Community Brag Posts

Storage Daybed

Submitted by ferbit on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 08:15

Ana White storage daybed with baskets! Of all the projects I've done based on Ana's plans, this is my favorite. It was my first staining project EVER so I was terrified. I am so in love with how this turned out. The boxes were made using birch plywood and the trim was all pine. Lots of gorilla wood glue (I think it's the least drippy) and a mix of nails (using our new nail gun) and countersunk screws. I used screws for the plywood and nails for the trim. After sanding... and sanding... and sanding... :) Finish is two coats of Minwax Red Mahogony stain (conditioned it first) and then three coats of Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane in semi-gloss. Did I mention how much I love this color????? I did my best to get all of the glue sanded out, but I did miss in a few spots (end of this cubby...) But I am still thrilled because you can hardly notice. I've used a miter saw before, but never MITERED corners like this and I am so proud of my self with how they came out! :) I used longer, narrow felt pads along the bottom of each bench (for on each). On the bed is the Katy 5-Piece Daybed Set from Amazon. I got the sweater-like throw on Overstock.com. Baskets from World Market! :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did two very dark coats of Minwax Red Mahogany stain. Meaning, I glopped it on with a disposable staining pad pretty heavy and then let it sit on the wood for a full 15 minutes before wiping it off. :) I did this for both coats.

For ME, prepping it with the wood conditioner first made all the difference in the world! It really evened out the wood grain variations and gave it a beautiful store-bought look.

I did a test on some scrap without conditioner and the wood grain was too prominent for me (and a lot of people like that look). I love the more muted grain look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Craft Table

Submitted by brittanyj on Sat, 05/25/2013 - 17:30

With some modifications, the Cubby bookcase Craft Table!
Particular things I changed to fit my needs:
Made it to fit next to the corner desktop so I could have one long cohesive workstation that looked more built-in. That meant drawers on the left instead of cubbies. I glued a tape measure on the front for material cutting.
And, the piece de resistance: A roll-out spool holder.
I am VERY happy with how this turned out. Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Satin white paint, polyurethane on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Deck Pass Through Console Table

Submitted by valpal5 on Thu, 04/16/2015 - 20:41

When we remodeled our kitchen we had a piece of leftover granite which was previously used as a bar top.  Rather than having it go to waste, my husband used the plans for the rustic x console table and modified it to add another level.  The goal was to use this as a pass-through from the kitchen windows to the deck.  We also added wheels to the bottom of the table to make it portable, to be used as a bar or a grilling station.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Brandy scrap wood storage bed

Submitted by Nikkit45 on Fri, 08/18/2017 - 17:01

Was really excited to build this when I moved in to my new home. It's such a functional piece! I used different types of wood to cover it instead of staining it different shades. That was a fun puzzle to figure out. Really love it and thanks for the free plans!

Estimated Cost
3-400$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane clear diamond wood finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Washer/Dryer Pedestal

When Ana hacked Sausha's washer/dryer pedestal, I knew I had to have my own version.

This laundry center measures 34"H x 49-1/2"W x 21"D and provides the perfect place for corralling and sorting Mt. Washmore, and also gives me the perfect height table to fold and stack.

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz latex primer, two coats Behr semi-gloss in Calla Lilly, two coats Minwax Polycrylic on all surfaces except top and basket shelves which got four coats each
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cabin Bench Swing

Submitted by dbergerson on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 15:15

An afternoon project that went great. Kids love it.

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

Comments

Butcher Block Kitchen Island

Submitted by zeneslev on Mon, 04/20/2015 - 21:09

A spin on the original design. Made an end grain butcher block table top out of cherry and red oak. 3 applications of minwax gunstock stain on the pine.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Tue, 04/21/2015 - 01:44

What a gorgeous butcher block top! Wow! Beautiful work. I love the details you put on the drawer fronts as well, and the finish color is lovely!

Bench

Submitted by bilalai on Sat, 09/02/2017 - 12:34

First project. Thank you Ana for getting me started. 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood stain and sealant
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Perfect space savers for my tiny patio

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 08:55

I bought a condo but I didn’t have a lot of space to entertain and grow things so these storage benches were the perfect solution thanks Anna for making such great easy to use plans out there for people of all skill levels

Comments

Raised Garden Beds

Submitted by kari on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 09:54

I made these last summer for my sister. And she didn't even use them yet! Very easy to make. She did want them taller, so that is the only modifacation I made. We're hoping the bunnies won't notice all the yummy veggies up this high :) I know, probably wishful thinking. Makes a great kid corral too.

Estimated Cost
it's been a while
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

Daybed with storage

We wanted to build my daughter a smaller bed with lots of storage. I really liked the Daybed plans on here, so we used those and made a few minor adjustments. First, we wanted the bed to sit inside the frame of the bed, instead of just sitting ontop the frame. This will prevent the matress from sliding around. We did this by adding 3 inches on both the length and width of the bed. After building the bed you probably only need to add 1-2 inches, but it still turned out fine. I glued and screwed strips on the side rails a few inches down and then attached my 3" strips to the rails. I also increased the height of the bed slightly by addinga few inches to the 2x4 sides. Also, instead of using 1x12 boards for the construction of the bed, we used 3/4 plywood. This let me make the sides and drawer taller than 12" and also saved a lot of money. I was able to make the whole bed from 2x4s and one sheet of plywood, plus I bought a sheet of MDF for the bottom of the main drawer. This brought the entire cost of the bed to around $150 in materials.

For the bottom drawer we wanted one large storage area instead of 3 seperate drawers. The main reason for this is so we would use it as a trundle in the future if we wanted to. I build the drawer bottom out of a large piece of MDF, and maded the sides out of 3/4 plywood. I cut a 1/2" rabbit on the bottom of the drawer sides so the bottom sits flush. My main reason for doing this was because the boards are different colors (MDF and plywood) and I knew I was not going to be painting the drawers. The drawer sides and attached by pockethole screws which are hiddle. The front pocket hole screws are hidden by the front drawer face and the rear screws could only be seen if you look behind the bed.

I used homemade chalk paint and put about 4 coats on the entire surface. The finish was done with a high quality paste wax which was put on, let dry, and then buffed. I put 3 coats of wax on the finished project.

 

The bottom of the drawer has 6 straight casters on the bottom for easy pull out.

The contruction of the bed was done in about a day, but the finishing took longer due to the multiple coats and letting the wax dry.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Home made chalk paint. 1/3 cup of plaster of paris mixed with 1/3 cup of water. Mix that with 1 cup of white latex paint. Make small batches at a time as the chalk paint can not set out for a long time after mixed. Chalk paint goes on thick and will need 3-4 coats for a perfect finish. A wax must be used to seal the paint as poly will yellow the color. 3 coats of wax will work fine. When putting on the wax, use an old shirt to apply the wax generously, then wipe off the excess before you leave to dry. Let the wax dry 8-12 hours before each coat, and buff in between coats and on your final coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

40" Kitchen Table

Submitted by Brinduss on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 04:07

This is my first fine woodworking project after taking two classes at my local Firestarter FabLab community entrepreneurial center.  

 

I used wormy maple, the top is 40" x 1 1/2" that I used the CNC router to cut out.  The base I used 1" and glued everything to thickness for the the Square X Base Pedestal Dining Table plans, with a few variation.  For the 45's I only made 2x4's instead of the specified 4x4's and the same for the X on the bottom.  Thrilled with how it turned out.

 

Thank you for the great inspiration!

Estimated Cost
$215 for the wood, $170 for the finish.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak stain and Rubio Monocoat 2c pure finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X-Desk

Submitted by jck363 on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 22:15

When the lockdowns hit last year I had to work from home. After two weeks working at the dining room table, I found this plan. Still using it every day!

Playhouse Loft Bed with Stairs

I built this bed for my twin daughters right after Christmas. It was the first big wood project that I've ever attempted in my life. I was surprised at how easy it was to build and how great it turned out! It looks much harder to make than it actually was. We plan to eventually put a second twin mattress under the bottom, but for now that space is a playhouse. I put carpet on the storage stairs by cutting up a rubber-backed bathroom rug and using the pieces to cover each step. I hung Christmas rope lighting inside the play house. It took me about 2 days to construct the bed and about a week to paint and finish it (with 6 children under foot-otherwise could have been much faster!) Fun project and EASY plans! (Thanks Ana!)

Estimated Cost
just under $300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
used the Disney princess paint colors (lavender outside, pink inside) from Home Depot
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My BIG tidy-up coffee table

Submitted by Bunnie1978 on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 14:30

This is a little bigger than the plan, especially in height.... leave it to me to make things WAY more complicated than they need to be! The trundle is made from 3/4" plywood, but the faux drawers are done with 1/4" plywood. Everything is pine. I wanted to have a nice dark warm cherry color for the finish, but it didn't quite turn out the way I wanted. I am still very proud of myself, but next time I'll use a better wood, like maple or cedar maybe. It's not perfectly square, so if I try to turn the trundle in the other way, it sticks a bit. I like that I can shove it against the wall and plop some pillows on it and turn it into a bench if I have people over.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax red mohagany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Large Rustic X Bench

Submitted by dsousa102 on Mon, 04/27/2015 - 19:47

Made this over the weekend for my wife. I got the top from my work as they were going to toss it out because it was the wrong color so i took it home, got the bench plans from this awesome site and bada bing...my wife is happy! Thanks ana! Looking forward to future projects.

Estimated Cost
$20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Outdoor sofa

After seeing how expensive custom cushions can be, I decided to build a custom outdoor sofa around the dimensions of the cushions instead of the other way around.  I took some plans for a chair and modified the dimensions.  I also gave the seat a 7 degree downward slope and gave the backrest a similar angle to in order to keep the cushions from falling over since each section is a single piece (seat & backrest).

I used a jigsaw to round out the corners of the armrest and then sanded them smooth.  I ended up painting it white (hard to see in the 2nd picture) and it came out great.  

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First Project

Submitted by mamiweber on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 19:08

Farmhouse coffee table. My 1st project! Took me a year to finally get the finish just right. We love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1st stained with Ebony and then sanded some off and restained with a mahogony. Sealed with a high shine polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner