Community Brag Posts

First project--Updated Simplest Console

I'm pretty proud of my first project even though it does have some flaws. I learned a lot. I made every cut with a handsaw! Don't do this unless you want to have some seriously sore arms. I'm ready to graduate to a circular saw. I also used a hammer and nails instead of a nailer, so this project took me a little longer than it should have. Thanks so much, Ana, for the opportunities!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax pre-stain conditioner, Minwax dark walnut oil stain, Minwax polycrylic clear satin
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

LannyBananny

Wed, 07/09/2014 - 21:15

From one newbie to another-- your table looks great. Talk about handmade, you went the extra mile by hand cutting and using the "arm and hammer" technique!

Jake

Tue, 08/12/2014 - 14:43

Using only hand tools? You did a great job. Ana offers great suggestions on what you need to start but here are my comments on some tools for Christmas or sooner:

Choose the miter saw over the circular saw. So much more useful and safer. For those times you need to cut sheet plywood invest in an inexpensive small circular saw. Lighter and easier to handle.

Orbital sander
Basic Kreg jig kit with drills , clamp etc.
Several lengths of pocket hole screws. You will use hundreds of them.
Square
Power drill
Clamps (Harbor Freight clamps are great and inexpensive) Get a lot of them and none less than 12" capacity. Miminum of six to start.
Eye and hearing protection
Titebond II or III glue

booksnotbombs

Tue, 08/12/2014 - 15:01

Thanks, Grandpa Jake. :) (I'm just going to call you that since so many of your projects are for your grandkids!) I was sorry to read about your problems today but glad you are so persistent. You weren't kidding when you said that checking for square is super important! I'm currently in the middle of my second project (the step up table, plans here on Ana White--actually done building but need to finish), and I took it apart/redid it twice to make sure it was square.

Thanks for building my Christmas list for me! I'm definitely itching for a fancy kreg jig, but I really need to get those clamps.

Beautiful Outdoor chairs and Ottoman from 2x4s and 2x6s (and a 2x2)

The chairs were my first project ever and they came out great! I even made the ottoman/side table because the chairs looked so good. Ana, your plans were fantastic and easy for a beginner. I learned so much from this first project and I'm already working on another project from your site! The cushions were definitely the most expensive part of the chair.

Estimated Cost
$40-$50/chair (without cushions) including screws, wood and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr semi-transparent stain and sealer (Chocolate) as noted in Ana's project plans.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My new entertainment stand

Submitted by danolenar on Sat, 09/15/2012 - 23:32

Built the Rustic X console table to use as my entertainment center it works perfect for my 42in flat screen, PS3, and dish receiver. I did not use the x's and stained it with red mahogany stain and gloss brushing lacquer.

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
red mahogany stain and gloss brushing lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy Farmhouse King Bed Frame

Submitted by gbenton4 on Sun, 07/13/2014 - 19:34

We've had our bed on a small metal frame for years with the hopes of someday finding a bed frame that we liked. With the family out of town, I decided to try and build one after getting this site from a friend (LSU Builder). The steps and materials were a HUGE help! I only had to make a small amount of changes from the original plans....most notably adding additional 2x4's to each headboard leg along with one in the middle. This created more space to connect the headboard to the body of the frame with the bolts. This was the first time I'd ever used a Kreg jig to create pocket holes. I will definitely use these for other projects as they seem to be extremely strong.
All in all, I will definitely be using the site for additional plans. I'm an intermediate "wood worker" and really enjoy tackling projects. Thanks!0

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Three coats of interior satin enamel paint - color "twenty carat". I then distressed edges with sandpaper.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Made with love in the dead of winter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/18/2016 - 19:20

This the is first time I have ever built a peice of furniture.  My best friend made all of her furniture in her house using her kreg jig and visiting Ana's website.  I ended up building this in her garage since I was still in an apartment at the time.  It was a total labor of coldy freezing love.  :D  Now I want to build EVERYTHING!  We had to adjust some of the numbers on the plan and it cost a little more than $75 but totally worth it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75+
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Interior Wood Stain - Base Dark Walnut and Top Midnight
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A patio-sized picnic table with detached benches

Submitted by Emillie on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 10:43

We needed a long and narrow table for a patio, so we designed a table to fit! This simple Trussel table is made out of constructional lumber for an affordable outdoor dining option. Small enough for our tiny patio and large enough to comfortable seat 6, it is the perfect table!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Semi-transparent stain (Fresh Brew) and varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Collapsible Table for Craft Fairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/03/2024 - 08:58

My wife wanted a collapsible table for her craft fair sales. I put a wooden dowel in the opening for her to drape packing paper over and hooks on the sides for gift bags. Easy plans to follow and it turned out great!

Todd Martens

Built from Plan(s)

my new coffee table

Submitted by danolenar on Mon, 09/17/2012 - 23:39

i used the a modified rustic x coffee table plan. i did not use the x and used kiln dried 2x4s for most everything except the bottom shelf i used 2 1x12x4 because they are $6.50 each compared to $20-25 each for 8ft and i cut the 2x2 out of the kiln dried 2x4s there was a fair amount of waste but the kiln dried 2x4s are much nicer to work with then green 2x6s.i stained in a red mahogany stain and gloss brushing lacquer. The top took 8 2x4s cut to just shy of 48" do i could get two from each piece. i shorted the table frame to match. if you are using green wood like i did on my first table the rustic x console table you will notice cracks forming in knots especially. using kiln dried lumber is recommended to ensure your project will last.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$38
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
red mahogany and gloss lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sewing Desk: From Plain Pine to Antiqued Blue

This desk was originally my great aunt's sewing desk. After 47 years it's been passed down to me. I decided to paint it blue with a chalkboard paint top. I antiqued it using my little sander and some Minwax Red Mahogany stain. I spray painted the drawer pulls to update them and finished everything with Minwax Furniture Wax on the blue and chalk on the chalkboard finish. Now I just need to get up and sew.

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinsser Bull's Eye Primer, Valspar paint, Minwax Stain and Furniture Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easy, Economical Garage Shelving from 2x4s

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/22/2016 - 09:07

We needed some more storage in our basement so I made these shelves.  They are 10 feet long.  I couldn't get the 10 foot long 2x4s into the basement through the house, so my husband helped me slide each board through a tiny window one at a time.  I also decided to paint the shelves to make them look nicer since they are in the finished part of our basement.  Overall, I think they turned out great and they can hold a lot more than I expected.     

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Gel Paint - Antique White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan

Submitted by mcronin on Sun, 07/19/2020 - 07:48

The published plans for this were great. This was my first attempt at a project like this. I have always liked the idea of dining at a large table outdoors and the farmer's style is appealing to me. I adjusted the length to fit my deck, but also made a few changes for aesthetic purposes. I notched 4x4s rather than join a pair of 2x4s for the legs. Added caps to the screw holes rather than filler and used pegs to secure the top planks in addition to screws from the bottom. The frame and top were stained/sealed with Cabot Australian Timber Oil.

Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabot Australian Timber Oil, Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Little Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 07:27

When I built the little kids picnic table, I substituted 1x4 lumber, except for the top slats, the seats and the cross supports. The measurements needed to be adjusted of course. It was a fun project to build. The plans were clear and easy to follow.

Rick

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Daybed- Our First Project

Submitted by chowie on Wed, 09/19/2012 - 13:52

This was my and my husband's first project and it was easier than expected. There were slight imperfections with the drawers, but they were hidden by the faces and trim. It was our first time using a Kreg jig and we LOVED it!! We will be building furniture for Christmas presents this year, we are hooked!! The project took one weekend to build, and we spent around 4-5 hours a day.... remember we are newbies so we had to refer to the plan ... a lot! We went with the plywood top and it is sturdy and we can't wait to paint it and get it looking like a finished product. My husband was testing the daybed sans mattress.

Estimated Cost
$150 including hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss Valspar paint in white, with minwax poly acrylic in semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhoppy

Mon, 09/24/2012 - 07:15

This looks great! I can't believe it was your first project!

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by chulmer on Fri, 07/18/2014 - 11:33

Easy and fun plan for a great looking coffee table. I changed the top a bit by adding two 2x2's and a 1x3 in the center, the five 2x6's looked a little plain to me. I also added an X in the front, I don't know why but really I really like it, almost gives it an open storage feel. The strain is "weathered gray" by rust oleum.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sofa Table with Granite Top

Submitted by Redleg189 on Tue, 10/25/2016 - 11:49

Built using the Simple, Cheap znd Easy Console Table Plan. I utilized a scrap piece of granite for the top that I cut to size and polished and poplar wood that I had laying around the shop.

Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar red antique paint and finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tall Wedding Planters

Submitted by swhitead on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 10:14

Made the planters to hold flowers for a small garden wedding. Used 3-1/2" wide fence boards as my HD was out of standard 5-1/2" boards. Used 11 boards for finished height of 38" top was 18" wide, bottom 12-1/2" using a 4° angle. Ripped fence boards to size to use in place of 1x2/1x3 boards. Added center trim as on another brag post, as well as, framed the top to finish off the planter.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Heavy Duty Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/08/2024 - 09:27

I wanted a heavy duty spare room bed but didn’t want to pay a mint… so I built one.

RosieOh

Built from Plan(s)

Cyndi Console Table

Submitted by handydaddy on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 18:41

Here is my version of the Cyndi Console Table. Made from poplar with oak backing. Took me about a week working on it in the evenings.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stained with a custom Sherwin Williams stain and a minwax poly on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Rustic X Kitchen Island -modified

Submitted by MaryMurray on Sun, 07/20/2014 - 10:24

I made this rolling kitchen island out of pine using plans found on Ana White's website. For the top I wanted to do something different. I found a tub of wooden blocks in the storeroom; they belonged to my husband's grandfather.

The blocks were made out of all different kinds of wood. I used a plywood base and simply glued them on then added a pine edge. I love the way it looks!

The back is open halfway so that when it is pulled out it can be used as a desk or small table.

The stool is from Ana White as well.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Back