Community Brag Posts

Ninja Turtle Bed

This project was a blast to build!!!! I modified the fire truck loft bed by changing a few of the exterior accent pieces. I also built it to fit a full mattress in stead of the planned twin. I did this by adding additional slates for support. I just recently was able to finish it completely when i found someone who could make the decals. Hope you all enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. Also I used cabnet grade plywood so mine cost was a lot more expensive.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I think total it was around $ 600 -700.
I used all cabinet grade pine and that was the reason for the cost.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bayer paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cottage Playhouse loft bed

Submitted by bhoppy on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 05:50

I built this bed a while ago but I am finally getting around to submitting a brag post.

It is the largest thing I have ever built and it was a huge labor of love. I made it by myself in the evenings after work and weekends over the course of a few weeks.  I modified the plans only slightly.  I added an extra 1x6 board which makes the overall height 76 inches tall. 

I also changed how the windows were framed and added flower boxes. I got a bit OCD and filled all the pocket holes because I didn’t like the way they looked even though it was quite tedious, I am happy with the way it turned out.

At first, I put the play kitchen I built from Ana’s plans underneath, but that was later replaced with a little tv stand that I made to fit perfectly under the playhouse.  I didn’t use any plans for that but it was just a simple bookshelf.  I measured the space, cut the wood as I went and used beadboard on the back of the shelf with cutouts for cords.  I used leftover paint from the playhouse for the tv stand.    

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
kilz primer sprayed on followed by valspar paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Little Red Barn Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 12:58

This was an Ana White plan. My first outside project. Late husband left me with lots of tools so decided I’d teach myself woodworking. Thanks Ana White for the super easy plans. I tweaked them a little especially the outside look. I put a single fold down door for the pullout tray. Put a hinged ladder for easy clean out attached to clean out tray.

Comments

Under the Stairs Playhouse

Submitted by bjhoove on Sat, 01/21/2012 - 20:01

A Playhouse Under the Stairs for the Grand babies! A really fun space :) A fun project for me to build ... It lets the creative thoughts take shape. I had the perfect space for a playhouse under the stairs in the basement and thought that since we live in a cold climate it might be good to have an indoor play space. Inside I put down carpet to keep that area warmer since it is on the cement floor. I also installed bead board, chair rail and plywood with wall paper on it. I didn't use any plans from this amazing site but did see other plans that inspired me! I will be using some plans on this site soon. Look for a Murphy Bed soon from me :)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer, Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 10:39

That is an amazing play space for your grand babies! Makes me wish I had stairs so I could build one for me! LOL

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 14:16

That is an incredible play space. We have a one story house, but now I want to install some stairs!

niecey

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 16:42

This is magical. Must have been a lot of work! It looks incredible.

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

Cost less than $5

Nothing was bought for this table. I allocated $5 as cost for the screws and sandpaper. 2 x 6 legs & 2 x 4 rails used wood recycled from material removed during alterations to our 1930's barn. Supports were extracted from the woodpile. Nails were removed where possible, or cut off and punched below the surface where they were not removable. Because the wood was very old and splintery an enormous amount of time was spent sanding.

 

The top is an Ikea counter thrown out from a kitchen remodel and rescued from the roadside, still in its cardboard box. Score!

 

I am very pleased with the design and plan to make another using better lumber. The table is very sturdy and will be used as a sewing/crafts table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The paint is Glidden Rusty Red latex leftover from a friend's barn and so old it had separated beyond remixing. What was left acted like a cross between a glaze and chalk paint. It had to be rubbed down with rags after each coat to remove specks of pigment and loose powdery color. Four coats each applied 24 hours apart and coverage was as good as it was ever going to get. Final coat was Minwax wax.

To duplicate it:
1. Randomly paint white or light paint. Let dry. Sand.
2. Dilute 1 cup of red paint with one cup of water and rub it in/wipe it off immediately. You shouldn't need more than one coat if you want the white to show through depending on how much "old paint' you want to show.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 12:53

I made this toy box for a couple that I worked with. They like it so much, that they asked me to make them two more

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Workbench Console and Hutch

Submitted by AlohaMama on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:11

We needed space, display space as well as gadget space. The Workbench Console and Rustic Hutch fit in well with the dinner table I modified from Ana's Farmhouse table. Instead of adding the 2x6 on the front and towel bar, I opted to leave the face clean with just a 2x4 and add some reclaimed antique drawer pulls on the side for decoration.

Instead of plywood or 1x4's for the back of the hutch I used the ever handy bead board. Same feel, but cut to size. We also raised the shelf up 12" from the bottom so that I could easily vacuum under it and it would be a great place for a basket or 2 just to hide linens.

Thank you Ana...my house is transforming one project at a time...

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jarrah

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 11:25

I like this a lot! You did a fabulous job! I can see a ton of applications where I could use something like this around the house.

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

my daughters big girl bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/22/2016 - 10:10

I was looking for a bed for my daughters room. She does not have much storage or room so this plan worked perfect. Took about two days so a great weekend project. Built with love unlike from a store.

Estimated Cost
Around $250 for all the material
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly clear gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

bench #5

rustic bench, modified length and omitted x detail, painted numbers

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Minwax ipswich pine
2. Minwax early American
3. two coats clear satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

5 tater tots (not verified)

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 08:27

Sometime I wish I hadn't been handed down such a nice dining table and chair (plus coordinating antique buffet!)set from my parents. I read about this project at your site and would love to build this for my family. We are expecting baby #6 and two benches with 1, 2, and 3 on one and 4, 5, and 6 on the other would be too cute.

I keep hoping my parents will build again, this time in the style that matches their previous set and I can "generously" give them back the heirloom set ;-).

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

Spa Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/24/2016 - 08:45

I love this plan! It's so versatile. I made this bench for my daughter's entry. First I painted it with an all in one paint/primer in light grey, then I sanded it down to reveal some of the wood grain and roughed up the edges a bit. Next, I brushed a dark ebony stain over the entire bench, one section at a time, and wiped it away. I thought I would get less stain, but really enjoy the end results. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint/Primer in one (I had some leftover and mixed it with a black chalk paint to get a light grey)
Ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bed Side Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 15:25

My daughter wanted a table to fit a specific location .... your plan for a side table fit the bill - with some dimensional adjustments

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Dark oak stain with satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Patio Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/20/2023 - 09:32

Our outdoor furniture from Costco was falling apart but the cushions were still in great shape so I decided to design the furniture around the existing cushion dimensions. I used all Cedar wood and stained it with Australian Timber Oil Honey Teak stain. The table design was from a picture I saw on another site.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

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

My UpsideDown V Desk

Submitted by MPopadynec on Sun, 02/28/2016 - 06:54

I am a novice builder living in an apartment. I needed a new desk for my den and fell in love with two - the X-frame desk from Ana's Website and the Truss Desk I saw on Shanty 2 Chic. As I have limited tools, I decided to combine features of both to make my custom desk that included a keyboard tray as I needed one to ensure I type more ergonomically. I love my desk and now, on to build another piece!

Estimated Cost
$100 - As I used pine and had items cut.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey Stain - Varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Folding Worktable

Made the portable worktable as my craft table. I'm limited on space so the fold down table was just the key. Thank you Ana. You are an amazing carpenter & inspiration to me. You make your plans so easy to read & follow. Thank you so much. I can't wait to make more of your plans. ❤️

Jodi Inman

 

Built from Plan(s)

Barnwood Frame - Variation

Submitted by Joni on Fri, 02/10/2012 - 08:48

Have you checked out prices at framing stores lately? Since I didn't want to pay $250 for a frame, I decided to make one out of some spare 1x4 Douglas Fir that I had. It's a single board with a router cut at the edge for detailing. I routed a rabbet onto the back, and kreg-jigged it together. I distressed the wood by beating it with a hammer and chain.

Prior to completing the frame, I took a sample piece to the framing store (who would be matting it) to make sure they could work with my rabbet size. I ended up having to make it deeper and wider to accommodate them, so I would advise doing this if you're taking it to a framer.

I never dreamed I could actually make a frame, much less a piece of furniture. Thanks so much to Ana for sparking all of this. I've found my creative calling thanks to her!

Estimated Cost
Free (spare wood!)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Minwax water-based wood conditioner. 2. Minwax mix of Onyx & American Walnut water-based stain. 3. General Finishes Glaze in Van Dyke Brown. 4. Bartley's Satin Polyurethane (4 coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Becky Smith (not verified)

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 04:32

That is really beautiful! I've been considering the same build for the same reasons. Framing costs are outragous! I've never used a router before and I guess I'm a little intimidated by them. What do you think? Are they too hard to use? Worth investing in?

Thanks!

Joni

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 08:11

Becky -- thanks for the feedback. The router is hard for me, but I don't think I know all the ins and outs of how to use it. For making the rabbet on the back, I've found out that a table saw works SO MUCH BETTER than trying to use the router. I believe that a dado blade for the table saw could make the decorative cut (and much easier, faster, and cleaner than trying to use the router).

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

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