Community Brag Posts

Modified Farmhouse Bed

This was our first "Big" build.... Our bed.  I modified the footboard as I like taller footboards and it keeps the mattress in super snug!!!! Love this bed with light stain!!!!  Also we used tongue and groove boards for the head and footboard!!! Went together so nice!!!

Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

A Big Patio Planter

Submitted by Jake on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 17:50

I have a really boring backyard patio so I thought I would spice it up with flowers but I could not find a plan for a large right angle planter. So I made up my own.

The planter is made from cedar fencing but pine for the top trim and the corner legs. The legs have grooves that the sides slide into and are not screwed or glued in place. That is so you can remove the top trim and then just pull the sides out to replace them as needed or to even change the size of the planter.

This planter is 18" high so it is comfortable to sit on but that also means you will need a lot of soil to fill it up. Mine took 26 40lb bags which is over 1/2 ton of soil. Add water and that planter is here to stay. But it also means that there is a large tendency for the sides to bulge along the bottom so I placed stop blocks along the bottom base and screwed into the base.

I planted Angelonia for color and sage, oregano, and thyme for spice. It was fun to build and came out well but it was expensive as the soil along was nearly $60. Add another $50 for lumber and screws and you have exceeded the magic $100 mark. Still a good deal, however.

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted the top trim and legs with Behr water-based enamel and left the cedar to mellow on its own.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Slat Bench

Submitted by vintran25 on Mon, 05/04/2015 - 21:28

This was my second project after creating a custom bookcase for underneath our kitchen island. When I saw this bench, I knew it would go well with my dining table. It was pretty easy to do. I sanded and stained each piece before putting it all together and I stained it to try to match my dining table.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain + Poly - Kona for the top of the bench and mostly Dark Walnut for the sides.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Calmly

Thu, 05/07/2015 - 13:51

I love how you were able to match the bench to the table. By the way, what is the name of your table? I really like it! I wonder if Ana has time to draw up this plan, pretty please Ana.

Simple Kitchen Island Poplar Top

Submitted by sc.kennedy on Wed, 09/20/2017 - 09:41

First project in a quite a while for me so wanted to go with something simple.  Was able to complete on a Saturday.  Only thing I wanted to do different was 2" thickness on the top.

 

 

 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Krylon and Mineral Oil Food Grade
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Farmhouse Bed Single

Submitted by lindslar on Fri, 10/15/2021 - 05:40

This was my first project and I’m beyond proud. Thank you for the instructions!!!

Comments

toddler bed

Submitted by jwslink on Sun, 05/10/2015 - 10:49

Easy to build toddler bed

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sliding Door Media Console

Submitted by BobC on Sun, 10/08/2017 - 11:26

Built this to replace a shorter, store-bought media table that was just a dust collector.  I really enjoyed building this, especially making the hardware by hand. Thanks to one of the other builders for the plans to build the iron door hangers.  

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

My first build I Love this closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 11:32

When I wanted to unpack I found this amazing design by Ana White. I transformed my living room into my workshop. And voila my first build was accomplished
Thanks for all your amazing designs

Comments

Two-tone kingsize bed- extra tall

My First Project

My husband and I had a problem.  We were tired of sleeping on a mattress on the floor, and most beds were out of the question because my husband is tall. 6'7" tall.  Ana White's plan looked perfect, but I had never built anything before, unless you count an improvised 'clean the gutters from the ground" stick.

I knew I had to make something that could be taken apart because we are renters right now, so it will take a little bit of work, but after some modifications to the plans, it will come apart when it needs to.  We are also not small big humans, so the bed is appropriately beefed up where it needed to be- to accommodate 2 big humans, 2 fairly large dogs, 150 lb latex foam mattress, and any future kids.

I also had to make changes to the King size plans because Ana's original plans have the mattress oriented sideways, which would be too short for us.

For extra storage space, a hangout for dust bunnies and dogs, and a just a plain tall bed for tall people, I made the foot-board posts taller, and attached the rails higher than the plans indicate.  I also made a platform for our mattress to sit on out of 2x4's, 2x6's, and 3/4" plywood.  This bed is STURDY.

To support the slats and mattress well, I hung a 2x6 with joist hangers in the middle of the bed frame (see picture below), and it stops the 2x4 slats and plywood from bending in the middle.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The panel boards were stained with two coats of Minwax Dark Walnut for 15 minutes each time before attaching the trim. Wood conditioner was applied before the first coat of stain.

Poly coat to be applied... later. When we will be away for a couple days after applying it.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

rustic x table set

I built the whole rustic x table set. I mixed apple cider vinegar with steel wool, let it set overnight, and stained the tables with that. Then I put minwax polyurethane clear gloss coat on it. I then cut the corner angle pieces out of scrap 1 16th inch flat metal bars, bent them at a 90 degree angle and painted them black

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
used apple cider vinegar and steel wool let it set overnight then finished with minwax polyurethane in clear gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Truss Shelves

Submitted by kvinjbj on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 08:37

This is project #3 for me. Went together pretty easy. I originally made it for my living room but my teenaged daughter likes it so much she is begging for it to be in her room. She helped me stain it so I guess I will give it to her. I love Ana, I love the plans, I love feeling so empowered!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
wood for this was less than $50.00 - spent another $20.00 on conditioner, stain and sealer. Someone told me he has seen these for sale for $300.00 and I bet anything they are not as well made or sturdy as mine!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
wood conditioner, walnut stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

3 hook coat rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:40

Thank you for this - I just made it slightly longer.

Comments

Table turned cabinet

I had an old table that was in my basement.  I wanted to re-do my craft room.  I have been thinking and thinking about it.  So when I saw Ana’s link to her drawer organizer – and how to install drawer slides – I thought – ok – now it’s time to do it.

 

I spent about a week drafting plans, making measurements.  At first I was going to recycle the metal sliders I had left over from the kids dressers…but there wasn’t enough – and to do 12 drawers would be more money than I wanted to spend.

 

So – a trip to home depot – I was able to take this table that was just collecting junk – literally – to an organized and functional crafting cabinet – with huge deep drawers.  There are 12 drawers in total.  They are all 6 inch in height, 26 inches deep, and then there are 8 that are 16 inches wide, and 4 that are 12 inches wide.

 

Here are some before and after pictures – I have all the details on the build on my blog.  I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Ana.  Her plans and continual inspiration!

Estimated Cost
Around $80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
On the fronts of the drawers only. Sanded, primed and painted with high gloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Chair (Home Depot Version)

Followed the new home depot plans, only change I made was using 2x4 instead of 2x2. Getting ready to build another one, but this time will also change the arms to be wider on the ends to accommodate wine holder on one arm and cup holder on other arm. :0)

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Going to use English chesnut stain and then marine spar varnish for protection
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

acer211

Fri, 11/13/2015 - 20:36

Hi Ana,

 

Thanks for all your free sharing and advice.  I'd like to return the favor (hopefully)...  

Just wanted to say (as I am a painter) that it is best to avoid using any sort of "clear" varnish (such as poly, or spar, etc...) on anything that sits outdoor (such as furniture, doors, decks), because UV rays from the sun will break-down the varnish and cause them to fail.  

Instead, it is best to use a stain that is suited for decks, like Cabots Semi-Transparent, or semi-solid, etc,,

best regards,

Aaron

acer211

Fri, 11/13/2015 - 20:36

Hi Ana,

 

Thanks for all your free sharing and advice.  I'd like to return the favor (hopefully)...  

Just wanted to say (as I am a painter) that it is best to avoid using any sort of "clear" varnish (such as poly, or spar, etc...) on anything that sits outdoor (such as furniture, doors, decks), because UV rays from the sun will break-down the varnish and cause them to fail.  

Instead, it is best to use a stain that is suited for decks, like Cabots Semi-Transparent, or semi-solid, etc,,

best regards,

Aaron

c3663b

Wed, 03/02/2016 - 12:21

The plans for this adirondack chair are no longer available on the Home Depot website. Where can I get them? Does anyone have them to share?

My new closet

It was a bit tricky putting it together in my limited space closet but I got it all done! Loving it! It also forces me to make up a capsule wardrobe and clean out my closet as there isn't room for everything. Thanks Ana!

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

Mod wine cabinet

This was a really fun project. Thank you to Ana White for the awesome plans to make this wine cabinet possible. It's much loved, and is a beautiful new additions to a new home. I enjoyed making it, the plans were very easy to follow.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Playhouse Loft Bed

This is my first KOW project...I built the playhouse loft bed for my daughter, Kayla.  She named it Lofty Cottage.  I used leftover pink paint from painting her table and chair set for the inside of the playhouse.  I made the letterbox from scraps and the half-door from the door cutout.  I added hardware that matches the hardware on her other furniture.  I made the banner by hand and hand painted the birdhouse and the sign.  She loves it!  Thanks for the great plans Ana!  Can't wait to start on something new now!

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Seesaw

Submitted by KimmoPT on Wed, 06/12/2013 - 02:38

Greetings from Finland. I made teeter-totter from excellent plans Ana has donatet for all of us. I used treated wood, so I didn't need to paint the project (and never will :-) Handles and seats are made from raw wood. Gives also nice twin color look. To add some extra support I embed the beams at foot.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
37€
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Pottery Barn Media Console

I have been wanting to build this piece for some time now. This is actually a Pottery Barn piece that is now discontinued that I modified here and there. I added a "flipper door" which opens and slides back into the cabinet. Adjustable shelves throughout. I used solid alder and alder plywood for material. - Brad @timberandsoul www.timberandsoul.com

Estimated Cost
$500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
shellac, transtint dye, general finishes gel stain, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments