Community Brag Posts

Converted A ashley twin size bed into Twin size Crib

Submitted by Mamabear2 on Thu, 01/23/2014 - 09:53

I purchased a twin girls captins bed for my daughter to grow into but she wasn't quite big enough for it yet so I had my husband convert it into a twin size crib!!!! Im in love with how it turned out. My husband Free hand a crown on a sheet of ply wood and cut it out. I used quilt batting and covered it with pink material and did the tips of crown in purple.

Estimated Cost
80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Easy to Build Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:09

I was wanting a work bench for my outside shed to work on occasionally and help keep organized. This is the first piece of furniture I have built totally on my own! The plan was easy. I sized it down a little with no problem. I'm a little off on a couple of the cuts but will practice more! Overall, thrilled and extremely proud of it!

Lori B

Big Ur Counter height bench

Submitted by dmcarwin on Wed, 04/11/2012 - 11:27

I have been wanting a bench for my counter for sooooo long! I loved the Big Ur bench and finally got up the nerve to adjust the plan to be a counter height bench.

Since I am so cheap, I like to collect wood from the free section on craigslist. And that is how this bench came about! I had these 4x4's (well actually they were a little small and had to adjust for that as well) And these great top boards, which were a little warped, I think it just adds a little character to the bench to not be totally perfect, like me! :) (that was a joke, I am FAR from perfect!)

I made it like the plan, and as you can see from the unfinished picture my little ones needed a stool to climb up on the bench. So I added some 1x2's to give them a ladder for climbing. I love how it turned out and the best part is that it fits at my table as well!

Now my husband thinks I should build a smaller one for the short side of the island. We have six kids and this bench only fits four....we'll see.....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free! Scrap wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used one coat of Rustoleum dark walnut. I gave a few coats of water based poly and and at least three or four on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bunnie1978

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 08:56

The bench looks great. But I think you must be crazy!! SIX kids??!?!? I can barely handle ONE!

In reply to by Bunnie1978

dmcarwin

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 13:12

Yeah, you could say I am crazy, in a good way! I do feel like a chicken with it's head cut off sometimes, but I am not sure I have a handle on things, does anyone? It's fun though! Thanks for the comment on the bench, and I am WAY impressed with your son's playhouse loft bed, I am still trying to find courage to tackle a project that impressive, great job!

Leslie Is Ready

Thu, 01/21/2016 - 09:44

You did an excellent job on this! I'd love to build something similar, but with upholstery on top.

 

BTW, I adore large families, and know that your six little ones must be a great blessing!

Loft bed with desk and book case

Submitted by puffin_81 on Thu, 01/16/2020 - 05:14

My daughter's bedroom was getting a bit cramped so wanted to make a loft bed for her but I also wanted to incorporate a desk and some shelves for her books and toys. I started with the base plans from Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height posted on this site and kind of incorporated my own touch with the stairs, desk, book case. I also added a removable tray for when my daughter is eating a snack in her bed. It hooks on the top rail of the bed. Another addition I made was the wall shelf I mounted above the bed for storing her books, I-pad, etc.

Sorry but I do not have any plans for these modifications. I just made some simple drawings and winged it. This is my first ever build so hope you enjoy it

Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax American Walnut for the dark finish and Natural for the light finish
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Laundry Basket Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:35

I didn’t want to have to paint or cut the metal angles - plus I wanted 4 basket tall so I used pre-drilled melamine for the sides making the unit 48” tall. Then cut top and bottom same as plans and bought 5mm L shelf pegs and had shelves cut 24 1/4”. Used white wainscot panel for back. Very easy - especially since I had big box store make all my cuts! Just have to make sure you have peg holes lined up at bottom or you won’t be level.

Deb D.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Shared Miter Saw Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:48

A friend and I built the mobile miter saw stand from your plans. We live in a retirement community and use the saw in our woodworking shop.

Built from Plan(s)

Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand

Submitted by advanlente on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 11:03

After collecting my tools, I needed a place to store them that would protect them. I had already had two jigsaws break because I was storing them in a rubbermaid tote. When I saw this plan I knew it was going to be perfect for my shop. My husband was supper happy because I would finally have a central spot for my workshop. My boys were happy to help when they could. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Kitchen Console Table

Submitted by DentDiva on Thu, 06/23/2016 - 13:53

I needed a skinny table for the kitchen.  I build this with dog dishes built in to make life easier.  It's an all purpose table that looks nice too. Custom plans made from ideas from other plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint for bottom, stain for top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern slatted bench

Submitted by Whimwhams on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 11:51

I made this for my sister the day before her house warming party. It was a pretty easy build. I used wood glue and 2" nails. Using a nail gun, this came together pretty quickly. I do wish that I had wide enough clamps to hold everything in place while it dried, because there were a few gaps due to some imperfect boards. I used 104" stud length boards, so I only need to purchase 7 instead of 9. this was enough to make the cuts for the top and both leg pieces from each board. the price was the same and we had limited space in our van for boards, so this was a better option for us. I used a sprayer hooked up to an air compressor to apply the stain and was able to get in between the slats fine with this method, brushing over it as I sprayed. Luckily I chose the same color as her deck not knowing, so it matches great. Now I need to make one for myself! :)

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

Potting Bench

Submitted by beansurfin on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 15:13

I made this potting bench as a plant rack/stand for my wife for the back porch. She has had the plants on the ground and now this will give her some place to put them on as well as not having to work on the ground. I changed the dimensions to fit our space as well as used 1x4's mostly since it is what I had. I used 1x6 for part of the back legs so as to have a deeper shelf. I also made it to have additional shelves that are a bit adjustable to (3) different levels. I also changed the front a bit so it is closed in. Thankfully you can't tell in the pictures much but this was my first time trying to stain something. Definitely not my forte. Hopefully will get better with time and experience. Thank you for posting the plans for to build from.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
<$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain as well Helmsman Urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Deck Gate

Submitted by mweir on Tue, 06/26/2012 - 19:37

With grandchildren and pets we decided to put a gate on the deck.

The gate is made from 2 X 4's and 2 x 2's. I used brass hinges to prevent rust and smooth operation

Estimated Cost
$15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
we will finish the gate when the deck is stained
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hidden bathroom storage

Submitted by Imadeit on Wed, 07/20/2016 - 13:13

Adapted Ana's full length mirror storage idea.  I needed to recess the cabinet into the stud cavity to save needed floor space.  Opened two cavities and made the interior the same length as the cheap $6 behind the door mirror.  Was able to just sit them on a ledger board and the shelves hold them from falling forward.

The cabinet looks wonderful and holds a TON of things.  Thanks Ana for the inspiration!

Estimated Cost
$200 because of buying a custom cut mirror for the outside, and adding expensive rope molding to match what is on the adjacent vanity.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chili pepper semi-gloss Aura paint by Benjamin Moore
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bull5480

Sun, 02/27/2022 - 15:58

I am wanting to build a thin or recessed cabinet for an incredibly small area in my bathroom and knew to go right to Ana White! The combination of these two projects is perfect and exactly what I was looking for! Now here’s to praying I can pull it off!! 😬

4x4 Truss Beam table

Submitted by jsutton78 on Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:45

I went pretty much according to the plan on this one.  Went with the special walnut stain and gloss poly.  Love the look!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Special Walnut stain, poly gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Table

We used pine and finished with one coat of Weathered Oak by Minwax and three coats of Minwax Polycrylic.

Finish Used
Weathered Oak by Minwax and Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hhtuck

Mon, 04/11/2016 - 19:11

I like the finish you used on the table. I built my table, but have not stained it yet. This is my first diy wood project ever so could you break down exactly how to stain the table? I have minwax weathered oak and the polycrylic. I brush the stain on? And then how long did you let the weathered oak sit on the wood before you wiped it off?

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

Canned Food Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:46

Made this for my dry closet. Super easy to construct and it works perfect. I just wish there was something similar to use for paper towels.

Built from Plan(s)

Butcher Block Modern Box Frame Coffee Table and Console Table

While staging my most recent flip house, I needed some accent tables for the living room.  I picked up a butcherblock countertop at IKEA, then created two end tables and 1 coffee table.  I loved Ana's simple design, and I thought it was a great balance to the warm butcherblock top.  Thank you Ana for a great plan as always!

Estimated Cost
<$100 for all 3 tables! The countertop cost $75.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss on leg frames
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana's Favorite Adirondack Chair Plans

I've made 6 of these chairs! This was only my third woodworking project and I'm really happy with how they turned out. They are just the right size for me, I'm 5' 5", and my husband, he's 6'1". They are very comfortable and look great around the fire pit.

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