Community Brag Posts

Tryed Coffee Table and End Table

Submitted by mike5287 on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 12:00

Oldest is moving out into their own apartment so thought I would help them save some money and built a Tryed/Tryde Coffee & End Table, although both are slightly modified:

- Coffee table I added the lower section
- End Table I did with pocket holes vs how the plans had it laid out.

For the end table , which I started after the coffee table, I "jointed" the table top pieces on the table saw - very slightly as I wanted to keep the more rustic looking individual boards. This worked really well and I wish I had done it on the coffee table too.

For the finish, which to me always starts with lots and lots of sanding (started at 60 grit down to 400 grit), I used a mix of Varithane Red Mahogany (4 parts) and Dark Walnut (1 Part), then several coats of Clear Satin Polyurethane. For some reason the end table was VERY glossy so had to use some 0000 steel wool to reduce the gloss.

So hooked on the pocket holes now going to upgrade my Kreg jig to the 720 :)

Comments

Shoe dresser

Submitted by RoseOfShaz on Thu, 07/04/2013 - 15:26

I didn't build this shoe dresser because I particularly needed one, but it looked so lovely that I couldn't resist.

- I modified the plans by building 3 bins instead of 2 so it could hold more shoes.
- I decided against the dowel stick and opted for hinges instead, which were surprisingly not too difficult to assemble. I found that I didn't even need the magnets after installing the hinges as the doors stay closed.
- I used 7" chains on both sides of each bin instead of a belt to make it extra sturdy.
- I added two back legs.

Et voila! This is the end result. I'm very pleased.

PS. Those flopping bins are a pain when you're trying to build!! An extra pair of hands is definitely recommended.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 (with extra bin)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut (can't remember the exact name of the stain, but it's the one Shanty 2 Chic always uses!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SoCaliforniaMel

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 22:49

Pretty :) Good Job. Now if I only had the space for one thats 10 rows high :P I like the stain color too. Shanty 2 Chic always uses Rust-o-leum. I think its called dark walnut. Dont quote me though. I love the stain and spray paint combo colors they use.
~Melody

Farmhouse Bench

Submitted by Ktosaka on Thu, 07/02/2015 - 20:36

This bench is a shorter version of the farmhouse bench to go with our existing table. It measures 45" long, 14" wide, and 18" high. I used the leftover wood from building our Farmhouse bed so it cost next to nothing. I used leftover 1x4's for the seat and leftover 1x6 for the breadboard ends. I didn't have enough 2x4's to make the 4x4 legs, but decided that the bench was sturdy enough as is. I used my Kreg jig, so I did not notch out the legs as the plan resulting in 9" stretchers and aprons. I did add an extra 2x4 to the inside of the leg piece to add stability and a surface to screw the top to.

Estimated Cost
I only had to buy screws for this bench as it was all left over from our farmhouse bed and the finish was from the county recycle center so I only paid about $8 for the whole project.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I started out with Minwax poly shade in antique oak, but this wasn't dark enough. I used one coat Minwax Jacobean and one coat Minwax express mahogany to get the desired color to match existing chairs. I finished it off with two coats of Minwax Wipe-on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Easy DIY Garage Workbench with modifications

Submitted by kimsteps on Thu, 01/13/2022 - 14:30

My fabulous husband bought me an awesome new miter saw for Christmas, and it is way too heavy to lug around! So my first project with the new saw was a workbench to mount it on! I added wheels so it can roll anywhere. I'm also very short and wanted to store a very tall shop vac on the lower shelf so I made modifications to accommodate that. I also made it 30" x 36" to make it just the right size for my saw. I will be using this piece as the center of other work tables I will build in the future!

Comments

Recycle/garbage center

Submitted by YeenYus on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 08:50

We just moved in to a newly built house, so it was important for everything to have a place. I don't like the garbage can to be under the sink, and my wife doesn't like the can just out on the floor...too many missed hook shots with the coffee filters I guess! This cabinet solves many kitchen problems all at once. An attractive cabinet that hides garbage and recycle, yet is easy to get in and out of. The railroad spike handles are something we sell on Etsy, as well as knobs and shelves. The shop name is YeenYus.

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

Comments

Ecspronk

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 20:44

I was wondering if you had a price estimate on how much the supplies cost you along with some measurements. I am looking to build a double one like this. More details would be awesome. Thank you

In reply to by Ecspronk

YeenYus

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 21:15

Yeah, I kind of built this on the run with nothing but the space it had to fit into. But it is 34" wide 32" deep and 24" high. I needed it to fit under the window and used the Home Depot garbage bins as the starting point.

I build a lot of stuff...and this was a tough one. The frame is 2x4's with pine facing and bead board. 4 hinges, stain and paint...less than $100.

I'd love to work with you on this if you want. The hard part was engineering the bins falling forward equally and not binding up. The back of the bin actually hits the counter top perfectly now. But you can see that I had to put an extra 1" under the top for it to hit something.

It' gonna take some work but this thing looks and works so smoothly. You can do it...I can help!

momaimp

Thu, 05/08/2014 - 06:07

Would you be able to post a sketch of this project? I assume there are three boxes - the main cabinet and the two tilt-out boxes, but I would appreciate seeing a breakdown of the parts. Thanks!

momaimp

Thu, 05/08/2014 - 06:07

Would you be able to post a sketch of this project? I assume there are three boxes - the main cabinet and the two tilt-out boxes, but I would appreciate seeing a breakdown of the parts. Thanks!

Jsanderson

Wed, 09/23/2015 - 06:32

Is there a way I can get plans for this? I tried to sign up on site but can't locate

Accent photo gallery wall

When I first saw Ana's $10 ledges - I knew I wanted to do them, with a twist. I have this random nook in my house - and I knew they would be perfect. I wanted a feature wall there. And a feature it is.

I posted more pictures and how I framed everything out on my blog.

Thank you Ana for your continued inspiration! I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without you!

Estimated Cost
Ledges $20, full wall $160
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Prime and white gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/06/2012 - 11:55

I love this! I love the area of wallpaper framed out. Can you tell me how you did that? Did you attach the wallpaper to the wall? Or did you attach to plywood or something and then attach to the wall? I have a perfect spot in my hallway to do something cute like this! LOVE!

Erica c (not verified)

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 10:28

This is absolutely gorgeous!! I would love to something just like this...so creative! By any chance, can you tell me what wallpaper you used??

mycreativeescapes

Sat, 04/21/2012 - 05:44

I'll look to see if I can find the name and brand of wallpaper. We actually wallpapered the wall. It was super easy the whole thing. We lined out where it would be centered. Then put up I think 4 sections. When it was done it was super easy We put a decorative block in one corner - cut the next molding piece to line up with the next corner, and continued all 4 sides. No mitering cuts - super easy!

Erica c (not verified)

Sun, 04/22/2012 - 19:24

Wow! Thank you so much! I cannot wait to start! I really appreciate you trying to find the wallpaper pattern. It just so happens i have the same color carpeting, banister and paint already in my upstairs hall, so as soon as i saw your picture i knew it could work. Hopefully you will be able to find it..if not, i can't thank you enough for your detailed instructions. That will really help being i am not that handy! Hope to hear back from you.
Thanks again,
Erica

Erica c (not verified)

Thu, 06/07/2012 - 16:17

I am so sorry if I'm being a pain. Just wanted to see if you were able to find the wallpaper pattern/color? I have not had much luck looking for a wallpaper i like as much as yours.
Thank you again!
Erica

Recycled Pallet Factory Cart Coffee Table

My first build! I tore apart two old pallets to get the surface boards for the table. The skirting is 1 x 6's from the hardware store. I need larger casters but am saving up for the real vintage ones.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany with 3 coats of Minwax fast-dry poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jloftus18

Sun, 06/26/2011 - 19:36

I just picked up a pallet off the side of the road and was wondering what to do with it...Now I know! Thanks =)

Amazonqt20 (not verified)

Tue, 06/28/2011 - 02:26

You need to post what you come up with. Plus how did you get you photo on my comment posts?

Tony (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 00:05

My daughter cleaned her room so instead of renting a dumpster I hauled it to the dump i mean"land fill". Anyway instead of coming back the normal route they detoured us around the dump and I found the mother load of pallets. You could ask and they will be free if your "land fill" is like mine...

Amazonqt20 (not verified)

Tue, 06/28/2011 - 01:32

I worked at a candy factory that received several pallets all day long and I loved the ones that had writing on them, like Ghirardelli (a chocolate company), Blommer (chocolate manufacturer) and a few others! I've picked up a few and have made picture frames and shelving from some.

Vendelcrow

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 04:25

Very nice & the right look. Planned to make something similar, so thanks for the inspiration.

KristenE (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 10:24

I took some pallets from the pumpkin patch last week, with the dream of making something similar!! I want mine a little taller so I am going to attempt a shelf or something, I have had my casters for weeks and was psyched to find the free pallets! Great Job!

KristenE (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 10:24

I took some pallets from the pumpkin patch last week, with the dream of making something similar!! I want mine a little taller so I am going to attempt a shelf or something, I have had my casters for weeks and was psyched to find the free pallets! Great Job!

Queenie (not verified)

Thu, 04/05/2012 - 06:49

Love your site and the fact that you share so much info for Diy's. Where is the best place to get the caster wheels? Vintage are sooo expensive so I got to believe that they are out there new with the idea in mind to antique them..
Thanks for all that you posted and shared..

In reply to by Queenie (not verified)

claydowling

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 12:03

The two best sources I've found for cart wheels are Menards and Harbor Freight. I think you can order them from Rockler or Lee Valley too, but I know that the two physical stores have a good selection and the prices are reasonable.

angelina (not verified)

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 13:38

I love it! I've been searching for one to buy but might try to make my own now I've seen yours....and definitely more satisfying when you've build something yourself from scratch. Fab job.

Reseller Hosti… (not verified)

Fri, 05/25/2012 - 23:21

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jyn (not verified)

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 12:15

I want something like this only I might make it taller. Also you can search Goodwill for antiquish castor wheels! Good job!

Husky Farmhouse Table

Submitted by plainkelly on Mon, 09/14/2015 - 07:12

We scaled this table down to fit in a Boston apartment dining room, which also serves as an entryway. We used six 2x6's instead of seven, and cut them down to 5' instead of 6'. We also went with standard Home Depot table legs in the interest of cost. This was our first-ever Ana White project and the first furniture my dad has ever built - and it was great to be part of the process (I mostly attached the screws, sanded, stained and painted while he did all the hard work. I bought the chairs for $5 each off Craigslist and intended to sand and re-finish them to match the table, but I've received lots of compliments on the red! I absolutely love this table and eat at it daily.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso stain (two coats), satin white primer (three coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/21/2018 - 18:03

this was my first  furniture piece that I have built. Next is a round farmhouse kitchen table super excited to make it. 

Estimated Cost
I honestly don’t know I bought a 2 x 4 ripped it to 2x2’s but also ripped the rounded sides off the slats I ripped from s scrap piece of 2x6 I had laying around cut them to just over a quarter inch.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bristol Lounge Chairs and Love Seat

I loved this lounge chair when I saw it posted. After contemplating them for awhile they became my first building project.

Unfortunately, the cushions from the original design were to expensive for my budget. I resized the lounge chairs to fit cushions I found at my local big box store.

A couple of weeks later I made the loveseat using these plans: http://www.oldpaintdesign.com/2012/03/05/bristol-outdoor-loveseat/. The also resized the loveseat and made it to fit the same back cushions as the chairs and a crib mattress for the seat. I also added three more cleats to add sturdiness to the seat.

I was able to use cedar that I reclaimed from an old sauna in our basement. So, the wood was free to me!

After using the chairs and loveseat a couple of times two of the arms popped off the front. As a result, I added some extra sturdiness to both the arms and to the angled back.

To the arms I added "L" brackets. For each back I added "mending braces".

I'll be adding more information about the modified dimensions and cut list I used on my blog: http://amilliontinylittlethings.blogspot.com/2013/08/bristol-lounge-cha….

I'm very happy with the furniture! Thank you Ana White and guest poster, Shane, for inspiring me into this new hobby!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I haven't finished the chairs yet. Will likely just use a waterproofing sealer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Love love love my new bedroom!!!!

Submitted by DogDoc25 on Tue, 08/27/2013 - 18:49

I've posted pictures of these separately, but I'm so excited about how these things came together in my room! This is the reclaimed wood headboard (queen) and the mini farmhouse bedside tables (only 1 pictured but the other is identical). Thanks so much Ana (and friends) for these awesome plans which have given me a fun thing to do in my free time and also inexpensively furnish my house!

Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean (looks slightly lighter in the picture than it is in real life)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Slat Coffee Table with Incorporated Book Shelves

Submitted by P76 on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 16:02

First time I designed a piece of furniture.  Made out of pine.  Slat top and bottom with book shelves on both ends.  Joints held with glue and pocket screws.  Minwax pre-stain conditioner.  Two coats of Minwax Provincial stain.  Three coats of polyurethane.  

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

elizadim

Sat, 01/14/2017 - 08:58

I really want to make this table! It's simple, yet very functuional and exactly what I need! Please help me with some plans or some instructions. It is the first piece of furniture I will try to make on my own :)))

Furring strips for a headboard

I loved that I used strapping, or furring strips, for this bead. The topper wood is a 2X4, but every other 8" piece of wood cost between $1.25 and $1.99 each. Yeah! Of course, for that price, you have to know you will be sanding the heck out of it. We had a metal frame for this bed but I wanted a headboard. Because it was going against a wall with a 45 degree angle, I had to make it a lot shorter than I wanted. I made it just tall enough so both pillows, when stacked on top of each other, did not fall off the back. I just love it.

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I think I used Minwax Ebony stain. Just one coat was enough as I wanted the wood grains to come through. Then I finished it off with my favorite closer, the Finishing Paste. One swipe and it feels great.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

GUEST (not verified)

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 15:33

I am intrigued by this finishing paste you speak of. Could you tell me more?

debandtom25

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 14:53

I'm not at home right now, but I think it was minwax finishing wax. I love using wax on mt pieces.

claydowling

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 17:51

If you can't find the minwax that debandtom25 used, you can also get a nice paste wax from Johnson Wax. I know that's what's on my finishing shelf, and like deb, I love it.

Rustic X Farmhouse Coffee Table with Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 08:54

This project was made from reclaimed wood from my office where they had built a temporary safety railing out of 2x4s and 2x6s. I added a compartment for storage. The top is stained in a classic grey. I painted the body in black followed by white. I then sanded the body to allow the black to bleed through for a distressed look.

Comments

Kentwood Bookshelf

While staging my sister & brother-in-laws home so they could list it for sale, I ended up with an "empty wall" in their living room and nothing to fill it with, but knew a small bookshelf would work perfectly! I loved the look of the Kentwood bookshelf plan. I'm not the fastest builder, but after a couple hours, I had everything cut, all pocket holes drilled and everything fully assembled. I only applied one coat of stain and a single coat of poly and skipped adding a back...for now. I may go back and add a back later, but for now I'm thrilled with it (and so was my sister!)

Edit:  I finally added a back to the shelf - just in time to sell it to a friend. ;)

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean stain, Minwax Wipe-on Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Seth's first work bench

I am so excited to have my son see this on Christmas morning. I decided to build in the bottom shelf for more tool storage and I am considering drilling some holes in the sides of the top shelf or the back for hammering in "nails" (or clothespins painted grey). This was my first project without any man-help and I can't wait to get started on the next one! Thank you so much Ana for your designs and more importantly, your inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$21.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear coat and laytex paint (benjamin moore admiral blue)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rhonit

Sun, 12/04/2011 - 13:44

you're little guy should love this. my grandson is 4 months old but next year this is on my list to build for him. love the idea about the wooden clothes pins. good job!

Miter saw cart modified

I have enjoyed my miter saw cart for years. My sweet hubby gifted me with a table saw but I was nervous to use it without support for large pieces of wood and needed better storage. So... I modified my cart by adding a back leaf and making the shelf adjustable with two sets of cleats for the height of both saws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Discounted paint from the oops cart at Home depot.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Patio couches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/27/2023 - 19:14

This project was fun to build with hubby said the shopping list and the cut list was perfect! Love all your designs! King bed is next!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Parson Chair

Submitted by marla on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 21:29

Made this for my son's playroom. I added the cross supports in the base to make a sturdier chair.

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

Comments

Slatted Sofa Table

Submitted by raybwright on Sat, 02/13/2016 - 09:36

I based this design of the simple Sofa Table by Jenna Sue. Instead of a 2x8 across the top, I opted to use 1x4s side by side. This slatted look matched some of the other items in the house and to allowed me to create two hinged sections. These sections allow for easy access to wall plugs and include small notch for the cables to come through.

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wodd Finish Dark Walnut Stain with Minwax Clear Satin Polyeurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner