Community Brag Posts

$4 chairs with chalkboard top storage table

These were made for a charity auction and ended up selling for much more then I expected.
I was suprised and how strong the chairs ended up being. I'm thinking of making another table chair set only with 4 chairs and a longer table.

Estimated Cost
$50 majority of cost was paint
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
white spray pain in a flat finish then a glossy clearcoat. Tble top is chalkboard spray paint 3 coats. Table storage bottom is covered with cork.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by nuarty145 on Tue, 02/18/2014 - 06:53

My wife wanted a black headboard to match our existing bedroom set so I built just the headboard from the farmhouse bed plans. It was simple to build, looks great, and my wife and I love sleeping under it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 + paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CreativeChaos

Mon, 06/09/2014 - 10:03

I just built this headboard for my daughter's new full bed and she wanted the headboard with the metal frame. I was wondering if you could share how you attached your headboard to the frame? The holes in our metal frame on the the flanges for the headboard are rather large. I used kiln dried 2x4's for her legs because we don't get 4x4's here that aren't pressure treated.

Cedar Raised Garden Bed

Submitted by Malka on Wed, 05/18/2016 - 00:34

My little sister is building her first garden this year, and had asked about a garden bed and bench. I found this plan on the Ana White site, and waited until the local Home Depot had cedar fence pickets on sale for $2.34 each. Once these were purchased, the 3 garden beds were put together easily with screws and some Titebond II, and then sprayed with spar urethane on the outside for further protection. I also took some live edge fir slabs I'd gotten for free from a lumbermills scrap pile, and cut, sanded, and stained them to put together a live edge bench. I assembled the bench using rabbet and tenon, and then further braced the legs with small L brackets that cant be seen from the front and some 3" screws from bench top to legs. After assembly, I spar-urethaned the bench with 4 coats for protection. My sister loved both the bench and her boxes. Thanks for the plan!

Estimated Cost
$80 for Cedar, screws, stain, and glue for boxes and bench.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Spar-Urethane
Mixwax Antique Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ornament Tree Decor

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/15/2023 - 19:32

I made 15 of these ornament trees for our church's Christmas banquet. We adjusted the height to 14". I locked the wire in place with 8 x 3/4 screws that were countersunk. I plan to paint the trees gold.

Don Fugate

Seasonal And Holiday

A not so modern version

Submitted by BJ D on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:14

A friend contacted me about building a custom sized desk to coordinate with a set of dressers that she purchased used (I refinished them years before). We started with the Simple Modern desk (more in overall look), but made some changes away from "Modern" such as the bases, overhanging and routed top and trim on the side aprons. The legs of the desk aren't solid 4x4, but1x4s and 1x3 furring strips kreg jig'd and sanded till nearly seamless. The support under the desktop was redesigned to create a large, single drawer faced as two. The top is made from pine boards edge joined together. The two "bases" combined, have 96 pieces of trim to create this look. It was alot of work to get some tiny pieces just right, but well worth it in the end.

There are two comparison pictures uploaded. the photoshopped photo is the inspirational photo that came with the "Can you build me one of these?" and the second is the side by side with one of the dressers I was asked to compliment.

At 4 ft by 2 ft, she says its the perfect size for her home office laptop.

Overall, I was pretty surprised about how different of a turn this desk could take in style as I went from bare to adding the trim. Perhaps it can inspire others as well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Materials were around $130
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The stain is a combination of Minwax Gunstock and Golden Oak with 6 coats of Semi-gloss poly on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

washington4x4

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 12:49

I have been looking at some different design ideas for a desk. I love what touches you put on the table legs. I might have to try something like this when I start building.

Patrick Hosey (not verified)

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 17:13

Gorgeous finish. What's your method? Pine has been killing me. I put 6 coats on my last table top or polyurethane. Time after time the wood just soaked up the finish. I could never get a smooth surface. Maybe if I would have applied 10 more coats...

BJ D

Wed, 05/09/2012 - 05:22

Washington- keep in mind the size of the trim pieces if you do a base like this. Some of those trim pieces are 1/2 wide and angled... not the easiest to get to fit right. If I were to do it again, I would cut in more to make the cuts a little easier. However, I loved this result.

These legs are hollow also, a definite idea to keep in mind for anyone wanting to do a 4x4 leg project but unable to find treated 4x4's.

Patrick- everything was well sanded in advance. then a coat of wood conditioner. Then the stain (2 coats of the gunstock and 2 coats of the Golden Oak). With the Poly, In between coats, I buff with 0000 Steel Wool then wipe clean. That surface, minus the places where I left the charachter in the wood on purpose, is VERY smooth.

BJ D

Wed, 05/16/2012 - 05:40

Patrick.. you apply poly, give a very light sand with the 0000 steel wool (A little more than running over the surface with minimal pressure) until the surface feels smooth with no drag. Then wipe down with tack cloth and apply a new layers of poly.

Keep in mind that with polyacrylic.. the water based stuff, you can't use the steel wool. I'm told it will rust. This is strictly for polyurethane.

BJ D

Wed, 05/16/2012 - 05:42

Washington- the middle layer of trim is on top of spacer to raise it up. It provided a great look.

s2miller123

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 21:25

The desk looks great. I was trying to figure out how you attached the four pieces of wood that make the legs. You indicated a Kreg jig, but it would seem that there would need to be some pocket screws on the outside. I don't see any...what am I missing here?

Dresser/Changing table

Similar to a previous poster, I was inspired to build this project to use as a combo dresser/changing table for our first child's nursery. It took quite a few days worth of work (spread out over a couple of months altogether) but I finally finished the bulk of the work a few days before entering the third trimester of pregnancy, phew! I think we'll enjoy this piece for years to come, thanks Shane and Ana for the plans! (Please excuse the poor lighting and ugly garage, we haven't set up the nursery yet so the dresser may be living in the garage until we do!)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300ish
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White. Love this paint but it has a very matte finish on its own and will need to be waxed for protection that I'm waiting until the pregnancy is over to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

4x4 Farmhouse Table (unfinished for now)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/22/2016 - 12:40

Found these plans and fell in love! Opted to use 7 2x6's for the top with 2x8's for the breadboard! Knocked it out between Saturday and Sunday. Planning on doing the steel wool and vinegar agingtechnique after distressing the table with various tools. Ended up being 7ft 1/2 in by 3ft 2 1/2in. Definitely looking forward to searching through the plans and trying other projects! Was my first time building a furniture piece from scratch!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Roughly $120 in materials
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing yet...
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor tables

Submitted by knrburch on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 07:00

I built these for outdoor. Made them narrower than actual plan. Love them! Thank you for the plan!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black gel stain and Sherwin Williams Alpaca paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2 Drawer Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 09:28

I have always wanted to build some furniture. So, when we were looking for some nightstands for our bedroom and couldn’t find any we liked I found your Farmhouse Nightstand plans and decided to build them as a surprise gift for my husband for Valentine’s Day. I personalized them by adding an extra drawer and making them a little taller and wider to fit the space we had. We absolutely LOVE them! Thank you, Ana, for helping to make a dream of mine come true!

Toni Imlay @ toniimlay.com

Built from Plan(s)

Simple Bunk bed with a triple twist and cubby steps.

Submitted by Jason_NJ on Fri, 05/11/2012 - 11:29

I'm a father of 4 girls ages 6,5,4, and 1. So a regular bunk wasn't enough so I decided to add the 3rd bunk. Each painted in my girls favorite colors. The paint was Martha Stewart signature paint which was on clearance on Lowes. Think it was 3 or 4 dollars a quart. The cubby steps are basically just 4 boxes stacked on top of each other and nailed together and made from 3/4" furniture grade plywood.

It didn't come out perfect but I'm pretty happy with the results. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

PS, Ana...my wife is a big fan of yours. She's the one who turned me onto your site.

Estimated Cost
$200-$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Martha Stewart Signature Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

calisarah2005 (not verified)

Sat, 11/24/2012 - 09:06

Hi,
We are looking to build something very similar, but are needing more information. How did you attach the loft bed to the top bunk bed? What do you have at the foot of the loft bed to keep it up? Thanks so much for any information.

Craftsman Frame

Submitted by pde00311 on Mon, 02/24/2014 - 22:24

Had an old concert poster that I had been looking to frame. Glad I found these plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provencial stain with two coats glossy polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bench from my old barn wood

Submitted by srenzello on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 11:23

I used old barn wood I had out back its not a perfect fit all across the top but I made it that way on purpose I like the things that don't look perfect! Great project did it all in about 2 hours! 

 

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Toy Box Plans

Submitted by dkakridge on Sun, 03/01/2020 - 18:55

So proud of how this turned out.  Plans were so easy to follow.  Thanks for such a wonderful site. 

David Akridge

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum painters touch white gloss, Kilz Primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Outdoor Stabackable Chairs and Table

We used cedar for these nice, little chairs and based the table on the chair model, only 24" tall, rather than the 18" of the chair seats. It took longer to cut than assemble these - total time: @4 hours for all.

Thank you, Ana!

Darin

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain with weather protectant.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple outdoor sofa for the pool!

Submitted by monster on Wed, 02/26/2014 - 18:03

An easy build! Thanks for the plans, Ana. This was a housewarming gift for some friends and it now sits nicely by their pool. I got the cushions from Ikea (Arholma range) and sized the sofa around them. I used 2x3s for the frame and added a couple of 2x3 support legs under the back cleat for extra support. I also attached a couple of 2x3 pieces between the back cleat and the back apron for the back support to rest on. Now for the table... :)

Estimated Cost
$250 including timber, cushions and paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dulux Weathershield paint, 2 coats. Cushion covers were dyed navy blue with Rit.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee Table with 4x4 Legs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 19:13

My own version, made from this nice plan, from cheap material, ( construction wood ). Tinted with Minwax Dark Oak color, finished with 3 coasts of Polycrilic.

Mario

modified outdoor dining table

My wife has been wanting new patio furniture so here is my version of the simple outdoor table, I shortened it to fit our needs. Next is the chairs to match.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Flat book rack

Submitted by Morrell272 on Mon, 03/03/2014 - 08:37

Built this for my son's nursery. Cutting and assembly was a snap. Took under four hours. Painting however took forever. I'm a slow and careful painter. Each coat took two hours, then sanding in between. I'm happy with the result. I bought the kreg r3 pocket hole jig and I love it.

Estimated Cost
45.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and then water based semigloss clear coat to protect the finish from sticking to the books
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Recyclable Pull-Outs

Submitted by mtsandager on Wed, 06/01/2016 - 13:25

We are trying to tidy up our laundry/mud room and needed a place for the recyclables. I ran across Ana's plans for these pull out cabinets and raised panel doors, adjusted the measurements to fit our space, and had at it! It's kind of a tight fit in that room but these seem to help with the clutter. I also added that little table on top for folding laundry.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Red Oak stain and applied with a rag, wiping excess off with a clean rag. I then sealed everything with a semi-gloss polyurethane, which I applied with a bristled brush. I believe I put on three coats, lightly sanding and removing dust before each application.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Back