Community Brag Posts

Folding Garage Workbench

Submitted by SaraLodise on Sun, 08/10/2014 - 06:11

I wanted a good flat and level workspace to continue projects. This workbench folds up to the wall in my garage so I can still park when not working on anything. I made it pretty stout with 2x4s and 2x6s since it would need to support fairly large pieces of furniture without deflecting. It is very heavy as a result though (good core workout folding it up and down :) )

I used two folding shelf brackets on the legs to keep them from accidentally being kicked out from under the table while it's out. (http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2001690/2615/Folding-Shelf-Bracket-8-P…)

I used four heavy strap hinges to connect the table to the 2x6 (which was lag screwed into studs). Two gate latches were used to secure the edge of the table to studs when the table is folded up.

I cut the legs approximately, and then when the table was hung I cut and shimmed them to get the table level on the uneven surface of the garage floor.

Estimated Cost
Total = $81.10 (Lumber = $33.40, Hardware = 47.70)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

HD

Fri, 08/15/2014 - 16:32

I really like this fold up bench design. It may be heavy, but I bet it's incredibly sturdy. I also have a really compact garage. I have pegboard on my walls, so a bench that folds UP doesn't work for me when I want to get a tool.

My own bench is more light duty. It's a sheet of 2x4' plywood attached to a frame made from dimensional lumber. It folds down so I have access to the tools at all times. It's based on a design on the Family Handyman website, although you can find the same design all over the web.

bschultz26

Thu, 02/05/2015 - 18:50

Great idea! I need to build this. Can I please get a picture of it folded up, so I can see the hinges on the legs and the latches holding it while folded?

webklob

Fri, 11/06/2020 - 13:55

Can you show another picture of the hinges you used on the legs that can fold out when lowered?

Thanks! Kate

Awesome Kid's Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/25/2016 - 05:35

As soon as I saw these plans I knew we had to build it.  We have six grandkids (all 2 and under) and they have a playroom at our house so I wanted something that they could sit on if they are watching TV and also something they could sleep on when they stay the night.  This definitely fits the bill!  This is our second build from Ana's website and it was pretty easy. 

We followed the plans exactly.  The only thing we added was a middle board to the back and the arms of the sofa.  I didn't want them to get stuck between the top rails and and the mattress.  We used dowels instead of screws to attach the slats to make it easier to move.  We did not screw the two couches together.  Since the room it is in has thick carpet, it is not moving at all.  The kids love it and it is so sturdy.  They could jump on it or off of it (which they have already done) and we don't have to worry about it breaking. 

I sewed the crib sheets and I bought 5 standard sized pillows and some pillow cases.  I so love this sectional!

Estimated Cost
65.00 - wood
85.00 - 2 crib mattresses
20.00 - fabric for the sheets
40.00 - pillows and pillow cases

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I intend to paint it. I will be using some leftover Behr paint I have at the house.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/28/2024 - 14:19

Modified this slightly, as our space is a bit tight. Found perfect sized cushions on Amazon.

Lloyd

Built from Plan(s)

Reclaimed Stenciled Rustic X Console

I've been dying to build this Rustic X Console since Ana posted the plans. I raided my dad's stash of lumber in his barn (does that make it "barn wood"?) and built it out of 2x4's and 2x6's. I subbed the 1x12 for two 2x6's and love the planked look on the shelves. I also ripped the 2x2's from 2x4's on my table saw. After sanding and staining, I decided it needed a little something extra. So I stenciled it! I used a grey sample Valspar from Lowes and used a small roller over the stencil. It was so easy! Afterwards I coated the piece in furniture wax, though I plan to coat the top with polyurethane. Latex paint over oil-based stain doesn't stick very well, so an oil topcoat will help seal it on. I love this table and can't wait to fill it up with goodies!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free, from scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
one coat Minwax golden oak, grey latex paint for stencil, topcoat of wax on base and polyurethane on top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dananryan

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 18:52

What a great idea! I would have never thought to stencil a rustic piece of furniture. I totally have to steal that idea if you don't mind...

dananryan

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 18:52

What a great idea! I would have never thought to stencil a rustic piece of furniture. I totally have to steal that idea if you don't mind...

Easiest Upholstered bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/28/2016 - 23:28

Thank you so much for this so easy plan!  This was perfect!  I shortened the overall length to 48" to fit our entryway.  I got to make use of my Kreg Jig & was able to make use of upholstery fabric samples I had collecting dust.  Used 3" foam covered with 2 layers batting, then put together the several samples into a color block setting.  Stitched with french seams & squared off the corners before nailing down to the base.  I didn't have a guide other than my eyes for the nailheads & chose to spread the 128 nails out every inch rather than closer...served to hide any waivering off & I preferred the look.  I also found out that using a 2-sided tape like binding tape or Wonder tape for the cover was very helpful in keeping everything straight.  The base is stained a dark walnut & finished with 2 coats of clear semi-gloss Varathane.  The seat bottom is 5/8 MDF.

Tools used:

Circular saw

Sander

Pockethole Jig

Sewing machine & serger

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $65 - $85 (not including the upholstery material)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane wood stain - dark walnut. Rubbed on & wiped off excess. Let dry for 24 hrs.
Varathane Prefessional clear finish - semi-gloss - oil based - brushed on. Waited 24 hrs before light sanding & applying second coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by pcarroll on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 05:21

King size bed. Aged the maple headboad per the plan, but then sanded to lighten the effect and sealed with a finishing wax. Trim is white milk paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Aging product per the plan for the maple, followed by a light sanding and then finishing wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Cherry Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:56

Cherry Bench, about 15 board feet of Cherry lumber and finished with Rubio Monocoat oil plus.
The top dimensions are 44"x18" and the legs are 20" long

Rich Kelly

Doll Crib and High Chair, Modified

Submitted by Linda7 on Mon, 10/29/2012 - 13:17

This is actually the third doll crib and high chair set that I've built for a grandniece. It is inspired by the one Gina from Lady Goats built. She just used 1 x 2's for all of the rails. And since I am trying to make each bed a little different, this was a great option. Again, I used the vintage lamb theme on the crib and high chair from my first two sets.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $20 in lumber for the set for two. I already had the paint and pocket hole screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Kilz primer, then Olympia brand bright white semi-gloss interior wall paint. I spray painted them with my Graco sprayer, two coats. To protect the decals, I used several thin coats of Modge Podge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy Desk

Submitted by CEC on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 18:11

Needed new desks for remote learning and working from home. Easy to build and we love them. This is 1 out of 2.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60/ desk

King size Farmhouse bed

We love our farmhouse bed! Thanks Ana! We made a few modifications. We wanted the legs to look a tiny bit more substantial, so we used 1x6 boards for the headboard and footboard. We made our 4x4 legs longer and placed them on the outside to make it a poster bed. I also wanted the end caps on my legs. I glued and nailed 1x6 scraps to 2x6 scraps and then cut a square to size at a 15 degree angle with my miter saw.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American stain and satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Janell Gardner (not verified)

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 18:59

This bed is ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I am going to make it, why not, right?! Anyway, the ridiculously expensive mattress we purchased (per Dr's. orders) is a queen & reasonably new. I am wondering if you have a plan for this bed in that size? That would be perfect. I will be anxiously waiting for your reply. Thanks so much & keep up the BEAUTIFUL WORK, You have found your gift & have put it to good use thus far! WTG. Make your weekend a fabulous one!

Take care,

JG

In reply to by Janell Gardner (not verified)

little stuf

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 08:32

I don't have the plans for the queen size version. I would suggest using Ana's plans for the queen size farmhouse bed. Then, instead of your 4x4s being part of the headboard and footboard, attach them on the outside. In other words, the top panels will be cut to fit the headboard and footboard minus the legs. My 4x4 legs are 34" on the footboard and 60" on the headboard. I also opted out for the top 2x6. I hope I didn't confuse you too much. Please don't hesitate if you have more questions.
btw...thank you so much for your compliments!

Courtlh

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 21:25

I noticed your side table is the same color/style as the bed did you use this site for plans on that also? I LOVE your modifications for this bed!!

CaraRene13

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 22:56

I love the modifications you made.This bed is absolutely beautiful. It was my inspiration to build my own...hopefully I'll get some pix posted soon...

Small table and ledges for Baby's room

After making the Kendal dresser for my cousin, she ask me to build her the small farmhouse table to put next to her glider. I had to make it smaller to fit her space but the plans were so easy to follow and just as easy to make the adjustments. Ana's plans are user friendly like that.
I also made the $10.00 ledges so the little guy can have a place for his stuffed animals and books.
The stain I used was the same as the Kendal dresser so it all matched beautifully in the room. I think this is about the 40th piece I've made from Ana's website since discovering it in January of this year. Am I hooked? I'd say so! Great plans!
My next project will be the toddler seats painted like animals from Killer B Designs that were featured today. I love them!

Estimated Cost
used left over material but probably around $40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
ZAR wood stain in Moorish Teak and ZAR finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hand Made Loft Bed

I have not done any wood working since high school some 30 years ago. I inherited a table saw, found these plans and thought 'why not?' I took my time with measuring, cutting etc. and the matress support pieces have a LOT of screws. This bed is SOLID. It holds my son and granddaughter easily. It disassembles and reassembles for moving so we had no trouble moving from the apartment to my son's new house. Do I need to say that I'm the hero grandpa for making this bed? My granddaughter has used this bed for a year and it's still as solid as day 1.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350-$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bench

Submitted by Shellipsm on Sun, 11/04/2012 - 19:22

I chose to make the simple bench 2" shorter, and upholster it, using 4" foam and fabric.

Finish Used
black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Adirondack Stool or End Table

First Ana White build

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Legs were painted pure white & top was painted tan with ebony glaze.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farm table for 12

A modification of the plans from Shanty2Chic - built to fit the space. I eliminated the curves brackets - I wasn't able to pull those off without a bandsaw. Instead, the legs have black steele straps that will match hardware on the beams in the house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax - mixture of Provincial, Weathered Wood, and Classic Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Farmhouse table

Submitted by JMD1905 on Sun, 08/23/2020 - 15:38

I modified the Farmhouse Console Table to serve as a entertainment center for our new 75" television. I removed the center shelf so that we could place our taller knick knacks there. I also put a 'hidden' shelf at the top and painted it flat black to hide the cable box, power strip etc. I also added a back to hide the wires. It turned out nice.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Green = Beir Premium Plus paint - picked color chart and mixed.
Top is Varathane stain - I mixed part Espresso and Red Oak.

Farmhouse Table with Bench

Submitted by Mdcary on Tue, 11/06/2012 - 12:11

This was my first project inspired by Pottery Barn and while shopping in a local furniture store we realized the cost to have something very similar would cost $1500-$2000. This table was cut and prepped in my garage and then transported to my daughters house in my car and assembled and finished there. The bench is constructed from left over boards. I choose not to use 2X4 legs but rather opted for 4x4's. The length was shortened to 5' for a cross bar was not neccessary. I used carriage bolts to attach the legs to the shirt in case they ever needed to be disassembled. The top is not glued on, only PH screws used. This has been a very satisfying first project, thanks Ana for showing me the way to having lovely homemade furniture that really impresses, is very well made and for a fraction of the cost.

Estimated Cost
$150 includes bench
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain and polycoat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jake

Fri, 11/09/2012 - 19:11

You did a wonderful job on the table and bench. I like the idea of using the carriage bolts and not gluing on the top. I have done the same for a couple of projects especially if you need to take a table apart or if the top should need repair.

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