Community Brag Posts

Ice Cream Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/25/2019 - 07:35

Love this adorable cart! Probably not as much as the recipient though 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

"JOY "alternate builds for Christmas gifts

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/17/2023 - 06:29

Loved your "JOY" wall art, but after I built the prototype, realized it was way too large for my idea of gifts for the family. Since I had already cut and sanded pallet boards to size, I downsized the idea and used individual boards and 4" and 6" stencils to paint the letters. I wanted a darker border around the letters, so I woodburned around them. Some of that turned out uneven since the wood wasn't smooth but it adds to the rustic look. I used roundish tree ornaments to use for the "O" letter. Popped on sawtooth hangers on the back and left them unfinished. I did finish off the larger red barn boards and the grey one with spray Clear Coat, since I thought the wood looked dried out.
Thanks for all your great ideas and look forward to your new ones!

Comments

Twin-size Storage Bed

Submitted by kristen on Thu, 10/06/2011 - 08:30

I recently finished this bed in white for my daughter, when one of my sons decided he'd like one for his room. So this is my second time building this bed. I like the drawers Ana has in the Queen storage bed, but I needed it in a twin, so I used two of Ana's plans to modify the bed to our needs. Drawers make me nervous (but less so now that I've done them a few times) and these work great, so all is well!

The only problem? Now with the bed in his room, I feel the need to paint the rest of the furniture, change his duvet cover, paint the walls...you know what I mean?

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$325
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Super Spec D.T.M. Acrylic low-lustre in black (comes off the shelf in black)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Thu, 10/06/2011 - 17:05

Definitely paint the rest of his furniture to match, but with a black and white graphic design of some sort. All black would be too dark, but with the white trim in the room you could get away with some really creative graphic art on those dressers.

jen227

Sun, 03/10/2013 - 21:31

looks like the face of the drawers are trimmed out instead of being just plywood in the front...how did you modify this?

Chair

Bulit this chair , It is a couple of hours that requires extreme concentration. But not to hard. All you need is a hand saw some rope and a Drill.

Estimated Cost
20-25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

joseph.ribecca

Mon, 10/07/2013 - 14:56

The top is connected. so the longer pieces that touch the ground wedge into the bottom. IF that makes any sense. If you try to make one like I said, it will make you crazy at first until, You have the whole thing together. Good Luck

LoneWolffe

Fri, 10/25/2013 - 13:18

I love this idea, and I don't feel like spending ridiculous amount of money for chairs. Perú has the most uncomfortable chairs I have ever sat on in my life! From the pictures, I can gather a lot about how it's made, but what about measurements? Can you provide some guidelines? If I can get the wifey to approve the project, I'll shoot you some pictures of the finished project :)

"There is no such thing as a fool-proof system. Someone will make a better fool, tomorrow." @LoneWolffe JerewIndependentResearch.com

joseph.ribecca

Fri, 10/25/2013 - 18:19

If you give me your e mail I can send you a scan of the print. Its to many cuts to try to explain. Joseph

Reclaimed Lumber Farmhouse Bench by nhemlok

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/28/2015 - 10:46

I used reclaimed cedar and oak ripped out of a 100 year old house. The bench was made to go with the farmhouse table.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Wactco Danish oil...natural finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nhemlok

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 11:19

I stuck to the plans as much as possible, but I wanted to make the bench from the same wood as the table I am in the process of building so ended up changing it a little. 

Legs were made from rough cut oak posts measuring roughly 4"x3" that used to be roof timber. They aren't really all that straight, but I wanted to maintain the rustic look with the saw marked so I didn't plane them. The sides of the frame are made from cedar 1x5's that used to frame the doors of our donor house. The main part of the seat is made from 2x oak 2x8's, and the bread board ends of the seat are made from cedar 2x4's that were used for wall framing. 

 

Sorry for for having to include this in a comment...it's my first post 

Fancy Jewelry Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 11:53

Made from white and red oak with laser engraved top

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Dog Kennel into Entertainment stand

Submitted by bigshowble on Mon, 10/10/2011 - 15:44

This was my first ever woodoworking project. I was looking for a good plan for me to use. At first, the kennel was going to be in the living room, but we couldn't imagine spending nights without our little girl in the room with us. The only thing is that the bedroom is quite small. However, the TV stand she was using at the time was lower than the level of the bed making it awkward to watch TV. I decided to create an entertainment stand out of the kennel in order to save space and make the TV at a viewable height.

Well, I already had a kreg jig for a project I am planning in the future. I borrowed a circular saw from my dad and I had a few tools of my own. It took a total of two days from start to finish. I ran into a few hitches because I wasnt using the jig properly, and a few other rookie mistakes, but I fought through and managed to get it done! I can't wait to do some more plans from this site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 for Lumber about $20 for screws and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax black stain and polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Gimbler

Tue, 10/11/2011 - 06:21

It looks to be plenty large enough for your pup and an attractive and functional piece of furniture too. I just love multi-function furniture. Nice job!

Mother's Day Herb Garden

I followed the instructions for Ana's Herb Garden box. For the handles I used leather strips from Michael's. I think it turned out really nice! I almost wanted to keep it, but I still have scraps to build my own. I am LOVING the Minwax Special Walnut color. It's definitely my favorite!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Christmas For My Granddaughters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/29/2015 - 19:45

I made this for my two granddaughters. I used can lids for the burners and an 8x10 baking pan for the sink. I made the stove knobs from ceramic drawer pulls with plywood disks for the dials. I added nylon bushings to let the knobs turn easily. I painted the outside with Rustoleum magnetic primer so that small magnets will stick. Unfortunately, the primer is black and the yellow paint did not cover well. (I should have sanded the primer before I painted with the yellow paint.) I used Kreg pocket screws and plugs for assembly. I used brads to attach the back. I glued all the joints. I recessed the toe kick 3/4"; it would have been easier (to sand and to paint) if I had placed it flush with the front face. It would have been easier to paint the interior before I attached the back. The plans were great. The girls love their kitchen.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Interior: Rustoleum Ultra Cover primer, 1 coat, less than 1/2 quart

Exterior: Rustoleum magnetic primer, 2 coats, 1 quart

Topcoat, interior and exterior: Rustoleum Ultra Cover, Gloss Sun Yellow, 2-3 coats, 1 1/2 quart.
The topcoat might have covered the black primer better if I had sanded the primer smooth.
I used Hickory Hardware P6992-C hinges for the oven; I liked the motion.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ana White's Plans... Adirondack Chairs with center table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/31/2023 - 16:52

Ana is Awesome! I built these from her plans. It was super easy, lots of fun, and the compliments are non-stop.

Thank you Ana.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

My First Ever Project

Submitted by Kathryn1 on Sun, 10/16/2011 - 00:30

I've never built anything before. Not a single thing. When I couldn't find a bookshelf I liked in any stores I decided to build one and modified the 25 Cubbies On A Wall design to make it something a little different.

I'm stoked with the result.

Thank you for such a great site with wonderful plans.

My partner has now asked me to "whip up" a kitchen island, entertainment unit, more bookshelves and the list goes on.

I might need to look at some more of your plans.

Finish Used
Gloss stain and vanish - water based
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:19

I don't really know how to describe the wood because I'm truly a novice, but here goes:

It's 29cm deep and approximately 2cm thick.

The bottom shelf is 2m long and each cube is 40cm x 40cm. So to build this I got 2x 200cm sheets, 1x 160cm, 1x 120cm, 1x 80cm and 21x 40cm.

I measured and marked then glued and screwed the verticals to the shelves, then used dowel and glue to attach each row to the row below.

I decided to put feet on the bottom so I could lift it above the skirting boards on the floor and have it sit more flush against the wall.

I hope this explains it OK.

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:27

Thank you for your comment. I knew I didn't want a standard everyday bookshelf design and when I saw the "25 Cubbies" design my little head started ticking over and this is what I came up with.

I've seen a few similar things around, but nothing fit exactly what I wanted and there was certainly nothing of this size for a reasonable price.

You can imagine my joy when I found this website and the plans that I could modify to build exactly what I wanted.

I'm really very happy with how it worked out!

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:36

Thank you for taking the time to post your comment.

I'm really happy with the end result.

I never thought I'd be able to put together something like this. I always knew I could hammer a nail or put in a screw, but to build something that's actually functional and looks kinda good too, I never thought I'd be able to pull it off.

Needless to say, my confidence is now soaring and I'm looking forward to my next few days off work so I can do some more projects for around the house.

My father has asked me where I get my building skills, to which I reply with a grin that I don't know but I always thought I looked a little like the milk man :)

Shanty Open Shelf Console

Submitted by debodle on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 04:19

This was my first project with doors. I made it for my daughter's new house and she just loves it! I had a little trouble with the doors wanting to swing inside the console, so I added very small wood blocks on each inside top corner to stop them.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany stain, Minwax Polycrylic polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Food storage roon

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/14/2019 - 14:50

this was so easy using this process.  I used treated wood for my legs since it was on concrete floor.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Food storage
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner Desk Build

Submitted by eahodges on Mon, 02/06/2023 - 12:15

This was all my husband - he did a great job using the modular desk plans to customize (its a bit larger) this desk for our office. He finished it this past weekend so not much on it yet!

Comments

Firefighter Locker

IKEA dresser drawers bit the dust....SURPRISE! So I needed a dresser and quick. Then after a trip to our fire fighter museum I decided to make lockers instead.

I used the basis from the beach cottage dresser, omitted drawers and used shelves and doors instead.

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
dark grey primer
satin black spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Slightly Modified Hailey Storage Bed

Submitted by Lady Goats on Tue, 10/15/2013 - 14:55

My youngest was outgrowing her crib-turned-toddler bed, so I let her pick a bed for me to build, and this was her choice. Fortunately, it's a bed I've already built, so it sure made life easier. The plans for this bed are inaccurate, which I learned the last time I built it, so I was prepared for the modifications I would have to make. While I was at it, I made the headboard 4" shorter and the footboard an inch and a half taller (to hide the end of the mattress). I also trimmed out the dividers. All personal preference.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Low VOC paint, Ultra White in semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Wed, 10/16/2013 - 19:12

What is that wall color and where did you get the rug???? Your build is, as always, beautiful, but I absolutely LOVE that paint color on the walls. Would love to use that somewhere in my home.

2x4's Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/03/2016 - 08:53

Not sure why the photo is upsidedown. This project was very easy with the proper tools. 

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

Square Top Storage Table & Chairs

I saw where another builder had modified this plan slightly to have the square top, and I just loved it. We needed a homeschooling space that would be big enough for my preschooler and his little brother. My guys LOVE their table. I had a glass top that I had planned to top it with because I really loved that about the other table too, but as I wash placing the glass on my finished project it shattered in my hands. I took that as the Lord telling me to hold off on the glass top for now :)

This table and chair set is awesome, sturdy, easy to follow and perfect for our needs!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded, primed, painted 2-3 coats of the Dutch Boy teal paint (forget the exact name), then topped it with a Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 11:33

Really great job! Looks like your little ones like it, too.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 01:36

Hi, I'm on a time crunch trying to get some projects built this week while my husband is off work & before he might deploy! He just built a desk yesterday to provide some work space/laptop space for me & it turned out amazing! The other thing I really want to complete is a kids table/chair set & I was considering your design after seeing the cute picture of your kids & how large the table appeared with them sitting at it. Can you tell me, are there plans for this one & if so, where or what it is called & also how tall your table is & what the length/width of the table top is? It looks like a large work space/surface on top which is something I'm hoping for with a preschooler homeschooling & his little brother to use together when he's older (still a baby for now). How old are your kids in the picture?! I'm trying to get an idea how long this sort of table set might be able to get use before it is outgrown like our current set. Any other tips/help would be great if you have the chance! Thanks so much!!!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 01:42

Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me where the plans are for this table & the size of your table top Length/Width? It looks like a large space with both your kids using it - how old are they in the picture (I have a 4 year old and an infant). I'm wondering if my 4 year old & his friends would fit this table well with room to grow into it. Anyway, any tips if we were to build this? I have my husband home for a week & he built a desk yesterday that turned out amazing (one of the modular type plans that Ana shared). Anyway, if you are able to respond quickly, I'd love to try to run to Lowe's today & work on this with him tomorrow possibly. Thanks so much!

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

exuma_momma

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 05:16

I used the plan for the storage table : http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plan-kids-large-storage-play-table.html. I just modified the top like I had seen someone else do. I believe it was 31" x 31" or something very close to that. My boys are 3.5 and 2 in the photo, and now at 4.5 and 2.5 they both still have lots of room to grow. They love having their little table just for them.

Hope this helps!!! Good luck!

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/27/2012 - 04:58

Thanks! I saw that the other builder posted something about 30x30. Would 31x31 also work or would it be too tipsy if leaned upon?! If you get a second, would you mind measuring yours? I love the color too by the way! My oldest is 3.5 right now so that make me more confident that he'll fit the table okay for a while. He seems to be growing fast these days though, so hopefully he won't outgrow it too fast! Thanks so much!

exuma_momma

Tue, 03/27/2012 - 08:41

My top measures 29" x 29" actually. It doesn't seem to be anywhere close to tipping when my munchkins are leaning on it, but if you wanted to do the 31" squared, it may be best to add an extra inch or two to the bottom base as well. Just to insure the stability. It shouldn't be too hard to do.

Hopefully this helps!

Entry Way Bench And Shelf

Submitted by ndetermann on Fri, 10/18/2013 - 03:11

I had recently put a bathroom, tiled/carpeted my basement to make it more into a family room. The basement of my house is connected to the garage and has an entry door from the garage. As you can see the walls are brick and my wife wanted something to organize our coats and shoes. I found the plans on this sight for the entry way bench and shelf/coat rack and thought that would be perfect. I don't think it could have worked out better for the new basement/family room.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
To make sure that there were no pocket holes showing or joinery marks I decided to use a biscuit joiner on this project and it worked perfectly.
If you use pine make sure to use a pre-stain wood conditioner if your going to let the wood grain show through.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Love these chairs!

Submitted by melfreich on Mon, 01/04/2016 - 11:15

I took the plans from DIY and followed them to the "T"...more or less. I'm making 4 more of these for family and friends and will try the Kreg Jig to install the seat bottom and back rests.

Estimated Cost
$95 in materials
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Matte Spray Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

14 foot table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 18:37

I made a 14 foot table using Ana's plans. I am remodeling my parents house that they built in 1966.  I was able to use some 4x6's for the legs from walls that I took down.  

Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

lisadrisco

Tue, 06/04/2019 - 20:07

Hi that looks amazing! I’m looking to make the same size table.  Could you please tell me the measurements of your legs?  Also what length support boards did you use.  Thanks