Community Brag Posts

Loft Bed

We have a small house. Okay, a TINY house. We just added a new baby to the mix, had a 5th birthday and Christmas, and suddenly, every room seems more cramped. We knew we needed more storage in our oldest son's room, and this seemed like the best solution!

We used the plans for the bed to a T, and then did the bookshelf on the end to match. We then created a custom plan for shelves underneath, just the right size to accommodate the blue and green fabric bins you see. We also left some spaces for bigger toys, and added a hamper to keep taller toys (swords and such) organized.

We loved the look of the bed painted white in the picture, and since his walls were already practically the same color blue (and a green accent wall), we decided not to stray far from the original design.

Our son loves the bed, and we are thrilled with all the space he has in there now!

We estimated about $350 on the bed, that included the wood, screws, 2 gals Valspar paint, paint accessories, and the fabric bins and hamper.

Estimated Cost
350.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
All the boards are 1x's except for one 2x2 for mattress support. We used Valspar prime and paint, used two coats to cover the knots and imperfections in the wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tryde console table in oak

Submitted by rherlein on Mon, 11/03/2014 - 06:04

I altered the plan to make the table work as an end table.  Due to the table being made of oak, I was not able to  add the leg bacing at the bottom.  I am going to purchase a pocket hole jig to try to attach the bracing that way.  Both tables have 21 inch legs, one table I left the original length, the other I shortened by 12 inches to better fit in the corner of the room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Due to using oak, I have about $150 invested between the 2 tables
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Round X Base Table

Submitted by darbro on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 08:09

Decided to get creative with the table top. It actually looked like marble when it was completed from a distance. I used a router and jig to make the round table top. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut. Table top was dark walnut with white paint rubbed in to give it the grey washed look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

54" Bench with Cross Bracing

Submitted by Johno1826 on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 11:50

54" Bench with Cross Bracing, used the plans on this site, plans were great, easy to follow. I used a 2 x 12 for the bench top to give it more heft. I think it looks better than a 1 x 12.
On to the next plan.

Estimated Cost
$50
Finish Used
3 to 1 mixture of Early American & Espresso stain with a touch of Barn Red stain.
Put 3 coats of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by JillianD on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 16:05

Calling myself an amateur builder is a colossal overstatement. I’ve never actually built anything, by hand, using wood. I’m quite crafty and very good at hacking things inspired by others {thank you all other bloggers and Pinterest for your continued inspiration}, but to actually build something from the ground up just hasn’t been added to the curriculum vitae…until now.

I actually hail from a family of handy builders. My grandpa used to build everything, from decorative shelves and stools to more utilitarian items, like bookcases and kitchen cabinets. My father, too, is quite handy; he’s the build-a-back-deck weekend warrior type.

This was my first Weekend Warrior project. My deadline: Thanksgiving dinner! I had no other table option. I either built this table or my friends and family were eating on the floor.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
weathered oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Juanita_r

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 12:56

Just wanted to say (apart from "i love the table") that your story has inspired me to finally jump in. i too am like you, never physically built anything with wood, but have done some revamps and have done a ton of other crafts (i too would like to thank pinterest). reading what you said has just given me that finally push!!! Thanku

JillianD

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 17:14

Hi Juanita! Yay, I'm so glad. It really was a fun and empowering project. I can't tell you how many people looked at me like I was crazy, but a little patience and elbow grease can go a long, long way! Good luck and I can't wait to see the finished project.

rhettar

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:53

You did a great job! I love the finish you chose. Isn't it amazing when you think you can't do something and then when you finish it, you're like wow I did that! Ana's site has inspired me so much and I love to see that she has inspired so many others and to see the beautiful things they are making with their own two hands. Again awesome job and beautiful table!

Large Porch Bench with X Backs to highlight feature wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/09/2020 - 16:29

Using the Ana White plans of Large porch Bench with X backs I was able to create this amazing area in the entrance way of our home. The bench was part of a larger project where I added the modeling and shelves to the wall. The plans were great, I just made the bench a bit smaller, as the original size was a bit overwhelming inside the home.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Swedish Country Doll Beds

Submitted by CaroStyle on Fri, 01/11/2013 - 14:41

I made two little doll beds, complete with bedding, for my two little granddaughters and decorated to suggest 'Swedish Country'. I had such fun making them. I'm going to post them with the rails disassembled so they can be easily rescrewed together.

I reused lots of bits and pieces of wood I had on hand to make the bed. I also used paint and small pieces of fabric I had on hand for the bedding.

The girls are only 20 months and 4 years old and they both play with baby dolls constantly. The four year old has only just started to get interested in American Girl Dolls. I made the beds, thinking of the baby dolls, but big enough for 18 inch dolls, later on.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $10 for two beds - used scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The green bed is Marret Apple from California Paint's Historic New England colors, and the blue bed is Summer Blue from Benj Moore, both in flat finish. Benj.Moore White Dove (in semi gloss) for the flowers and an acrylic felt pen for the lining.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mantel Moulding Headboard with Teal Accent

Submitted by jmiracle on Sat, 11/08/2014 - 10:49

Used the smaller Dentil crown, and the blue accent that will match the accents on the end table that i will also put up when finished

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200?
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

cabin bunk system

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2017 - 07:59

this project was pretty easy over all, I had a little trouble getting the drawers level, but that was about it. I did have to change the measurements to make it a full size bed but it came out fitting perfectly!!

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Writing Desk with Drawer for my Office

Submitted by HandySandy on Sat, 11/14/2020 - 10:31

I needed an additional desk at work to organize all my paperwork and files. I couldn't find anything that I liked on Office Depot and Amazon in my budget range, then decided to search Ana's site for plans to make my own and at the same time, get to try out my new Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Edge Guide. I purchased lumber from the local big box (note: disappointed to only find 2x2's out of furring strip wood). Anyhow, I followed Ana's plans and couldn't be more happier with the end result! I love the fact that I'll now have a nice big drawer at work!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$107
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Drawer front - Dark Walnut (Rustoleum Stain + Polyurethane); Frame - Icicles (blue-grey) by Behr Ultra Stain-blocking Paint & Primer in One
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Desk

This is the second X desk I have built. For this one I used a pre-done aspen piece for the top that I got from Lowes for $40.00. That was the only modification.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-oleum "Traditional Cherry" 1 coat and wiped off immediately, then 2 coats of poly on the base and 4 on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sliding Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/16/2017 - 08:53

overall pretty easy porject took me about 8 hours to build/paint I sized it down a little made it only 32" tall and about 64" wide but keeping the depth to the plans. The barn door hardware I ended up building myself. I took 4 1" pulleys bolted those to the doors and the track I built using some angle iron and 3/8" metal dowel. The stain is 'golden oak' from min wax and I just used a simple white paint two coats.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
roughly $175.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak (one coat)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hailey Platform Bed Frame with aMiter

Submitted by stillhere on Fri, 11/20/2020 - 14:25

We have built this plan twice for our two daughters (Full size mattresses). A similar bed frame at Pottery Barn Teen would have easily set us back about $1500 so these bed plans are truly a blessing! After no luck with a Wayfair wrought iron knockoff bed frame (loud and squeaky!!) we decided to give an Ana White plan a go. So glad we did! We did modify the plans slightly. We mitered all corners and stained all components with a Varathane Golden Oak before final assembly. Although I own and use a Kreg Jig, we wanted the frame to be easily disassembled. We opted for corner braces secured with 6, 1" cap head wood screws per corner (3 per side). Keep in mind miter corners can be a bit tricky but definitely possible with a little patience. PLEASE NOTE: when cutting miters, you will need to account for an additional 4" OD from Ana's written plans. Each 90 degree angle is approximately 2" long. So, if cutting the 75" length( for the mattress length) the miters will be 2" long on each end making the OD length 79". Whether you are going with Miters or butt joints, I would also highly recommend a right angle clamp (Top/Bottom) used during assembly. It is extra expense but so worth the investment!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Golden Oak #227. Applied 2 rubbed coats for a deeper grain finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Stool Makeover - Vintage Drink Labels

Our new place has a kitchen island, so we needed stools. We had been searching the internet for vintage drafting stools, but could not justify spending over $200 a stool. We stopped at the local Goodwill and found two stools for $7 a piece. To make it even better they were on sale. We spent under $10 for the two.

Check out my blog for more photos of the process.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Built in Shelving

Submitted by JoeP on Thu, 11/13/2014 - 16:34

A company wanted to charge us $5800 for this!  All told I think I spent about $500.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

X Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/19/2017 - 05:48

Ana, 

My wife saw this and wanted one to match her benchwright coffee table. I decided to make her one and used rough cut pine to get that look. Just used 80 grit to knock off the roughness but not enough to sand into the saw marks and was pleased with how good the results came out. I don't like exposed fasteners so all the joints are pocket hole screwed and glued and the table top is biscuit jointed and the end piece is doweled into the long runners. Love your website and the other projects that you have shown here. Keep up the great work!

Josie

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mahogany stain and spar urethane topcoat (4 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm House Table & Benches

Submitted by 3G1B on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 07:27

I couldn’t find 4x4s so I planed 2x6s flat and glued them together. Used it for the first time yesterday for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey stain and many coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Shower Gift

I made these for my new niece-  Here's my story with recipe for a homemade sealer as the dye runs on drooly faces.

http://onblissstreet.blogspot.com/2014/10/sweet-baby-p.html

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
food coloring and homemade sealer. Recipe on my blog.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Patio Table

Submitted by marcosdos on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 14:33

I loved Ana's 4x4 Truss Beam Table which was my inspiration for building this outdoor patio table Yesterday, I had a lot of fun. I used brown pressure treate wood because I wanted a table for my patio which would be weather resitant, a strong, great looking table that goes well with the rest of my patio anf I bet it wil last for a long time... Ready to entertain family and friends as soos as Spring comes!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
CAD $250 = US $190
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stocking Stand

Submitted by knoxadam on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 11:04

Thanks for the plans! Modified the scale, really happy with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American