Community Brag Posts

A Long Desk for My Beautiful Sister

Submitted by DeeWebb on Thu, 01/08/2015 - 21:22

I made this desk for my sister ( it is 3 metres long - sorry I am an Aussie dont know what that is in inches).

I glued 3 metre radiata pine together, planed, sanded, stained and varnished with polyurethane.

I made 4 sawhorses and then joined two of them together to make shelves.

Very happy with the result

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250 AUD
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wattyl Cedar Stain and Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tilt out trash can cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/09/2017 - 19:53

Wood tilt out trash can cabinet made from this plan, with some changes. I did a fancier cabinet door, along with a top that overhangs on the sides as well as the front. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Old Asphalt stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Keepsake Box

This is a treasure chest type keepsake box for a boardgame and its expansions.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Medium torch with satin spray poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Classic Simple Bunk Bed

Submitted by Donnetta on Wed, 03/06/2013 - 19:52

My boys had been begging me for bunk beds, but they were all so expensive! These were easy to make. I made these while my husband was away for military training. There are a lot of comments stating that you need more wood. And you do. The shopping list doesn't account for the 64" side rails. I ended up buying 11 of the 1x4 boards and that took care of everything with minimal left over. Lets see....what else...oh! When you are bolting the beds together, make sure you put a screw where there is another rail to catch it. The screws listed are long enough to go through the posts.. I had a lot of fun making these beds. My boys love it. I love this site and will be looking for more projects to get into!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mahogany stain
Royal blue
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sunday Trinket Box Assortment

Submitted by JoanneS on Sun, 01/11/2015 - 16:15

     These were built to demo the Sunday Trinket Box plan using 3 different wood types – 1/2" thick craft board, 1x scrap wood, and cedar 1x.  On the 2 that I made with 1x boards, I used some ¼” hardwood plywood scrap for the inner lids, which kept the top nice and light and worked very well.  I think I prefer this for the inner lid when working with the 1x material and would recommend that for the build.  My craft room work table looked like a mad scientist’s laboratory with all the cans and tubes of finishes I’ve been trying out, and projects at different levels of completion.  

     The craft board box is finished with 1 coat of Rustoleum Stain + Poly in Walnut (the kind in the tube, I had picked this up at Michaels to try it out), and 3 coats of gloss polycrylic.  The radiata pine craft board took this stain really well, even without wood conditioner.   The inner lid for this one is the same ½” craft board used for the box.   The pull for this one is a rectangle of cedar, with a light coat of Varathane stain + poly in Walnut, and a coat of gloss poly.   Cost:  Wood:  $8.47 for craft boards, Finish:  $0 (used finishes already on hand).

     The scrap wood box is finished with 3 coats of Clark & Kensington semi-gloss in Crushed Peanut, a stencil design added on the front in gold craft paint, and a DIY pull made from a ¾” wide “slice” of the ½” thick craft board, topped with a scrap of ¼“ x 1 ½” poplar craft board, super-glued and pin-nailed together, and finished with 2 coats of gold craft paint and 2 coats of gloss polycrylic.   The pull is attached with crystal clear super-glue.  Cost:  $0 for wood (scrap), $0 for finishes (left over), $4.99 for the stencil (which I am re-using) and $4.99 for a pkg of 4 stencil sponge brushes (also re-using these).

     The cedar 1x box is finished with 3 coats of gloss poly. The knob is another DIY – a ‘slice’ of the 1x cedar, topped with some ¼” aromatic cedar, glued and pin nailed together.  This received 1 coat of Rustoleum Walnut Stain + Poly on the top part and 2 coats on the bottom part, topcoated with 2 coats of gloss poly, and was super glued to the top.  The inner lid for this one is a piece of ¼” plywood, glued and clamped in place.  The front design re-uses the stencil, in the same Rustoleum Walnut as the pull.   Cost:  Wood: about $5 worth of a cedar 1x8 (cut down to size on the table saw).  Finish: $0 since the finishes were already on hand. 

    These were a super easy and quick build – I built and sanded all three in an afternoon.  I’m sure the finishing could all be done in a day too, but I spread mine out a few minutes here and there as I had time to work on them, while changing my mind several times on the pulls and embellishments.  These were all given as gifts.

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0-10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Craft wood box: Rustoleum Walnut Stain + Poly, Minwax gloss polycrylic
Scrap wood box: Clark & Kensington semi-gloss in Crushed Peanut, 3 coats; stencil/knob: gold acrylic paint (2 coats on stencil, 1 coat on knob)
Cedar box: 3 coats Minwax gloss polycrylic; stencil/Knob: Rustoleum Walnut stain + poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Piper's Dining

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/14/2017 - 08:09

This was just the right table design for our history home built in 1880! Love the plans and easy to build!

Estimated Cost
Table- $95 without Kreg Jig cost($20) or screws
Bench- $24- screws
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood primer first on all surfaces,SW Rustic gray, minwax mahogony low lights and satin minwax poly finish(5 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

New Mudroom

Submitted by EChiasson on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 11:02

Built this new Mudroom / Office from some plans i found on your website and I absolutely love it! It has turned out better than I Expected and I learned soo many new things when planning and building this out!

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

A Really Nice Serving Tray

Submitted by Jake on Sat, 03/09/2013 - 05:14

I saw this serving tray on Ana's site and it looked like I could build it with the wood and materials I had laying around in the garage. Other folks had made some nice versions of the tray also, and it looked like something we could use around the home.
I was right on all accounts, except I had to spend about $1.50 for the 3/4" dowel.

The overall dimensions are 27" x 131/2". Tray dimensions are 21" x 12"

The frame is attached to the tray with countersunk 1.5" wood screws and buttons covering the holes. I added the brass round-head screws to each corner to give it an industrial look. Glue was used only on the dowel handles and the buttons. Otherwise no glue.

I also distressed the top edges a bit to give it a used look. With time it will get is own look but this is a star

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1.50 because I had the rest of what I needed laying around in the garage. If I had to buy everything it would cost about $15.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The frame is stained with black Kona and the tray insert is Cherry with a little Kona mixed into it to darken it a little. I sanded everything to 320 grit and the visible areas to 1000 grit. I know that is over-kill but I just wanted to try it. Between sandings I used mineral spirits to clean which also acts as a wood pre-conditioner. Then each piece was given two coats of antique oil finish rather than the old standby polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jake

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 14:22

Thanks for the kind comment. I try a lot of builds and some do come out right. Some day I will own that sliding miter saw and a router but for now it is just a few saws (my favorite is a small back saw) and clamps.

Loving These Shelves

Submitted by woody311 on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 18:51

I changed the plans a little bit to add on the extra shelf on top as well as making the shelves an inch narrower than the plans. The project was actually pretty easy and really only took me about a days worth of work.

Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barn Door Entertainment Center

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/16/2017 - 20:09

My husband and I built this together.  It was a fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Annie Sloan Dark Wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Henry bookshelf

Submitted by Lilbitmojo on Thu, 03/18/2021 - 15:33

My husband has been hounding me to build him a bookshelf for his office. I actually used wood that I already had in my garage. The next time I build it, I will follow it exactly... I used plywood on the shelves and planks on the back... next time, I will do the opposite, but I really love it!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than 100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nesting Tables

Submitted by c-e-fogus on Mon, 03/11/2013 - 20:34

We needed some sturdy side tables since we have 3 boys who like to climb. I saw these and thought they'd do well at our house. I will say that next time I make any sort of table I will invest in some better wood. I got the cheaper wood and found out that getting it to be square was a problem. But I made it work. I would have liked to stain them but I ended up having to paint them because there were some gaps on the top I had to fill.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi-gloss latex paint. Stencil is from Home Depot done with Martha Stewart Living metallic paint in Thundercloud. But I didn't like the whiteness after all. So I got paint sample from Home Depot in Stone Hearth and made a wash of equal parts water and paint. I rubbed it in with a rag and when it was dry put on a coat of Minwax waterbased clear stain as a protectant. I like them much better now.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified Fillman Dresser

Submitted by Lady Goats on Mon, 01/19/2015 - 12:58

Spent forever building this modified version because I couldn't figure out what kind of drawer faces I wanted. Finished with General Finishes gel stain and Minwax Paste Finishing wax. 

Estimated Cost
Used scraps, so all that I paid for was the knobs and finishing wax.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
GF gel stain in Java and Minwax Finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Beautiful bed!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/19/2019 - 09:05

This bed is gorgeous and the plans are perfectly laid out for even a beginner to use.  We were making a full bedframe, so we used the exact measurements given in the cut list and it fit the mattress just right.  We made the accompanying headboard with a few changes.  We were using pine and wanted the headboard casing to match, so we just used 1x4's and routed the edge with an ogee bit we had on hand.  We also wanted the platform just a tad bit higher and made the legs 10 inches instead of 7.  We also ended up making the platform slats out of 1x4's instead of 1x3's as they were cheaper.

 

Pin For Later! 

Beautiful bed!

Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of Minwax Honey stain, finished with flat spray poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rabbit Hutch for Indoor and Outdoor

Submitted by thediyplan on Fri, 03/26/2021 - 15:34

Looking for a cute, interactive pet to add to your home. What about bunnies? These creatures make great indoor pets. But before getting the rabbits, they will need a hutch to live in. To solve this problem, I’ve made detailed plans on how to build a DIY rabbit hutch that could be used indoor and outdoor.

The hutch has a litter pan under the floor that could be removed for cleaning. Since the hutch is only 3 feet wide, it could be easily moved around.

See my website for additional pictures and how I've built it, TheDIYPlan.com

Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Recycle Twin Bed

Submitted by LARMO on Thu, 03/14/2013 - 09:16

This was my bed handed down by two other siblings growing up a number of years ago. It is a Jenny Lind which I cut the foot board in half, attached to the head board, used the side rails for the frame on the front and sides and attached with my Kreg Jig. The underside frame was from left over pine trim from a window project and the seat was from leftover paneling from a bathroom remodel. I painted the bed with a satin black spray paint and left the seat as is.

Estimated Cost
1 can of spray paint 3.99 all other material left from previous remodels
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
satin black spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:47

I have a twin head and foot board I got at Savers (thrift store) a few months ago to do just this. Just have to get my other projects out of the way (and out of the hubby's way as well) first. Great job!

agarrigan

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 13:28

I also have this type of project on my TTB list, using an old waterfall style bed frame. I already cut it apart and everything. Seeing how well your's turned out might just give me that little push I need to get mine finished. Thanks for sharing!

birdsandsoap

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 16:51

This turned out great. I did my first curbside stop and pulled an old crib out of someone's trash pile last summer. I just happened to be borrowing my mom's truck at the time...If I owned a truck, there would be no stopping my hoarding! Your bench turned out excellent. I plan on making mine a bench too. My husband has been complaining about the old crib leaning against the house in the driveway for a while now. Yep, better get started.

Toddler Sized Picnic Table

Submitted by Nor7 on Wed, 01/21/2015 - 09:44

I love this plan. I made this for my toddler and he loves it! My daughter is too small to climb on but she's always trying. She loves it too.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet. To be completed
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Trestle Table at counter height

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 13:51

I made a bench from head/foot boards left from a bed I made many years ago that was taking space in our shed. When I searched for trestle table diy, I knew this was just what I was looking for. Thank you for sharing your ideas!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Deck chairs

Submitted by alice on Wed, 03/31/2021 - 11:31

These are my second ever project. The plans were really clear to follow so thank you for sharing them. The spacing between the seat and back slabs is a bit less than what it says in the plan because I live in the UK and the dimensions I could find were a bit different. Overall assembly didn't take too long, maybe 10-15 hours for both. Finishing seemed to take ages between filling the screw holes, sanding etc. Really happy with the end result!

Finish Used
Cuprinol garden shades
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Queen Farmhouse Bed (First Build!)

Submitted by Holli13 on Sat, 03/16/2013 - 19:59

This is my first ever build using Ana White's awesome plans! I stuck to the plan mostly, but used 4.5 lag screws and joist hangers like others had suggested. Oh, I also used a 2 inch board in the middle of the headboard and footboard, since my HD only carried 7.25" 2 X 8's. I had a couple of hiccups.....the headboard fell down in my garage and some boards got tweaked out of place, but I think I was able to sufficiently cover up the aftermath with wood filler and paint :D I really wanted to do this project by myself (sort of a "I am woman, hear me roar!" kind of thing, but it would've been a lot easier to have a helper.....just some advice :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175.....about the same as a bed frame from ikea :)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primed with Zissner Bull's Eye, painted with Clark and Kensington Flat Enamel in Antique White (with a free quart that I got at Ace!) and finished with Trewax clear paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

RH Inspired Mason Activity Table

Submitted by jhavinga on Sat, 01/24/2015 - 13:28

Really liked Ana's 20 second tidy up table, and wanted to try to have something like this for my son. Then saw the activity table at RH and tried to replicate it down to the exact same finish. Made small changes here and there such as adding 4 individual drawers, different wood dimensions, etc. He loves it and uses it lots for his Thomas the Train Set. Thank you again Ana.

Estimated Cost
$100 for wood, screws, stain, clear coat.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
First time using water based stains. I dont remember the names of the stain colours used but they were Minwax. The finish was a lot work actually but cant really be seen in the photo. I saw

1. I started by beating up the wood with nails, hammer, chains, broken wood, anything you can find!
2. I did a white wash over the bare wood. 1:1 water and white paint.
3. Sanded the paint off. where the wood was beat up the paint would stay white.
4. Did water based wood conditioner.
5. 1 coat of a gray stain (sorry I cant remember name) wiped off.
6. 1 coat of brown stain. (again sorry! wiped off.
7. finished with a water based matte clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

timberandsoul

Sat, 01/24/2015 - 22:47

I love the finish you do on this table. Looks great. I wish you could share the exact names of those stains :(