Community Brag Posts

Wall Mounted Hutch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 06:48

I wanted a china hutch in my dining room, but did not have the space. Instead, I built a wall-mounted hutch, which provided room for the dining room chairs to slide back from the table. I altered the plans to make the hutch less deep and added a trim piece along the bottom. My favorite part about this hutch is decorating it for every holiday and season. Thank you Ana White!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
China hutch and home decor
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Mon, 11/04/2019 - 12:23

Thanks so much for submitting this brag post!  It was selected randomly for a $100 gift card - look out for that in your inbox shortly!  Ana

Seasonal And Holiday

Privacy planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 16:11

It's a take off of your privacy fence planter. But I added water to make it a water wall also.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

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

Coffee table with toy storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/20/2016 - 11:09

Coffee table with built in toy storage with glaze coat top

Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain with glaze coat top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 16:19

Made this outdoor table with Lowe’s lumber. Added some industrial accents like the metal rod and turnbuckle underneath and the metal corner brackets in each corner of the top. Spray painted the metal hardware black. I did incorporate the pocket holes for the table top.

Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades, in walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Camping life

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 14:21

This was a great project. Easy to do.. Had to down size the table to fit our trailer…

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

Farmhouse Potting Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 11:27

Proud of this, my very first build. Thanks to Ana White for the detailed, easy to follow plan. Can hardly wait to start the next project!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

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

Poplar and birch expanded dog crate

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/24/2016 - 10:47

I saw this plan on pinterest and really liked the way it looked. I bought the wood, but let it sit for a year because it wasn't a priority. Well, we were getting a new dog and he needed a little more room due to hip surgery. So, I expanded the crate dimension and got to work. I added 6 inches to the width, and 4 to the length but turns out I was about an inch shy all the way around to fit a plastic liner tray. Next one will be better. I used birch plywood on the side panels and the bottom panel, but used 4 inch wide board to create a slatted top rather than a solid top. I put hinges on the top with a window latch style lock, and put 2 slider style gate locks on the door. the color was from using medium walnut Danish oil, finished with 3 coats of gloss poly. During the project, I took time to teach my 9 yr old daughter how to use various tools, from the drill to the power miter saw. It was a great bonding time for us, and for a worthwhile reason- the new dog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350-400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Medium walnut Danish oil, glossy polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

doll bed #10

Farmhouse style doll bed, modified width one less slat.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Paint two coats Behr Swiss Coffee
2. Distress
3. Seal with wipe on clear satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

lmhaney (not verified)

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 05:36

What are your finished dimensions on this bed? I was thinking of making it with one less slat also to make it more like a twin bed.

Faux Mantle

1st of all I want to apologize for posting several of my builds at once. I am not trying to steal the show, but I'm just deciding I would like to share my builds.

Ok, now to this build. I didn't get this mantle from this site but still wanted to share. I used the one from "blue roof cabin" site and adjusted it to my desire. I wanted my depth to be bigger so I used 1x8's to bring it out from the wall more. I got the backing idea from "Netties Expressions" by using Whitewood V-Groove Wainscot wall panels.

I plan on building one from Ana's site to do one for my dining room. I check this site daily just to see what you all have built so I can get more ideas. Thanks Ana for sharing your builds.

Finish Used
Rustoleum black cherry and dark walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic x + tryde combo media stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/28/2016 - 09:47

I saw someone else make a stand similar to this by combining the rustic x and tryde plans. I just used 1x for the sides instead of the x. Didn't take more than a few hrs to build but finishing took forever bc a couple boards were crowned so I sanded forever. If anyone has aby questions or needs help feel free to email me @ [email protected]

Estimated Cost
100-150
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean minnwax, semi gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Planters for Steps

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/27/2023 - 12:10

Very happy with how these planters turned out. Beautiful with red Geraniums and ping wave petunias.

Built by Dave

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

HGTV'd myself

Submitted by angiemicn on Fri, 02/10/2012 - 04:21

This was one of my first big projects, this site motivates you to get better. No, at first I couldn't build a box, now, I'm building outdoor bars! All of my skills, I learned from this site. The boxes are heavy, sturdy, they've had 5 golden retrievers on it, 4 adults at once, and the storage is incredible. The pics below show what an improvement a piece of furniture can do. This piece went into a dead space corner, a catchall. I'm not proud of the mess, :), but I am proud of the after. Extra room, light, airy, yeah!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80 to 100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
primered x2 coats, Kilz2, stained n between. Semi gloss Pure White 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified fancy x

Beetle kill table. I chose to mortise the support and use pegs for effect. As such used 4x4 for leg uprights. Made the top removable because it's heavy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based gloss plolyurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Josh-Adam

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:59

That table looks awesome ! I am in the process of making one similar i went to a local mill and they had ambrosia maple to make the table topper and i am making the base. I was wondering how you went about making the table top removable did you use threaded inserts ? also how did you get the cross support cut out done? Last question i have is where did you find the 4x4 material i am in eastern north carolina and it seems it doesnt exist around here. thank you for sharing

Josh-Adam

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:59

That table looks awesome ! I am in the process of making one similar i went to a local mill and they had ambrosia maple to make the table topper and i am making the base. I was wondering how you went about making the table top removable did you use threaded inserts ? also how did you get the cross support cut out done? Last question i have is where did you find the 4x4 material i am in eastern north carolina and it seems it doesnt exist around here. thank you for sharing