Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Queen

I loved this bed and started building it last summer.  Most of my lumber was inexpensive (meaning somewhat warped with dings, knots, cracking, etc).  Since I wanted a very clean and smooth look, I took a lot of time filling, sanding, filling, sanding, over and over in order to get it just right.  I also like the paneling look on other beds I have seen, so I added 1x over each of the panel board seams.

For the frame, I built using 2x4 and then ran MDF strips across.  With all of this wood, it is a very heavy and very sturdy (if we ever move, my wife says we are leaving it at the house).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - White, 2 Coats
Annie Sloan Wax - Clear, 2 Coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bristol Outdoor Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/18/2017 - 18:44

These were great plans to work from and we love how the entire set turned out.  We already had an outdoor table so we also built and replaced the top with one that matched the chairs. We spent more for outdoor fabric and marine grade foam for the cushions since they're exposed to weather, but the results were worth it. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300 for cedar and finishing supplies; $100 for outdoor cushion fabric; $250 for marine grade foam inserts.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
70/30 blend of teak oil and Helm spar urathane. The back patio of our home faces west and gets heavy afternoon sun.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Grandson's Loft Bed

Submitted by mmcuevas on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 10:20

So, my grandson's room is quite small and my daughter was asking for advice on how to arrange things. I found this plan and figured it would be perfect! It was quite easy to build, but did take longer than I thought. We had three of us working on it and we build it over Labor Day Weekend. It isn't perfect, but my daughter says it just adds character. He loved the bed and the extra space to play underneath. It really did the trick to open up the room. Thanks Ana for all the great plans! You are my idol!! Now, I just have to build one for all the grandkids!

Comments

Cedar Planter

Submitted by Eva_15 on Tue, 04/30/2013 - 22:24

This was a cool first time project! Initially in my mind I thought, I'm going to make a doghouse! Eehh!...This was simple enough and fun! basic training and very useful! The cedar planter. I must admit, a few mistakes here and there, on my own account, but nevertheless, it looks great and it was an awesome project to get myself introduced to the basic tools and ways of measuring as well! I highly recommend this project for those who are new at this! This was my first time using the tools and first project. I loved it and can't wait to create something else!! I know I'll get better in time!

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

Comments

hoffer5353

Tue, 04/30/2013 - 23:12

Congrats, what a great accomplishment! Beware, you are hooked!
Myself and my sister in laws are doing the same thing. Starting tomorrow 3 cedar planters and 2 benches! Can't wait because it is their first project too. I know they will love the challenge as well!

gzarate

Thu, 05/02/2013 - 21:12

Great job again Eva! Your brag post is right next to mine..haha

Desk

Submitted by gfranq on Sat, 03/21/2015 - 14:51

This was my biggest project to date. The hardest part was finishing it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwyn Williams Acrylic Latex Satin in "Mosaic Tile". I then sprayed it with a coat of polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

American Girl Dollhouse

Submitted by jhoulihan on Wed, 09/22/2021 - 10:09

American Girl dollhouse built using PureBond Plywood, Kreg K4, and Ryobi tools!

Comments

pcook67

Wed, 01/25/2023 - 11:11

Do you have more detail on the materials for the outside of the house?

Firehouse Playset

Submitted by vic b on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 19:03

I love making thing for our son. i document most of it at http://madeatthisplace.blogspot.com.au/

Our son has a lot of Lego, especially fire engine Lego.
It was spread out everywhere and we needed to contain it.

This fire station playhouse was perfect.

I added a ramp so the cars and trucks could get up to the top level and garage doors on one side as our house is more like a garage then a fire station.

I used scrapbooking paper on the upper level walls and painted a H on the roof for the helicopter. (or in our case a plane).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rhonit

Mon, 05/06/2013 - 04:31

Awesome job!!! I don't see much built for boys and this is just an awesome playset, I will defiantly be doing something like this for my grandson. I especial like that it's up off of the floor.

Closet Tower

Submitted by Lady Goats on Tue, 03/24/2015 - 10:33

We had issues in Baby Goats' closet, which prompted a big closet re-do! Chose to use the plans for the Closet tower, and I LOVE it! You can read more about it here. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Ultra White in semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Nightstand in two colors

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/24/2017 - 23:41

Followed the plans closely. Stained before assembly for the two color look.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane briarsmoke and worn navy. Satine finish triple thick poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sofa and coffee table.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:22

I love my Sofa and coffee table!

Comments

Rustic X Console

Submitted by RoseOfShaz on Mon, 05/06/2013 - 12:44

This is my second build and I'm so pleased with how it turned out! I bought a Kreg Jig especially for this project, and I honestly don't know how I ever lived without it!

I'd been wanting a new console for our TV and this seemed perfect.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the table unevenly with Jacobean stain, concentrating mostly on the edges, ridges and knots. Then I whitewashed with some leftover beige paint I had (1 part paint to 2 parts water).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ehays216

Fri, 08/02/2013 - 06:54

This looks awesome, I wasn't planning on building the console table to match my coffee table, but after seeing how yours turned out I might have to work on this next! I love the cool finish that you did!

RoseOfShaz

Fri, 08/02/2013 - 11:40

Thank you! You should do it, it would complement your gorgeous coffee table and end tables nicely. :)

outdoor sofa with one arm piece to make sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/27/2017 - 15:53

My husband and I built this on Sunday- I love how it turned out!  The hardest part was finding cushions, and carrying it up a flight of stairs!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
this has not been sanded or stained yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Slightly modified all tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:25

A friend asked me to build them a hall tree for their entryway because they couldn’t find one big enough to suit the area in their home. Thankfully I found the plans here for Mimi’s hall tree bench and hutch. I had to modify them slightly to make it a little wider and taller. They were very happy with the finished project!
Thank you for providing woodworkers with these excellent plans for all skill levels!

Comments

Sand Box

Submitted by lbrennec on Thu, 05/09/2013 - 05:54

I gave this one to my Dad to do. Of course he made some changes. But she loves her sand box and we love it too! Thought I would share some pictures of the construction after he brought the parts to our house. 400 pounds of sand later.

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

My handmade farmhouse table and benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 20:32

This is the table I made for my wife using 2x lumber...I used the epoxy resin finish and it gives it a beautiful look and finish...my wife, family and friends love it...I'm very pleased with how well it turned out...

Estimated Cost
300 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Epoxy resin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:07

I followed the plans for the 4x4 Truss Beam Table and it turned it out great! I definitely recommend the Kreg Jig HD for the 4x4's. I used non HD Kreg screws for the table top.

It's much easier to build it upside down to ensure you get all your pocket holes underneath. Also, use duct tape to keep the 45 degree angle posts clamped as it's much easier when screwing together.

As a bonus for the family I built it for, I cut their name out with my scroll saw and added as a personal touch for the piece.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Modern Subway Tile Bookcase

Submitted by handymommy on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 05:39

I had to adjust the height and width of this project to fit on my wall in this corner. But I just LOVE how it came out. It's one of my favorite pieces of furniture in my whole house!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Mix of ebony and walnut stains with poly top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Happier table

Submitted by venessat on Thu, 05/09/2013 - 21:33

My very first piece of furniture I built!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut with clear satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entry Built in and Board and Batten

Submitted by anb80 on Tue, 03/31/2015 - 11:42

Entry board and batten treatment with hooks, cabinet with doors and drawers and bench.  Made from plywood. 

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

Comments

anb80

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 06:55

Thanks! We just sold our house in under 48 hours and I think all these built-ins helped! Thanks Ana for all the great plans and inspiring me. I learned so much coming from some one that had never built anything. You're awsome!

Laundry Basket

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 09:09

This was super easy. Just make sure you bolt it to the studs in the wall. I bolted them to each other and to the wall for added support. It only took me the afternoon and then I stayed up all night to finish it and get it done. I made this system over 3 years ago and it still works great for our family. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maybe less than $50? It was worth it whatever it was. And I used peg board on the back bc I already had it.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
painted
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Window Seat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:32

I made this window seat for my home office from your mudroom bench plan. Turned out fantastic. Loads of storage in these huge drawers. Loving it!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments