Community Brag Posts

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

Farmhouse table

Submitted by AngelaJB on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 14:41

Prior to making this table I had never used a power drill in my life, and I was scared to death. I was intimidated by the power and scared to death to mess up, and in making this table I messed up A LOT! It was a big undertaking but I was determined. It’s rustic and authentic and full of mistakes and I LOVE IT!! Thank you Ana for modeling how to make such wonderful things. Up next is the raised flower bed.

Estimated Cost
$60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Under Sink Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/03/2024 - 07:53

I wanted to get my nasty pot scrubbers out from behind the kitchen faucet, so I thought this was an ideal solution. I substituted the paper towel rack for a length of vinyl rain gutter. I cut a piece of a baking cooling rack for the bottom of the rain gutter, so the wet pot scrubbers would not sit in dampness. I also made the rain gutter removable, because I knew it would get nasty and need to be washed occasionally.

kuyaLars

 

Kitchen Island

We had an area in our kitchen where the washer and dryer use to be, and we wanted to build a cabinet that would fit in that spot. We took these plans and adjusted the sizes to fit the space we needed. We made the depth deeper and we cut off one of the side drawers and doors. We found a pre-made 1 1/2 inch butcher block counter top at a local wood supply warehouse that fit our needs perfectly. The countertop was about a quarter of the price of the whole cabinet, but it was worth it. In the drawers we used wrapping paper that we found at Cost Plus which fits us to a "T". We painted it with General Finish Milk Paint in Bayberry Green and used a clear coat with a satin finish. My biggest advice to someone making this cabinet is to take your time and make sure everything is square.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finish Milk Paint Bayberry Green, Satin Clear Coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

vabvive

Mon, 07/02/2012 - 10:10

You've done a beautiful job! What did you find was key to getting everything square?

This is lovely & has inspired me to make my own. I need a piece for my master bedroom that I can use as a TV stand and also to conceal my laundry baskets. Originally I'd planned on adapting a sideboard and using a tip-out door like Ana's trash bin for the laundry -- but this piece is so beautiful I may just ensure that my laundry basket will fit inside and build as-is so that I can easily have the option to use it differently if I want to.

Schweizerfamily

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 06:59

Thank you so much. We purchased a couple of Clamp it Assemby Sqares from rockler.com. These helped a lot for getting everything square. We also took our time and did not rush.

Dustin (not verified)

Wed, 07/11/2012 - 19:42

Love your modified sideboard! The color is gorgeous and the butcher block is a great addition!

I was wondering what kind of hinges you used. I looked for flush mount hinges at Lowes today and they are not going to work. I want it to look like yours where you can barely see the hinge.

Do you remember the name of it? Where you got it? Pic? Any help would be appreciated!!

Dustin Roberts
[email protected]

Schweizerfamily

Wed, 07/11/2012 - 20:15

Thank you very much. We had a really hard time finding hinges also. We tried Home Depot and Lowes and came up empty. We finally went on to Hillary Louise's blog and follow the links to the website where she bought her hinges. http://www.cabinetparts.com

Here are the links that she posted.

http://www.cabinetparts.com/p/amerock-traditional-cabinet-hinges-AMCM31…

http://www.cabinetparts.com/p/amerock-traditional-cabinet-hinges-AMCM31…

We just bought ours in a different color.

Becka (not verified)

Sat, 09/08/2012 - 13:14

My husband & I are looking to build our own too but the dimensions of the original plan would make it too big for our dining area. Yours would be a perfect size though - would you mind posting the size adjustment for yours? Or could you email it to me? I would be forever grateful :)

Love the color you painted it too....very nice choice!

Becka Krikorian (not verified)

Sat, 09/08/2012 - 13:18

My husband & I are looking to build our own too but the dimensions of the original plan would make it too big for our dining area. Yours would be a perfect size though - would you mind posting the size adjustment for yours? Or could you email it to me? I would be forever grateful :)

Love the color you painted it too....very nice choice!

rhettar

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 11:37

This is exactly the size down I had in mind and was wondering how it would look with one door off by itself, it looks great! I even thought about incorporating one door to actually be a tilt or pull out for trash. You guys did a wonderful job and it looks like it was built in where you ended up putting it in your kitchen... Are you going to do a little something now to match on the other side of the stove?

Schweizerfamily

Fri, 01/25/2013 - 09:12

Thats a great idea. We were thinking one our next projects would be a mix between this and Ana's recycling center with the tilt out for dog food.

Farmhouse Storage Bed - Solid Maple

My Dad and I started with solid maple lumber. We altered the plan to use mortise and tendon joints and adjust drawer sizes to that night stands would not interfere with the drawers. Final product weighs about 500lbs.

Estimated Cost
$1600.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cherry Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Hanna Canopy Bed

This was a fun and relatively easy weekend project. Shaping the legs and getting the rounded header and footer were the only challenging parts. A good stretch project for the novice DIYer. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint/ primer combo. Three coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Chair

Submitted by msnook on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 09:10

This is my first project. I loved how easy it was and I loved my husband’s reaction to the completed project.

Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Semi Transparent Stain in Sable
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Home Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:16

We built this fireplace where nothing existed before. The instructional video was very helpful. We are so proud of how it turned out.

Jim and Susie Jacob 

Comments

hmillgarv

Wed, 02/28/2024 - 19:20

Hello! I’m wondering if you think this could be built as a temporary piece that could be moved? I live in apartment and wouldn’t want to leave something like this behind after spending time and money to build it. Maybe if I built in some removable access panels (a few of the slats?) to be able to attach it to studs (and later remove it) after building the entire piece. Thoughts? TIA!

Double Desk with Window Seat Filing Space

Submitted by cdswhite on Wed, 07/04/2012 - 19:16

We built a double desk based off of the eco-office desk plans. We made various modifications and still haven't decided how we're going to attach the door the cabinet on the right. The window seat has the same style as the other pieces but is totally our own invention - it has three rows of filing inside!

Estimated Cost
$300ish??? Can't Remember Anymore
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white and dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Husky Farmhouse Table

Submitted by J Williams on Sat, 04/19/2014 - 20:21

Took about a week to build and put together. Most expensive part was the table legs but the most challenging part was to get the table top smooth and level. I built the benches based off the farmhouse bench plans and then picked up some chairs from a local second hand shop for just two bucks a piece. So far the feedback has been very positive!

Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bailey console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 13:05

Bailey Console table from the #igbuilderschallenge

built by Instagram: @sawdustandperfume 

built to be used in an buisness office that a former cattle rancher conducts buisness. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Lumber was about $50 but I used scraps I already had as well.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted layers of different colors on the top and then sanded down to the wood again in most spots to get the barn look. I then used a dark stain called Jacob bean.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shed Chicken Coop and Run

Submitted by mikesofka on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 09:27

I had such a fun time on this shed coop/run build! My wife and I have 5 children and it was fun involving them in building everything about this coop and run. They have a wonderful sense of accomplishment in looking at what they helped build.

A few notes, while this what a fairly straightforward build, there are a lot of little intricacies to be aware of. Such as:

• Make sure your chicken coop is about a foot off the ground. It's best to do that so critters such as rats and snakes don't make their home under the shed and potentially eat their way through the floor.

• It is highly advisable to dig a trench about a foot to a foot and a half deep around the coop and the run and attach chicken cage fencing from the bottom of the coop/run into the trench, and then taper the cage fencing outward. This will prohibit critters such as raccoons from trying to dig under the coop.

• When you attach the poultry netting to the outside of the chicken run, staple one side really well, then move to the other side and pull the netting fairly hard to make the netting as tight as possible. (Also, be careful when putting the netting across the top of the run to not fall off the ladder as I did and dangle there until one of your kids comes to help you! Ha! :D )

Thank you, Ana, for posting these plans! We are so excited to get our little chickies out into their new home as soon as their feathers come in!

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

8' Entertainment Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/09/2024 - 08:51

We have been looking for a TV console for the last couple of years, but couldn't find anything we liked. My husband said, "Why don't we build it ourselves?" We found the Simplified 8' Barn Door Console plans! The rest is history! We LOVE this console. And we loved making it together!

Janet Pulleyn

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