Community Brag Posts

Tryde coffee table tweaked

Submitted by ccobb1612 on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 08:58

Tweaked the Tryde Coffee table plans to fit daughters desired look with added magazine shelf and appropriate dimensions. Weekend project turned longer due to top color changes and re-sanding off stain a couple times. Settled on Ebony stain and ivory paint bottom. Love the plans from Ana White.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

East Fork Factory Cart

Okay, I didn't use the Factory Cart Coffee Table plan for my version, but since mine was inspired by the same piece as the Factory Cart Coffee Table, I decided to brag.

As is the case with all my projects, I used 100% "rescued" materials (salvage, leftovers from someone else's project, garage sales, dumpsters, curbside, etc). Wood, hardware, wheel and castors, glass, glue, finishes- all of it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
made from materials I had around here, estimated cost about $8, $5 of which was the big wheel
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil for the wood
I painted the Simpson galvanized hangers on the corners with Rustoleum (color: oil rubbed bronze) over an automobile adhesion primer coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

east fork spring

Fri, 01/20/2012 - 23:24

Got the wheel from a guy about 5 miles from here with a few acres packed full of all kinds of stuff. It's basically a junk yard for everything besides cars. Lots of super cool industrial-type stuff. Pretty tragic, really, since most of the stuff sits exposed to the elements year round. Anyway, I make sure my Tetanus shot is up-to-date, throw a few tools in my jacket, and go digging. I've scored a few times there. If you're near Battle Ground, WA let me know and I'll give you directions and the name of the dog that guards the joint in case you happen upon him.

In reply to by east fork spring

Martha Jones DW

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 19:26

Luky!Only other place i would have to go home to the Bronx and find this item in one of the junk stores.

Thank you for the kind offer, unfortunately I'm in Maryland. Only good thing comes out of this is the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival the weekend of mothers day in May.

Ninja Turtle Bed

This project was a blast to build!!!! I modified the fire truck loft bed by changing a few of the exterior accent pieces. I also built it to fit a full mattress in stead of the planned twin. I did this by adding additional slates for support. I just recently was able to finish it completely when i found someone who could make the decals. Hope you all enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. Also I used cabnet grade plywood so mine cost was a lot more expensive.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I think total it was around $ 600 -700.
I used all cabinet grade pine and that was the reason for the cost.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bayer paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cottage Playhouse loft bed

Submitted by bhoppy on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 05:50

I built this bed a while ago but I am finally getting around to submitting a brag post.

It is the largest thing I have ever built and it was a huge labor of love. I made it by myself in the evenings after work and weekends over the course of a few weeks.  I modified the plans only slightly.  I added an extra 1x6 board which makes the overall height 76 inches tall. 

I also changed how the windows were framed and added flower boxes. I got a bit OCD and filled all the pocket holes because I didn’t like the way they looked even though it was quite tedious, I am happy with the way it turned out.

At first, I put the play kitchen I built from Ana’s plans underneath, but that was later replaced with a little tv stand that I made to fit perfectly under the playhouse.  I didn’t use any plans for that but it was just a simple bookshelf.  I measured the space, cut the wood as I went and used beadboard on the back of the shelf with cutouts for cords.  I used leftover paint from the playhouse for the tv stand.    

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
kilz primer sprayed on followed by valspar paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Simple Play Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 13:03

I made this play kitchen as a Christmas present for my kids, and it’s been a big hit! It’s built mostly from leftover hardwood plywood, and a couple of 1x12 pine boards. The oven knobs and faucet were cut from redwood scraps and attached with 1/2” dowels to freely rotate. The vertical surfaces were painted with leftover house paint and sealed with water-based polycrylic. It was a fun build, and I learned some new skills (like installing hinges)! Thanks for the plans!

Comments

Farmhouse Console Table

I've wanted a console table for a long time. My husband finally made me one! We liked the salsa console table, but it wasn't quite what we were looking for. He modified the farmhouse bedside table plan to get exactly what we were wanting. The top is made from reclaimed oak, stained to match the farmhouse dining table he made me in August.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax provencial, polycrylic, off- white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kaylen (not verified)

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 16:37

Beautiful work! Just curious, what are the dimensions?

Patrick A (not verified)

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 18:56

I was curious on what wood you used for the top. I seen you said reclaimed oak but I can't get 19 1/4 with 3 pieces. Could you tell me what the width of the pieces are? Btw, I love the dark glossy top with the off-white finish. Looks great.

Grand Rustic X Buffet

This modification of the Rustic X Console uses 4x4's for legs. The top is one extra 2x6 wide, and the horizontal cross-pieces are 2x4's. The whole thing is 72" wide. More photos on my blog: http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2013/12/grand-rustic-x-buffet.html

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut, hand-rubbed polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cost less than $5

Nothing was bought for this table. I allocated $5 as cost for the screws and sandpaper. 2 x 6 legs & 2 x 4 rails used wood recycled from material removed during alterations to our 1930's barn. Supports were extracted from the woodpile. Nails were removed where possible, or cut off and punched below the surface where they were not removable. Because the wood was very old and splintery an enormous amount of time was spent sanding.

 

The top is an Ikea counter thrown out from a kitchen remodel and rescued from the roadside, still in its cardboard box. Score!

 

I am very pleased with the design and plan to make another using better lumber. The table is very sturdy and will be used as a sewing/crafts table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The paint is Glidden Rusty Red latex leftover from a friend's barn and so old it had separated beyond remixing. What was left acted like a cross between a glaze and chalk paint. It had to be rubbed down with rags after each coat to remove specks of pigment and loose powdery color. Four coats each applied 24 hours apart and coverage was as good as it was ever going to get. Final coat was Minwax wax.

To duplicate it:
1. Randomly paint white or light paint. Let dry. Sand.
2. Dilute 1 cup of red paint with one cup of water and rub it in/wipe it off immediately. You shouldn't need more than one coat if you want the white to show through depending on how much "old paint' you want to show.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Tilt Out Recycling Cabinet

Submitted by frmoody on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 15:59

I built this for my friend who wanted a double cabinet for her recycling material. I used Ana's plan and just doubled it up. She also wanted a weathered looking top. The plan's were great but it was a bit difficult to get the two side by side bins.

Estimated Cost
$50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The top was created with a combination of Varathane Kona stain, white paint and grey paint. I can't remember the stain used for the cabinet itself.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Plant stand so grand :-)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 14:20

Was recommended by YT (yes I subscribed) thought it was awesome. Just getting into woodworking and thought it was perfect to try. Appreciate the help, very kind. Godspeed.

Comments

Bypass Closet Doors for the hallway and master bedroom

Submitted by AlohaMama on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:00

I loved the Idea of new closet doors and hated the idea of bi-folds. My house is crooked it seems. The doors don't sit straight and bi-folds always fall off their tracks. When I came upon the plans for Bypass Doors from Old Paint Designs I was hooked! I made 4 doors for the hallway in 1 day, oiled it with Danish Oil in Dark Walnut, hung it the next day and what a difference!! Glass is rather expensive in Hawaii and so is plexi-glass so I opted for Bead Board which gave it a more "country" feel instead of a more modern feel. I wish I could have used glass but the $150 price tag just wasn't fitting into my budget very well. My hubby loved the bypass doors so much he asked me to build them for our open closet. 2 days of work, 8 doors, 2 closets done!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jilley27 (not verified)

Tue, 08/28/2012 - 15:27

Great job on the doors! I am interested in doing this myself. I will have to make 4 doors for my closet as well since I have such a large opening. Can you tell me what the measurments of your closets are? Also what are the dimensions of the pine that you used? Thanks a bunch!

In reply to by Jilley27 (not verified)

AlohaMama

Tue, 08/28/2012 - 18:44

My closet opening is about 8' across. Each door is 26" wide and 79" tall. I made them so the would have a 1" overlap on each side...

I used 1x6 @ 8' lengths of pine. I like the really knotty pine with lots of character! Have fun building! These were pretty simple to make once you get all the boards cut.

DIY Loft Bed

We adjusted the plans slightly to better fit our room. Rather than an angled set of stairs leading to the platform, we replaced it with a short vertical ladder. We also increased the height of the bed to allow for another bunk in the lower section for when Callaghan outgrows his crib. Plus, we added handles to the bed which made it easier for Luke to get up and down.

Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

my daughters big girl bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/22/2016 - 10:10

I was looking for a bed for my daughters room. She does not have much storage or room so this plan worked perfect. Took about two days so a great weekend project. Built with love unlike from a store.

Estimated Cost
Around $250 for all the material
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly clear gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Breakfast nook table and banquette

Submitted by wtclarke1 on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 10:07

When we moved into our house, there was an empty breakfast nook.  I built in the banquette seating, and then built the table out of oak.  This was inspired by the Triple Pedestal Table (http://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/triple-pedestal-farmhouse-tab…)

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

Simple jig to save time and increase accuracy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/15/2023 - 12:13

I downloaded the plans for the octagonal table. I have made several and used a few different woods, made a few minor design changes as well as creating a routine and using a jig or two. This jig fits in between the two boards that form the seat support frame. I used a large paint stick and a scrap piece of 2 x 4. Using a table saw, I cut a groove in the 2" edge, approximately 1/2" deep, this took two passes (pass it through, turn it and pass again), a slight adjustment and another two passes. Insert the paint stick and seat all the way down. Place jig between seat support frame, might be a little snug or use a clamp to hold in place. Adjust so just the paint stick sticks up enough to separate seat boards. With seat boards against the jig, it forms the perfect angle/guide to match cuts. I also used 1/2" spacers to create consistent spacing. Love the various plans you make available as well as your videos.

Comments

Rhyan End Table (or Nightstand) Modified with a Tile Top

Submitted by Joni on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 10:43

I used Ana's plan, but modified it to incorporate a tiled top. If you want to do the same, you simply align the upper shelf with the bottom of the 2x2 frame, fill it in with hardibacker cement board, and tile over that. My stone was thicker than the border used, so I made a narrow shim in order to accommodate and bring them all to the same level.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I labored over the stain and ended up doing multiple steps to get the finish I wanted:
1) Minwax water-based wood conditioner,
2) Minwax water-based stain in American Walnut,
3) Dilution of Minwax water-based stain in Onyx & Cinnamon Toast (3-to-1 mix),
4) General Finishes Glaze in Van Dyke Brown, and
5) 4 coats of Bartley's Satin Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 05:02

Joni - I concur with Ana, this is stunning. I've been wanting tile topped tables. Absolutely beautiful job on the whole thing! Looks store bought.

Chayeri

Sat, 02/04/2012 - 15:54

You just gave me a good idea for the tile that was left over from my kitchen backsplash. That is beautiful and I love the color combination. Great Job

oddie316

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 00:23

I am amazed at the talent here. I am in love with your piece. you shouldbe proud

Julie D. (not verified)

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 11:24

This table is obviously put together like a pro, the tile top is beyond beautiful and creative but what really gets me is your GORGEOUS staining work. I struggle with staining on every project! Any advice or tips on how to get a beautiful finish like yours? You should give a tutorial!

In reply to by Julie D. (not verified)

Joni

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 08:05

Julie, Thanks so much for the feedback. I hate to admit it, but I am unable to get anything to look decent with an oil-based stain; all I get is blotch. I see others on the site with gorgeous colors and finishes that I want, but I can't use them. I can only get consistent results with the water-based stain, and I have to use the pre-stain wood conditioner. With 2 coats of stain, I have fairly consistent results (applying with foam brushes and wiping off with paper towels). On this particular project, I had to mix several colors and layers to get exactly the tone that I wanted.

I'm on my last can of Bartley's gel polyurethane, and they no longer make the product. It allows such control in getting a perfect finish. I don't know what I'm going to use when my can runs out!!

Newbie07 (not verified)

Thu, 11/08/2012 - 10:26

This end table is amazing; looks like an end table you'd buy in a high-end furniture store. The finished looks perfect and the tile top is really creative.

Question: where did you find the 2x2 poplar? I'm looking for some to use for the Rhyan Coffee Table and can't find anything longer than 3 feet.

In reply to by Newbie07 (not verified)

Joni

Thu, 11/08/2012 - 11:57

Thanks for the feedback!! I had to go to a bigger lumber yard to get the poplar 2x2s (Austin Fine Lumber in Austin, TX). The poplar was the cheapest (by far) of the better 2x2s, and the guys told me it wouldn't take a stain very well. They were wrong; it took the stain beautifully. The 2x2s were perfectly straight and had straight edges...much different than the ones from Home Depot or Lowe's.

Happy Entertainment Center

Submitted by tzachary on Fri, 12/13/2013 - 14:27

I really wanted a new entertainment center but could not find one in the stores that I liked and looked to be made of good quality. I liked the Apothecary Console but needed to make a few adjustments to the plan, which is why I marked my project at an intermediate level.

I built this about a year ago and love it as much today as I did the day I finished it. I have had a ton of compliments on it and many are impressed when I tell them I made it myself.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted with a Satin Sheen Behr Pure white paint then wiped on and then off a dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Spa Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/24/2016 - 08:45

I love this plan! It's so versatile. I made this bench for my daughter's entry. First I painted it with an all in one paint/primer in light grey, then I sanded it down to reveal some of the wood grain and roughed up the edges a bit. Next, I brushed a dark ebony stain over the entire bench, one section at a time, and wiped it away. I thought I would get less stain, but really enjoy the end results. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint/Primer in one (I had some leftover and mixed it with a black chalk paint to get a light grey)
Ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bed Side Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 15:25

My daughter wanted a table to fit a specific location .... your plan for a side table fit the bill - with some dimensional adjustments

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Dark oak stain with satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar log table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/20/2023 - 12:01

All cut up with our sawmill! Francesca and Bob Schilling. Beaverdam, Virginia

Comments