Community Brag Posts

A Work in progress

Submitted by 914934 on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 10:10

We haven't had a chance to hang the first bed but had to make it functional asap. So, we gave it temporary legs on the front and attached it to the wall in the back. We are thinking of replacing the desk and making a smaller toddler sized version there for one of our little guys as well.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed with kilz, painted with Wet Sand (leftover paint from walls)
We've got a lot of little ones with crayons around here. We've got to have something washable!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoors couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 18:12

After thinking about it for 2 weeks, going over and over in my head of the sizes to cut and remembering the video of what went where, I put it to action. Took me about 2.5 hrs to build and modify where I needed to.

Comments

Rustic Benchright Table and Bench

modified plans a bit from on the website. Went with 4 x 4 legs, matching bench. hardware I found the turnbuckles at home depot 3/8 - 16, and picked up the left handed and right handed rods and nuts at grainger.

Estimated Cost
450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut and Minwax paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple bench for outdoor patio or deck

Submitted by ScottG on Sat, 01/23/2016 - 23:44

Built two simple deck benches from plans found on this site.

Estimated Cost
About $40 for each bench. That includes the price of the wood and stains used.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used Minwax water-based stain for the gray color and Minwax oil-based stains for the other colors. Will add a couple of coats of outdoor urathane once benches are moved outdoors. Base for the bench was built first using the 2x3 studs. Once that was complete, I built a frame using the 1x4 pine and then cut the pieces for inside of the frame to correct length. Then stained all of the pieces. The pieces are joined to the frame using pocket holes and the frame with pieces attached is joined to the base also using pocket holes. In this way, no screw holes are showing on top surface.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Moses Basket Stand

Submitted by Tbacks on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 19:34

Thank you Anna!!  We have friends who are adopting and they were given a beautiful mosses basket.  Your pattern allowed me to make this gift for them.  

The rockers were a bit complicated but I pulled it off.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural with semigloss clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Entryway Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/11/2023 - 19:22

48 in wide and 18 in deep. Love how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Easy Shelf

Here is a pretty simple shelf I built for my closet. Left it backless b/c I wear a 12 1/2 and needed my shoes to be able to hang out back a bit. The top 2 I am using for folded tshirts I don't hang, like undershirts and tank tops.

Material List:
1- 1x10x10 -$13.00 (2 side boards)
2- 1x10x6 - $8.00x2=16 (6 shelves)
24 1 1/4 pocket screws. Had these on hand, could sub for 1 1/2 wood screws if you do not have pocket scew jig set.

Tools:
Tape measure
Quick Square
Miter saw ( which I used) or a Circular saw
Drill

Cut list
*2-59.9+- side boards

*The 1x10x10 was exactly 10ft long, so I marked off 5 feet with a line. Then I just cut on the line with the miter saw. This left me with 2 equal boards. Lets say 59.9 give or take a MM or so. Doesnt matter as long as they are even. If you mess the cut up, stack them on top of each other and recut to equal.

*6-23.9+- Shelves

*Again the 1x10x6 was exactly 6ft, so I made 2 lines, one at 2ft, the next at 4ft. Split them when cutting, and had 3 equal boards. Size can be smaller if you like, this is how I did it.

Now the fun part, and probably second longest time consuming part, behind drilling pocket holes.

I took the 2 side boards and clamped them so they would be flush and even side by side. (both face down side to side so you have one clamped board of 1x20x59.5 so to speak) I used my quick square to mark off .75(thickness of shelf boards). Start at the bottom or top, draw line. then,start next at 11 inches, step and repeat.In the end should have 5 shelves exactly 11 inches apart.

I next predrilled my 6 shelf boards with 2 pocket screw holes on each side, about 3 1/2 inches from each edge. This was most time consuming, you could use 1 1/2in screws and go from side boards into shelf boards and save time, also if you don't have pocket hole jig.

Assembling, I started at bottom, attached side boards to both side of bottom shelf, and worked my way up.The lines you pre-drew act as marker for next shelf,and help a ton when trying to keep everything square. The last one,top part, should be snug to put in. I find its best to do this way as everything keeps square as long as you have straight lumber.

Cost overall-$30.00 since I had screws, total time was around 2 hours to complete, and this was me having to explain everything to the little one lol

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I didn't do anything but sand down rough edges. This may get painted, but for now its in the closet as is. Since I used pocket holes, staining or painting would be easier since there is no need for wood filler. Sand and go. Nice little shelf for around 30.00. Enjoy and PS Dont mind the mess in my garage lol
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Outdoor Storage Box

I built this to go with my outdoor sectional. It's perfect for storing the cushions and the gardening tools that I like to keep on the porch. It doubles as a table and extra seating in a pinch, so it's a great addition to the space.

I'd recommend either spray painting it or pre-painting the pieces- I wouldn't want to try and brush between all the slats.

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
spray painted with rustoleum 2x the coverage in ebony
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional with Slanted Back

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 11:28

Fun project! Started with rough western red cedar which I ran through a jointer and planer to get good lumber.

I made a few changes to the design. I used thinner seat boards and cut a leaning tilt in the backrests. I also added 2 boards on the back rests.

I used all pocket holes to hide the screws. Once they dry out I will seal the sectionals.

Got a full set of cushions on Amazon for $300. Total for this project was around $700. Not too bad!

Two bunk beds for my girls...

Submitted by pjhaan on Sun, 12/25/2011 - 14:45

I made two different versions and reversed side the ladders were on. I learned from the mistakes I made on the first bed and the second one came together a little easier.

I left them natural and the girls will pick a paint color in the spring.

Although I can sew, my wife made both sets of mattresses along with a bunch of doll clothes.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mudroom Area

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 11/12/2013 - 12:31

Mudroom area by my front door. Perfect for removing shoes, hanging jackets, etc. For the top I used two old cabinets that were on their way to the trash. It was easy to build shelves between them. For the back I used beadboard from Home Depot. It was 1/4" thick and 4x8. The bench pulls out easily, because there is an outlet behind it, and an air register beneath it. (That's why I left the front toe-kick open.) The rail with hooks came pre-assembled from Home Deopt, but I had to paint it black.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used black chalk paint and minwax paste finishing wax.
After one coat of finishing wax I sanded edges to get the antiqued look. Then I applied a second coat of finishing wax.

For the finishing wax: simply rub on with a rag, wait 10 minutes, then use a clean rag to rub in the direction of wood grain to get a nice polish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse bedside table inspired nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 19:54

This nightstand was insprired by the Farmhouse Bedside Table.  I was looking for ideas for a simple nightstand with a drawer and the Farmhouse Bedside Table was almost exactly the style I was looking for. I used solid walnut which accounts for a majority of the cost. Typically I would use motise and tennon joints for something like this but decided to try pocket hole joinery in an effort to save some time.  Overall, it worked well with the exception of the top rails. When I attempted to screw the top rail to the leg, the screw split the leg likey because of the screw going in so close to the edge. Instead, I just glued and clamped the top rails.

One unique feature is a power strip mounted in the back.  The drawer depth is reduced to make room for a 3 outlet power strip with 2 USB charging ports so that phone/tablets can be charged.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patio Couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2023 - 14:35

I have been asking my husband to help me build a patio couch with Ana’s plan. He just didn’t have the time. So yesterday I took about three hours, including the time to get the cedar, and built one with my sister. We had a great time and the plans were so easy. Bonus score… I found the great couch cushions on FB Marketplace super cheap. I love it!! It is perfect for our deck! Thank you Ana!!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Distressed console table (free)

Submitted by JoanneS on Tue, 12/27/2011 - 18:12

Ana's simple, cheap and easy console table, made entirely with repurposed and scrap wood, so it was free! The plan was great, and it was easy to adjust to the wood I had on hand. The distressed finish was fun to do too.

Estimated Cost
free (everything was scrap wood, and paint was left over)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint, then a coat of gray over the white, and sanded to reveal the white. Paint was left-over that we had on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

"reclaimed wood" bed.

Submitted by bskovlin on Sat, 11/16/2013 - 14:15

I wanted to make a sturdy bed that was rustic and old looking but still kind of modern... I looked at google images and a photo of Ana's bed popped up. I started with new fir from Home Depot but wanted a good weathered look, so I spent extra time and effort on the distressing. It turned out just like I was hoping!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I made stain with vinegar and steel wool, hit it with that then sanded. Light paint strokes with white and maroon, sanding in between, then ebony stain, sand, then a chestnut stain and wiped off. Clear finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sat, 11/16/2013 - 22:54

The light and dark variations in your finish make your project very unique! Nice work!

Val
artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

Farmhouse table

This was my first "big" project. I built it for Thanksgiving. I recently bought a home, and everyone wanted to have Thanksgiving at my new home I had no table, so I built one. Can't wait to start my next project. Love the site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in Bombay Mahogany, I just sanded the entire table, and applied with a stain brush. Nothing fancy, just applied two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by aehutton33 on Wed, 07/24/2019 - 09:17

We used 2x6s on the sides so we wouldn't have a ledge on the side of the bed. Everything still lined up really well! We also used brackets to put the sides onto the headboard and footboard. It made it easier to put together and seems sturdier. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

okstout4

Mon, 10/19/2020 - 19:53

I thought about doing brackets too, but not sure how that would work w/the cleets on each side for the slats.

Coffee Bar Sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 05:48

I made this coffee bar from your plans making modifications to fit our space .It came out beautiful, I have made numerous pieces of furniture from your plans but this is my favorite . They plans are super easy to follow and modify to my needs .
Thank you Ana and keep up the good work!!

Comments

Shadowbox Shelving Unit

Submitted by kpcrash on Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:35

This project is all about using a Kreg Jig. My daughter asked for some shadowboxes to go around her chalkboard. 1 piece of 3/4" plywood and a few 1x2's later - here it is. It's really just an 8' x 2' box with the window panes inside - super simple, but does require a compact drill. Mounted to the wall using a ledger board underneath, then, pocket holes in the top shelf to join it to the studs. Quite sturdy. One day I'll learn Sketch-Up well enough to make this into a plan.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Classic Cherry Stain, Shellac clear. The wood was sanded to 400 grit, then stained via cloth. Shellac sprayed on via Preval as the air compressor was on strike.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate