Community Brag Posts

Bunk Bed

My girls wanted a bunk bed badly! I was shocked to see the prices shopping around at local furniture stores. So I made one :)

Bed is constructed with all pine wood and stained with Kona color stain. I added a few fun things like a window and a tent on top. These were really simple. Email me if you have any questions.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stain color: Kona

Stain was sprayed on and a Matte finish poly for protection
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

fkowalec

Sat, 05/18/2013 - 13:40

This is really cute i love the tent portion would love to know how you did it

Simple Potting Bench, customized!

Submitted by Jilljb on Mon, 04/14/2014 - 05:32

These potting benches were so fun to make! The plans are well-written and easy to follow. My friend and I had a blast!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish plied as of yet, but probably will use a chalk paint in a bright fun color!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 14:15

My wife and I loved the look of this plan, so I decided to make it happen! I built this same console, only half the length for our dining room, and then made this full size version for the living room area. I used this plan for both designs. I used a table saw to cut dado channels from the intersecting pieces of material for the "X" design on each side of the table which was considerably easier for me. It can get a little tight when trying to secure the 11.25 inch pieces of 2x4 and 2x2 with pocket holes so I opted to secure through the outer frame with 2.5 inch screws. Countersinks, wood filler, and some sanding made for a clean alternative to the pocket-hole approach. Stained and chalk painted frame and shelves separately before assembling. We love this table and promise you will not be disappointed either.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80-100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sea Foam Green Chalk Paint
Minwax Espresso Stain
Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Roll Top Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/31/2023 - 13:20

I didn't get the plans from this site, but figured I'd post a brag anyway. The plans were downloaded from MinWax several years ago , but it wasn't until this year that I started to build this roll top desk. It's made with white oak, along with maple plywood for the side panels. It was finished with a simple polyurethane clear coat.

I'll be using this as a work desk in my den. It has just enough room to house my laptop with the top closed.

This is definitely one of the more challenging projects I've taken on.

https://www.minwax.com/en/woodworking-project-inspiration/wood-furnitur…

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

Sofa Table

Submitted by lilbit2010 on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 18:29

So I made this a couple weeks ago. I used 2x12 for the top and 4x4 for the feet and legs. This was my first project and it came out ok. The feet need some work. The plan called for feet to be angled but unless you have a band saw just cut the 45' for the feet. 

Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax, Red Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First Project: Farmhouse Table

Submitted by jtundra05 on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 20:51

Hafa Adai everyone. This is my first real woodworking project. I followed the plans for the Truss Farmhouse Table almost exactly as written. One thing I felt it needed was more support for the 10" breadboard ends. I added spare pieces of 4x4 cut to 5" with an 80 degree angle at one end to each corner of the tabletop base. This made the breadboard ends feel very secure and well supported.

Since I didn't have a table saw to rip the tabletop panels for clean edges, I used wood putty (not wood filler) to fill in the gaps from the 2x10 panels after I secured them together. Tip: I saw someone use ratchet straps to hold the table top tightly together when securing with screws in the absence of long clamps. Worked great.

The only thing I would do different is choose a wood without the treated staple marks for the table top. But since its an outdoor table its not too bad a look. Overall, it was a great learning experience and a very fun project to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Varathane Worn Navy stain for the table top; 2 coats, then used Varathane oil based (semi-gloss) spar urethane to clear coat both tabletop and base. Also 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barn Door Console - 8'

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/03/2024 - 08:32

It's the 8ft Barn Door tv console plan I purchased a while back, I finally put it together. I added my favorite color of paint and side brackets, I used coat hanger knobs for door handles. I love it, I've never took on a job this big ever. I'm so impressed and very proud of myself because I did it all by myself. Thank you so much and I'm a 62 yr old lady.

Tonda Thomas

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

Coffee Table

Submitted by jcbil on Sun, 07/17/2016 - 14:32

I loved building my Coffee Table, thank you Ana White! I built mine to be 42" long and kept all the other dimensions the same, (but didn't do the X's). I also installed leveling feet. I stained it Minwax's Early American, and used 3 coats of Polyurethane and applied everything with a rag. I used 2" Corner Brackets, spray painted with Rustoleum Metallic Charcoal. I bought the baskets from Michaels.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Just under $50. Already had Stains & Polyurethane on hand. Wood was $38. Hardware $5. Leveling Feet $3.50.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, 3 Coats of Polyurethane, all applied with a rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2+ Cubic Foot Raised Planter Box

Submitted by B.W.Martin on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 09:29

This is a cedar and treated lumber raised planter that holds over two cubic foot of potting soil and has a built-in drain out the back so your feet do not get wet. The treated lumber is used only for the frame, no dirt or water touch any wood.

The inner dimensions are 12"x12"x32", and it stands 24" tall. There is a seamless double layer of 4 mil plastic that opens into the drain only and is siliconed. There is also a seamless black mesh inside to keep the soil and nutrients from washing away.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish used, left cedar rough.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Under Sink Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:38

I got tired of both the clutter under the kitchen sink and how often bottles of random cleaning solutions would tip over and make a mess. Based on Ana's plans, I made these organizer shelves so that all of our most-used stuff would be at the front. Found some scrap pieces of beadboard from another project for the backing, and put the whole thing together with glue and my finish nailgun. I'm pretty pleased with this small Saturday project. Thanks, Ana!

Sean Payne

Comments

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!

#igbuilderschallenge Bailey Console Table

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

Plans use was the Bailey Console Table. 

 

This was build for the #igbuilderschallenge hosted by @desertwoodwrks and judged by @anawhitediy and @davidsheinkopf. 

I used two old queen sized bed frames for the legs and stretchers, welding them together with a Lincoln Weld Pak HD Flux core wire feed welder. With a little practice, anyone can do this easily! 

I used poplar hardwood instead of pine for durability. Stain is Minwax Jacobean, with 4 coats of Deft Clear Satin Spray Lacquer on top. 

 

Added a face frame around the doors, and made then inset flush mount drawers. The left drawer also has a false bottom, with hidden storage beneath the lift off tray. 

Recycled bed frames were used for the legs and stretchers (both front and back) and them painted with Rustoleum Black Satin Finish Spray Enamel,with the lacquer on top of that for protection. 

This challenge was so much fun to do, and it was a real blast seeing the creativity of everyone else involved! I can't wait for the next one. 

Follow me on Instagram : @amanteafinewoodworks 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Rustoleum Black Spray Enamel (metal)
Deft Satin finish Clear Spray Lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First thing I’ve ever built

Submitted by Nick.Olson on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 10:27

I stumbled across your videos via YouTube and I saw the video to make this coffee table. I was just browsing for things to do to keep busy during this pandemic. This is my first project and I could of done a lot better but I learned a lot from doing it. Thank you for your videos. I have since went on a shopping spree at Home Depot and Lowe’s Lol. I’ve bought Kreg jig, Miter saw, Makita drill set and circular saw and a Makita sander. I was like a kid at a toy store. I’m going to build your narrow console table next. Thank you for sharing your inspirational work. Nick Olson

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)

Comments

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