Community Brag Posts

Outdoor Grill Station with Table and Nesting Storage Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/11/2024 - 08:42

Sarah loved your Nested Grill Cart build however, the plans called for a 5 foot wide cart and we only had room for 4 feet on the back deck. Made the appropriate adjustments and went to town. Turned out well and Sarah is quite pleased with how it turned out. Adding a shelf for needed storage.

Hall Tree

I have always wanted a hall tree, but could not spend the hundreds of dollars for one. I was so excited when I found these plans.

I had a very hard time finding baskets to fit the cubbies. I thankfully found some cheap ones at Wal-Mart that were a two pack of the small and large. I would recommend buying the baskets first, then adjusting the plans.

I hung the shelf with three heavy duty D ring hangers, and then added three screws drilled directly into the studs. We have four rambunctious kids, and did not want the shelf falling down on them. It is super sturdy! I love this piece of furniture so much!

Estimated Cost
$60 (guessing here)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used BIN primer followed by two coats of Valspar Gloss Black. I distressed the wood with sandpaper, and then used Miwax Red Mahogany on the distressed areas. I also applied a coat of clear protectant over the paint. It took a long time to dry between each type of paint, but it was very hot and humid in the garage. The paint is holding up fabulously!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic console without X

Submitted by Sb1212 on Fri, 10/28/2016 - 11:51

I was new to building when I built this. The X was very scary for me so I chose not to add them. 

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse style coffee table

Submitted by rakruger45 on Wed, 07/22/2020 - 18:26

I finished this coffee table for my cousin’s living room. This was a really fun build and i was actually able to complete it with wood I had left over from other projects. The only money I had to spend on this one was for the paint she wanted that would match her other furniture. I love this website and the plans provided make it easy to get projects done.

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

Front Porch Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/15/2024 - 13:36

My son was looking for some type of planter for his front porch and could not find anything that suited him. I seen these plans on your website so my wife and I decided to try and make these for him as a surprise. These are very simple to make by following your plans. Our son loved them and is wanting two more. Thanks Ana.

Dronetastic views

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Farmhouse Table - Pocket Hole Plan - Modified

Submitted by bsarrett on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 14:06

In addition to adding two matching benches (idea from another post based on this plan), the following changes were made to the original plans:

1. Shortened the length of the table by about 14 inches.
2. Cut notches into the leg posts for the aprons to rest in.
3. Eliminated the stretchers (my wife didn't want them).
4. Cut the square 4x4 posts to an octagon shape (wife didn't want square legs)
5. Trimmed edges of 4x8 and 4x10 boards (wife didn't want the notches in the top caused by the rounded edges).
6. Used biscuits in addition to the pocket hole screws to assemble the table and bench top pieces.
7. Used a 1/2" rounding bit and router on the top and bottom edges of the table and bench tops.
8. Attached 3-1/4" Floor Protector Gripper Furniture Feet to the bottom of each leg.

End result: a very happy wife!

Estimated Cost
Around $150 for lumber, hardware and finishing supplies.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used oil-based stain and polyurethane in the finishing of this project. Before appliying the stain, I used Varathane Premium Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to provide a better coverage on the pine. For the top of the table and benches I used Varathane Premium American Walnut wood stain. For the legs I used Varathane Premium Sunbleached wood stain. I then applied 2-4 coats of Varathane Satin Oil-Based Interior Polyurethane (two on the legs, three on the bench tops and four on the table top)..
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Made 2 twin kentwood beds!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/31/2016 - 13:27

Made two of these twin Kentwood Beds for my boys by myself! Super easy and a never study bed! Can't wait to decorate their rooms now!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain and Spray on clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

18” Doll Bunkbed

Submitted by ewebrat on Fri, 07/24/2020 - 13:12

Awesome plans, Ana. Had to fight with not being able to get nice straight 1”x2” boards, and refused to go buy anything bigger to rip from. But overall, it turned out super nice and my granddaughter loved it. Already have a request for another one from her cousins 😊

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
CIL Semi Gloss - Vintage White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Drawer/Shelf Modern Nightstand

Submitted by Meagan84 on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 11:49

I built these nightstands to replace the mismatched ones in my bedroom. I'm going to use the lower shelf to charge my phone, iPad, and things like that. It'll be nice to have them out of the way.

This was a very easy build, but it took me a while to make, simply because I made a pair and there was a lot of cutting to do. I had never done drawers before, and they were a little tricky at first, but by the time I got to the last one, it went on super fast! Ana's plans are very clear, and easy to follow! Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used two coats of Valspar Paint + Primer in Mercer Blue
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Channing Desk and Hutch

Submitted by brittanyj on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 09:06

Made this desk custom for a friend and I am so happy with how it came out. Took around 4 days with finishing. I didn't put a back on it because drilling those holes for cords always goes rather splintery. If he wants a back we can easily put it on. The top ended up having strange coloring with the Dark Walnut stain, I think because of the wood filler, but I like it because it gives it a rustic old world kind of look. I saved a lot of money by hounding the scrap bin at Home Depot several times a week, looking for wood on Craigslist, and raiding my leftover stash. I modified the side so there was a tower partition and a shelf on shelf pins- courtesy of Kreg shelf pin jig. I used moulding I had sitting around to cover the exposed edges of plywood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
wood conditioner, Rustoleum Dark Walnut stain, floor poly (just what I had lying around). Applied stain with sponge brush, then wiped excess. same for conditioner. poly applied with paintbrush.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Very easy garage shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/05/2016 - 23:22

Wanted some easy storage shelving that didn't break the bank.  These were perfect!  $79 is what it cost for ours (which includes the $20 Kreg Jig).  Lumber was only $58.68 and I bought and extra 8 foot 2x4, so it could have been slightly cheaper!  

Estimated Cost
$60 for lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Boxes, Totes, camping equiptment
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/26/2020 - 21:41

This was a fun project to build! It took about 1.5 hours to build start to finish, with another couple of hours to stain and then seal.

Estimated Cost
$43
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain and Satin Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar House Number Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/30/2024 - 12:30

I've used a few plans from Ana since I found her over the past year, but this is my first brag post! This plan helped to inspire me to make something similar! I used some free pallet boards instead of cedar fencing, and modified the plan by adding a solar powered fixture to it, so you can see the numbers in the evening as well. I attached it to my siding using vinyl siding hooks and D-rings, so I wouldn't have to drill into the side of my house as well because I I'm a happily lazy builder! Added fake flowers leftover from our wedding because I KNOW I'll forget to water real flowers if I put them in here haha.

 

 

Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic Patio Table

Submitted by worrow on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 20:00

Well my wife and I wanted to create a patio table again for our daughters birthday. I spent some time looking for something that would spark some ideas and found an old wooden spool. So I brought it home also with a large quantity of various lumber, all reclaimed. So we put a plan together quickly and started tackling the project. So far I am 2 days in and have got it built and sanded.

This has been an interesting build thus far and some parts of it have required 2 people as the top is very heavy. Also was difficult to get the spool apart as the bolts were very rusted.

a few more days and I will have it finished being urethaned.

I am also going to use the other top of the spool and create 2 matching benches. This will likely add another 3+ days to the completion of the entire set

Update 05/06/2013
So I completely forgot about my brag post. I did not end up building any benches and also forgot to post the finished table. Here it is in all it's glory. It served it's purpose well.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Will be using gloss urethane and likely about 3 coats.

*It required all 3*
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dmcarwin

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:11

I have a couple of spools that I picked up and have been deciding what to do with them. This table is awesome! I love it! Can't wait to see the benches!

Side table

Submitted by sparkyht55 on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 17:06

My Dad wanted a table for his chessboard to sit on with the wood from the board to match the table. I had seen this design on the website and liked. It was different then the last table I built, so a new thing to learn. This is my 3rd wood project. Not an overly challenging build, but like anything, special attention to getting everything square and (lesson learned) drilling the 2x2 with the pocket holes, ensure they are lined up, centered and the correct depth. It came out very nice, and I'm sure Dad will enjoy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
about $40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two toned oil based stain on pine. For the top used pecan stain and espresso and polycrylic finish from: http://ana-white.com/2012/12/minwax-two-tone-oil-based-stain-pine
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modified TV stand

Submitted by Sb1212 on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 22:49

This measures 70in wide. I added a second shelf as well. I used plexiglass in the doors. I really love how this turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Olympic Black paint satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Queen Bed

Submitted by frmoody on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 17:35

I have built two of these modern farmhouse beds. One from the original farmhouse bed plans and one from the updated plan. This bed was basically the original plan but with the headboard and footboard built with horizontal boards. I did not like the revised farmhouse bed plans and the sides were way to heavy and more complex than they had to be. The were also supported only by pocket screws but I did block underneath each end to add more support. For the slats I also purchased #1 prime 1 x 4's as opposed to construction grade. They were nice and smooth and no need to sand or paint.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Customer just wanted a very light white finish so I used a diluted white paint more as a wash and then a couple of coats of matte varathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mmade

Sat, 02/20/2021 - 21:02

I love this! It’s exactly what I want. It’s like the mix of Ana’s two different farmhouse bed plans. I like the horizontal boards instead of the vertical and I didn’t want the ledges on the side trails. Thanks for showing me the way. :)

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