Community Brag Posts

Ten dollar ledges with reclaimed wood

I love how this project turned out. My neighbor is a collector of of old pallets/fences. Now he is trying to clear his yard. I just had to pull out the old nails, cut and nail. The wood was perfectly weathered.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
FREE!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse Storage Bed

Submitted by dmather82 on Wed, 10/16/2013 - 16:41

The first piece of our replacement bedroom set. We have this hand me down set from the 70's that is just awful looking. I have dressers, bed side tables, a wardrobe, and closet doors to do still. I love the way this turned out. I tried the oxidized finish from Hillary and with some trial and error I found the right colors. I replaced the standard slats with a one-piece frame that can be lifted out for the storage space below. I can't wait to replace the rest of that awful blonde furniture and repaint the room. I made wood slides like those on my built in dresser although this time they are positioned beneath the drawers. The front of the drawer boxes make up the drawer faces with a face frame. I changed the front of the boxes to 1x12 to achieve this concept. The drawers work flawlessly and will be perfect for seasonal clothes accessed less often.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black tea, Vinegar, and Steel wool Oxidized finish. The top coat is simply SEJohnson Wax. I had never used either and couldn't be more pleased with the result. I really liked the oxidized colors but the wax made me love them. The only issue I ran into was with the edge banding on the plywood frame. Initial attempts came out black or cobalt blue. Shame on me I used Red Oak banding. After sanding and playing with it I ended up adding a quick coat of Rustoleum Classic Cherry I had leftover. It worked pretty well to fix the color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kentwood Nightstand

Submitted by Wiscogrl on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 12:04

I made this nightstand and one other from the Kentwood plans. The handles are diamond willow from Wisconsin. I used 1x2's for the door.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Haven't decided yet :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Queen Size Storage Bed with Drawers

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/22/2019 - 12:33

My husband and I built this bed over the course of several weeks working on it a few hours at a time due to long work days. It came out beautiful and is exactly what I wanted and how I had it pictured for our new bedroom redo. We added the Queen Storage Bed Drawers from the Ana White plans but had to make a modification as the drawer plans did not account for the trim as shown in the picture for the bed. Then we took things a step further and built matching nightstands. I LOVE how everything turned out.

Estimated Cost
$300 for the bed and another $150 for the 2 nightstands.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Two coats of Valspar Ultra White paint with a coat of polyurethane on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Nightstand

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 21:54

I was itching to start another project, so when my friend said she was moving to a new house I was excited to make her a custom-made housewarming gift.
She has a beautiful pine bed and to my delight she was in need of nightstands. I looked over many different plans but kept coming back to the simple nightstand plan.
I was concerned about plans that had drawers, and some plans have multiple drawers. Since I haven't made drawers before, I decided I could tackle a 1 drawer nightstand and do the simple night stand.
I was pleased in the end how it turned out! The hardest thing was choosing stain and the perfect drawer pull.
I was pleased when she sent me a picture of it and it matched her bed well.

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

Comments

hoffer5353

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 05:52

I was concerned about the strength while constructing but once I began putting everything in place it was very sturdy.
I wasn't crazy about how my drawers turned out but I wasn't about to take it apart and rework it!
I was tempted to keep it for myself, but I couldn't since my friend was expecting a special gift.

Farmhouse Queen Bed

Submitted by Amanda G on Fri, 10/18/2013 - 19:56

First building project ever! I wanted a new bed for our new mattress and got inspired when I came across this website. A compound mitre saw, orbital sander, nailer, and many more tools later, I am building furniture whenever I get a chance!

Modified the way I attached the frame to the head board and foot board a bit. I used joist hangers on the footboard, which the frame slid into perfectly, and secured it with a couple screws on each side. I attached the headboard with 2 large carriage bolts on each side through the posts and frame.

Overall, I loved the way it turned out. On to the next project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Distressed white. I used a shade of white paint, sanded the edges and corners (mostly with an orbital sander) and used a stain pen (in Provincial shade) on the sanded spots. Sanded the entire project by hand using 220 grit sponge and finished with 3-4 coats of Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

In reply to by Ana White

Amanda G

Wed, 10/23/2013 - 19:38

Your website really guided me through everything, from buying the wood to the finish. I credit you and tell people to visit this website whenever anyone asks me about my projects :)

Tryde Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 00:30

This is my first DIY build project and it turned out awesome. For some reason I was unable to find untreated 4x4's anywhere in Hawaii, so I took two 2x4's and attached them by countersinking wood screws. Beware, the dimensions of this project are massive. I scaled down the measurements drastically to fit in my living room with my sectional.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Unknown
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
A coat of Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner then two coats of Mixwax Polyshades Mission Oak Satin finish with light sanding between applications. I stained the top and legs separately for ease of application.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modified rustic x console

Submitted by Soni_max on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 11:14

Built by request. They wanted a couple modifications, so I improvised on a few areas. The piece will be stained/painted by the owner. 

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

Minimalist Modern King Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/19/2023 - 11:39

When we needed a new bed frame recently, I began my search online. They were all $1,000 plus, and nothing that really caught my eye. I found this plan from Ana White and immediately fell in love! While it wasn’t an “easy” project, it was fun to do and I’m absolutely in LOVE with the results! Thanks again Ana!

Comments

Easy Build Wood King Headboard

Submitted by cookbs2 on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 17:52

I am in love with this project. My husband built this for my birthday this afternoon. It was an easy project for his first time. We haven't finished it yet. I would like for him to put a 2x6 on the top to give it some visual weight. The only problem i am having is I don't know how to finish it. What would you suggest? We like the beachy distressed look so I am thinking whitewash. Anyway, I love it! I told my husband that he was in trouble now because now I am going to give hime tons of projects to build for me.

Estimated Cost
135.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished at this point. We are undecided on finish. We might dark stain and then whitewash, or a turquoise wash, with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and then waxing.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

loniwolfe

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 08:48

Looks great! I love the beachy look too. You could also do a yellowish stain (golden pine? it might be called) and then distress it and rub over with a darker stain for a different beach look.

Rectangle Day Bed

This was my first ever experience working with wood, circular saw, and a drill (other than hanging pictures in my house). After catching my toddler trying to climb out of her crib on three separate occasion, I started looking around for daybeds. I found one I loved, but it was no longer for sale. Luckily, this plan is the exact replica of the daybed on West Elm! It was a fun (and educational) first experience, and I think I'm hooked! It took me several weekends to put this together and paint it. The paint alone took nearly seven hours with three coats of paint to get the right color of white. I didn't add the extra support as mentioned at the bottom, but this coming weekend I'm going to add it for additional support. My toddler LOVES it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Powdered Snow from Behr.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/06/2016 - 15:23

I saw this table on Pinterest and knew that I needed to have one in my life. I then bought a saw for my husband, for his birthday, and you can guess what happened. We followed the directions, except we made the table and bench a little longer in order to accomodate more people (I wanted at least 12 people to be able to sit at the same table). This was our first wood-working project and we learned a LOT. It took more time than we anticipated but it was well worth it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
We did buy a saw to start this project, but other than that I think all of the supplies (screws, wood, wood filler, polyurethane) ended up costing us a little over $100. Not bad.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We stained the wood using MINWAX Dark Walnut. We let it dry 24 hours and then stained the sides that had been on the floor and let them rest for another 24 hours before applying the polyurethane.
TIP: My wood was still a little rough after applying the stain, so I used brown paper bags as a fine sandpaper. We also used brown paper bags to sand between coats of poly.
We used Varathane Poly - Satin and water based, crystal clear. We applied 4 coats (because I'm paranoid) to every piece. We let everything dry for 24 hours and then put the table and bench together.
We stained and put polyurethane on every piece before putting everything together because we felt that we would get a more even stain and wouldn't mess up the poly coats (bubbles, drips).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Thread Holder and Photo Scrapbook Holder

Submitted by VelvetSky on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 23:06

I love this even though I did not take the time to cut the dowels properly. I needed something for my sewing thread. Just a plain board and some dowels thin enough for the spools. Drill some holes in the board and glue in the dowels. I also made the picture holder for scrapbooking. I got the idea from the Ruler Clip Art Rails on this site. Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chalkboard Shelves!

Submitted by jamie_C on Thu, 10/24/2013 - 20:15

My husband and I built these chalkboard shelves today. We are very happy with the way they turned out! We are donating them to our son's cooperative preschool to be used in their upcoming auction, which is a big money maker for the school. Hopefully they make good money! We added some artistic touches to the tops of the shelves (polka dots and chevron stripes). A fun, easy build!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
chalkboard spray paint, and the chevron and polka dot design was applied with acrylic paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Sliding Barn Door Console

Submitted by robinadams on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 19:59

I built this console over about 2 months. I really wanted a barnwood look so I found this lumber place that sells pine that puts it through a machine and roughs it up on one side. I also added my own saw marks to it, screwdriver dents, rake dents, etc. to rough it up some more. Real barnwood is expensive and often isn't straight, etc. and since I was using this in my kitchen as a countertop I didn't want any spaces in my countertop. This was about a third of the price of barnwood. I wasn't sure how the look of it would turn out, but I think it comes pretty close to looking like the real deal! My husband helped me with the sliding door mechanism. We used pulleys for it and cut metal down to size. We discovered that using a nut and bolt on it didn't work, it just loosened and would come off so instead of using a nut and bolt to secure the pulley to the metal, we used a clevis pin and some washers. Works amazing! This was my first big build and I am very happy with how it turned out! Behind the sliding doors there is one shelf each. We have found there is so much room for storage!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut wiped on and then immediately wiped off. Then used American Walnut over top. This way the darker colour got into the saw marks and crevices. I then used Minwax matte polyurathane with 1000 grit sandpaper in between coats. I did 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Toy Storage Box

Submitted by Cannelle on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 16:19

I made this project for a co-worker who is expecting. I was a bit worried about just using nails and glue, so I used pocket holes except for on the front pieces. To add storage capacity on the top cubbies, I trimmed a 1x6 by an inch, as I thought that it would be a good balance. Overall, it turned out well and she loved it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 plus paint and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Simple Cheap Console Table

This was my first project from Ana's web site. I modified the table by expanding the trim of the stretcher to the outsides and adding a shelf. I also added an additional shelf in the middle. I cut the apron for the top down to two inches, and an inch a half for the lower two shelves. I distressed each piece of wood individually by hitting it with a bag of nails and various other things.

Estimated Cost
$40.00 - I had the stain and sand paper and polyurethane.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used two coats of dark walnut minwax and two coats of satin polyurethane. If anyone has any tips for their "best" finishing techniques, I'm all ears.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

shea chappell

Sat, 11/12/2011 - 07:31

I am literally I the middle of buildig the sectional and all of a sudden it says I
am not authorized to get into that page. Any information?

beckiedecker

Sat, 11/12/2011 - 20:03

And what a fun project, whacking it with nails and such to distress. Did you feel de-stressed afterward?

It looks great.

T-Town DIYer

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 09:25

I could have given the table a little bit more of my stress. Unfortunately I couldnt swing the bag too hard, because the nails would rip right through it and fly all over the place. Maybe next time i'll use a pillow cause and swing a little harder.

T-Town DIYer

Thu, 11/17/2011 - 10:14

This has become me new favorite site to visit. My to do list is a mile long and covers almost every room in the house. My wife thanks you!

Your chair plans , my chairs to go with my table?

Submitted by Mike Cook on Sat, 10/26/2013 - 20:24

Used the parsons chair plans and finished it with a wood seat and back. Made them out of an old cedar hot tub and reclaimed wood from a house.
Mad a set of 6 chairs, holding up great over a year! Took me about 40 hours including milling the wood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
All recycled wood $10 for glue
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Penofin stain and water based poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Queen Bed Hybrid

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/10/2016 - 17:56

My bed frame dimensions were 60 wide by 80 length. So that is the inside demension after assembly. My headboard posts were cut to 54". Headboard panels are 31.5" (11- 6" boards). My posts were made from combining two 2x4s together. I plan on mounting the metal bed frame to the inside of the bed rails.

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Satin white paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner