Community Brag Posts

Potting Bench

Submitted by DavidTR on Mon, 10/26/2015 - 11:58

I modified the collapsibile planting table by Lady Goats.  My wife asked for it to have a removable shelf to keep with the take down Idea and also to come up with a way to have a spicket added.  this was a really fun project to make, I even added carvings and painted to allow it to stand out and to give it some color.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax English Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner storage beds

Submitted by Kguillotte on Tue, 12/18/2018 - 21:15

Our boys share a room and needed new beds. We wanted to keep as much floor open as possible, so these 2 plans came together perfectly!! They have large drawers that store all of their clothes so theres no need for dressers. We put a surge protector inside the hutch so they can easily plug up and charge their electronics. Best beds ever!!!

Estimated Cost
$700
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My rendition of a "Cold Frame"

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/29/2022 - 11:17

Hi, Ana.
I am loving your spot! I have not even delved into your recipes yet! I plan on making more than a few projects from your plans!

Comments

Shaker Peg Board

Submitted by rhilborn on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 12:15

This was a fun easy & free project! I had a number of 1x4's left over from building the Classic Bunkbed and we paired that with some old knobs I saved. These 3 peg boards have made a great addition to the foyer of our house. We use them to keep purses, bags, dog leashes, and hats handy and still organized. I am tempted to put up a few more peg boards in our hall now!

This probably took 30 minutes total from inception to installation.

Estimated Cost
Free!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Wipe on Polyuerthane and minimal sanding. I basically sanded off any thing that could give someone a splinter and polyurethaned just enough to protect the wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chevron Cassidy Queen bed

Submitted by blpetrie on Wed, 09/04/2013 - 20:42

We took the general plan of the Cassidy wood shim bed but added some features of our own. Since my husband is in the military we knew we would be moving more than the average builder so we made the bed to be more durable for frequent disassemblies. Instead of screwing the frame to the head and foot board we used carriage bolts to secure the pieces.

We also wanted to add a reclaimed aspect to our bedroom. We bought some reclaim cedar siding from a local estate investor and decided to do a chevron pattern. After staining the whole frame, we applied the siding to both the head and the foot board since we bought basic plywood and wanted to cover both ends. Plus, we liked the look with both ends done better. We cut the siding at 45 degree angles and then custom cut each piece to fit. This was a time consuming area since, with reclaimed wood especially, each piece is unique. We then just used liquid nails to secure the pieces.

To finish we assembled the bed and applied a paste wax.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 (with cost of reclaimed wood)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We applied one coat of Rust-Oleum Kona with foam brushes then let it set for about one minute before wiping excess with a rag. We really wanted the wood grain to pop and this did the trick. We applied a coat of paste wax after stain was dry.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Matthew Martin

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 21:12

This bed sure looks amazing. I made a bed from the same design just a little more like the main shim bed with a tad bit of modifying. like you guys i was military and made the bed for easy take apart with 7in lag bolts vs nailing. Good luck with future builds.

jmorken

Tue, 05/13/2014 - 08:44

You guys did a fantastic job! My wife and i were looking to create a bed with a chevron or herring bone pattern, and this provides the perfect visual. Question about the foot board: It looks like there are varying thicknesses or some type of beading on the boards. Is there?
Thank you!
j

jmorken

Tue, 05/13/2014 - 08:44

You guys did a fantastic job! My wife and i were looking to create a bed with a chevron or herring bone pattern, and this provides the perfect visual. Question about the foot board: It looks like there are varying thicknesses or some type of beading on the boards. Is there?
Thank you!
j

simmersjm

Sun, 11/06/2016 - 15:53

How did you place and secure the carraige bolts to the frame? I move around a bit too and would love to know how to do this. If there is anyway to upload a picture of what it looks like, that'd be great.

King Size Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/03/2022 - 21:05

I love the plan for the King Farmhouse bed. I built it and made a couple of changes that just made it easier to move. I did not want to screw the middle support legs through the footboard and just happened to have six fence brackets in my fastener box, we just moved in a month before this build. I put the fence brackets on the front of the side rail cleats and added a 2x4 that went into those brackets. Then I added fence brackets to the front 2x4 and the back 2x4 that would receive the leg support boards. I also added supports made from two 3" cuts of the scrap 2x2 for the back of the side rails on the headboard legs. This modest support was just to help put it back together in the bedroom. We plan on moving again in a few years and I want the bed to last through many years so I thought this was a good idea. The bed is sturdy and I love it. Thank you for another fantastic plan Ana!

Comments

Square farm table

Submitted by Lady Goats on Sat, 08/13/2011 - 21:03

My couches were inherited from my mom, and she loves everything BIG. So I have very deep, very tall and very BIG sofas that need a hefty table to hold it's own between them. I was working on converting the dimensions of the modern farm table on my own, but Miss Ana is known to be a mind reader, and drew up these plans before I finished mine!

I am terrible when it comes to a) reading the advice given in comments and b.) finishing, so I didn't know it would be absolutely beneficial to stain these pieces before assembly... OOPS! At least it's in a corner! :-p

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Gel Stain - Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Craft Table

Maui Costco had a craft table but I waited too long to go back (1 week!) and they were sold out & discontinued. I stumbled across Ana White's website and found the "modern craft table." After a couple of modifications I am extremely happy with the results, as is my Golden Retriever "Buddy" who likes hanging out underneath while I am working. And yes, he has a mohawk!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
latex & primer in one
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tracysmith

Sat, 09/14/2013 - 23:39

Buddy looks very comfortable under "his" craft table ;-). Great job and isn't it fun to get something you want anyway - even after the big stores have sold out or discontinued, or both!? Love that part of building!

Burnt X Farm Table

Submitted by jeffwill on Thu, 11/05/2015 - 18:34

This is built off the Farm House X Table but I changed a few things around. The lower support beam has been raised up to the middle of the table. The table height has been raised to 40". The top of the table is floating. The top most 2x4s are secured directly to the top. They are also notched out a little to match the notch I put into the top support beam. The 2x4 is the female side and the support beam is the male. I finished the table by burning the top with a hand held torch and 2 coats or varnish. The base of the table has been white washed with 1 good coat.

Estimated Cost
Estimated cost of the wood, screws, varnish, and white wash is just shy of $90. I did buy extra screws, varnish, and white wash for future projects though.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
burnt with varnish on top and 1 liberal coat white wash on base.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Reclaimed wood headboard + footboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/30/2018 - 19:42

At 43, I feel like I finally have the bedroom I have wanted for many years.  Lots of thought on creating a bed, but this is the first time it's come to fruition.

Estimated Cost
$100-150, including the wax to finish the bed off. Lumber seems to cost more in Canada! Plus, I added in a footboard and rails.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Black paint, sanded down and then Country Chic Antique Wax applied on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Small rustic bench

Submitted by Lukilla on Tue, 09/13/2022 - 15:28

Fun build. We've been going through the scrap bin trying to figure out some ser projects to build. Had a piece of 1x12 that was perfect for this project. It had a little split in it, so we added a cherry bowtie to it.

Minwax weathered oak finish.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

My pottery barn ledge

Submitted by ajcajj on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 10:59

I've been wanting the pottery barn decorative ledge forever! I saw the picture online and was hoping I could find a tutorial for it. I ran across a couple but they weren't quite as big as the original and I wanted it to hang above my king size bed. So yesterday I headed out to my garage where I new I had a bunch of scraps/leftovers from my projects as well as my neighbor brought over some of his scap wood. I printed of the PB picture and wrote down the dimensions and got to work! This was my final result.

Estimated Cost
I only bought one piece of trim for $6.36.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained with a chocolate brown stain. I then brushed a light coat of white sanded/distressed and then brushed stain on and wiped it off.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Barn Wood Buffet

Submitted by nickdevos on Mon, 09/09/2013 - 13:20

Finished this project using scrap pine for the frame and shelves and old barn wood for the doors/siding/table top. Turned out great, can't wait for other projects to finish.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

nickdevos

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 13:23

hello, I really don't have plans for the project but I could send some pictures to you that would show how it was contructed. For the legs, lower shelf box, and table top box I used precut standard board (scrap board from Menards, $1 a piece. and then I glued the doors together and the side skirts, the back I just screwed on from the inside and these parts were all the barn wood.

Loft bed

Submitted by Kyjo5 on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 13:19

Built this bed from the look of the project done by Ana. Used 4x4s for the legs and used a router to make slots for the 1x8s to fit in. Everything was built as I went because our house was built in 1907 and nothing is square and it also has vaulted ceilings. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
High gloss white latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Added some trim and everyone thinks it cost $1000

First piece of furniture every built. I added some quarter round and 1x4 blocks. Finished with a grey stain and paste wax. Everyone asks me is where did I buy it and how did I afford it.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax classic grey and Johnsons paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Front Entry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 19:55

Sitting bench with shoe cubbie underneath. Barn boards for backing and shelving above.

Comments

Coffee table with storage, based on the factory cart coffee table.

Submitted by SuperMick on Sat, 08/20/2011 - 13:41

I modified the factory cart coffee table plans to make a coffee table with a removable top for storage. The result was more Pottery Barn than Restoration Hardware. I put a piece of plywood on the bottom, to make an enclosed box. Then modified the frame under the 1x6's of the top, to make it fit snugly in the opening of the top of the box. The sides of the box were 1x12's I had leftover from another project. Actually, everything was leftovers, except the 1x6's for the top, and the castors. The 4 inch castors were painted flat black with high heat wood stove paint (also a leftover from refinishing our pellet stove). I used smaller castors, since the table was already taller than the original plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso Stain (oil based)
Satin Polyurathane (oil based)
Ralph Lauren Flour Sack White Latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

cabin in the woods

This was something I had always wanted to build for my nieces and nephew! it was a blast to build and see it come together. Two people working on this job is best. I loved the look of being able to open the doors top and bottom! I added the awnings above all the windows and doors to prevent as much water going into the playhouse as possible. The roofing was a little overwhelming at first but as we got going it turned out just fine! I wanted to lantern in the front to actually light up but I didn't want to run electricity so I got the lantern and put a motion sensor battery light on the inside and it works great! I also put one on the inside for more lighting there too, along with 3 battery "candle" lanterns. For the inside decoration I went with a wood land theme, put a growth chart on the inside wall to measure their height each year, and even made face masks! This is always and ongoing project for me seeing as how i'm always adding something new. The little ones love coming over and getting mail in the mailbox. Thanks Anna for the playhouse plans! I'm excited to see my nieces and nephews imaginations grow with all the possibilities the playhouse brings!

Estimated Cost
$250-$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
exterior paint from menards in "clam chowder" and the brown is exterior paint we had on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

amelierainfall

Tue, 07/29/2014 - 14:04

So I had a hard time figuring out which house to build for my daughter and your house gave me such inspiration! I cannot wait to make this for my little girls 2nd birthday. She loves play pretend. Thank you for your inspiration!

My spin on kentwood nightstands

I included some pictures of very rudimentary drawings I did of all the cuts of wood you would need to build these if anyone wants to take a stab at it.  The drawings are rudimentary but you can definately build from them

Another idea I got from the kentwood posts.  Actually this was a brag from another user that got the idea from the kentwood nightstand post.  So I took to building it.  It is built out of solid pine.  For middle shelf and bottom shelf are cut from 3/4 thick plywood as my local store didnt cary pine large enough for the shelves and I did not feel like gluing slabs of pine together.  Though I ending up putting slabs of pine together for the top, because I wanted that to be pine like the rest of the nightstand.  I drilled a few pocket holes in each piece of pine.  Glued the edges and screwed them together with pocket holes which worked out great and I didnt have to clamp and wait for them to dry.  The inlay on the door is something I found at my local home depot.  It I glued it on and put a couple of pin nails around the eadges.

 

I finished the night stands with a cream white latex paint and glazed over the paint with valspar antiquing glaze which gave it a great ages grayish look.  Then sprayed it with a couple coats of Varethane Soft Touch Matte Polyurethane.  Which I dont recomend using.  I only used it because it was the only matte poly I had laying around.  If I were you I would opt for a much better poly to go over waterbased paint like General Finishes High Performance Poly.  The top I stained with General Finishes java gel coat and Gel coat poly.  I wasnt digging the way the gel coat looked on the pine nor did I like the color of the stain paired with the color of the nightstands.  so I have since then sanded off the gel coat and stained the top an onyx which to me looks a lot better.  Sorry I do not have any pictures of that.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz Premium pimer and sealer
Off white water based paint
Valspar Antiquing glaze
General Finishes Gel Stain
General Finishes Gel Top Coat Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kbdesigns

Wed, 11/18/2015 - 08:09

Very nice attention to detail! All the small things that you've done different/better that have made this piece unique, very talented!

In reply to by kbdesigns

diversity210

Wed, 11/18/2015 - 16:56

Well thank you very much.  I like to be unique or at least try to be unique.  Though sometimes it can be hard to pull away from the cliche and the usual.  I dont take all of the credit though.  Got the idea from another users brag post on the kentwood nightstand page.  I added my own person touches to the build but its still fairly similar.