Community Brag Posts

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

Desk to Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 05:16

The desk was no longer functional once both of us were working from home and converted other spaces to full offices. We both enjoy fine whiskey and bourbon and wanted a space to entertain and display our collection. This was by far our most challenging but rewarding DIY build yet.

Comments

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

Work table / desk

Submitted by julkrist on Thu, 05/16/2019 - 13:01

I created this work table by modifying the Beginner Farm Table.  I made it counter height and added a shelf underneath.  It is 5 feet long and the top is five 2x6 boards.  The shelf is 1x6 boards.

I purchased 4@ 2x4s and 3 @ 2x6x10 - I got the store to cut those in half (5' lengths).  I cut the 2x4s on a miter saw.

This is my first project.  It probably took a bit more than 6 hours given I was learning to use the saw and trying to find the tools to do the job.

Estimated Cost
$100 for lumber, screws and Varathane stain & polyurethane.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain and Polyurethane(Mission Oak finish). I sanded the boards by hand and painted the finish with a paintbrush. It was a bit messy and difficult the get an even coat, but that didn't bother me too much as it is meant to be rustic. In future I think I'd prefer a two step process as I think it may be less messy.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hidden Puzzle Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 12:02

I wanted a table that would protect my puzzles from puzzle piece eating dogs, so I used this Ana White desk plan and built a frame on top to hold the cover panels. The drawer is perfect for holding puzzle pieces during a build.

Comments

toy box #4

Kids toy box with personalization.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. One coat primer
2. Two coats semi-gloss white
3. Acrylic for personalization
4. clear acrylic spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Bench

Submitted by LiMa87 on Mon, 10/28/2013 - 14:26

This was my first build with minimal help from my husband. I'm unsure how long it took to build since I worked on it periodically and forget how much I spent on the wood since this took place several months ago. When I started this project, I did not have a pocket hole jig and since then have learned how invaluable that tool is. It's not perfectly square but it's not as noticeable sitting on carpet as it would be on hard flooring.

Probably a harder first-time project to start with but overall I'm happy with the outcome and looking forward to my next project.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax in Cherry topped with Minwax in Dark Walnut. Painted the base white and distressed with the Cherry stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toddlers new bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 19:32

My husband was able to build this no problem from the provided instructions! We used beadboard over plywood for the headboard and footboard. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint- sherwin Williams echelon ecru
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mud room bench

Submitted by willp on Mon, 05/27/2019 - 08:53

Mud room bench 

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Henry J

Fri, 04/17/2020 - 04:59

I always wanted to build several projects you developed, but never had the time. I do now... With nothing to do and nowhere to go I went to Lowe's and bought every Kreg tool they sell after watching your videos about how to use them/what they do. So far, very impressed with Kreg. My first project is the mud room bench (with cabinet and coat hangers). Live near a hardwood mill in a town where lumber and wood products are a main industry so materials are good, plentiful, and cheap.

Bench storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 20:43

Built for a game room. The customer wanted it rustic white. With 1/3,2/3 split storage one for toys the other side for storage.

Comments