Community Brag Posts

Outdoor Grill Trolley

Submitted by angiemicn on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 05:39

This started out as the Outdoor Multipurpose Cart....and after my hubbies evergrowing wishlist, it quickly become THE GRILL TROLLEY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! I added the bulk and the height which he wanted, a John Boos butcher block 24x18, which is removable. Funny thing is, I also sampled Ana's Farmhouse frame to cradle the butcher block! I didn't want to put any holes in the 100 clam butcher block so it has it's own little bedframe. It's totally waterproofed and stained since it's new home will be beside the pool. I used all Kreg joints, so you could sit on this it's so sturdy. I also added 2.5 inch locking casters for the bottom. There's a stainless steel bathroom towel rack which doubles as a handle, lots of hooks for his BBQ paraphenelia, and the most important addition...The Guinness bottle opener. Totally hubby customized. And the best thing> I did it myself, setting it aside whenever a problem arose, but always coming back to it. This was originally a Papa's day present

Estimated Cost
150. (100 of it was just for the upgraded John Boos outdoor reversible butcher block! well worth it!)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thompson's Waterseal, Minwax Puritan Pine, 2 coats, but wiped it off very quickly, didn't want it too dark. I didn't want a uniform appearance, so I wet it down, heavier in some areas than others, with water, wiped the stain on, and was taking it off with the other hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic Table w/ two tone finish

Submitted by Ash_Ahrens on Wed, 08/21/2013 - 19:35

This was totally my first real build. Like most others I modified the plans to fit in my mother-in-law's dining room. I used 4x4s for the legs and built two benches to go with it.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Cabernet stain with polyurethane top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy Console with Barn Doors

Built in about 2 days.  Hardest part was definitely the hardware.  Looks great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jelmelda3

Sun, 10/18/2015 - 10:49

This came out so awesome. Did you use the same dimensions given in the example? Also what size is your TV? I ask because I want to build this but I'm scared my TV would be too small but this actually looks really great! 

HankTheTank

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 08:32

I used the same dimensions as the plan.  That TV is a 42".  We have since upgraded to a 60" and it now looks more proportionally correct.

HankTheTank

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 08:32

The hardware was a pain in the butt.  The metal bar was easy to cut actually.  I just put one of my old blades back on my mitre saw and it worked great.  Extracting the wheels from their casing was the most challenging.  I ended up putting the entire thing in a vise and drilling through it.  It is totally worth it though.  Everyone who comes over is obsessed with it.  Also, I did not attach the boards on top.  It's much easier to move if you take those boards and the doors off and carry it.  Good luck guys!

HankTheTank

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 08:29

I used the same dimensions as the plan.  That TV is a 42".  We have since upgraded to a 60" and it now looks more proportionally correct.  The hardware was a pain in the butt.  The metal bar was easy to cut actually.  I just put one of my old blades back on my mitre saw and it worked great.  Extracting the wheels from their casing was the most challenging.  I ended up putting the entire thing in a vise and drilling through it.  It is totally worth it though.  Everyone who comes over is obsessed with it.  Also, I did not attach the boards on top.  It's much easier to move if you take those boards and the doors off and carry it.  Good luck everyone!  

Ashlin

Sat, 03/26/2016 - 08:41

Hey, love how this turned out! Was wondering where you purchased the barn door hardware? Been stuck with trying to find some that won't break the bank!

Rgoodwin1206

Tue, 01/03/2017 - 00:02

Can you please help me as to exactly what hardware to get

 My husband and I can only find the hardware for the big barn doors. We are so lost and no one can help us!

 

Fortnite Battle Bus boys bedroom loft

Submitted by bbcarey on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 08:31

We remodelled my son's room and what better theme than Fortnite for an 8 year old... and what better loft than the Battle Bus!!

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

Rustic x console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 18:38

Built this for a friend of mine, but didn’t need it quite as long…I absolutely love this table!!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Custom Wall Media/Entertainment Center

We purchased our first LCD TV, which meant we needed a new entertainment center to put it on. We looked at quite a few furniture stores and couldn't believe the price tag on the big centers. I wanted more than just a TV stand, so I convinced my husband to help me build an entertainment center ourselves. I looked at a lot of different entertainment centers, even a few on this site, and then I drew up a picture of what I was envisioning, tweeking things here and there (I have three little kids so I needed to make sure the center piece was high enough to keep little fingers off my expensive TV, and I also knew I wanted all Satellite Receivers and DVD players out of reach), and we went to work figuring out dimensions. We designed the TV opening around the exact dimensions of our new TV (it's a 46" tv, if that helps you imagine the opening size) and then figured out the rest of the dimensions after that. Once we had the dimensions figured out, my husband went to work calculating what materials we would need. Then we got to work. We built the center in four different pieces (two side shelf units, the middle bottom stand, and the middle top piece). We spent every night for the next week working in the garage to build the entertainment center, and it turned out absolutely beautiful! And the best part? The price, of course. In total, we spent $546.00. That includes wood, trim pieces, paint, primer, hardware (knobs and hinges). Not too bad for a beautiful entertainment center made of real hardwood!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$550
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used an oil based primer, tinted as dark as possible, and then an oil based semi-gloss (satin) black paint. After painting was finished, I distressed quite a few areas (edges and around drawers and cabinets) and then used a q-tip and stained them with a cherry stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Diana (not verified)

Thu, 07/28/2011 - 09:38

This is beautiful! Do you have any tips on cutting and getting the crown moulding to fit right?

In reply to by Diana (not verified)

kristenlotz

Thu, 07/28/2011 - 16:17

I was worried the crown and bottom moulding would be tricky, but it wasn't too bad. To make sure it all lined up perfectly, we screwed together all the pieces (the top center piece to the two side shelving pieces and then both the side shelving pieces to the bottom center piece) first. We had it all put together just as it would be in the house and THEN we measured and cut the crown and base moulding. I had painted all the moulding first and then just touched it up after we put it on the entertainment center. I think we wouldn't have been able to get it to line up perfect if we hadn't screwed it together first, screwing it together get it a nice snug fit.

kaytrishjr

Mon, 08/08/2011 - 07:16

If I didn't actually see the building process of the entertainment center, I wouldn't have believe you built it yourself!

sdking1981

Wed, 08/10/2011 - 13:59

This is exactly what I need! Happen to have the dimensions? I know I could modify it to fit our TV but I'm really wondering how deep your side bookcases are. Thanks!!

sdking1981

Wed, 08/10/2011 - 14:35

I appreciate your quick response and help!! We're in the process of planning this one right now! :)

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 23:53

Wow! Your entertainment center is beautiful and seems wonderfully functional! Just wondering what the height is of the ledge for the TV in the center console. We have little ones too and need TV and componenets to be out of reach! Also, would you mind sharing which plans you used as inspirations for each part? I think it is the Basic Collection for the bookcases and the Tommy for the center? Is that correct?

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 14:19

Hi, sorry for the slow reply! I am not 100% sure (I can't find my tape measure!) but I think the TV ledge is either 30 or 36 inches high. I wanted it high enough that it wouldn't be hard to watch the TV while sitting, but enough that it would be hard for little fingers to touch the TV.

azca33 (not verified)

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 16:24

Hey Kristen,

Your entertainment center looks beautiful!

Did you use Pine wood for the entire project or did you use plywood for the top of the side book cases and the top part of the Media center. Did the paint cover up all the knots?

In reply to by azca33 (not verified)

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 10:59

Thank you! We used plywood on part of it, mostly for the center pieces. If I were going to do it again, we would have used plywood more because it was knot free and much straighter. The paint did a good job covering up the knots, and I am overall really happy with it!

In reply to by azca33 (not verified)

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 11:00

Thank you! We used plywood on part of it, mostly for the center pieces. If I were going to do it again, we would have used plywood more because it was knot free and much straighter. The paint did a good job covering up the knots, and I am overall really happy with it!

In reply to by azca33 (not verified)

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 11:00

Thank you! We used plywood on part of it, mostly for the center pieces. If I were going to do it again, we would have used plywood more because it was knot free and much straighter. The paint did a good job covering up the knots, and I am overall really happy with it!

JennieB (not verified)

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 16:27

My husband was sure we wouldn't be able to tackle building an entertainment center until we saw your photos. We are excited to take on this project. Yours turned out beautifully! Can you fill us in on the finishing that took place after this blog ends: doors, etc.?

In reply to by JennieB (not verified)

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 14:22

Thank you, we love it! And we loved building it ourselves and saving a ton of money while we were at it. Sorry for the slow reply on this as well. We cut and measured the doors, gave them a simple finish by routering the edges, and hung them. For the drawers, we build a basic box, added the runners, and then finish nailed the drawer front onto the box. They work perfectly! I distressed all the edges once everything was completely finished and hung.

Chris Manitz (not verified)

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 06:52

What is the style/ color of knobs and pulls you used on this project. I am in process of building this. ALso, what is the cherry stain? Did you use that on the distressed parts of the center??
Thanks for your help!
Chris

In reply to by Chris Manitz (not verified)

kristenlotz

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 14:27

Congrats on building the entertainment center! You will love it! I ended up using brushed bronze knobs and hinges (similar to this: http://www.handlesets.com/rusticware-950-1-1-4-modern-mushroom-knob-fro…). They turned out perfect with the black paint. They stand out enough, but not too much to distract. As far as the stain, I just used a Minwax Cherry gel stain. I would wipe it on the areas I had distressed (around the drawers, cabinet doors, edges, etc.) then let it sit for awhile and then I wiped it back off. It gave the distressed areas enough color to not look raw, but it still stands out. I hope that answered your questions!

Jeff (not verified)

Sat, 01/28/2012 - 22:29

Are there plans for this?

In reply to by Brandi Vancott (not verified)

kristenlotz

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 18:56

No, sorry, there are no official plans for this. I just drew a picture of what I wanted and my husband calculated everything out from the picture. The general dimensions are listed above, though, if that's any help!

Carey (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 17:05

I really love this too.. is there any plans for it?

Cheramie (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 16:40

You guys did a beautiful job! I am so glad to see someone built almost the exact unit I was picturing. :) Ana's inspiration strikes again!!! I didn't see one, so wanted to ask if you blogged this elsewhere so I can read more details about the process. Thanks!

claydowling

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 07:20

Those arches are most easily cut with a jig saw. You can clean up with a curved rasp and file, or a spokeshave.

ktambascio

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 15:53

I love the the shelf above the TV. If you make that shelf about 6 inches tall, you would have enough room for a center channel speaker, or for an XBox Kinect.

Chunky Rustic Kitchen Island

I wanted a Super Rustic and Super Chunky Island with out the Super High price tag. So I turned to pintrest for inspiration. I switched up a few things , but the end result was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Score!!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American stain from Minwax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garage shelv

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/23/2018 - 18:38

104.5” long, 17 1/2” wide. Heughan varies but on average is 72”. My garage slopes downward, so each front leg is a different length which made the unit level. I used joist hangers instead of pocket holes. 

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/09/2022 - 22:36

I have not yet sanded or sealed the chairs. I made two in 5 hours because I ran out of screws and had to go and get some more but I made these for my husband and my 15 year wedding anniversary to be able to spend more time outside after the kids go to bed. It cost me $130 plus the cushions to build

Comments

"Sweet Dreams" - CUSTOM KING-SIZE HEADBOARD

Submitted by BamaGurl on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 22:23

I constructed this generous sized king-size headboard (tagged "Sweet Dreams") from a large number of beautiful deep discounted photo frames (pretty matting, exotic glass, all black purchased from Kroger for $1 each on a clearance rack) and featuring favorite photos of my daughter (for whom the headboard gift was intended) and her husband and children. For little more cost in wood for the framing and rope lighting to provide a soft glow through the channeled glass that surrounded each photo in the center frames made this the perfect gift. When it was hung on the wall with legs for support and mounted on a "french cleat". I coupled the headboard with two beautiful black nightstands I bought from a yardsale and painted to match the headboard. Then we placed wrought iron candlelabras over each nightstand and VOILA! It is a beautiful beadroom! Total cost: approximately $60 Best footnote, the photos can be changed out to keep the headboard fresh and current. (Do know...this is VERY heavy and must be handled with great care because of all the glass in the frames.)

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black semi-gloss enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 08:36

What a great idea. Would love to see a photo of all the projects combined for the full effect!

Bama Gurl (not verified)

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 14:35

Unfortunately Luis, I do not have other photos of the headboard...none of the "construction process" nor other angles of the finished piece. The basic process was first knowing the average width of a king sized headbard, then acquiring the inexpensive photo frames and laying out the configuration you like best. Then I took 1"x1" 8 or 10 ft long pieces of unfinished wood and built a "frame" of horizontal pieces..first laying the wood on the floor, then putting the frames in their planned final arrangement by using cut pieces of 1x1 to put vertically between the individual frames to get the spacing correct. Then I put the end 1x1 pieces on to complete the 4 sided "frame". NOTE: I worked with the framing wood "face down" so that once the entire configuration was determined and all wood pieces were cut and in place, they could be joined together. I used glue and small metal plates that spanned the tiny joints and screws that made the joints more "permanent". Once all joints were finished, I used tiny wood screen moulding and glued it in place on two of the four sides of each opening (toward the back, precisely placed so that each photo frame fit flush with the face of the front of the frame). Then I painted the wood frame black (front, back, sides, top, bottom, etc). Once dry, I glued each frame in place in each opening. NOTE: Each frame, accessible from the back,allows for photos to be inserted and changed out. Finally I glued tiny wood medallion wood embellishments in each of the four corners and applied narrow wood trim that appears "carved" and three dimentional (using glue and tiny finishing nails) to the primary vertical and horizontal frame pieces. Then I carefully applied a final 2 coats of black paint. Lastly, on the back side, I took rope lighting "holders" that screw in place and mapped the hidden rope lighting and installed the rope lighting...out of view of the front view but where the soft light could illuminate the headboard. The final puzzle was how to put the headboard in place. First I built a wood rectangle the width of the headboard and the heigth I wanted the overall headboard to be and glued and screwed the base together...and painted it too. Then I made a "french cleat" that is simply a 2x4 cut at an angle so that when one piece is permanently attached to the back of the headboard with screws. Attach the other half to the wall, screwing it into the wall. Then 2 people can lift the heavy headboard onto the wall cleat. The base should rest on the floor and the cleat holds it to the wall. NOTE: You can google "french cleat" an look at photos and note instructions to see how to do this part. Hope all this helps. I will be glad to answer any other questions. Good luck.

Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by bcarter_1 on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 04:20

I'm just learning to make things with wood, I made two of these for the bedropom update last year.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Extra Large Canopy Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/23/2022 - 08:34

I followed the plans on the site but made the rear posts the full size of an 8 foot 4X4. For the front posts I had to cut down to fit around the fan/light. For the headboard I simply put 2X6's spaced out 3 1/2 inch between, I used scrap 2X4 for spacing. To attach all the piece I use those newer large Kreg screws for large lumber, way bigger and stronger screws. The bed platform is 1/2 plywood, added a 2X4 for support and skipped the support in the middle. Extra screws and metal L brackets hidden and added for support. Used a router to round out all edges and multi-tool to sand the rest.

Comments

Dress-up Storage finally!

Submitted by tannisg on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 17:10

I made this for my girls' huge collection of dress-up clothes. I had to modify the plans a little to fit more costumes, and also to try to fit the longer length. I was hoping the longer dresses would hang without filling the bottom quite so much, but to make it tall enough for that the little one wouldn't have been able to reach the hanger bar.

I ended up with 4 foot boards all around - 6 pieces of 1x12 cut to 4 feet long, including the shelf at the top.

The eight year old cut the letters out of scrapbook paper and we glued them on with elmers glue then varnished over it.

All in all it looks great and holds 4 big plastic totes worth of dress-up (11 Halloweens/4 little girls/5 flower girl dresses and miscellaneous other outfits).

Now I'm just hoping they'll learn to use hangers and it will stay neat and tidy!

Construction was very easy and went well - took us longer to shop than it did to build!

Painting on the other hand took a long time, mostly just to wait between coats. I used spray paint and some polyurethane to gloss it up.

Estimated Cost
$50
Finish Used
spray paint, polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Storage Lockers {No Mudroom? No problem!}

I love my new lockers, and I am in love with building! I think the Kreg Pocket Jig is my new best friend!

This is my first project, and I made a couple of changes to Ana's awesome plans. I used bead board for the backing instead of ply wood, and I added divider shelves on the bottom shelf. I also added hooks on both sides of each locker so that my kids can hang lots of stuff.

Since I am a total beginner builder, I made a few mistakes as I built these lockers. If you are a beginner, too, please check out my post on OneCreativeMommy.com so that you don't have to make the same mistakes! I included a chart that shows the order I used to put everything together and added instructions for the extra dividers.

I am loving my organized space (and so are my kids)!

See the project now: http://bit.ly/lockers-kids
Pin it for later: http://bit.ly/14FpeHD

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
This project was painted with 2 coats of Bare Wood Primer and finished with two coats of Valspar Rapids in Semi Gloss.

Hint--one quart of paint is not enough! I bought one quart of primer and one quart of paint. I scraped the cans clean and had to leave a few hidden spots with only one coat of paint. I have nothing left for touch up. Splurge and buy the larger can. You can always use it to paint accent pieces to match!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Julia Nightstand

I decided it was time to use up some of the leftover materials from previous projects.  This little nightstand is a mix of spruce, mdf and plywood.  I constructed the little "feet"  from a stair baluster that I cut up and drilled a hole into the top to add a piece of dowel before gluing to the table leg. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted a soft white and finished with a clear coat in a satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bath Board

Submitted by tjh4au on Tue, 11/06/2018 - 16:57

Bath Board! My very first woodworking project. It's 2 pieces of 2x6 cut to about 36" inches long each. You will need to measure your bath tub to see what size boards you will need to fit across it. I ripped 1 long side of each board on my table saw so I could join them togther. I used 3 pocket screws and glue to join them. I plugged the pocket screw holes and sanded the plugs down smooth. You can barely tell in the pictures after the stain was applied. I mixed saw dust with the glue when I put the plugs in so it would take the stain better and blend in. I marked up the outline of the areas that I needed to cut out with my router and penciled them in. The areas I cut out are for a wine glass, phone, soap bar, and a candle. You can arrange your board however you want, this is just the order I did mine in. Then, I used my router to cut out those areas free handed. I stained it with a dark wood stain. I used my wife's vinyl cutting machine to cut out the word "Relax". I painted over the vinyl with white chalk paint and pilled it off. Mother-in-law was very happy with her new bath board. Being my first wood project, I thought it turned out fairly nice and exceeded my expectations.

Ask any questions and I'll try to help the best I can.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark wood Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simple Teenager Desk

Submitted by vendo on Thu, 08/04/2022 - 20:33

Loved this simple desk project for my teenage daughter. She has spent many hours here with her school work. My favorite part is that it only took a couple of hours to build, is lightweight and doesn't take up much room. I think it would be perfect for a dorm room or small space. Thanks for the great plans Ana!

Built from Plan(s)

Apothecary Media Console

Submitted by ratizzle on Sun, 08/07/2011 - 13:13

My wife first saw these in Pottery Barn one day listed for over $2,000.00, we then stumbled upon Ana White's Website and noticed she had plans. I printed them out and went to lowes to buy the material. I didnt own a saw so I had them cut the MDF for me. They ended up cutting it way off from the measurments so I ended up buying a skil saw and some stain grade pine and went to work. I get frustrated following measurements, so I ended up just looking at a picture and making it custom. Took me a few months working on it every few days, sometimes a week at a time. Thanks for looking!

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

Comments

gdayskippy

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 07:39

Looks like you built 3 boxes and joined them together ? You said you used pine for this. Did you just go with 1x12's or did you join boards together with a kreg jig to make it deeper ? Awesome job this is my next project.

classic bunk beds

Submitted by jenherndon on Sat, 08/31/2013 - 18:30

Easier than I thought!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark mocha stain, then sanded edges, then restained with natural cedar color, then 3 coats of satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate