Community Brag Posts

Topless toy box with a top

This is my first fully finished build. My very good friend was about to have her first child and I wanted to do something special for her so I embarked on this project. I had HD cut my wood to size. After I came home and started building I found that my wood was not exactly cut to size. One side was one quarter inch too short. I did some improvising and some trimming with my jig saw (only saw I had) and was able to eventually create a rectangle.

This is also my first mitered trim project. The edges are NOT perfect but what I could I filled in with wood filler. That helped hide where the edges did not quite meet.

I then sanded and sanded and sanded. Don't want little fingers to come into contact with bad splinters. I finished with a bright white paint.

I wanted the toy box to also be a seat so I got some fabric and did just that. I was going to add hinges to it but then thought again and decided not to. Wanted to prevent any accidents.

I built it over many months spending maybe 20 hours or so. Many many mistakes and many hours thinking about how to fix them.

Estimated Cost
$85. Includes materials for the seat.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Bright white semi gloss. And then two coats of Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Clear in gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Crescent Moon Crib

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/13/2016 - 21:21

I took a crib plan I saw on here from DIYstinctly Made, but I wanted to have a crescent moon, so I altered the plans to a solid back with a crescent moon in the center!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Varathane Water-based Poly+Stain (Early American) - 2 coats used a little less than 1 quart
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ana White Inspired Farmhouse Table - "The Gathering Place"

This is my first made-from-scratch table, and I'm really proud of the result!

I made this table for my amazing in-laws. They just moved into a beautiful new home with a spacious, open dining area, and they've been looking for a large table that our growing family can gather around.

We customized Ana's design by making the table larger and by transforming the ends of the table into extendable 10" table leaves.

The final dimensions are:

Height: 2.5'

Width: 3.4'

Length (fully extended): 10'

It took two weeks to make, predominately evenings and weekends, and/or whenever my baby girl was asleep! 

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used an Espresso-colored stain with a water-based satin sealer. The water-based sealer provides a crystal-clear finish so that the Espresso color is untainted, and since the sealer is thin, the table retains the natural feel of the wood, (though the whole table was sanded so there aren't any splinters. Don't want it THAT natural!)

I let it air dry outside for 48+ hours to ensure the stain was completely dry before being sealed, and to detract from the stain smell.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ten Dollar Ledges

Submitted by kaytrishjr on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 08:54

This is perfect for all of the trophies and pictures around the house! Now I need three more.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Double-X Trestle Console

Submitted by efmolly on Tue, 12/31/2013 - 08:56

This console table was actually pretty easy to make. The top was constructed with 1 x 6 pine boards, and assembled using a Kreg jig and pocket hole screws.

For the base, I used 29" long, 2 x 3 legs attached together with 1 x 4 aprons. To make the platform, I cut 2 pieces of 2 x 6 the width of table top, and 2 pieces of 2 x 4 , two inches shorter. I stacked the 2 x 4 on top of the 2 x 6 and attached them with glue and screws. I then ran 3/4" cove moulding in the corner between the two pieces.

Using my Kreg jig, I drilled 2 pocket holes on the inside of each table leg, and attached the platforms. I then cut and mitered 4 pieces of 2 x 2 for each end, notching them in the middle to create X's. I attached the X's with glue and finish nails.

The last step before finishing was to distress the wood. In addition to hammer, chains and nails, I skipped a hand planer along the edges to create a "hand hewn" look.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel wool/vinegar oxidizing solution, white dry-brushing, and matte polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

white84

Thu, 08/20/2015 - 13:20

I think I can put this together, but I am trying confirm the length and angle of the X's. Drawing this up with exact measurements the X's wouldn't line up using 45 degree angles. There is a 5/8" overlap. Would that be accounted for using the "true" measurement of a 2"x4" 2"x6" etc? (I have a SketchUp file if someone wants to double check me!)

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/17/2016 - 01:21

For this project we followed the plans pretty well. We added trim to the side rails to be more like the original bed which the plans were modeled after. We also extended the two by fours on the headboard and footboard to give s little more design to the headboard. Plans were easy to follow. We love our new bed with the natural wood combined with a light white wash on the panels.

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Whitewash
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 22:44

This was my very first build. I had mostly only worked on redoing furniture. I was in need of a new bed. I had a hard time finding something I loved and was in my budget. I happened to come across these plans on pinterest. I fell in love. I went out and bought a small table saw. It was crazy that after buying a table saw, wood and the rest of the materials; it was still only around a third of the price of similar beds I liked. I ended up opting to put metal bins in the center instead of drawers.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain, polyurethane satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garden Bench from Recycled Materials

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 12:49

Built this garden bench all from recycled fencing materials. I didn't want the wood to go to waste, so I've been reusing all of it on garden and outdoor yard projects.

 

Kathllen Graham

Left over fencing material turned to art

So I had some leftover fencing material sitting around and I decided to try to make something out of it. I really don't have anything to compare this to on the site but I think it works for the primitive minds.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Pure White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My plane old shelf

Submitted by nancym on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 16:26

Made using the plane old shelf plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Craft paint and varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dimensional Lumber Platform Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 09:19

Modified to be able to be taken apart and easily reassembled into 4 frame pieces (each side plus the middle support beam) for transport at will, and made to fit a Queen bed instead of a double.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
we added some cedar essential oil into linseed oil and gave it two coats with that!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Workbench Desk

Submitted by cpedraza on Wed, 10/30/2019 - 20:42

Wanted a desk that was not your typical desk, this was my first project using plans from Ana White and it was easy to follow that it keeps me coming back, thank you Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear Satin Lacquer Wood Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog Crate (modified)

Submitted by ransom511 on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 13:52

Had to have this one. I made this almost to the exact plans, but shortened it 2" in order to accomodate for the couch height, as well as the height of our furry friend. It is constructed with the 1x3 and 1x2 pine furring strips called for in the original plan. I decided to leave the door off, as my daughter has a tendancy to play with them a little too much. I finished it in a gloss black to match the rest of our furniture. This will be my first of many posts. Love this website!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Enamel Gloss, Gloss Clearcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toddler Step

Submitted by betsy47 on Thu, 01/02/2014 - 20:55

Though I've built a lot of kids' furniture now, I think this is my son's favorite item. He requests it constantly. I built two more for friends and even a tiny play one for his toy house.
This was my first attempt with a jig saw, and my biggest advice is to be sure the trigger is pressed all the way in and to go very very slowly. Also, when you are cutting the straight edges on the side, you can clamp a guide on just like with a circular saw. That helped a lot. By the time I made my second and third it was easy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two layers of paint and a stencil in white son the top and side.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy Sliding Door Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/22/2016 - 08:29

this is modified slightly from the original plan to accomodate some basic electronics for the TV

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

deannaw08

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 06:58

i like the modifications that you made.  I plan on making this in a couple weeks (too many projects going on right now), how many inches did you add to the top for the electronics/pictures?  what you have seems like it'd be a good height for what i'm trying to do.  Thank you!

jstewart

Mon, 02/26/2018 - 08:15

I would like to build this and i am trying to find the plans for this console. please

Libbytiny

Tue, 02/27/2018 - 11:36

HELLO ANYBODY?  Love love love this.  I want to list my house and buy, build and live in this instead!!!  I want to know where everybody is going to be putting their new tiny house what kind of property and environment also does anybody know if you can park a tiny home in an RV resort that have the big dog class a types any information about how to build this and to purchase the plans. thank you!!!!

RoninsDad

Fri, 03/16/2018 - 18:30

I was wondering if you had the plans to the changes you made to this. I would love to you build this one.

Modern Geo Headboard

Submitted by Ana White on Sun, 11/03/2019 - 08:48

For more information and photos see House of Rumors in Instagram www.instagram.com/houseofrumours 

Comments

Simple Square Cedar Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by Finns-Dad on Mon, 03/12/2012 - 17:58

I've been planning on building a patio table for this coming spring and summer, but didn't know where to begin. I found Ana's wonderful site and now I don't know where to stop! So many great ideas.
After seeing ewood's great table I decided to make one similar. I made my square table based on Ana's and ewood's basic designs. Thank you both. I also made a bench based on Ana's design.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300--475
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semigloss Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

7CsShepherds (not verified)

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 07:37

I have a family of 7 (soon to be 8, I hope), and was trying to figure out how to fit us all on the rectangular table. This is the solution! I can simply make 4 benches to go with it! Thanks for the idea and the picture!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 07:24

Love this table and your modifications to ewood's table. I was wondering what size are the legs on your table - I can't tell if they are 4x4s...which is sort of what I'd like to have on mine. And they are under mounted, which I love because I want to make ours with the ability to remove the legs for reduced storage space in the winter. If you could would you mind putting a few close up photos of how the outside corner came out and the underside of the corners. It would be much appreciated.

K_W (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 07:27

Love this table and your modifications to ewood's table. I was wondering what size are the legs on your table - I can't tell if they are 4x4s...which is sort of what I'd like to have on mine. And they are under mounted, which I love because I want to make ours with the ability to remove the legs for reduced storage space in the winter. If you could would you mind putting a few close up photos of how the outside corner came out and the underside of the corners. It would be much appreciated.

In reply to by K_W (not verified)

Finns-Dad

Sat, 04/14/2012 - 13:35

Hi - sorry it took a little while to get back to you. Yes the legs are 4x4's. I used knotted cedar 4x4's for the legs and made them 29" tall. I wanted to be able to disassemble the table and put it away for winter, so I attached the legs using carriage bolts, 2 per side (4 total per leg). I drilled holes using a pilot bit, then used a spatter bit to make the larger holes for the carriage bolt.

I didn't bother to counter sink them, but if I made another I think I would try that to make a more polished look. The legs are sturdy, the table doesn't wobble at all, but I am sure that someone with more furniture building experience might have a different/better idea.

I've added a couple more photos showing the corners, outside and underneath. I've also added my very basic plans that I used to make the table, one of these days I will study Ana's post of how to use sketch-up, until then this is what I worked with.

Joni

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 09:26

Can you tell me what size (width) boards you used on the frame pieces of the table, and what size on the inner boards? From your diagrams, it looks like the frame is made of 1x4s, but the inner pieces look smaller. Thank you !!!

Your table is absolutely beautiful. It looks like a very high-end piece of furniture. One of my favorite things is how the carriage bolts are installed -- I wouldn't change a thing on them!

In reply to by Joni

Finns-Dad

Tue, 07/30/2013 - 16:36

Sorry it took so long to reply - I didn't see your post. So far the table is holding up well.

You're right, the top is made from 1x4's, including the inlaid slats. To support the top, I cut 1x4's down to 1x3's so they remain hidden by the side 1x4's of the frame.

Aussie Paul (not verified)

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 18:02

Love the table - looks absolutely fantastic! I have been looking for a decent square outdoor table for ages and this one certainly fits the bill.

Can you please add a photo of the underside of the table and advise how you fastened inner boards on table top. Thanks.

In reply to by Aussie Paul (not verified)

Finns-Dad

Tue, 07/30/2013 - 16:40

I added a new photo of the bottom. Hopefully this will help show how I attached the top. I have a number of additional photo's I can send to you if you like - this site limits the number of photos I can add.

Everything is attached from the bottom to hide the screws. I used a kreg jig and it helped so much - i really recommend it.

Belmo

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 12:35

I love the look of this table, man - I think I'm gonna steal some ideas from this.

I have a question about your top, though. The slats look to be 1x4s, which I can understand, but the edges seem to be a bigger size.

Did you use 1x6 boards for the edges? 1x8s? Something else?

Thanks for your help.

Finns-Dad

Mon, 09/02/2013 - 11:03

Thank you - please take any ideas from it that you can. That is what I love that about Ana's site. You can take these great ideas and make them fit your own style...

You're right - the table top is made of 1x4's and 1x6's. When i put the top together I made the frame first. Then I added the exterior 1x6's. Next I added the center 1x6. Lastly I cut each 1x4 to size and added them.

livingston.140

Sat, 05/17/2014 - 07:15

This is an amazing table, it is beautiful! I am somewhat new to wood working and was wondering if there was a material list? I plan on creating this in AutoCAD first, so I have a visual to work off of. Also what did you use for spacing in between the boards or what was the allowance of space.

Thanks again, your work is beautiful!

livingston.140

Sat, 05/17/2014 - 07:15

This is an amazing table, it is beautiful! I am somewhat new to wood working and was wondering if there was a material list? I plan on creating this in AutoCAD first, so I have a visual to work off of. Also what did you use for spacing in between the boards or what was the allowance of space.

Thanks again, your work is beautiful!

leitaf

Wed, 04/22/2020 - 20:37

In looking at the plans and the underside of the table, there are some measurements missing that make it a little hard to decipher. It would be good to know the lumber sizes e.g. 1x4x8 etc. the underneath side seems to have some additional boards that don’t seem to be in the drawing. I was just wondering if it might be possible to get some additional details?

@njhorseplayer

Sun, 05/24/2020 - 08:05

This is a beautiful table and I'm going to try and replicate in a rectangular version. Primary question I have is what length screws you used to affix the framing pieces underneath to the top side so that the wood doesn't split and that the screws don't pop thru the top. Any help you can provide would be appreciated, if even you still look at this page. Thanks in advance!

New Bed for my tween: chestwick platform bed full

Submitted by autma on Sat, 01/04/2014 - 20:35

After searching for a bed for our tween we found that we couldn't find the bed we wanted for the price we wanted to pay. I'd been eyeing this site for months and finally decided to take the plunge. The Shanty-2-Chic blog really motivated me to get this going.

This was our first (and arguably most expensive) project ever- husband ended up acquiring new tools to make the job easier, haha.

We followed the tutorial from the site with modifications for a full size mattress. (Just substituted 53x75 for the queen measurements and adjusted cuts accordingly.)

Used furring strips (1x3) for mattress support to save money.

Finished with zinsser primer (bought a quart for all our future projects)- this stuff is awesome!

Picked a flat white paint in a color that matched her dresser.

Cost of Daughters New Bed:
Lumber $120,
Kreg jig clamp $29
Air compresser with nail gun $150

Learning how to construct furniture ourselves: Priceless

Estimated Cost
$120 or so- I don't recall exactly
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinsser primer (2 coats brush on)
white paint- flat finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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