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Community Brag Posts

Cedar Outdoor Side Table First Project

Submitted by Amy.Mapes on Sat, 05/04/2019 - 09:35

This was my first attempt at making anything out of wood.  I was thankful for guidance from my husband but I did it myself!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Adirondack Stool or End Table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Colonial Maple Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Leaning Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 12:59

I needed a desk to get my computer off the kitchen table. After remodeling my bedroom and sealing a doorway to make the wall space, I needed something that would take up a little amount of floor space. Of course I couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I decided to build it. Found this little gem of a plan and modified it to my liking and needs. I’ve had it up for about a year and I love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Leaning Wall Ladder Desk
Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White washed with a water based pay finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Modern Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/18/2019 - 15:12

This project was actually my first build (besides a small blanket ladder). I used the Ana White plans every step of the way! Since this build I have created coffee tables, side tables, console tables, head boards and a bed frame. This table gave me the confidence to try an original project of my own. Although this table was fairly simple, it was the project that started it all. That is why I chose for this piece to be my brag post.

beginner farm table plans

Built from Plan(s)
Beginner Farm Table (2 Tools + $50 Lumber)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil in Medium Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First build using Farmhouse Truss Kitchen Table plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/18/2020 - 01:24

I followed the basic plans but added a couple 12x2” metal supports for each breadboard. This was a must. I used Douglas fir for the entire project from Home Depot.

My 2 kids helped me put a few screws in, otherwise I did this myself. The wife really loved it and was a bit surprised coming back from her facial spot on Valentines Day. It turned out better than I could have hoped, especially considering this was my first real woodworking build.

Great plans and nuggets of advice from everyone else made this really fun and not so scary!

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Used 2 coats of all-purpose primer and 2 coats of classic white indoor paint. For the top, I just used 3 coats of Semi-gloss polyurethane(thinned out with mineral spirits), but I most likely will be adding 2 more and finishing with a satin polyurethane to get extra protection from the kids.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

10 Cube Shelf

Submitted by john.h on Sun, 03/16/2014 - 18:38

Expanded the 6 cube shelf to 10 cubes, beefed up the feet a little and fancied up the top to more closely match the picture in the plan page. Just joined a couple 1x8's and cut to length for the top.

Used the Kreg Jig to make the shelf box and face frames - biscuit joiner for top.

Built from Plan(s)
6 Cube Organizer
Estimated Cost
150? had some leftover material and spent a little extra on finishes.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
primer/spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rwkaupas

Wed, 11/26/2014 - 05:32

Hi John- this is exactly what I'm looking for- did you by any chance save your modification measurements and cut list?  Also- I'm considering putting a 50 inch tv on the unit- would you recommend additional support?  Thanks for any help.

 

Tall Wood Planters

Submitted by Knuckles78 on Fri, 05/15/2020 - 05:27

Added some extra trim pieces to finish it out. turned out really nice!!

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Wood Planters

Comments

Swing Slide Playset for Grandson

Submitted by shellyward on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 09:22

We are used to seeing our grandson every weekend but during the 2020 COVID quarantine we were unable to do so. Instead, we filled our time building him a swing set for our backyard. He loved it!! We are going to add more to the swing side but the hardware I want isn't available right now (apparently there is a lot of swing set building going on during this time). I look forward to many years of playing on this with our grandson and hopefully additional grandkids in the future... Our cost was pretty high mainly because our first round of lumber came from a local lumberyard that was willing to deliver within a few days (big box was going to take several weeks) and they had what is supposed to be higher end lumber (not sure I am convinced of that)....also, i chose some pretty expensive hardware (brackets) just for the added security.....

Built from Plan(s)
Build a Simple Playhouse Deck
How to Build a Swing Set for the Playhouse!
Estimated Cost
1800-2000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
not done yet but will be staining/sealing when the wood is ready
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Modified workbench

Submitted by jayhicks84 on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 19:45

A modification of the traditional work bench. Great for storage. Bench area of 70 inches with 18 additional inches for the table saw.

Built from Plan(s)
Vintage Workbench Console
Roll Away Workbench Center with Wall Storage

Comments

Chaise Lounges

Submitted by Pswag on Wed, 07/18/2012 - 13:04

Love these outdoor Chaise Lounges. They are very sturdy and comfortable. I am hoping to make a loveseat and tables to match. Makes a perfect patio sent for my back porch and pool!

Estimated Cost
35.00 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained in Miniwax English Chestnut then finished with Thompsons water sealer. Purchased the lounge cushions from Walmart on line and they fit perfectly!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Outdoor Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/02/2024 - 11:16

I make these double benches with storage in the middle… very sturdy and comfortable…. Will last a long time….

Stewart Larocque

Two Camp Loft Beds

Submitted by Tjslove04 on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 21:00

Ana read my mind! I was telling my husband that I wanted "L" shaped loft beds for our girls abouttwo weeks before she posted these plans! As soon as I saw them we went and got our lumber. So excited to have these done and the girls love them!

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$75 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Bher premium paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mskatiesartstudio

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 13:05

I saw another post where they did horizontal 2x4s instead of stairs. I see that you did one of each. Could you tell me what your thoughts are on how the kids like them....if the 2x4 steps are easy to get up and down on....
We are adopting and we're not sure what age children we will get....so, I want to make sure they are easy to navigate. Any thoughts???

Thank you!

Tjslove04

Tue, 09/03/2013 - 09:30

we id the stairs for our 3 year old and the ladder for our 5 year old. She has no problem getting up and downthem but our 3 year old doesn't like to come down the ladder ones. The stairs are really nice and make the bed easily accesable even for me. =)

melncurt

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 18:48

What are the overall dimensions with the two landing areas and stairs? I really like this idea, but the bedroom is not super big. Thanks!

Finally patio furniture that won't blow away!

Submitted by lisa97 on Fri, 10/16/2020 - 20:31

Very clear plans and directions. My husband and I built these and the table in a weekend. We added a back and made a table from the scraps. First time of not chasing furniture that has blown away! We love them!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Seminare transparent stain and seal in Chocolate 5129
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom Home Chifforobe

Submitted by haymohs on Sun, 03/08/2015 - 19:30

My girlfriend and I just moved into our new apartment. It has hardly any storage space at all and very little closet space. So we built our own! It was a long day's work, but the reward of a beautiful Chifforobe is well worth it.

This was my first carpentry project, and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Closet Shelving
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Just a basic stain. Early American.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Laundry Basket Sorter

I built this project totally from pallet wood and leftover 2x4's. I already had the paint and stain from other projects, so the only cost was for the baskets, which were $6 a piece at Ikea. This project turned out even better than I expected and I couldn't be happier.

Built from Plan(s)
Laundry Basket Dresser
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kitchen Island

The plans were easy to follow. I modified my island to fit my space and cut it down to 44 inches in length.

Blog Link
Home Frosting
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Kitchen Island Plans
Estimated Cost
The entire project cost $47.00.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the top and shelves with Watco Danish Oil in dark walnut and then used a satin finish varathane for only the top to protect it from spills, etc. The sides and legs were painted with an interior latex paint called "Sandbar" from Home Hardware.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Emily Jo (not verified)

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 15:33

Your island is gorgeous, and I love the modification you made to the original plans on the shelving support! I would like to know what size the boards are that you used so that I can duplicate. Thank you!

Lisa Tamaye (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 18:10

This is great! ANyone know how I could extend one side in order to put stools for an eating area?
Would love to do that!

Alice (not verified)

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 19:43

I would think it would be basically the same build, just add brackets to support the extra wood.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 15:20

I want to make this Kitchen Island but if can't find the Supply List. Would you mind posting it or emailing me please! This will work perfect in my Kitchen

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:46

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top 24"x6'that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4' for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:50

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top, 24in.x6ft., that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4s for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 11:58

Just click on the link for the instructions. It's under the heading 'About This Project' titled as 'From Plan: Easy Kitchen Island Plans'.

Click where it says 'Easy Kitchen Island Plans'. When you hover your cursor over the words, you will see that is a hyperlink.

Lindsey Adams (not verified)

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 06:48

I love your island and I also have a small kitchen...would you happen to know the sizes of the boards you used? Thanks

??? (not verified)

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 14:31

Yours looks so different and so much better then the one that show how to make it, how did you do it? I really would love to build it but have no idea how...
Thanks so much!

CBsMama (not verified)

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 13:08

This island is perfect. I love the shelves and the size. Any chance you could send me the dimensions of this island and details on how you did the shelves? Great job!

lizzy1299

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 15:03

I'm SO glad I stumbled acrossed your website! I LOVE that island and getting ready to get all the stuff to make it. Did you use the Kreg Jig thing the original person used...? If not, how did you cover the screw heads?

Thanks!

ameliam

Wed, 12/31/2014 - 07:37

Hi, this is my first time building anything. I really like the modification made to the original plans. I like the legs facing the other way. I can't figure out how to modify the cuts on the sides and front and back supports for the top to adjust for turning the legs the other way. Are there modified plans. LOL I need instructions, I’m not quite there yet on doing it myself. Thank you

djbeenie

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 15:03

How did you mount the 1 x2s since its on the side of the 1 x 4s. Did you tac them in. I really like the way that looks. Thanks!

MBuckson

Mon, 03/16/2015 - 08:00

Amazing island! I am in the middle of building this and looking ahead to the finishing aspect of it and I have a question: What tool did you use to apply the oil on the counter top? A cloth or a certain type of brush?

wiri0302

Sat, 06/06/2015 - 18:33

Hello, i love this island but maybe i missed it. What kind of wood is everyone using? Frosting said $47 but that could only be for pine right? Are people using pine to build this? I would like it to look just like the picture. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

Chunky leg bedframe

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 17:43

I got tired of sleeping on the floor like college kids, but I didn’t want to buy a junky particle board bedframe. My husband and I are novice woodworkers. Even still, we bought the lumber around noon and managed to finish the whole project in about 5-6 hours! We used a Kreg jig for the first time and it was pretty simple. I am really pleased with how this turned out, and I can’t wait to try more of Ana’s plans in the future.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Platform Bed Frame with Chunky Legs
Estimated Cost
$100 including the cost of pockethole screws and finishing nails.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by elfi on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 08:04

Adirondack chairs from your plans. My husband added some rounding on the arms and back. We wanted them to look like well weathered beach chairs. To get that effect we used milk paint which lets the grain show through.

The best addition are the two wooden wheels on the back leg of the chairs, I can now easily move them around my patio.

Built from Plan(s)
Heavy Duty Adirondack Chair Plans with Back Leg and Footstool
Estimated Cost
$ 30 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Milk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

adapted adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/30/2023 - 09:02

had some fun with the back and seat slat design and did an angle rather than a 90 degree where the arms meet the front support. also used a 2x6 for a larger arm rest. i think it turned out well. thanks Ana

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair

Comments

Cedar 3 tier planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 09:33

I made the boxes a little wider than the plans called for but still came out great. I'm very happy. Thanks Ana for the inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
$10 Cedar Tiered Flower Planter or Herb Garden

Comments

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