Community Brag Posts

New Chicken nesting appartments under construction

Submitted by DrSnuggles on Sat, 07/18/2015 - 18:56

Quick and fun Saturday working on building these cool new nesting boxes for my friends farm. Yes, the alterior motiv is that I keep getting free eggs LOL guilty!!!

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maybe $10 and used a bunch of scrap wood.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
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

Large Dog Crate

Submitted by bkis1969 on Sat, 08/08/2015 - 13:43

I built this crate in about a week (a few hours at a time). It is big enough for my Lab but too small for my Rottie. It needs to be about 6 inches wider and three inches taller. Inside dimensions on this one were 23" Wide x 35" long. I will post pics of the next one when complete. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain, Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Antique Quartersawn White Oak Dining Table

This is a solid, quartersawn white oak 5-legged dining table. It was originally built in the late 19th or early 20th century. The table was in need of a refinish. The massive turned and fluted legs were full of cracks, chips, and splits.

I took the table completely apart and began stripping and sanding. The legs were re-glued where needed and clamped. I filled the cracks, splits, and and chips with wood filler, sanded, and repeated until I was happy with the results. I replaced some bracing and replaced the screws where needed. Heavy duty casters were added. They have brakes/stops that can be locked to keep the table from rolling on a hardwood or tile floor.

Once the final sanding was completed, I applied 2 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut stain with a foam brush. I wiped down after each coat after waiting 10-15 minutes or so. After drying I began applying Minwax Fast Drying (oil based) polyurethane. The table received 3 coats and the top received 6 coats. I hand sanded with 220 grit sandpaper between coats.

After applying the final coat of poly to the top, I allowed it to cure 48 hours. I then hand sanded the top very lightly using 400 grit paper. I did the same using 0000 steel wool. I then added a few drops of dish soap to a cup of water and wet sanded with the 0000 steel wool. I used a circular motion to remove any scratches. I then wiped down the table and buffed out two coats of Johnson Past Wax with an orbital buffer. It resulted in a super smooth finish.

I am very happy with the results. By the way the table if for sale ($600) and is located in Evansville, Indiana.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut Stain (2 coats) and Minwax Fast Drying (oil based) polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 15:36

I fell in love with the modern Adirondack chairs, I love how comfortable and simple they are. But I wanted benches to go around my fire pit area. So I decided to modify the modern Adirondack chairs to make 6ft and 8ft benches. I added in extra supports (of course) but it was an easy mod with a gorgeous outcome!

Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Slatted Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/30/2022 - 15:39

Loved making this bench! Simple enough using a stop block on my mitre saw.
Followed directions except made it shorter in width. I got so many compliments!

Comments

DIY Coffee Bar

Submitted by Liz Miller on Tue, 12/04/2018 - 10:37

This was my first time using my own measurements for an Ana White build. I was really nervous but having completed a few other projects by following plans exactly, I felt confident I had gained the skill to branch out of my comfort zone. I had been looking at coffee bars for my kitchen, but at $300 and up, cheaply made and in the wrong dimensions,. I just knew I could build something with better quality for a portion of the price. This project took me half a day to build the carcass and then another afternoon to figure out the door hardware and stain. I used all 1 x boards and the final bar is 12" wide so I used 1 x 12 boards for everything except the trim.  All in all you could complete it in a few hours, it was really simple. I made the door hardware by popping open two pulleys and attaching them with metal somethings (not sure what they are) that I found at Lowes. I then ran a flat bar across the front using spacers like Ana did in hers. I painted the hardware with Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint and stained the top of the bar with Minewax Dark Walnut, the bottom is Minewax Ebony. I still need to poly. One thing I changed up was the top. Instead of using a piece of plywood, pine, or combining pieces together, I used a stair tread! It was a little thicker than a typical 1 x, and also had a rounded edge which I think gives the piece a finished look! This is a piece of furniture I will truly use every single day and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! The grand total? $60 for the wood and $20 for the hardware. $80 all in all (I had the stain leftover from another project). There's no way I could have bought a piece this nice for that price! 

Estimated Cost
$80 ($60 for wood and $20 for hardware) I had the stain from a previous project.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The top is MInewax Dark Walnut, the base is Minewax Ebony, and the hardware is spray painted Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze. I still need to poly the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Claire's Loft Bed

Submitted by hook Fam on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 10:00

A few months back a friend of my Sister asked if I would build a bed for her 10 year old daughter. I was excited to do it! So I finished up the projects I had already started and then went to work. I had never built bookshelves before. I wanted it clean and "hole-less" on the outside, so we found a Kreg Jig and I started learning. SUPER easy!! I believe it has been painted white. I can't wait to go see it!!
I followed Ana's plans except I used 2*2s for slats and used 16" wide boards for one of the bookshelves and the desk top. I want them to be able to use this for years to come and not out-grow it too quickly.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 11:08

This turned out fantastic! You did a wonderful job.

judee (not verified)

Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:56

hello just a quick question about the railing. Is it screwed on or is it just sitting over the wood? Very nice bed.

WannaMakeA LOFTBED (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 13:35

How many 2x2s did you use? I think I am going to do the same to make sure that I do not outgrow the bed. Also did you have to change the size of the little bookshelves when you changed the desk to 16" instead of 12" ? I'm trying to build the whole set on my own (im 14)

In reply to by WannaMakeA LOFTBED (not verified)

hook Fam

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 15:09

I think I used around 20 2x2's, and did use a center beam to add strength. I only changed the one bookshelf to a 16" (the one under the desk). The other one I left as a 12". Good luck building your bed!

WannaMakeA LOFTBED (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 18:29

Thank you sooo much. I have left questions in the comments sections and you are the only one who has answered. I greatly appreciate it.

jvanhorn

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 19:37

Hook fam, Thanks so much for your work and for the pictures. I really like how you left the lower back side of the big book shelf off and still included the desk behind. Love the 16" too and I think I will go with that for the desktop but leave the 12" for the shelves. Thanks again! This is now my next project!!!

Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/10/2022 - 07:15

Thank you so much for sharing your plans!! You are so generous! This is my first attempt at building furniture!

Check out my TikTok at - https://www.tiktok.com/@floridagirl092/video/7152573909735427370?is_fro…

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Chunky Leg Bed Frame slightly taller

Submitted by nagariz on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 01:06

First time really building anything out of wood. Getting a kreg jig was probably the best decision I made on this project. I made the legs slightly taller (7") for a bit of underbed storage and used a 2x4 brace instead of 2x6, so I could sit the slats down a bit lower but still keep a gap above the legs. The mattress sits 3" below the edge of the bed. I put a few legs under the center support, but they probably weren't necessary for the queen size bed. I spent about $150 for the lumber ($50 just for the bigger slats for my memory foam mattress), and about $50 for the kreg jig jr. and screws. I did not use any glue so I can take it apart later, and so far it seems pretty sturdy with no creaks. Thanks so much for the plan Ana!!! On to a headboard and bedside tables...

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony Minwax stain one coat for 15 minutes
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

VelvetSky

Sun, 08/28/2011 - 20:16

I love this! I am looking to build something like this, so I can get rid of my box spring.

Larissa (not verified)

Sat, 10/08/2011 - 13:11

This looks awesome for a first timer! Good job and I agree about the Kreg...it is a wonderful investment for any future projects. I have memory foam too so will probably do the same with having wider slats.

Crib size mattress bunk beds

I used crib size mattress instead of twin to make this bunk bed. I wanted more stabilty so I modified it with more rails at the top and didn't make a brake in the front rails.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

LifeofChaos

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:41

No I don't. Not off the top of my head, it has been a few months and I am afraid I would miss something. However, it does appear I put everything except the screws (1.5 inch, I think) in the drawing.

Pub Style Table

Submitted by Nathan O on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 17:53

Made from the above plans. Instead of use pocket screws I just drilled through the table top and used wood filler to fill the counter sunk holes. It was an easy solution and really isn't noticeable. I used basic pine for it as I wanted a very rustic/reclaimed look and think I achieved that. We also didn't have a saw that could 4x4's so instead I just took 2 2x4s and glued/wood screwed them together. Gives the table another fun dimension. Used a few coats of stain and then poly over top. Went with 1x6s instead of 2x6 to save some weight.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Window seat built in

Submitted by daliae on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 20:19

I made this two years ago in my daughter's room, before I got to know Ana's site. This was my ever first carpentry project. It took me 4 whole days to finish. The whole wall is like a bay wall so I had to custom make the built in. Also – I did that when my husband was out of town so in order for me to be able to lift all the pieces from the basement to the second floor, I made it of 4 pieces. When my husband came back home he thought I paid someone to built it.

I made it out of 2x4’s and plywood. I trimmed the bottom with a trim.

One day I will add drawers and the cushions are in the making.

Estimated Cost
100 $
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer and two coats of Valspar high gloos White Dove from Lowe's.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

nhoffer

Thu, 06/11/2015 - 20:20

Do you have more pics of the finished product...especially where it meets the angled wall? I don't have a table saw (yet) so I'm trying to figure out if I can handle this without one. :(

4X4 Truss Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 14:46

My daughter moved into her first apartment and asked me to make her a dining room table. I used the plans found on Ana's website and made a slight modifcations. I used 5/4" pine boards to build the tops and regular douglas fir 4x4s and 2x4s for the bases. All screws are hidden exept the lag bolts I painted black and used to bolt the end trusses to the center truss which gives it kind of a industrial type accent. Thanks to Ana White and Shanty 2 CHIC for the great plans. My daughter loved the table and bench and she is going to find chair for the other side of the table. 

Estimated Cost
Approximately $275 for the table, bench and misc stain, screw, sandpaper etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain and Poly Mission Oak in Satin. Two coats on the bases and three coats on the tops. Used a pre stain conditioner prior to applying the Stain and Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern outdoor 2x4 chair with modification

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 13:31

This chair was made off Ana white'smodern outdoor chair with modification to add back support. Without the back support the back pillow would keep falling off.  The cushion are 25x25 but very thick for comfort.

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

Comments

Brittsiana

Sun, 08/16/2020 - 10:03

Does anyone know what degree angle this is for the back support?
I would like to add it to my newly finished chairs I made over the weekend. The pillow keeps falling down.

Easy Vintage Step Stool - Red Alder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/31/2015 - 15:55

I built this stool for my son of three years.  The wood is from Red Alder trees that blew down on my farm a few years ago.  I milled the logs with a friend and, while alder can behave badly, I always love working with the wood.  The end upright in the image was quite cupped and it cracked when I screwed it down - but it's still rigid and solid.  The wood takes an oil finish beautifully!  Chose to drill and plug the screws, instead of using pocket screws.  Gives it a nice rustic look, and is easy to recoat when a touchup is required.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyurethane and Boiled Linseed Oil Blend
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Class bunk bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 17:47

We removed the legs and added an extra piece to the top to bring the mattress height down.

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

Modern Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by 2RiversFP on Sat, 02/04/2023 - 18:35

I have wanted to make Adirondack chairs for some time and loved finding these plans. I use exclusively reclaimed or salvaged lumber for all my projects. The lumber for these came from a fire station being torn down to make way for a newer more modern one. These are now home on the patio of the new station. Love how you make plans that are easy to follow and headache free. Thank you!

Comments

Garage shelving unit

We made this peace 12 feet long, the hardest part was to find straight boards at home depot and adjust the feet because of an uneven garage floor. It was my first big project and hubby helped so I can't take all the credits :)

Estimated Cost
$126
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner