Community Brag Posts

Modern Coffee Table

Modern style coffee table

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

X Farm House Desk

First time trying one of the plans from here. Absolutely loved the desk when the wife and I seen it. And shopping around for a desk we liked was way out of the prices we were looking for. Instead of using the pine boards and pocket holing them together. I purchased a top the exact size the boards would have made. The top is made of poplar. Sanded and stained. Waiting on the epoxy to arrive to apply to the top for a harder top to work on. Pine and poplar are soft woods and if writing on them it would groove the wood.
Thank you so much for the beautiful plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around 110 dollars

Farmhouse Table (wooden pallets)

Submitted by dak1ne on Thu, 01/31/2013 - 20:36

Hello, I'm doing furniture with wooden pallets and I found your awesome website with nice explanations and plans so I decided to make this nice farmhouse table but with wood from shipment wooden pallets.
Thank you very much for all your work and plans !

I will make other furnitures from your plans with wooden pallets :D and post the brags here soon.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
mahogany wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Lounge Bench

We made this in just over 2.5 hours with the kids "helping."  We made it a bit taller, with the seat at 19 inches, so the leg pieces were 25.25 inches instead of 18.25.  Because of this, we will probably add two supports across each side as it seems a bit wobbly when the kids all wiggle on it.  Now we finally have a seat where all 3 kids can sit together to play on the computer.  Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$54 for all the wood and #100 screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
for the kids
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rekourt Dining Table and Benches to Match

I used the Rekourt plans for the most part, but I did change it a bit. I needed a smaller table, so I adjusted the plans to accommodate this. The table is 5 feet long with matching benches that are 4 feet. I eliminated the 2nd cut on the 2x4s used to construct the table base to simplify the look. I also made custom benches to match, as I could not find any plans that were an exact match on the site. This is the first time I've built anything, and it took some trial and error and a lot of muscle. It was well worth it though!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Glidden High Endurance in Black Onyx Eggshell
Minwax Wood Finish in Dark Walnut
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Stool with molded back and sized for kids

Submitted by sylvialh on Sat, 12/26/2020 - 09:56

I use the counter height bar stool plan but changed for the kids to make their seats smaller 15x14 and taller about 27 ". I used an old wooden office chair and Birch or Beach 1/8 plywood veneer to mold the back using wood glue and clamps and then I cut out the shape with a jigsaw instead of doing the ladder back.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20$ per stool + paint
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr below zero, green bank, and Norwegian blue for the seats. Ultra pure white satin for the rest.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Laundry Orgainized

We needed to organize in the laundry room. This was the perfect idea.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
This was easy and fun to do. My husband and I worked on it together and we are both alive to brag about it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Aromatic Cedar trinket box

Submitted by JoanneS on Fri, 12/05/2014 - 14:33

This was a project to use some pieces of left over ¼” thick aromatic cedar closet lining board.  I cut off the tongues and grooves with the sliding miter saw, and calculated the measurements for the box to fit the size of the wood.  For this build I used the micro-pin nailer with compressor, and ½” headless pin nails.  The finished box measures 4 1/8” tall, 6” long, and 3 3/8” wide.

Inside, a divided lift-out tray sits on rails made from small pieces of the cedar board glued to the inside.  The addition of an extra decorative board to the top made it ¾” thick, to work with a regular knob.  The inside of the box stayed unfinished to preserve the cedar fragrance.  This was an afternoon project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The cost of this build is just for the knob, since the wood and finishing materials were already on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
On this build I ended up with some discoloration from the glue. I re-sanded and touched it up with some Minwax express color in Mahogany on those areas to even up the color and make it all look natural again. Then everything received 3 coats of gloss polycrylic, topped off with an acrylic crystal knob from Lowes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Fri, 12/05/2014 - 17:56

Joanne, you are the queen of trinket/jewelry boxes! I love all of your posts which show how something simple can be so different and special. These would make wonderful Christmas presents for loved ones, friends, or co-workers. Thanks for sharing.

JoanneS

Sat, 12/06/2014 - 04:58

Linda, thanks so much for the nice comment!  I have such fun doing hand built gifts for Christmas!  Thinking up how to decorate them and what to make them from is a big part of the fun!  smiley

Apothecary cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/09/2017 - 06:47

I've wanted to build one of these forever! I changed the plans a lot to accommodate my needs, but I loved the idea of faux drawers on the doors to have an authentic look. It fools most people! Took 2 weeks for me to complete, working on and off. It has great storage inside for all the kids' stuff I didn't have a place for previously. The stain is ebony by minwax and the hardware pulls I purchased for under $10 for 30. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax ebony stain with varathane poly in satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Desk

Submitted by ottawaguy on Tue, 12/29/2020 - 14:15

Super easy build!

After months of working from home and using an old dining room table as my desk I built this desk in an afternoon. The finishing probably took longer than the build. A stained and grey washed top, with a simple while base turned out well. I built it a little larger than the plans and used 2 laminated pine panels I had already for the table top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Top - minwax “provincial” stain then grey-washed.
Base - white latex paint
Clear coat the whole desk
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ottawaguy

Mon, 06/28/2021 - 19:30

Sorry, i just noticed this comment. I only did a light sanding on the legs, leaving things a bit rough. If i were to do it again i'd probably spend more time sanding.

Customized Kentwood Bookshelf

Submitted by mamahowell on Mon, 02/04/2013 - 07:34

I built this bookshelf for my husband's office. He wanted a shorter, wider shelf than the original plans, and this is what I came up with! :)

Estimated Cost
Around $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax PolyShades
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mamahowell

Sun, 03/24/2013 - 13:53

Romanweel, I'm so sorry, didn't see your comment! It is Polyshade in Mission Oak Gloss. And Countrysideworkshop, it is 15 deep by 33 wide by 32.25 high. Hope that helps! :)

peneyraa

Mon, 02/26/2018 - 21:42

I having been searching for a  bookcase just like it!!! I want the shelf space for decoration, but I am dying to have the wall space above for wedding pictures I have never built anything before, but need to start somewhere. Any chance you can share what you changed to make this book shelf instead of the super tall one : ) 

Hanging Wall File

Submitted by naomi on Mon, 12/08/2014 - 03:38

This was just a quick little project as we decided we needed a bit of organisation in the office.

I just used scrap mdf and leftover bits and pieces from other projects for this wall file. We now have somewhere to put all the postage stuff for our online sales site.

Cheers... Nay

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Liam's Christmas Day Barn Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 17:52

Our son Liam-Joseph wanted a "Big-Boy Bed" and then he added "I want Daddy and Santa to make it".  Well "Santa" and my wife Jacques looked all over the internet and finally found your Cabin Bed via jennwoodhouse.com.  Jacques altered the plans demensions and she realized the bed could be barn-like so she came up with the red and gray paint job.  She actually wanted a cupola but I thankfully talked her out of that.  Well somehow we keep the construction from Liam 2 weeks before Christmas.  On Christmas Eve Liam's Grandparents keep him at their house while "Santa" and I put the bed together (I never did a trial run so I was relieved when everything fit right together).  The next day after opening his presents he ran up to his room and saw his bed for the first time.

The project isn't completed.  I recently finished the roof with wood pallets but I need to finish the trimming of the interior of the bed walls.  

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

Rustic X console table

So excited with how this table turned out!! I absolutely love it❤️ My daughter helped me build it. It’s been fun teaching her how to build things!

Estimated Cost
100
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut stain and polycrylic

Comments

My first dining table and chairs project

Submitted by Javata on Wed, 02/06/2013 - 17:19

We used carraige bolts to make the legs removable. Very happy with the results!

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Javata

Thu, 02/07/2013 - 05:16

Jake,
Thanks so much! I spent about two months working evenings and weekends as weather permitted, to complete this project. My daughter chose two stain colors and we mixed them together. I'm happy with the way the color came out.

Debbie440

Thu, 11/21/2013 - 18:27

I made the same 30" tall bar stools. I love the whole look of your set. Did you adjust the height of the table for the chairs? Or is the table high enough for these chairs? Also, did you make the table top smaller?

You did a great job!

Javata

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 18:13

Debbie,
Thanks so much for the compliments! My daughter didn't like the "plank" version of the table top so I used oak plywood and framed it with oak 1X4s. I believe the measurements of the table are 48" by 48". I don't think I adjusted the chair height but I did add a foot at the bottom of the table legs. That may have added an inch or so to the overall height of the table.

Chris22

Tue, 02/10/2015 - 13:22

I really like how you added the foot and removable legs to this table! I would like to make mine with removable legs as well. How did you modify the table to use the bolts?

velvetechos

Tue, 07/14/2015 - 06:31

Hello! This plan is EXACTLY what I am looking for except there is a huge difference.......it will be the ritual platform for a traditional Tibetan Sand Painting.  I am seeking a plan just like this for a square table that is 6' square and 3 1/2' high......is it possible to purchase a plan of that dimension or does anyone have a recommendation where I can find that.  THIS would be truly lovely in this design.  THANKS for any help!!!  

Javata

Thu, 07/16/2015 - 12:08

I really just followed the Ana White plans for the Pub Table but used one solid piece of plywood instead of the 1x4s for the top. Since plywood comes in 4x8 foot sheets, you might need to get creative to get it to 6 feet. Good luck, and don't forget to post pictures when you finish!

Crayola2

Sun, 06/21/2020 - 11:52

I really want to make there chairs too! Please post the link to the plans.

Planked Headboard / Waterbed Build

I don't have photos of the build but I did acquire some pictures of the assembly.
 
What we added to the shopping list for a king was 3 1x6x8's (he bought 6 total instead of 1x6x10's) and 1 1x4x8. To build it in a king or California king just take a measurement of the top or bottom of the bed frame to find the length to all of the horizontal boards. This takes care of the headboard. For the frame we simply built it to fit out of four 2x10x10's. 
 
I also used my Kreg Jig to attach all of the center horizontal boards together with pocket holes instead of adding supports to the back.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00 for the entire bed.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum English Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

American Girl Dollhouse Masterpiece!

Submitted by MendiB on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 12:06

This dollhouse was super easy to make! Harper (the doll) wanted an open concept living/kitchen, and that is the first floor. Second floor are the bedroom and bathroom. Top floor is the closet. The roof is made from 3.5" slats of luan glued together and painted with black sanded paint. Notice the baseboards and crown molding? The window boxes are really cute, too! I still owe my granddaughter a garage and patio with pergola, and kitchen appliances and chairs, but that will wait until summer when she can help craft/build them. 

Harper's bed is modeled after the farmhouse bed plans available on this site, but I used smaller scrap lumber. I wanted milk paint but was unwilling to pay the high price, so I bought a sample jar of antique ivory paint and watered it down. It turned out great!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kilz primer, Behr satin indoor paint (leftovers from our house)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Loft Bed

Submitted by Genetics on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 16:13

My wife and I completed our son's loft bed in December for his Christmas present. My wife found this bed on Pottery Barn's website and I found these plans on Ana White. Everything was pretty straight-forward. It was a great project and we had a lot of fun building something together. We made a few mods to the plans like height and the railings. I really like how it comes apart for moving and our son loves sleeping up there! Protip: Be careful with the wood glue where the bed is designed to come apart. I got a little sloppy and had to do some hammering to disassemble for staining/sealing. Everything went back together very easily, though.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany stain and Minwax Clear Satin Polyurethane. Sand before sealing then wipe down with mineral spirits repeat between coats. We only did 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Economical Basement Shelving 2

Submitted by Veronica P on Sun, 12/14/2014 - 19:41

I've been organizing our unfinished basement so that my boys have more space to run and ride their bikes over the winter. I needed something to organize our off season clothes and bins of clothes that my boys are growing in/out of. This plan was perfect. It's not my prettiest build but it's soooo functional!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Joe Shape

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 21:19

Fun and easy project. I couldn't be happier with the end results. Great plan from Ana White. 

Estimated Cost
$83 for coffee and end table.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Waterlox on top and Sherwin Williams furniture paint on frame.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate