Community Brag Posts

Best Floating Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/29/2022 - 11:57

I modified the size slightly and turned an old pallet into three matching floating shelves.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Outdoor Sectional- The Great Outdoors

I can't thank Ana enough for her plans on this project. We recently purchased a big project house that was going to need a lot of work (and a lot of money.) That's why I was thrilled to find Ana's plans for the exact West Elm Wood Slat Sectional I was eying for my screened in porch. The exact configuration at West Elm would have cost $2130, but I built it and sewed all the cushions for just $288! Ana's sewing plan was really helpful too, but I altered mine to include zippers in the back to remove the fabric for washing, and ties to hold the cushions securely to the sectional. We finished the sectional with super easy india ink and poly for a deep black finish that still shows the wood grain. The screened in porch is now our favorite room in the house! Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$288 with all cushions and pillows
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
India Ink- Found in art supplies stores this thin, watery ink goes on with a sponge brush and soaks completely into the wood leaving a deep, dark wood finish that still shows the wood grain. No need to worry about drips or evenness, this finish goes on in one coat and is super easy, especially on a tricky, large piece like this. Topped with 3 coats of water based poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JES

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 11:05

This looks really super! I clicked on your blog link and read a few entries (funny!) You did a great job! Love the fabric for the cushions too. How much India ink did it take to stain a piece this big? Did it take a long time to dry? cheers!
J

Scaled Down Shanty Hutch and Sideboard

Submitted by hilde04 on Tue, 09/24/2013 - 19:40

This was my husband's first build using Ana White plans. He scaled down the hutch and sideboard to fit our kitchen (42"x80"). It took about 24 hours to complete. We used a Minwax stain in Dark Walnut. I have looked for a piece to replace an ugly old baker's rack for years and hated the junk at places like Target. Everything I liked at Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware were too expensive. I never found anything old that I liked enough to refinish so having the hubby pull this one out is basically awesome! Yay!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut stain, paint brush, foam roller, stain cloths
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

altmana24

Thu, 06/23/2016 - 13:27

What kind of trim did you use on the top of your hutch and how did you attach it? 

Faux fireplace mantel

I just wanted to say thank you, Anna White, for easy to follow instructions for this DIY. I've really enjoyed making this piece and it turned out oh so pretty! It's exactly what I wanted :) And to those who may be intimidated by this project, I'd say Go For It! You can do it!!! :)

                                             ~ Marina

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial 211
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ( French Linen )
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hidden slid top addition.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/27/2019 - 19:15

I wanted a add a safe spot to hide all my gaming controllers and remotes from my 1 1/2 yr old nephew. It was pretty simple and I got the idea from tactical designs. They make hidden storage! If you cant tell it is still dusty from sanding! Best wipe it off!

Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ipswich pine with polyurethane top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Toy Box

Submitted by jerryh729 on Tue, 12/13/2022 - 09:18

First of two toy boxes for my grandsons

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Time Out Bench

Submitted by VelvetSky on Fri, 09/09/2011 - 07:19

I built this from wood scraps. I saw one at Walmart online but thought it was too small. I built this to suit my tall toddler.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finish Gel Stain Java

Decopauged 'Time Out'
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fish Fry Table

Submitted by gjohanson on Thu, 09/26/2013 - 13:20

I call this the fish fry table because I built it for my mom to fry her fish on outside rather than in the kitchen. :) I did the old barn wood finish on it (vinegar and steel wool) and used a sharpie to draw the Philippine Islands on it. Conveniently, there was even a knot in the wood to emulate a tropical storm. Then sealed it with a clear gloss poly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
old barn wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Built in bookcase with lights

Submitted by AndyH on Sat, 12/12/2015 - 14:19

Built in bookcase with lighting and power outlets in cupboards for audio and DVD equipment to feed to the wall mounted tv (to the left).

The photo with the lights is when it was unfinished and I also decided that I didn't like the inset doors and so made new overlay ones. Now I have four doors I need to use on another project...

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Pro Classic Extra White Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Mon, 12/14/2015 - 05:43

Inspiring to see such amazing work!  Love the attention to detail and precision.  Ana

Bown

Sun, 09/10/2017 - 18:45

Did you go by a plan? I'd like to do this but I definitely need a step by step plan.

Kids Stoarge Table and Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 07:06

Built from kids storage chairs and table by ana white

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White chalk paint and light blue valspar
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

American Girl Dollhouse with Crawlspace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 13:20

We had a lot of fun building this. We made the bottom floor 1/2 the size so she can use it as a storage (aka crawlspace). I also followed another posts idea of using 4 inch tongue and groove pattern board (beadboard) for the roof.

Comments

Benchwright Dining Table

I built this table using a hybrid approach; I used Ana's plans as a loose guideline (leg angles) and drafted the rest using the dimensions supplied at Pottery Barn's website (for the fixed table, not the extendable version).

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The table is finished in an Espresso stain with a clearcoat of Minwax oil-modified water-based clear satin polyeurethane. I beefed up the table legs by using "4x"6 lumber and also included a wood stretcher instead of a metal one. I originally installed a "3/4 metal stretcher made of spray-painted conduit, but it looked too flimsy and dinky when juxtaposed with the thick legs of the table. I added two countersunk lag screws to each endcap and also attached the stretcher with two lag screws and joist supports (all spray painted with Rustoleum textured black enamel). My favorite part of the table is the faux slotted cross-brace ends that protrude from each leg. I simply cut four "1 pieces of "1x"4 scrap and attached one to each leg using glue, two nails, and a nail set. Pottery Barn charges $999.00 for this table; I built it for $150.00.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Keri Beth (not verified)

Wed, 09/14/2011 - 23:04

This is awesome. I'm finishing up my first project (floor to ceiling bookcases) and looking for a dining room table to make next. This just might be the one. Thanks for sharing!

Herringbone Table

Submitted by newtoit on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 11:58

This was a project I had been dying to try out as a way to challenge myself. I wanted to make a herringbone pattern on a table top. I built the legs around the Bois Rouge Saint Paul Table plans. The hardest part was milling on the wood and making it the same width and size but once I had all my pieces the process went pretty smoothly. The funy thing is I did not build this piece for anyone specific and now I have this beautiful table that is sitting unused in my garage. The next step is to sell it!! wink

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300-$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Herringbone Bar Height Dining Table with Hairpin Legs

Submitted by kwildman on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 07:13

We used 3/4" birch plywood and glued 1/2" thick x 3" wide wood pieces in a herringbone pattern to make the top.  We used 1 x 3 oak boards for the trim.  The wood is a variety including walnut, maple, cherry, sassafras, etc.   We ordered the metal hairpin legs.   

We started with a base stain of Danish Oil in Dark Walnut.  Once that dried, we went back over that with a very light coat of Minwax gray wash oil based stain.   We used 4 coats Laquer for the top coat.

Easy build and we love how it turned out!

Estimated Cost
$350 Bar Height hairpin legs were $100, 1/2" wood variety pack was $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Dark Walnut Danish Oil, one light coat of Minwax oil based gray wash, and four coats of laquer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pantry Storage Spice Rack

Submitted by redhead_61 on Mon, 09/19/2011 - 21:49

I am kind of a visual organizational neat freak and I have been annoyed by all the little things taking up good shelf space in my pantry for a long time now. This just kept getting pushed down the list ya know, not a major project. Anyway, grabbed an extra board at the store the other day and knocked this one out. I LOVE it. I made it short because I want to build a trash bag holder for the bottom half of the door. We'll see how long it takes me. I did use a 1x4 instead of Ana's plan which uses a 1x6. I only needed small things to put in here.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

SingleMomThriving

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 10:04

Looks like the 1x4 was a perfect fit for all those little items, especially the wraps which get pushed to the back all the time and the pasta boxes. I feel some inspiration coming on.....

lianatempera

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 14:16

This is awesome. I should probably do this for my pantry, as well. Thanks for the inspiration!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Wed, 09/21/2011 - 09:31

I love it! Great price,too!

I especially love how the design corals all those pesky little things that always seem to get pushed all the way to the back of my cabinets and drawers.

I'm definitely putting this on my list of things to build!

Cindy from Indiana

Jen Pedro

Wed, 09/21/2011 - 13:34

I assume your door is the usual hollow pantry door. What type of anchors did you use to hold the shelves in place? Did you use standard wall anchors with your screws?

Looks great!

redhead_61

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 08:19

I just got an anchor that looked like it had a little more 'umph' to it. It is called a Cobra Tripple Grip. It looked like it had a section that popped open a little more once the screw went in. I thought that might hold it a little more securely. I feel no movement when I jiggle it at all.

Chris A (not verified)

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 08:29

Very nice project.
Just came along looking for a storage shelf and I saw your door shelf. Going to build one of these for sure, sick of the little wire ones we have falling down every other day.

Greenheart Bathroom Vanities

I've been working on these bathroom vanities for a family building a home. These are made of gorgeous Greenheart lumber. I have only worked with pine and spruce up to this point, but this wood is truly stunning. It has been quite the adjustment to work with, and I've broken my share of bits and screws :)

All of these together took me about a week to complete. Had I been working with a softer wood it would have taken no time hardly, but the hardwood....that's a whole other ballgame to me!

They will be adding 2'' thick concrete counter-tops on these when they get installed. I love the simplicity of their look!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
No idea on what this wood costs (and the costs to get it to where I live)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Unfinished in these photos. They are still trying to decide the final finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

NimbleShopper

Tue, 10/01/2013 - 07:35

These vanities are beautiful. It would be really neat if you could add pictures when they are installed with the counter tops! I am contemplating replacing a vanity with a DIY one, and I love seeing how other people have made things beautiful with their own 2 hands.

Twisty Table

Submitted by stacynabby on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 11:48

Saw this clever side table on Pinterest. It's made out of 1 1x8x8. I was able to figure out how to build a jig for the table saw to suit the project and then it was easy peasy lemon squeezy from there.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Light Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seal

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 08:40

I would love to build this unique table, but can't seem to find some actual plans with dimensions and jigs

 

Seal

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 08:45

Would you please email me the plans for this table. Thanks so much

Wine Bar/ Record stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 08:50

We needed a piece that served two purposes, a Wine bar and a record stand. I used a plan from the site and altered the dimensions to fit records and wine holders. I used thick wood up top and stained and lacquered it. I added a few extra shelves for glasses and so forth, and put in the wine holders. That ended up taking a little extra on this build but I had a great time doing it! 

Estimated Cost
250ish
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

The Weekend Sleeper

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 01/10/2023 - 10:03

My step son, who is in college, comes to stay with us some weekends and we don't have a lot of room in the rental we are in. So I built a place for him to put his things and sleep, during his visit. This was an easy and quick build using 1x10's for the frame and 1x2's for the face frame. Being 1x10's it's super low profile and doesn't make the room feel much more crowded, so that is a huge bonus! I built it around the dimensions of this floor bed/sofa that I found on amazon

Here's a Youtube Video of me building it, if you want to see how it went together.

I really like this design, because I feel it would make a great addition to a guest room, bonus room, dorm room, shared room and more. I ended up attaching it to the wall as you will see in the video because it will be tippy if not. Hope you like it!