Community Brag Posts

Pallet Bench

Submitted by eralben on Mon, 05/04/2015 - 06:30

A friend gave me a pallet that I wanted to make into an outdoor bench.  I found Ana’s plans for a simple outdoor loveseat and they inspired the frame for the bench.  To make the bench I cut the pallet in half and then I adjusted Ana’s plans to make the frame to fit around the pallet. 

The pallet was free and I used scrap wood to build the frame so my only cost for this project was paint.  

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern outdoor patio chairs

Submitted by BubsGarage on Sun, 09/17/2017 - 17:32

Added a little extra back rest. Made a double chair in the process of making a 3 cushion couch.

 

Estimated Cost
$95 for the chair with the cushion
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TerDickison2

Mon, 06/10/2019 - 18:43

I really like the backrest. I built the chair as is from the plans but found it really needs the backrest. Can I ask how you attached the backrest screw-wise and what the angle is? It looks like the backrest might have been screwed on from underneath the armrests before the armrests were screwed to the body of the chair. Am I thinking in the right direction? Thanks in advance!

Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 15:33

First attempt ever at building anything! Probably took me a lot longer than it should have, but I'm very proud of the result

Comments

My very first build and I love it

Submitted by kimewest on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 20:47

This is my first try at building! Well, I have built above ground gardens but never furniture. Seeing what everyone has done on this site encouraged me to give it a try too. I'm so glad I did and it turned out exactly as I wanted. Now, I have several other projects that I'm excited to start. This could get addicting.

I needed a side table for my office and wanted it to match the decor. I have all black picture frames and accessories and needed the wood to look very similar to what was on the couch. I had planned on painting the bottom shelf but really liked it plain so decided to stain it as well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $60 but would have been less if I'd done this before
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
High gloss black paint and Minwax Rosewood stain. I finished with a glossy polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Treehouse Adventure Bed (Alternate Beach Hut Bed)

I was looking for something to build for a fundraiser this year and found the Beach Hut Bed plans. I liked the idea of a little house inside a kids room but I wanted to do something a little more rustic. here's what I came up with!!!

The shopping list and cut list is pretty much the same. However, I only used one 1x3 and needed to buy 4 extra 1x4s. I lowered the bed deck about a foot and left half of the walls open for easy parent access. I sorta just winged it as I went. Turened out pretty neat!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Roof: Valspar Exterior latex paint+primer. Main structure: burned with torch, wipe on poly, high gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Eagle Project Workbench - Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand

Submitted by nelsoncc on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 11:32

My son chose to make a workbench for his high school theater for his Eagle Scout project, and selected the Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand as the basis for the project. The theater teacher wanted pegboard for tool storage, so we extended the rear legs on each workbench and notched the top to allow them to pass through. We built two frames from 1x3s to fit inside the rear legs, then put a pegboard inside each one.

To secure the extended legs, we added a riser shelf from 1x8s. We put a storage station for drills at one end of the riser shelf.

We also made all the cart shelves adjustable and added an adjustable shelf under the miter saw, and added lighting and power strips.

We left out the panels at the end of the workbench to allow access to the shelves there without having to remove the carts. Once we had constructed it, we added a brace at each end of the workbench to better support the outside front legs.

This plan was the perfect one for the theater, giving a stable work area for the miter saw and allowing for tool and materials storage. The carts can be rolled around to where a work surface is needed. This will come in handy for years of set construction in the theater. So proud of my son and all the leadership and hard work he put into this project!

Comments

Factory Cart: How Low can you go?

Submitted by chjaway2 on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 08:15

The Factory cart was really easy to put together.

I used a pocket-hole jig to eliminate any screw heads on the exterior.
The wood I had was already distressed somewhat, but I figured that would add to the 'old' look when ultimately completed.
The most difficult part of this project was finding casters that I liked and that I could afford (those suckers are expensive!)  I'm still not 100% sold on the ones I purchased, but will keep my eyes open when out & about for replacements!
The plans posted on Ana-White.com could NOT have been easier to follow.
However, I should like to stress that this coffee table is EXTREMELY low to the ground.  One of the first lines on the plan page reads:  "This coffee table sits lower than traditional coffee tables." = understatement of the year!  (my fault, I should have compared the posted dimensions with an existing coffee table to get an idea before hand) 

The plans will make a awesome factory cart height factory cart, but a nearly-uncomfortable height coffee table (As is).  In the attached photo, you'll note a foot-rest in the upper left corner as compared to the finished factory cart.
 --again, the build was super easy & a LOT of fun because I intended the finish to look worn, I didn't have worry about scratching up the wood during the build.  In fact, the kids are looking forward to helping me distress it later!  I'll just have to increase the height of the sides to make it usable as a coffee table in our home.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
(Will) Paint, distress & stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by mebohn on Fri, 06/07/2013 - 05:46

I This project is definitely the most difficult I've ever built. I've done lot of drawer slides before, but for some reason this one was the hardest. I think the culprit was squaring, which was mysterious to me bc I'm careful to take a square constantly. Could've been bowed boards, too. But, after some patience and forcing the boards to do what the should, it worked. I did rip down 2x4's for strength b/c our stores do not carry the upgraded 2x2's and furring strips would just not have been strong enough for a dresser. My son is very happy to finally have a place for his clothes. Thanks Ana for these plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel Wool and vinegar, Rustoleum ultimate poly in matte
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 06/07/2013 - 08:26

Your efforts were worth it. This came out beautiful. Looks professional.

Benchright Coffee Table

This was one of my first projects. I made it for my daughter who was moving to a new apartment and wanted to replace her college coffee table. It was fairly easy other than keeping everything square so the drawers worked correctly. I finished it with Rust-Oleum Ebony stain and Minwax Satin Poly (3 coats). All the hardware and lumber came from the Orange big box store

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust Oleum Ebony Stain
Minwax Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My entry way bench in Hickory

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/23/2021 - 15:07

The Shelf Help app helped me customize this to my space, the plans were excellent. Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Photo Gallery Ledges

I was always a fan of the gallery wall, but not having a big empty space in any of my main rooms I didn't think I could have one.  However, once I finally got my stairway and upper hallway painted, I realized the wall needed something and the gallery ledges would be perfect!  Save the old plaster walls from being bashed with picture hanging nails too!
I build them out've 1x3's and a small 1/4 round for the front edge instead of a 1x2.
I made 2 3' long and 2 4' long and staggered them on the walls, as the walls are at a slight angle to each other.
I decided to paint them the same colour as the walls so they would blend in and the picture frames would stand out.  All the frames are varying wood stain colours that go with the trim in the house.

I love having a place to put all the pictures I never find time to put up!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$24 for all 4
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint. Home Hardware 'Burnt Sugar'
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Bunkbeds with Stairs

Submitted by Yodannos on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 13:19

We have a rental unit and decided to fill one room with 2 sets of bunk beds. One is a twin over a full. The other is a full over full. Due to a duct running through one corner, and limited amount of space, I decided to build a set of stairs on the 17" gap. I used the simple bunk bed plans, but modified it to the style of the farmhouse. Also, I changed several of the heights of the foot/head boards. The full over full will have a ladder coming off the end and is in progress.

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony Stain. Satin Polyeurethene.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by RenoRustic on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 10:17

I built this nightstand when my wife and I purchased a new bed. We had to rearrange the bedroom and as such, I no longer had a desk or table on my side of the bed. I wanted something "country" style and after searching through several different plans I found a brag post that fit exactly what I was looking for. Well, technically, I found the original Farmhouse Bedside Table plans and modified them to fit what I needed. It wasn't until after I completed the project that I realized there was a "Mini" version as well. What can I say, I'm not that great as using search. I actually built this over a year ago at this point, and it was the second project I ever built. I learned quite a bit on this project, including the fact your project will only come out as good as your lumber selection! This build actually created my addiction for DIY and woodworking. Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Special Walnut for the entire project, then painted the base and drawer Behr white (their basic white off the shelf, I didn't have the paint mixed) in semi-gloss. I antiqued everything for a more rustic look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bookshelf Hidden Doors Over Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 10:13

Hidden door bookshelves hide a furnace closet.  Built by Kraig Faulkner

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

charkue

Thu, 09/17/2020 - 08:01

I'm currently working on a basement renovation project. I'm probably going to incorporate a feature like this for my mechanicals, too.

One important safety note for anyone who wants to do this: It's recommended that your furnace be a minimum of 30" away from any combustible materials. That includes walls and partitions. The image of this project displayed is right next to the furnace, which is not a good idea.

Tiny Home:)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/05/2021 - 13:32

After watching your tiny home builds we decided to build our own. It's almost complete:)

Comments

Craft Table Build

Submitted by cathytn2 on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 05:28

I emailed my husband the plans for this desk on a Friday night and said we HAVE to make this desk this weekend.  I can't believe he actually went for it!  Well it turned into about 3 weekends and some nights of painting.  We also had some issues getting straight and square plywood and boards with knots in them.  He also added some extra holes in the sides for me to adjust the shelves.  We used an oil based white paint to finish the desk and looks nice and clean and shiny.  I can't wait to get started on our next project!  Please check out my blog for more details and photos and information on materials used, etc. (kitcats-studio.blogspot.com/2011/craft-table-made-from-plans.html
PS - {I had one more coat of paint on the drawers to finish so ignore the bare fronts of the drawers.}

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We primed everything using Zissner and then used an oil based white paint (about $15/gallon) from Lowe's for the finish. The trick to doing this is a WELL ventilated area, and a good brush. Although we're kind of lazy about cleaning up from oil based paint (it's a chore) so we got a medium cost brush (about $5) and threw it away when we were done with it. I used general handles from Lowes and the color on the inside of the drawers is Valspar Turquoise Tint 5006-10B.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table and benches

This is the first furniture building project that my husband and I have completed. It took us about 5 weekends to complete it- including finishing.

We started with the benches as recommended in some of the comments and ended up buying a pocket hole jig and redoing the tops of the benches before completing the table.

The stain is Minwax Red Chestnut and there are three coats of Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane on it. We're so happy with it and can't wait to start the next project!

Estimated Cost
about $200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Chestnut stain- one coat
Minway Fast Drying Polyurethane in Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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