Community Brag Posts

Kreg Jig Fun

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/21/2016 - 13:12

I used whitewashed clear pine for the bases and maple for the tops. I also built a corner table to match. I used a Kreg Jig for the first time for all 3 tables.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Whitewash stain for the bases. Polyurethane for the tops.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First Ever Woodworking Project - Modified Farmhouse Table

I modified the Farmhouse Table With Pocket Holes plans to make the table counter height for our views of the woods from the dining area. We also have large family gatherings every Sunday evening so made the overall length 95” and the width 46” using 2x10s instead of 2x8s. I also made a little extra foot room on the ends by moving the stretcher support to the inside of the legs. All of the lumber was run through a planer multiple times to get everything nice and even. Large knot holes where left by choice for character, and I filled them with epoxy and sanded smooth.

I started the project with lumber that was not completely dry. As a result, my tabletop width shrunk by nearly 3/4” over the first few weeks after completion. I would recommend bringing your lumber package inside for several weeks before you begin the build to allow it to dry and shrink. Do not bother to glue the table top if your lumber isn’t dry as it will simply pull apart like mine did.

This table is a BEAST, and will definitely be our shelter in the event of an earthquake. Because of the size, I had to build it in the dining area and I wish I had sanded everything to final finish before I built it. There was a lot of creative shopvac help from the kids.

Thank you for the great plans and inspiration to take on my first major woodworking project!

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Gray and Varathane Triple Thick Water Based Clear Matte Finish Polyurethane. I also chiseled out a few chunks from the edges and sanded them smooth to make a “used” appearance, as well as using a torch to “toast” the long edges and corners of some of the lumber to give it character and dimension.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Shoe Dresser - First Project!

Submitted by mashhawkes on Sun, 04/15/2012 - 13:33

I know that Ana says not to do this as your first project but I couldn't help myself! We needed shoe storage BAD!! This project was not bad but did take my husband and I about 3 weeks to build. It had nothing to do with the difficulty just scheduling conflicts. We needed somewhere to house all of my husbands shoes and something that would not take up much space because the only spot we had to put it in our bedroom was between the bathroom door and my husbands closet door. We used Ana's plan for the shoe dresser but did had to modify it to fit the 44" spot we had to work with. The 1x8's that we used were only 7 1/4 instead of 7 1/2 but my husbands size 12 shoes fit without a problem! I can't wait to start our next project! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
English Chestnut stain with 3 coats of antique white. Distressed by hand using 220 grit sandpaper and then covered with 3 coats of satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

See-saw

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 01/28/2014 - 21:03

This easy project made me the best Aunt ever! I made it for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. It was such a huge hit that one of them threw up all over it from laughing so hard. :)

The garage was freezing cold but they stayed there all evening once they discovered their gift.

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

Sturdy workbench with sturdy top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/26/2016 - 08:34

This version is five feet long. The sturdy top was made from scaffold boards. I nailed four stout 3" oval nails into the joining edges of two planks, then cut the projecting heads off at angle. Putting plenty of glue along the nail-free face I sash cramped the whole lot together overnight. Once screwed down I filled holes and cracks with epoxy woodfiller, gave it a though sanding and splashed on a generous amount of Danish Oil just to seal it from spilled coffee etc. Now all I have to do is line the shed...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King Size Bed

Submitted by hailey807 on Fri, 01/17/2020 - 19:37

I love the farmhouse look and wanted to start changing out pieces in my bedroom. Good quality furniture is expensive, so I thought I would checkout DIY projects and came across Ana’s plans for a king bed. Her plans got me started and I changed a few things along the way. I LOVE the end result. 
 

I used Knotty Alder and Danish Oil in Dark Walnut. Alder is an easy wood to work with and the Danish Oil brings out all the beautiful grain. I highly recommend both. 
 

I decided to buy the metal frame and plywood to place the mattress on. 

Estimated Cost
500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil in Dark Walnut. I applied one coat and the finish is satin.

FYI: Danish Oil is very easy to work with and it made the grain of the wood “POP”. The great thing about this product is that it’s a stain/sealer combination and you apply it with a foam paint brush.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Wood Patio Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/15/2023 - 08:46

We were in need of a nice patio set and just couldn’t find the right fit until we came across some 2x4 plans and thought “that seems simple enough”. Took some planning for the right dimensions but I swear my husband can build anything. It turned out beautifully. He made a table, a sofa and a chair….burned them with a torch is certain areas then put polyurethane on them. Thanks for looking.

Lanette

Modified to fit an Earthbox and mounted to a bench

Submitted by BJ D on Wed, 04/18/2012 - 06:16

I took the design of the planter and stretched it to accomodate an "Earthbox" (which is 29 x 13.5x 11 inches) to see if I could boost the results of my little garden. Both planters were made the same size so that if I'd like, next season ,I can use two Earthboxes.

The bench was built to keep out bunnies, our Husky, give us a place to put down the bowl when picking from the garden and lastly to give Georgia a place to climb up and get a better view or help. It is made using some treated 2x6's for legs aand support and untreated 2x4's for the actual benchtop.

I'll add a protective finish (and missing trim on both ends) to the bench part later this week when I have some toddler free time at home :)

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

Comments

Fancy Desk - First Build

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 02/01/2014 - 04:02

This was the first project for me and my 15 year old son. He wanted a large, sturdy desk for his room. We loved the plans and we think it turned out pretty well.

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax black poly+stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Wood Handrail Banister

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/29/2016 - 12:09

Naturally we based our plans on the space and the railing we needed.  But it was easy to  do once we had the vision and the supply list Ana White provides.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

4x4 TRUSS BEAM TABLE

Submitted by largashell on Fri, 01/24/2020 - 07:52

I built this as a craft table for my family. I altered the plans to make the table larger to fit a specific space in our craft room. The table was easy to build and turned out great!

Thanks for the plans

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Craft table for the family
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Room Divider Wall with Built-in Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 15:23

Modified the wall divider closet plan into a wall to serve as an extra bedroom in my basement. The inner wall was subsequently painted.

Grace LeBlanc

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rosie's Baby Doll Bed

Submitted by nveelover on Sat, 04/21/2012 - 10:13

Made this based on the Oliva's Doll Crib plans with changes to the shape of the top of the ends (to better match my daughter's crib), taller end pieces (about 2 inches), and a shelf under the drawer. To keep the drawer from falling out, I built the crib as usual, then turned the crib upside down, and screwed two rubber stoppers to the front of the underside of the crib bottom. I then put the drawer in place, placed the bottom shelf, and then screwd it in through the bottom (which is on top right now because the whole thing is upside down). I also put in some spacers so that the drawer doesn't get stuck, squished between the bottom of the crib and the shelf.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kad050209 (not verified)

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 15:49

Can you tell me the measurements of wood you used? Piece by piece?

nveelover

Thu, 11/15/2012 - 16:05

I really did just follow the plan that Anna made. The ends, the tallest solid pieces of wood that I added length to, are about 21 inches long. Ana had them at 18 or 19 inches long. Everything else was the same.

Bedside Table

Submitted by AndyH on Tue, 02/04/2014 - 10:34

This is my third build based on the Kentwood Nightstand plan. Added a shelf this time to use as a charging station at night. Customized the height as well so matches the height of the bed.

Estimated Cost
$100
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut (3 coats) and Minwax Satin Poly (3 coats)..
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Distressed teal console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/29/2020 - 13:06

I’ve built quite a few of these. Once you understand how the plans are written, they’re very easy to modify!

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

Modern Outdoor Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 07:46

Great Project. We are very happy with the chair. It is modern. Amazing. Ana thanks!! The drawings are great.

Jhrios2003

Comments

Farmhouse Table

Since I am in the middle of a divorce, my ex- took my dining room furniture. I decided instead of buying something new, or getting a hand me down, I would build a new table. The wood top was made of 3 wood planks from my sister in laws hardwood flooring leftovers. It was sooo fun to make this. The stain was a mix of Minwax Providence and Ebony 3 to 1 mix appx. I did not add the bottom wood piece, as I did not think it needed it, it is plenty strong without it. I am working on the bench and chairs now. This has been by far my most fulfilling project ever. Enjoy!

Estimated Cost
$100 for stain, trim, poly etc. I had a lot of the wood, not the breadboards
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coat mix of Minwax Providence and Ebony (3 parts to one part)
4 coats Polysealant

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

brookifer86

Tue, 04/24/2012 - 09:55

I think you came up with a great solution to your dining room problem. As a victim of the "ex furniture snatch" myself, I also decided to build my own instead of buying. It was quite the confidence boost! Love the table with the wider boards. I also didn't use a stretcher for my Farmhouse Table, and it's held up perfectly for over a year now.

KellyJo1180

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 08:38

I am looking to do the same design with the larger boards in the middle. What size are the boards running vertically on the ends? 1 x 6?

justjack5454

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 13:59

I love the table you built thanksgiving day my table went
awol, so I need to get going on your design. P. S. I'm lipstick, sawdust, n wheelchair.

Farmhouse Media Console

A Farmhouse Media Console built from ana white's plans. This media console was built out of maple plywood and poplar for the face frame, doors, and top. The design at the bottom was a bit of a trick. I used a bucket for the half circle and a very thin piece of wood for the "wavy" design. The center door is known as a barrister door. I would be happy to answer any questions. Feel free to visit my facebook page www.facebook.com/timberandsoul

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
creme brulee paint by behr and early american stain by minwax with 3 coats of water based varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Little Helper Learning Tower

This is a slightly modified version of the little helper tower, very sturdy design, i weigh 184lbs and use it to climb up to high places as if it were scaffolding. The modifications include making the sides the ladder and the ladder the sides, this allows for smaller hands to grip easier when climbing. It helps to mimic more a ladder design than climbing up the side. It also made for easier install of rungs for ladder. Screws go through the wood face into tge end of the rungs, then pocket homes were used for side supports which were larger woods pieces than the rungs  and pocket screws went from face of supports to the edge of the legs therefore no split out when doing pocket screws! All made from recycled wood from crates, dried and seasoned of course, if you use recycled wood it must be fully cured or it will warp and split over time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The wood was free from crates that were going to the dumpster from my job. About $25.00 for screws glue and dowels, we used deck-mate #8x2,1/2 screws to assure safety of the rungs because they had the highest shear strength. We used minwax golden oak from the local hazardous waste collection site and the same with the poly, so the finish was free!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax golden oak on the lighter one and semi gloss poly brush on, others are special walnut with spray minwax poly semi gloss. I personally like the brush on poly for the finish on this type of project. It is tougher and hold out longer, but it is a pain to apply when it is all together. The stain was applied before the pieces were put together. Touched up stain after all was together and sanded off high spots then applied poly after all was finished, bottom of tower first then to front and sides.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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