Community Brag Posts

Picnic Tables

For my son's 4th birthday party, we were doing it at our house and needed outdoor seating, so I took on the task of building 3 Toddler picnic tables and 1 smaller one. Building them was not that big of a deal, but painting all 4 took some time! After the party, we sent 1 to my parents, 1 to in-laws & 1 to my bro/sis-in-law, so only ended up with 1 left over. FYI-the picture on the plan is one of mine, thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed each table, then painted them with 3 coats of paint and sealed them.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Murphy Bed

Submitted by arkep on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 19:19

I'm turning my messy sewing room into an organized craft/guest room, so I made a murphy bed to conserve space. I used corrugated tin on the the face of the bed so that I can use it as a magnet board while not in use as a bed.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyshades Antique Walnut--two coats with light sanding in between
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Julie44256

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 09:54

The estimated cost is $100, but the hardware linked from the original plan was over $300. Do you have an alternate method of mounting this?

arkep

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 11:23

I think that link was a suggestion if you want an assisted lift/lowering system, and that hardware is part of what makes regular Murphy beds so expensive. I just used door hinges--3 for $8. It's not that heavy to lift and lower the bed, in my opinion.

Julie44256

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 11:40

Thank you for your reply! If I make this project, I think I'll try the door hinges. It won't be frequently used (a few times a year) and I'm pretty sure we can handle the minimal weight for those few occasions.

P.S. I really like the styling with the wood and corrugated metal, it looks sharp!

iMark

Fri, 06/28/2013 - 20:02

thanks for sharing the murphy bed. have been looking for a space solution for my daughter's bedroom. the corrugated tin look sharp in this project--my daughter would like the corrugatged tin as well--except for hot pink stain on the cabinet.

anyone know where to get hot pink stain?

DorieM

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 04:22

I would love this for my room let me save space versus sideways bed. Maybe spray chalkboard or dry erase on one side magnets to one side and daily to do notes on the other?

Fireplace makeover

Submitted by Stewsterl on Sun, 04/05/2015 - 00:30

This is my first DIY project ever. No plans. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Airstone
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Headboard and barstools

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 14:49

I adapted the plans somewhat. The headboard is made from Pucte, a trpical hardwood with frame of Cedro, a Mahogany. The seats of the stools are also Cedro and legs of Caoba, another Mahogany. I live in Yucatan so these woods are available. The Pucte was repurposed old salvage free

Comments

Danielle's Painter's Ladder Shelf

Submitted by zigmommy on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 13:50

This was the first good-sized project I built by myself. I finished it more than 4 months ago and it still makes me smile every time I look at it. :-) A simple, functional and BEAUTIFUL shelf that will work anywhere and for anyone! I was so impatient for it to be finished I didn't put poly or any clear coat on it and I'm still in love!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams 'Sierra Redwood'

(The grain in the wood shows through just BEAUTIFULLY!)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack Chair

Submitted by maparuna on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 19:07

Built three Adirondack Chair, got the dimensions from Ana's Adirondack Chair and modify dimensions for the smaller chair for my daughter. Used ceder and pine. Cost about CDN 40 per chair. Specially I would like to thanks Ana giving information about simple but beautiful furniture designs.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used for my backyard
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kitchen Cabinets

Submitted by bsbdays on Tue, 04/07/2015 - 06:18

Here is a pic of kitchen cabinets I built using Ana's plans.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Calmly

Tue, 04/07/2015 - 11:40

If you lived near me, I would hire you. If you can do this, your funk tire buying days are over ! Awesome job!

bsbdays

Mon, 05/04/2015 - 12:00

Thank you, this was my first Kitchen remodel. I am not sure if I want to do this for hire. I may just build the cabinets but not sure if I want to install anymore.

bsbdays

Mon, 05/04/2015 - 12:03

I still have to install the back splash and flooring. Going with a knotty pine flooring. I will distress it and I am going to install vintage Common Rose Head nails at the butt joints of the flooring.

Hall Tree

Submitted by Don Ellery on Wed, 07/19/2017 - 11:25

I made this project for a friend.  It was very important to get straight boards for the back in order to make everything square.  Let me know if you have any questions!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet! I did fill and sand the project and condition the wood for paint. Any exposed pocket holes were filled with angled dowels, some wood filler, and then sanded flat. I used a little extra 1x3 in order to face the middle two dividers. One more note...depending on your board length, you might need to get an extra 1x4. An 8 footer will leave you 1" short for the 41" board. But hey! Leftover wood turns into a new project!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Portable countertop

Submitted by Spacemanta on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 20:53

I made this from the kitchen island plans, but added a countertop. It's really sturdy and cost about $65 in materials. I love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

painted buffet

Submitted by samtmsvp on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 23:15

I basically just followed the plans on this site. it is really a pretty simple build but it helps to have a second person and it is very time consuming.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
olympic one paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Our finished product

Submitted by gkreations on Thu, 08/03/2017 - 10:14

Accidentally flipped the outsides but like how it came out.

Estimated Cost
45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chicken Run

Submitted by Kdline on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 06:36

We built this coop from an existing playhouse and used Ana's plans to build the run!  So easy and turned out perfectly!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sliding laundry room door

Submitted by Flowerchld on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 16:19

Sliding door to my laundry room with etched, stained glass window

Estimated Cost
$50 plus glass and etching gel, sliding door hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel wool soaked for a week in vinegar and painted on
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Deck Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 20:57

During Covid, we had hybrid classes going on. As a teacher of Stagecraft Technology, we had no sets to create, no large flats or walls to build, so I took your Adirondack chair design and had each student build one using any type of repurposed or up cycled wood. It was a great success, and many of the teachers and staff members started placing orders. The students worked their fingers to the bone, got lots of tool experience, and in the end were proud of their creations, many that we donated to charities, families, etc. Thank You for such a great design.

Comments

Best Farmhouse Bed (Q)

Our fifth build.

Built from rough pine.

Modified for 1x2s in both panels.

Footboard is stacked a little different because silly me got carried away and cut a board, before it was time to cut, and cut it too short. Oooops. Still works though. And looks superb I think.

We did not screw the joists vertical, and through the sideboards. I cut 1 inch pieces off the scraps from the joists, and mounted them from the inside, then laid the joists thick side up, and screwed them down into the mounted pieces.

For step by step instructions, and details on where to buy everything, see my blog. I blogged each step of the way. It took us a month to build this due to life obstacles and bad timing on baby naps, but you should be able to do it in one good afternoon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$115.94 - 10% + Coupon = Less than $100, seriously!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rockler's General Finishes Espresso Stain, and General Finishes Aqua Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Vintage Step Stool

Submitted by chrisiross on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 08:18

I made this awesome step stool for my daughter to be able to reach things a little bit better. It works perfectly. And the heart adds the perfect touch, don't you think?

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
paint and poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by ___Ron___ on Mon, 08/21/2017 - 16:06

This is the dining room table I built for my house. It was based on the 4x4 truss beam table plans I found here on Ana's website. I opted against stain, and decided on a clear polyurethane finish to highlight the wood's natural beauty. I've had this table for over a year now, and it has withstood the rigors of young children quite nicely. Thanks Ana!

Sincerely,

Ron Floyd

Portland, OR

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Bookshelves

Submitted by hnick78 on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 06:22

I was commissioned to build these bookshelves to go along with the “Rustic X” consoles table. The finish is distressed white and True Browns stain.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments