Community Brag Posts

My Version - 4 Cubby Bookshelf

Submitted by Jake on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 10:56

I was inspired by Ana's 4 Hole Cubby Bookshelf and a bookshelf I saw on line one night. So I incorporated the two somewhat. I took stair parts for the corner legs and connected them to form a frame with 1x3 on the bottom and 1x2 around the top. Then installed the inside side walls such that the ends are inset. I added a top with an inch or so of overhang on the sides and front. I also made the two shelves adjustable with my new Kreg Shelf Pin jig. It was so easy and accurate. Dimensions are about the same as the 4 Hole Cubby but I admit I winged it at times. Came out very nice and now the wife wants to add another shelf and I think there is plenty of room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $50. I overbought the wood and the legs and top cost $16 so I think $50 is a good guess.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain - Minwax Gunstock 231
Paint - Rust-o-leum Moss Green enamel spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jake

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 04:50

If you have not noticed I put the top on facing the back of the bookshelf. How stupid can I be? I'll answer that question. I am often stupid but at least not dangerous. I will add trim to the front to hide the stuff I don't want you to see and then post a new photo.

Gaby Kitchen Island

Submitted by DWL on Sun, 07/27/2014 - 17:15

I used Ana's Gaby Kitchen Island plans and shortened the island to fit our small kitchen. I did not have reclaimed wood, so I used a vinegar and steel wool solution to transform the fir and pine into a completely unexpected look. For the top, I trimmed the edges of the 2 x 6s with my table saw to get a smoother top surface, then routered the edges with a 1/2 inch round over bit (thanks Steve Ramsey). I used white pine down the middle to make up for the edges I removed which looks like a cool custom stripe. (I also used the white pine for the side supports so hopefully there's some cohesion.)

Thank you Ana for the inspiration and great project! Can't wait for the next one :)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar and Steel Wool Solution for color; Min Wax Finishing Paste.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mirror cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 11:01

This was my first ever time building anything, even though I've wanted to for a really long time! It was great! I love this website. Wish I had a nailgun at the time I did this project, but I did get one after I realized how much I love carpentry. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$75(including the lights)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Family Picnic Table

Submitted by B.W.Martin on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 18:24

The 8' picnic table plans are great for a family of 8 or less, therefor the only changes that I made to the original plans was to use 10' boards for the table top. I centered the the table boards on top to allow for an extra chair on each end for more seating spaces.

Another alternative with the 10' table top boards would be to slide all of the excess footage to one end of the picnic table to make room for someone in a wheelchair. The original plans are great and turn out just like you would like but don't be afraid to modify your work!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Desert Brown Thompson Water Seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Console Table, very fun and easy to build

Submitted by dalio1610 on Sun, 10/07/2012 - 17:19

Was very easy and fun to build , built from very easy and cheap console table plan

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax, Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

The Cottage Little Yellow Table

This is my first project using Ana's site. The step by step plans made is really easy. I enjoyed it so much. Can't wait for my next make!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Medium shine wood pint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Chair Bench

Built from plans from diyPETE.com.

One day project (another day for poly)

 

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finish penetrating stain: Gunstock 231 (2 coats), Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane. (3-4 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Roller Cart

Submitted by Ulrike on Fri, 07/31/2020 - 09:30

Fun and easy build. Took ~4h all in.

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

Horizontal 6 hole cubby

Submitted by angeleyes on Tue, 10/09/2012 - 19:04

I really wanted a built in unit for toy storage for our kids toy room but truth be told couldn't afford what I wanted ie pretty and solid. So while searching on refinishing furniture I came across this site. Thanks a bunch Ana. You've inspired me to create things I didn't think possible, all on a modest budget - diy. This was my first woodworking project. It was actually easy to me because it follows the same principles as sewing in which the depth of the wood is like the seam allowance. I really liked the 6 cubby plan but wanted it horizontal. I had to replan this piece as the plan dimensions changed when I changed the orientation of it. I also added crown moulding (but this was kind of a ledger style that rested ontop of the 1x2 - they use it as a door headers). I initially intended to paint this white but decided that it would have got lost in the white wood panelling. (DH even commented that i was taking way to long on this project but after seeing the finished results said it looked amazing.) So I painted it a grey blue, distressed the edges and then used a stain that I bought from benjamin moore's mis-tint section for $5.00 which says it's a danish walnut based but seems to have a slight purple huge to it. thanks again Ana, its because of you I don't have to stare at a messy toyroom any longer!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125-$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint, then stained washed and sealed
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bunk Bed Build!

Submitted by ladyj on Sat, 08/02/2014 - 12:46

I built this for my kids who are now having to share a room due to another baby on the way. These plans appealed to me because it's junior height and it had stairs instead of a ladder, both of which made the top bunk sleeper feel safer. It was my first furniture build but I do have quite a bit of building experience. I was pregnant but loved these plans and had to build it! I stained/painted each piece separately before assembling it. I also drew up my own stair plans so I could add more storage (it fits 18 cube storage bins!) and built it using 2x6s and 2x12s and galvanized steel pipes for a railing. I added a bottom bunk as well. Under the top bunk mattress, I stapled a $7 grey flat sheet, with the staples hiding, to cover up the 2x4s supporting the upper mattress. The kids love it! Thanks Anna for the inspiration!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax classic gray, then flat latex white ceiling paint, distressed with sandpaper, then top coated with two coats of minwax polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mini Firewood Shed

I made this using plans submitted by pericles49. Thank you, pericles49!

 

I altered the design to use materials I had laying around, and changed the size to fit my space. That made it take a little longer - especially because changing the fastening pattern is still tricky for me - trying to keep screws from hitting each other.

 

Design

I made mine a little deeper 27-1/2" instead of 24 on the plan.

 

Materials

  • Landscape timbers I had laying around. To save on weight, and wood, I ripped a couple of the landscape timerbers down the middle.
  • Roof - 5-V crimp tin roof
  • 1x4 pine boards (2nds from other projects)
  • 1x4 and 1x2 cyprus boards (2nds from a construction project)

What I'd do differently next time

  • The weight of the firewood is resting on the screws that fasten the floor to the posts. Next time I'll make the wood support the weight, and the screws just hold it in place.

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$6
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Pallet Bookshelf

Submitted by Amy_C on Tue, 08/05/2014 - 10:16

I live in a small northern town that has very little choice for affordable furniture. After scouring kijiji for months I decided to make my own.

I was very happy with how my bookshelf turned out - using 2 pallets. I used wider shelves than this post said because my books won't fit on 4" shelves, and it was next to impossible to remove the pallet slats for re-use without splitting them. I used 4 - 6" and 2 - 8" shelves.

Power sander was my best friend.

Buying the shelving and stain cost me $20 for this project!

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony Woodstain.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Washer & Dryer Pedestal

Submitted by T.R. on Fri, 11/18/2016 - 07:51

Good, sturdy pedestal is a nice addition to the laundry room.

I used the plans from Sausha’s Washer/Dryer Pedestals and added a pull out to place the laundry basket on.

Estimated Cost
About $100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ladder Shelf DIY

Another one bites the dust. Made this out of Ana instructions for a ladder shelf. Like the way this turned out alot. Ana White knows whats up :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finsih; Classic Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Moulding Mantel headboard variation

This was my very first building project and I'm officially addicted! I made the headboard as a surprise for my husband while he was in Africa. I used a variation of moulding and am tickled by the outcome! I adjusted the plans to fit a king-sized bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black paint with a light coat of polyurethane to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 13:13

Wow, this is so beautiful! You did an absolutely amazing job on this! Congratulations on a fab first project, it is prettier than any headboard I've seen in a store. :)
Joanne

5 tator tots (not verified)

Tue, 10/23/2012 - 19:09

I have so much trouble getting a smooth painted finish, always have brush or roller marks even with quality paint and paint conditioner. How did you paint your beautiful headboard?

In reply to by 5 tator tots (not verified)

bethhamstra

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:01

Thanks for the compliment. I did a light sand between coats and then finished with a very light coat of polyurethane. I hope that helps a bit!

Sabrina426

Sun, 03/24/2013 - 13:34

You did an unbelievable job! I'm planning on this for my first project.

Do you have the dimensions you used for the king size??

bethhamstra

Wed, 02/26/2014 - 19:07

I'm sorry I didn't keep the dimensions on the cut list. Basically you just need to add 16" to every piece that will run the length of your headboard. A standard queen bed is 60" wide whereas a standard king is 76". Hope this helps!

bethhamstra

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:45

2 – 2x6 @ 59 ¼”
2 – 2x6 @ 70"
2 – 2x2 @ 8 ½”
1 – 2x2 @ 84"
1 – 2x6 @ 84"
2 – 2x4 @ 3”
1 – 2x4 @ 87"
1 – 1x6 @ 89"
1 – ¼” plywood @ 72" x 22 ¾”

Margery

Sun, 10/05/2014 - 18:30

oh my gosh...this is so beautiful!  I want one just like it!  I just might attempt it after I make my faux fireplace mantel :D

GREAT JOB!!!

Console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/21/2016 - 16:15

My husband made one for me and we loved it so much that he made a second one that we sold just a few hours after it was finished.

He is now working on a set of console, coffee, and side tables; and later he will attempt to buil a round dinning table for our house... wish us luck!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax grey, minwax walnut, white wash
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First big build - workbench

Submitted by Pizzle on Mon, 08/10/2020 - 18:50

This is my first big build and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. There are a few things I would do different but its all a part of the learning process :-)
I cut the leg blockings down to 4" and added casters so I could move this around.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Shelves --- > Varathane Premium Weathered Gray + Polyurethane
Legs + Skirtings ----> Behr Blue Endeavour Semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sewing Table with ironing board leaf

Submitted by tink32784 on Mon, 10/22/2012 - 12:49

I followed Ana's plans as written. However, I couldn't find a locking hinge the comments suggested. I will keep on the look-out for this though. I used 3/4" hardwood and had Blue do all the cuts for me. Easy-peasy. I painted the whole thing with left-over paint and then randomly taped off stripes using more leftovers and then protected everything with a coat of poly. Finally, I used a double layer of quilt batting and 100% cotton fabric to upholster one of the leaves for use as an ironing board. Literally finished this today, so I haven't had a chance to use it, but I'm so excited with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint with polyurethane top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Awesome Kid's Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/25/2016 - 05:35

As soon as I saw these plans I knew we had to build it.  We have six grandkids (all 2 and under) and they have a playroom at our house so I wanted something that they could sit on if they are watching TV and also something they could sleep on when they stay the night.  This definitely fits the bill!  This is our second build from Ana's website and it was pretty easy. 

We followed the plans exactly.  The only thing we added was a middle board to the back and the arms of the sofa.  I didn't want them to get stuck between the top rails and and the mattress.  We used dowels instead of screws to attach the slats to make it easier to move.  We did not screw the two couches together.  Since the room it is in has thick carpet, it is not moving at all.  The kids love it and it is so sturdy.  They could jump on it or off of it (which they have already done) and we don't have to worry about it breaking. 

I sewed the crib sheets and I bought 5 standard sized pillows and some pillow cases.  I so love this sectional!

Estimated Cost
65.00 - wood
85.00 - 2 crib mattresses
20.00 - fabric for the sheets
40.00 - pillows and pillow cases

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I intend to paint it. I will be using some leftover Behr paint I have at the house.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Yard Wagon

Submitted by MichaelDH on Fri, 08/14/2020 - 14:25

This is my second yard wagon, a little bigger and cleaner looking than the original. Made from 2x3 lumber for the frame and hitch, 1/2” OSB for the floor area, and various 1x lumber for the rest.

Because I detest seeing screw heads in anything I build, the side boards are assembled with plenty of 1.25” brad nails and Titebond glue. It is thoroughly sealed with Thompson’s before being assembled. You could paint or finish this anyway you want.

The rear railing lifts out to help you in emptying it.
The tires were bought at Menards for about $15 each.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson water seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner