Community Brag Posts

Garden Bench!!

Submitted by Nathan1342 on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 12:09

I built this for my wife for an anniversary present. She had wanted a garden bench for some time but the ones that she wanted were between $500-$700 which is ridiculous for this type of bench. So, I did a search on here for garden benches but there weren't really any plans for them and the few brag plans were not really the type of bench I was looking for. I printed off a few pictures of benches that I liked and got to work. The front and back legs a 2x6 and a 1x6 glued together and then cut to be straight. I wanted something thicker then just a plain old 2x6. If I had to do this again though, I would have just glued 3 1X6's together. The reason being, is that 1x6's usually do not have a rounded edge and a 2X6 does. So needless to say when you glue them together you have a nice little gap on either side. Without a table saw to take this off, its pretty difficult to get a straight cut. But I ended up getting it right after sweating for a few hours in the garage. The bench stands 36 inches high, 48inches wide and about 18 inches deep. The seat height is right at 18in also.

In the unfinished pictures I actually had the depth being 24 inches. After sitting on it though it was just way to deep. So I pulled it apart, made the adjustments and its now much more comfortable to sit in.

If anyone has any questions or wants more details feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks!

Estimated Cost
85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based acrylic paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Torwart13

Tue, 06/16/2015 - 11:25

So legs are about 2 1/4" square? Are the seat supports 2x4's? Back cross pieces 2x4? Slats 1x4"?

smz1919

Wed, 06/17/2015 - 12:39

how did you get the curve on the back legs?

In reply to by smz1919

Nathan1342

Fri, 06/19/2015 - 13:34

I glued a 2x6 and a 1x6 together to get the thickness. Now that i have a table saw and a jointer this entire process would have been much easier but after getting it to look like one solid piece i just outlined the slant i wanted and cut it using a jig saw.

smz1919

Fri, 06/19/2015 - 20:17

So the back slats are just glued in place right? I wonder if it would be easier to use a biscuit joiner or not

Mikeyw221

Sun, 10/23/2016 - 17:46

on the back legs how high up did you go before you started cutting the angle? and was it around 15 degrees fromt he edge?

SawdustMaker21

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 08:32

Hi Nathan
Love the look of the bench. Would you have a list of material requirements. I intend to make a bench like this and would like to know the measurements of the top back spar (the shaped one).
Here in the Uk our timber yards do not always supply the same cuts as the US so I need to have some idea of the pieces I need
Many thanks

Modern outdoor Sectional

This project is straight forward and lots of fun. Next time I plan to stain opposed to paint due the amount of time painting takes.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Exterior Chocolate
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 05/30/2014 - 11:37

This came out really nice. Love the colors and cushions. Can you share the source of pricing of the cushions please?

Pursuit of Handyness

Fri, 05/30/2014 - 20:23

I like how the color contrasts with the cushions and the throw pillows add a nice punch of color and fun. I also would like to know the source of the cushions. The cushions seem to always be the budget breaker.

Tammylinskey

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44

My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey

Tammylinskey

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44

My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey

Seasonal And Holiday

Ladder Desk and Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/30/2016 - 18:50

Had a great time putting this together for my teenage daughter's room. Took me about 4 hours to cut and assemble (I only have a circular saw, would have been SO much faster with a miter saw). Then sanded and painted the next day. Under $50 for the wood. What a deal! Love this plan!

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

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 12:08

Took combination of farmhouse coffee table and side table to make a square coffee table for our sunroom

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted Base- endless sea by Sherwin Williams
Top- Rustic Oak from Minwax - 2 coats
Sealer- 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Toybox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:16

My husband and I built this toy box for our grandson from the farmhouse toy box pond you had on your site. We adjusted the size from what was in the plans, but it turned out really nice!

Built from Plan(s)

Loft Bed

Seen the plan on another site....cannot for the life of me remember which one.....but I made my own out of the one I seen online. Sorry pictures are not that great!!! But my daughter loves it!!!!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded well filling in large holes with wood filler....covered bolt holes with the sticky mirrors that my daughter picked out......Paint is White semi gloss...3 coats!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Nail polish cabinet

So another super awesome project from miss Ana. I dont have a lot of jewelry, but I make up for it with nail polish. I made a few minor adjustments and viola and wicked cabinet to hold all of my piggy painters!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20$
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
espresso/classic grey. Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

balloongal247

Tue, 06/24/2014 - 10:55

Did you use 1x3s for the shelves and doors, and 1x4s for the rest? I've been needing a nail polish shelving unit, so I may copy you. :)

Gas pump

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/04/2016 - 14:52

My husband made this for our Grandson last Christmas. He loved it!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by hgordon on Tue, 06/16/2020 - 09:18

Modern Adirondack chairs with added cup holder holes. Will be adding cup holder inserts as well.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane “Early American” stain
Cabot clear wood protector
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Twin Bed

Submitted by LacyLou on Sun, 08/12/2012 - 12:19

This was my first Ana White project! There was a learning curve so it took longer than it probably should have but over all the build went pretty fast. The finishing was the part that seemed to drag forever! I used a tea followed by vinegar/steal wool treatment to make it look rustic. Finished with a wipe on poly that looks great but smelled atrocious for weeks! Looks great and smells fine now. The bed is super heavy and sturdy, which shocked everyone. Not only did I build something, I built something really well and its all thanks to these awesome plans that made it too easy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique treatment of tea bath followed by vinegar/ steal wool bath. Finished with wipe on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our First Project

X console table with steel wool and vinegar treatment distressed and sealed with wax

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Cabinet

I was contacted a few months back by a friend of mine to build a custom cabinet for his aquarium. I was given free reign with the design and I decided to go with a modern look to the cabinet.

I decided to go a little unconventional with the finish on this cabinet and use something I am very familiar with, an automotive finish. I chose to got this route because I knew that I wanted an ultra smooth finish. I knew that because he was using it for a large aquarium it was going to have to be built sturdily. But you can use whatever type of materials and finish to suit your project. 

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Small Balcony Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/25/2024 - 08:51

Adjusted the original plans to meet AOAO requirements. Shortened the boxes to 20” and the length to stay below balcony railing. Love this herb garden on my very tiny balcony in Hawai’i ❤️

Made by Melissa Puanani Nobriga-Petrichko.

The New Dollhouse

Submitted by abbpim on Wed, 08/15/2012 - 11:37

I made this dollhouse a couple months ago from scrap wood I had in my garage. It was my third build! I used felt for carpet on the bottom level and I used a laminate scrap that was laying in our garage for the upper level to look like a hard wood floor. I used leftover paint that we had from other projects, and I didn't spend a penny on this project other than screws and glue, etc. I didn't think it would come out as nice as it did, and it provides hours of entertainment for my daughters! I'm going to be making another one of these as a Christmas gift this year! What I liked best about this project was the endless amount of creativity that could be used. I'm going to try to make handmade furniture for the next one I build!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Old leftover paint in random colors
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Playhouse

Submitted by clintu83 on Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:44

After looking at how much a play set was for my kiddos, I decided I wanted to play with some tools and build it myself. With a family of four and busy schedules, this took a little longer than I expected, but I did finish it and I'm happy with the results.

Total cost was around $650.

Estimated Cost
$650
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Flood Cedar Stain (Lowe's)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Puzzle bookcase

Submitted by MandyM on Sat, 06/20/2020 - 15:59

Made over two weekends - used pocket holes - stain is charcoal grey and the paint is rainwater by Behr - had some issues with warped wood but it still turned out great - I did not secure the cubbies to the bookcases; my hubby likes the idea of being able to change the size - overall very happy! Plans are so easy to follow

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Charcoal grey and rainwater by Behr
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Outdoor Chaise Lounge

My husband and I made this outdoor chaise lounge using a combination of Ana's plan and another we found on the Internet. We wanted to be able to move this easily, so we added wooden wheels that we turned on our table saw. All in all, this project took us about two weekends. We are hoping the next one goes a little faster.

You can see more pictures of the build process on my blog.

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

Comments

PERFECT END TABLE

Submitted by pmdockins on Sat, 06/07/2014 - 21:43

I saw the post and loved the table. I changed the dimensions to fit our couch and living room. The wood for the shelves was reclaimed from two old house that were eventually torn down. The houses were 90+ years old. Great old oak wood!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Mimwax Chestnut stain topped with Ebony stain. Minwax polyurethane (semi-gloss)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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