Community Brag Posts

DIY Rustic Sideboard

I worked on this project over the course of a few months, and I absolutely love the result! I posted all the info at my blog: http://www.designatedspacedesign.com/2017/10/01/a-rustic-sideboard/

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted it repose gray by sherwin williams. The top is a mixture of dark walnut and weathered gray stains.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage shelving unit to inside shelving unit with barn door

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/27/2021 - 12:08

We too you’re 2x4 shelving unit with some small tweaking of measurements and added a barn door!

Comments

Nursery Room Book Shelves from $10 Ledge Plan

Submitted by karahart on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 08:42

I built these bookshelves with the help of my husband for our daughter's nursery. They were so simple to build, the finishing work is what took the most amount of time. They're very sturdy, and we get tons and tons of compliments on the 'feel' that they add to the nursery!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I put on a coat of white primer, and then painted quite a few coats of ultra-white paint on each shelf. I sanded between each coat of paint, and finished it off with a top coat of polycrylic. I also filled in the screw holes with white caulk and painted over that once they were all mounted.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Grandy Sliding Barn Door Console

I pretty much followed the plans to the T. I did use 3/4" plywood for the middle shelf instead of the suggested wood. The hardware was the hardest part and mostly followed the previously posted DIY from Jamie's website with a few modifications. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250ish including all hardware, paint and stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut on the top and charcoal spray paint for the body.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

12 ft farmhouse table with extensions - reclaimed wood

I had no experience building furniture prior to this project but I wanted a 12 ft outdoor table and could not find one.  This tables center section is 8 ft and was built roughly following the plans for the farmhouse table.  I added two 2 ft extensions at each end making the overall table 12 ft.  The extensions included aprons so when installed they look to be part of the table.  The extensions just plug into the end apron of the center section with 2x4 oak braces which engage in the apron and under the table approximately 2 ft from end.  There is no visual sagging of the extensions. I finished the table with Sikkens DEK finish.

 

 

Estimated Cost
The lumber was reclaimed and cost approximately $400 for this project.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sikkens DEK transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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!

 

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

Small Cedar Woodshed

Spaced out the boards to allow airflow; did a sliding barn door and metal roof. Thanks for the plans!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Mudroom Hutch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 09:51

I have been dreaming of this project for YEARS! I used shelfhelp to design the shelf size and the open bottom mudroom plans with matching hutch and the plan with lift up boot storage for inspiration. I still need to add trim but I'm so excited I couldn't wait to say THANK YOU for all the inspiration and help! We absolutely LOVE it!!

Comments

Parson Tower Desk

Submitted by laceyigo on Thu, 09/22/2011 - 08:33

I recently built the Parson Tower Desk (which I see is no longer here on the site). I built it up 3 tiers vs. 2 tiers as the plan called for. Using the Kreg Jig this desk came together like a charm. It was the first piece of furniture I've ever built. Following Ana's plans was so simple. The part that took me the longest was painting it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Spice Rack

Submitted by set42 on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 10:37

My husband and I worked together to build this spice rack with the plan from ana-white.com. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow.

As you can see from the photo, we haven't hung it on the wall just yet. We have a narrow galley kitchen in an apartment, and I won't be able to get a good photo of it once it's hung.

Thank you, Ana, for inspiring us! We have picked out several more plans to build.

Sarah Hughes

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Storage bed

Submitted by 1bwalls on Sun, 12/27/2015 - 12:37

I built this in a full size.  Took some time to adjust all the measurements.  I used cheap lumber since I was painting it and it cost a little over $350.  Then I spent another $75 because I screwed up measurements.  :). This was only the 3rd thing I ever built, so I think I did alright.  The plans were great!  Watched several videos on YouTube about squaring drawers and that helped.

Estimated Cost
$425
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Loveseat

Still need to stain but this was my very first project and it turned out well!  The directions are very easy to follow and I am very happy with it!

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Will be using Minwax oil-based stain over a wood conitioner, and a clear flat oil-based top-coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sand and water table

I love this table!  On cool winter mornings we fill it with warm water.  The built in umbrella stand will be essential once the Texas sun comes out.  

Hopefully it buys me some free time to finish some projects!  laugh 

I already have lots of requests to build more of these for friends and family.  I have some edits in mind to make it a little faster and easier next time.

Many thanks to Ana and all the contributers for all the inspiration and tips!

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

2x4 Outdoor Sectional and Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 17:56

I followed the instructions on the Ana White website, and followed a few of the commenters ideas to reduce the size slightly to minimize the wood costs. I used pocket holes wherever I could to try and reduce the amount of visible screw heads. The cushions were purchased at Big Lots and the cedar was purchased at the big home improvement store. My 5 year old and I worked on this and are so proud of how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Enclosed Garden Raised Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/31/2023 - 14:33

My husband and boys made a beautiful enclosed raised bed using your plans. It was modified to include exterior raised beds for flowers.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/24/2023 - 09:23

I made a pair of Adirondack chairs for my nephew and his fiancé. I use the old Home Depot plans (not sure if they're still online). I used treated 2x4's and cedar 1x4's.

Comments

Modern Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/31/2019 - 13:11

Made my table 4 feet on accident (forgot to cut the 1x10 boards down to 36" before attaching everything) but I kinda like the extra length. I also ended up making the matching side table.

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

Comments

Mrs.Green

Fri, 04/10/2020 - 21:07

If I wanted to make this taller like 3×6ft what size wood would do I need? I want to make this stand for my daughters urn area. She passed away last month and I'm trying to make this perfect. The sooner the better.. Thanks! Love all your work..

My first build. Queen size playhouse loft bed.

Submitted by Bunnie1978 on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 18:57

Aiden's Clubhouse.

I can't even believe I was able to build this! Everyone thought I was crazy for undertaking such a huge project. I made it a queen size because my son would always sleep in my bed anyways... so I just gave it to him. The bed took 4 weeks because I could only work on it on Saturday afternoons. The first week, I made a frame with cleats on the wall. The second week I built the house and stairs. The third week I built the slide and did some of the painting. Today, I finished painting and trim.

I did modify the plans and merged the plan for the slide into my plan, which was a last minute addition. As such, I had to "measure-and-cut-as-you-go" build this bed. I would highly recommend to anyone considering such a task, don't do that. Make a plan, cut all your wood, paint before assembly, and stick to the plan. My stairs all lift up, and under the top landing there is also a cut out inside Aiden's clubhouse-you can see it behind him in the picture below. Also under the slide is a cut out for storage. I have not done anything with the inside of the clubhouse yet. Someday...

I designed the bed specifically so that I could take it apart if we ever move... we live in an apartment. The stairs/stairwell are only connected to the rest of the bed with a single screw. The other wall is a bit more difficult to remove, but not impossible.

I learned a few things doing this, that I want to share with you all..
1. The Kreg-Jig is the best thing ever.
2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE power tools.
3. 4x4 sheets of MDF are difficult to carry upstairs by myself.
4. I can do anything.

I hope you all like it. This was my son's 4th birthday present and he really loves it.

It isn't finished yet though. The far wall in the room is about 2 ft away from the bed, and I haven't decided what to do with that side of the bed, so it's still plain. I would love some ideas! What do you think?

Estimated Cost
$800 including the new tools.. table saw, nailer, kreg, new drill
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr paint. I coordinated the colors on the Behr website to try and match the colors already on the wall.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:30

I did make a couple mistakes with the slide. I made it too narrow. Right now it is 1 foot wide. Next time I would do 1 1/2 feet wide. I also would make the landing at the top bigger. I like the angle of the slide now at 45 degrees, but my son did have to learn how to slide down it without falling foward at the bottom. So, a more well designed slide would be less steep, wider, and with a bigger landing at the top. Another tip... for the top of the stairs, take extra care to make sure they swing straight and are about 1/2 inch less wide than the space so they don't scrape the side of the stairwell walls.

spiceylg

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 03:56

This is you FIRST build? Impressive indeed. You did a great job and Aiden is one blessed boy!

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:32

Technically, I did finish the ten dollar ledge above his bed earlier this week, before I completed the bed, but it was all part of the same project! :) The only other thing I've built is 2x4s slapped together to hold aquariums. My other hobby is breeding fish. :)

Ganny Girl

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:01

This is amazing! I can't believe it was your first build! Did you add any extra support to accommodate the queen size mattress?

Bunnie1978

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:29

Yes I actually made a whole frame. Basically just studs - on the walls they are just screwed into studs in the wall, then the other two sides are supported by the walls of the house and a vertical frame piece also. There are two stud slats connected to that, so that bed isn't going anywhere. This is the same method I use for supporting 1500 pound aquariums. I have a bunch of 1x3 slats in there as well...

So, if I want to move the bed, I would remove the side with the stairs (~62 inches)- that whole side is one unit, secured to the frame with one screw, and secured to the other wall by about 5 finish nails and one screw. The longer wall (~85 inches) is secured to the frame by 6 screws.

Queen mattresses are HEAVY. :) I learned that too.

Dani83264 (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 08:21

we're making the Playhouse Loft Bed for a queen bed as well. Maybe you can answer a question for me. Are the dimensions to fit a queen size bed as written, or do we need to convert them. A queen mattress is 75 x 80 and it looks like that's what this is made to fit, but I don't wanna find out i'm wrong after I already have that thing hoisted up over my head :) Thanks for any advice you can offer!

ashleymyers233

Thu, 06/25/2015 - 00:53

Can anyone guide me as to what parts of the clubhouse and castle bed plans were used here to make this bed