Community Brag Posts

Shelf for Organizing Supplies

We were throwing all of our woodworking supplies into this closet off my patio, and it was really hard to find what we needed when we needed it.
So we made this shelf using two 2x4x10s cut to an inch less than 5ft each for the legs, and 4 1x3x8s cut to half inch less than 2ft each cut. (one board per shelf). (Measurements are for minimum waste)
Kreg jigged the 1x3s together 4 deep for each shelf. Used 1 1/4" Kreg screws.

We might go back and add a shelf or two to fix the odd spacing at the top and give us more shelves for the little things.

Estimated Cost
$12.50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Didn't finish as it's just going on a closet on the balcony and we needed it quick and finishing is the most time consuming.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Dollhouse bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/03/2016 - 23:21

We did make some revisions to the plans, including making it shorter and not as wide. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Hi gloss Behr Marquee paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

I used the farmhouse table plans but substituted almost 100 year old wood from our family farm. Pocket hole joints on the table top and lots of sanding...! The bench was made from the same wood and followed roughly the plans for the dining bench.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax pre-stain and oil based Minwax Jacobean and finished with oil based satin spar varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Two Toy Boxes from Plywood

Submitted by cat34c2000 on Sat, 08/11/2012 - 22:04

I am in process of making these for my new twin nephews. By reducing the width of the toy box by 1/2", I was able to fit two of the open top toy boxes on one sheet of cabinet grade plywood ($30).

For Two Toy Boxes cut plywood to the following dimensions (see photo for layout):

2 - 32 x 15 1/2 pieces (bottoms)
4 - 33 1/2 x 15 1/2 (front and back)
4 - 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 (sides)

My local Home Depot does not charge for cutting the plywood and the person that was assisting me made absolutely perfect cuts and helped direct me to the cabinet grade plywood (which was located away from the plywood aisle), thus saving me an extra $15.

Boxes took approximately 2-3 hours each to build, another hour to sand and fill screw holes, and several hours to paint.

Photo is of Dexter's toy box. Dante's looks very similar. My 2 year old niece enjoyed taking a nap inside of the boxes as well.

Make sure to purchase non-toxic paint.... I believe one of my nephews may be part beaver!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
less than $20 each + Paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Paint in a chocolate brown for the outside of the box. Inside was leftover paint from another project. Lettering paint was off the mis-mixed shelf at home depot.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Patio bench

Submitted by chipona on Mon, 06/02/2014 - 14:11

This bench for 2 was made of leftover pine wood planks I had in my cellar. I used different saws and a router to make sure the ends where smooth and give the overall project a elegant touch. Since I love to see the texture of wood I chose a walnut stain.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Simple Rolling Bar Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/05/2016 - 13:29

Made this over the weekend with my Daughter. Gray oil based stain. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70 with wood, casters, fasteners, and stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based gray. Brushed on then wiped with rags.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by mmendoza on Wed, 06/17/2020 - 18:18

My wife wanted a outdoor sofa, so I did a lot of search for the simplest plan and cost effective for us and I ended finding your youtube post and I said what the heck...lets go for it. Although, I like your plans, I modified it a little, the seat back is a little higher and at a 15 degree angle.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Expresso Stain and satin finish poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

raised garden bed

Submitted by abbpim on Wed, 08/15/2012 - 10:13

I built this a couple months ago and I'm finally getting around to posting a brag post. This is the second woodworking project I've ever done and my first year gardening! I almost spent over a hundred dollars on one of these raised garden beds and then I saw Ana White's plans and I am so grateful! Hopefully my tomatoes will be ripe soon, but one thing is for sure... this raised garden bed paid for itself with the amount of veggies I'm getting from it! I have big gardening plans for next year! Sorry my second pic is sideways... can't figure it out!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none... I've heard finish chemicals can seep through into the plant roots and then into the veggies.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X coffee table

Submitted by mkwsrt4 on Thu, 06/05/2014 - 02:56

This was my first woodworking project and I absolutely love it. I think it turned out amazing and was actually very simple to do. I just got some construction grade lumber from Home Depot and borrowed some tools and got started. I did have to buy a Kreg Jig, which is an amazing tool by the way. I am not complaining about having to buy it since I have used it on many projects since!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used steel wool dissolved in vinegar to chemically distress the wood. Then I sanded it down and applied a dark stain, I can't remember exactly which one. I applied two coats of stain, then I applied 3 coats of polyurethane, sanding in between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board

A cutting board seems to be a right of passage for any new wood worker, that and making a mallet! I’ve already made a mallet and have been putting off making a cutting board so I figured now was as good a time as any. I’ve always liked the look of edge grain maple and I had some scraps of maple that were too narrow for most projects so I figured that I would go for that look. To spice it up a bit I decided to add a couple of accent strips of Oak.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Poolside Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Christian on Fri, 08/17/2012 - 13:35

Pocket Screws are my new favorite things! Total of 10 chairs made, 6 corners and 4 sides. Over 230 cuts, and 1000 pocket screws. It took me a while to finish, but I am very pleased with the result. I would not attempt this project without the Kregg Jig or similar product however. It saved me a bunch of time. The plans were detailed and easy to follow. I added a back brace to the design, and decided to make three separate units instead of a u-shaped sofa. This adds more armrests to the unit. I intend to add end tables in the corners and a table in the middle still. Instead of screwing the chairs together I used One-Wrap Velcro so the units can be reconfigured. I purchased the cushions instead of making them. Lowes had some on sale for $50. It added about $500 to the total cost, but it was worth not having to sew.

Estimated Cost
$1000 ($500 wood, $500 cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic Maximum deck coating.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sue_McL

Sun, 08/19/2012 - 09:03

Just got inspired (Thanks to Ana) and built a deck this summer.

Wanted to do something in the Simple Modern Collection...

Been trying to figure out what chairs and loveseats to put out there. You've given me the inspiration to do it this way!

I think I'll just start it easy -- one sectional at a time.... easier on the budget, too. And I sew, so the cushions will be done at home during the winter -- mix 'n' match.

Am raising the seat height a little (bad knees) and would love to know if there is any way to slant the back? I'm sure I'll figure something out.

Can't wait to show this to my family!!!

Beautiful.... just beautiful...

Storage Sofa

Submitted by Deekra on Sat, 06/07/2014 - 18:53

This is a project I completed last summer. I made some revisions to the original plan. First off, I wanted a corner sofa, so I had to figure out how the corner would work. This was my first ever wood working project and I'm not an architect or engineer, so it was quite challenging. I made a mini model out of foam core to give me a visual of how it would all work together. That was a tremendous help and I recommend doing this to anyone just starting out.

I did not use the part of the plan that included the foot pedestal. Instead, I built the sofa flat on the ground and in the end added store bought feet mainly because I liked the looks of them.

The sofa was built exclusively with the Kreg Jig, except for attaching the horizontal back pieces. I could have use the jig for that part as well, but liked the rustic look that screwing them in to the back braces provided.

I didn't want a padded back because the sofa sits outside on a covered, screened in patio year round. I wanted the ability to take off and wash all the cushions, or to use the bench without the back cushions sometimes.

The 2 sections of the couch were built as independent units and are movable, so one can sit across from each other. Both sections have ample storage.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
A base coat of a light teal, with several shade of lighter and darker teal dry brushed over it. Topped with a thin white wash.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Dog kennel

My husband and I took this on as our first project.. very happy with the results!! Our american bulldog gets kennel anxiety so we thought we would try this and he loved it right off the back! It is nice and lg he is 90lbs and our little one has made his way in with him to and he is 25lbs they both fit comfortably!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain and polyeurathane with a baby blue latex based paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/22/2020 - 10:49

Followed the farmhouse instructions - worked great!!
The two tone finish matches the table I built

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax jacobean with Valspar bright white

Advice - paint/stain everything but the top first to decrease the cracks and crevasses you need to get your brushes into to avoid getting paint on stained surfaces or vice versa
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Boat Shaped Planter

Submitted by Saf37y on Wed, 04/03/2024 - 07:39

boat planter

A fleet of 3 wooden boat planters built in the traditional style of a clinker creel boat (Orkney Longliner).

Alex

DIY Murphy bed made from solid wood

My husband used the plans from this website to make a single Murphy bed. He didn't make any changes, save for building the frame out of solid poplar and using birch plywood for the flat surface the mattress sits on when it's unfolded. We trimmed it to mimic the the lines of a built-in in the same room, and stained it Jacobean to make it look dark. It's a solid piece of furniture and is saving us tons of space.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Pergola and Outdoor Furniture

The pergola is finally complete! I'm sure I'll be adding some more things, but for now....I'm happy. I can not take credit for the Pergola, my husband built that, but there are lots of projects inside to tell you about. I built the sofa, coffee table, 2 chairs and 2 planters. It's a great spot for entertaining or just sitting with glass of wine. I really loved the Rectangles Daybed , but I really had no use for a Daybed, so with a few modifications, I came up with the sofa version. To make it more comfortable I used the slanted back idea from the simple outdoor sofa plan.I love how it turned out and it was fairly inexpensive too. Lumber cost was around $50. I used 2x 6′s, 2×2 furring strips, 1×2 furring strips and 1×4 furring strips. You really have to pick through the furring strips, with some patience I was able to find pieces that would work well for my project. Using the more expensive would would make things much easier, because there would be much less sanding and filling involved…but I love a bargain!! When I first built the sofa for this collection, it was for our covered porch. I was not intending to build any matching pieces. When we moved it to the pergola, I decided to build these 2 chairs. I used plan from the simple outdoor chair and modified the back to match the sofa. The lumber for the chairs cost about $25 per chair. I bought some 2X2 quartz tiles from the Habitat ReStore for $3 each! I thought they would work perfectly for the tabletop. I sketched up a quick design to match the other pieces and came up with this. I used 2×3′s and 1×2′s. The lumber cost was about $15. I also used the Square Planters with Finials plan. I love these planters do much and they were so simple! Thanks for all the fantastic plans and inspiration!!

Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

teresad2297

Thu, 05/12/2016 - 21:30

What a lovely space! Including the water feature behind the pergola. I'd love to pull it straight from your photos and drop it into my yard! (I'd better get to work!!)  Thanks for sharing.

 

Seasonal And Holiday

My rustic Farmhouse queen bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/10/2016 - 18:40

I found a bed on line that I loved but I didn't want to pay the sticker price. I found the plans here that were very similar and we built it from your plans with a few modifications. One being the side boards are 12' wide so that it will completely hide the box spring. I love the finished look. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$280
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Aged oak Gel stain and 4 coats of varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor couch

Submitted by Fitnpink on Wed, 06/24/2020 - 10:42

I get so many orders for this couch! I modified the loveseat plans to make it bigger. Love how sturdy and gorgeous it is. Great piece. Thank you for the plans!

Comments

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by jwerne2 on Thu, 08/23/2012 - 09:29

We made two of the Farmhouse Bedside Tables to go with the Farmhouse Queen Bed with Arch. The nighstands went together quickly and are beautiful! You just can't beat the quality for the cost to build them. My husband added a piece of wood behind the drawer to act as a stop so the drawer doesn't push in too far. We chose not to add drawer slides because the drawers are perfect without. Another great plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Java Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Side Table

Submitted by jandmhough on Sat, 06/14/2014 - 10:08

We've moved into a new house and I have lots of furniture I want to build. The side table was a pretty easy build, I did it in a couple hours in the afternoon. This is my first project with a drawer. The tricky part to it was putting the bottom in. I think i need to get a router so I can cut some grooves to slide it in. Trying to put brads into a 1/4 inch thick piece of plywood was really tricky. I didn't really use a plan, I just put it together based on the wood that I had available. I built it pretty much from scraps from other projects I've done.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$6 for the drawer pull and a small piece of plywood for the bottom of the drawer
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut (personal favorite) with a spray paint clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Back