Community Brag Posts

Kids Wooden Play Grill

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/03/2019 - 17:10

Built this toy grill for my nephews first birthday. Went together without many hiccups. I will say these plans seemed less detailed than other Ana White plans I have worked on...but for the better I guess, as it forced me to figure somethings out on my own. I opted to add the drawer behind the grill plate, like the blogger who also made this grill did. Kept the same color scheme as well. Pretty proud of how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Toy Box

Submitted by Abby721 on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 17:58

Super simple build with fabulous results! I have been using as a coffee table and it looks awesome and is functional for lots of toy storage as well. It would also work so great to house extra blankets and throw pillows. I added a lid support so it does not slam shut on little hands. This would also be a perfect addition to any playroom for some nice looking toy storage!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For the legs I used Rustoleum Canyon Black paint and for the rest I first used Minwax Weathered Oak with Minwax Early American over the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy Box

Submitted by JustJ on Sun, 02/18/2018 - 07:13

I used your basic plans,  but modified it to use some scrap wood I had from another project. I used blue stain pine,  tongue and groove. 

I made this toy box for my niece who is expecting her first baby (it's a boy).  I know she likes things clean and uncluttered,  so I added a lid, and then added some corner pieces to make it a little more juvenile. 

It was so much fun. 

Estimated Cost
If you have to buy everything, it's around $75.

I really only had to buy some hardware and rope, so it was minimal for me.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin finish, poly coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tall Rustic X Bookshelves

I followed the Rustic X Tall Bookshelf plan to make a set of bookshelves for my husband for Christmas! It was my second ever woodworking project. The plan was really easy to follow and so fun to make! I ended up using an additional shelf piece on the very top for a more modern spin on it. I also bought a pocket hole jig to use on this project. I'm happy with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 per shelf
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax English Chesnut Wood Finish and Paste Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bookshelf Hidden Doors Over Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 10:13

Hidden door bookshelves hide a furnace closet.  Built by Kraig Faulkner

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

charkue

Thu, 09/17/2020 - 08:01

I'm currently working on a basement renovation project. I'm probably going to incorporate a feature like this for my mechanicals, too.

One important safety note for anyone who wants to do this: It's recommended that your furnace be a minimum of 30" away from any combustible materials. That includes walls and partitions. The image of this project displayed is right next to the furnace, which is not a good idea.

2x4 full outdoor patio set

Submitted by dtirrell on Tue, 07/06/2021 - 06:44

Used the plans for the 2x4 outdoor sofa. Modified the dimensions to better fit my personal needs. Made the coffee table a square instead of the rectangle plans posted here

Estimated Cost
$1200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

The playhouse project!

We started this project a few months ago. My husband made most of the construction, and I decorated the inside. We added many little details, including a clothesline, windows with plexiglass, a BBQ, a little kitchen, a doorbell, a solar light, a slide, shelves, a table, a bench, etc. The kids loooooove their new house. The whole project took many many hours, but I am really happy with the results. Thank you so much Ana for the plans!!

Estimated Cost
900 $
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
primer and extorior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Theresa W

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 17:24

It is beautiful. I can only imagine how excited your kids are to play in this gorgeous space made just for them. Well Done!

LadyBird

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 21:10

Looks like your child has everything they need. Including a phone! I love the bench seat and the pillows with the window. So cool. You put a lot of work into this. Well done.

denaschance2

Thu, 04/03/2014 - 08:23

Love, love it! Couple of questions... how did you attach the walls to the decking and how far apart? How tall is the railing? I'm curious to know the sturdiness of the project overall and my SIL has concerns about the 3/4 roof sheeting over 1/4 walls. Comments please. My son-in-law and I have just started this project.

Dining chairs for X based pedestal table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/06/2023 - 10:15

I made the 4 chairs to complete the dining suite. The table was made from the X based pedestal table plan.

The timber was all cut from 200mm x 50mm pine sleepers and finished with Cabots clear finish.

Comments

Porch Swing Glider

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/19/2017 - 09:25

Built the porch swing and was inspired to build the glider frame by another "Brag Post" Looks great and fits perfectly in my back yard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Transparent deck sealant for frame, white exterior paint for seat panels
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rachael Brown

Fri, 02/18/2022 - 08:20

Are there any dimensions for the glider part? I have first year agriculture students building this, but we are unsure of the cut list for this. I am sure I can figure it out as the teacher, but with 20 students in the class, it would be better to be able to give them instructions to follow on paper. Thank you!!!

Modified miter saw cart

I love having this new addition! Freed up space in my small shop and now it’s more functional and organized. I followed the plans with modifications in the leaves using scrap 1x’s (which I may decide later to change to 2x4s but I had 1x’s on hand) instead of the brackets and then the extra 1x’s holding on the leaves so they would fall flat to the sides. Love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $75 (don’t remember exactly)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Didn’t finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Tool Shed (based on plans for Small Outdoor Shed)

Submitted by aceecee on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 14:07

My husband and I built a garden tool shed using your plans for a "Small Outdoor Shed or Closet." We needed exactly this size for our available space. (THANK YOU! The video was really helpful and the plans were very detailed.) We are not handy at ALL, and are definitely beginners when it comes to woodworking. But, when the person who was supposed to build it for us was delayed, we thought we could try it, or at least START.

We bought a lower-end Kreg pocket jig and a secondhand mitre saw, and set to work, using T1-11 siding. We ended up building the entire shed ourselves, and were very surprised at the end result (and proud too!). The hardest part was building the doors, since we weren't really sure how to construct them to keep them from bowing. We ended up putting trim all around the edges of the T1-11 plywood doors, inside and out. (We were too far into building them when we realized we probably should have done it differently.) We also couldn't figure out how to get the double doors to stay tightly shut, but ended up using a rotating block (see picture) at the bottom and it works great, especially given that one of the doors had a slight bow at the bottom.

I think the only ways in which we deviated from the plan were that we added trim, an additional 2x4 up high across the back of the shed (for hanging long-handled tools), and two interior shelves on the left (from leftover siding). We used colored corrugated polycarbonate sheeting over the roof instead of asphalt shingles. (Unfortunately you have to use specific screws for the sheeting and one length was too short and the other too long and protrudes through the roofing slightly, into the interior. But we like the pop of color the sheeting adds, and REALLY didn't want to do shingles for such a small area, nor did we know how to do shingles.)

My final suggestions would be that a mitre saw and pocket jig are REALLY helpful and using star head screws is easier. I would also suggest that you paint everything (prime and color coat) before assembly and just touch up afterwards, especially if you use a lot of trim as we did. We primed and painted the siding but just primed the trim, and it was a real pain to put the color coat on all that 1x3 trim after construction.

This plan is listed as an "intermediate" project and I think that's probably a correct designation. As beginners, it just took BOTH of us to figure it all out (we work really well together) and to build it, and it took a much longer time than it would for someone with more experience.

Estimated Cost
I think we probably spent between $300 and $400 on lumber, hardware and paint, not counting buying the secondhand mitre saw and the Kreg jig.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primed and painted, green and tan. (We bought the green and had the tan on hand.)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

laurawelsh

Tue, 10/06/2020 - 15:56

Well done! I love this! Can I ask what dimension your garden tool shed is? And how did you decide on the new roof size/angle? I have a similar space and am contemplating something similar. Thanks!!

laurawelsh

Tue, 10/06/2020 - 15:56

Well done! I love this! Can I ask what dimension your garden tool shed is? And how did you decide on the new roof size/angle? I have a similar space and am contemplating something similar. Thanks!!

Simple White Outdoor Chair

Submitted by klray on Wed, 05/21/2014 - 21:47

These chairs followed the simple white outdoor chair instructions. There were a few adaptations. I used 2x3s instead of 2x2s for the legs, like in the simple white outdoor loveseat instructions. I purchased my cushions from Target, and their dimensions are different than the cushions used in the instructions, so I changed some of the chair dimensions. I created the pattern for the ottomans, but it is very much based on the simple white outdoor chair instructions.

Fun project and happy with the results. Staining instead of painting probably made the project take twice as long.

Finish Used
Minwax Ipswich Pine - 2 coats,
Deft Exterior Polyurethane semi-gloss- 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sojaco

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 13:37

Your chairs are gorgeous - I feel compelled to go copy your handiwork immediately. :)

Would you mind sharing a link to the Target cushions you used? They look great on your chairs.

klray

Sat, 05/24/2014 - 10:56

Thanks!

Threshold Outdoor Deep Seating Cushion:
http://www.target.com/p/threshold-outdoor-deep-seating-cushion/-/A-1508…

Threshold Outdoor Deep Seating Back Cushion:
http://www.target.com/p/threshold-outdoor-deep-seating-back-cushion/-/A…

Just a note on the cushions, they are beautiful and highly economical, but that also means they likely aren't as supportive as cushions 2 or 3 times their price and the covers do not have a zipper, so you can't wash them. That being said, I am happy with cushions.

CreativeChaos

Fri, 05/23/2014 - 07:44

I built these chairs and love seat last summer and have sat on them wishing I had ottomans! You inspired me to build the ottomans. I have the same Theshold cushions from Target and they are great! Good job!

klray

Sat, 05/24/2014 - 11:09

Thanks!

The only tricksy part about the ottomans for me was attaching the "armrests". There isn't enough room to use the pocket hole screws after attaching the side aprons. I tried screwing the "armrests" to the legs before the aprons, but that just caused problems. In the end I screwed the side aprons and legs together and then screwed the "armrests" down from the top. I used wood filler to fill in the holes above the screw heads. So it isn't quite as clean looking, but worked for me.

amorg11

Mon, 06/08/2020 - 10:36

These chairs came out amazing!!! The only struggle was to find inexpensive cushions but worth every penny. Have had so many complements. Love them! Your instructions are so detailed!

jkess44

Tue, 06/09/2020 - 13:33

These look great! we just put together a section and would like to move on to the chairs. I was hoping to find ottoman plans, do you have the plans you used? If so can you please share?

Cedar Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/08/2016 - 18:58

Made an outdoor sofa inspired by Ana White's plan. I made a few modifications including using 2x6's, hiding more of the non-pocket hole screws, using HD pocket holes in more areas and building an incline for the backrest. Cushions are Sunbrella from Lowe's.

Estimated Cost
about $550
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax Spar Urethane. 2 coats with sanding in between coats using 220 grit
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/13/2017 - 06:11

I used the x-back bench plans to build this bench, but trimmed the length down to 4 feet to fit the space.  It's constructed with cedar and is so beefy and sturdy. It has stood it's own against several storms already and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Thanks Ana for all the free plans and tutorials! 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson water seal in clear
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Arts and Crafts Table for My Daughter

Submitted by jpiller on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 07:32

This project was my first from Ana White's plans and my first wood working project on my own. I spent quite a bit of time w/ my dad as a young boy helping him w/ woodworking projects and have been looking forward to doing one on my own.

My daughter is a crazy artist of four years old and she makes more art in a month than we know what to do with. Along with that comes piles of crayons, markers, paper, and so on all over her room, so this table was for her to try and keep organized.

The only real modification from Ana's original plans was that I used plywood for the cover instead of a clear piece of plastic b/c I figured the wood would hold up better under a four year old's abuse.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Regular wall paint - same used to paint my daughter's room.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

jpiller

Sat, 08/02/2014 - 09:46

Yes, i actually had to put two pieces glued together in order to get the correct height to fill it in. It's a little heavy, but my daughter really loves the table and it doesn't seem to be too much of a problem.

Storage Basket Shelves

Submitted by Debbie440 on Sat, 12/21/2013 - 13:24

I built this and then ordered storage baskets that fit to the size. I built it exactly to the plan except I did not make the top flush to a back wall and I added decorative trim. I think adding trim really adds a nice look to this project.

The tower was super easy to build and took hardly any time. The most time was spent on the finishing work (sanding and painting).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Unknown/used leftover wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams sample paint color matched to an antique white.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chalkboard Wood workers planning desk

I needed a new desk for my office workspace in the garage. I wanted something inspired, and that would BE inspiring to me as I sit at it. So, I made this chalkboard surface woodworking planning desk with mismatched legs. I love that the legs are mis-matched. LOVE IT. IT would make type a people squirm, but me. Nope, I love it. I quick made some set of sawhorse legs, and a box leg. Attached a 3/4 piece of plywood cut the the size I wanted. Stained the legs dark brown, and rolled on 3 coats of chalkboard paint on the top. Boom!! And the best part of this design, when it gets messy, I just sand it down. And clean it up again with chalkboard spray paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15-$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
brown stain and chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Classic X Picnic Table

Submitted by WolffA on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 08:11

Build exactly from the plans. Stained in dark walnut. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our first project

Submitted by Delilah on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 18:53

I was looking for plans to build a table like this and found Ana's site.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American and Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Delilah

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 19:26

I would make the bench first if I could do it again--good practice. You can't fit a lot of people around it but it is good for a small space.

anandereson (not verified)

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 04:55

How did you fasten the tabletop to the base? Did you screw it from under and attach along every cross beam? Or screw from the top and fill the holes with putty? All the way across or just on the ends...this step in the directions is very vague...

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