Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by AlInOhio on Fri, 01/11/2013 - 19:11

After searching retail stores for farmhouse tables and not liking the pricetags, my wife talked me into tackling this plan. (I'm glad she did) This is my finished product.

I made the breadboards extendable so we could add extra boards if we needed additional seats for guests.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades American Chestnut Satin
2 coats Minwax Clear Satin Fast Drying Polyurethane
Legs are painted in a color called "Dark as Night"
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Panda25 (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 19:28

Could you tell me how you made the breadboards extendable??

AlInOhio

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 12:03

I basically notched out the end apron so that 2x2's could slide through, then attached the 2x2's to the breadboard. I originally attached them so they were just under the edge of the breadboard, but have since changed it so that it goes about halfway. I hope you understand what I am trying to say, if not I can add some more pictures.

new girl

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 17:55

This is so beautiful.. Exactly what I want could you please add more pictures of how you made the extensions.

alasiri

Sat, 05/18/2013 - 06:55

Every time we visit websites, we saw almost the same as the other article and topic but I am shocked when I first read the title from this page. I never think that the blogger has the knowledge of making something new online. I only saw this kind of blog in this page. I concur that the blogger has the intellect of Albert Einstein. منتديات

Hall Tree -cedar picket

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 19:38

I built this based on the idea of the mimi storage bench and hutch. We will use this in our garage next to or shoe rack. I built this primarily from 1x6 cedar fence pickets, a few cedar 1x2's and a couple cedar 2x4's.  

The lid lifts for off season shoe storage.  All bench joinery is with pocket holes and the cedars pickets are attached with pneumatic 1 or 2-1/2" nails.  

I used my speedy square's 45 degree angles to trace out the mountain silloutes and then cut them out with my jigsaw.  I paced myself on the project and my four year old helped quite a bit with measuring and handing me the next board. We're excited to have a little spot to change shoes and grab the jackets.  Feel free to check out my Instagram for other random projects or are family fun  instagram.com/fotosnapper 

Estimated Cost
$80 in wood, $15 in sealant.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Light sanding with a poly sealant for deck furniture from Orange. Single coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hanging Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/26/2017 - 17:10

Using the daybed plan I modified the beds to hang supported by two walls. I mounted the bed to the wall into the studs using 5/16 GRK Rugged Structural Screws, and also used structural screws to attach all the framing supports. I originally tried to hang the unsupported side with rope from a lag thread screw eye in the wall stud and a lag eye bolt in the bed frame, but the rope had too much stretch and would not adequately hold the corner (as the rope stretched the weight on the corner pulled on the 2x4 wall support at an odd angle that would probably eventually break the frame). So, I found stainless steel uncoated wire rope, with the appropriate fasteners, and that seemed to hold well with less give on the corner. I was still a little uncomfortable with the amount of force pulling on the 2x4 center supports at the 2x4 wall brace so I also added 2x4 joist hangers on the center supports. The corner still moves slightly when I hang on it (I'm about 110lbs), but I have no doubt the bed will support the weight of my kids without issue. My 200lb husband got on it without any problems. The beds are straight forward  and cost-effective to make, you just have to be sure you mount them safely. Also, a tip for those of you planning on mounting the beds to a wall, mount the frame first and then screw on the decking boards...so much lighter and easier to work with that way!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
180.00 for 2 beds and all the hardware to hang them from the wall.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
jacobean stain, sanded to distress, and one coat of triple thick poly in satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Truss Beam Dining Room Table

Submitted by td_tx on Wed, 02/03/2021 - 08:57

We built this table for our dining room. The project followed the plans for cuts and dimensions except for the top. Instead of using 2x10, we used 2x12 and ripped an inch off each side to have flatter top with out needing to plane.

We used pine for the top and douglas fir for the 4x4 base. Before staining we used a pre-stain conditioner. The table was stained using Minwax Early American and then finished with a clear satin polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early America and clear satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Heavy duty log peeling stations

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 18:03

I modified Anna's plans to make these heavy duty saw horses.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 of these sawhorses can support 2 1500lb logs, I can peel the bark off then rotate the logs. I added vertical removable supports to support the logs when they are on the sawhorses. Thanks for the ideas.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse coffee table under 40 - ( 65 dollars Canadian)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 15:50

This was my first project and had tons of fun building it. Can’t wait to build to end tables to match.
The plans are so easy to understand. The only change I made was instead of exposed screws I used the pocket hole method

Estimated Cost
65 dollars ( Canadian)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax pre- stain wood conditioner, minwax classic grey ( 2 coats) minwax clear satin poly urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mh6558

Fri, 01/12/2024 - 08:33

This is beautiful and just the look I'm going for with the color scheme. I am wondering if it would be easier to paint the wood before constructing it? Also, what is the pocket hole technique? I think I would like the screws hidden too.

Outdoor 2x4 Sofas

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/24/2017 - 07:11

Super simple build! Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120 for wood (per sofa), $12 for screws, $25 for water seal, $150 for cushions (per sofa)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded with 120-grit sandpaper, two coats of Thompson's Water Seal (transparent).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Adirondack Chairs & Outdoor Side Table

Submitted by j_bowman on Sun, 04/11/2021 - 11:35

These modern Adirondack chairs were my first wood working project ever and they turned out awesome! I wanted to build a small table to complete the set and Ana’s new side table plans were exactly what I was looking for. I am truly amazed at how easy these projects were to make and how great they look on our front patio. Ana’s step-by-step plans make it so simple. My wife and I can’t wait to build some more of these projects for our backyard lanai and pool area.

Finish Used
General Finishes Red Mahogany stain
Spar Urethane

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

black Tall wood planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 08:28

plan was easy to follow! super cost effective because I just used scrap wood found in local stores and nails. It took me longer than expected since scrap woods are not as long so need to do time in sections at a time, but all worth it.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

My first DIY project!

Submitted by Celeste808 on Sun, 05/05/2013 - 10:30

Finally Completed!!! Thank you rainy Saturday! So I wanted a new entertainment center of sorts... couldn't find one that was just what I wanted..... so why not just build what I want! Just DIY it. ;)

I used the faux fireplace plan and modified it to have attached shelves on the sides. I also added an extra strip at the top of the fireplace opening so I could mount an LED bar light.

I used 1/4 plywood to make a tile base, penny tile, and 1/2 quarter round to finish out around the entire bottom.

Total project cost was less than $200 including the tile and light!

Best part is the whole thing is movable!

Thanks Anna White for such an awesome plan to start with!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MDF & plywood
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spkramer

Wed, 07/03/2013 - 10:24

This whole unit is great. My wife LOVES it, which means I will be building it! Did you purchase the two shelf units or build them yourself? Did you use a pattern or plan? Thanks!

Alisonwunderland

Wed, 07/31/2013 - 13:09

This is amazing! Exactly what I'm looking for! Did you change the depth of the mantel to make sure the shelves would be deep enough to hold things?

Celeste808

Sat, 08/03/2013 - 18:25

I did make the depth of the fireplace deeper so I could have room for the halves on the side. I just sketched out the dimensions I wanted the side shelves and built them along the same lines as the fireplace. Wasn't hard to figure out and just made it to fit the size I needed. The inset of the fireplace does not go all the way back to the wall either, that way the power strip can fit on the floor behind it. Glad you like it and thanks for the compliments!

EAnne

Wed, 07/23/2014 - 14:54

Hi Celeste 808, What a wonderful faux fireplace WITH the bookcases, especially. I'm hoping I can try this in our space challenged bedroom. Did you by any change reply to the chap who asked if you had some kind of dimensions or plans you could pass along to us? I would love to see if we can make it work in the space we have available.
Thanks again for the inspiration,
e

jrybolt26

Mon, 10/28/2013 - 18:25

I absolutely love what you did with this. I am going to have my fiance help me make this for our house. If you still have the dimensions and details of how you built the whole unit I would greatly appreciate it if you could post it.

mommyof2cuties

Sun, 04/13/2014 - 13:00

This is gorgeous & I can't believe it's your 1st project. I would love to build this too. Did you use any particular plans for the side units? If you have any tips or information to share, that would be great! I've actually been trying to make up my own plans using Sketch Up, but that's not working too good, lol. Again, great job & thank you.
Lynda

emswave

Sun, 02/08/2015 - 12:31

I'm dying to know the dimensions you added to the width. Also, the dimensions of the book shelf. I have been trying to draw up plans for the last week and I'm stuck with trying to figure it out by looking at your pictures.

PLEASE HELP!

Thanks!!

mrittgers1

Mon, 07/27/2015 - 09:15

Do you have the blue print of how you built the mantel and side book shelves? I am wanting to go buy supplies to build this tonight!!!

 

Thank you!

Sewing Table for Small Spaces

Love the sewing table! It was a surprise Christmas gift from my parents.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Bombay Mahogany stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse dining table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 14:44

We could not find a table that we liked within our price range so we decided to take matters into our own hands. Thanks to Anna White we were inspired to create this piece, our first wood building project ever!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Loft Bed

Submitted by Jenny Anne on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 08:43

I made this loft bed for my 4-year-old son.  It is plenty strong.  It can easily hold him and his daddy for bedtime stories.  I followed the plans to the letter.  I found this a challenging but attainable second project and only needed help with final assembly.  I'll start working on some bookshelves for under it but need to figure out how to work around the supports I already added (that are omitted in the bookshelf plans).  

Now I have to finish the poor kid's quilt so he can stop using my pink one.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
primed and painted with satin finish. I still need to cover the final assembly screws and touch up some junctions. One note if you paint this, DON'T paint the sections of the long boards that you'll have to slide in on final assembly. We had to sand that paint off to get them to squeeze in.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Table

Submitted by mmmond03 on Sat, 09/16/2017 - 16:09

Built this table with some modifications from the rustic table plans. Made it 6ft and added the breadboard end. Fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil Based poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Learning Tower / Kitchen Helper

Our little one may be happily playing independently but the second I go to make dinner she demands to be held and refuses to be put down, making cooking impossible. To help keep her occupied but still involved I've been eyeing a learning tower / kitchen helper on Amazon for months now, but at $200 it just wasn't in our budget. My sister-in-law had made a learning tower from a plan by Ana White and suggested I try to make one too. I was unsure at first, I've never made anything more complicated than a birdhouse, but I decided to give it a go!

Please see my blog post for additional photos and lessons learned during this project.

Built from Plan(s)

Craft Table Build

Submitted by cathytn2 on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 05:28

I emailed my husband the plans for this desk on a Friday night and said we HAVE to make this desk this weekend.  I can't believe he actually went for it!  Well it turned into about 3 weekends and some nights of painting.  We also had some issues getting straight and square plywood and boards with knots in them.  He also added some extra holes in the sides for me to adjust the shelves.  We used an oil based white paint to finish the desk and looks nice and clean and shiny.  I can't wait to get started on our next project!  Please check out my blog for more details and photos and information on materials used, etc. (kitcats-studio.blogspot.com/2011/craft-table-made-from-plans.html
PS - {I had one more coat of paint on the drawers to finish so ignore the bare fronts of the drawers.}

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We primed everything using Zissner and then used an oil based white paint (about $15/gallon) from Lowe's for the finish. The trick to doing this is a WELL ventilated area, and a good brush. Although we're kind of lazy about cleaning up from oil based paint (it's a chore) so we got a medium cost brush (about $5) and threw it away when we were done with it. I used general handles from Lowes and the color on the inside of the drawers is Valspar Turquoise Tint 5006-10B.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Adirondack Chair Plans with a few changes

This was my version of Ana's chair. I made it just like the plans put bit wider for the of 1x6 back. I made it into a shark chair for my Grand Daughter.

Comments

Barnwood wall

Dear Ana White: Please stop posting cool - “must do” projects on your website … you’re killing us.

After we saw Ana White’s posting for her pallet wall http://ana-white.com/2015/02/free_plans/pallet-wall-hgtv-saving-alaska , we knew we had to augment our guest bedroom with this concept.

Before we began this project, we really didn’t have any idea how expensive “rustic” was or how complex “random” could be.

Mostly, we used 1 type of reclaimed barn wood and stained it with 3 different colors as well as using the natural un-weathered side to add color contrast. For added variety, we used some leftover reclaimed barn wood from a previous project spattered throughout the design.

This was really a fun project. Barn wood is very forgiving and user – friendly. Each piece of barn wood is unique in itself, very much like a snowflake, from being weathered in the elements.

We finished the room off with closet sans door, picture frame & nightstand.

The GOOD news is that we are now out of reclaimed barn wood and we can’t build anything else.
Thanks, Ana! You have helped us make our guest bedroom a special place for our visitors.

Estimated Cost
$1,000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Leftover stains from other projects
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Butcher Block Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/19/2021 - 03:56

My own take on this build:
https://www.ana-white.com/community-projects/butcher-block-kitchen-isla…
I used a pre-made butcher block top from Home Depot. I did have to cut it down to 2ft by 3ft
Legs were premade from tablelegs.com. I wanted solid legs and didn't want the hassle of shopping fo 3 inch thick lumber.
Drawer is Tiger Maple with plywood bottom, and the rest of it is Hard Maple.

I made a high speed style build video here-
https://youtu.be/iS5wN_CUrEk

Comments