Community Brag Posts

Dartboard Cabinet

Submitted by Knathu121 on Fri, 01/05/2018 - 20:38

I made this dartboard Cabinet from pallets to give it a really rustic and weathered look. I stained it with rustoleum weathered wood accelerator. 

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cottage end table w/ rustic x

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 21:51

Made the cottage end table, but through in the rustic x style. I really needed a narrow end table. Oh and I threw a shelf on the bottom. First time making a drawer! Loved it!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Entry table

Submitted by Marisol on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 20:14

2nd project, but learning quickly! :)

I first started with the wall treatment, love board and batten walls, they add such a crisp look and tons of character, but then the entry way was a little bare. So I needed a table for our keys and some lighting...so this table was perfect, narrow and Pottery Barn looking...

It took about 1 hour to build, including cuts and everything....the staining was the task...my God was I impatient!
I started with the wood conditioner, which only gives you a 2 hour window to add the stain, but do need to wait 15 minutes to start...then I did 2 coats of dark walnut stain and after 8 hours of drying time came in the top coat...which takes 4 hours to dry and then a 2nd coat needed to be added (which I skipped) but I love the color, love the turn out.

So light, I carried it ALL by myself. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax wood conditioner & Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Little helper

Submitted by dijo284 on Sun, 06/30/2013 - 14:01

We used ana's plans and they were great!
We did not do the curved pieces we made it square all the way around. We did the modification and used hinges.
We have all the pieces for the anti-tip and will be adding that later.
We added on extra side pieces for safety using industrial strength velcro so they can be removed in the future when our 15 mo old gets big.
We do not own a kreg jig....so we just did screws and wood glue...making sure to pre-drill holes since the wood is thin and could split...

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We will be painting or staining in the future.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Slatted bench

Such an amazing and easy project with a big impact in a home or outside. A few 2x4's and 1 bys. I wanted to keep the original look of the wood but want to enhance the gain and add a little richness to it. I applied a natural stain and 3 coats of brush on poly. I started with spray on and that stuff sucks!!! More of it gets wasted in the air then on your material. Finished the bottoms with some felt rounders and voila!!!

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural stain and Clear gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

SeltzerandSon

Mon, 07/06/2015 - 15:38

Hi I'm sorry I just saw this. I personally don't have plans but can write some out for you if that helps. I just made another bench and stained it a kona color and it looks amazing!

Nightstand

Submitted by fiddlepics on Mon, 01/08/2018 - 07:24

Built this nightstand for my boy's bedroom- built the farmhouse headboards to match. Was a straightforward project. I actually bought a circular saw instead of having the store make the cuts- best decision ever. Much better to cut as I go along. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax penetrating stain- 2 coats dark walnut, 1 coat red mahogany. Spray Minwax Lacquer in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Your kitchen island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/27/2021 - 11:27

My first real project, which you gave me the courage to try!!! The kitchen island!
Made one error that I had to spend a bit of money to correct but in the long run the finished product is beautiful, I even used the same color you used.
After that success my daughter-in-law asked me to build the changing table for my expected granddaughter, I went into that with a little more confidence. Thank you for the inspiration that you give so many!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Crate Cart

You would think I would build this first because it was EXTREMLY easy. This was so fun to make and it's perfect for my daughters toys (junk). I used all reclaimed pallets except for the sides. The only reason it cost $8 is because the wheels were $5.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$8
Finish Used
Sanded
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bottle Cap Tray

Submitted by Jann Antos on Wed, 07/03/2013 - 18:29

How to build a Bottle Cap Tray AND what NOT to do.

These Bottle Cap Trays are sold for 45+ Bucks online. I spend maybe 15$ on it.

You need a lot of Friends drinking a lot of different Beers... For this tray i needed 88 Caps. I also asked Bartenders and Co-Workers to collect Caps. As more colorfull you get as better. Twist off Caps are the best behause they do not have dents.

I bought the Tray at Hobby Lobby for 3.99$ (you can also build one from a Plan from this Side) and after sanding with 220Grid i stained it to fit my Home Bar. After lay out the "Design" i removed them all and lay them in the back of the now empty tray.

2 Ways to glue the Caps to the Board:

1. Hot Glue (be carefull the Caps get very Hot)
2. I poured just a small amount of the Epoxy in there and pushed the Caps into the Ressin...

How to mix Ressin...

Read the Manuall!!! The first 2 Trays i poured to much and then it gets very very hot and ruin everything (see second last Picture). 2nd Glue the board to the Walls, if the Ressin runs out of the Tablet it is also a great mess!

I Used 2 small cups messured it and Mixed it in the Red Solo Cup...

Put the Tablet on an even surface (protect it) and pour a small amount into the tray... Level it and then put the Caps in there and use a torch to get rid of the Air Bubbles. I needed 3 layers to Cover all Caps. Keep it Dustfree during curing - very important .

I let it cure for 12 Hours bevor the next layer was applied. Total Curie after 72 Hours...

Sorry for Bad English - i am German...

Hope that helps to build your own Bottle Cap Tray...

And made it as colorfull as possible. I aranged them to face One Side but you also can turn them happy around.

Thanks for comments and Reading

Jann

Estimated Cost
15$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso Stain
Polyurethane
Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bed #2

Submitted by The_big_al on Wed, 06/24/2015 - 22:10

This is bed #2! Bed #1 can be found here: http://ana-white.com/2015/06/DIY_furniture/1st-time-project.

The original plan was to make our daughters bunk beds but during the construction of bed #1 we decided to put the oldest into her own room. This move prompted me to find a way to differentiate bed #2 from bed #1.

The headboard and foot board were again kept equal sizes although I did not make them as tall. They are taller than the footboard of the original plans. I used the headboard measurement of the headboard for the posts to make the post stand taller than the rest of the head and foot board giving it a slight 4-poster look.

I would also like to point out that I made the entire head and footboard an inch narrower. When I made the first bed, because of the way I attached the side rails to the 4x4 posts, it created a bed frame 3 inches wider than the plans called for. Because of this, the mattress on bed #1 has about an inch or so gap on either side when it sits in the frame. It's not a huge deal, but it was something I wanted to try and correct. So I loped an inch off the total width. I compensated by making the end filler pieces of the slat portion narrower. I would even go so far as to cut an even 3 inches off the entire width and the mattress would sit tight in the frame.

As with bed #1 I decided to use bolts instead of screws to hold the bed together. It makes for a much sturdier bed and it can be dis-assembled in a matter of minutes moved and reassembled without losing any structural integrity. The flowers on this bed hide the holes I had to drill to counter sink the bolts and the holes I drilled to access the bolts to attache the washer and nut. I was able to get just deep enough on the 2x6 side rail that I didn't need to drill all the way through as I had on bed #1. This was something I learned as I began to assemble bed #2 to get it ready for paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
This bed cost around $150 to build including the trim and paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
As with bed #2 various modifications were made to the plans. I shortened and raised the headboard and footboard. I made it narrower. I did this because instead of the rail attaching to the edge of the post as the plans direct, I attached the side rails in the center of the post. I also did not build the mattress frame as directed. Instead I just ran a 2x2 down each side of the side rail. This was sufficient as the mattress frame was no longer a part of holding the bed together.

I added bevels the wood slats with a router and added the same bevel to the tops of the posts and the the 2x4 cap inbetween the posts. This gave the bed a much more finished look instead of looking like painted raw lumber. The flowers and letters were acquired at a craft store and painted using craft paint and then sealed with a spray on clear lacquer finish. I used a pin nail gun and wood glue to attache them to the bed. Caulking and wood filler to fill in any screw and nail holes was also used to give the bed a complete finished look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/28/2021 - 22:31

I made a pair of these
and my friends arrive early so they can have one to sit in. The other is mine!

Comments

Crate Caddy

Submitted by rhonit on Tue, 05/10/2011 - 14:25

Using old barn wood, too short for anything else. Love that four regular Mason jars can fit in it, and it is ideal for taking silverware outside for the BBQ's.
Cost was zero, all wood was from the scrap pile. Put together with a brad nailer, the is no finish on the wood. Actually build time was less then a hour. "Including clean up"

Estimated Cost
$0
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Medickep's simple console table

Submitted by Medickep on Sun, 07/07/2013 - 07:24

I made this entry table to go by our front door. It's a spin off from the "console table" posted by Anna. I read some of the comments from people who had problems with her plans as a result of different standards in lumber and decided to alter this some!

I cut the side braces short enough so when I included the measurements of the legs the actual table top extended approx. 3/4" further past the legs and apron of the table. I also went with one sheet of wood on the table top and finished it up with some trim around the edge of the table top.

Estimated Cost
80-100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Finish Used: I wanted to paint the table to matched a near bye coat rack I made. I primed the table first and painted it with three coats of Behr premium paint. I also used a polyacrylic to protect it a little from my boys. I did three coats on all of it and two additional coats on the front of the legs, apron, table top and bottom brace. Make sure you sand with 300-400 grit between coats!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

barnboard cooler

Submitted by Nickles on Sun, 06/28/2015 - 10:35

I followed a killer bee plan for a rustic cooler that I found on your site. tweaked it a little and I'm still adding to the décor on the outside

Estimated Cost
Around $15 if you have glue and screws already. I also had the barnboard from a barn we tore down last year.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
no finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Baby Crib for $200

Hey yall!  This is Sara from OnHouseandHome.com with plans for my favorite build ever: my son's baby crib for less than $200. This is a super simple design that is fairly easy to build.  It's built from pine and poplar, both available at Lowe's or Home Depot, and I only used basic tools like a table saw, drill, kreg jig, and router to buil this.  The crib has survived a move to a new house and is currently housing my 2nd son so I can promise it's just as strong as it is stylish!  

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes Java Gel Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Second project ever

Submitted by NickC on Sat, 01/01/2022 - 13:10

This end table was the second woodworking project I have completed. The first was a doghouse that came out pretty well but was definitely not "furniture grade," so this time I knew I needed to up my game. For the most part, I think I did do that. It was not a completely seamless process, but considering my newness and the number of new skills involved (e.g., pocket holes, staining and polyurethaning) I like how it came out. It also showed me how I can continue to improve my skills so that the next projects will be even better still. The pine 2x4's were very easy to work with and dried out nicely once I got them home to reveal a nice grain. Clearly I have to learn how to cut boards to the same length, but that's part of what gives the project it's character (If you believe it then it's not a lie.). I also need to figure out how to sand polyurethane without scraping it and the stain all off. Thanks to Ana for developing this great page and for all the really nice plans on here. It made the whole process far less intimidating. (sorry for the sideways pics)

Comments

10 Dollar Ledge Shelves

Submitted by ValGal222 on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 20:40

Thanks Ana, I no longer "Think I Can"- I KNOW I CAN! : )

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet, need feedback on what color...
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My New Livingroom

I found these amazing tables that i fell in love with! so i decided to take matters into my own hands! i adjusted the measurements to fit my needs and style, and after we purchased the wood, i got to cutting! with a little help from my daddy the project came to life in no time! now i have furniture for my living room that i can completely appreciate and adore forever! i was amazed at how easy this was and how beautiful! and for the price?! theres simply not a store to beat it! and i love all the compliments i get on them and the surprised reaction when i tell people i made them myself! i still plan on building the console table to match!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
mahogony
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Gabriel Wall System Hanging Organizer

This was a very fun project to build. I pretty much followed the directions that were posted, but I used 1x6's instead of 1x4's because I wanted more storage space on the shelves. I also used 1/2" iron piping instead of 3/4" and am happy with how it turned out. Since the guest bathroom is gray, we didn't want to stain the wood and chose to do an easy to do "weathered" (directions below) look. Now all we need to do is replace the ugly shower curtain!

Estimated Cost
$40 (paint not included).
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
"Weathered" look – First, paint a gray undercoat of paint and let dry. Secondly, coat the piece with paraffin wax (especially the edges and corners). Next, paint a top coat of white and let dry. Lastly, scrape off the wax (with a razor blade), to your liking, to give it the "weathered" look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tgrott

Wed, 03/30/2016 - 06:41

Love the weathered/distressed look you did.  Can you share your technique for the paint job?

tgrott

Wed, 03/30/2016 - 06:42

I;m sorry!! I just noticed that you did share the paint job!  Thanks! :P

tgrott

Wed, 03/30/2016 - 06:43

I;m sorry!! I just noticed that you did share the paint job!  Thanks! :P

Farmhouse bed - King

Submitted by Rusnok33 on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 06:38

We made the farmhouse bed with a few modifications. We distressed the wood and did a whitewash finish. Absolutely love how this turned out!

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with tea, then with apple cider vinegar and steel wool stain. Has two applications of the steel wool stain to deepen the aged wood look. Last painted with a basic white paint to white wash.

*Note: wood was warped but adds to the more rustic look. This may not be for everyone!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patrick's Jelly Cupboard

Submitted by srodge1 on Thu, 01/06/2022 - 16:48

I love, love how this turned out. I was originally going to build it exactly as the plans are written, but somehow a screen doors came into the design. Thanks again Ana for sharing!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments