Community Brag Posts

Geo Headboard -first project

Submitted by LHGinWC on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 11:07

This project was fun and I learned a ton! I used the Modern Geo Headboard plans and then modified them to fit my room. This was my first project and I'm glad I did it but I should have started with something simpler to learn about my tools and understand the process better. I'm proud of myself and I'm looking forward to my next project. Thanks to Ana for the plans and the inspiration, staying busy during this pandemic is a lifesaver!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Magnolia Paint- Vibrant Horizon
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mudroom

Submitted by Taa-daa on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 13:22

My front closet was transformed into a mudroom. Hidden storage is a genious idea. Thank you Ana!!! It wasn't easy though.

Estimated Cost
a bit less than 150$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My work table

Submitted by ewebrat on Fri, 07/24/2020 - 13:19

Started to renovate hubby’s bathroom, got annoyed with lack of space on his work bench, built my own. Since this pic, I’ve added locking casters, a power bar up one leg, and a plain metal tool holder on one side. Still have some thoughts rattling around in my head about various other upgrades. Super plans, easy one-woman job.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish. I want to add a 1/4 or 1/2 MDD top, but that’s the only not-naked original wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by BPJacobs on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 06:39

I built these a couple of weeks ago - very easy. I did not have a pocket hole jig so I added a 26" 2x4 to attach the pieces behind the back-rest. I don't think is makes it look bad, and it adds some weight which is nice.
I have built 6 so far - 4 for myself and 2 that I gave to friends. the first couple took a while to get the process sorted out but after that they came together in about 30-45 minutes per chair. I did make a couple of mistakes in the cutting initially (forgot to cut angles so I wasted a lot of wood), and then of course the additional piece of 2x4 added to the price.

Estimated Cost
About $80-$90 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior wood sealant
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2 Piece Outdoor Wood Chair

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 07/09/2024 - 09:11

I built these chairs in about 90 minutes. I started with cutting enough boards for 2 chairs according to Ana's cut list. I then prefinished them by sanding and prestaining all the boards. Once they were dry I started assembly. At first I was having issues with the wood splitting, so I ended up predrilling my holes. I made the seat and the back 18" wide and where Ana uses the 1x3, I ended up just ripping the cedar fence picket to 2.5" wide. This was a fun build and will be nice to easily transport to an outdoor activity!

Family_DIYnamic on Instagram

Rustic Modern Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 13:08

I used your simple outhouse plans and modified the roof with clear corrugated plastic roofing for maximum light inside. I used the leftovers to line the hole and direct everything into the hole so no smelly wood. I also used wood from free pallets for door and inside trim to keep cost down.
I have to credit to “Girl in the woods” from youtube that mentioned you Ana, and for the roof idea. Your plans were easy to follow and I’m so proud of my first build.

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Kids Storage Table with extra storage

Submitted by redhead_61 on Mon, 11/05/2012 - 17:05

I wanted a table with storage, I added a couple extra "shelves" This was the easiest design to do this with. Just be sure to add from the top shelf to the bottom if you are using a Kreg Jig. You might want to pre-paint also . My shelves are 5 inches apart to fit perfectly my little flat style containers for art stuff and playdough.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modified Farmhouse/Pottery Barn Bed Frame

Submitted by Tailer426 on Sat, 11/10/2012 - 10:08

This was my second big project and I went ALL out! I was inspired by the modified farmhouse bed, but completely modified it to look like the Hudson bed from Pottery Barn. I designed it completely on my own too. All of the exterior is oak and the frame is fir and pine. This bed is super sturdy and sleeps great!

The sides, footboard, and headboard are made from oak plywood outlined by oak 1x2 and 1x3. Then added 1/2"x3/4" oak shoe molding for the indentations. The top of the footboard and headboard has 1.5" cove molding topped with quarter-round.

The total cost of all the material was $430. But I have enough leftover oak plywood to make a matching night table. I still need to stain it, but I love the raw oak smell and feel.

My only tools to create this was a circular saw, drill, screwdriver, miter box, and sander. The frame itself took only a few hours. All of the hand cutting of the molding and careful angles took most of the time (20+ hours) since it was my first time ever doing anything like this. The cove crown molding was especially difficult.

So....what color should I stain it?

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
430
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None...yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Elisha (not verified)

Sat, 11/10/2012 - 12:30

Beautiful! I love my farmhouse bed too. Doesn't it feel so good to cozy up into something to sturdy and know you made it with your own two hands? I don't know if it goes with the rest of your furniture, but I like the blonde color it is now. Maybe just seal it with Polyacrylic or wax so it doesn't yellow?

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by cbecksOSU on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 18:43

First DIY project ever. Came out so good I built another

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Georgetown Gray Arbor Coat (Benjamin Moore)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tilt Out Recycling Center

Submitted by ppavel on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 07:36

Tilt Out Recycling Center to match the floating desk and barn door in the same room. Great project from the recycling center plans. (slight modification)

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso Stain (Minwax)
Polyurethane Finish (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Counter Stools

Submitted by wbengle77 on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 09:09

This was a pretty strait forward project, the only change i made was the wood used. I did not use the 2x2 furring strips i opted for the upgraded Select Pine Boards. So it changed from 3 bucks to 12 a board. I also used metal nylon feet.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
depends on wood and finish
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used an antiquing wax, then I used butcher block oil and wax to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Simple Bed (twin size)

Submitted by giorod82 on Sat, 10/10/2020 - 15:42

Simple twin bed project. The only modification I made was to shorten the height of the head board to the same size as the foot board.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee Bar

This is my second project. It's a coffee bar to free up space in my kitchen countertop. It has quite a few imperfections but I am very proud of the finished product. Can't wait for my next project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pre finish stain conditioner, 2 coats of Varathane Kona stain, and 3 coats of water based polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My First Build -- the $55 Fancy X Desk

This was my first build EVER. I had never even used a saw before, so if I can do this, so can YOU!

The original plans call for this desk to be 72" in length, but my space only allowed for a 60" desk, so I cut the 3 braces that go along the back down by 12", as well as the 2x6s that make the desktop. The cross-braces in the back were also cut down, but I did that by measuring for fit (as demonstrated by Ana in one of her videos where she made the x-bench).

I described this as a weekend project ONLY because of the time I had to allow between coats of paint, etc. I built it easily in one day (with kids at home!).

This was a GREAT experience and I am HOOKED! Thanks to Ana and Shanty-2-Chic for designing this!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted the base with flat black paint, and the top of the desk with Minwax Jacobean stain (primed with the Wood Conditioner first, and finished with the Polcyrilic Spray that Ana recommends).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lianna (not verified)

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 08:27

I hope to build this desk this week! Your post timing is great! AND your end result is gorgeous!!!

berryrach89

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 19:31

I absolutely love this. I've been searching for a new desk and I think I want to copy yours. Love it.

Jodye (not verified)

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 00:35

Well done...I too have been contemplating giving this ago. Our out door glass table exploded due to the heat here in Australia on monday...never going glass again...did I mention the nightmare clean up job :-((
Im building the big version....Im excited..you did it so I can too!

Grandy Barn Door Fireplace and Matching Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 17:38

We originally built the original console a while ago as an entertainment unit for underneath our television. We enjoyed the console so much that we decided that we wanted to do another modified console with a fireplace in it and make the other one into a buffet/storage area for the dining room.

Both of these are fairly modified from the plan, however the basic concepts remain the same. One big thing that we did was use 1x4s as much as possible to reduce the different sizes of lumber we were buying to both reduce complexity and end up with as little as possible scraps.

The frames are made of the 2x3s, The sides (4 deep), shelves, middle shelves and face frame are all 1x4s. The back and inside frames are scrap plywood. The top is 1x6s.

The addition of the fireplace was not difficult. What it did require us to do was to add the centre section and essentially create a box that is closed to the outside cabinets. If it were not closed off it wouldn't support the fireplace insert correctly. The important piece with the fireplace is to ensure you have enough clearance on the top and sides to allow the fireplace to mount safely without overheating. The nice thing about this setup is the additional shelf above the fireplace which we used for electronics. The wires go through the back of the cabinet and it looks very clean.

These are probably my favorite things I've built this year. They're simple to make and add a lot to any living space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint for body
Minwax Polyshades Classic Black for top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Small Kitchen Island

Submitted by stacynabby on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 10:15

I built this for my mom to replace her small, rolling butcher block. I wanted to add in the tilt out trash cabinet, so I built off the back of it to give her some storage and a bigger work surface. I had a local countertop business custom fabricate the top out of a piece of scrap quartz (that was the spendy part of the project).

Estimated Cost
$40 for the wood and $480 for the quartz top
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades natural
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Bed - Modification

Submitted by Michael B on Wed, 01/16/2013 - 10:01

I followed the bed design posted for the Farmhouse Storage Bed, with some modifications to the base support. I have a queen waterbed and needed to reinforce the structure substantially. So I added more center support by building a simple 2X4 Header frame down the middle with 4 legs and beefing up the rails along the drawer boxes. I also included additional slat supports. I also placed the drawer boxes directly on the floor so that I would not have to buildup any additional legs. For the headboard and footboard, I did not have any beadboard so I ripped some 1/4" Birch-Ply into 6 1/4" strips, beveled the edges and nailed them with brads onto the 3/4" ply. I placed 1/16" spacers to create gaps between each and then just painted it. This gave me the look I wanted. It was a little more work, but well worth it in the end. I live in Manhattan so I actually had to construct this in my living room. Luckily I was undergoing a renovation at the time so the additional mess and dust was not too much of an obstruction. But now I'm hooked and want to build a lot more.

Estimated Cost
Built mostly from scraps - Less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore - White Dove (PM-19)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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