Community Brag Posts

Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/18/2017 - 20:16

Here is my try at your table. I skipped the x's on the sides. 

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Dark Roast
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

In love with my new miter saw stand and work benches

Submitted by seahawklvr on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 05:58

We purchased a fixer up house that requires a complete gut but the property came with a detached shop! I quickly realized I needed to get the shop cleaned up and organized so it would be easier and more efficient to work on projects for the house. I am a beginner as far as I am concerned and even though this was rated as an intermediate level build, as long as you take your time, it’s definitely doable for a beginner. The plans called for staples but since I just had a Brad nailer, I just used that and it worked fine. I did have one fail, and that was that I had a 1x2 to hang my clamps on but I placed it too far near the outside of the mobile work bench and when I went to store the work bench under the miter stand, the clamps prevented it from sliding in so I had to reposition it. Other than that, it was perfect and as soon as I save up for my Ryobi table saw then I will position it on one of the work benches. Because of the raise in the cost of lumber dut to COVID, the cost was probably twice as much as it should’ve been but I still feel I couldn’t have purchased a huge miter saw station and two mobile work stations for less than I spent on building this. Besides, I can be proud that I built this myself!

Estimated Cost
$325
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee #MQ6-22 Gateway gray in satin enamel
I found it more cost effective to purchase a 6 pack of handles vs purchasing 4 individual handles. Now I have two spares for a project down the road.
The Caster Wheels were Moogiitools 3” locking from Amazon and were @$50 for 8 wheels. Very smooth and heavy duty
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dollhouse Bookshelves

Submitted by GBolton on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 19:17

We used Ana’s plans in the Grade 12 Custom Woodworking class this semester at St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Surprisingly the all boys class really enjoyed the project and there effort shows in the final products. We built them to order and sold them at cost to the other teachers to replenish the ever shrinking lumber budget.

For the first few bookcases we used wood screws,dowel plugs, and biscuit joints, but quickly smartened up and purchased a Kreg Master System. If you were on the fence about getting this system, then take our advice and go out and buy one. We now have a second system on order.

We added customizations with mitered trim pieces, custom colours, wallpapering (see pink shelf), and choice of a backer board or choosing to leave it open with trim all around. The project is such a hit, we now have 6 more shelves on-order for next semester.

Thanks for a great website.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Lowes Valspar Signature Paint (primer + paint)
(White, Pink, Lime Green, Wild Grape)
Because we used Pine with knots we used spackling compound to seal the knots and all parts were sanded with 80, 120 and finally 220 grit sand paper. Prior to painting in all corners we ran a bead of paint-able white caulking to give a nice finished look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Thank You!

Greetings from Brazil. Thank you very much for the dollhouse bookcase plans. I did it to my goddaughter and she love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
acrylic paint and fabric
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Large square Balustrade Coffee Table

Submitted by Dea Roc on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 13:53

About This Project

Loved loved the table and thought it would be perfect for our living room. I wanted an oversized square table so I adjusted the plans for a 55" square.  I also added center support frame due to size

I found round feet at Home Depot and counter sunk a nut onto bottom to screw in. 

I ordered the legs from Osborne. We assembled the table in sections since it was too large for our work table. I stained each section prior to assembling top to bottom. 

I used Minwax Pre stain. 2 coats Minwax Special Walnut. One coat Minwax classic grey which I wiped on and off immediately. Top coat Minwax poly 

My first ever wood project!

Thanks Ana and Jen's House of Wood for the idea and plan. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
275. Including legs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Pre stain. 2 coats Minwax Special Walnut. One coat Minwax classic grey which I wiped on and off immediately. Top coat Minwax poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tryde Side Table

Made a couple of Tryde side tables for our living room along with a Tryde coffee table and kids country bench.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

4x4 Truss Table and Bench

Submitted by smiljke on Wed, 11/19/2014 - 07:18

Great Project! a ton of fun!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Round Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 17:22

Here is Ana White’s round farmhouse table miniaturized into a coffee table measuring 18” in height and 36” in diameter using hardwood Ash.

The table top construction was slightly simplified by screwing six (1.5” x 6” x 36”) panels together. The circular saw jig setup worked out well.

A Kreg jig and a variety of clamps were instrumental in securing clean, tight joints for the base.

Thanks for the inspiration and useful tips on your site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top: Varathane Premium Wood Stain - Kona / Rust-oleum Polyurethane Satin Interior

Base/Legs: Behr Ultra Pure White (7750) Interior Satin Enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Raised Planter Box

Submitted by ang312 on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 12:24

Living in Tempe, Arizona, I am always in need of creative planter boxes so that I can garden with more ease. I loved this tutorial and recommend it to anyone, even beginners! A full tutorial can be seen here: http://www.barerootgirl.com/homemade/2012/11/5/homemade-diy-raised-gard…

 

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Book Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Fri, 11/21/2014 - 17:00

This is the prototype build for the Book Box plan.  It was a lot of fun coming up with the decoration ideas, and the build was quick and super-easy.  I plan on making more of these!    I used scrap wood and left over finishes for this build.  

Estimated Cost
This build was from scrap wood, and the paint was already on hand. The only things I had to purchase for this build were the hinges (about $3) and the craft paint ($2.49) and optional sticky-back velcro dots (they come in a package of 15 for $2.99)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Box: 3 coats Clark & Kensington semi-gloss in Crushed Peanut; spine: 3 coats Clark & Kensington gloss black; Pages/stripe: 2 coats Americana gloss enamel metallic in Glorious Gold;

Tip for clean paint lines: tape off the area to paint, and apply clear poly to tape edges and allow to dry before painting on the color.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 14:11

Thanks Ana!  I had a lot of fun with this project.  Your Handmade Holidays collection inspired me!  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!  :)  Joanne

Heny Media Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/26/2017 - 05:50

I loved the rustic X console, but it was a bit too big for our space.  We decided to go with the Henry Media Console, but I had my dad add "X"s to each end.  We took breaks and worked in between our busy schedules, but this could totally be a day project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained it with Minwax Special Walnut. I did one coat and then a coat of Polyurethane Semi Gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Final Kitchen Rebuild Reveal!

Submitted by brittanyj on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 12:23

5 years. Y'all. FIVE YEARS.

5 years after starting this complete kitchen renovation, I have finished!
Very cool write-up and video featured on Family Handyman recently about my one woman build here:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/kitchen-remodel-five-years/?jwso…

This project included designing and building all new cabinets and doors from scratch, creating unique pullouts for our specific kitchen needs, and tiling the backsplash.

I couldn't be happier with my kitchen and every time I walk in there, it feels like I'm stepping into a magazine!

It may have taken me 5 years, but the wealth of woodworking skills and knowledge I gained from this project are priceless. As is a brand new kitchen for less than 5k.

I used many of Ana's plans, and honestly, I never would've taken on this huge challenge if I hadn't found this site. I specifically remember the day I saw her posting about the momplex kitchens and a spark hitting that I could ACTUALLY do this. Thank you Ana! I love my kitchen and it's even cooler that I built every last bit of it.

Through the years of learning and building both the kitchen and many other projects (don't ask me what's next because the list is a mile long) I feel very confident in the shop and count building time as "me-time". I've even started teaching a beginners woodworking class on skillshare, and have over 2,000 students so far. I love that people are getting empowered to build, just like I was. https://skl.sh/34FSP5A

Long live DIY!

Estimated Cost
>$5,000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Alkyd Enamel in Dorian Gray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bench Seat for our kids' toyroom

Submitted by Lewfam on Sat, 01/26/2013 - 21:26

We used Ana's plans from her dining room banquette bench and made a bench for our boys' toyroom. We didn't put a back on because the bench sits in the middle of the room. We love the way it turned out! Thanks, Ana!

Estimated Cost
Bench seat
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lewfam

Sat, 01/26/2013 - 21:27

Woodworking part was for beginners but the sewing part was a bit challenging. I had never done box cushion corners before but I got the hang of it after the first corner.

Cabin Bunk Bed Build w/ Mods

Submitted by gobdav on Tue, 11/25/2014 - 21:42

I used the Cabin Bunk Bed system as a starting point for these plans.  This was my first major build of any kind of furniture, except for a small basic coffee table and pantry.  I took all the dimensions of the lumber, then put them into SketchUp to make sure the bed would fit in my daughter's room first.  My major mistake was using regular dimensions instead of board dimensions.  That cost me a couple days at least because I would have to go measure, then cut, then fit together.

I decided not to do the drawers because I didn't know how to do it and was exhausted by the time this was finished, so I'm using it as a cubby and robe hanger instead.  I designed the steps myself using 3/4" plywood.  I then painted the bed with semi-gloss white, 2 coats for durability. 

Structurally, I was wary because it shook pretty bad, but put an angled brace on the desk side.  That side was the weak point by far, but I got it sturdy enough for my daughter. 

Estimated Cost
$600 (I haven't added it up, but it cost a lot more than my $400 budget)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Glidden Semi-gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic console/entry table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/16/2020 - 19:27

First diy project, thank you for sharing such easy to make plans,

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathene Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tidy Up Coffee Table & Side Tables

This was my second project. I am very happy with the way they turned out. The plans were very easy to follow. I did add L brackets to the legs as others have suggested. I added handles to my trundle because I could not get the cut-out handles consistent.

Estimated Cost
$90 on the wood for all three pieces; caster wheels, handles, and stain where extra
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditinoer, Minwax English Chestnut Stain (one coat, about 5 minutes) and Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane semi-gloss (4 coats on top, 3 coats everywhere else).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Great shelving, easy to do

Very easy garage shelving

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hutch

Doug Fir Hutch

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain
Satin Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Console Made From Ana's Book!!

Submitted by CareyM on Thu, 01/31/2013 - 15:11

I am SO excited to show off my first build, thanks to Ana White and her amazing book!! This console was on the cover and I fell in LOVE LOVE! After I finished it I tried to find out the paint color with no luck....can't stop a woman on a mission...I googled looking for an iPhone App to match colors. BINGO! Benjamin Moore has one. I took a pic of the table in the book, and...you tell me...it sure looks like a match!

Thank you Ana so much for your generous help showing girls like me...YES WE CAN!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top: Minwax English Chestnut
Paint: Benjamin Moore #608 Erin Green
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 01/31/2013 - 15:34

Beautiful build, you did a wonderful job, congrats on your first project! Looks just like the book cover! Happy building! :)
Joanne