Community Brag Posts

Slat Bench

Cost: $45
Made this bench smaller than the plan so it measures 48" X 18". Using it in a spare bedroom so it will eventually get stained to match the wood furniture.

Estimated Cost
45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Haven't stained the wood, can't decide on a color.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Rapturee

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 09:17

That was my idea as well, to shorten it. My wife just asked me if we could part with a few chairs on the back side of our dining room table and if i would make a bench or two across the back wall. Well "of course" i said hahah!!  Nice job on yours!!   :{)

House Number Planter from Cedar Fence Picket

Submitted by Juvlyne on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 07:30

Used Ana’s plans for this just made one modification, which was adding wire to the bottom so the plant can drain out. I also stained the fence picket before putting it together. The numbers were the most expensive part of this project they were ~$18. https://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/house-numbers-vertical-plant…

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Oil based wood stain grey & Krylon Matte clear coat spray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Twin Beds

Submitted by amichener on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 08:29

This is my first wood building project and I love the way they turned out. Took my about a week of work here and there on the first one and the second one I built from start to finish in two days. This is called the Simple Twin Bed and it's a great plan, very sturdy. Pocket holes work GREAT on this build. I added pocket holes to the side rails in to the posts for extra support.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$135
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse King Bed- Beetle Kill Pine

This was our first build and it was quite a big project to take on to start with. We had so much fun and learned so much along the way. 

Our biggest lessons were to hand pick our wood and make sure we get the straightest pieces possible. We had to wrestle some wood to make this bed work!  Clamp everything especially when using large bolts as the pieces would pull apart from each other. We even used a ratchet strap at one point becuase our small clamps weren't cutting it. I'm sure there's a better way and we'd love to hear about it but we made what we had work. We also had to figure out how to attach the side rails and at what height. We ended up using 3 4-inch screws on each end to screw them into the posts.  

We love this bed not only because it was a labor of love but because its such a solid beautiful piece. 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Polycrylic Water based - 4 coats, sanded using a 220 grit sanding block in-between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Huffaker6971

Sun, 08/18/2019 - 13:47

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Are there plans for this build?

sxewhodey

Sun, 03/01/2020 - 11:29

Very nice! I love the lighter wood too, but my wife likes the darker stain, so we compromised in the middle for the finish. Why  arethe post always so red? I can appreciate the natural tendency of nature to add color, but the 4*4's are always red-er in color. Do they always use a different pine or certain part of the tree for those?

Bed porch swing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/28/2020 - 09:45

Utilized your plans for this porch bed swing! Looks great on the porch. Couldn’t find anything solid in the ceiling to hang it from so I installed my own joists with rafter hangers attached to the walls. Should hold long term.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80 in Wood and $20 in stain and polyurethane
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spar Urethane
Mocha stain
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 Wooden Cooler

An Outdoor Wooden Cooler is the perfect way to accent any deck, patio, or garage. Can be made from Cedar, Pressure Treated, Cyprus, etc. Sizes can vary from small 28 qt coolers to Large 120 qt coolers capable of holding hundreds of drinks. These coolers can be themed for your favorite sports team, favorite hobby, or anything of your choice. Engraving or wood burning is available.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain, painted, distressed, etc.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sgilly

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 09:52

Well, actually, two. My beer loving son-in-laws would love this, and Christmas is coming! Do you happen to have any "step-by-step" directions you'd be willing to share? I can figure out the dimensions but it would be really helpful to read - or see - the components and how you put it all together.
Thanks for sharing!

Adam_Scheetz

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:41

I had to make a new page because of some password issues. Thanks for comments. I have no plans yet, I've built so many it's sort of muscle memory now. Shoot me an email at [email protected] and perhaps I can help.

And no, the lid style I like is nothing more than some tongue~n~groove boards cut to length, attached with pocket holes and nailed to the lid frame. Tongue~N~groove is optional of course, you could just use regular boards.

sgilly

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:58

I really appreciate your response. And, I did indeed send you an email!
I have a bunch of cedar milled and planed by one of my son-in-laws. He'll be thrilled to see that I've made something he can use for his favorite beverage!

Easy, Economical Garage Shelving from 2x4s

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/22/2016 - 09:07

We needed some more storage in our basement so I made these shelves.  They are 10 feet long.  I couldn't get the 10 foot long 2x4s into the basement through the house, so my husband helped me slide each board through a tiny window one at a time.  I also decided to paint the shelves to make them look nicer since they are in the finished part of our basement.  Overall, I think they turned out great and they can hold a lot more than I expected.     

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Gel Paint - Antique White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Beginner farm table bench/outdoor seating

Great, sturdy, easy build!!! Looks amazing and will be my new picnic outdoor seating. I cannot wait to build the next bench and table to go along with it. Thank you for the plans!!!!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I have not finished it yet, but will stain then use an outdoor poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

End table (pre sanding)

Submitted by S Woodland on Sat, 11/26/2016 - 09:05

This was the first project my husband requested to help with! It was a great for teaching easy cuts with a miter saw and pocket holes with a kreg jig.  Thanks to this end table we now build things together! 

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain on top and chalk paint on the bottom
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hexagon Table

Submitted by hgordon on Sat, 08/15/2020 - 08:08

Great build for the patio!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Early American
Cabot waterproofing
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced
Seasonal And Holiday

Laundry Dresser

Submitted by rosiejane on Fri, 11/02/2012 - 23:32

Really happy with the final product and the hubby is glad I have finally finished a project. This project was an answer to the piles of washing crowding our small laundry. I found 3 sturdy family sized (huge) rectangular laundry baskets for $10ea at Kmart and then used Sketchup to adjust the plans to allow for the bigger baskets (Sketchup is so much fun to use). I ended up having to buy an extra piece of wood for the top because I forgot to allow for the thickness of the sides when measuring the top and base. (I know, I know, measure twice cut once...) I used the piece I had cut for the top as the base and then got a new piece for the top. When I finally got all the pieces cut to size it all went together pretty quickly. I used melamine for the box because it was cheap and I wouldn't have to paint it. It did chip a little bit along the edges when I cut it but it's not too bad. I used 30 x 30mm pine for the basket supports and had to countersink the screws 1cm so I could use 30mm screws. I used iron-on melamine edging to finish the exposed edges of chipboard and used paint on the back and supports. Actual construction didn't take long but the painting took about a day by the time I'd done one basecoat and two top-coats.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 (AUD) incl. screws. Already had the paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dulux Prepcoat & Dulux Aquanamel White on back and basket supports. The rest was white melamine.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rosiejane

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 01:06

Thanks for the feedback. I cut the melamine myself. I clamped a straight edge on top of the melamine (allowing for the distance from the edge of the saw to the blade) and then used my jigsaw to cut. My local bunnings didn't seem too interested in cutting specific sizes. They were happy to just cut lengths down so I can fit them in my car but said their saw could be inaccurate up to 10mm from one end of the cut to the other. (Personally I think the guy just couldn't be bothered) Since I wanted my project to be square I figured it was much easier to just do it myself.
With sketchup I just play around and learn as I go. I got the hang of it pretty quickly although I'm still figuring out some of the more complicated stuff like using the protractor tool to do angles etc.

Npledger

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 22:05

I love this. These baskets are very sturdy. Is there anyway you can post the measurements. I have never made anything but this looks perfect. I have never used sketch up. Please let me know if you are able to post the measurements. Thanks!

Simplest Armoire as a pantry cabinet

Submitted by aklab on Sat, 08/23/2014 - 19:45

Used the simplest armoire plans -- great plans and relatively simple for a first-timer like me. Chalkboard paint on the doors made it fun for the kids!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 including lumber, paint and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
glossy white latex paint and chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Saddle Seat Stools

Submitted by naomi on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 06:57

After a lot of cutting, screwing, chiseling and sanding... oh and a lick of paint! My new little Saddle Seat Stools are complete. Time will only tell whether they will hold up to the abuse the boys give them especially Brodie! These new stools only cost me $48 to make the pair and I got all the timber from Bunnings

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$48
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak and White Enamel Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adding a hutch to a desk

Submitted by kristen on Thu, 11/29/2012 - 17:05

I bought a desk and chair for my daughter on Craigslist awhile back, but it did not include a hutch. I decided to add one and recently completed it...in addition to painting the desk a fresh white and then repairing the chair, painting it, and recovering the seat!

The hutch build was pretty straight forward and I used a Kreg Jig to assemble most of it. I built it to sit on the desk (not attached) but I included a cleat at the top to screw a couple of 3" screws into the wall studs to keep it in its place. It's nice and sturdy. I plan to add some puck lights under the bottom shelf soon.

The Lego house isn't quite up to Momplex standards :)

Estimated Cost
Around $75--with lots of extra for building other things
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats primer and one coat of white semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bunk beds that transport when needed

This bunk bed project was absolutely perfect for a small cottage bedroom for our son. We selected this plan when noticing that this could essentially be built as 4 flat sections and easily transported.

We were able to construct the bunk beds prior to owning the cottage and were then able to move in and bolt together.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Sirocco

Fri, 03/19/2021 - 01:12

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Vertical Planter w/ Succulents + White Opaque Stain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 23:20

Made this over a few afternoons during the interesting year that is/was 2020! First DIY project and really enjoyed it! I used an opaque white stain and it's filled with succulents from our local nursery (Lincoln Nursery in Pasadena, CA). Painting took the longest as one coat of the stain still let some of the knots in the wood show through. Thanks so much for the plan and inspiration!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Opaque white Behr outdoor stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ryan's Washer/Dryer Pedestal

Submitted by zoolander on Fri, 12/05/2014 - 17:25

I loved this design.  I couldn't believe that they wanted to charge me almost $600 for the pedestals for the washer/dryer set that I bought on black friday, so I decided to give this project a go.  I basically used the same construction plans from Sausha's project, but I dressed mine up a bit.  First, I chose a bit larger trim for the tops and bottoms of the posts.  Then, I bought some 2" baseboards and did the top and bottom with baseboards.  On the bottom, I had to use my tablesaw to trim off about 1/2" because I used 1x1" boards on the bottom so that I could have more space for baskets.  Then, on the top, I inverted the baseboard and allowed it to overlap a bit so that if it were to vibrate, the washer/dryer could not fall off the edge.  I also added some fabric on the top (stuff that I use to cover the bunk boards on my boat trailer...kind of like a very thick and durable felt material) to cut down on vibration and also keep the units in place.  Finally, I added sides by using wedge trusses on the inside of my side posts and then I put a 1/8" piece of plywood over top and nailed/glued it to the trusses.

It turned out great.  Thanks for the plans Sausha!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Zlk200

Mon, 12/21/2015 - 17:38

Did you use sanded plywood? Did you use any veneers for the exposed 2x4's to get a smooth finish or did you paint right on it?

lastly, what is the name of the trim you put on the 4x4s? I've hard a hard time finding it. Thank you!

In reply to by Zlk200

zoolander

Wed, 06/29/2016 - 13:59

Sorry for the super delayed response.  I didn't realize this question was here.  I did not plane anything.  I did sand the surfaces a bit, but I didn't get too crazy.  I put 3 thick coats of paint on it which made it pretty smooth.  If you look very closely in person, you can still see a bit of wood grain, but it is only noticable if you really get down and look.  I did use a lot of wood putty to fill all of the gaps and crevaces and then I sanded those parts pretty well.  

 

With regard to the trim, the top literally just standard baseboard material turned upside down, and then the little trim on the tops and bottoms of the 4x4s is just another standard strip of moulding that I got from Lowes.  I think they call it "Chair Rail" moulding.  Its the stuff that you put down if you are doing some sort of paint separation or wainscoting.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/1-625-in-x-12-ft-Mdf-Chair-Rail/3403018

I used woodglue on all of the moulding and tacked it on with a nail gun.  Then I filled all of the nail holes with wood putty and also use the putty to fill gaps where the corners came together to make that look smooth.

I hope that helps...you are probably already done with your project by now, but I figured that I would answer anyway.  :)

Rekourt Dining Room Table and benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/18/2017 - 18:08

This was my first big build and I love how it came out!  Thank you Ana White for amazing and straightforward plans to follow for both the farmhouse table and benches.  

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top MinWax Dark Walnut plus Rusteoleum Weathered Grey. Bottom is painted with ivory chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate