Community Brag Posts

Based on FatBobK2's design.

Submitted by Kougar1994 on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 15:30

This was based on FatBob2Ks great design.  I took iut the Xs used 4x4 legs and 2x6s fir the bottom shelf.  I also put a furring strip around the edges to hide the end grain and add some surface area.  I sanded starting with 89 grit, then 120 and finishing with 150.  For stain I used a rag to rub on General Finishes Java Gel Stain for 2 coats. it's really forgiving on bare wood and you don't need conditioner.  I sealed everything with Minwax satin poly wipe-on and did three coats.  

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80. I bought local lumber. The big bix stores just don't have straight boards unless you're buying S4S hard wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes Java Gel Stain and Minwax wipe on poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Chairs with Backrest Modification

Submitted by GBev44 on Tue, 06/02/2020 - 08:16

My first crack at building outdoor furniture. I built two of the Modern Outdoor Chairs built with 2 x 4 and 2 x 6. The first one was a little rough, but the second one was much better. In order to accommodate the higher cushions and make the chairs more comfortable, I added piece 2 x 6 secured to a 2 x 2 to make a partial backrest.

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

Saw Horse Work Bench

Submitted by jsquires3 on Thu, 07/26/2012 - 23:34

This was my first project off of Ana's site. I followed her simple sawhorse table plans verbatim. The only thing different I did was use a self-made chalkboard paint for the top (instructions under the finish section) and added screws to the left side to mount my power strip with (easy on and off for everything on the bench). I made the top a chalkboard top so that I could write notes on the table and mark measurements for various projects. Costs were $30 for wood (some leftover), $8 for paint, $2 for screws, and $5 for surge protected power strip. If you have any other questions please let me know.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso stain for legs and a self-made dark blue chalkboard paint for top (mix about 1 cup of paint with 2 tablespoons of non sanded tile grout).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Liberty Wall Art

Submitted by Malwina on Thu, 05/22/2014 - 11:52

I had a lot of leftover pieces of wood from other projects and really wanted to use them. I have been wanting to build the Liberty Wall Art for a while so I finally got to it. I already had a 2x2 piece of a 1/4 inch plywood so I made my piece smaller, fitting my plywood. Obviously, since my piece was smaller I cut and played with the pieces until it looked good to me and this is how it turned out. I glued everything to the board first and then nailed it from the back because my husband didn't want to see the nails. Also, he didn't want me to distress it so I went with his wishes. I think it would have looked nice distressed but oh well, still looks nice. With my husband being in the military, I really wanted this piece and now it's featured in our dining room! Thanks for the idea Anna! As always your plans are great. We have already build several items from your plans and I can't wait to post these brags!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free! already had everything
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
used leftover paint from other projects and then put a layer of policrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My fire pit bench.

Submitted by Mandy D on Sun, 08/21/2016 - 16:59

This was my first furniture build & it was very easy. I had to have a second pair of hands to help hold the ends up but other than that I did it by myself. Thank you Ana for making this build so simple.  

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Standing Desk

Submitted by shellyward on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 18:59

During the 2020 quarantine I started working from home and had to take up an office in my grandsons room. I wanted to leave enough space for him when he comes over so I needed it to be more narrows than most but with plenty of space for multiple monitors as well as workspace. I got ideas from many plans here but ultimately designed my own with a little inspiration from multiple plans. I included a pullout for the keyboard as well as 2 additional pullout shelves for added workspace.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and poly on MDF, stain and poly on plywood
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Washer and Dryer Pedestal

Submitted by katie0910 on Mon, 07/30/2012 - 13:10

Our very first project! We absolutely love how it looks and that there's an easy way for our kids to sort their laundry. Can't wait to start more projects! You can see how we built it here http://addicted2diy.com/2014/01/14/diy-laundry-pedestal/

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

BRISTOL OUTDOOR LOUNGE CHAIR

I followed Ana's plans to build the Bristol Outdoor Lounge Chair. I used White Oak for the chair. The plan was pretty easy to follow and i enjoyed the project. I am excited to build a second chair as well as other items that i will find of interest on her website.

James

Estimated Cost
$220 including cushions bought at Lowe's
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used General Finishes Exterior 450
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rolling Cart - pallet recovered wood

Submitted by jgrunwaldt on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 19:36

Rolling bar cart made entirely from recovered pallet wood.

Based on original Ana White's plan, I've just added a side pocket and rails on the lower shelf to prevent sliding of items placed on it. 

Later on I made another one for a friend who attached a hanger plate and a magnetic knife holder.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

NightTable - Finished with Chalked Paint

This is my first Ana White project, made for my daughter who just moved out on her own. Fun project.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalked Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:15

Built this to replace a cheap picnic table that I had bought. The table is solid and a great first project for me Pops. The grandkids will enjoy this one and Gammy has me already building #2 table. Thank you for the plans and your expertise.

Mark E aka Pops

Built from Plan(s)

Sewing Tables

Submitted by sgilly on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 12:58

I have a friend who makes beautiful quilts. She's been doing this by sitting on the floor to cut her fabric and plopping her sewing machine on a wobbly folding table. When she decided to turn her guest room into a dual purpose sewing/guest room she asked me to build her something that would fit into a niche under her dormer window.
The built in table has two large drawers for sewing notions and is supported at the back by a shelving unit with adjustable shelves. She plans to store items that she seldom uses here. They will be accessible, but out of the way and barely visible when she has guests using her room.
I suggested that I also build Anna's sewing table for small spaces so that she use that as a night stand when not in use as a cutting table.
I usually don't finish projects I build for others - I'm just not good at it! But, my friend asked me to put a finish on it. She picked out the Minwax polyshades product, and I have to tell you that it was a nightmare! (You can read about that here: http://thewidowsworkshop.blogspot.com/2012/06/lessons-learned-again.html)
I ended up using a stripping product to remove that finish. The final finish, just a stain and rub on poly, turned out beautifully!
Installation was also a challenge, but using brute force - and a hammer! - I was able to fit it between those very out-of-square walls!
She's happy, I'm happy to be done!

Estimated Cost
$150 for both
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Originally, Minwax polyshades, had to strip that off. Then I used Minwax wood finish in Colonial Maple. I applied 3 coats. Then I used Minwax rub on poly in semi-gloss and applied 3 coats of that (following directions for dry time and sanding). I finished it off with a minwax polishing wax to give it a really nice smooth finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Firewood Storage Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/28/2016 - 17:54

We built this firewood storage shed to hold wood for our wood-fired hot tub! We built this using reclaimed materials we already had sitting around our property so in the end, the only costs involved were the pier blocks plus some screws.

We decided to publish our plans for anyone that may find them useful! Take a look here if you feel so inclined: http://purelivingforlife.com/diy-firewood-storage-shed/

Estimated Cost
$150 if you buy all of the materials new
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Wood Pantry Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:31

The wire shelves that the builder placed were not cutting it for storage. This setup from your plan helped garner so much more space for organizing. The pantry is roughly 54”x 35” and we were able to place five shelves instead of the four. Thank you so much for your assistance!

Built from Plan(s)

Coffee table with toy box trundle

This was my second project ever, so I know it is far from perfect, but I am so happy with it. It is super useful since I have 3 little kids that are so far the only grandchildren from both sides of the family and I have the impression that toys come to our house to reproduce.
I made a mistake on choosing the stain for the top, and had to adapt to what I wanted, but I kinda like the end result, although it is more formal than what I had wanted at first.
It is a gloss mission oak, from miniwax.
I built this without the Kreg, but I have bought one since, so my next project should be better!
The paint is Antique White from Glidden (DUO), distressed until my shoulders could not handle it anymore.
Building is so empowering, I am so happy I found this site! Thanks Ana for all the great work!

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Mission Oak Gloss Polyshade for top and inside the trundle.
Glidden Antique white and distressing with sandpaper and stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern outdoor Sectional

This project is straight forward and lots of fun. Next time I plan to stain opposed to paint due the amount of time painting takes.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Exterior Chocolate
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 05/30/2014 - 11:37

This came out really nice. Love the colors and cushions. Can you share the source of pricing of the cushions please?

Pursuit of Handyness

Fri, 05/30/2014 - 20:23

I like how the color contrasts with the cushions and the throw pillows add a nice punch of color and fun. I also would like to know the source of the cushions. The cushions seem to always be the budget breaker.

Tammylinskey

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44

My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey

Tammylinskey

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44

My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey

Seasonal And Holiday

Ladder Desk and Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/30/2016 - 18:50

Had a great time putting this together for my teenage daughter's room. Took me about 4 hours to cut and assemble (I only have a circular saw, would have been SO much faster with a miter saw). Then sanded and painted the next day. Under $50 for the wood. What a deal! Love this plan!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 12:08

Took combination of farmhouse coffee table and side table to make a square coffee table for our sunroom

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted Base- endless sea by Sherwin Williams
Top- Rustic Oak from Minwax - 2 coats
Sealer- 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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