Community Brag Posts

Modified Hailey platform bed - king

Submitted by Syra_87 on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 13:33

We didn't want a platform bed but liked the looks of this bed. We used a 2x10 for the vertical frame. The 'rail' around the top of that is a 1x4. We sunk the supports slightly to hide most of the box spring. I also wrapped the box spring so that it matches our bedroom and isn't so apparent. The legs we did were two 2x4s as we couldn't find a 4x4 in pine. We did two twin beds to support the twin box springs and did a 'footboard' that brings them together. They wouldn't have fit through doorways otherwise. It turned out very well. The headboard is somewhat our own creation.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut (1 coat) and Helmsman Spar Urethane satin finish (two coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entertainment center and matching end table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/20/2016 - 17:34

Decided to use your plans and build an entertainment center for the house. I did however change a couple of things, like it is a little smaller and I used weathered wood for the sides and front, along with deciding on not using the doors. After building this project ...I Loved it !  In fact loved it so much , I built a matching end table.  Thank you so much for the plans and ideas.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Walnut stain and clear
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Wed, 09/21/2016 - 15:32

The weathered wood is beautiful!  I love your take without the doors.  Thanks so much for sharing!

Husky farmhouse table

Submitted by wayne465 on Thu, 07/02/2020 - 11:19

This was a fun project to replace our old oak table. Anna’s project plans was very easy to follow. My wife wanted a semi plank look so I used a wood jointer and a wood planer to get the top nice and snug without many gaps. I used popular for the sides and I used 3 pocket holes for every frame connection to add strength. 2 pocket holes seemed a little weak. I used valspar aspire white for the paint and Minwax walnut stain. For the poly I used varathane 3x thick satin oil based polyurethane. I tried using semi-gloss but it was two shiny for us. I added 2 cross braces for added support for the lower portion of the table and to add more points of contact to keep the table flat. And secure. Don’t be afraid to have small imperfections. They give it the authentic look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600-700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut stain
Varathane oil based polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sylvie's Fancy X Computer Desk

Submitted by smacneil on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 19:19

These are the shots from my dry-fitting assembly. I have yet to instal the back supports and to secure the top 2x6s but that will be done shortly.

I did run short of 2x4, I needed 1 more probably because of my inexperience with maximizing my cuts and minimizing waste. I plan on testing out my cuts in SketchUp for future projects and see if that helps. I find it much easier when the cut plan is already worked out before I get to the saw.

I cut and dry-fit the whole thing in 1 day although it would have been faster if I worked out the regional dimensions first. Again, SketchUp to the rescue!

I plan on adding pocket holes in the inside top piece of the leg assembly as well as the tabletop supports to secure the table top assembly.

This was a great build, I built it for my husband as a 25th anniversary present and he absolutely loves it.

I used knotty pine S4S and we plan to stain it to show off all those pretty knots.

This is only my 4th build, if I can make this anyone can!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
not yet determined
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Adirondack Chair

We just built our first set of Adirondack chairs and after sharing with our friends, we have sold a few. We are now building other stuff too!

The only change I did to the original plan is place the 1x3 on the top in the back. Makes it look more stout and clean finish.

We painted it 3 times with a nice red and bought some great cushions at a good price.

Estimated Cost
75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Paint w/primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kimara's first build

Submitted by kimara on Thu, 08/30/2012 - 12:00

I had been looking for a small table for our small entry space. When I was searching, I was hoping to buy a table but couldn't find something I liked. I found this plan but it scared me because I had NEVER built anything. After researching on this site, I decided to jump in and try it. I made it much smaller to match our space. I added the shelf higher than recommended because I wanted to be able to use it as a homework spot when the kitchen table is covered by a project. I don't like the finish, but it will stay for a while because others like it.

Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry by Cabot
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

MzBarasha (not verified)

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 21:08

By chance did you have the cut measurements?

Bedside table

Submitted by madoss on Wed, 06/25/2014 - 18:22

Reclaimed wood nightstand

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Kitchen table and storage benches

Submitted by Jilybean on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 10:53

I built these for my son's new home. The bench seats lift up for storage. I was rushed to get them done for the housewarming/adoption party. There are things I would do better if I did another set. 

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and Rockler Rockhard tabletop varnish in satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patio Set

Submitted by rhn0489 on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 11:45

Ths set is based on the plans for the 2x4 sofa. It is very east to adjust the sizes to create the perfect piece for your space.

Using these plans I simply changed the seat sizes to 24" and 48" to create a chair and loveseat. I have also added a 1x4 across the rear of the seat to act as a bottom support for the 1x3 slats I added for back support. The other major change was using 2x3's instead of 2x4's. With the shortened length these can be a little less bulky with sacrificing stability.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

outdoor couch

So I love Restoration Hardware but think their prices are exploitative. I found a picture of a couch I really like from there. Turns out it was discontinued so I looked on Ebay and found cushions for it and I just tried to copy the picture as best I could. I considered trying to learn about bending wood for the arms but that would have significantly delayed the process so I just took a 2x6 and cut the curves with a band saw. It worked.

Estimated Cost
$60 not including cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sarah Jane

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 11:30

I love your variation!! It looks like a cross between the outdoor sofa and the Bristol? Could you tell us what size wood you used for the different components? I know 2x6 cut to shape for the front leg......but what about the seating area slats (1x3?) and the back rest slats (1x3?) and the back leg/backrest upright (2x4?) and the top of the back rest(2x4? with radius end) and the box for the seating area (2x4?) You did a truly amazing job!!!!!!! I would love to see more pictures if you have any showing your progress through the build! [email protected]

Michael J

Tue, 05/13/2014 - 12:51

I like the way you curved the front legs.
I am wondering how you curved the back legs/backrest?

Aquaponics Garden

Submitted by Chris 1975 on Sun, 06/29/2014 - 08:11

The better way to garden! I built the original, and then the fish got too big for the 55gal tanks below. Had to upgrade to 2 300gal IBC containers. Now I have 50 tilapia that are ready to eat, adn enough vegatables to feed us for the year.... awesome!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
thompsons sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse X console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/01/2016 - 09:27

My very first time building a piece of furniture! Thank you so much Ana White for the plans, I have so much more confidence moving forward and building more!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood & hardware - $60
Paint & stain - $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Carrington stain and Annie Sloan pure white chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 Truss Table & Bench

Submitted by JustJ on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 08:08

Modified the dimensions of the 4x4 Truss Table and bench.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Carbon Gray stain
Valspar Cool Gray (7006-10) paint*
*This is my favorite for a white paint - has cool undertones without being too bright, but definitely still white, even though it is called a gray. Matches everything.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

O's big boy room

Submitted by shetee on Mon, 09/03/2012 - 21:33

Our youngest was done with his little boy bed and so we decided we should make him a bed - he picked the clubhouse bed and we went to work. This was a fun build - I used the "Kreg" Jig for just about everything. We decided that he would need a new bookshelf and thought the truss shelves would look great next to the bed. He is so proud and excited for his big boy room, thank you Ana and Jaime for the plans and tips.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
330 (Bed, Bookcase, hardware, paint and wax)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
flat int. paint and paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bunk / Loft Bed Combo

Submitted by Linda7 on Tue, 07/01/2014 - 22:14

With three boys ages 17, 14, and 9 sleeping in one small bedroom, an efficient bunk bed/loft bed system seemed to be the perfect choice. I used the bunk bed plans from The Handbuilt Home, but I increased the height, and moved the steps to the end. The loft bed is basically the same as the bunk beds, but without the bottom bunk. I left the top rail off the head of the loft bed, creating a space so that they could crawl from the top bunk to the loft if desired. The short side rails on the top bunk are attached to the head of the loft bed.

The beds are modular and could be stand-alone beds, but I used TimberLok heavy duty wood screws to screw the beds together at the "intersection" on the bottom rail of the top bunk and loft, and the bottom rail of the bottom bunk and loft. That makes the beds very sturdy.

The entire system comes apart for storage or if a move ensues later. One other modification gleaned from a brag post was to use spacers on the cleats of the side rails so that you can just lay the slats down without having to screw them down. What a time-saver!

Thank you Ana White for the lovely plans and to all the brag posters for the ideas.

Estimated Cost
Around $225.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I filled the knots and obvious spaces left by the rounded edges of the 2 x 4 where horizontal joined vertical. I then sanded from 80 down to 220 grit. I used 1 coat of Minwax Pre-stain conditioner, followed by 1 coat of Minwax "Gunstock" stain and 3 coats of Minwax wipe-on clear satin Poly. I used a cloth to apply the stain and poly, which provided a smooth, lovely finish. I like the rustic look of the wood knots and grain, but I didn't want primitive. It took almost 1 quart of stain, and a pint of poly for this project.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 07/29/2014 - 21:50

Jacqueline...sorry for the late reply, but I've been out of town and just now saw this. The plans for the bunk bed itself is from Ana's book The Handbuilt Home. The loft part is basically the same build, but I left off the bottom bunk. I did increase the height of the beds and moved the built-in ladder to the foot board. I tried to explain my mods in the "about this project" section of the post. If you have any questions, just email me.

Linda7

Fri, 04/17/2015 - 18:39

Well, as I mentioned in the original post, I built these beds to be modular so that they could be moved or stored. Less than a year after the beds were finished and installed, my family moved. As we took the beds down, we made sure all the parts were labeled and grouped the slats for each bed. It was easy to reconstruct it at the new house, especially because the spacers between the cleats for the slats enabled us to just lay them down w/o having to use screws.

Monogrammed snowflake

Submitted by jennibee on Wed, 10/05/2016 - 07:07

Created using the plans/template from Ana White's monogrammed snowflake.
I decided to make a hanging B in the middle. Two small eye hooks and some thread.
Paint used was Krylon's ruby red glitter and a clear sealer
 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Krylon Ruby Red glitter spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic X End Table - Love it!

Submitted by dibbleja on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 17:09

I love this plan and this table. This was my first project, and I think I turned out really well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidizing (steel wool dissolved in vinegar)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Bed - King

Submitted by SNukem on Thu, 07/03/2014 - 21:43

We built the farmhouse king size bed over the last week. We used 2x4 hangers to hold the 2x4's in place and used 2x4's to support the mattress. We put 7/16" plywood on top of the 2x4's to support the mattress. We struggled with how we were going to attach the side rails to the bed frame and finally came up with a way we felt would be strong enough. Please see the pictures included to see exactly how we attached the rails to the bed frame. We used lag bolts, and metal brackets.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Glidden Antique White Primer and paint combo in semigloss, we did 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

dog kennel by R&L Custom Creation of West Michigan

Submitted by rburmania on Sat, 10/08/2016 - 06:46

When your dog needs a home add gorgeous as your own

Estimated Cost
250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Gilded endive paint
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

rburmania

Sat, 10/08/2016 - 07:47

i loved doing this project, but it is not for the beginner. I used a drill press to drill out 5/8 holes for the solid steel dowels. if you would like more information please email me @ [email protected]

Simple Bench

Submitted by boneill on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 04:56

Really nice accent bench and super easy

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax special walnut , exterior satin poly , satin white paint exterior
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner