Community Brag Posts

Suede Gray Beauty

Submitted by pfossi on Thu, 08/27/2015 - 18:25

This was produced from the Queen version by adding 16 inches to the width of several of the pieces of wood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Webster Chalk Paint added to Behr Ultra. Finished with several coats of bees wax,
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Split Chevron Trestle Table

Submitted by rbgreene04 on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 22:32

I followed the X-table plans for the base and then went a little nutty on the table top. I also beefed up the bottom stretcher on the base as I felt it complemented the 4x4s used for the feet well. I left off the diagonal braces as I liked the contrast of the beefy legs and stretcher and the open airy appearance between the base and tabletop. There were several blogs/ideas on Pinterest about a Chevron style table top. I took pieces from all of them for my design. The table measures 99.75 inches long by 41 inches wide. I thought being a quarter inch under 100 was a bit quirky and did it merely for that reason. Oh and please forgive the photo bomb by my daughters. I could not take a picture without getting at least one of them in the frame. My oldest is being a little silly in the pic trying to show the detail of the Chevron design--or split Chevron as I'm calling it. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
My last outdoor table failed miserably (it was a beautiful design IMO, of plywood strips layed on edge to create a striated table top). I finished that failure with spar urethane specifically for boats. But plywood, while extremely stable indoors, is a terrible choice for outdoors. Lesson learned. For this table I used a deck stain and sealer. It's Olympic Maximum in Canyon Brown color. Hopefully I'll have better luck!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hope Chest

Submitted by Daniel B on Sun, 04/24/2022 - 13:26

Wooden chest built by Daniel!

Comments

Kreg Jig Workbench

Submitted by angiemicn on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 04:02

I wanted to start building right away....But had nowhere to build! Anna suggested the Kreg Jig, and since my birthday is when I found the site, "suggested" this as a gift to my daughter, who passed it on to the big guy...and viola, Master Kreg Jig. Happy Birthday to me! I got the plans from the Kreg Jig Community....super helpful site, answer all questions, and a great resource to beginner builders.
The worktop is made of 2 pieces of MDF, which is SUPER durable. Loved working with it. This took a day, and not a day goes by that I don't use or get some kind of compliment on it. What's really neat is there is a utube video to follow as you build geared towards the just starting out builder, which shows layout, cuts, jigging, very easy to follow. Plan is on Kreg Jig Community, free if you register, as well as lots of cool free plans....not quite as cool as Anna's :)
Very reasonably priced about $70 inc 100 ct Kreg screws

Estimated Cost
72.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
left unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Moose Head

Submitted by Newfey on Wed, 08/07/2013 - 17:37

This is a wall ornament I made for my daughter for their get away home on the golf course at Canadian Lakes, MI. "No animals were hurt in the mounting of this moose head" The only thing to suffer was a few pieces of scrap wood that I had laying around.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and spar varnish. Just something that I had lawing around
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Newfey

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 08:24

My daughter say a small one on a shelf in a little restaurant in Stanwood, MI and told me that she would like one, only larger. That was as large Asia could make it wit the scrap wood that I had laying around.

Newfey

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 08:29

My daughter say a small one on a shelf in a little restaurant in Stanwood, MI and told me that she would like one, only larger. That was as large as I could make it with the scrap wood that I had laying around.

4x4 Truss Beam Table -Modified Size

My husband and I moved in to our new house last fall and we needed a dining table that would seat at least 8. We picked this plan from Ana's site because I love the look of the 4x4 beams. I used Adobe Illustrator and my math skills to modify the size and scale to fit our dining room with exact spacing all the way around. We had difficulty finding untreated 4x4 beams but were able to special order some for a reasonable price from a local lumber company. It is more expensive than combing 2x4s but I did not like the pieced together look of the 2x4s. We stained with Rustoleum Dark Walnut and Matte Poly just like the blog post from Ana's site. We also used the Kreg Jig HD which is SO AWESOME! We love the table. Now we just need to decide: chairs vs. benches. I hate to block the beautiful truss design of the base. Its so gorgeous!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $200 including the Kreg Jig HD, screws, sandpaper, and glue.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Dark Walnut
Rustoleum Matte Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

MrCoffee

Mon, 08/31/2015 - 14:18

I love this table.  The finish came out great by the looks.  My wife and I are moving into a house soon and I think this is going to be the design for our table as well.

jlandttc

Mon, 09/07/2015 - 06:21

What a beautiful table!  Is this table square?  We are also looking to build a table to sit 8 and love the look of yours.  Could you share your cut list or dimensions?  

Spayton821

Thu, 12/10/2015 - 06:59

I am so in love with his table. We have a family

of 7 and are looking to replace our current dining room table and this would be perfect.  Is there any way you could share your measurements. 

Jake'n'Leelo

Mon, 08/29/2016 - 06:08

Thank you for all the kind comments! I did not know that I had gotten any and had not checked back over the past year. The jump drive with my dimensions on it got damaged last year shortly after the build and I lost all of my home decor files including the AI with my cut list and dimensions. I know it had been a while since several of your comments but I will see if my husband can help me measure the table and figure out what the dimensions are and post them on here for you. Happy Woodworking!

topdowndoorsoff

Tue, 11/15/2016 - 18:01

This table really looks great!  I'm about to start making one and would love to know the dimensions you used. I also noticed that you didnt use the bread boards on either end.  How many people does this table fit?

Thanks!

 

Accidental Sectional

Submitted by JoanneS on Fri, 05/18/2018 - 09:44

This project evolved from us purchasing the wrong foam to go under 4 area rugs.  After it didn’t work for the first rug, we had 3 more rolls of the stuff that we couldn’t take back to the store (we had waited too long to do a return).  I originally had intended to buy an inexpensive sectional sofa for the downstairs family room, but with all this foam staring at me, I decided to put it to use and make sofa cushions.  There was enough foam to do a whole sectional!

 

The sofa frame is based on Ana’s Outdoor 2x4 Sectional sofa.  I adjusted the size, because the fabric I wanted to use was 54” wide, and that would fit nicely around a 22” deep x 4” thick cushion.  Each cushion is 11 layers of the foam (seat cushions: 67 x 22 x 4, backs: 67 x 18 x 4). That length for the cushions fit exactly into the 8 yards of fabric available on the bolt.  The next week I ended up going back for some more fabric for the corner cushion and an ottoman that's in work. 

 

I had the frame assembled and was ready to add the final upper back pieces, when Hubby suggested we give it a slanted back.  That required a little re-engineering and a couple of extra boards on the back and armless end.  Instead of using 2x4s the full length for the seat, I had used some 1x2 furring strips reclaimed from another project.  Also used some of those for the upright pieces for the backs.  Added some 1x6 to top the arms and ½ x 3 ½” craft boards to the front to hide the cut 2x4 ends.

 

The cushions are covered in a polyester faux tooled suede (fabric from Hobby Lobby).  The cushion covers are slightly loose on purpose, to give the nice worn squishy look that a real soft leather sofa cushion would have.

 

It’s surprisingly comfy and we love the look! 

 

 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish is 2 coats of Clark & Kensington Satin enamel in Winter Storm. 

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Tue, 06/05/2018 - 14:47

You are so resourceful!  Love how this turned out!  Thanks so much for sharing such detailed instructions, much appreciated!

Pottery Barn Nightstand

Submitted by nearfall3 on Mon, 04/25/2022 - 19:10

My take on the Pottery Barn nightstand. With the exception of the drawer boxes it's all oak. I used red and white oak to provide some contrast.

Comments

mthomp

Wed, 04/27/2022 - 18:39

This looks great. I really like the contrasting stains.

Just a personal preference, but I think I'd have put the outlets on the back or rear of the side. Dust, spills, etc can get into them (I learned this from having SAABs where the ignition is between the front seats on the floor).

My Outdoor Modern Farm Table

Submitted by tara-m on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 10:22

I have a rustic outdoor room made out of our garage. We started the project last summer but it took until this weekend to get a table built. I was skeptical that I would be able to build a table myself, but I knew this table would fit in my backyard decor and I had to do it!

Using the plans from the site, I was able to build this almost entirely by myself. I got help for flipping it and adding the side aprons.

I started around noon with a trip to Lowe's and was done by about 7:30. The wood and screws cost around $50. I still have to finish it and am thinking of staining it dark brown.

Also, the guy at Lowe's recommended that I used deck screws. So that is what I used. I did not pre-drill all the holes. I also put the 2x6s in the table top, then flipped it over and added the 2x2 supports and screwed them in. I think that saved some time and seemed to work out okay.

Thanks for a great project, Ana! I am so proud of myself that I did this! Now I am off to make a bench to match.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Caddy for the Bathroom

Using Ana's great Reclaimed Soda Crate Caddy plan I built the perfect wood caddy for my bathroom by just adding rope handles and stenciling "BATH" to the front.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Mixwax special walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Awesome Bar Stools Ana!

Submitted by rdeguz4 on Thu, 09/03/2015 - 20:58

This was a fun and very rewarding project.  Thank you Ana for sharing your talent with us.  I got tired of stores wanting too much money for cheaply built bar stools, so I turned to the internet and found Ana.  These stools are quality built, and at a fraction of the cost.  The only thing I altered in Ana's original plan was the backrest.  I tried to build the horizontal braces but kept damaging the wood.  So I just built them vertically.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 including materials and tools
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My version twist on the apothecary

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/30/2022 - 12:09

A bit wider and taller to hide our litter box in our too small living room. Thanks again Ana!!!

Comments

First Project - Sawhorse Table

Submitted by scot price on Fri, 07/08/2011 - 10:36

This was my first project that I took on from this site, and I was very happy with the result.

I used the plans from the Simple Sawhorse Table, and adjusted to our needs.

The only real adjustments were instead of using a solid top, I used 2 2x10's. I also made the total length 90" on top.

Very great site, and hope to be building more soon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For finishing this project I sanded, then put a layer of Amber Shellac down. After that dried, I sanded with a finer grit. I then put a layer of rosewood stain down, and let it dry without wiping excess off. Finally, I sanded the entire table with 0000 steel wool.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Table and chair

Submitted by carongirls on Sun, 08/11/2013 - 13:56

I made the $4 dollar chair and Ana Table. For the chairs I used 2x2's for the legs to help sturdy it up and because of that my seat slats are closer together. It's a very sturdy chair. I can sit on it and it doesn't budge.
The table was easy to do.

Estimated Cost
Chair $4.50 Table $17.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Left over paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom Farmhouse Wainscotting

Submitted by Yodannos on Sun, 09/06/2015 - 22:54

This was a project that took me about 4 weekends.  Last year I installed the French doors.  I decided that this was the year to finish them and the rest of my wife's office with a custom Wainscotting, based off the farmhouse style.  In order to keep it cheap, I used 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4" mdf.  I would then rip them to the width of my choosing, based upon design.  Overall, I used 4 4'x8' 1/4" plywood (for backing), I used 5 4'x8' 3/4" mdf... At a cost of $29/sheet. After installation, filling holes and seams, I primed then painted using a spray gun.  Total cost: about $350.  The room is much more rich, and really lightens up the space.  

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Upcycle Bench

Submitted by LARMO on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 17:55

Upcycle headboard bench made for a local fund raiser

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior cream with an exterior sealer, with a rubbed walnut stain into the seat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/10/2022 - 15:53

I had a customer ask if I could make a chair , they sent me a picture and I used your,and another persons chairs as my pattern, I made a few adjustments for my liking. Turned out great, thanks for always sharing and inspiring your ideas

Comments

Narrow Modifed End Table

I wanted a table like Ana's narrow cottage table, except I just wanted an open shelf instead of a drawer for a basket.

Here is my version modified to fit my needs. Thanks to Ana, of course. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Undecided...

Step by step and cut list on my blog.
http://thequaintcottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-simple-end-table-for-small-spaces.html
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clubhouse Fun!

Submitted by nleonard85 on Tue, 08/13/2013 - 12:36

This project is fun and relatively quick for the end result. All together, it took just over 20 hours. For the most part I followed the instructions and wood cuts according to the plan. I ended up having to tweak some things and I'm not sure if the error was in the plans provided online or my own error. Probably mine!

I thought I would add that, for the sign, I simply picked a font on the computer and printed out big letters (a size that would fit nicely on the sign) and then used those letters to trace out the border. Then I painted the letters by staying inside the lines! Easy Peasy. I used a small rustic rope and drilled holes in the sign to slip the rope through. I then tied knots so as to hold the sign in place. Works great and definitely completes the set. I thought about skipping the windows, but I'm so glad I did not. They really stand out and look amazing. My son loves to open them and just stare out (who knows what his imagination is making him see).

This bed is great because it allows for another area below. My son likes to turn on a lamp, sit in his chair and read. Thank you SO MUCH for this plan!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American. Applied with rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

BrettPaPa

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 09:43

This is spot on! Great job! Your finish is just super! What stain and color did you use?

nleonard85

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 13:35

Thank you! I used a water-based Minwax stain from Sherwin Williams. The color is called "Early American" and the product number is 230. I applied it with a rag since it is easier and I think it actually looks the best.

Coffee Table Plan Modified for Flat File Cabinet Table

I found this fabulous vintage metal flat file cabinet at an antique store (Hunt & Gather Vintage Market, in Princeton, MA), but it didn't have a base or a top, so I went searching online for something that I could build.  The Corona Coffee Table plans were going to be perfect!  I just had to make a few adjustments:

  1. Build it to fit my flat file cabinet.  
  2. I didn't inset my apron 1x3 boards because I wanted the top ones to be flush with the edge of the flat file cabinet, and then I wanted the bottom ones to match.
  3. There was a "lip" on the top of the flat file cabinet, so I had to build a thin trim around the bottom edge of the table-top.  This lip keeps the top from sliding off the flat file cabinet, but just to be sure there wasn't any wiggle, I put a bead of silicone around the top of the metal cabinet and then placed the wood top on.  

LOVE how this table turned out!  It's counter-height and the perfect centerpiece for my craft room.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
I stained the piece with dark walnut and then painted with 2 coats of "creamy" Sweet Pickin's milk paint.  Sanded it down to distress it a bit, and then used a clear wax to seal it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hexagon address planter

Not much to say, just a quick project to use up some scrap lumber. Better to use it than burn it. 

Estimated Cost
$15 for the numbers, wood was all scrap 2x2 and 1x2
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut and Thompsons Outdoor Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project