Community Brag Posts

My Storage Sofa!

Submitted by cr2 on Sun, 03/04/2012 - 18:35

This project was lots of fun. Made it for a college apartment- it is perfect.

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

My plane old shelf

Submitted by nancym on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 16:26

Made using the plane old shelf plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Craft paint and varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Tables for a wedding

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 08:20

We were going to rent 5 farmhouse tables but the cost of renting was more than double the cost of building them myself plus by building them myself I could finish them the color that I wanted. We were then able to sell 4 of the 5. I kept one for my self. I also was able to build a smaller size one to custom fit my son and daughter in-law new house. Nothing like the satisfaction of building something for something so special.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Roughly 125 per table.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Base coat heavy Varathane Weathered Grey
Once that coat was dry I used a thin coat of minwax Jacobean to get in the cracks and holes and a layer of depth.
Topped it with minwax polycrylic matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tgrott

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 16:31

...did it take to complete all of those tables?!? That was such a special thing to do for your son's wedding...and then for them to have a smaller version for themselves, I'm certain it will become a family heirloom passed down through the years! Those tables "made the look" for that entire setting! Just gorgeous! :)

Dani & Brandon's Patio Set

Submitted by Laurie Mac on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 14:47

I gave my son's girlfriend a "gift certificate" for her birthday that said I would build her anything she'd like. There is a small patio outside my son's apartment that faces a lake. She decided to ask for some chairs so they could sit out on a warm night and watch the ducks swim by.

Estimated Cost
Not real sure... maybe $50...
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabot Stains Australian Timber Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toddler Step

Submitted by betsy47 on Thu, 01/02/2014 - 20:55

Though I've built a lot of kids' furniture now, I think this is my son's favorite item. He requests it constantly. I built two more for friends and even a tiny play one for his toy house.
This was my first attempt with a jig saw, and my biggest advice is to be sure the trigger is pressed all the way in and to go very very slowly. Also, when you are cutting the straight edges on the side, you can clamp a guide on just like with a circular saw. That helped a lot. By the time I made my second and third it was easy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two layers of paint and a stencil in white son the top and side.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Dining Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/22/2016 - 08:16

Rekourt dining room table with bench 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane weathered grey top and white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Round Pedestal Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 10:46

Built this for my wife for our anniversary. Plans for the table was easy to follow. Used poplar for the table top. I copied the chairs from our large dining room table that we purchased so the two sets would match. I’m an Ana White follower looking forward using more plans. I used a jig saw to cut the circular table top instead of the skill saw using a fence.

James / League City Texas

Built from Plan(s)

20 sec tidy up coffee table with trundle toy box/storage

This is a project we built this weekend. My husband and I desperately needed some sophisticated storage space in the living room that is kid friendly, so we accepted the challenge. We together built a coffee table with trundle storage inspired by a plan on ana-white. We are truly inspired by her designs and plans help a LOT! Check out our work!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used one coat of red oak minwax stain with a layer of red mahogony stain over top. We finished with clear polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bunnie1978

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:11

That looks very nice. This is the next project on my list I think.
It's really great to see the project with a different kind of finish also. How do feel about the functionality of it now that you have it "up and running" in your living room?
And... how do your kids feel about it?
Any drawbacks to this design for your needs, or tips that you can give me for building it over the next couple weeks?

In reply to by Bunnie1978

Windycrocodille

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:53

Thank you for the compliments! So far we absolutely LOVE the functionality! It really is made for easy clean up, slides back and forth nicely (we used wheels that only go one way, not swivels.) and our one year old seems to enjoy it. The table and storage compartment are just short and sturdy enough that she can pull herself up on them and because the storage compartment is not on swivels it doesn't move when she does. She is the first grand-baby on both sides of the family so she has approximately 175 toys that we have to find a place for and they all fit very nicely. With the large storage we have noticed that she is pulling out and playing with different toys that she could never get to or find before. As far as design is concerned we did have to modify it a little bit to work with the tools that were available to us. We wish the side legs were sturdier, even with 6 screws in each side they are still a bit wobbly. With the storage box underneath it helps to support it from swaying but we are still talking about ways to make it better. A possible support beam on the bottom of the back side? All in all we love the piece it fits perfectly into our space and offers a LOT of storage that we didn't have before. My husband and I had tossed around the idea, before we started, of making the piece smaller but we are glad that we didn't.

Suggestions: if you are going to buy based off of the shopping list provided make sure you also buy 2" screws. They forget to include that in the shopping list but include that in the directions. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. It was a really really fun project for us.

In reply to by Bunnie1978

Windycrocodille

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:53

Thank you for the compliments! So far we absolutely LOVE the functionality! It really is made for easy clean up, slides back and forth nicely (we used wheels that only go one way, not swivels.) and our one year old seems to enjoy it. The table and storage compartment are just short and sturdy enough that she can pull herself up on them and because the storage compartment is not on swivels it doesn't move when she does. She is the first grand-baby on both sides of the family so she has approximately 175 toys that we have to find a place for and they all fit very nicely. With the large storage we have noticed that she is pulling out and playing with different toys that she could never get to or find before. As far as design is concerned we did have to modify it a little bit to work with the tools that were available to us. We wish the side legs were sturdier, even with 6 screws in each side they are still a bit wobbly. With the storage box underneath it helps to support it from swaying but we are still talking about ways to make it better. A possible support beam on the bottom of the back side? All in all we love the piece it fits perfectly into our space and offers a LOT of storage that we didn't have before. My husband and I had tossed around the idea, before we started, of making the piece smaller but we are glad that we didn't.

Suggestions: if you are going to buy based off of the shopping list provided make sure you also buy 2" screws. They forget to include that in the shopping list but include that in the directions. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. It was a really really fun project for us.

brookifer86

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 09:10

I just finished my Tidy Up Table too (brag post coming!) and I decided to add one L-bracket to each corner because of the wobble. I've also got a baby (7 months) and it's nice to have that added stability just in case. Now the sides are solid as a rock!

Bunnie1978

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 13:08

A little bit of medal support would probably be really good... I was actually thinking of modifying the design a little bit already, which will probably serve the end result to provide better stability. I think I'm going to make the storage trundle a little shallower, and put a row of small square drawers above it on each side. That is of course, much more complex, and then detail the trundle with the small squares so it looks like a cabinet of drawers all the way down...
What do you think of that idea? I mentioned that on the plan post too... still kicking it around a bit.

New Bed for my tween: chestwick platform bed full

Submitted by autma on Sat, 01/04/2014 - 20:35

After searching for a bed for our tween we found that we couldn't find the bed we wanted for the price we wanted to pay. I'd been eyeing this site for months and finally decided to take the plunge. The Shanty-2-Chic blog really motivated me to get this going.

This was our first (and arguably most expensive) project ever- husband ended up acquiring new tools to make the job easier, haha.

We followed the tutorial from the site with modifications for a full size mattress. (Just substituted 53x75 for the queen measurements and adjusted cuts accordingly.)

Used furring strips (1x3) for mattress support to save money.

Finished with zinsser primer (bought a quart for all our future projects)- this stuff is awesome!

Picked a flat white paint in a color that matched her dresser.

Cost of Daughters New Bed:
Lumber $120,
Kreg jig clamp $29
Air compresser with nail gun $150

Learning how to construct furniture ourselves: Priceless

Estimated Cost
$120 or so- I don't recall exactly
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinsser primer (2 coats brush on)
white paint- flat finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Top on Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/25/2016 - 13:31

Used the Ana White plans for the console table but omitted the 1x12 and used 1x4 45' for the perimeter and ran anothe 1x4 up the middle.  We added cross supports under the top to attach the top to, eliminating the second layer on the top.

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

First Project

Submitted by amy2789 on Fri, 03/16/2012 - 13:48

When I saw the plans for this bench I knew I had to make it. I had been looking for something to put on my porch, but hadn't found anything I liked.
I, or should I say, my husband had all the tools just sitting in the garage.

It was a great starter project. I definitely felt the learning curve. Thank goodness for wood filler and paint!

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cheap red spray paint from Wal-Mart. I had it on-hand from another project.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First Build - "Platform" Bed and Hailey Headboard

Submitted by stsa84 on Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:25

After finally getting fed up with having our mattress on one of those cheap metal "frames", and no headboard, I decided to try my hand at a platform bed and plank headboard.

I followed the headboard plans to a T, with the exception of using 1x4's for the front trim instead of molding (at HD/Lowe's, the cheapest option would have set me back $40), and making it higher and wider to fit my bed plans. Everything came together very easily.

For the bed, I drew up the plans myself. I wanted clean lines and a modern look, with short wide legs. Instead of having the mattress rest on slats, I elected to hide the box spring within the wood frame, with the mattress sunk down 4" below the lip of the frame.

Total cost for headboard: $100
Total cost for bed: $80

Do NOT waste your time going to Lowe's or HD to buy any of the 1x's. The only frustrating part of this project was finding un-warped wood, and the big box stores had me pulling my hair out. Find a local wood place in your area, give them a call, and ask if they sell to non-contractors. My local yard was actually cheaper than the big box stores, and their wood was straight as a board, as it should be.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain: Minwax Jacobean
Clear: Minwax Satin Polyurethane (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

amt47

Mon, 03/10/2014 - 04:29

This looks great! Can I ask, is it a solid board at the bottom, or two boards? What did you use for the nail heads that you can see connecting the bottom boards? I'm fairly new at this. Is that just decorative or are they the screws holding it together? How do you get that look?

Thanks! I am going to try to do something like this.

Kentwood Night Stands

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/28/2016 - 16:35

 Made these for my both my daughters and they love them. I think I may make some to sell as so many people seem to like them. I used a routered edge on my tops which deviates from plans a bit. I also used a biscuit jointer and glued in some biscuits to create my top made from 1x6 and 1x4 boards. Great plans and thanks for doing what you on this amazing website.

Estimated Cost
50$ with paint and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min Wax Honey, white semi gloss gloss and primer from Rustoleum
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

lsieu

Fri, 10/21/2022 - 05:44

These are really beautiful. I love the white wainscot (?) in contrast with the natural wood top. I wonder if this design can be stretched upward and elongated into a cat little box cabinet enclosure? My mom could use one that's easy to open up to clean tall enough for a bit of enclosed storage, and a table top height for a place the cat can relax away from the dogs.

KIDS WORK BENCH

Submitted by kwildman on Thu, 11/21/2019 - 15:54

This is a kids work bench that I saw on pinterest.  I couldn't find plans anywhere so I just winged it.  If anyone knows who I should give credit to, I would be happy to do that.

This is made from pine studs.  The dimensions are 24" wide x 42.5" back height, 19.75 bench height, 19" deep.  The peg board is 24" x 18".

I used Early American stain with dark wax finish.   I painted the peg board with Rustoleum Navy spray paint.

I used a plan from Jen WoodHouse for the red tool box.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Early American Stain with Minwax Dark Wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First project - Play Kitchen

Submitted by trotter on Mon, 03/19/2012 - 07:33

After my wife commented how much our son enjoyed playing with a pretend kitchen during play group, I began thinking about building one of our own. Searching online I found all of the amazing work that had been posted here and drew inspiration from all of the examples already shared.

Yesterday was the grand unveiling and I'm happy to report it was well received. Our son had to be dragged away from it for his bath and bed after hours of opening and closing all of the door and restacking his dishes. Thanks to all of you for the great ideas and the confidence to build on my own!

PS: The Kreg jig is the greatest DIY invention of all time.

Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Spar Polyurethane (spray can) followed by sanding with 400 grit sandpaper after drying for 24 hours
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TIffonie

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 19:15

Im in love with this. It's perfect for a boy. Your alterations are very nice. What did you use to do the countertop and stainless steel appliances?

Tanner (not verified)

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 16:05

The countertop and appliances were both done with just plain old Contact Paper. I found both at Lowe's. Good luck!

Horse stable for 18" dolls

Submitted by petera on Thu, 01/09/2014 - 08:03

This was a neat project that made a great Christmas present, along with some horses, of course. What really finished it off was the shim shingled roof. I also liked the hinged doors which gives it a little action for the kids to play with.

Thanks for the plans.

Peter

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax golden oak on the roof.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mya's Dollhouse

Submitted by Kiwilisa on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 03:40

I eliminated the bottom floor and created a shorter storage area instead. To make the project more manageable for one person, I chose 1/2" birch plywood, however, I think 5/8" would have been a bit more sturdy for this project. I love the plans and found them very easy to customize to fit my project.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Advance in Winter Grey (Exterior)
Benjamin Moore Advance in Decorator White (Interior and trim)
Minwax Dark Walnut wood stain (Floors)
Varathane interior polyurethane in Gloss to finish entire project.

I used the HomeRight HVLP sprayer to finish all the pieces (Except the stain) prior to assembly.
I also stained the floors prior to assembly simply using a wipe on stain. All the plywood edges were finished off with a white melamine iron on edge band.
The BM advance paints and Homeright sprayer are my absolute favorite combination for any furniture project.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Christmas tree alteration

Submitted by bbhughey on Mon, 11/25/2019 - 18:14

My wife and I loved the original plan, but we needed the shelves to be wider.

So, I adjusted the plan to taper like a tree.

I used plywood and my wife painted it up.

The dimensions changed to 9 inches between shelves. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Outdoor Loveseat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 15:02

Modified the simple outdoor chair plans and made it into a loveseat.

Mike T.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

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