Community Brag Posts

Over the toilet medicine cabinet / storage

Submitted by skyzen on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 17:06

I recently discovered your blog and got really inspired. After building a couple of beginner projects following your plans, i started to think about making something that can be used as medicine cabinet and does not take much space. Came up with the idea for this over the toilet storage rack.

My goal was to recycle/reuse some of the stuff that was sitting in my garage.
Started with building a frame using 1x6s (24 inch for shelves and 72 inch height). Used plastic table mats were used as sliding windows. Found a PVC trim (8 ft) for $2 at lowes that has been used as the rails/track for the windows. The back is piece of cardbord that was scrap from an old broken ikea bookshelf.

I am pretty happy that i recycled some stuff and made this in less than $15.

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Bombay Mahogany Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kevinwdavies

Tue, 12/01/2020 - 14:20

Did you do anything to the bottoms of the legs to prevent wet floors from wicking into the wood? I am wanting to build something similar to replace a particle board cabinet-in-a-box because the particle board did soak up water and get ruined. What I'd REALLY like are metal end caps with an adjustable foot (like you put at the bottom of a table leg) but I can't find a combination of the two anywhere.

Sliding Barn Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/16/2016 - 12:14

We wanted to build this piece for so long, but couldn't find 1/2" metal anywhere. Mind you, we live in a pretty small town. We finally just decided to use 1/8" Metal, which works just fine in my opinion. We followed the rest of the tutorial, but I find that they don't go over how to install the metal at all. That needs a tutorial all on its own. We improvised with what we had here in our small town. We ideally wanted to find old metal, but that didn't happen. So we bought new steel, spray painted it & then beat it up so it looked more vintage. 

I'd say hanging the barn doors & the track is the longest part for sure. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300 ( We live in Canada, so everything is much more expensive here )
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Top is stained in our Beachwood ( colors mixed from the Minwax stains ) Bottom is painted in pure white. Hardware is black & beaten up
Matte Polyurethane finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sausha's Washer and Dryer Pedestal

This was one heck of a project LOL! But I am so pleased with the results!!

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

pdoughty (not verified)

Sun, 09/23/2012 - 08:03

My washer will shake on the metal pedestals. Will it shake on this one?

Shawna Sommerville (not verified)

Mon, 12/31/2012 - 19:01

My husband just finished one similar to this for me today-total cost about $65.....Thank you for the fabulous & frugal idea!!

Jelly Cupboard(s)

Submitted by bbomer on Fri, 12/27/2013 - 09:48

I have built several of these Jelly Cupboards since the plans came out. Everyone really likes them, and they are super fast and easy to build. The last one had glass doors that turned out pretty well. I like to use plywood beadboard on the back to give it a little more character. I also like to use 'hardware cloth' for the mesh type doors (found at farm stores). It usually has openings about 1/8" or less but not as tight as screen, which looks perfect.

Edit: For hardware part numbers and sources please see: http://grvland.com/wordpress/2012/02/07/jelly-cupboard-project/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Walnut Danish Oil, Wax Free Shellac, Latex Paint (dark), more latex paint (light), sand back, Water-based Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

romanweel

Tue, 12/31/2013 - 00:51

Really lovely work! I scoured a couple of those pretty butterfly hinges by pure luck a while back, and I know where to find more...but those strap hinges! Where did you get them? I can't seem to find them for a decent price (Ohio).

bbomer

Tue, 12/31/2013 - 07:15

The strap hinges are from Acorn Manufacturing. I had to order them because I could not find anything like them locally. For some reason I can not post links in the comments, but the sources are linked on my blog, grvland dot com (no spaces and a . obviously). Just search there for Jelly Cupboard and you will find the source links in the earlier of the two posts. I will also see if I can add a direct link above.

Mini Planked Farmhouse Bedside Tables

By far my favorite project! It was challenging combining two sets of plans, changing dimensions, and learning new skills all at the same time yet so, so, rewarding.

I loved the look of the Mini Farmhouse Bedside Tables but wanted to create a bookshelf as well so, I used the planks idea from the Planked Wood Bedside table plans to create solid sides, and a plywood backing for support and to hide lamp and phone cables.

I have a very low bed, so I shortened the height and made the top proportionate in size.

I used 1x6s for the top, 1x4s for the bottom shelf, 1x3s and a 1x2 for the side panels, 1x4s for the drawer, and 1x2s for the trim and a piece of 1/4" plywood for the backing.

I found that the drawer fell out when you pulled it too far so I added piece of wood between the drawer and the top to keep it from dropping as you pulled it out. 

Estimated Cost
$120 for 2
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Penetrating Stain and Minwax Polyurethane
White cabinet paint from Sherwin Williams
Drawer liner :)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Shed Chicken Coop 6x8

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/19/2016 - 19:50

 The project was used using the same plans but I extended the floor to be 6 feet wide vice 4 feet the additional 2 feet provided the perfect amount space I wanted. I also added an extra windows  to get cross ventilation.    I also insulated the coop and put paneling on the walls and lenolium on the floors.  I dropped the back wall sheeting 1.5 inches for additional airflow since the shed doesn't have a ridge vent.   The plans are easy to follow and easily adaptable.   

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$700. You may think that is a lot but you will learn a lot. Coops we were looking at were $1,200. This coop was less expensive and bigger and better plus you can say you built that.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
T1-11 with home depot behr exterior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Catio heaven

Submitted by bhoppy on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 15:43

Ana doesn’t have a plan for a catio but she does for a playhouse and a cedar shed made from 2x2’s. I sort of combined my knowledge from making her plans over the last 10 years and came up with this for my cats. It was fun to make!! My baby kitten is loving it. I used garden fencing and stapled it to the outside and pocket holes for the walls. I made each wall individually like the playhouse then connected them once in place.

 

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabot semi transparent outdoor deck and fence stain. ($9 oops section)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wifey

Wed, 06/09/2021 - 12:36

Thank you for sharing! My daughter wants a cat for her birthday but it can't be inside due to our son's allergies. Roaming outside isn't really an option because we have coyotes. We are going to use one of these in combination with an underground electric fence.

Seasonal And Holiday

Extra tall bar stool

Submitted by Jbonacci3 on Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:18

I built a breakfast bar into an existing wall shared between our kitchen and living room. I built it on the taller side of average since I wanted to have room to install new electrical outlets above the counter on the kitchen side. After the project was done we went to buy bar stools to use with the new bar and found that even the "tall" stools were too short to work. Research into extra tall stools showed that what we needed was going to $400-600 each! Luckily my wife found these stools on your site and we were able to make three of them for around $115. Also, they are much sturdier than anything we looked at to buy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$115
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted frames with Valspar paint + primer (black). Padded and covered seats with a canvas material.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Breibee23

Mon, 11/11/2013 - 23:53

This is a saving grace... We didn't want to spend 600-1400 on extra tall bar stools that actually look good and this plan rocks as a stand in :)

Playhouse kitchen from Modern Vertical Slat Top Console

Submitted by LauraLaura on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 17:21

I've been looking for a simple design for a consol table that I could easily modify to fit in my kids' club house. This one fit the bill perfectly! I also happen to have a pile of 2x4s left over from a closet demo, so I wanted to use those up. I basically built 2 of the consol tables, letting the 2 outer-most horizontal beams extend across and 25.5 inch space and connect the two consols. Then I put in a middle beam and that created the perfect space to set some catering pans in it. Also, I only had 2x4s so I used those for all the pieces, making the gaps a little wider than the original design. And lastly, because I didn't quite have enough wood, I shortened the vertical beams. If you look at the picture, all of this will make more sense! Thanks for the inspiration and direction! ps - I have no idea how to rotate the photos. Sorry!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none yet, but I think I need to paint it or something so it doesn't rot outside.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

$235 Weatherly Pergola

This is the first time I've ever taken on a project of this scale. The pergola is 12 x 11, and I was able to get it all done for $235 by having Lowe's price match a lumber yard in the next town over. I skipped out on the fancy base covers because I'll eventually make those pretty with limestone stacking rock - and because the lumber for those alone would cost about $121.
Once the treated lumber seasons, I'll stain it a darker color.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$235
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Address marker/planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/27/2021 - 13:03

I made this simple but elegant projects for a last minute Christmas gift.

Comments

Tryde Console Table

Submitted by Lee8717 on Mon, 01/09/2012 - 17:54

Tryde Console Table. First project undertaken. Decided to make a bottom shelf. Used 4 1x4s and notched the middle two to fit around legs. Being that is was out first project, we had a few problems with keeping everything square and level but with a few minor tweeks it ended up looking really good.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss black. Before painting took sander and sanded the sharp corners off all boards making them rounded and distressed looking. After painting two coats, took 220 grit sandpaper to the edges to take off some paint to expose the wood underneath.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Truss Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 10:12

Our 4x4 Truss Beam Table made by my husband for our new house. Stain is Minwax slate gel stain.

 

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Modern Sectional Sofa

Submitted by reinkense on Fri, 05/30/2014 - 17:22

I looked all around my town for a sofa that meet my needs. I wanted something with tall legs, modern lines and fit my living room. I did not have $3,000 to buy one online so I said to myself why not???

 

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

reinkense

Sat, 05/31/2014 - 15:58

Thank you! I am really proud of it. I was thinking of putting together some plans.

Samigdal

Fri, 12/25/2015 - 17:48

Are there step-by-step instructions for building this posted anywhere?

walthoca

Fri, 01/06/2017 - 11:06

I am so impressed. We recently spent a small fortune on a sectional, but yours looks equally beautiful. You are incredibly talented! 

Adirondack Chair Project WNY Sept 2020

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/07/2020 - 19:06

My daughter and I completed 4 chairs per Ana's design over Labor day w/e 2020. It took a little longer because we did a Shou Sugi Ban burn/brush finish with 2 coats of clear Urethane, including cleaning/drying time. We may add another after light sanding. Love the modern look - super easy plans to follow with video. Thanks Ana for making this available - a great way to spend the holiday weekend during Covid!

Estimated Cost
$60 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Shou Sugi Ban deep burn and brush on all pieces
2 Coats of clear urethane .... possibly another still to come
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sliding "barn" door from reclaimed pallet wood

I saw many different sliding door projects online, so I did my own spin on one. I was able to get several old pallets for free (pine and oak). I went to Lowes and bought a few 2x3s which I used as the frame, and the track hardware which was only $13! Most doors I see are mounted from the wall, but since I have 7' ceilings downstairs I mounted mine from the ceiling. This project only took about 4 hours total and cost about $40 when you figure in costs for screws, stain, etc. The most difficult part was taking apart the pallets. Using a reciprocating saw with a 12'' demolition blade is the best way to take them apart. Thanks for the idea Ana.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

BREATHESMILEBE

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 20:00

Hi!!
This looks so awesome! I came across this and was hoping to repeat it. You mention that you found the door hanging hardware at Lowes for $13. I can't seem to find it. Do you happen to remember the name of it? I'm entering "hanging door hardware" into Lowes and Home Depot and can't seem to find any hanging door hardware at all. I'd appreciate the help. Thanks!
Tina

Rolling Kitchen Island with tilt trashcan and Holy cutting board

Submitted by MBlack on Thu, 02/21/2013 - 16:27

I saw Ana's tilt trashcan plan and I knew that I had to tackle this bad boy. I didn't want anything stationary because my 1910 kitchen is big but also pushed against the walls. My stove is 7 steps from a counter top so prep is kind of a pain.

I modified Ana's original plan to be taller and even (well, close) with the stove's height for extra counter space. I also wanted a slide out cutting board with a hole so that while I'm chopping my ingredients, I can scoop it into the hole that drops directly into the trash.

I'm a very ambitious girl who doesn't like to be told that I can't do something. This is also my second built....my first is a huge craft supply cabinet made from old barn wood that is lovingly referred to as 'The Outhouse'. My tools are limited to a 7in circular saw, drill, and Kreg Gig. I knew this would be tough but after a few head scratches, I have a pretty cool island.

If you have questions about what I asked, please ask. There are all types of wicked little tricks/fixes in this beast.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-oleum Kona Stain for the frame and an acrylic wash for the sides. You can use those little cheap bottles of acrylic paint. Dip your brush in water then a small dip in paint. Brush it on then treat it like stain. Depending on how much paint is on your brush and the longer you leave the wash on the wood, the more darker and opaque the color becomes. Definetly test before applying to a completed project. The whole thing is coated with 6 coates of matte poly since it's a piece of kitchen furniture.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

nicolepitts

Sun, 09/21/2014 - 08:11

we are about to start building and island based off this plan as well and i love the holy cutting board idea. do you have pictures of that or advice on how to accomplish it? we plan to make it twice the width with two trash cans. ( we have 5 kids= lots of trash!) 

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