Community Brag Posts

Vintage Crate

I left off the casters, but added a one inch foam pad covered with outdoor material to make an ottoman. I made sure the top was removable so we could also use it as storage. I've got a little material left over to make a matching throw pillow.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$13 for the wood, $7 for the handles and $5 for the material. All other material I had on hand
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and polyurethane semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Library console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 11:09

My husbannd has built a handful of things using Ana's plans, but this was my first time doing everything on my own (aside from asking where to find the wood filler in our messy garage).  It was super easy to cut and put together and turned out perfectly for my girls nights stand/book shelf.

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

Comments

Adirondack chairs for Canada Day!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 05:19

made 2 sets of these 2 x 4 Adirondack chairs (with the occasional guidance from my woodworking hubby) and they turned out awesome! I went with a more modern look by not rounding the tops and love how they look! They’re sturdy and comfortable and my only complaint is I’m 5’3” and my legs don’t quite reach the ground so I’ll just have to make a footstool!

Estimated Cost
$50 (CAD)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Channing Desk

Submitted by ecsorah on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 11:11

I followed the plan almost exactly, I just made it to fit the space that I had. It was super easy and I love the way it looks! And I used contact paper from target to decorate the drawer face and the shelf. I also made the shelf a pull-out shelf using the same type of drawer pulls as the drawer. i made that shelf the same width that I made the drawer and it fit perfectly!

The longest part of this project was drying time for stain and paint and such. I did not include that time in estimate for time to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a mistinted paint from a local paint store and minwax provencial stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

distressed wood console table

Submitted by joshmade on Sat, 06/21/2014 - 14:43

I saw this table on Anna's website from rogueengineer.com. The plans were simple to follow. I made it out of pine, 2×4s, and baltic birch ply.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood stain, wipe on poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Craft and Fabric Cutting Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/21/2016 - 10:17

This was inspired by the easy kitchen island and the easy garage workbench plans. I saw what another person had done so I modified it to my specifications to work as a craft and fabric cutting table. It is 37" high so I can stand and cut fabric comfortably without bending over. I chose 37" because I have long legs and needed a little taller than normal countertop height.

The top is 48"x38" so my cutting mat fits both directions and a yard of fabric fits completely on top. The frame is slightly smaller 44"x34" to allow a 2" overlay on each side. The bottom shelf is 44"x31" and the middle half shelf is 44"x17". I ended up doing a half shelf because I used the leftover scraps from the 4x8 plywood. It works great because I will be able to pull up a chair and put my knees underneath.

The 2x4 legs are set out 1" from the ends. I attached the shelves and table top using L brackets. Due to bad math I ended up with a 1" overhang on the shelves along the 44" side.

The paint I used is Behr brand Spun Cotton in satin finish. It is an offwhite / cream color.

The stain I used is Minwax dark walnut and finsihed it with 4 coats of Minwax polycrylic. 

I had an awesome guy at Home Depot do allt he cuts of wood for me.

Estimated Cost
Approx $250. The birch plywood was the greatest expense of wood. The other small things added up quickly.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint: Spun Cotton in satin. Behr (home depot) brand. Stain: Minwax Dark Walnut. Clear coat: Minwax polycrylic.
I used a 2 inch brush to apply polycrylic and a rag to apply stain. Just used a small roller for the paint. Take your time to sand all wood properly. I did 80, 110, then 220 grit to all pieces on the sides that will be seen and touched. Also make sure you sand between topcoats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Wed, 09/21/2016 - 15:00

I can hardly belive this is DIY!  That birch plywood was worth it, it is lovely!  Thanks so much for bragging, really enjoyed seeing your project!  Ana

Queengirl35

Wed, 09/21/2016 - 20:57

Thank you for the kind words! (I am the original poster just made my account after the fact.) And thanks for this wonderful website! There are a few more projects I feel I can take on now that I have completed this one. 

Children's Table and Chairs

Submitted by Mommasus on Thu, 07/02/2020 - 14:05

I made these for my granddaughter. I was using fours colors instead of three so used 1x6's instead of 1x8's on for the table top and just added one more back slat to each chair.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used exterior satin enamel paint and exterior screws so it can used inside and out. Painted all the chair slats and underside of the table top prior to assembly of the table and chairs. Required some sanding after filling screw holes but it was easy to touch up. Painted the chair and table base after assembly but before slats and top were attached. Attached table top and then sanded from 60 to 120 sandpaper so it would smooth for drawing and coloring and then painted the top of the table top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Camp Loft Beds

Submitted by Tjslove04 on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 21:00

Ana read my mind! I was telling my husband that I wanted "L" shaped loft beds for our girls abouttwo weeks before she posted these plans! As soon as I saw them we went and got our lumber. So excited to have these done and the girls love them!

Estimated Cost
$75 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Bher premium paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mskatiesartstudio

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 13:05

I saw another post where they did horizontal 2x4s instead of stairs. I see that you did one of each. Could you tell me what your thoughts are on how the kids like them....if the 2x4 steps are easy to get up and down on....
We are adopting and we're not sure what age children we will get....so, I want to make sure they are easy to navigate. Any thoughts???

Thank you!

Tjslove04

Tue, 09/03/2013 - 09:30

we id the stairs for our 3 year old and the ladder for our 5 year old. She has no problem getting up and downthem but our 3 year old doesn't like to come down the ladder ones. The stairs are really nice and make the bed easily accesable even for me. =)

melncurt

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 18:48

What are the overall dimensions with the two landing areas and stairs? I really like this idea, but the bedroom is not super big. Thanks!

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by EMiracleKY on Mon, 06/23/2014 - 20:34

This was my first ever project. The table that has a white base is another table I built after the stained one.

The project took several weeks because I only was able to work on it on Saturday mornings. I'm happy with how it turned out and learned a lot from it! I have a new love for woodworking and enjoy the whole process, from design, to completion.

Thanks for checkling it out!

Estimated Cost
125-150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabot stain- Lowes doesn't carry Cabot anymore though :/
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Make it bigger

Submitted by Stootz97 on Fri, 09/23/2016 - 23:45

Thanks for the awesome plans. Read a lot of feedback from people saying it was too small. Just make it bigger! Used same plans but 6 1/2 long and 4 inches wider. Added extra support to the table top and used all 2x4s. Lovin it

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

twin farmhouse beds

Our girls had made do with hand me down room furniture and decor( youngest 2, out of 5 girls). It was time to give them a space they love. I have never built anything other than slight upcycle projects. Slightly modifying this or that , never just starting with lumber and a plan. They picked the farmhouse beds and my husband was gone for 3 weeks backpacking, so off to buy lumber. Not as easy NO ONE HAS UNTREATED 4x4 posts!!!!! i called 3 counties, almost cried, to order was 3 weeks, or just cant get them. Finally found a cedar and cypress mill 1 hr away. Hopped in the car and off i went to load up.I had 2 beds to do so the second one went faster. What i learned?
1. even after predrilling you will do best hand screwing screws. Cypress was really hard in places and a stripped screw equals stress.( just like there is no crying in baseball, there is also no crying in carpentry)
2. the 2x4 that is under the 2x6 on headboard and footboard should be cut AFTER you assemble the 1x6 and 1x4 base. Much easier than making cuts with a circular saw on 1x6
3. your hands will feel like they were run over after day 1 of sanding, it will pass and get better.
4. perfect is not possible. It probably not even preferable. You want perfect? That is a machine
The room still needs some special touches, lamps, nicknacks, etc. cannot paint , rental. so sad. oh well

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300( for both)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and then hand rubbed wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sgilly

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 09:55

Your girls must be so happy to have these cute beds. And, proud of their mama who made them!

In reply to by sgilly

sambenedetto7@…

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 10:09

Really hard to find common ground for a 15 yr old and 12 1/2 yr old. Tried to go for sophisticated beach side cottage. Dark wood bookcase and side tables , jute rug, cotton quilt coverlets....also i did add six inches to the height for added storage. Lots of girls equal lots of shoes

Bike work bench

Submitted by hjason on Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:31

My daughter and I made this for a Father's Day gift, along with a bike rack, to get my husband's bike "shop" in better order.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Scrapped the Sliding Barn Doors, Rustic Cabinet Doors Instead

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 12:15

Changed up the plan a little, shortened the overall length, which changed the size of the door openings, but the biggest change was making four cabinet doors instead of two exposed sections and two sliding barn doors.  Used Lowe's chalk paint products.  Made this a dresser for our cabin in Maine.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, Lowe's chalk paint and antiquing wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse King Bed with Drawers

Submitted by jpad067 on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 15:55

Inspired by the Queen Size Farmhouse Bed with Drawers, my father-in-law and I converted those plans into a King size. This was quite the project and took us a substantial amount of time to complete. We used a modified French Cleat to make the entire bed modular, so it can be easily (still very heavy) moved. The entire storage capacity is roughly 30 cubic feet, so we will have ample room to store our linens and other items not regularly used. This entire project was modeled from an antique door that my wife found in an antique store. Enjoy!

Estimated Cost
$1300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel (Snowbound)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

small shed

so i put this storage shed on the outside wall of my garage and then i put my dust collector inside it and cut a hole for the pipe to into the garage. It's nice and out of the way now. I adjusted the size a bit to make it fit more of my outside tools like the trimmer and blower. Its not in the picture but I also extended the roof about 30 inches over the side to park the lawn mower under it. If I were to do it again I'd make it even bigger.

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

"Nook of woe" is now "nook of wow!"

Submitted by OliveJuice on Sun, 06/29/2014 - 11:36

We had a 28 inch nook in the mud room/bathroom that was the collect all for our shoes, hats, boots, scarves, and pup accessories. Had seen shoe cabinets at ikea but with the space being small it needed a "custom" build. Ana had the perfect solution!! We took basic plan and reduced length to 28 inches and top width to 12 inches. I wanted a larger top surface to place baskets. We took the 2 drawer and added a 3rd for increased storage space. Drawers were also made deeper to fit with the wider top piece. Also added a 4 thick chunky legs (4x4) to help support and stabilize dresser. Those were set in a bit to accommodate the molding along baseboard. Added faux drawer fronts using 1/4 inch ply wood. We put the magnets on but made drawers hard to open so we kept magnet but removed the plate. An old leather belt was recycled for the back strips to prevent drawers from flopping down.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 (we had drawer pulls from other project that we recycled)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Morocco Red with a turquoise under coat. (Used 1 small sample sized jars each from Home Depot) lightly sanded red off edges to let the turquoise show through. Same with the wooded knobs.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage Shelving by using 4 by 2s

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/02/2016 - 19:02

Simply inspired by Ana's Garage Shelving project using 2 By 4s. Thank you Ana. Below are my project details.

1. Shelving Height =  8 Ft, Width = 12 Ft, Depth = 13 inches (Each shelve having 3 pieces of 2 by 4s). All 8 Ft and 12 Ft lumber available in this standard size.  Only cutting required (done at Home Depot) was for the 13 inch pieces to build the shelving legs (which in Ana's original plan is 17 inches, and has 4 pieces of 2 by 4s).  Able to carry all lumber (multiple trips) in minivan after folding seats.

 

2. Garage Floor was a bit uneven - so I used Shims (plastic) as suggested by HomeDepot associate.

 

3. To secure the shelves from the top of the wall, I used corner L brackets, 3 inch by 3 inch.  I used 1-1/2 inch screws to mount the bracket on the 2 by 4s, and then to mount the other side of the bracket to wall studs, I used the 2-1/2 inch screws (which I used throughout the project as Ana suggested). I mounted two brackets sideways, and one on the top (because the stud was around the corner).   Used a thin nail to find the stud as studfinder results were not reliable

 

4. After making shelving legs, we made them stand next to the wall, and then mounted the shelves (3 pcs each on each shelve) and then put screws.  My wife, her uncle, aunt, and cousin helped to mount finally, and it was great fun.

Estimated Cost
Approx $150
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Nail Polish and Accessories Cabinet

Submitted by vickitee on Wed, 07/02/2014 - 07:39

I made this cabinet for my 9 year old daughter. My daughter enjoyed filling the shelves with her things and the door with her ear rings. The shelves are made from 1x3's. I added 4 small hinges and 1 magnetic closure. The stain used is purple (daughter's choice). This was a fun build that took 2 days start to finish.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
purple stain
Try to stain the cabinet before installing the chicken wire!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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