Community Brag Posts

corner cupboard

easy to follow instructions. I work in a hardwood sawmill as a sawfiler. I get a lot of wood from the mill. I bought a kreg pocket hole jig for the first time. Building the doors was easy. I'll never use mortise and tenon joints on small doors again. The door ornaments came from Lowes

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
golden oak stain minwax nothing else just rub in one coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X End Tables

Submitted by pbookman on Thu, 08/29/2013 - 19:57

We altered the width of the tables to make them fit in our living room, but kept everything else the same. They turned out great!

Finish Used
Minwax Gel Stain in Red Elm
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified rustic x

Modified the plans for the rustic x console to fit in my kitchen. This was my first furniture making adventure, but end product was worth it, even if not perfect. Final product is 41inches by 25 inches and is 36.5 inches tall. I used shiplap for the top, over leftover 3/4 inch birch plywood. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax dark walnut and finishing paste
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Living Room Storage Table

Submitted by dritcheson on Sat, 11/10/2018 - 19:11

First furniture project.  Storage table for my daughter and her husband.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Oil Based Paint, Minwax Dark Walnut Gel Stain and Minwax Wipe On Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

MODERN SLAT TOP OUTDOOR WOOD BENCH

This was my first project. I am pretty excited how it turned out. If I did it again, I would recommend sanding and painting prior to building.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Spray Paint - Oasis
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Goodge12 on Fri, 10/23/2015 - 11:22

Made a couple modifications:

  • Used 4x4 for the cross beams instead of 2x4. 
  • Used 4x4 anywhere there were (2) 2x4s together. 
  • Used a dowel jig to attach the (4) 45 degree pieces on each post
  • Sanded down the table top until the seams disappeared.  Thank you, belt sander!

That last bullet was super-important to the Mrs.  She was adamant that the table should not have spaces in between the boards, yet she did not want any seams for crumbs to collect.  The result was that I had to sand down the table top about an eighth of an inch... but the seams disappeared.

 

Also, we initially used Ebony stain... until we realized it was too dark.  Sanded that down a bit, then went over top with the Kona stain.  Result was a dark brown with some black detailing.  Finished with some minwax wipe-on poly.  Turned out really nice!

 

Thank you, Ana - This project was a ton of fun, challenging, and ultimately, very rewarding!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approximately $120 - the 4 x 4s were Douglas Fir.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony, Minwax Kona , Minwax Wipe-on Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Butcher Block and Serving Center

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/18/2022 - 05:21

Used 2 by 3 inch solid hardwood. Built end edge thick butcher block and added the rest. All solid hardwood and sealed

Comments

Flat Wall Bookcase

This was my very first Ana project. It probably took me three times as long as it would take anyone with any experience. That said, we love it! I have since made two more for friends! No need to look too close, there are plenty of mistakes.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used miniwax water-based red oak and topped with two coats of polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Truss Coffee Table Not quite finished

Submitted by wetsuit1 on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 09:47

I made the Restoration Hardware couch and deck chair. I got really nice Sunbrella material cushions for $60 each at HD. I wanted to make a matching coffee table. I just threw it together. It's a little "jacked up".

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

bathroom vanity

Submitted by Chriss45 on Mon, 10/26/2015 - 20:28

I had a half bathroom in my guest room but wanted a second full bathroom, so removed the sink out of the half and installed a shower. I built the vanity in the room and added a make-up area with seating. I used my Kreg beaded faceframe system and to add a bead around the faceframe and built inset doors and drawers. I used Behr paint and used valspar antiquing glaze for the finish. I used the leftover shower tiles to make the countertop. 

Estimated Cost
75 dollars not including sink and faucet
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr satin paint and valspar antiquing glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Step Stools

Submitted by SoCalMom on Tue, 12/25/2018 - 01:04

One for each daughter for thier bathroom. I did use a wider board on top for larger standing surface and stability. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Final product with few modifications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/31/2022 - 08:22

Made few modifications. Added a 9th board to the tabletop to make it larger, horizontal aprons connecting the legs, and seat support. For stain and sealer, I used Olympic semi-transparent redwood. Overall a great project. Thank you, Anna.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Mail Organizer - a modified version of the numbered cubbies

Submitted by kelli224 on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 18:28

I was in desperate need of a mail organizer and knew when I saw the the plans for the numbered cubbies that it would be perfect with some modifications. The best part of this project was that it was free...all from scraps and done in less than a couple hours.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
FREE - totally made from scraps and paint I had around the house
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
A coat of black spray paint and then a coat of white. I painted on the letters and then sanded everything. I used a brown/gray glaze to tone down the white.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kelli224

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 15:22

Thank you! This little box has really been handy and keeps everything so tidy. EmileeA - It is 19" long, the back is 8", and the front is 5.5". The divider is 11.25" from the left side. Hope that helps!

Sarakas

Tue, 12/17/2013 - 17:31

hi there! I ve been working on a small cubby shelf similar to this and was interested in seeing how /where you joined the boards- ex. The front board (5.5ft) to the dividers... I don't see and nails or screws! I'm guessing you applied wood filler atop the nailheads. But I'm having trouble joining my boards and if you can kindle let me know where you attached the front board to dividers w nails or was it just glue?!? Thanks so much!

Toy Workbench

Submitted by TeriA on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 10:57

My Husband and I built this for our son's 2nd Birthday. This is our first finished project!
We drilled 1/2" holes for play nails and screws in the legs and top. We also modified the bottom to have a shelf for added storage, just measured the inside dimensions and cut to fit. We also opted for a peg board on the back to eventually hang tools and some baskets for the nails and screws. The peg board is attached to the base and trim with glue and staples. We taped off a section on the back before using the polyshade to allow the glue to adhere.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Poly Shades in Dark Walnut, 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:48

What a fabulous toy workbench! And those toy tools are just too cute for words! The finish is beautiful. You did such a great job on this, love it! :)

Cottage bedroom bookcase

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 20:42

I used 1 x 10s to make the bookcase a little shallower, and left the back open. Thanks for the great plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane diamond finish water-based polyurethane, satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn beam mantle with hidden space

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/27/2018 - 19:05

I made this longer using two 8’ 1x4 pine boards and added a center brace inside. I added a pack of simple hinges to the top so that the face could flip up and we could access the inside. I also routed the face and back.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American with Polyurethane Semi-Gloss clear
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Twin Farmhouse Bed - A Beachy-ish Version

I decided to start on the project of converting my daybed to a twin farmhouse bed five days before I had a house full of company - genius! The hardest part was finding the 4x4 posts at the Blue store and deciding what length of screws to use. It's hard to say how much time I spent on it, as I was finishing up 46 other projects during the same time, but I would guess the build took about ten hours, and the finishing maybe three? This finish really is one of the easiest I've done to date. A quick coat of white/cream semigloss, another quick coat of turquoise semigloss, an hour of light sanding and wa-lah! I apologize for the poor photo quality - I borrowed a friend's camera lens to get wide-angle shots in my teeny guest room and the lens apparently wasn't made for my camera - whoops!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I believe the white was Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore and Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore. A single light coat of each, then distressed lightly with a sanding block. I didn't use a sealer, but that may change if I decide the raw finish isn't good enough. It seems to be great right now!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dananryan

Sun, 08/14/2011 - 08:57

I absolutely LOVE the finish! Once I figure out which of Anna's beds I want to build, I will try to copy your fabulous finishing job. Thanks for sharing.

Spring

Sun, 08/14/2011 - 16:30

I love the beachy look. You did an amazing job. I have a day bed that I hate and I'm thinking this is a perfect solution. Thanks fir the inspiration.

Miasmom (not verified)

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 08:41

I love the finish! I'm making one of Ana's beds for my daughter and may copy your finish technique, but use a pink (her favorite color) instead of blue.

I also noticed that you used the bedframe for the siderails instead of making them. Did you just screw them in to the posts?

designdoctor

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 15:53

This is beautiful! I have a non-building related question. Wherever did you find the bedding? I love the red and turquoise floral. I've been looking for fabric like that and haven't found anything. Thanks

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 15:03

I was curious to know what your mattress is on for the trundle? I will be attempting the same thing, but was going to put the mattress in a wooden box on castors. Yours looks more friendly! Thanks for your time. Excellent job.

Trish

exuma_momma

Fri, 02/10/2012 - 09:01

Hey Amanda... this is beautiful. I'm hoping to try this type of finish on a bed I am working on now. How does it seem to be holding up without a sealer? You didn't use any primer, correct?? Thanks. Really beautiful work.

Linda Selfridge (not verified)

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 07:29

I love the color so I went to the paint store bought palladian blue) by Benjamin Moore but it sure didn't look your color. It was more of a weathered gray look. Which was nice too but definitely not the same. Are you sure that you used palladian blue?

winter_baby26

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 11:50

Absolutely beautiful, and such an inspiration. I think the color is stunning, and the weathered look you created is just perfect. It goes so well with the bedding too. I would love to have the exact same thing in my own house!

X Console Table

Submitted by raybotelho on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 07:14

I have built this console quite a few times. Always trying different finishes. Love all of them. Have to say I always skip the X on the sides, I just get lazy towards the end :) Im in the process of building a couple more, will try to add the X to it this time...we will see :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Just layering lots of different colors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Little Desk :)

Submitted by DWL on Sun, 11/08/2015 - 17:46

We love this little desk for my 3-year-old's room.  She chose the light blue color and helped me paint it.  We used Valspar chalk paint and wax and love the look.  We didn't have room for the double-sided storage so we used pre-made table legs for the other side.  Thanks again, Ana!

p.s. Sorry about the photos rotation.  I have no idea why they are all sideways.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Chalk Paint, Trousseau Blue

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner