Community Brag Posts

Lego table

I wanted an easy way for my girls to play with their legos and not have to fight over an area or who had the Lego bin. So I took the plans and tweaked them to have a cutout and storage area for legos. I built this by myself in two days. I had to wait till the kids were asleep since it was a Christmas present. All in all it took maybe 2 hours to build and another 2 for sanding and painting. 

Estimated Cost
$100+ The table was only about $60 but the Lego boards were about $7 each. I had a total of 8 boards.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kitchen nook

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 07:26

I have just finished this project one thing I recommend is the pneumatic lifts for the lids they are 10 dollars a piece and make a huge difference 

Estimated Cost
300-400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Strap hinges and pneumatic lifts
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple white vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/31/2023 - 21:59

Made using your simple grey vanity plans finished in antique white varithane poly stain, made the middle drawer a tilt out, and the vanity top is my own personal touch cut from a butcher block counter, used the cut off pieces to make the back splash sealed with varithane poly stain. Still a work in progress as I’ve yet to install the doors or middle shelf. Love the vanity thanks for the design!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

My First Ever Project

Submitted by Kathryn1 on Sun, 10/16/2011 - 00:30

I've never built anything before. Not a single thing. When I couldn't find a bookshelf I liked in any stores I decided to build one and modified the 25 Cubbies On A Wall design to make it something a little different.

I'm stoked with the result.

Thank you for such a great site with wonderful plans.

My partner has now asked me to "whip up" a kitchen island, entertainment unit, more bookshelves and the list goes on.

I might need to look at some more of your plans.

Finish Used
Gloss stain and vanish - water based
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:19

I don't really know how to describe the wood because I'm truly a novice, but here goes:

It's 29cm deep and approximately 2cm thick.

The bottom shelf is 2m long and each cube is 40cm x 40cm. So to build this I got 2x 200cm sheets, 1x 160cm, 1x 120cm, 1x 80cm and 21x 40cm.

I measured and marked then glued and screwed the verticals to the shelves, then used dowel and glue to attach each row to the row below.

I decided to put feet on the bottom so I could lift it above the skirting boards on the floor and have it sit more flush against the wall.

I hope this explains it OK.

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:27

Thank you for your comment. I knew I didn't want a standard everyday bookshelf design and when I saw the "25 Cubbies" design my little head started ticking over and this is what I came up with.

I've seen a few similar things around, but nothing fit exactly what I wanted and there was certainly nothing of this size for a reasonable price.

You can imagine my joy when I found this website and the plans that I could modify to build exactly what I wanted.

I'm really very happy with how it worked out!

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:36

Thank you for taking the time to post your comment.

I'm really happy with the end result.

I never thought I'd be able to put together something like this. I always knew I could hammer a nail or put in a screw, but to build something that's actually functional and looks kinda good too, I never thought I'd be able to pull it off.

Needless to say, my confidence is now soaring and I'm looking forward to my next few days off work so I can do some more projects for around the house.

My father has asked me where I get my building skills, to which I reply with a grin that I don't know but I always thought I looked a little like the milk man :)

Skipper's Stool

Submitted by c-e-fogus on Sat, 10/12/2013 - 17:14

We needed a couple of sturdy step stools for the bathrooms. My boys are not tall enough to reach the sink for hand washing and teeth brushing. Wally wanted $8 for a plastic thing. So I headed to the big orange store and bought a few 2X4's. $12 for both stools, plus the paint and screws which I already had.

I used the plans from the Skipper's Stool for some of my cuts. But I used 3-2X4 pieces for the top and shortened the legs to 10 inches. I was going to put on the side stretchers but it was super sturdy with the pocket holes and 2.5 inch pocket hole screws. So I left them off. A few coats of paint and they are good to go. Two of my boys can stand on one so that makes them a hit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Gliddon Paint and Primer in one, color: organic celery.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Leaning orchard ladder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 04:43

I wanted something quick and easy to display or hold magazines or blankets. I used two 3x5x8, cut the bottom at 5 degrees and the top that leans against the wall at 85 degrees. You don't have to do this, but I liked the look. Last, I drilled 8 holes at 1 1/4" diameter to fit 1 1/4" dowel cut in inch increments: 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11. I used a brad nailer to hold the dowels in place from behind.

Estimated Cost
$30.00 - the dowels are the most expensive.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Old flat wall green/blue.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Patio cooler

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/14/2019 - 18:29

Made this as a gift for our supervisor with my coworkers contributing to the cost

Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Firefighter Locker

IKEA dresser drawers bit the dust....SURPRISE! So I needed a dresser and quick. Then after a trip to our fire fighter museum I decided to make lockers instead.

I used the basis from the beach cottage dresser, omitted drawers and used shelves and doors instead.

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
dark grey primer
satin black spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X End Table

My husband and I built this after the Rustic X coffee table won us over. The end table building plan is awesome, straight-forward, easy to follow. What we have learned from building the coffee table was that it is much easier to finish the frame and then mark the 2x2 against the bars for exact cut. We tried following the cut list, but turned out if the other cuts are slightly off, or the table is not squared, or the wood is not straight, then there may be a slight gap. So marking the 2x2 against the built frame was a much easier option for us. Of note, the end table is pretty big. So if you have a smaller living room, you may want to size down accordingly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Conditioned, stained in Kona, matte finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Truck shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/03/2016 - 09:26

Filling with books for out first grandchild

 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

72 inch vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 19:25

We needed an inexpensive alternative for our master bathroom remodel. After looking at Ana-White.com, I decided I should build a vanity myself. 

I had been gifted some newel posts, which I thought would work great for legs. The aprons and shelf slats were made with "choice" pine that I purchased from a big box store. I had two drawers leftover from a piece of furniture that was repurposed and I added new fronts from a piece of wood left from that same piece of furniture. I also had some leftover 1/4 inch plywood that I used to partition the drawers. 

The overall length once the counter is installed will be 72 1/2 inches by 23 inches wide. Because we are using vessel sinks (sitting on the countertop) I choose to make the base of the vanity 32 inches high. 

 

Estimated Cost
Under $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood stain, custom color.
3 coats of poly acrylic in matte
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Camp loft bed with a farm house twist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2023 - 07:58

As soon as I saw the plans for the camp loft bed with stairs, I knew it would be perfect for my daughters room. It was my first furniture build. While it is not perfect, I absolutely love it. The plans were easy to read and customize to fit her room. Don't mind the messy room, she's 13 and this is about as good as it gets lol.

Comments

Kitchen set

This was a kitchen for friends daughters birthday. I used my nail gun on this, made it so much easier:)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Behr Ocean Pearl and polycrylic coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

DMax2010

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 04:47

I made this kitchen for my son, it was one of my first projects, and I love seeing all the different ways people decorate these!

My new dinning table is complete!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/04/2016 - 14:48

Thank you for the inspiration - I love how mine turned out!

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

Comments

first furniture project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 05:46

was my project at collage on my first course self desian and cost of extra wood  £38  MATERIAL TO COVER  £25

 

Estimated Cost
£60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
CLEAR SEALANT
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Harriet Chair

Submitted by MarkThomas on Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:26

After our Wal-Mart dining room chairs started falling apart (after 8 years of use) I decided it was time to replace those ugly old things with something a bit more unique. The Harriet Chair really caught my eye, so I set out to build it! My wife, Judi, chose the mustard yellow color and we thought it would be cool to add contrast with some red and white polkadot seat pads from IKEA ($9.99 ea.).

These are the first two I've built, with a goal to eventually build a total of 6-8 to fit around a table I also plan on building.

I made the addition of the front support as Judi likes to rest her feet on it. And, as you can see in the second photo, I added a small brace, cut at 15 deg., on the bottom side screwed to each backrest 2x2, and screwed to the underside of the seat (chair is upside down in photo). This gives additional rigidity and support for the backrest and also provides a nice guide to ensure the backrest has an exact 15 deg. angle on every chair. This was at no additional cost as I used scrap 2x2 pieces for it. And best of all this addition stays hidden and in no way changes the original aesthetic of the chair.

The chairs are extremely sturdy, comfortable and look great in our dining room! The only change I will make on the next set is using higher quality plywood as I had to putty this plywood a bit more than I had hoped. Otherwise, what an easy and inexpensive upgrade to our space!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
custom mustard yellow color, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Benjamin Uyttebroeck (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 11:37

Looks great! How did you assembly the different parts? Simply glue and screws, kreg jig or mortise and tenon?

Mark Thomas (not verified)

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 14:59

Haven't been able to add the Kreg to my tool chest yet so I used glue and screws. Pre-drilled all the holes of course. Came out extremely sturdy. This was one of my first projects of this nature so I've learned a ton from each chair I make. These two were the first and the next ones have been a lot more precise and sharp looking.

Benjamin Uyttebroeck (not verified)

Sat, 11/05/2011 - 00:59

Thanks for your answer! I'll try it that way too then...

Giant outdoor sectional

Submitted by nprince on Mon, 10/21/2013 - 09:49

This is the first wood working project I took on. My husband thought I should start with, like a birdhouse or something, but I'm a "go big or go home" kind of person (plus I hate birds), so I thought a seven piece sectional was the way to go. After a few lessons from him on the miter saw, I got the clear to work on the project solo. (My husband builds a lot of our furniture but I insisted I wanted to do this 100% myself...and he surprisingly agreed).

The first section took a really long time for me to do (maybe 4 hours), but considering I've never even so much as drilled a hole for a screw, I considered it a success. After that (and after I decided to go out and buy a Kreg Jig - best invention ever - and ditch the "knock off" I tried to buy/use), it was pretty smooth sailing from then on out. Aside from being time consuming, I was surprised at how easy the plans were to follow. Ana it truly amazing for publishing these.

From start to finish, it probably took me a month to complete (and THANK GOD we bought a paint sprayer in anticipation for painting the outside of our house, or I think it would've taken at least another week to finish). But that's also because I stupidly decided to sew all of the cushions/pillows myself. I just couldn't justify ordering pre-made ones for seven individual pieces (the price quote I was getting for that and what I wanted was close to $1,000 in itself).

Overall, I'm VERY excited/please with how it turned out. I priced out the West Elm sectional of this size and it would've cost us about six times what it cost us to build from scratch. I can't wait to take on the next project (after a much needed break...)

Estimated Cost
Wood ($200), Cushions ($450)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a dark espresso outdoor behr pain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

nprince

Mon, 10/21/2013 - 15:02

I stumbled upon your site a couple of months ago, and I'm a bit obsessed. I have a laundry list of projects I want to do now...more to come!

- Nicole

Smaller Dog Crate with a drawer!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/06/2016 - 12:28

You may remember my green stratton day beds that I built a long time ago- finally I have another project to post- I am soo happy I found Ana White's website. We just got back from a 2.5 week vacation in Israel and my dogs were staying with my sister. She told me they had been sleeping in the same kennel together instead of separately. Their kennels are too small so I decided to build them one using wood I already had. But since they are small dogs, I decided to size it down- but I wanted it end table height- so I built a smaller kennel- 20"H x 19"W x 28"D. but... I added a drawer to the top to bring it to the right height. You can read all about it on my blog- link below.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
provincial wood stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments