Community Brag Posts

Changing Table

My wife liked the PB Larking High/Low table, but I didn't like the price. Took about 3 weeks of evenings and weekends.

Used 3/4" MDF Panels for sides, bottom, and top
used 3/4" select Pine for face frame
used 3/4" smooth plywood for drawer faces.
cut additional pine strips at 15/16" and then routed one edge for trim work around drawer face.
same process for right side door, but added 1 1/2" pine to trim along sides and bottom
Attached 2x4's to bottom of table and then covered with MDF panel for skirt.
Skirt is an 1/8" raised from floor to give space for carpet and not cause stress on skirt
used a jig saw on front of skirt for cutout
used decorative molding for under the table top lip, you'll need to figure out your overhang for whatever molding you use.
Used MDF for the changing pad holder. about 3 inches tall and then cut to dimensions of pad.
Topper on the right is just a miniature of the full table, from a contraction perspective.

My dimensions are slightly customized from the below.

Changing Table
Overall: 55" wide x 21" deep x 44" high
Dresser Cabinet: 15" wide x 19" deep x 23" high
Dresser Drawer (3): 31" wide x 18" deep x 7" high
Small Top Drawer (1): 11.5" wide x 15" deep x 5" high

Topper
Overall: 34" wide x 17.5" deep x 3" high
Topper drawer inside small cabinet: 16.5" wide x 11.5" deep x 5" high

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
sprayed Sherwin Williams Extra White Pro Classic.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

bluesboy5

Tue, 07/09/2013 - 20:15

if you have a plan or at least dimensions and material list for this project, i believe many people including myself would love to try this one. My wife is due in Oct and would love me to build this for out nursery.

Thanks and great job

numba1vennda

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 14:40

Glad she likes it. I have a ton of pics, but only able to post a few here. I tried to add some more detail on my post as well. Basically I looked at the Pottery Barn Kids Larkin High/low Table. When to the store and took some pics, then sat down, drew it out and started building it. I wish I would have done the skirt out of a solid piece of wood instead of MDF, because I'm pretty sure it's gonna get banged around and not hold up as well.

Babylove

Mon, 09/16/2013 - 15:57

OMG! Amazing! I've been looking at this changing table the last 2 months at pottery barn but so expensive.

Would you be kind enough and email me the plan? My husband said if I can get the plan for him he will make it for me!

Thank you! ❤

theblade88

Mon, 01/20/2014 - 08:25

Awesome job!!! My wife is in love with this changing table and we just found out PBkids is discontinuing this line of furniture. She's due in August so this may be a good project for me between now and then. If you have plans or more pics I'd absolutely love it if you'd share them

Thanks

rdsport

Thu, 01/30/2014 - 21:26

If possible please email me the plans for your version of the Larkin PB hi low dressing table. My wife loves it but I don't want to spend that much money. Any help you can provide will be appreciated. Thanks!!

Modified Reclaimed wood Look Bedside -- Dresser

Submitted by pmgriffith on Wed, 08/05/2015 - 11:28

I loved the Reclaimed Wood Night Stand so much that I needed a dresser to match.  Virtually the same just added a single drawer height and widened. 

 

Estimated Cost
Cost about 75 bucks for wood and 20 for the hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry Minwax finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

nickkarim

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 11:12

I am looking to build something exactly like this, can you share plans or any suggestions, thanks!

Console Table

Submitted by jrees09 on Wed, 06/15/2011 - 07:22

This was my first attempt at building anything. Ever. I am fairly pleased with how it turned out. There was a bit of uneveness on the back side of the table, where the top joined with the back and where the back joined one of the side pieces. They were hardly noticeable and I was able to sand it down. All joints on the front side of table were prefectly aligned, though. I don't know if the wood was uneven or if it was just an error that was likely due to my less-than-ideal work space. You can check out my blogspot for pictures of the completely finished project.

Estimated Cost
About $50, for a first time builder who needs basic supplies....
Finish Used
painted, distressed, then stained.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

BIGGER Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 11:52

Using Ana's Rustic X Coffee Table plans, I created a larger version at 60" by 33" - just as easy and perfect for my space! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane gel stain in Weathered Grey (single coat) and Varathane Triple Thick Varnish (two coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Famhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 08:24

I used the farmhouse table plans, with a few modifications. I made two benches to go along with it. This was my first big wood project and I'm pretty proud of it. My daughter bought her first home and needed a table custom sized to her space so this was perfect. I love all of Ana's plans, so easy to follow.

Custom Bird Cage Stand

Submitted by Mamabear2 on Thu, 01/23/2014 - 10:33

I wanted our bird's cage up higher and on something that the kids wouldn't be able to tip over. So my Husband came up with this. Its car siding. and stained. it has 2 hinged doors and a shelf.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I purchased a stain in color of choice and clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Weatherly sectional

Submitted by JoseO1998 on Tue, 07/15/2014 - 02:18

First I built the 3 weatherly style sectional, then I added the two-seat bench with table in between to square off a seating area in our yard... Family and friends loved them for 4th of July and I really appreciate the plans!!! Thx Ana White ;)

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

Comments

MarieCorbin

Mon, 05/11/2015 - 05:45

I love how you did the arms on your version. I was thinking of building this set, but wanted more traditional arms you could actually rest you arm on or set a cup on. Your finished product looks awesome!

How to Build Simple Raised Garden Beds

Starting with Ana's simple $10 raised garden plans, we built ours to be part of our experiment: Growing Vegetables in Our Driveway. Because our boxes are visible from the street, we made them a bit fancier and sturdier than we would have if they were hidden away in the backyard. An easy, afternoon project - with delicious results!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic X Console Table

Submitted by lslawson on Mon, 01/06/2020 - 03:42

This was based on the Rustic X Console Table plan

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Charred Wood Accelerator, white semi gloss paint. The only advice I will add is to sand and paint / stained before building the table.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Headboard

Submitted by beingbrook on Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:26

Rustic headboard built in an afternoon. Total cost was only $35!

Estimated Cost
$40-60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the wood using tea followed by steel wool/vinegar mix. Finished with Annie Sloan clear wax. A detailed explanation can be found at my blog: http://beingbrook.com/rustic-headboard-aged-wood/
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

scott56

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 12:46

I thought the 56 in headboard was a little excessive. So I cut it down a foot. If you decide to do this take 6 inches off the top and the bottom so it looks portionally correct. Another thing I did that was not mentioned in the what I have read so far was use kregs joints to connect the inner panel. If you build it from the back you will not see any joints except the top ones on the foot board. I patched them with that elmers patch stuff and are no longer visible. Minus all the sanding I built two beds in a half day.

Ava-Drew

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 15:52

I was thinking of doing this headboard for the farmhouse storage bed. Did you use 4x4s or build the legs the way they are in the plan? I have several 3x3s for legs that I was planing on using with the kreg. How easy was it to get the boards lined up with the kreg?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:34

how much did you sand this headboard?

thanks

Brook@BeingBrook (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:39

We sanded the boards before building since we got the cheapest grade of lumber they had. I also sanded it about 10 minutes after I removed all the paint stripper.

Brook@BeingBrook (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 11:51

No just used a power sander. Was going for a rustic wood look so didn't worry about the sanding being perfect. Just wanted it smooth enough not to snag anything.

Mario (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 12:37

Congratulations !!! and thanks for inspiring us by posting these photos of a terrific job!

I was just wondering..how did you manage to get the perfect light brown - chocolate tint shown on these photos??

I've followed the process described (oxidized the wood using tea followed by steel wool/vinegar mix) to the point. However, the result is grey tinted. even tried applying the process to different types of wood and applying less mix..even sanding it after the project dried and applying the clear wax..Same GREY result..

Please help!!

Brook @ BeingBrook (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 13:26

Different woods will give a different finish. This project turned out a little browner than the other times I've used the tea/vinegar treatment. Probably because it was previously painted and then stripped. You can also buy dark wax that will help change the color. You might try finding a stain that is the color that you want and staining your project. Good luck!

Ante

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 12:53

where does the white come from in your wood. did you strip pre primed pine then tea and oxidation? thanks,ante

Big Ol' TV Stand

Submitted by BERobinson on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 11:14

Instructions for the Ridge Media Console Table were easy enough to understand after one read-through.

I changed up the front-drawer face to go along with other decor in room fun, satisfying project.

NOTE -- Measure your electronics. The drawer is supposed to hide all wires and electronics for a clean look, however, the plans give a 13" drawer space. The dvd/tuner I own is approx 14.5", therefore I have to store it on the bottom shelf. I guess it's time to upgrade to blu-ray.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100.00

wood, kreg screws, nails
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain redwood on the table tops, and then a turquoise chalk paint, 40/60 with water, on the body. After sadning the finishes down to reveal more grain, minwax wax finish was used to protect. I use a rag with black paint on it to apply the wax. It tends to darken the grains and pull out the awesome imperfections of the wood that I love staring at.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cottage Bench

Submitted by toosure1 on Sun, 05/27/2012 - 15:17

Saw this bench and loved it. Since its Memorial weekend I thought I would add some personal belongings to it.

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz Primer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barnwood Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/18/2025 - 08:05

Rustic Barnwood Flower Planters. - Greg and Karen Harcharik on Facebook Community

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Wood Nightstands

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/09/2025 - 12:07

I used the plans for the Modern Nightstands (narrow) with a few dimension modifications to build these nightstands for my daughter’s tiny apartment bedroom. She preferred drawer pulls instead of the finger pull edge and is very pleased!  - Nancy Dotson

New Kitchen, New Table!

We just finished our complete kitchen remodel, from tearing down walls to new cabinets, appliances, hardwood floors, and countertops. I assembled the cabinets and installed them myself, along with tiling the backsplash and nailing down the floors. So I though I'd try my hand at furniture building. It was my first time building anything like this and I thought it turned out pretty nice!

I used left over boards from the removation for the bases of the table and benches and 2x6 poplar boards for the tops. I made some adjustments in the size since we're only a family on 3. Since I made the table shorter, I changed the 45 degree cuts on the cross braces to 30 degrees so they would fit. 

Estimated Cost
$300 just because I bought high quality poplar with the edges planed so they would fit together with no gaps
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax sedona red
zar merlot
minwax red mahogany
in that order, but I found that the stain effects poplar differently than it does pine
3 coats of brush on polyurethane sanded with 220 in between coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lumber Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/20/2022 - 15:44

We are so excited about have an organized way to store our lumber and scraps. We only had to purchase 4 2x4’s for this project and were able to use a lot of on-hand scrap pieces. The plans were so clear and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing!!

Comments

Media console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2019 - 15:40

Built this from the exact plans given. Very easy to build and learned a lot. Built whenever I had time after work 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ebony stain with satin spray lacquer. Bear premium ultra pure white matte
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Story Rabbit Hutch

For my first woodworking project, I foolishly decided to build a rabbit hutch without plans for my daughters new Easter Bunny. So I literally scratched some ideas on my wood working bench and started going to work. I did some construction over a decade ago, but never attempted to build any furniture before, so I'm pretty happy with how this came out.

I spent a few days researching various rabbit cages and for our place we needed something that was ascetically pleasing and functional as it was going in our living room. I got some ideas from the web and decided the best thing for us would be to have an entry ramp, 2 sets of barn doors for each level (for easy cleaning) and an open roof. We went with linoleum floors since she's already litter trained. The floors could easily be modified to add 1/2" wire mesh if we decide to change things down the line. Also, we chose an espresso finish with silver hardware to accent the wire mesh

I pretty much crashed and burned on the staining as I've never done that before, but it ended up looking ok after all. I did a light sanding, but will probably invest in a planer and jointer to get my wood in better shape before assembling in the future. Also, I'll probably lightly dab some stain on ends of wood before final assembly as it made it difficulty trying to hide the white pine with the dark stain.

Other cages I saw ran around $200-$350.00 so i don't feel so bad about the cost. It's really the time that it took learning and making mistakes. I'm sure if I had plans I could of cut my time in 1/2.

Total Cost came out to around $150.00 but probably would of been cheaper if I had some plans to go by. I probably wasted a few 2x2s and accidentally mis-cut a scrap piece of 1/4"plywood which added another $16.00 to the bottom line.

Here's a breakdown of my total cost.

Hardware - $30.00
Includes 5 latches, 4 sets of hinges (8 total) and a 3' piano hinge

Stain - $8.00

Linoleum Tile @ ¢.69 sq ft - $16

Brushes, Stain Rags - $5.00

Screws - $6.00

Wire Mesh Roll $30.00
Needed 2 rolls at $15.00 each. I used 1" Wire Mesh measuring 2'x15'

Total Wood $50.00-$60
I used 2x3's for the legs - 2 @ 8' - $2.00 each ($4.00)
probably 15-20 2x2's - $1.52 each - can't remember how many I used to be honest ($30.00)
and a few 1x6's for the Doors - $2.00 each ($6.00)
Sheet of 1/4 plywood - $12.00

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ashinshaw

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 08:09

I also have been thinking with the idea of building a two story hutch for our rabbit. I love your ideas so now i have a new project to work on. Thanks for sharing!

Nicolene (not verified)

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 12:46

I LOVE your cage! We have 2 rabbits and 2 Guinea pigs which means we have 2 ugly cages in our living room. We are planning something similar, but a bit bigger (but lower if that makes sense). And we'll put a 3rd story on for our Guinea pigs. So we have everyone on the same patch of real estate so to speak. I was going to do 3 solid walls with wire "windows" too keep all the hay, poops and such contained. I am also going to put lockable wheels underneath, so I can move it to my office if I ever need to (parties and renovations).

Is there anything that you can now think of that you would like to change on yours? R my research purposes.. :) It looks awesome, I'm just picking your brain for "hindsight" tips.

Stuffed animal holder

I had a friend ask me to build this for her daughter. The bars are bungie cord that you can order by the roll. I made 3 frames the same size then put 2x2's on the inside corners and counter sunk the screws the stapled the bungie cord at the top and the bottom. I would highly recommend securing this to a stud in the wall incase a little one tried to climb on it.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner