Community Brag Posts

2nd project from Ana.

Submitted by DaDeDeuce on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 07:12

My kids are loving this seesaw. Easy to make. I followed the plans, and completed it all in about 8hrs. Rounded all sharp edges to make it a bit safer. I recommend adding an additional hole on the vertical support if you have smaller kids. A tip, pre-tape the washers over the holes prior to final assembly. It'll save you a lot of frustration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My 17 year old stole my project!

Submitted by Bonnaroo on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 13:23

This project started off as a way for me to get some much needed "me" time and create a sense of accomplishment. However, after purchasing the wood & cutting it into lengths, my "Lego Maniac" 17 year old son decided he wanted to take over! He begged me to let him assemble the units. Since he single-handedly assembled our IKEA kitchen remodel, I decided to let him have his way.

We spent one day painting the cut pieces. I think it looks nicer having them painted first and patching up holes, rather than deal with drips and such with the numerous spaces and sections. We had a wonderful time chatting the whole day and painting. O.K., this is just as good for the soul as "me" time.

That evening, after the paint had dried, we couldn't help ourselves...we NEEDED to assemble one section. So we started with the corner unit. And after one major "re-do", we had it figured out. My son, Jacob, ran with it from there and he and his cousin finished it, wood patched, sanded, and re-painted.

All told, it took him (us) about 3 days to complete. We found the cushions at Lowe's and the entire project cost us about $500.00! HUGE savings and some serious mother-son time!

Sense of accomplishment doubled!

Estimated Cost
$500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
flat paint in Robin's Egg Blue
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Wood Bed Frame With Reclaimed Wood Legs

Inspired by Ana's Farmhouse Bed I adjusted my plans to work with the scrap wood I had on hand and an old reclaimed wood post I snagged from my neighbor's garbage. To make the scraps of wood work for this large piece I added 3/4" rope in between the wood pieces. I like how the rope also helps tie it into the room as we created a wood and rope accent wall in this same room. You can see the full project here, http://thespacebetweenblog.net/2013/09/10/how-to-make-a-wood-bed-frame/. And since this was my first furniture build I also posted about the top tips and tricks I learned in the process, http://thespacebetweenblog.net/2013/09/12/wood-bed-frame-making-tips/.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Driftwood color stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Night Stands

I made this project with all 2X4's and 2.5 in pocket holes. This took 8 2X4's. To add the industrial look, I added some metal casters on the bottom. I haven't finished it 100%, but will add some metal corner brackets on it as well. This project was super easy to make. Took me about 6 hours to cut and build (2 tables). And another 3-4 hours to sand, stain and finish.

Estimated Cost
$55 per table ( because of the cost of wheels, screws, and corner brackets). The wood only cost $20-$25 per table.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of Minwax Weathered oak. Let that dry. Then 1 light coat of minwax special walnut. After that dried, I used minwax finishing wax instead of Poly. I like the rough/natural look that it gave in the end.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:00

Hall tree I got off your web site, very simple to build, out standing plans I put my own twist into it. I had some cedar tree limbs on my property that I had cut down . I ripped down on my table saw and added to my project. it was a challenge to turn limbs into small boards but worked out well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Almost $200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a Minwax Red barn stain off the shelf at Lowes, brushed on and wiped off . Had to do three coats, sanding is a must and sealer recommended for uniform color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

8' Chaise Lounge

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/15/2024 - 13:19

The 8’ chaise lounge… my first furniture build. Such a great plan to follow Ana! And since I need space for yoga I made a triangle brace to hang it on.

Laurie H

Wood Chaise Lounge Chairs

Submitted by TexCin on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 14:31

We built two of these wood chaise lounge chairs from Ana's plans. We wanted to make sure they could endure the Texas weather so we sanded, primed and painted them. We used wood we had left over from other projects so our costs were limited to screws and chair pads....about $125 (chair pads are expensive).

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used primer and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

First Project - the work bench

Submitted by twinlife on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 00:44

I've been a long time creeper, pinner, favoriter of this site. I finally got a garage sufficient to build. Of course, the first project had to be an actual work bench for the many projects to come.

33" was a bit short for my tastes so I adjusted the leg height to 40". Also half way through my project I realized that my 2x4's were not true 2x4's. This became problematic with the four support beams for the top board. I was able to cut some proper length boards from some backup/emergency lumber. I still plan on figuring out what I want to do with the stain but that was all time allotted for!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Still deciding
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simply White Homework Desk

Had to make some modifications since I was using some old hinges.  Use some 1/16" cable with an eye fitting on either end.  Since my kids have a habbit of leaning, standing, jumping, and hanging on things I attached it to the wall using a french cleat system using a circular saw.  Pretty easy to do and extremely stable.  Last mod was the corkboard on the back for my wife to post homework and to-do lists. 

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

X-brace Farmhouse Dining Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 11:59

I used this awesome plan from Ana White and tried to add my own touch on it. After painting the legs, I then routed the edges and stained them to match the table top. Thank you for this plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Ultra interior paint- Black Magic
Varathane stain- spring oak
Minwax finish- polycrylic (gloss)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laundry Room Storage and Organization

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/20/2024 - 10:33

When looking for ideas/plans for designing my mudroom I came across Ana’s plans for the bench with drawers. I’ve NEVER built anything like it, or cabinetry, or anything like that type of stuff, but with her videos and plans I was able to design my own layout and make it all completely by hand and by myself. I’m in love with how it turned out!! Her designs/plans are so easy to follow and customize!! I can’t wait to do more in my house.

Mikishea Mauss on Facebook

Built from Plan(s)

Play Fences

My first ever building project! I learned a few important lessons: it's really hard to make a straight cut with a jig saw, and you have to use large hinges (the tiny hinges I put on there first ripped right out). It was a great learning experience, the fences really were easy to build, and my two-year-old LOVES them! Now I'm ready for my next project. :)

Estimated Cost
$10 for the wood, I had to get some other supplies too!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Rusty Cottage

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 04:44

Use a carpenter's square (shown in the "getting started" section to draw a straight line where you will cut. Now for the secret to straight cuts... line up the blade of you jig saw with the cut line and then slide the carpenter square up to the jig saw base and hold it firm so it acts as a straight edge and make your cut.

Wall Jewelry Cabinet

I made this awesome jewelry cabinet for my teenage daughter's room. It holds all her jewelry and then some, and it keeps it looking nice and organized. I followed the Wall Jewelry Cabinet plans, and made just a few minor modifications to better suit the style of my daughter's room. Plans were super easy to follow and this only took a few hours to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Refreshing Pool paint with Ralph Lauren Tobacco glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jleigh333

Sat, 04/25/2015 - 12:42

I just love the details you added with the trim! It is beautiful! I really love the color too. You did such a great job! I think I may try that with my next cabinet.

Little Kids Picnic Table

Built this picnic table for our twin foster nephews for their 2nd b-day.  It was a hit!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Lumber $15
Paint $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Console Table

Submitted by katprausa on Sat, 07/25/2020 - 12:55

Pretty impressed with our first project! Thanks for the excellent plans!! I can't wait to start on the matching side table and coffee table!!

My Version - 4 Cubby Bookshelf

Submitted by Jake on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 10:56

I was inspired by Ana's 4 Hole Cubby Bookshelf and a bookshelf I saw on line one night. So I incorporated the two somewhat. I took stair parts for the corner legs and connected them to form a frame with 1x3 on the bottom and 1x2 around the top. Then installed the inside side walls such that the ends are inset. I added a top with an inch or so of overhang on the sides and front. I also made the two shelves adjustable with my new Kreg Shelf Pin jig. It was so easy and accurate. Dimensions are about the same as the 4 Hole Cubby but I admit I winged it at times. Came out very nice and now the wife wants to add another shelf and I think there is plenty of room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $50. I overbought the wood and the legs and top cost $16 so I think $50 is a good guess.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain - Minwax Gunstock 231
Paint - Rust-o-leum Moss Green enamel spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jake

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 04:50

If you have not noticed I put the top on facing the back of the bookshelf. How stupid can I be? I'll answer that question. I am often stupid but at least not dangerous. I will add trim to the front to hide the stuff I don't want you to see and then post a new photo.

2x4 Bench

I found this plan on morelikehome.net and had to try it this was my first project in 20 years and I had so much fun building it. I am looking forward to building more in the future! Enjoy!

Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Brown semi - solid stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

farmhouse queen

Submitted by hurley on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:05

This was my second project. I built it with my hubs and we had a blast. We have a boxspring so we used 2x6s, but laid them flat. We also used 2x12s for the sides and instead of attatching the sides permanantly we used bed hooks that we ordered online to attatch the sides. 4x4s were impossible to find. We ended up buying treated ones and sanding them for ages.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax special walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Hall Tree with a Few Tweaks

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 07:52

Made a few tweaks to support using some leftover wood from a previous project and hide a seam in the beadboard.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Back