Community Brag Posts

Potting bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 10:46

I used redwood lumber, 2x4s and 1x6s only. I wanted the bench to be a little taller so I used 2x4x10s for the legs to make work surface 38” high and total height 66”. To get the most out of the 8’ 1x6s I made the bench 48” wide. I also had to adjust the depth since I did not use 1x4s. And finally, I sanded the 1x6s because they were rough sawn.
Very fun project! Once I figured out the adjusted cut list the whole project came together in a matter of a few hours.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Light sanding, No finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/17/2021 - 18:39

Thanks for the awesome plans Anna! God bless.

Eddie Jimenez

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

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.

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

Small Chicken coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 12:04

We built this to go right next to our stairs. The run has hardware cloth on 3 sides and then the side touching the stairs opens up to under the stairs so they have a bigger run.

We extended the floor so that it went all the way to the nesting box. We will be adding a nesting box to the wall by the cleanout doors rather than where the plans put the nesting box. We like that this gave us more square foot per chicken on floor space. Due to this change though we had to use interier hinges so the floor could slide in and out easily. We also added a door to the bottom so the coop could be locked seperately from the run. 

I wanted to turn the space where the planter box is into a storage space and may still do that later to store food, clean out supplies, and first aid supplies. We'll see! 

Estimated Cost
$500 This includes Cedar wood for all exterior wood, hardware cloth to cover everything and have a 12 inch apron under the coop, two colors of stain, shingles, big boxes of screws (we had a million leftover), hinges and locks with keys. We definitely went the expensive route but I think it will last us a long time and hopefully we've created a Fort Knox!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Stain Newberry Blue and Navajo White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wine oak barrel Adirondack chair

Submitted by Medickep on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 12:11

I got some oak barrels from a local vineyard and decided to try making some adirondack chairs. It was harder than I thought it would be, but well worth it!! The stain was a little darker than I thought it be, but it's rubbing off on me!

predrill, predrill, predrill, and learned a valuable lesson in predrilling, as solid wood under strain cracks easy when using 2 1/2" deck screws!

I need to whip out the nice camera and stop using my cell phone for finished products!

Estimated Cost
Around 100.00 dollars per chair (depends on cost of barrel!)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Cabot's Australian timber oil. Not the cheapest product out there, but they actually recommend one coat only and no sanding necessary for future coats. Once it stops beading water, just clean the chair and than reapply! It penetrates deep and forms a wax protective layer that repels water! This is why I chose not to varnish the item!!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 05/31/2013 - 05:16

I never heard of using wine barrels in this way! I love it. It came out fabulous!

Medickep

Fri, 05/31/2013 - 05:34

Thanks you. People make a lot of stuff out of wine barrels. Chairs, stools, Tables, candle holders, and even serving platters!

Joni

Fri, 05/31/2013 - 06:57

This is awesome! Very cool design. It looks very comfortable! Thanks for the tip on the Australian timber oil; I never knew what would be the best finish for an outdoor piece.

Joni

Fri, 05/31/2013 - 07:03

This is awesome! Very cool design. It looks very comfortable! Thanks for the tip on the Australian timber oil; I never knew what would be the best finish for an outdoor piece.

Medickep

Sat, 06/01/2013 - 11:38

It is very comfortable, especially with a glass of wine. I chose the finisher I did because I live in Oregon with a lot of rain!!

Why does everyone's post, including my own show up as duplicate?

Medickep

Sat, 06/01/2013 - 11:38

It is very comfortable, especially with a glass of wine. I chose the finisher I did because I live in Oregon with a lot of rain!!

Why does everyone's post, including my own show up as duplicate?

acd4476

Sun, 07/21/2013 - 17:05

Awesome chairs! Beginning to think I need to make some as well. Did you have plans for this project or follow a generic adirondack chair plan?

Outdoor sectional and table

Submitted by sarah252 on Fri, 10/15/2021 - 14:25

First time building anything. I think it came out pretty good! Thanks Ana white for the plans!!

Comments

Twin Farmhouse Bed and Trundle

We built this over the course of a couple of weekends. I think the key thing was making sure my 1x6's were the correct width before we began to cut all the other boards. There was a lot of trimming after the fact making the overall width 1/2" shorter than the plans. Some adjustments made to the original plans were...

 

1) Using decking brackets to support the plywood to the 1x8s on the trundle (super easy way to secure it)

 

2) Purchased side rail brackets exactly like the ones here from my local woodworking shop.

This makes the bed easy to disassemble because although I swear I'll never move again I'm not building the bed into the room.

 

3) Instead of casters on the bottom we used those plastic furniture sliders.  They were way cheaper and so slim. With the weight of the trundle wood and mattress they move flawlessly.

 

4) Since my daughter has a memory foam bed I was worried about sagging. We used small 1x? ripped in half along the inside of the side rails for a little lip and then 4 1x6's the width of the mattress to make supports and then laid plywood on top of that. 5) Cut down the headboard by 6.5" so that the mattress butted up against it.

Me personally I hate when there is a gap there for pillows to fall down in the middle of the night.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr paint and primer in one. Color: Annoyamous
http://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/780F-5
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Providence Bench

Hooray! I recently finished building a dining room bench. For this project, I used the Providence Bench plans by Ana White. I started this project in May, and two months later it is finally complete! I am really happy with how the bench turned out! It is pretty sturdy and makes for a nice addition to the dining room!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
ECOS Paint Woodshield Stain in Pine Needles and their Satin varnish
Rust-Oleum White Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner Cabinet Storage Shelf

Submitted by sssmile14 on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 19:32

We built this corner cabinet shelf in three days (only because it is over 100 degrees here, so we had to wait until 9:00 at night to work on it) for our office space. We love, love, love it and can't believe how nice my corner cabinet turned out. Only our second building project ever. :)

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz Satin Paint- Black
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kellerkb

Mon, 06/03/2013 - 21:20

Hello, I would appreciate help finding the plans for this project! Thanks!

cerberus456

Tue, 08/02/2016 - 14:54

I do cedar. Thank you very much for the drawings. This site is to become one of my favorites.

Greetings from Xalapa Veracruz Mexico

 

My rendition of a "Cold Frame"

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/29/2022 - 11:17

Hi, Ana.
I am loving your spot! I have not even delved into your recipes yet! I plan on making more than a few projects from your plans!

Comments

Cedar Slat Top Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 21:48

I really enjoy making this bench. I build them out of cedar and vary from 4’-6’. My customers love them. Simple prep work consisting of planing all boards to same dimensions can save a lot of time in sanding. Building 3 more this week. 

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Marshall's Crib Grandad's First

Submitted by pondrider on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 14:57

Delivered the nursury Furniture and have a very satisfied daughter preparing to bring our Grandchild into the world.

From Ariel "My sweet baby boy has the most beautiful nursery I've ever seen! I am so thankful for my father who hand built this furniture. It is definitely made with love and it's everything I dreamed of. I'm also thankful for my husband and brother in law who set up this entire nursery for me this morning. Thank you" 
I started with plans and inspiration and then added some creativity. For the legs on this crib I laminated three 1x4 poplar and used threaded inserts. #anawhite

Estimated Cost
between special hardware, screws and lumber $400. The picture that my daughter gave me a disired end product had a retail of $975.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Actually used Sherwin Williams exterior Stain custom
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

light02

Sat, 02/06/2016 - 03:53

Can you tell me the color stain you used its beautiful!! I can't seem to get this color quite right and I've tried many times.

Ckendall

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 09:20

My husband would like to build our son a crib and I love this one! Is there a way to get the plans?? 

daf3000

Mon, 11/07/2016 - 19:14

I like your husband really like and want to build this crib. However pondrider hasn't replied so i was wondering if he/she sent them to you by chance. 

niter

Thu, 06/30/2016 - 16:33

I love this crib and was wondering if there is plans for this.  I would love to build it for my sister!

pondrider

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 18:51

Folks I am going to tell you to suggest you get the frame and hardware at place called products america .They have a link to plans that were on a magazine web site for sale.  I got the plans but the crib you see only used those plans to get started. If you look at each side independently you will notice that you can build this with Free and better written plans for Ana-White farmhouse bed.  yes, you'll do a little modifying for the sides but as we build that is beauty of everything we build in that we build for the size we need.   The plans from build America will help with dimensions. The other key with a crib safety and the fact that it must be assembled and disassembled in the room.   The plans from build america will attempt to show how to install threaded inserts.  I found Youtube and other instructions to be much better. My build has fixed sides meaning the front and the back do not come down. And I did not set it up to be convertable.

Fireplace with recessed TV mount

Submitted by medicscott on Thu, 02/16/2023 - 07:46

This is a very custom fireplace that I built for my wife as a 40th wedding anniversary gift. It is built around a Samsung 55” Frame TV and a Vivo motorized mount. The motorized mount allows the TV to be lowered to a better viewing height than the standard above mantle position which is usually too high for comfortable viewing.

In order to maintain the flush mount effect with the TV in art mode, I recessed the mount into the fireplace. That required building a “back” frame for the TV mount then the outer frame for the surround. I covered the outer frame with ½” OSB then ship lap. The mantle and hearth is made from Poplar with walnut stain and Polyurethane satin top coat. The hearth opens for storage.

This was sourced from several different plan sets with a lot of customization and input from the Technical Support Staff at Vizo-US.

Comments

Ana White

Thu, 02/16/2023 - 09:46

Happy Anniversary!
This is a beautiful, well thought out project.
I was hoping someone would do the recessed mount, and you nailed it! It's so much better with the tv flush like yours.
Also love the motorized mount.
Thank you very much for sharing photos.
Ana

Outdoor hangout using 2x4 and fence boards

Submitted by sylvialh on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 18:13

Bought enough lumber for one sofa but ended up using old fence boards for the  decking so had enough lumber to make the sectional and a shortened coffee table. 

Great way to save some cash even if u have to buy the fence posts. 

Added a reinforcing piece to the one armed sofa between the legs using a kreg jig to stabilize the legs a bit more. 

Waiting on my foam from Amazon to finish off this project!

Used inspiration from the beer/wine cooler patio table and made the middle of the table removable to add a buck underneath later. 

Note the 5 year old patio set, also an ana white project from back in the day!

Super quick build!

I did find that the measurements for customizing it for your cushion size seemed about 1.5 inches too big for all the depth pieces so I sized down but I haven't received my foam yet so maybe I'm wrong but Smth to think about. I didn't want my cushions to slide around so I took that into consideration when building. 

Estimated Cost
60$ CAD for the high density foam for each sofa (3x24x72) plus throw cushions for the back.

11 2x4x10 - cost varies depending on cedar or PT
Fence boards were reused

Outdoor Fabric to cover the foam
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Claras Table and $4 stackable chairs sized for 18" Dolls.

Submitted by pjhaan on Mon, 12/26/2011 - 07:48

I decided to make the Clara table and the $4 stackable chairs for my daughters for Christmas. They were not for them though but rather for their American Girl dolls. I had to modify the plans to work for standard 18" dolls.

The Table:
It is a little taller than it should be but it allows the doll to fit under the table/apron while sitting in an appropriately sized chair (5" seat).

I also changed the length from 18" to 15 1/2" so the cuts could be made from a 4ft board.

3 - 1 x 6 @ 15 1/2" (Top) (1 @ 4ft)
4 - 2 x 2 @ 10" (Legs) (1 @ 4ft)
2 - 1 x 3 @ 10 1/2" (End Apron) (1 @ 4ft)
2 - 1 x 3 @ 9" (Side Aprons)

The apron is 1 1/2 inches. a 1x2 would probably work for the aprons too. You could then shorten the table legs by about an inch.

The Chairs:
The over all dimensions are now 12" H (back), 5 1/2" H (seat) X 6" W X 6 1/2" D

Cut List:
2 - 1×2 @ 4 1/4" (Side Aprons)
2 - 1×2 @ 5" (Side Supports)
3 - 1×2 @ 4 1/2" (Front Legs and Front Apron)
7 - 1×2 @ 6" (4 Seat Slats, 2 Back Slats and Back Apron)
2 - 1×2 @ 12" (Back Legs)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White paint. I used some Valspar paint on the table and one chair then decided it would take too long to get all the cracks and crevices. On the other three chairs, I used Krylon Spray paint. I put two coats of the spray paint on the first chair for better coverage.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

KAD050209 (not verified)

Tue, 10/09/2012 - 17:19

For the dimensions you have for the chairs... Is that to make one chair only? I so0o0o wanna make this for my DD! She'll love it!

Beginner Farm coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 05:27

I haven't done much wood working but I found Ana White's plan and followed along with her video. Was able to easily assemble this beautiful table in one afternoon. Next step, sanding and finishing. I'm definitely going to try more projects.

Comments

Corner Cabinet

Submitted by Chuck1522 on Mon, 01/13/2014 - 10:32

This was a corner cabinet I made. The purpose of this cabinet is to be used as a pantry. My kitchen is quite small, and in turn I was always having to sacrifice cabinet space for pantry items. Total man hours was about 20 give or take the occasional trip to HD or Lowes.

I found this project quite enjoyable. I don't have much of a workshop area so space was tight. I had to constantly move my tools around to make room for the cabinet while I built it.

The plans supplied by this website were simple and straight-forward. I didn't need any specialty tools or have to use any weird joinery. All in all I would give this project an 8 out of 10. There were a couple of areas I feel I can improve on.

After having posted this picture on several social media sites my friends took notice, Now I'm getting all kinds of requests. Not sure if I will entertain any. It's just nice to see a vision come to life.

Thanks for the taking a gander at my work.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Following the instruction on the bottle. I first applied three coats of wipe-on Teak Oil finish (Found at your local HD or big box retailer). Sanding with 220 between each coat. After all those coats were dry, about 72 hours, I applied two coats of wipe-on Polyurethane (again, found at your local HD). Before applying the last coat of wipe-on Poly I lightly rubbed the surface down with 0000 steel wool. This rubbing was done again after the last coat of wipe-on Poly was applied. I really feel this set the piece off and made it that much better. Be advised...I also used a tack cloth to remove any dust and debris between each coat of finish applied.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jake

Mon, 01/13/2014 - 15:50

I also built a corner cabinet from the same plans and yours is by far the best. You obviously have the patience it takes to get the best out of your project. Looking for more from you.

Ill Just Paint It

Tue, 04/08/2014 - 18:33

Thank you so much for your vision! I've been looking for the perfect corner cabinet for at least a year! All the other plans within these plans are ok and would've worked, but I just felt like I wanted something more. I am in love with your doors! They look great! I may make mine a bit larger, but will most definitely add doors the same way you did. Unfortunately, it's not on the top of my priority list, but it will be this summer!!! Great work!

Rachel
www.illjustpaintit.com

balloongal247

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 06:30

This cabinet is beautiful! I love the natural wood look, and I too think the doors looks great.

Colorful Custom Bedford Corner Desk with Live Edge Desktop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 20:41

I followed the plans pretty closely. I added dividers to make 3 drawer units but I didn't find it necessary to have the top shelf go all the way to the back since it would never function as a shelf. I used scrap pieces for that and they weren't big enough to be full shelves.

I used 1/2" MDF for the bottom, sides, and backs of the drawers to cut down on weight, cost, and general bulkiness. I used this free app called Cut List to figure out the easiest way to have the guys at Home Depot cut all the drawer panels after I learned I'm not that good with a circular saw. I used a hack saw to cut aluminum bars for hanging files and used scrap wood to make the little brackets to hold the bars upright in the drawer. The full extension drawer slides are functionally and asthetically better but it would have been so much easier to put in basic bottom mount slides. 

I wanted a wood grain top and ended up with common pine boards over more expensive poplar or oak and I would use pine again without hesitation. I used Google SketchUp to figure out the widths of boards I needed to make the top with minimal cuts. Then joined them with glue and mending plates and sanded the hell out of them. I altered the dimensions slightly to make it the same size desktop as the Bedford desk. My two wing sections are 23" x 23" but I should have made them 23" deep by more like 24" or 25" long. I had to hack the bottom bracing to make a spot for the drawer units to slide into. If you alter the dimensions make sure you can secure a brace between the main body and the wing of the desktop and still have room for the brace at the edge of the wing. 

My cost includes things like a Kreg jig, saw blade, clamps, paint brushes etc. so you may be able to do this for less. I could have gone with a middle of the line paint I think. This project was a beast for me because a) I'm not a furniture maker b) I don't own a table saw which would have been amazing c) I picked the hardest way to make the desktop and d) I modified some of the dimensions from the basic plans. I worked on this thing for weeks (granted sometimes I didn't touch it for several days or a week). But it was a fun and rewarding project. 

Estimated Cost
$500-$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee, Minwax wood conditioner, stain (honey) and stain poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Traditional Wood Toddler Bed with a Twist

Submitted by mikekmikek on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 10:34

I made the Traditional Wood Toddler Bed in a weekend and it turned out great! I did add a twist though: A chalkboard replaces the wainscot!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a chalkboark panel from Home Depot instead of the wainscot.
Used a hand router to round all of the edges to give it a softer feel.
Had to extend the length of the bed by 1/2" to accomodate a Greco toddler mattress. (Check your mattress size before you build!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate