Community Brag Posts

Console table turned Hedgehog cage holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/23/2021 - 08:43

Sorry, the pictures are on their side. I used the Rustic X console table plans, but left out the X and made it taller and wider. I didnt have a stripper nor enough skinny wood to lay the slats on the shelf like that did in the video, so each of those slats are held up by pocket screws. Whew! Will avoid doing that again if possible! I did, however, stain BEFORE i built and that made all the difference! Also for the top I used a quality piece of compressed wood which bumped the cost $20, but seeing that a cage was going on top, i wanted a solid piece to hold any shavings. I also added a railing so the cage would stay in place. My neighbors LOVE it and I'm just super happy with how the stain job came out. It was actually a fluke, I think I failed to stir it completely on the first coat and when I was touching up it got waaay darker so I just rolled with it and made it two toned. LOVE the result and not sure if I can pull it off again haha

Estimated Cost
78
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Verathane classic Wood Stain in Special Walnut. Like I said before, the two tone was a fluke. I don't think I stirred it completely on the first run, and while touching up it became much darker. I rolled with it and just highlighted the edges and I LOVED the outcome. This was my favorite build to that point. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Window Coffee Table

Submitted by searcyb on Sat, 03/09/2013 - 19:09

We needed a new coffee table in the family room, one that went with the ever changing decor. One of my neighbors threw out a rather nice, but older wooden framed window that they had been holding onto for who knows how long. My wife actually grabbed it out of the garbage with both the kids sitting in the car while she loaded it into her SUV in dress clothes.

Anyway, I broke down the window into two sections and used one of the sections to build this table. The area around the window is made out of 2x4 and the table skirt is 1x4. I bought the turned legs from www.osbornewood.com (colonial coffee table leg). This project was made a lot easier by using my kreg jig to attach the skirt to the table legs as well as the top to the skirt. Knowing that I would have two young kids playing around and setting things on the table I placed the glass panes with plexi that I bought from Lowes. This will be safer as well as more durable in the future.

Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Royal Blue Satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Apothecary Jeans Dresser

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 18:27

I used Shelf Help for the plywood pieces and a mash up of Ana's plans for the rest. I shared a video on my family page for steps used here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urFoX5j4J0s

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Picture Ledges

Submitted by sraper2 on Sat, 04/06/2013 - 20:08

I have made many of these ledges and I just love them so much! I love that I can build them to any length or depth I want. I like to use them for more then just pictures. I feel like there will be many more of these in my future!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Raised Garden Beds!

Submitted by ferbit on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 08:02

Yay! Here are my raised beds, motivated by Ana White's post. :) I decided to use 2x lumber rather than 1x lumber because I plan to add benches on the ends of each bed. I just love how these turned out! I used Hemlock rather than cedar because it was a THIRD less expensive. Orange told me hemlock would last roughly 5-6 years whereas cedar would last 7-9 year. I staggered the sizes too - first bed (with the strawberries) is 4' x 10', second is 4' x 8' and the third (with the stakes) is 4' x 6'. Hubby hauled in a bunch of pea gravel to surround the beds while the girls and I added rocks from around our yard to the perimeter. :)

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Charging Station

Submitted by Bradnag on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 05:20

I used the charging station plans as my first attempt at building something using pocket holes, and also my first real attempt at building any piece of furniture from scratch. I stuck pretty much to Ana's plans except for not cutting the front footer (I didn't own a jigsaw at the time) and using panes of frosted glass as the center of the doors.

 

As a piece of furniture it gets used every day, but it has been most invaluable to me as a learning experience. I've built many pieces of furniture in the time since I made the charging station, growing my skills each time. But this project was where I started, so it always feels a little extra special to me.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, weathered gray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Photo Gallery Ledges

I was always a fan of the gallery wall, but not having a big empty space in any of my main rooms I didn't think I could have one.  However, once I finally got my stairway and upper hallway painted, I realized the wall needed something and the gallery ledges would be perfect!  Save the old plaster walls from being bashed with picture hanging nails too!
I build them out've 1x3's and a small 1/4 round for the front edge instead of a 1x2.
I made 2 3' long and 2 4' long and staggered them on the walls, as the walls are at a slight angle to each other.
I decided to paint them the same colour as the walls so they would blend in and the picture frames would stand out.  All the frames are varying wood stain colours that go with the trim in the house.

I love having a place to put all the pictures I never find time to put up!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$24 for all 4
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint. Home Hardware 'Burnt Sugar'
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Built for my sister

Submitted by Diesel911 on Wed, 05/13/2015 - 11:45

Built for my sister. Because she liked mine so much :) I also built her an apothecary console to use as a side board in the dining room

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Favorite Bookshelf

Submitted by ke263565 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 05:06

Favorite Bookshelf - 2nd project  - slowly replacing all of my furniture - took about a day - all day - sprayed about 3 coats of spray paint on there - came out pretty good - hardest thing is to screw in shelves level -  but overall not too bad

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40 - 50 bucks
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
moss green spraypaint - saw another user that used color so i stole it - sorry
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified rustic table and benches

Submitted by dkarinen on Sun, 06/16/2013 - 21:09

We built this table for my brother and new wife's wedding present. We modified it to use as an outdoor dining set. Instead of using the 1x10 for the tabletop we used 2x6's and for the legs we used 4x4's. We attached the top boards with a Camo fastening system we used last year on our deck (works great to conceal the screws). I stained the frame in Behr Cordovan Brown and the top boards in Behr Cedar Naturaltone. It was our first attempt at building a table and I think it turned out great, only problem was giving it away!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr cordovan brown stain and Behr natural cedartone
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

storchinsky

Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:57

Very nice! I'd been considering this plan for my outdoor table, but my husband liked the modern farm table better. Same idea--I am leaving gaps to allow the water to drain. Love the two-tone finish! It's amazing what you can do with plain old 2 x 6s!

Hubby's First Build

After searching and searching for a decently priced bed for our two year old and failing to find anything that I liked under $400, I decided to do a google search and came across the directions for the Emme twin bed. I loved the design and the color of the stain in the instructions but had to go with white as everything in our toddlers room is white. My husband said the instructions were simple to follow. I think he did a wonderful job for his first time ever building anything. Not to mention my little girl loves the bed. Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dutch Boy Dura Clean Paint in Moonlit Snow
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

vpihoney

Tue, 03/11/2014 - 07:49

Hello - Your bed looks great! How did you attach your rails? I'm at this point in the build and trying to figure out the best option as my bed brackets aren't fitting.

Minnie Mouse step stool

It was time for potty training and when it came time to wash her hands her arms were a little too short. So I threw this step stool together over a few hours and with the little one being a Minnie Mouse fan I had to add the Mickey head. Great project for those wanting something easy and quick.

Estimated Cost
$15-20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Disney paint from wal-mart and Rustoleum clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

disneynut

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 05:37

I loooove this! Nice job! I will have to add this to my to-do list. Thanks for sharing :)

King Size Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by jeb6294 on Tue, 01/16/2018 - 12:56

What do you do when you want to upgrade to a king size bed but cant find one you like at any store?  You build one yourself.

 

I actually built this before the king size plans were available by using the queen size plans and bumping up the measurements accordingly.  We both loved the farmhouse bed so we only made a couple little changes.  One obvious change is to the posts at teh footboard...i cut those to about 48" high so I would still have a place to hang my PJ's.  I also took the router to the tops of the posts to round off the edges just a bit.

 

It came out great and my wife and I love it.  She likes to show off pictures every chance she gets.

Estimated Cost
Probably $150 in materials. The most significant costs were the purchase of a Rigid table saw and a Kreg jig which were both invaluable and will be used on future projects.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We had wanted to do a white wash but unfortunately the only 4x4's they had at the local big box were the pressure treated variety so it would work. We ended up painting it white which we ended up really liking.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farmhouse Bed Frame

Submitted by SofiaTaz on Thu, 01/06/2022 - 23:15

I love how this bed frame turned out! Everywhere that has stain is cedar and the rest is all scrap spruce. Thanks for another great plan Ana!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Wood Push Car & Truck

Submitted by Sue Hill on Wed, 01/26/2022 - 07:15

These are fabulous little vehicles that I made for my 18 month grandson when he visits. After making the car and truck, I decided to add a simple bus with round windows.
I used scrap wood, cut out the truck wheels with a hole saw but purchased a package of wheels for the others. My little cars aren't perfect but that adds to the charm.

Comments

DIY POTTERY BARN "ADDISON" STYLE HEADBOARD

It took us about 2 days to cut, assemble, and paint.  

 

http://www.whisperingwhims.com/2015/03/diy-pottery-barn-addison-style-headboard/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My Ana white farmhouse table

After buying our first home we decided we wanted to build our own kitchen table so we stumbled across Ana's plans and I'm so glad that we did!

Estimated Cost
$90 bucks give or take.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax
Polyurethane
Sanding sealer
Dark walnut stain

Sherwin williams
Satin white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner cabinet

My mom had been wanting a corner cabinet in her dining room forever but every one we found was mad expensive. So I built her one as a gift. She loves it! I used left over paint from her dining room walls so the colors match exactly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100. Paint was free as it was left over.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior wall paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack stools or end tables

Super strong stools and/or end tables! I LOVE them. Wanted a rustic vibe, stained with Varathane Briarsmoke with Varathane matte poly. The build took no time at all... The only reason this is a day project in my opinion was the true time it takes for drying between finishing coats. They were both built in one evening. Can't wait to build the Adirondack chairs from Ana's book to go with them!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1coat of Varathane Briarsmoke + 3 coats of Varathane Matte Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Outdoor Bench with Cedar Slats

Submitted by kmatt55 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 17:53

I am close to completing an outdoor set with only the table to go. My parents are going to love this at their new house they are building!! I found the cedar 1x4's at home depot for about six dollars a piece. I painted the base a basic semi-gloss white before I built the bench. It's so much easier to paint first and build later. I have a few more touch ups but I am happy with it. I used the Kreg Jig Jr to screw in underneath($40), which made this project and every project I've done so far that much easier.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white exterior.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhoppy

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 15:28

Looks great! Love the two toned wood look. I wondered whether you added an extra support in the middle... sort of seems like there's one at least in the last picture. Also did you build the top completely separate so it was one piece? Sorry for all the questions. I really want to make this bench for a friend and I would like it to look better than the last outdoor table I made with my kreg jig. Thanks

kmatt55

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 16:42

Thanks! The bench had a little flexibility when I sat in the middle of the bench. I added the extra support in the middle which made no difference at all. It turns out that cedar is a naturally light and flexible wood. If I had it to do over again I would use treated pine for the white base and keep the top cedar. The 1x4 cedar from home depot I used is actually .625 x 3.3875 not .75 x 3.5. So as you can imagine, it threw off the whole slat configuration. Best thing to do is use 28 or so .25 inch spacers to place in between the 14 or so slats on level ground. Once you space the slats like you want, then you can maneuver the frame freely until its even on both sides. Once it looks even on both sides start screwing kreg screws at one end and continue until the last one is done. FYI - I highly recommend drilling the pocket holes first before building the frame in Step 1. Hope that helps!!

kmatt55

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 17:05

Almost forgot. I did add 2x2's in between the blue and green boards on each side of the frame to add more support. The middle board I added as you can see in the last picture did nothing structurally speaking.

bhoppy

Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:11

Thanks for the tips. I finished cutting all the wood and am going to start putting it together tonight... After reading through the comments I think I'll join the 14 slats together with the side 52 1/4 boards before attaching it to the frame. Did you use an extra 1x3 for the second leg board?

Wide Platform bed

This bed is my first "for profit" bed.  Took some design changes so it could be taken apart and put together easily with metal bed brackets.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
This finish was MInwax Expresso with several coats of satin polyacrylic lightly sanding between each.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate