Community Brag Posts

Indoor Basketball hoop

Submitted by Shells1104 on Wed, 05/16/2018 - 19:37

Joined 1 x 3 boards together with pocket holes and wood glue. The hoop is reused from an old " over the door" hoop. Decided to just drill straight through the boards into studs. Really easy and my son loves it!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
weathered gray, early American, ibswich pine.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Modified modular bookcase

Submitted by tiffcampo on Mon, 07/04/2011 - 18:19

I started this build after coming across the plans on this site. My son has a small bedroom and had received a tv for his birthday. It has a small screen and so it needed to be pretty close. So, I adjusted the measurements to be compatible the width of the end of his bed. The only other change to the plans was the addition of the 1x2 trim on the center shelves. I didn't use the greatest quality plywood and it just looked a little unfinished without it.
He wanted black and I wanted white. I primed, then painted flat white. I then sanded out some places and on the 1x10 and trim to stain for an antique look. However, when I rubbed on the ebony stain, I really liked how it looked over the white paint. So, I rubbed the whole thing. Then sealed it. The result is sort of an antiqued gunmetal gray that we both love. Thanks again for the plans!! Next?!

Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Interior Primer, Olympic Interior Flat in Snow Ballet, Minwax Ebony, Spray sealant in semigloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

songbirdfeeder

Sun, 09/04/2011 - 18:28

You did a terrific job building this! My son is in an apartment while going to college and asked for a bookcase for Christmas. Problem is, he lives 8 hours away and I need to make something that will fit in his car!Haha! This looks like a lot of storage so I'm going to give it a try.

Reclaimed lumber Adirondack chair

Submitted by rkyount on Thu, 08/08/2013 - 13:23

For my brother's 35th birthday, I helped him build a fence and side deck on his house. Using the leftover lumber scraps and screws, I adapted the DIH Adirondack chair plans to build this for him. He wanted a big, sturdy chair with a wide arm rest that looks "rustic". I used 4x4 and 2x4 post scraps, deck boards, and fence pickets. I also widened the seat just a bit for comfort. This is definitely the perfect chair for him!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Since it's all treated lumber, we'll just seal it whenever we do the deck with Thompson's Water Seal.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rkyount

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 14:38

Thanks! I always enjoy building with your plans, and it was a bonus that I didn't have to buy anything to build this, since I used leftover materials.

Armoire

Submitted by Smokeydog on Thu, 09/03/2015 - 13:56

Built this armoire for the master bedroom  and constructed it to match the existing furnishings.  This thing is huge and weighs a ton.  7 1/2 feet by 4 feet.  I had to make sections in the shop and then assemble and paint it in the second story bedroom.  If we ever need to move it out of the house we are fortunate to have a balcony off the bedroom.  With help from a whole bunch of guys we should be able to lower it down ... if it ever comes to that!

Estimated Cost
450.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
BEHR paint. Home Depot matched the paint perfectly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack stools or end tables

Super strong stools and/or end tables! I LOVE them. Wanted a rustic vibe, stained with Varathane Briarsmoke with Varathane matte poly. The build took no time at all... The only reason this is a day project in my opinion was the true time it takes for drying between finishing coats. They were both built in one evening. Can't wait to build the Adirondack chairs from Ana's book to go with them!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1coat of Varathane Briarsmoke + 3 coats of Varathane Matte Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Behind Closed Doors (Media Center)

Submitted by cbeach1717 on Thu, 07/07/2011 - 20:38

We used Ana's plans for simple bookcases and a larger but equally simple armoire to build a HUGE media center that could somehow manage to take some of the focus off of the television. We added doors everywhere that we could and lots of glass display shelving. The hubby is thrilled because his beloved flat-screen and infinite related electronic gadgets are within easy reach. And I smile every time I walk into our family room and don't have to see everything that is hiding behind closed doors!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Simple Prime, Painting, Crown Moulding, Pewter Knobs, Glass Shelving, Lights.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cobe

Fri, 07/08/2011 - 22:57

Cbeach1717,

This is exactly what I want!

Can you provide the dimensions for the armoire and the shelves, please? Can you tell me also the paint color and how many coats?

cbeach1717

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 08:52

Ana's "Nursery Armoire" is the best starting point, and here are our dimensions:

Armoire basic box structure:
2- 1x16"@ 8': (Sides)
2- 1x16"@ 42" (Top and bottom)
2- 1x16"@ 40.5" (Two shelves for television and electronics)
1- HUGE 1/4" plywood as the back and for support

*bun feet and crown moulding also add some height

We used a "Country White paint from--GASP- Wal-Mart! And it is the best off-white color I have ever used! We used one coat of primer and two coats of paint.

I hope this helps, but feel free to ask for any further clarifications! Best of luck :o)

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 07/14/2011 - 20:54

I am in love with this! How tall are your ceilings? My only concern is that this might be too big for my teeny condo with 8 foot ceilings!

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

cbeach1717

Sun, 07/17/2011 - 15:48

Thanks! Our ceilings are ten feet high--why not just shorten all height measurements by 2 feet? Good luck!

Sarah Kirchner (not verified)

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 18:17

I am dying to get this built for our house! I see the cost estimate is listed at $150, is that for everything needed for all 3 units? I know it depends on what store is used and the location, just trying to get a better idea of what I need to save up. I was trying to find something similar on Craigslist that I could just refinish, but being able to make a piece that is exactly what I want for around the same price (or less) would be incredible!

I'd love to know where you got the glass shelves from if you don't mind sharing.

cbeach1717

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 13:06

Hi Sarah,

I hope you'll give this plan a try! The $150 estimate definitely includes the wood and supplies for all three pieces and most likely includes the bun feet and knobs as well (I can't be absolutely certain since we built this nearly a year ago). The glass shelves were bought from a local glass cutter who also cut the glass panels for our kitchen cabinets. It really shouldn't be too expensive though!

Oh and the absolute best advice I could give you is to invest in or borrow a Kreg Jig. We did not have one ourselves until well after this project, but it would have been an immense help! I wish you all the best of luck--let us all know how YOUR masterpiece turns out :o)

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 21:39

I absolutely love this, my husband had been designing a unit very similar to this but this just made the job twice as easy not having to do all the hard thinking ourselves haha! Thanks so much for sharing, it looks fabulous!

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

cbeach1717

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 06:23

Thanks so much! I wish you lots of luck with your project, which you'll barely need because it is really simple to make and provides for a stunning result :o)

Classic Storage Wall

Since moving into our house almost 3 years ago, I have wanted a large piece to house the tv. The husband did not want glass, I wanted shelving on both ends and it had to hold a 60 inch tv (not pictured). To avoid paying thousands of dollars to a furniture store, I decided to build my own.

I used 1x2's, 1x3's, 4x8-3/4" plywood (sanded on one side) edge banding (super easy to use), nail gun and wood glue. I spent roughly a week building and staining, interrupted by 2 kids. The staining being the most tedious part. Cost was around $450 for all the pieces. I did attach the bridge piece by drilling holes through the bridge to the side hutches. I then installed nuts and bolts through the hole to attach it all together. Makes it easy to take apart when moved and I am not constantly drilling screws into the unit.

My husband is deployed so this was built solely by myself. My experience level is novice, this is only my 3rd piece of furniture, but I am hooked. The plans are easy to follow and use.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finish Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

moonhopping

Mon, 08/12/2013 - 20:29

I have build a lot of small projects but nothing big I wanted to make this when I saw it. You inspired me to get started. You realy did a great job

computer desk

Submitted by xmasfish on Sun, 09/06/2015 - 17:44

I modified the plans in several ways.  First I made the desk smaller to fit the space.  In doing so I decided it would work better to have only one part of the desk flip up for storage.  I also made the box that makes up the base larger to fit a printer.  That left a smaller space for a chair.  Turns out the chair I had fit perfectly.  I decided not to finish with paint, stain or varnish.  I may do that later.  Over all I am very happy with this project.

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

Tommy bookcase

Submitted by Kleinzeit on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 12:57

I started off following the plan, then decided I didn't want to put a full back on it. Then I decided it was a good time to learn how to use my new router, and the next thing you know, it had turned into this! I didn't know what I was doing, so I just made it up as I went along.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
American Walnut aniline dye, Dark Walnut stain, Medium Walnut Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cubby Storage for the Playroom!

I used Ana's plans for the open cubby base and hutch with doors to create my storage system for the playroom. I had Lowe's rip my 2 sheets of 3/4" MDF and I made the smaller cuts with my miter saw. I used 1/4" white bead board panel for the doors and cubby backs. I built the pieces in 1 day and painted the next. It was simple and fun! You can see more details at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/07/storage-for-the-playroom.html!

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I coat of primer and 2 coats of Valspar Antique Homestead Lace in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Narrow end table

My kids (11 & 12) made these in about 3 days. We have to work during my 2 yr olds nap time so I would say 6-8 hrs total. We always have a lot of scrap wood lying around so this was a great way to use it up. Unfortunately, sometimes when using scrap wood, it is not always the exact measurements that you need but some plan reworking and measuring as you go can fix that. On this particular plan, the only thing we changed was the thickness of the top and a little fudging on the drawer box. We also used our router to round over some or the edges and we made our own drawer tracks along the bottom w/ scrap furring strips. Honestly, those studs you see in the picture, did most of the work and since their skill set usually involves a reference to the newest video game out, I would say this was defiantly a simple project! ;-)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20 each If you had to buy all new wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar paint in emerald and varathane brand stain in early American
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 04:46

I love that your kids built these, what a sense of accomplishment! Tell them they did a great job!

Bead board desk

Here is a desk I recently built.  It is a Pottery Barn piece.  It features full extension drawers slides and simulated maple melamine drawer interiors. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Harp Design Turned Leg Farmhouse Table

Submitted by danicarby on Sat, 08/04/2018 - 12:12

A friend of mine loves the tables by Harp Design Co. but she wanted changes made to it such as the apron being inset, removable legs, oak wood, specific finish, etc.

She hired me to make her one and it's been an exciting build!  I built it from a pile of raw wood, turned the legs, etc.

My favorite thing to do is to inpsire others to reach beyond what they're comfortable doing - that's why I post about my projects through my website so other people will feel like they can do it too!  https://theprojectlady.com/how-to-build-a-harp-design-table/

 

I'd rate the level of build as intermediate, but really anyone can make it easier or harder.  The most challenging part is the legs - do something more simple, hire someone to make you some, order them online, etc.  The posts I created for this table are in-depth but don't let that intimidate you!

 

Happy Building Friends!

Estimated Cost
$450 for oak wood, $100 for finish, $30 for hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes High Performance Clear Coat with Transfast Dye (tinted color)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Table & Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 13:59

I made the table 6’ long and 30” wide to fit my narrow deck. I used some heavy duty shelf brackets under the legs to reinforce the table, mostly because I don't trust my beginner abilities. Took me about a week to cut, sand, stain and put it together (and then i stained and sealed again). Actually assembling it took only a few hours. I see a combo of pocket holes and regular exterior wood screws. Loved building this, love Ana’s plans. Thanks Ana!

Comments

Just finished needs pillows :)

Loved building this :) think it came out great. Only thing is i wish i had the screws ana talks abt bc the boards split over and over :( what kind of screws do u use ana? Also couldnt find 2 3/4 deck screws, only 2 1/4"

Estimated Cost
40 per bench pine
36 for 5 lbs of deck screws
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Havent yet
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Loft Bed

Submitted by dgardner on Sat, 08/25/2018 - 16:33

This is my youtube video of me building the loft bed.

https://youtu.be/b5LpGZ87DG4

Instagram:  @gardners_garage

 

Thanks Ana for your plans.  I used them but made just minor adjustments to the height to suit my daughter.

Having your website defenitly made things easier, from picking up the wood to the cuts!

Thanks!
 

Estimated Cost
$200 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Classic Grey stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Greenhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/01/2022 - 06:08

I am so in love with my greenhouse, it is amazing the plans were perfect and it went up without any problems, your designs are amazing and beautiful. We are going to do the chairs next!!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

School Table

Submitted by jazberg on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:46

My husband and I took the Narrow Farmhouse Table and modified it for a school table for our children. We used two old doors we had left over from remodeling our 1925 craftsman home. One door is the top, and the rest is lumber culled from the other door. A fun, free, one-day project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free (glass top - $75)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint. We sanded the paint already on the door and stained the bare wood to add contrast.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Desk Accessory Sets from Scrap Wood

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 08/19/2013 - 18:06

These were the inspiration pieces for the 1-Board cedar desk accessory set plan. These were made entirely of scrap wood. These sets are all painted, they will be gifts for the girls at work.

The wood for these is some 3/8" plywood (crate and pencil cup sides), 1x2 (bottom of business card holder and ends of pencil cup), some 1/2" x 1 1/2" craft board (sides of paper clip trays, business card holder), 3/4" plywood (bottoms of paper clip trays), some small squares of Wainscoat paneling (sides of gray pencil cup), some 1/4" plywood (bottom of pencil cup), some 1" strips of some old painted lauan (old project, pulled apart and the wood is being repurposed) and a couple of little pieces of 1/2" x 3/4" S4S (fronts of business card holders).

You can see the mishmash of different materials in the shot of an unfinished set, and also the stack of them waiting in the wings on my work table (it's starting to look like a Jackson Pollock painting :) heehee)

All the paints and materials were left overs from other projects. I hadn't decided on the finishes yet while I was building. These would be even easier to make if I had finished all the pieces first!

It was fun building these, it's great to be able to take something that may have gone in the bin, and make it into something lovely. I'm hoping the girls like these!

I've got a cube drawer plan in the works (a 1-board cedar with 2 drawers, and also have measurements for a 3-drawer from 3/8" thick craft board and 1/4" plywood, like the one on the table). I'll get to those soon.

Estimated Cost
0 - all scrap and left over finishes
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The gray set received 1 coat of white primer, 1 coat of gray (Ace Royal in Greek Column), then was distressed with 100-grit sandpaper, and given a coat of Minwax's crystal clear polycrylic in satin.

The blue set received 2 coats of Clark & Kensington paint tinted to Benjamin Moore's Blue Echo, and glazed with Minwax Express Color in Walnut. This set received a top coat of Minwax Oil Modified water based poly (I have lots of that left over from last year's island build).

The one on the table is receiving 3 coats of Benjamin Moore Aura in Wenge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 20:40

Thanks for sharing your pictures and plans for the desk accessories and trinket box. What great ideas for inexpensive gifts for people on you list!

JoanneS

Tue, 08/20/2013 - 15:09

Thanks Linda! I've absolutely had a ball planning and working on these! I'm so glad you like them! :)

yurra-bazain

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 17:57

I love when something is functional and adorable (and affordable to boot)! This is great; I am sure you'll have very many happy recipients of these cute desk accessories!

JoanneS

Thu, 08/22/2013 - 13:25

Yvonne, thank you for the nice comment! :) I'm working toward my goal of finding things to make from all the left-over wood in my garage. I didn't realize how much had accumulated. Really I am having a ball doing this! I did go buy some more cedar pickets though, I'm going to work on the 1-board cube plan this weekend. :)