack Lawn Chair

This was a very simple build, but to do it again I would attach the arms to the arm supports at a 90* angle before attaching them to the chair itself. My kids love this style of chair and are thrilled to have their own nice loungers out in the yard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10 each ($30 for 3 including paint, wood filler, sandpaper....)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum's American Accents in Colonial Red. I finished each board after cutting but when I build this chair the next time I will paint the board prior to cutting and then just touch-up the cut ends before assembly because it is much faster to paint 3/4 long boards than 25ish small ones!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy 2x4 Cubicle Shelf

This was the first project my husband and I attempted. I'm new to building but he has lots of experience. Went real well, I should have taken the advice though to measure and cut trim at the end. I did it at the start to get it sanded and we ended up needing to redo it all with new wood. So happy with the end result though, tons of storage for baby's toys.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

NannyGoat

Wed, 05/12/2021 - 20:02

Do you have the plans for this? It looks really great for my grandchild's toys.
THanks.
Nancy

Pottery Barn Bench Knockoff

Submitted by worrow on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 11:54

My neighbours had noticed the things I build and asked if I could build them a nice bench. I had some very nice pieces laying around that I thought would be amazing to laminate for the top. After completing the top which was alot of elbow grease, I needed to build the base. I cannot for the life of me find the link, but I know it was from Shanty Chic. It is absolutely beautiful, one of my best pieces of work.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax (Walnut)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

worrow

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 08:12

I don't remember which plan I got the base from, but the top is of my own design, and I spend awhile figuring out what kind of base I wanted, but it is suppose to be representative of an old design from Pottery Barn, was built for some friends that needed something heavy duty.

Modified grandy console

Submitted by Lukilla on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 12:22

Built a smaller version of the grandy console with slot in the top for a sound bar. This was my first time using barn door hardware. Was a good time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250 (includes barn door hardware)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain anf white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Whiskey/ Wine Bar

Submitted by Dan Dodd on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 13:43

Whiskey on the left, Wine rack & glass holders on the right with storage in the middle. Frame built mostly with Pine, painted with Peppercorn Grey. Cherry tabletop with live edge. Finished with boiled linseed oil and semi-gloss polyurethane. A whiskey Bar should be fun! Stick on lights in each bay battery powered, comes with remote with many color options.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 03/18/2022 - 17:41

It looks great and serves it purpose, love the added lights for fun! Thanks for sharing:)

Modified Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by ewood on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 08:04

Wanted a Patio table and when I saw the plans on this site I really liked it; I just changed the plan a bit. Everything was screwed from the underside of the table, also I attached the legs with 2" lag screws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic x console table

Submitted by langlena on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 08:19

This was my first project! I love how it came out. Now my husband want the matching end tables. Can't wait to get started

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I followed the plans exactly. The stain that was used was minwax red mahogany and then I coated with a couple coats of polyurithane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dressed up Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by kcragun on Fri, 07/24/2015 - 10:25

I added some decorative trim to the top of the table and also to the sides of the table.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black paint and pecan stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Sectional (modified park bench)

Submitted by JustJ on Tue, 02/20/2018 - 08:16

This is a modified version of Ana's park bench.  Had a large deck, with plenty of room for a sectional. 

I basically built two benches.  One with an extended back (to create the back for the side of the second), and modified the front leg to sit under the frame, to allow the second bench to sit flush.  I used lag bolts to attach them together on the seat base.  Using lag bolts allows it to be easily taken apart for moving.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Finished with Minwax Espress Polystain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Corner Cupboard

Submitted by tylerdr on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 00:10

This was my first project and it was perfect for our small kitchen.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of Chestnut stain applied with a rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner