Community Brag Posts

3 Square Picnic Tables!

I built 3 of the square picnic tables, as we have a large extended family. I enjoyed the project and the results. I did end up adding a cross brace and some metal clips, they added a little more strength for the table when it was full of people.

Thank you for sharing your plans.

Rick

Built from Plan(s)

Doggie Daybed

Submitted by MurdaRae on Wed, 06/06/2012 - 10:16

I've thought for a while about building a bed for our dogs, but wasn't sure where to start. We had an extra crib mattress so I set out to find a toddler bed that would work. I decided the Lydia Toddler Bed plan would work best. It doesn't look anything like it, but it was a great starting point.

First, I got rid of the canopy and the decorative side pannels. I also raised the bed 12 inches. (The hope is to add a rug on the floor underneath as sort of a "bottom bunk") The lumber store didn't have 2x2s so I used 2x3s for the legs. I also only used two 1x6s at the head and foot of the bed. They are seperated by 1" because when I got home, I realized they were actually 1x5 (RUDE).

All in all, it turned out exactly as I had hoped and the dogs love it! GOODBYE stinky dogbeds!

**Photo 1: Just finished building--the slats weren't screwed down yet.
**Photo 2: Deacon is testing out his new digs! See the stinky dogbed underneath?YUK!
**Photo 3: Dog Bed Completed! Mac & Deacon love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$38
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Interchangeable workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 23:23

After viewing her project I decided to make a morphed version for my miter saw/router. It also houses most of my tools, screws,  jigs,  etc. Thanks for the idea Ana

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Gate-Leg Sewing Table

My husband and I built this table as our first project. We followed all of the dimensions from Ana's "Small Sewing Table" project here: http://ana-white.com/2010/10/plans/sewing-table-small-spaces?page=1 The only thing we changed was the size of the table top and the legs. We were worried about putting my heavy sewing machine on top of the leaf called for in the plan, so we created gate legs to support the leaves. Since the legs were going to be folded up in between the base and each leaf, we extended the center portion of the table top to accommodate the change. After it was assembled and stained, I decided that I didn't like the solid color, so I stenciled on a pattern with white latex enamel paint (what I had on hand) and continued to paint the base. After lightly scuffing it up with the sander, I layered 3 coats of poly on top. It has held up well, even after many large quilt projects! I just LOVE my sewing table!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Oak Minwax Stain
Polycrilic
Valspa Latex Enamel in Satin White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TinyHouser

Fri, 08/05/2016 - 13:41

Hi there. Could you please tell me what the brackets are you used with the gateleg? Do you remember where you got them? Thank you!!!

Large Cubby Bookshelf for nursery

Submitted by Shaila on Sun, 05/17/2015 - 13:28

I wanted a bookcase for my son's room that would add some color and be a functional storage unit for his books and toys. I did not buy the highest grade of pine because it would have doubled the project cost and I knew I was going to paint it. The only trouble I had was that the boards were a little cupped so the shelves don't have an invisible fit. I used stock moulding and cut down the base trim to fit. In hind sight, I would have not done the adjustable shelves. I like the symmetrical look of this and can't see myself moving them. I did make a cleat to attach it securely to the wall so that a busy climbing boy wouldn't pull it down on himself.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
This probably cost me $100 because I bought two paint colors.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior paintd
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beginner Farm Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/05/2022 - 16:58

I’m in the process of renovating my kitchen and dining area and needed a rectangular table fitting against the wall. I couldn’t find the dimensions I needed so I set out to build my own! I tweaked the beginner farm house table and bench plans to fit my space and voilà! Perfectly what I needed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Comments

Industrial Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/16/2016 - 12:24

I was seeing this coffee table everywhere so I knew we had to make it. It's the easiest build ever. I think the only tricky part is the painting near the edge. We like a more sanded/finished top. We tried spray painting the base and then attaching the top, but then we sanded the top and the spray paint on the base near the top came off, so I had to cut in and I'm not good at that.

So we're still working on a way to do this properly. We tried making the top on the ground and then sanding & attaching it. But the top needs to be completely exact/square in order to do this. We live in a old farmhouse, so we prefer to attach it as we go - then sand. We also plane the top for a more exact and modern look. 

Estimated Cost
Under 50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Top stained in our custom beachwood mix. A mixture of Minwax stains, Bottom spray painted in Oil Rubbed Bronze & semi-gloss polyurethane ( two coats )
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cubby Organizer (Pottery Barn Inspired)

This cubby organizer is great for storage, displaying collectibles or as an advent calendar. I'm using mine in my mini-workshop for storing tools and supplies I use frequently when woodworking. Tutorial can be found at my blog here: http://betweennapsontheporch.net/build-a-cubby-organizer-pottery-barn-i… Thanks Ana for supplying the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Sherwin Williams Dover White paint for a soft white. Stain would work great for this piece, too.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Shirley Modified

Submitted by Kiely54 on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 08:33

My husband and I built this together. Well, I helped! It was my first time using power tools. I'm the one who designs and picks out themes/colors and he does the manual labor but I wanted to learn a few things this time.
We modified the Shirley Console table and combined a few features from some of the other console tables. As you can see we modified the front of the drawers. We wanted the table to match our decor but also wanted some of the wood to show. I said, "I wish they made gray stain!" Miniwax does! This was our first experience. It was challenging because it dries so quickly and you are threatened with an uneven look but we love the way it turned out. We also bought pine instead of plywood so i cost a bit more but it was worth it! It also took us a bit longer because this was our first project and we modified the measurements to fit our entryway.
I chose these drawer pulls to match my gray and white damask curtains that hang nearby. I purchased them in brushed nickel from Home Depot for ~$3 each and spray painted them white. When I told people what I was doing I got negative feedback but I think they turned out great! Now to decorate it and make a matching entertainment center!
Also the Kreg Jig was a HUGE help...it really makes the piece look professionally made!! Thanks ana-white.com!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Water based stain in Slate. We chose this because our living room has a lot of gray but also slate and blue mixed in and we thought this shade might be slightly blue tinted but it is not. It is a true, cool-toned gray.
It has 3 coats of stain each left on for 5 minutes and then wiped off with a clean rag. We lightly sanded between each coat and then applied 3 coats of satin polycrylic clear finish, sanding between those coats as well. We prefer the satin look which matches our hardwood floor that we sanded down to the original wood and applied a satin clear coat as well.
My husband did all of the staining and it is very time consuming especially with the water based stain because it dries so quickly you really have to move fast. An oil or gel based stain would be easier but we were not fond of any gray colors offered in either of those. My husband is requesting I stain the entertainment center that we plan on making otherwise it will be painted!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

freefromburdens

Tue, 04/29/2014 - 08:44

That looks great. I understand getting negative feedback. Most people think you have to have special training to build. I used to be skeptical until I began building. I hope your build let them know they can do it also. Keep it up...

justindalby

Tue, 10/14/2014 - 09:35

I love your modified version.  I am going to build this as well.  I absolutely love the modification that you made on the drawer faces.  Can you provide any instructions/hints to help me achieve the same look on the drawer faces?  Thanks!

Kiely54

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 15:32

I know that some of the wood measurements were not available at our local hardware store, which resulted in the sides being "trimmed out," so we decided to make the drawers match. We built the drawers like the plan, except we subtracted 1/4" from the depth of the drawers. We made the drawers (minus the trim pieces), slid them in the table, and while in place, nailed 1-1/2" x 1/4" trim pieces around the perimeter of the drawer faces using a finishing nail gun. This made the trim pieces flush with the face of the table. 

Not sure if that made sense or not...I'm not good at explaining things in writing. If it doesn't, just let me know and I'll try again. And thanks for the compliment on the table!

justindalby

Wed, 01/20/2016 - 08:59

Thanks for your feedback on my post a while ago.  I finally build this piece and are absolutely happy with it.  We used your technique for the drawer faces, and my wife was so obssessed with your drawer pulls, that she tracked them down and special ordered them from our local Menards.  I have uploaded a Brag and gave you credit for the idea.  Thanks for the inspiration!

My first build!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/03/2016 - 12:44

This was my very first build and I loved it. I used rough cut oak that I got from my grandparents woods when it was destroyed in a storm. I spent a few hours planing and sanding but it was time well spent. I plan on making the fort bed next.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax antique walnut stain followed by hand rub satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Thu, 03/03/2016 - 13:52

That is ONE awesome first build! Can't wait to see your next project, thanks for sharing!

Dining / Gaming Table

Submitted by bette9182 on Mon, 04/25/2016 - 13:18

My wife and I were looking for a new dining table, the one we had was a bar height which worked well for our daughters high chair, but she was going to be transitioning to a booster seat . We shopped around and had sticker shock at the cost of a dining room set. We enjoy playing board games and I had been looking into possible buying a board gaming table, but those more expensive and some had long lead times as well. I tossed out the idea that I could make our table and my wife agreed but gave me a deadline. I had built a few smaller pieces before but nothing like this. I based my plans off the farmhouse table for the top and used store bought legs. The top needed to be sturdy since it is not attached to the base, I did add blocking on the back so the top doesn’t move around and it is heavy enough that it doesn’t flip up if you lean on it. I moved the typical supports down to the bottom of the side rails and added a ¾” piece of MDF that I had for the gaming top. We used spray adhesive to attach some batting and used blue suede for the gaming surface since we are fans of Doctor Who. I added handles to the top on the inside to help when it is moved off the table for gaming. I built the bench too and made it so we could slide it under the table to save on space when we did not need it. The other chairs are hand me downs and Salvation Army finds that we spray painted. The only addition that I have to make is to build some sort of cup holders.

Estimated Cost
$150 - 200 with all the chairs and fabric.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic Queen Sized Wall Bed

Submitted by ldo2626 on Wed, 06/25/2014 - 09:09

Expecting our second child, my wife and I decided to do away with our guest bedroom and combine it with our office. The only problem was our queen bed took up way too much space and it didn't get enough use to justify the sacrifice. We looked at the wall bed options available for purchase and decided they were way too blah and very expensive. I then found the "A MURPHY BED YOU CAN BUILD, AND AFFORD TO BUILD" post on Ana's website (thanks for the inspiration)! 

 Using cheap pine boards, plywood, door hinges, vinyl upholstery and stain I constructed the wall bed you see here. It really wasn't that difficult but facing it took the most time. To give the boards a more rustic look I used a utility knife to shave off the edges/corners and stained them with the Minwax American Walnut water based stain and the Minwax White Wash Pickling. When this started we thought we were going to have to settle for something unattractive and less than desirable. Seeing it in our office now, we love our new bed and actually think it makes the room look much better!  I didn't keep track of costs, but it couldn't have been more than $150.

 

Estimated Cost
I didn't keep track of costs, but it couldn't have been more than $150.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax American Walnut water based stain and Minwax White Wash Pickling
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwm816

Tue, 07/08/2014 - 08:08

Looks great! May I ask what the final outside dimensions were? Curious to see if this would work for me.

Thanks!

ldo2626

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 09:23

I would have to measure it when I get home... at work currently. Looking back, I think the best approach is to take the measurements from the plan, find the difference between standard mattress and queen mattress dimensions (check wikipedia for standard sizes), then add that difference back to the plan. I cut it real close on mine and could use a little more space. It would be nice to make it a bit deeper and with some head room to store comforters and pillows.

lopixy

Sun, 11/30/2014 - 18:10

I love this!  Could you give more details about how you did the facing?  Are the pine boards just nailed onto the plywood? 

chefrgk

Sun, 12/28/2014 - 12:59

I am dying to get started on this wall bed project. I keep getting this message when trying to open the Plans.

The page you are looking for is temporarily unavailable.
Please try again later.
can someone help me find them.

chefrgk

Sun, 12/28/2014 - 12:59

I am dying to get started on this wall bed project. I keep getting this message when trying to open the Plans.

The page you are looking for is temporarily unavailable.
Please try again later.
can someone help me find them.

nicolanala

Tue, 08/09/2016 - 15:24

Hi. I would love to try this. Looking to build in the next month before parents in law come over. Is there any working links to the plans??

josheli

Thu, 01/25/2018 - 13:06

click on the bed picture above and it will take you to the plans

 

My laundry basket dresser with doors

Submitted by jensimmons on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 20:19

I wanted to use our laundry basket dresser as a collector for dirty laundry in our bathroom, and wanted it to have doors so it would blend in better. I also made the shelf above for our towels. It is painted white with a faux-zinc finish on the top. I made the top slightly larger so it would overhang and added cute little bun feet. My talented friend Carli helped me build the doors (and by helped I mean I handed her things while she impressed me with all her tools and skills!) and frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75-100 (can't remember exactly)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white semi-gloss paint, zinc faux finish: layer 1 dark charcoal paint, layer 2 dark pewter metallic glaze, layer 3 white paint thinned with water & rubbed on/off.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 07/29/2011 - 23:37

this is perfect! i totally need a bunch just like this! I love the added doors!

Pam in Colorado (not verified)

Sat, 09/17/2011 - 12:48

This is the look I'd like, fit the baskets and hide them behind doors until you are ready to do the laundry. These could be made for bedrooms, bathrooms, toy rooms (okay, toys instead of dirty laundry)...

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:05

I absolutely love this! Could you please add instructions on how to make/paint and install the doors? I am a newbie to making my own furniture. Thanks!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 08:29

I love this idea! I will have a new bathroom soon and I think this will get used! What are the dimensions, or what style cabinet would you suggest to look for? TIA!

Jennifer Simmons (not verified)

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:57

The dimensions are the same as Ana's plan: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser except that the top is slightly bigger (3/4" overhang on front/sides) to look more like a countertop. On the doors we just made a frame w/ angled pieces, routed a notched line on the back & glued/nailed some beadboard in from the back. Sorry I can't be much more detailed on that, a friend did most of the doors for me!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 07:42

I actually got the plywood to do this project and I was going to add doors. I looked at the baskets suggested but it seems they would stick out the front. I was just curious, did you use different baskets that would fit inside the cabinet or did you make the cabinet slightly deeper?

Jennifer Simmons (not verified)

Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:36

Actually I discovered the same problem after it was built. I just didn't put a back on and they stick out a tiny bit in the back. I actually kind of like it that way because it lets some air in (being in the bathroom and putting towels in I could see it getting mildewy without much circulation). But if I had gotten the baskets first I probably would have made it about 2" deeper, then leave some open space, but not all, on the back.

Bench with cross bracing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/23/2019 - 17:48

My friend asked me to make two benches for her dining room table. She mentioned the plans from your website. I followed your plans/ instructions.
She loves them!.
Thank you & big hello from Canada.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wooden Lanterns

Submitted by mrich_d60 on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 15:39

I made 7 lanterns - 6 with 18" uprights and 1 with 13". They were originally just for my daughter's backyard wedding. They aren't decorated yet because she's going to use them on the patio now and is waiting for the solar lights and LED candles to arrive. They were too nice not to use them right away!

Estimated Cost
About $9.00 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Ultimate One Coat coverage stain + Varathane Triple Thick one coat clear finish on entire lantern. Thompson's WaterSeal Waterpoofing Stain semi-transparent for underside and feet.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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