Community Brag Posts

Rustic X CoffeecTable

Submitted by kelty on Wed, 09/09/2015 - 08:51

My first build from your site. The plans are great!  I changed it and used half lap joints for the Xs to keep them as solid pieces. Only cheap lumber is available at the big box stores, so LOTS of sanding. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered gray by rustoleom
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Castle Loft Bed for Two

Submitted by Elliotte on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 10:30

This project started with our older girl wanting sleep in the same room as her younger sister once she was out of a crib. Since it meant no more sneaking into Mom & Dad's bed I was happy to comply. The only problem was all the plans I found were for one bed not two. Both girls love storytime in bed, so I had to make it strong enough for the whole family to be up in bed. To not turn her room into a construction zone, it was made in sections that could fit up the stairs & through the bedroom door. 

 

All together we have a twin bed, a crib-size bed, three removable railings (to let me put them in bed when they fall asleep elsewhere), a slide anyone can use, a secret tunnel to crawl through underneath (and strong enough for adults to use as a step-ladder), a spiral stair for the kids to climb, and enough room for adults to sit up underneath. There is a flag pole next to the slide, but neither my wife nor I have gotten around to making them a flag yet. 

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

More than a Trunk

Submitted by jendon on Sun, 05/15/2022 - 19:55

This project held two purposes: Father’s Day and my husband’s shoes/backpack. This was the perfect way to get them off of the floor and into something beautiful!
Both of my teenage kids help with different aspects of the build.
I will list what hinges and handles I used after reading all the other posts on this Becca Trunk.

I did make my carcass taller and longer than the plans to hold my husband’s items plus some couch blankets. I have 4 supports on the bottom instead of three. I only used 3/4” hard plywood. I added an inch to each side of the lid, so it was easier to open. There are 2 coats of stain and 2 coats of 3x interior gloss poly made by Varthane on this trunk. I sanded with 320 sandpaper in between each coat of poly.
After reading all the posts about hinges, soft closing and looking at each picture, I came up with Torsion Hinges by Rockler. These hold up the lid at all different angles and give a soft close once lowered to a certain point.
I installed 2 sixty pound bronze torsion hinges with the assistance of their Hinge Jig. That helped me to make my lines and pre drill marks without guessing. Rockler has several videos on them and how to install, plus several on YouTube. I bought them on Amazon for less than the site and sold by Rockler. I did chisel out a small rectangle of the molding and it was easier than I thought. I was so nervous after building it all and now cutting some out of it, but it worked! I did one and my son the other one. The Rockler Jig was very helpful lining all this up. My hinges are 6” in from each side of the trunk. I set the lid in the right spot and drew lines where the hinge jig rest in my chiseled spots. Then flipped it over and lined up the jig again on the lid and knew where my holes were going.

I have just received my 3 set of handles. The others were not chunky enough for the size and the proper look.
Adonai Hardware "Phebe" Antique Iron Drop Pull (Supplied as 2 Pieces per Pack) - Black Powder Coated. I also got these on Amazon.

This trunk took time, but it was well worth it. So beautiful and worth it. My husband was so surprised and also knew it was for his shoes/backpack. He appreciated all the detail that went into it and lived that the three of us built it together for him.
Thank you Ana and Shanty 2 Chic for the plans and pictures. They are always so helpful. I have made many of your builds and I am learning from each one. Thank you again.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

jendon

Mon, 05/16/2022 - 18:30

Thank you, Ana. I appreciate your kind words. You have really inspired me and you prepare myself and others for success with your plans and especially the videos. I have learned a lot from you! Thank you!! Blessings, Jennifer

Rustic Farmhouse Table

Using Ana White's Rustic Table plans, I recreated her design by modifying the measurements to fit my dining space. I did not use wood glue, as the plans call for, and simply left the wood screws visible which I felt added a rustic touch. The top is stained with Minwax Special Walnut #224, and the bottom is painted Simply White by Benjamin Moore. The table measures 72"x42" and is 30" high. It can comfortably seat six chairs.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut #224
Polycrylic
Benjamin Moore Simply White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

snomii

Sat, 09/07/2013 - 12:22

I love your choice of colour! It's the perfect backdrop to a nice dinner full of colour! I'm getting inspired to try this now!

King Headboard

Submitted by kaileelev on Sun, 09/13/2015 - 19:26

Super easy and quick project! If you buy the select pine from home depot- it is a piece of cake to build. No sanding!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax provincial stain. Polyurethane coating.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/30/2022 - 05:43

We wanted a new bed - but couldn’t find exactly what we wanted. Then I came across your plans & my husband just ran with it. I’ve gotten tons of compliments too.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

School Table

Submitted by jazberg on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:46

My husband and I took the Narrow Farmhouse Table and modified it for a school table for our children. We used two old doors we had left over from remodeling our 1925 craftsman home. One door is the top, and the rest is lumber culled from the other door. A fun, free, one-day project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free (glass top - $75)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint. We sanded the paint already on the door and stained the bare wood to add contrast.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Fancy Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Hodgecrew on Mon, 08/19/2013 - 14:27

My husband tackled the Fancy Farmhouse Table and finished it in 1 weekend and it looks amazing! I could not be more thrilled with the outcome.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top of table we stained, bottom was painted.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Queen Storage Bed

Submitted by weav3887 on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 07:19

This was a pretty easy build!  I changed the plans a little bit by adding ventalation holes and the way the cubbies conntect.  I wanted to be able to easily take apart the bed if I need to so I built a track system that the middle support sits on and locks in place. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little helper tower

Submitted by Luvin_wood on Sat, 09/15/2018 - 12:55

I made this for a friend who has two little ones that are less than two years old. Although I enjoy the ease and convenience of the Kreg jig, I wanted to try something more difficult for this. So for the sides I used mortise and tenon joinery for the ladder rungs and top arches. The only screw I used we to place the hinges and attach the feet. I also didn’t like the gap in the platform that would have been caused by my 1x8 actually only being 7.5 in wide, so I made my own platform by joining the edges of two pieces of wood (one was 11 inches and the other was 6 inches wide). After clamping and lettting the glue dry, I trimmed up the platform to size. Due to the modifications the project took well over 20 hours, but was a fun challenge. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Poly shades espresso gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Chalkboard top art table

I already made the stack-able chairs for my daughter, but she was using an end table for an art table and her chairs would not fit under it. I took the old legs and frame off of the table and built the clara table frame. I kept the original table top. I then spray painted the legs black and for the top I used chalkboard spray paint which I found at Michaels. She now has a fun table that can be used for art projects and she can draw right on it. The before photo below shows the original table. I took the spindle legs, painted them different colors, and I will be using them for a bench to go with a new dining table I am building.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Black chalkboard spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Fancy X Desk

Submitted by gsligh on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 09:46

I modified the plan by using a hardwood plywood 4X8 sheet cut down to a 72" by 28" size. I put hardwood trim around the edges for a smooth appearance. I stained the top with a Minwax poly shield oak finish and painted the base using a glossy enamel paint "Inkwell" from Sherwin Williams. The seamless top makes for a better writing surface.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax oak polyshield and enamel paint "Inkwell" from Sherwin Williams. Using enamel paints makes the project take longer because of drying times in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde Coffee Table

This was my first build and I haven't stopped since!! Thank you Ana White for your inspiration, building plans and encouragement!!!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar Mix
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy Sliding Door Console

Submitted by Codding58 on Mon, 10/08/2018 - 15:52

This was a super fun build for me!    I have been wanting to do it for a long time, but was a little intimidated with the hardware.   I bypassed the expensive kits you see online and built my own from aluminum flat bar, carriage bolts, and sliding door pulleys.  I am very pleased with the overall project and wish I would have done it sooner!   Shortened down to 6', and I opted to make 3 "openings, with the middle being the same as the outers, doubled, to insure the doors matched up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Probably around $250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered Gray wood stain (base)
Varathane Ebony (top and outter planks of doors)
Minwax jacobean (middle door plank)

Multiple coats of polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Potting Bench

This was our first build project! We spent the most amount of time picking the color than we did on the actual assembly. We extended the back 2 legs 36 inches to accommodate the window frame and shelf.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Grey Wisp
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Spring

Mon, 07/25/2011 - 09:02

This is beautiful! I have a garage full of these windows and I have been trying to figure out things to do with them before my husband decides to throw them out.

bhoppy

Mon, 07/25/2011 - 12:05

Love the window too! DId you paint hte wood right away or wait a while?

Emma AND Sarah

Wed, 07/27/2011 - 19:21

We painted it right away. We were so excited to finish our first project. We didn't paint the window though. Thanks for the comments

Tree House Stool

This project was so fun! I made it to blend in with a tree house I built (adapted from Ana White plans). The top of the stool was the best part. Full details on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$3
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
"dried leaves" Clark & Kensington paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 08/22/2013 - 13:34

This is super cute and so creative! I looked at the tree house on your blog, just made me say Wow!!!!

Loft Bed

Submitted by Medickep on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 13:34

I built this loft bed for my neighbor's daughter.  It has a lot of space for storage and the book shelves with desk really add a lot of stabilty.  I added some supports to the back rail as it moved to much for me and made the ladder out of 2x material as it kept costs down and seemed stronger.  Neighbor wanted the ladded straight up and down so I connected it to the lower bookshel too!  Would not recommend cutting pieces in advance on this one!  I also used plywood for the shelves and trimmed them out as it was cheaper!

Estimated Cost
300 +/-
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Up to the neighbor this time!!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

LanMan20

Mon, 10/05/2015 - 14:39

Good job!  I am toying around with building something similar from scratch.  A few questions if you don't mind: 

1. Given the sturdiness, I am guessing it is fairly heavy.  Could two people move it?  

2. By chance, is it modular for easy breakdown and transport (upstairs)?  

3. Are there any plans available (materials listing, cuts, etc.)?  

Thanks for posting and keep up the great work.  I am sure your neighbor will be pleased!

Medickep

Tue, 10/13/2015 - 15:03

Hopefully you have not been waiting long! I do not get notified for some reason to remarks any longer!

Yes, it's very sturdy, especially with the addition of the book shelves and desk.  Itt is designed to come apart with a few screws, so going up stairs is not an issue.  I got it from the following plans. 

 

http://ana-white.com/2010/05/furniture-plans-loft-bed.html

http://ana-white.com/2010/06/plans/what-goes-under-loft-bed-how-about-big-bookcase

http://ana-white.com/2010/06/loft-bed-small-bookcase-and-desk

 

I do not recommend cutting everything in advance.  Build as you go if you want everything to fit perfectly!!

Love this bench!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 10:38

This was my first real project from start to finish. We bought rough lumber from The Home Depot.  Between having a toddler, tweenager and a life it took about a month of sporadic work but it was a great bonding project for my husband and I.  Guess the overachiever in me should have seen that one coming, I wanted have the full experience of jointing our own wood.  I learned a lot and had a lot of fun working with the table saw, miter saw, jointer, and kreg jig, all of which my husband already owned.  I did not use any glue on this project simply because I wanted to avoid the mess.  The best part about this project was the easy measurements..I'm not too good with the confusion.  It made it so much easier when cutting, specifically the 45degree angles. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None at this time
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed (King) Modified

Submitted by camcginty on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 09:00

I used the Farmhouse Bed Plans and a picture posted on the FB page to get the look I wanted. We have a split king adjustable bed and needed the bed to allow the mattresses to adjust up and down at the headboard and footboard. The actual opening for the bed is 82X82. I used birch plywood for the main panel on the headboard and footboard and trimmed it with 1X4's, 1X2's, cove & chair rail trim. The headers are 2X4's and 2X6's. I tapered the untreated 4X4 posts which I found at our local store. For the sides I used 2X12's and raised them to allow extra room under the bed for storage. I used lots of wood filler, sanded for a whole day, applied wood conditioner and used a gel stain. I made the mistake of not wiping off the first coat of stain because it looked so good. After I applied the second coat it was too dark and showed brush marks. When it isn't so humid outside, I plan to sand it down and re-stain. I'll also apply a protective top coat at that point. I did purchase bed rail brackets online and they provide a nice tight fit.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood conditioner, Varathane Gel Stain (Cabernet)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

StacieM

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 07:37

This is amazing! This is exactly the look I want when I make my King Bed. I love the geometric look with the trim on the headboard and footboard but the traditional look that the trim around the top gives. It makes the bed a little more modern versus rustic. I Love It!