Community Brag Posts

Rustic Breakfast Bar

I built this bar for my mom to use i her dining room. I altered the plans for the X Style Desk to build this at bar height. This was my first time distressing anything and was pleased with the outcome. i used one coat of Minwax Dark Walnut stain and two coats of Minwax clear satin finish. White shellac Based primer, brown egg shell paint and Green egg shell paint for the base and sanded for the distressed look. I used dimensional pine lumber from the home center to build this with.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut stain and Clear satin Poly. White shellac Based primer, brown egg shell paint and Green egg shell paint for the base and sanded for the distressed look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Shark HD4 Extended Bed Sturdy Workbench

Submitted by Janettx on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 05:30

I started with the sturdy workbench plans ( http://www.ana-white.com/2011/03/sturdy-work-bench ) but enlarged it to 38x64x33 to accommodate my new CNC machine.  The plans give you enough enformation so that making a size change it very easy.  I used scrap wood I had and Plywood so the project only cost $85.00 to build.  I didn't have many 2x4's so I used the 2x6's I had instead.  Very sturdy table that took about 4 hours to build.

Thanks,

Janet Fox

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$85.00 with and scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
left raw
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Drop-Down Door Hutch Desk

Submitted by danicarby on Thu, 05/14/2015 - 13:47

I designed this desk from another desk I built. With this one, I wanted the overall foot-print smaller but still something that was able to organize all our office stuff and be able to close everything to keep it clutter-free. We have a small apartment, and although this desk is about the size of an up-right piano, it works perfectly into our living space!

I made it out of raw hardwood (Ash) and because I knew just the wood alone would make this desk heavy/bulky to move I made the top hutch removable. It's held in place by wood pegs (dominos). All the shelves are adjustable and the drawers are full-extension (something I've never had - wahoo)! The drop-down door is help up by 2 pull-out boards on each side (my first desk had chains). I spend a lot of money on this desk because I knew it was a chance in a lifetime to make and wanted it to be perfect and something that would last generations.

I built the main carcass off of plans/measurements I designed, but then all the insides, drawers, shelves, doors, etc where made as I built (because just a millimeter difference in building changes everything)!

If you want more pictures/descriptions of the building process I wrote about it in a 4-part series on my blog.

Estimated Cost
$1,000 for all wood & supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
To achieve the ash gray color I used "General Finishes" brand water-based stains (equal mixtures of Walnut, Antique Oak & Whitewash) with 1/2 ratio of Pre-Stain Conditioner (bought from Woodcraft). I did 2-3 coats stain, lightly sanded and sprayed 2 coats of Ceramithane clearcoat using HVLP sprayer (sanding with 550 grit paper in between).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Providence table made smaller

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/17/2016 - 10:12

We altered Ana's plans and made a little bit smaller version of it. :)

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tikkurila Valtti Puuöljy Akva
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Twin Bed Frame with Geometric Art

I was given this bed frame by a neighbor whose children had outgrown it and wanted to make a few changes before putting it in my son's room. I took the original frame (built from Ana's Farmhouse Bed woodworking plans) and stripped most of the existing finish. Then, I stained over the stripped paint to give it the distressed look. Next I created the DIY geometric wood art to fit in both the headboard and the footboard. To do this I cut down scrap 1" thick lumber to varying widths and arranged it into a geometric pattern. This was such a fun project and I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! I wrote out every step of the process in this blog post: https://mamaneedsaproject.com/diy-twin-bed-frame-with-geometric-wood-ar… Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)

Leaning Bathroom Ladder Shelf

Submitted by Jminor83 on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 10:53

My wife saw your post for this shelf and knew it would be perfect for our half-bathroom.  She showed it to me and I agreed.  I built it in a few hours one afternoon.  Stained and sealed a few days later and it fits perfectly.  Now we just need to wait (impatiently) for everything to cure so we can actually begin to use it.  We'll try and share another final photo when in full use.

Estimated Cost
Already had all supplies on hand. If I had to price it....
$5 for 2 2x4s (sides)
$10 for 1 1x10 (shelves - ripped to shorter widths as needed)
$6 for 3 1x2s
(+screws/nails/glue/stain/sealer)

Total $21
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of stain, followed by two coats of polyethylene. Light sanding with sanding sponge to smooth everything out once dried. Going to wait a week for everything to cure before placing anything on the shelves.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple 2x4 Bench

Submitted by jennibee on Sun, 09/14/2014 - 17:03

I made this in an afternoon. Loved this project. It is made with 2x4's using a Kregs Jig and mitre saw (plus additional tools like a drill and square).  This was my frist time using the Kregs Jig and I am sold!!

The free plans were taken from another website. They are very detailed and there is even a video (I recommend it as he gives a great tip for making sure the back stays equal/level to each other before putting the back on). Even though you can build this by yourself, I did have help for the heavier sides once they were assembled.  I plan to build the additional side table soon and finish them both with sanding and staining when the weather seems less iffy for rain.

If you are looking for a good beginner project that doesn't take forever or have complicated steps, this is your project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Style Toy Box / Blanket Chest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 11:17

I built this for my daughter after Christmas sinse she had the living room covered in toys. The dimensions are 37" x 18" x 20" 

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil - Medium Walnut (2 coats) with a light sanding between coats with 220 grit, I allowed 24 hours between each coat to dry. To protect the surface I used water based polyurathane matte finish (3 coats) with a light sanding - 400 grit.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwelch

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 13:06

Great job! Can you share more about how the legs were constructed and joined? Was this project based on Ana White's "Simple" toy box plan? Any info appreciated.

jgreaff

Tue, 01/09/2018 - 05:51

HI Anna, 

Can you provide more pictures or instructions on how you assembled this toy box? i want to make one just like it! 

 

Thanks!

apezz

Wed, 03/10/2021 - 16:31

Looking at the wall panels they look like the long edge of each panel has a small bevel cut on it. This gives each panel edge a more pronounced or well-defined edge? Is this true? Was it done with a router?

Simple Outdoor Table

Submitted by Kingsamui on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 17:24

Modifications to the simple outdoor table plan thanks to Finn’s dad. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 -Found a place that had Cedar shorts “B quality”, but very few knots for an unbelievably cheap price. I ran all to boards through a planer to start and saved a bundle.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
3coats Spar Urethane. I’ve heard the Spar doesn’t hold up well, so would have used something rlse if I knew that at the beginning.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mothersday Planter

Thanks for these plans! I was able to complete this planter in one afternoon.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Patio Table

Submitted by Rennie82 on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 17:42

Project took a lot more time and patience than the last few little ones that I have done. I like the simple outdoor table but wanted a little bit more. I used the basic concept and mixed it with a patio table from PB that I really enjoyed but didnt want to pay $800 for. The table looks fantastic and am still debating on what type of finish, if any, to use. Hoping to make the matching bench soon for one of the sides of the table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $120 including the carriage bolts so I can take off the legs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None as of yet, leaning towards Thompsons clear waterproofer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My First Bed

Submitted by jfloyd on Fri, 06/19/2020 - 08:20

We mashed up the headboard featured on Ana's site with a different design for the platform. Turned out good, not perfect, but this was my very first project.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Shellac, clear
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Garden shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/28/2020 - 13:19

Our take on the small garden shed. Ours is 4 1/2 by 7 feet. We used cedar fence pickets and 2x4 construction. Left over shingles from when our house was built. We are definitely not roofers or framers, also chasing around a 3 year old didn't make things easier. Turned out beautiful for what we want it for. Just rustic enough. Great intermediate project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson's clear water seal will be applied this summer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Headboard based on PB Oxford Storage Bed

Although I didn't build this from a plan I wanted to be sure and share it as it is because of my experience building from Ana's plans that I felt comfortable giving this a shot.

My in-laws were just updated their lake cabin and wanted a storage headboard as space is a premium and it will be the only furniture in the guest rooms. It is unique as it has shelves on either side which can pull out to function as a small night stand, perfect for cell phones, books etc. The back of the piece is tongue and groove knotty pine which for the more rustic look they wanted.

I will probably do things a little different when I build the next headboard but overall I am satisfied with the end result. I chose not to do a lower storage area, mainly to keep the cost down. It could be done very easily but this piece is already very heavy and that there is plenty of storage.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Special Walnut stain with semi-gloss Polycrylic. All of the wood was sanded and then I applied wood conditioner. One coat of the stain and three coats of the semi-gloss. I live in Minnesota and build it in my garage so I had to wait until this week when temperatures finally were warm enough to apply the finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified miter saw cart

I love having this new addition! Freed up space in my small shop and now it’s more functional and organized. I followed the plans with modifications in the leaves using scrap 1x’s (which I may decide later to change to 2x4s but I had 1x’s on hand) instead of the brackets and then the extra 1x’s holding on the leaves so they would fall flat to the sides. Love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $75 (don’t remember exactly)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Didn’t finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Garden Shed

Submitted by jimavera on Tue, 03/13/2018 - 09:07

I used these plans of this project. Only differences are I used 2X3 studs. I also made the shed longer,, its 3ft X 8ft.. Also on the back I used two siding sheets since it wouldnt be seen. Did it over the weekend. Just needs shingles and stain. Anyway I love it. Had a spot behind the house where it fits perfectly. Thanks

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Murphy Bed Cabinet

Submitted by Aventusman on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 14:07

I made this cabinet to house my murphy bed.  I used the Toy or TV Armoire plans as a start and adjusted the measurements as needed.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Narrow console table

Attempted this plan, but I used 2x12 boards and made it 5ft long for my wife's coffee station.

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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