Community Brag Posts

King Sized Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by stephsj on Fri, 07/20/2012 - 06:29

We have been sleeping on a inexpensive platform bed for the last 7 years and after falling in love with this website (thank you Ana, I am constantly bragging and showing your website to others) I decided to build us a farmhouse bed as my first project. I started this project back in October 2011....yes it took much longer than expected, but I have 2 kids a husband (so make that 3), a full time career in the military and a house to maintain. That and we got the news I am pregnant back in Nov!!! The head board and foot board did not take long and luckily we had a very mild winter here in NC (boo to no snow though). I decided to save some work and money by reusing the slats and hardware from my old bed to avoid buying more wood or having to get a box spring for our mattress. Unfortunately, that was my huge delay, I cut and stained my sideboards, bought what I thought would be great bed brackets and found myself with a space that was to wide for the slats and on top of that my husband managed to loose one of my brackets. Needless to say, months of sleeping on a mattress on the floor with my head board and foot board on either wall mocking us every night due to my overwhelming frustration and fear of having a colossal headboard fall on me while trying to work. I called upon the assistance of a good friend of mine (Christie you are amazing!!) to come over while my husband was out of town in May (I figured this would be a good time to surprise him, plus keep his opinions from making things take longer). So lots of how the heck are we going to do this and finding out the bed frame brackets I purchased were not as strong as they appeared (they broke!!). We got some new wood for the sides and some long bolts to get everything together and worked a whole Saturday to get it complete. Added a few L brackets to get rid of the wobble and its sturdy as a rock! It may have its flaws, but I love it and don't regret any of the time and stress it took to build it. I now have a beautiful comfortable bed to sleep in every night to patiently wait for my third little girl to arrive. It should last us for a very long time especially since I made sure that it could come apart and go back together for any future moves the military may take us.

I cannot wait to start my next project.....and hopefully it wont take as long this time ;).

Estimated Cost
$250 (using my local builder's supply saved a fortune compared to the local home improvement store....even though I did have to go to them for a few things)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used 2 coats of Bombay Mahogany stain with the polyurethane already included in.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

2x4 Chunky Console

Submitted by kmh4482 on Sun, 05/11/2014 - 01:45

This is the first thing I have ever made. I had my wood cut at Lowe's, bought a Kreg pocket hole jig and screws. I borrowed a friend's drill, sander and stain. I was amazed at how easy this was and how well it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Woodfinish Ebony - One coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

E's scooter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/13/2016 - 02:54

Fairly easy to make with a jigsaw and sander. I would suggest to whomever makes one of the Charlie scooters to use a hardwood as some of the section in the handlebar area can be fragile when weight is applied. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Automotive enamel paint and clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table and Benches

Submitted by pbkolsun on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 19:13

I used the plan available here and was able to create an 8ft farmhouse table with a set of benches.

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

West Elm Knockoff Rolling Cubby

This was my very first build! I didn't even have a saw, so I had the lumber guys at Lowes cut my boards for me. Also, I altered the dimensions to fit my space.

Check out my blog link for more info!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$64.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and painted with white glossy paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Underbed Lego Storage

Submitted by rosiejane on Tue, 05/13/2014 - 22:28

We were in desperate need of a lego storage solution for our son's small bedroom. I made this for his 7th birthday. I saw a photo of a similar one as a result of a google or pinterest search and decided to draw up some plans.
I recessed the top slightly so that pieces won't fall off. I just glued thin cleats to the inside of the box to hold the lid, (using spacers to get it at the height I wanted) Ideally the top would be reversible however I didn't quite get one of the dividers square so it only fits one way. I used Posca water-based markers to do the text. Make sure you wait until the text is really dry before you try to seal it (don't ask me how I know that...) Turns out that the markers don't react well with the brush on poly so I just left the text unsealed.
I was just going to have one handle on the front but then I made a stupid mistake and wrote the text so it would be upside down when pulled out (I know, dumb right!) So I added another handle on the other side. I used a water-based enamel for the whole box. Not sure if that was worth it of if I should have just used flat and given it a top coat of poly. I used a brush on the inside corners and found it really hard to get an even finish because I rolled the flat surfaces. Painting the pieces before assembly would probably fix this.
Added some castors so it can be pushed under the bed.

Estimated Cost
AUD$39 (plus lego baseplate and paint markers)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
dulux aquanamel - vivid white, posca water-based poster markers
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jlharrison

Sun, 02/05/2017 - 08:48

This is so awesome. Do you think you could share a more detailed account of build. Dimensions? Supplies? I am a newbie at this! I would greatly appreciate! 

2x10 Step Stools

Submitted by msyoung22 on Tue, 08/16/2016 - 07:26

My kids needed a step stool and I had some scrap wood (2x10) left over from a previous project

Estimated Cost
20 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax (weathered oak stain)
Minwax polycrylic protective finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kristyzed

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 20:40

These are great.  Can you share dimensions and if there are any angle cuts on the legs?

msyoung22

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:12

Thank you! The dimensions are the same as the Ana White "Simple 1x10 Single Step Stool" except I used 2x10's instead of 1x10's like the plans called for. I also used some scrap pallet wood to make a design on the top of the stool. 

- Stool height: 7 1/2" for legs, 1 1/2" for top, and 1/2" for scrap pallet wood; which gives a total height of 9"

- Stool width: 9 1/4" x 16"

- 5 degree angle cuts were made on the legs

Combined the Kentwood and Farmhouse Beds!!!

We loved the storage of the Farmhouse bed, but loved the headboard and foot board of the Kentwood. We also wanted a twin size bed. Instead of trying to figure out the measurements to make the farmhouse to a twin size (which is shorter in length), we made it at the full size length and just bought XL twin size mattresses, which were not hard to find and now we can keep the beds even after our boys become teenagers :-)

We basically built the headboards and foot boards from the kentwood exactly as Ana's plans state. Then we built the Farmhouse storage drawers. We love them!!! Thank you so much Ana for MORE great bed plans (this is our second set of bed plans we have made!

Estimated Cost
$350 per bed
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primed and painted
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

sgilly

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 20:48

These look great. I'm sure your kids are thrilled with their beds, and how amazing that you made these for them. They'll probably take them with them when they move out - years from now!

leaning bathroom shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 14:05

This was a pretty easy build, always a plus when you're looking for more storage. I'm not sure about the darkness of the stain though; I usually go with a walnut to match the rest of the house and wanted to try something different. This seems like a bit much. Might be easier to build an entire second set vs re-doing the stain though...

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax red mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Trash with Lift-up Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/26/2024 - 10:31

Replacing a trash bin for a friend whose cats could not get into. At the last minute I thought a little hiding area on top would give them some storage for bags and things. Had to go one size down on the Rubbermaid to allow for clearance when tilting open. They love it, the cats hate it.

Rustic Table

I made this table before the PB plans came out on the this site. I used gate hinges on the corners and 3/4" piece of all thread on the bottom. The top was poured with the High Gloss glaze from Lowes. It fits 8 all around and you could squeeze in 12 if you really needed to. All together this only cost $350.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My Outdoor Sectional Couch

This was built off Ana's Outdoor Couch plans.  I just made some additional things to it and made it larger.

I added the vertical back supports so the cushions don't slip out the back.  I raised the seat height to 17". 

Estimated Cost
$600-$800 including the cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oil primer and Latex Paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Codding58

Mon, 08/22/2016 - 13:57

Great job!    I really like the way that your set came out!    This had been on my list to do, but a broken foot put a damper on it this summer!    Great Job!

Love your plans!

Submitted by grhoden on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 14:35

Thanks for posting all of the great plans! Just finished this one after doing a couple of benches and a table. I needs to be sanded and stained but it was a fun project.

Double Outdoor Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/02/2024 - 11:16

I make these double benches with storage in the middle… very sturdy and comfortable…. Will last a long time….

Stewart Larocque

Garage shelves

Shelves in garage

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden paint. Martha Stewart colors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Brittany Maughan (not verified)

Wed, 08/22/2012 - 22:07

You are a genius! lol I have been complaining about my garage and how I need to organize the clutter so I can build more. All along I just needed to build this. Could you tell me an estimate of what it cost you?

Traditionally rustic reclaimed barn wood headboard

Submitted by suzhansen on Sat, 05/24/2014 - 21:17

I have to admit...I'm an Ana White and Pintrest addict. I was visiting my cousins farm and saw a pile of beautiful old & weathered barn wood. She let me take a big pile home. I washed and scrubbed the wood with a soft brush to get the years of dirt off. After dried, I layed down all the wood and picked out all the neat character pieces. I freehanded a template of the headboard on butcher paper and traced it on the boards. I cut the boards and lightly sanded the edges. I brushed on two coats of clear coat. When dried my hunky hubby helped me put it all together with 1x2"s and screws. We attached it to the bed frame and there ya have it! A gorgeous traditional-rustic headboard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deft satin clear polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Much needed for our bathroom!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 09:43

I am a really beginning builder (read: this is about my fifth project ever), but it works perfectly for our really tiny, narrow bathroom. I finished it with some stain we already had on hand. Thank you so much for the building plans!

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