Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse table

This was my first "big" project. I built it for Thanksgiving. I recently bought a home, and everyone wanted to have Thanksgiving at my new home I had no table, so I built one. Can't wait to start my next project. Love the site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in Bombay Mahogany, I just sanded the entire table, and applied with a stain brush. Nothing fancy, just applied two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by aehutton33 on Wed, 07/24/2019 - 09:17

We used 2x6s on the sides so we wouldn't have a ledge on the side of the bed. Everything still lined up really well! We also used brackets to put the sides onto the headboard and footboard. It made it easier to put together and seems sturdier. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

okstout4

Mon, 10/19/2020 - 19:53

I thought about doing brackets too, but not sure how that would work w/the cleets on each side for the slats.

Coffee Bar Sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 05:48

I made this coffee bar from your plans making modifications to fit our space .It came out beautiful, I have made numerous pieces of furniture from your plans but this is my favorite . They plans are super easy to follow and modify to my needs .
Thank you Ana and keep up the good work!!

Comments

Shadowbox Shelving Unit

Submitted by kpcrash on Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:35

This project is all about using a Kreg Jig. My daughter asked for some shadowboxes to go around her chalkboard. 1 piece of 3/4" plywood and a few 1x2's later - here it is. It's really just an 8' x 2' box with the window panes inside - super simple, but does require a compact drill. Mounted to the wall using a ledger board underneath, then, pocket holes in the top shelf to join it to the studs. Quite sturdy. One day I'll learn Sketch-Up well enough to make this into a plan.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Classic Cherry Stain, Shellac clear. The wood was sanded to 400 grit, then stained via cloth. Shellac sprayed on via Preval as the air compressor was on strike.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Kitchen Island

Submitted by katie0910 on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 07:18

This was my second solo project. I built it for my mom's kitchen to replace her old kitchen table. I absolutely love how it turned out. It is big and functional. Come see how I built it on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
approx $600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Paint+Primer in Deep Twilight Blue
Valspar Antiquing Glaze
Minwax Polycrylic Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Lift Top Coffee Table - Rustic X Style

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/04/2016 - 18:55

Just wanted to do something a little more original.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kitteny

Tue, 02/07/2017 - 06:33

Could you please provide the plans for this table? Looks perfect for what I need. Thanks!

Laundry Basket Dresser with picture top

This is my take on the Laundry basket dresser. I started with the idea based on many photos I found on this site, but made some updates/improvements (well they are improvements in my mind anyway). Please view the last picture that has text for explanations of the "features" of my design.

I did some quick drawings in Sketchup, and then did some work in the workshop. I don't have exacting plans on the exact measurements, but you'd probably need to tweak for the size basket you plan to use.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oak is finished with polyurethane. Everything else is painted with the color "guacamole" which is a sage-like color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jake's Beach Cabin Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 08:18

I built this for my son's beach room.  We stained the roof to match his dresser and built him a ladder as well.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
High Gloss white and Colonial Maple stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Trestle Desk with 2x6 laminated top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/07/2023 - 16:31

Started with simple small trestle desk idea. Decided to edge glue the top. Finished with poly and paste wax. Didn’t turn out too bad for the first project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Dresser

Submitted by elainefour on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 09:33

I needed some furniture for the entryway and made this dresser. All it needs now is a few accessories! Thanks Ana.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a light cherry stain and topcoated with a matte black paint. I lightly distressed the edges to have the stain show through.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:00

I love this. I would love to build this, but modify it to be more narrow. I am afraid to do both. I don't have the confidence yet to modify or tackle drawers. Yikes. Going to have to bit the bullet one of these days!

Scrap Wood Barstools

Submitted by BERobinson on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 07:33

Wife wanted me to throw out all the scrap wood I had lying around. Instead I made some killer barstools. Fun look.

Estimated Cost
FREE SCRAPS
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain on the chair border and legs, various paint colors from previous projects on other pieces
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bookshelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 18:35

This was my first project in about 10+ years, so it's not perfect. Thanks to my oldest son who bought me a compound miter saw for Mother's Day and a few of my hubby's tools. My son's and I completed this project over the weekend. Looking forward to our next team project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial stain

Lockers for Mudroom

This was a much faster build than we anticipated, thanks to easy to work with MDF and pre-finished bead-board backing. Had all the wood pre-ordered on line from Lowe's made pick up super easy - and then they did all the cuts for us!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 15:12

Looks great! I have a goofy question -- can you specify the cuts you want made when you order online, or do you get it at the store, take it back to the saw and have them cut it then?

In reply to by Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

molliepayne

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:07

No, you have to go back to the cutting area and do those. I wouldn't want to trust them to do them just right, though. I like to watch and help measure if need be. There's nothing worse than having your cuts off by a 1/4 inch or more!

Sam - builder (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:08

I don't think that you can specify cuts in your online order, just the boards. But we picked it up with a sheet of paper specifying how each board should be cut.

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 18:01

Now that you said that, I totally agree about wanting to watch the guy cut. Usually they are pretty good, but I have run into a couple of not-so-smart ones also!

Nightstand

Nightstands are expensive. I don't have money. So, I thought I would build one. I kept this one rustic looking by not filling the holes but I did sand quite a bit. Just not enough to remove the printing on the boards, I think it looks good when it's got finish on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Aged Leather stain ± sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Kid 4x4 Truss Farm Table

A friend asked for a kid sized farmhouse table and I knew immediately what plans I wanted to modify! The 4x4 truss table is my favorite go to table because it is extremely solid, easy to build and looks so nice! I know this table will hold up to the wear and tear of 4 kids for years! I also modified the 2x4 truss benches to match. They are the same style but not as chunky as the 4x4 truss bench plans. 

 

Dimensions for table are 24”h x 24”w x 48”L

benches 16”h x 13.5”w x 33”L

Estimated Cost
$82 for table and two benches
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain for the top and 2 coats of poly. Behr paint and primer for base and benches- just white off the shelf
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double laudry table

I combined the features I liked from both of these. I was able to snag some wood table tops at auction ($5.00 ea) that I painted to look like stone.

Comments

Doll Crib

I did it! Using your plans I made the doll crib. I had to improvise on the drawer as the drawer in the plans was to tall to go under the bed and I had already put it together before checking. Oh well. I also made the mattress, reversible blanket and 2 pillows for the bed. As this was my first woodworking project I am so proud of how well it turned out. Thank you Ana for this site. It is amazing and I am HOOKED.

Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, and "homemade" Pink. (Red and white mixed)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Faux Fireplace

Submitted by tammterry on Sat, 11/30/2013 - 09:53

After looking online for something to make a fireplace to hang my kids stockings, I came across Anna's! WOW her instructions and plans seemed very simple to follow and so I did. I made minor adjustments based on what I had on hand but I followed her plans to the t. Thank you Anna, you inspired me!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Some cream paint and glaze, then poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fire Pit Bench

Submitted by docfin02 on Mon, 02/15/2016 - 09:18

Modified the plans slightly to make a bigger bench, especially on one end. Added rope lights underneath for a cool effect.

Estimated Cost
$225, including rope lighting underneath and having to buy screws and glue
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Easiest Industrial Laundry Cart

Submitted by robinles on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 08:37

After a laundry area refresh, I was looking for a slim utility cart to fit between the washer and dryer. I couldn't find anything that fit the space appropriately, so after finding the Easiest Industrial Cart plan, I decided to make one for my space. I built it using a 2x6x10 board and aluminum angle.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments