Community Brag Posts

First cabinet done! Media/Wine Cabinet

Submitted by sgilly on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 21:35

I needed a project, my daughter and son-in-law wanted a cabinet that had to be custom built to fit in their small space. It was just what I needed. Nothing simple for my 1st time, oh, no! I wanted doors and drawers. Learned a lot, and know I have a lot more to learn. The importance of getting things square is probably #1 on my list. I thought I'd start parking my car in the garage, but this was too much fun - the tools are staying!

Estimated Cost
Probably should cost about $175, but I probably spent $100 more with all my mistakes and changes!
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Spray paint, 3 coats of espresso, matt finish. Then 3 coats of semi gloss spray on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

American Girl PicnicTable

Submitted by LorieCali on Fri, 07/12/2013 - 18:40

I sent your plans to my dad, who built a table for my daughter. She loves it! And it goes perfectly with her AG tent.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic "X" Coffee Table

This was my first project from Ana's website! She does such a wonderful job making the plans easy to follow for the novice builder.

I really needed a rustic coffee table for my new living room. All of the retail stores expect you to pay hundreds of dollars for a table less than half of the quality. I am so happy with how the table turned out! I already have a list of other furniture that I want to add to my home. Thanks so much for all you do, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used one coat of Minwax Special Walnut (wiping off immediately after brushing it on). Once that dried, I went over it with Minwax Weathered Oak (left it on for about 5 minutes before wiping it off).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Variation on shoe box

A challenging project, using 150 year old recycled wood, hence finish showing respect to it's age. The challenge was getting the internal swinging shelf right.

(Boxes underneath are easy to build MDF toy boxes - different project). All Christmas presents

Farmhouse Table

I have always helped my dad with projects, but this was the first one I ever did without my dad! The directions were very easy and I had no trouble at all. The table turned out beautiful. I modified it a bit by making it a little longer and using a 1x2 on the ends to cover the rough edges instead of a bread board. I also made 2 benches as we are a family of 10. I have 2 high chairs attached to the end. This table will seat 12 adults comfortably! I am so excited to finally have a big sturdy table. Thank you sooo much for this site. I have a new hobby now! ;o)

Estimated Cost
I spent around 175 on materials for 2 benches and the table, including the stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded first with a random orbit sander 80 grit, then a 120, then 220. I wiped everything down with a tack cloth, then stained with special walnut. After 3 coats of stain, I used a clear lacquer. I put about 7 coats of lacquer! That may be overkill, but I have 8 children, 6 of which are boys!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hailey Platform Bed and headboard +5" in height

Submitted by Debi G on Sun, 07/14/2013 - 08:07

I used the Hailey plans with the following modifications because there's no such thing as TOO sturdy.

Instead of 2x4s on their own, I used the leftover lengths of my 2x6s for legs, joined at the corners (Kreg pocket hole screws) with 2x4s for a chunkier look and a very stable bed.

I made the legs 5" taller than the plans called for. Otherwise, the bed simply seemed like it would be too squat for my tall son.

For the casing/trim, which is pricey, I went to the Habitat Re-Store and found two matching pieces for $3.00 a piece.

I deviated from the plan by adding the trim last, after the headboard was otherwise complete. I had considered painting the casement, but decided to leave it all wood-tone, and I'm glad that I did.

The furring strips at my local big blue box store were so terribly warped that I used pine boards instead. This increased the overall price, but decreased frustration and time spent sanding. I work slowly and deliberately as it is, always worried about mis-measuring, so anything I build takes twice as long as anticipated.

With every project I undertake, my wood filler shows and my budget exceeds the amounts in plans and other brag posts. The bed and headboard combined cost me about $230 to build. That's still a great budget, but $80 more than I'd hoped after reading Shanty 2 Chic's inspiring details.

The stain on this bed is Minwax Provincial 211, and I used three coats of Minwax's water-based poly.

Best of all, my husband and I carried this bed from the garage, up the stairs, around the corner, and into a bedroom while it was fully assembled with legs. (He lost the bet on that one, saying I'd regret wood-gluing it all together ahead of time.)

Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial 211
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bullitt453

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 12:16

Looks really good. Been thinking about doing a heavily modified version of the Hailey bed for my son as well. Could you do me a favor and tell me the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the frame rail?

Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by calirun on Sun, 07/12/2015 - 13:31

I built this for my daughter's room.  It is my second build.  It is the perfect size for her room.  I used chalkboard paint for the top surfaces.  The knob is from Lowe's.  Thank you Ana White for providing these fun plans!  I am excited to start my next project!!!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan Pure White Chalk Paint (2 coats). Annie Sloan Clear wax (one coat). Black chalkboard paint from Lowes (2 coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

End Table

Needed an end table, left out the x's on the sides.

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Winwax American Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Picture ledges

Submitted by nanpannapa on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 13:42

PIcture ledges ~ made my living room look so much better. Thanks Ana

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Left over satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My biggest project to date.

Submitted by bkis1969 on Thu, 07/16/2015 - 13:43

I made this bar several years ago after returning from a deployment to Iraq. I used the spillway as a convenient location for some of my military award coins. At this point I had little in the way of skill so it is rough but everything else being equal, it turned out just fine for the garage man cave.

Estimated Cost
800.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tile Top, Black Walnut Stain, Light Oak Stain, and Varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Two Story 18" or American Girl Dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2022 - 09:03

My husband and I made this for our 7 year old granddaughter's birthday. She loved it!! As always, your plans are step by step and easy to follow. Thank you!!!

Comments

Modified grandy console

Submitted by Lukilla on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 12:22

Built a smaller version of the grandy console with slot in the top for a sound bar. This was my first time using barn door hardware. Was a good time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250 (includes barn door hardware)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain anf white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Whiskey/ Wine Bar

Submitted by Dan Dodd on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 13:43

Whiskey on the left, Wine rack & glass holders on the right with storage in the middle. Frame built mostly with Pine, painted with Peppercorn Grey. Cherry tabletop with live edge. Finished with boiled linseed oil and semi-gloss polyurethane. A whiskey Bar should be fun! Stick on lights in each bay battery powered, comes with remote with many color options.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 03/18/2022 - 17:41

It looks great and serves it purpose, love the added lights for fun! Thanks for sharing:)

Kentwood Nightstands #My First Project

Submitted by daddydrew on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 11:41

This was my first project I did this many months back and I have just now started to put up brags after getting into building furniture for about 8 months now. This project was much easier than I expected and I did the build out in about two hours. When I did this project all that I had tool wise was a mitre saw, a drill, and a tape measure so if you want a project that uses minimal tools this one would be a great one to start with! I think that I spent around $125 on this bedside table and that number is a little bit higher because I used all premium wood because it was my first project. I stained it with Jacobean oil based stain and then I used the polycrylic finish (both by minwax) which turned out great I think!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean oil based stain
polycrylic clear coat finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mud Room Family Clothes Closet

Our son built this based off of these plans. He had to make the corner hanging areas smaller to fit our area, but we were still able to use this space for hanging items.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Deck Chairs

Submitted by melaniesue on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 10:46

These were so simple, and SO FUN to build! These were done all while having a schools out party, and an evening outdoor movie with kids running wild! I really liked building them, and can't handle how cute they are! I used pocketholes and also brads and glue. Pretty sturdy, but I think I will use harder wood for them next time. We went to a cabin over Memorial Day, and we ended up leaving them for the owner because we thought they were so cute on her deck! My finish was super easy and fast because I wanted them finished so I stained, and dry painted then set them in the front to dry out in the sun, sealed with poly and TADA, DECK CHAIRS!!

Estimated Cost
15.00, maybe?? Including the fabric for both chairs.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Oops paint, and Minwax Dark Walnut. Distressing, it was a super simple finish. I got the fabric at JoAnns and used my coupon 40% off.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

queen sized bed for my twin sized son

My son wanted a bigger bed so when his friends and cousins sleep over they dont have to squeeze into his twin. My son is 12 by the way, so when I got a king I gave him my queen. I needed to raise it up because I knew I wanted to build a trundle to put under it. This bed is pretty heavy, very sturdy (even with 5 kids sleeping on it or jumping on it) I took the idea from my Malm bed from ikea but its a lot heavier and stronger

Estimated Cost
just under $100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax ebony stain. 2 coats. semi gloss poly spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Reclaimed look headboard with vinegar and steel wool finish

Submitted by edaffron on Mon, 07/27/2015 - 20:00

Used a vinegar and steel wool solution. Also put some six inch 1x6 3 inches from the bottom as a bracket to mount to a full bed frame. If I later upgrade to a queen I will but the wood bracket flush and reattach

Estimated Cost
About $95
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar and steel wool brewed a month
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments