Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Coffee Table

My First Build!!

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Grey Stain
Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

4x4 table with tiled top

Submitted by tomekg35 on Thu, 06/28/2012 - 06:18

Wanted a nice big table, but couldn't find one in local stores. Decided to build one after seeing a small tiled table at Home Depot. This is my first project like this. I am a network engineer not a carpenter, but the table turned out great.

Estimated Cost
$400-$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
tiles and epoxy grout.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tomekg35

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 06:14

This is my first ever project like this... but I just found out that I like doing this kind of stuff.
Already have some more ideas in mind, and once the weather cools down from the upper 90's we are having right now, I will probably do many more projects.

rudy (not verified)

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 20:41

Great job!

Can you tell us more on how you built this table and provide additional photos from different angles?

I'm want to mimic your design and see how accurate I am to your original piece.

Thanks,

Rudy

tower shelf

I made it wider than the plan and use it in my bathroom for storage. Its pine and cedar.

Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax golden oak, semi-gloss poly one coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Slightly adjusted pocket hole plan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 17:37

We decided to adjust this plan by removing the stretchers on the bottom. We knew we wanted to use the ends of the table for seating fairly regularly without adding a leaf on the end. The lack of support doesn't seem to have any effect on the sturdiness of the table. This was a super fun (and first woodworking) project! Can't wait to knock out the bench!

Estimated Cost
We spent around $85 total on materials. (This is not including tools I bought for the project.) I purchased a Kreg Jig for around $40 and a 6" Kreg clamp for $35. This was a great investment, not only for this project, but also more projects down the road.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The legs and apron were a painted with a Valspar Ultra White chalk paint. If you have the option to buy anything other than cedar 4x4's for you legs, DO IT!. Cedar soaked up so much paint and made it hard to get the clean, white look we were going for. The top is a stain color called Kona made by Rust-Oleum. We used about 3/4 of an 8oz can. We sealed it with Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse table

Submitted by AngelaJB on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 14:41

Prior to making this table I had never used a power drill in my life, and I was scared to death. I was intimidated by the power and scared to death to mess up, and in making this table I messed up A LOT! It was a big undertaking but I was determined. It’s rustic and authentic and full of mistakes and I LOVE IT!! Thank you Ana for modeling how to make such wonderful things. Up next is the raised flower bed.

Estimated Cost
$60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Art Supplies Caddy

I built this caddy to celebrate a 4th birthday party for a sweet little girl. I used pine scraps, painted it with some leftover pink paint, and then created some name artwork and a little logo with her initial. I made the art on my computer (in Adobe Illustrator) held up a piece of notebook paper to the screen and traced it with a pencil. Then I held it on my caddy and used a mechanical pencil with the lead down to press the indent into the wood. Filled that in with a silver paint pen and traced it with a fine tip black sharpie. Then filled each cubby with a large mason jar from Walmart (about 50 cents each) and filled them with art supplies. It turned out so cute! And it's a great way to use up some scraps.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free, from scraps
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
two coats of pink latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Boys Bunk Bed

Submitted by Colby032 on Fri, 04/18/2014 - 11:08

This was my first building project, made possible by finding this wonderful website. The beds were made from the Classic Bunk Beds plan. Several months later I added a slide made out of melamine board and 2x3s - very sturdy and somewhat overbuilt to compensate for not using any plans for the slide).

I used Minwax polyshades for the finish - my first time finishing wood, and let's just charitably say that I learned a few lessons in doing so.

The steps are a repurposed solid pine Ikea Trofast unit - it worked very well for the kids (4 and 2 when the bed was built). However, it wasn't a great choice for getting my wife and I up to the top bunk - one of the top panels eventually broke... leading to a big bruise for my wife and strict instructions that I quickly build a new, more solid staircase option - to be shown in a future brag post.

All in all, I am very thankful for this website and its plentiful plans - more brag posts to come!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades (don't remember which shade)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King farmhouse storage bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/17/2016 - 07:36

Modified plans for a king. 

Made of pine and cedar. 

Took about a week of evenings. 

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona varathane and clear.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modern Outdoor Chair

Submitted by msnook on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 09:10

This is my first project. I loved how easy it was and I loved my husband’s reaction to the completed project.

Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Semi Transparent Stain in Sable
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Play Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:37

I made this for my two great granddaughters (6 and 2) I used the plan for One Piece Play Kitchen. I added some depth to the refrigerator. Made the Farmhouse sink from wood left over from a bed I took apart.
purchased from Amazon:
decals: $22
Peel and stick granite $8.50
Polycarbonate Clear plastic : $10
Cabinet Handles: $17
Facit: $19.99
8 hinges $13.50
Cabinet paint: $29

Wood materials were left over from previous projects. So total cost was less than $150

Pamela Grindstaff

 

Built from Plan(s)

cypress providence table for screened porch

Provence table knockoff from restoration hardware (aka: providence) with 4x4s and providence benches

table modified to 90 inch length, benches to 42 inches

used lag bolts with a washer on 4x4's that show, kreg pocket screws everywhere else

note: the free-diy plans listed last have an issue with the table height. It came out 1 1/2" too high, so we made a change that I like better: we modified the table top to have a 2x4 skirt held together with kreg pocket screws that drops over the 2x4 frame above legs. we left about 3/8" gap between the skirt and framing so the framing would fit in easily. The top actually just sits on the frame so it is possible to move it in two pieces. It is so heavy and stable that we didn't worry about screwing it together.

we love it! perfect for 2 families to eat dinner together. my husband calls it Thor's table because it looks so tough.

Estimated Cost
330
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I really wanted it to look old but hold up to my kids and the weather, so I used a chemical aging process followed by antiquing oil (from minwax)


Chemical aging solution is white vinegar (large plastic jug from the grocery store which cost $1.87) with a ball of steel wool shoved in it. Let it react for a couple days. Then drench the wood surface while you wear gloves (use paintbrush, roller, toothbrush or best: a sponge). It makes rust spots, so use a drop cloth and wear old clothes. The color shows up in a few minutes. Kind of like magic paint :) next day oiled it, one coat everywhere except table top which got 2 coats. rubbed surface with a cloth a few minutes after applying oil. Think linseed oil would work just a well.

It came out dark and old looking, kind of a grey/brown color with nice wood color showing through. The table top has beautiful knots. Our porch will get a little wet in blowing storms plus direct sun for a few hours each day, so I didn't want to put wax on it (would melt) or a stain (would make rings from water if sealer failed). Think we might have to reapply oil every couple years which is no big deal. The cypress should hold up nicely outside. So far it has not made any spots or rings since the surface is already pre-damaged with the aging solution. I don't think you can hurt this beast of a table.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 11:35

This is gorgeous! I definitely prefer the chunkier leg you used and love the hardware showing as well. That was smart the way you made the top for easier moving, too. Great job! I think you should have added the link for the plans, this way your picture will always show up above the plans in order for everybody to see it each time. :)

Herringbone Cassidy Queen Bed

I have never made anything before, this was my very first project. I had a total blast! Our old bed was falling apart, so it as a great time to try out my hand at woodworking. I really wanted to use up some old wooden deck tiles I had in my garage. I didn't feel comfortable using a miter saw for a chevron pattern so herringbone it was! I am totally in love with this bed and seriously cant thank Ana White enough for making it so people like me can make things like this.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax oil based stain in Jacobean and espresso. Paste wax for finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pursuit of Handyness

Sun, 04/20/2014 - 10:49

This looks really nice. Are you sure this is your first project? I like the idea of using the deck tiles. Where do you find these and what type of wood are they? This may sound a little cheesy but I don't know where my life would be like if it weren't for Ana White and her blog. I absolutely love woodworking.

jeannajustfine

Sun, 04/20/2014 - 11:25

Thank you so so much! 100% sure its my first project..lol. The deck tiles I bought at Capitol Iron, which is a home and garden store we have here in B.C. They were display pieces so I got them for VERY cheap, almost free hehe. I know you can buy them new online, but they are pricey. As for the type of wood, since they were a display it is a hodge podge of diff kinds. Teak, eucalyptus, acacia I know for sure. I seriously LOVE this site. I have looked and found nothing even close to it. By far an amazing resource for any aspiring builder. I see you have made some pretty impressive stuff yourself!

jeannajustfine

Mon, 04/21/2014 - 12:18

Thank you :) and thank you so much for this site. It is amazing how much you have to offer. I honestly can say I would never in my life would have tackled something like this if I had not stumbled across your page. The amount of joy I feel every time I walk by that silly bed is nuts..lol. Too cool. Still cant believe I made that myself (with no boy help..lol) Cant wait to make some tables next! You're awesome.

anfrench

Fri, 05/29/2015 - 14:52

I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am by your finished product! I have been interested in building a bed, but since I have no experience I have been unsure where to start. But the fact that you did this as your first project has me very inspired! Well done!!!!!

shartam

Wed, 10/21/2015 - 13:21

Does anyone have the plans for this bed in California King size? I have a california king mattress and would really love to make this... I see this is for a queen size bed..

Thanks!

6ft Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 14:16

Built this 6ft 2 pedestal table.  Moved the legs closer together on the benches so that they could slide under the table.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain & glazed chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shed Chicken Coop and Run

Submitted by mikesofka on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 09:27

I had such a fun time on this shed coop/run build! My wife and I have 5 children and it was fun involving them in building everything about this coop and run. They have a wonderful sense of accomplishment in looking at what they helped build.

A few notes, while this what a fairly straightforward build, there are a lot of little intricacies to be aware of. Such as:

• Make sure your chicken coop is about a foot off the ground. It's best to do that so critters such as rats and snakes don't make their home under the shed and potentially eat their way through the floor.

• It is highly advisable to dig a trench about a foot to a foot and a half deep around the coop and the run and attach chicken cage fencing from the bottom of the coop/run into the trench, and then taper the cage fencing outward. This will prohibit critters such as raccoons from trying to dig under the coop.

• When you attach the poultry netting to the outside of the chicken run, staple one side really well, then move to the other side and pull the netting fairly hard to make the netting as tight as possible. (Also, be careful when putting the netting across the top of the run to not fall off the ladder as I did and dangle there until one of your kids comes to help you! Ha! :D )

Thank you, Ana, for posting these plans! We are so excited to get our little chickies out into their new home as soon as their feathers come in!

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Pallirondack Settee

This is a Double Pallirondack Settee, an Adirondack-styled set of chairs connected by a two-shelf table that is also an umbrella holder. It is made 100% from recycled wooden pallets (thus the name). It took approximately four full pallets to make the settee. The finished picture was taken by its new owners after they stained it with a cedar-colored sealer and added an umbrella.

The other two images show it before I had added the bottom shelf of the table and it finished before staining. I just finished a second settee and will be selling that to someone who saw the original one at a party.

The design is based on a couple different plans -- one for the chairs and one for the table/umbrella holder. I modified both plans to make them work together. Great fun. If I could have worked on it straight through, it probably would have taken 2 full days, starting with pallet deconstruction, then cutting pieces, sanding, assembly of chairs and, finally, assembly of the connecting table.

Estimated Cost
$20-$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
It now occupies the corner of my friends' pool area.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pallirondack

Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:51

Unfortunately, no. I actually took the plans for a chair and mixed it with the plans of another settee. Essentially, the "inside" arms of the chairs do not get shaped at all. The front of the chairs are 12" apart (15 degree miter) and the backs are 27" apart if I remember correctly. I added 4" 2x4 blocks to the outside of the bottom back legs and that is what the bottom back table support is attached to on the settee. The the three center boards are cut to fit (1/2" in the front, 5.5" in the back and spaced equally. 1.5" hole for the umbrella holder in the center board, top and bottom.

Rustic X Console

I made half of the Rustic X Console table. It was an easy build until it was time to make the X's. They were only hard because I was using a circular saw and carpenters square and I couldn't get my lengths right. I ended up with a lot of short pieces and I was glad I ended up buying more than enough 2x2's. If I had a miter saw it would of been a lot easier (I have one now).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona (work in small areas because it dries really fast)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clara Table and 4 dollar stackable chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/24/2016 - 08:02

Clara table and 4 dollar stackable chairs. I used Minwax Early American on the table and a variety of paint colors on the chairs to keep it fun. I also used select pine on the chairs which increased the cost but cut down on sanding time. I also routered the top edge of the table to create a smoother edge.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Tall Wood Planters

Submitted by Knuckles78 on Fri, 05/15/2020 - 05:27

Added some extra trim pieces to finish it out. turned out really nice!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

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