Community Brag Posts

Toy Box Gone Wrong

Submitted by vtmelody on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 10:08

We went exactly as planned in the Build a Toybox outline, but bought 12x1 instead of 16x1. This caused a problem when we started putting it together. The two short sides were taller than the long sides. We decided to make lemons from lemonade and turn it into a toolbox/toybox, and in the end really liked the result. We added an additional cut with 1.5" holes on either side and a 1.5" diameter 36" long dowel rod for the handle. We added casters to the bottom and poof! done. Fun project! We made it for our soon to be nephew and filled with gifts for the baby shower.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood Stain with blue paint on top and cut out a mustache for the design then painted around it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic storage daybed

We wanted to build a reading nook in our cabin landing that would also function as extra sleeping space.  This plan was modified to raise the height. We then built the frame and one side panel, since the bed length of the plan was EXACTLY the width of the landing space... It was meant to be!  We love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax cherry stain, minwax polycryllic semi-gloss in three coats with light sanding between coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Hannah Canopy bed - queen

Submitted by Cos on Mon, 09/11/2017 - 08:25

This "pin" was my inspiration (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/540643130244817922/) and I was very happy to have the Hannah canopy plans to modify!  The upper canopy was eliminated,  a "whimsical wave" was cut in the headboard using a jigsaw, and the foot board posts were shortened. In addition, measurements for the bed were modified to fit a queen size mattress. I used hardwood plywood and hardwood side boards, as I wanted a durable bed. The posts were pine 2x2's as I could not find hardwood of this dimension at my local stores. I also used hardware from the Rockler company (http://www.rockler.com/5-surface-mounted-bed-rail-brackets) to mount the head and foot boards to the side boards, as I wanted to assemble and disassemble the bed easily.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 06:59

This is a guest bedroom. The closet had 6 panel, colonial bypass doors. The bypass doors leave the center unusable. To save room, I built a dresser in the center. The bypass doors are getting converted to swing doors. I used shelf help to design the project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Laundry Dresser for 6 (3 the short way & 3 the long way)

Submitted by mamma_joy on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 14:35

I needed a change. The freebie table that I used for folding laundry bugged me because the beat up legs of the table prevented any storing/stacking/using the space underneath it. The top of the table was always filled with baskets of clean clothes! I loved the tabletop and it fit the space perfectly so I decided to customize the laundry dresser to fit under the 2′x4′ tabletop. I wanted to fit a basket for each family member (5) and we always need one for linens.
I worked it out to use melamine boards to save on finishing (and match my other basement builds) and 2×2′s in a ‘U’ instead of a backing (kids were in the car so I couldn’t fit the big piece of backing!) I bought 2 2′x6′ shelves (cut one in half and one 3/4″ less than half) and 1 2′x4′ shelf and cut it to 43″. Then I just used a kreg jig to make the ‘E’ shape (the sides covered the rough edge of the bottom piece) and attach the tabletop. I also used the kreg jig to make the ‘U’ shapes to fit inside the 24″ space (long way) and 18″ space (short way). I thought about putting the back piece more forward so that the baskets the long way couldn’t slide all the way back, but decided to just make both sides the same. I pre-drilled and countersunk the screws to attach them to the sides (measuring and clamping over and over). Melamine is a little slippery to work with but it was nice to save time on the finishing end!
I have a fold down ironing board right next to the table which is just perfect!
P.S. I have a hanging drying rack in the background (the expanding ones didn’t work b/c the floor angles down to a drain) and a metal pipe behind the white curtain for hanging items.
Stand with the table at 36″ so you can fold without getting a backache, easily slide the baskets in and out to put away clothes as you fold them….and thank Ana for the way that she has transformed your home and feeling toward doing laundry!

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet, eventually [if I ever get everything else done] I will paint the 2×2′s white.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Spa Side Table

I completed this table with my 5 year old daughter as my assistant. My husband requested a table to put next to our new hot tub to set his drinks on and this is perfect. We only put one board on the top because I felt since it would be outside, I wanted a smooth top. I just screwed it in diagonally from the bottom. I also used spar varnish since it would be outside.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-o-Leum Ultimate Wood Stain in Kona
Semi-gloss Spar Varnish (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Porch is My Happy Place

Submitted by Malka on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 01:46

My father asked for a porch sign for his birthday, and as he enjoys sitting and watching the hummingbirds feed, thats the theme I went with. Sign is made with a redwood fence board that was sanded down and biscuit joined together, then given a decorative routered edge. Painted with Rustoleum paint, and given a few coats of spar urethane. Used jute cord on the back to hang the sign with.

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Spray Spar-Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

The Best addition to our home!

Submitted by alifrancis on Thu, 03/17/2011 - 15:05

This by far has been my favorite build.  Our front room is in the process of being revamped, and this is just the beginning.  With our garage now dedicated to building, our cars have been kicked to the street.  This means we actually use the front door now, so I took full advantage of making a piece of furniture that would allow for all the various items that get dumped on the floor when we walk in.  

I love that everyone has a cubby and shelf for the shoes.  My kids actually hang their backpacks up now when we get home from school and my husband can find his keys, wallet and sunglasses now! 

This was one of the bigger projects I have tackled, but well worth it.  I don't think my husband would have ever allowed me to buy this at PB for over $1000

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed the whole project with Kilz oderless primer and sanded it to get a nice finished. Painted it using the Martha Stewart Francesca Paint in eggshell finish from HD. I started with a brush but was unhappy with the look and did the rest of the project with a foam roller. After two coats of black, I finished it off with two coats of Minwax Polycrylic in the Satin finish. NOTE: I put three coats on the bench top and the shoe shelves just for more durability.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Knock off Hyde Console Table

Submitted by Sherri1230 on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 14:28

I am cheap and I have expensive taste. I love, love, love Pottery Barn. I also love Michael Kors, Coach, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and all things pretty. Especially pretty shiny things.

So I regress...

Anyways, I have had this bare spot in my living room and it has slowly been driving me crazy. Through much painstaking research I have decided that I wanted something like the Hyde Pottery Barn Console Table. Okay, not something like.... I wanted the Hyde Pottery Barn Console Table, but it also would cost $500. Hahaha. $500 for a console table. That's just ridiculous says my cheap, fugal self.

So I look at ebay and craigslist... nope, no one selling my dream table. And then a miracle happens.... I stumble across Ana White's blog. I think I've found my new blog BFF!

I followed her plans exactly and I decided to paint the bottom off white and stain the top walnut.

This was my first ever furniture build and I'm so excited by how it turned out!

Thanks, Ana!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Bedside Table

Submitted by RITWood on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 14:44

This is my interputation of the Reclaimed Wood Look Bedside Table.  I beveled the edges of the of the 1x material and a top drawer with a large cubby beneath.  I used a sprayed latex paint then a light sanding to give it the distressed look and the two coats of clear poly.  

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sprayed on latex paint followed by two coats of water base poly. After the paint dried I lightly sanded using 150 grit exposing the raw wood underneath. I didn't want too much wear showing and I left some of the machining marks to give it more of the rustic feel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern sofa

Submitted by Sylka on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 13:25

What a fantastic project!
Color of the stain - colony blue by Behr. Lightly distressed.
Now awaiting cushions!

Updates: cushions arrived!

Comments

Armoire for Repurposed door

Submitted by JES on Sat, 03/19/2011 - 11:05

This is modified from Ana's Simplest Armoire plan, re-sized to fit the door (already had this, from another project -- I couldn't part with it when that room was remodeled- that gallery glass insert took me so long to make) and deep enough to hang clothes.  Used my favorite new toy, the Kreg jig for this.

Such a fun project, now we're hooked!  We've made a bedroom full of pieces to go with this one, and still making more.

Ana, thanks for the inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
110.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat Zinsser primer, 2 coats Ace Royal High Hiding white in semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A Big Patio Planter

Submitted by Jake on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 17:47

I have a really boring backyard patio so I thought I would spice it up with flowers but I could not find a plan for a large right angle planter. So I made up my own.

The planter is made from cedar fencing but pine for the top trim and the corner legs. The legs have grooves that the sides slide into and are not screwed or glued in place. That is so you can remove the top trim and then just pull the sides out to replace them as needed or to even change the size of the planter.

This planter is 18" high so it is comfortable to sit on but that also means you will need a lot of soil to fill it up. Mine took 26 40lb bags which is over 1/2 ton of soil. Add water and that planter is here to stay. But it also means that there is a large tendency for the sides to bulge along the bottom so I placed stop blocks along the bottom base and screwed into the base.

I planted Angelonia for color and sage, oregano, and thyme for spice. It was fun to build and came out well but it was expensive as the soil along was nearly $60. Add another $50 for lumber and screws and you have exceeded the magic $100 mark. Still a good deal, however.

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted the top trim and legs with Behr water-based enamel and left the cedar to mellow on its own.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Table

I managed to build this with a circular saw and some sand paper with absolutely no experience!! I am so happy with the results. I followed the plans precisely as I am not brave enough to experiment yet. I used Minwax Polyshade Mission Oak flavor. I've never stained anything before and I was pleased with the results. A couple coats and the shade is beautiful. I am going to fashion a couple benches and find me some brightly colored chairs and call it done. 

Thank you for making this possible. I certainly never thought I could do something like this. 

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic End Table

Our first project using the plans provided on this web site.  We couldn't be happier with the outcome.  The plans were concise, accurate and easy to follow.

Estimated Cost
$50 for the lumber and approximately $25 worth of Gel Stain for 2 tables
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Barclay Gel Stains
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tall planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/15/2021 - 02:57

I love my new hobby and your site makes it so fun and simple, thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.
Cindy

Comments

Cedar Planter with Trellis

Submitted by redhead_61 on Thu, 06/06/2013 - 15:13

I put the two planter boxes on this site together to get a perfect little lattice box for the space by my door. I get lots of compliments and hopefully soon I will have yummy jasmine welcoming my guests.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free with scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
wood protector
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Texas wood clock

Submitted by FireWolf13 on Sat, 05/09/2015 - 16:53

I had a few scraps of wood left over from a fence I took down. I wanted to make a clock for the state I live in. I also used shotgun shells for the numbers. It only took half a day to make and it was fun to see what the finished product looked like.

Estimated Cost
I had all of the materials
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
paint I already had
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner