Community Brag Posts

Cedar Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/06/2024 - 13:17

Two projects that I recently built for my wife and my daughter. My wife wanted a tea bar and a beach vibe, my daughter wanted an outdoor couch so it is made out of cedar. They both loved them.

Todd Springer

Big Sandbox with Lid

Submitted by flinchball on Mon, 09/21/2020 - 13:18

Made the sandbox 6x6. Recessed it so it sits flush with the timber’s around our fire pit area. I added extra armrests in the middle that double as supports when the lid is closed in case anyone wants to walk on it. Filled the sandbox full enough that the armrests sit on the sand when closed. It’s very sturdy now for walking on and the kids have tons of room to play. Thanks for a great plan to work from.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Boiled linseed oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Outdoor Chairs for the Firepit

Submitted by Retta on Fri, 10/03/2014 - 19:27

I used Ana's plan and made ten of these for our firepit area.  The only thing that I changed was the back brace pieces....I couldn't get 1x2s so just used 2x2's.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300 including paint
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Trellis Design Deck Surround

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:30

Wanted to add some flair to the deck had a designer come up with a computer generated pic and built it. Very happy with results Anna White has inspired me to do more wood working and have confidence in my builds.

Marry Henderson

Shoe Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 08:26

We used the shoe dresser instructions with some modifications to make it longer

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Stain, polyerthane, chalk paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Great Patio Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:02

I wanted sturdy seating for my patio. Ana White had the perfect plans for my L shaped seating and coffee table. It was simple to put together and we love it!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Farmhouse Storage Bed With Hidden Drawer

Submitted by Beekeeper on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 17:35

Ana, thanks for these plans! They inspired me to make my first bed build. I also want to thank all of you that added brag posts! They gave me ideas for some of the modifications that I made. I did this build by mixing your Queen Farmhouse and Queen Farmhouse Storage bed plans. I also added a number of modifications to suit my own preferences. The drawer boxes I changed by building a faceplate (I didn't want the plywood ends exposed), and by increasing in depth to maximize some additional storage. Since I increased the drawer sizes, I went with the euro roller bearing slides. I increased the foot-board height to be slightly higher than the mattress. I also designed the footboard to have a removable inner section with hidden latches on the inside. I did this because I wanted to make use of the "dead space" between the drawer boxes. I then used this space to house a hidden drawer, that is approx six feet deep (I couldn't help myself-I love hidden drawers wink). Because I added the hidden drawer, I changed the opptional center support to 4X4 blockes that were pocket screwed under the center of the boxes. I ended up using birch plywood and fir for this build. For my first bed build I'm fairly happy with how it came out. Thanks again!

Estimated Cost
I didn't keep exact track of the cost of this bed, but I think it was about $800.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I haven't got there yet, but I am planning on putting a mahogany stain and then a polyurethane. All
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 12/11/2014 - 07:41

This is your first build and you did all of those awesome modifications?! Really impressive and it looks perfect! Congrats and welcome to the community!

In reply to by spiceylg

Beekeeper

Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:03

Thanks for the compliments! It was a fun learning experience. Making all the modifications definitely slowed down the build, but also made it more rewarding!

beckbg

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 13:18

I just started my bed (mostly out of Baltic Birch) and am wondering where you were able to find such nice 4x4s. Your bed is gorgeous! No luck here. I bought redwood, but really wanted fir for the sharper edges. It's my first project, too. I also bought same drawer slides, but the soft close. Didn't want the slam. I figure building it will be the easy part compared to procuring nice 4x4s! Hope you can help!

In reply to by beckbg

Beekeeper

Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:01

Thanks! The 4x4s I found at a place called Better Living Building Supply. They had a pretty nice assortment of fir, including the 4x4s, so that is why I chose it for the build. Finding the 4x4s slowed down my start on the build. Our local Lowes only had them in treated pine.

athingvall

Sat, 09/05/2015 - 20:47

Thank you for the pictures, the bed turned out Awesome.  I was wondering about the latching system for the foot of the bed.  Do you think a piano hinge on the lower would work too?  Also on the center drawer did you use rollers or is it just friction?  Can't wait to start the build.

Thanks

Codding58

Mon, 02/15/2016 - 14:11

This is excellent!!!   I really like this, so much in fact that the wife is going to have to get used to it too. lol   But really, GREAT work!    Any chance you could post a pic and or comment about how you attached that removeable end?    i think this is the best part!    Cheers!

Kmaynard19

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 08:42

Beekeeper,  Awesome build!!!  Have you posted your altered plans anywhere?  I'm very interested in your build, I was wondering about some aspects of it and how you approached it.  Plans would clear it up instead of bothering you with all my questions.

NinjaPinky

Sat, 06/20/2020 - 09:06

I, like many others, have been wondering if you'd share your plans for this modification. It just looks so great!

tammis50401

Mon, 11/16/2020 - 15:42

Bed turned out awesome. I was wondering if you have the plans for the bed with a list of supplies it took to make this bed. I so want this bed it's just what we are needing

Great job

modified bench swing

Luv your site. Took your bench swing plan and modified it a bit (shortened depth) and then created a small pergola to hang it from. Just need to stain/poly to finish it off. Thanks for your plan and website it is very inspiring.

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

'X' Entryway Table

Submitted by danicarby on Sat, 09/24/2016 - 14:32

This table is built out of only 2x4's - that's 5 boards for about $15!  It was pretty easy and took half a day.  If the fancy angles are too hard to cut safely I recommend doing 45-degree angles!  I'm happy to have a nice entryway - first time my whole life! :)

I've created a post on my project blog wth instructions & pictures for anyone to make their own.

Rustic console table

Estimated Cost
$15 for Lumber
Additional for Screws and Wood Finish
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Conditioner, Minwax Dark Walnut Stain then lasly, Paste Wax (Dark Brown).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

danicarby

Tue, 09/27/2016 - 12:16

Thank you Ana!  You made my day!  It was such a treat to see it posted on your Facebook page!  I told my husband that NOW that "I am famous" (haha) that I should be able to get the jointer & planer I've been begging him to let me buy!  I'm thinking maybe a direct message from  you would be just the trick! :)

Richard6959

Wed, 01/29/2020 - 13:54

What angle were the leg cuts? More than 50* because my saw wont go that far. Please let me know. 

Outdoor rolling bar top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 19:43

We had some leftover granite from an outdoor kitchen build and wanted to maximize the use of it. We loved the look of a rustic table from Pottery Barn and set out to find something that was asking the same aesthetic. I came across the Jilly and Mia workbench console and thought it would work great with some minor modifications. I shortened the overall length and height, went with some heavy duty casters to support the weight of the granite, and reinforced the cross beams that would support the 3/4" plywood sheet and granite. I went with cedar for this build since it was outdoors and I'll finish it with a clear sealant.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pool Lounge Chairs

Submitted by Seth on Sun, 07/26/2015 - 16:25

This was a fun and easy project for our pool area.  We have high winds and our store bought chairs did not last.  These loungers are sure to fare a bit better.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean. We added three coats of gloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Planters and bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/12/2020 - 04:42

Tall planter that we modified to hold our light post and the bench waiting on cushions. The bench is on the wide side of things and is heavy, but these are good things as we are tall people. The only thing we would change is the seat size maybe not so wide. Otherwise it was an easy and very affordable project.

Pantry Wall

Submitted by amiles573 on Tue, 03/28/2017 - 13:41

I modified the origianl plans by making the cabinet taller.  I also built 2 cabinets and trimmed them both together to make it appear as if it is 1 giant cabient.  It measure over 7 feet tall and just over 6 feet wide.  I did add an additional 1x2 brace in the center of the cabinet to help support.  I also cut an additional 1x4 to use a brace when anchoring it to the wall.  I also chose to add an additional 2 trim pieces to each door because they are much taller than the original plan doors.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain, Weathered Grey
15 7/8" center to center cabinet pulls
Fully Inset, Frameless Hinges
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Coffee Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 18:35

My wife wanted a coffee bar and I wanted a fridge for wine and beer. So we compromised on this.

Comments

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by nikkiice on Sat, 05/28/2016 - 17:40

I had so much fun building this! I got a little creative with the corner section and decided to make it a table. I built a small hatch so that I could put in a container for ice and cold beer. When the hatch is not in use, the container can be removed and the hatch can be closed to provide more table space. I also added drink holders! 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
none yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 and 2x6 Chairs and Couch

Submitted by clintusaf on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 16:43

I used the Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s plans and slightly modified then to make a 3 seater couch. My cushions(most expensive part) were 24 in x 24 in and purchased from Lowes for $40 per seat. The couch is 79 inches in total length. I also dropped the seat down to the lower level to allow more room for my cushion backs to sit further down into the seat.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompsons Waterseal Teak Oil Walnut Semi-Transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Miter Saw Cart

Submitted by Nermell on Wed, 07/31/2013 - 16:51

As a complete beginner in wood working (unless you count a year of woodshop over a decade ago), I decided that building a cart for the miter saw I just bought would be a great first project. So what did I do with that brand new miter saw? I left it in the box and made all of the cuts with a circular saw. Not sure what I was thinking there...

I mostly followed the excellent plan provided here but used wooden arms to prop up the wings in order to save on cost. I got the idea from the folding sling chair plan. It took quite a few screw ups and adjustments of the lower support bar before getting one of the wings level but I got it eventually.

Update 8/20/13: The miter saw has been a joy to use with the cart and the big flip up wings provide a ton of really convenient work space in addition to stabilizing 8 ft boards for cutting. I added a sliding drawer and some utility hooks for additional storage.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70-80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

davidmauer15

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 08:10

I originally just had a 2x2 and two blocks to hold up the wings on the cart. They kept falling out, so I replaced them with hinged arms, which were a pain to fit and install, but they work well. Your approach has the same advantage of hinging the support arms: the wood can't fall out and it looks way simpler to install than my system.

One hint if you try Nermell's approach: Flip the cart upside down when you fit and install the support arms. I did all kinds of complex sketches and measurements, then realized it was just faster to lean the support bracket at roughly 45 degrees, then I installed the two block (one on the side, one on the wing) to hold the bracket in place. Flip the cart over, and your wing will sit at a perfect 90 degrees to the sides of the miter saw cart.

Mailbox Base

Submitted by TxDork76 on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 20:27

my mailbox was hit by a vehicle so I decided I wanted to do something creative/different but also didn't want to spend much money as it may just get taken out again in the future :)

this is a good project to get kids to help you with

instead of cutting into the concrete easement, I installed 2 post bases & locked them with sleeve anchors.  They're sturdy enough but will give if hit again.  drilling the holes for the sleeve anchors was the hardest part of the project.

I used a left over 4x4x8 for the posts, scrap 1x4s, 1x2s up the sides (1/2" gap between boards), and a 2x4 scrap to attach the mailbox.  I eyeballed the width between posts using the mailbox itself. I left over stain from another project (almost bought a quart of oops paint at HD)

I figure the total cost would have been about $100

It's a super easy project that took about 4hrs. I've already had a couple of neighbors come by to take measurements to try something similar.

FYI: USPS guildlines for installing a curbside mailbox: https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm

Estimated Cost
$75-$100 depending on materials/tools on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
valspar semi-transparent stain & sealer in "Pinebark"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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