Community Brag Posts

Batten Boards

This project was pretty easy up until the nail hole patching, caulking, and sanding. It was still pretty easy, just time consuming. However, if you want something to look nice, it is going to take some time. Bottom line, my wife was ecstatic with her new bedroom and that's good enough for me. It went from bedroom to master suite.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Liv's Playhouse Kitchen

Built this play kitchen to go in Liv's new Playhouse, also courtesy of Ana's plans. It's about 1" too wide to sit on the floor so we raised it up on a plank so it rests on the studs. A co-worker told me I can get replacement knobs for the stove at Sears and plan to make a trip there on my next break. The faucet is a real one my mother found in her basement from their bathroom redo. She loves it! We "bake" cupcakes from the sandbox in her new house everytime we're outdoors. She did, however, request a microwave after we'd finished the whole thing! This spring I hope to make one. I see that Pottery Barn Kids sells them for over $50!! You know that's crazy if you've come across Ana's website :)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ACM

Wed, 02/13/2013 - 16:49

This is so adorable! Love the colors. We were thinking of making one for our granddaughter to keep at our house. You've inspired me.

Wine Bar Christmas Gift

Submitted by Amanda R on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 19:21

I built this in my spare time over a couple weeks.  I am really happy with the results.  It was easier to build than I expected, considering this was my first builf that has a drawer. I am wanting to build the storage bed, and I am trying to get a few practices in with drawer making first.  We draw names for Christmas in my husbands family and I drew the name of a wine lover.  I hope she likes it!

Estimated Cost
Less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Carrington stain and two coats of Polycrylic in semi-gloss finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Child's arbor bench

Submitted by ppd142 on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 22:06

After painting this bench, I customized it by adding the child's name, as well as some other art to it using black acrylic paint.  Turned out awesome!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen Island

Submitted by loritabor on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:48

I used and modified the easy kitchen island plans. I put a back on it and extended the top to accommodate bar stools.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden oak stain with a polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Miaya39047 on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 21:15

The table took us about 6 hours to cut and put together. The cost was about 65.00. I used the walnut min wood station and did 2 coats. Lots of coats of polycyrlic. Love this table.

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

Comments

Sand box

Made in South Africa. Have a cutting list which takes into account our timber lengths.    I made it on my own on my dining room table. I did the tops and then transported it in a flat pack in my car to the farm (4 hour drive) and completed the assembly and placement there. I painted it with wood preservative before I started to ensure that it was all coated. As we were placing it on a covered veranda I stapled 100 micron black plastic to the base. It is perfect for outside as the lid ensures that all animals and other creatures are kept out of the sand. I used washed sand for the box as the kids using it are toddlers and it is a good idea to include bulk coarse salt to keep creepy crawlies out.

It is perfect for mommies to sit with their toddlers as the seats are a comfortable height!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
R1500
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Any stain or varnish you like. Can also be painted.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beautiful Modern Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2017 - 10:56

I added black accent brackets to this project to give it a more unique feel. Love it!

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My X desk with drawer

Submitted by MSteed7931 on Sat, 01/23/2021 - 08:11

Here is my version of Ana White's X desk with a drawer. This desk was made out of poplar wood.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Counter Height Pub Table

Submitted by adecesare4 on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 10:59

After searching for a table i liked in stores the ridiculous prices for real quality tables made me just resolve it by building one myself. I have three boys under 10 so i knew I also wanted it to be sturdy and resistant to as much wear and tear as possible. Therefore I chose to use oak for this project...although more expensive it is so much harder and will hopefully last longer :)

ok, so I used some examples that Ana posted and some customer projects and combined them to create this table. I also made stools to match and so thankful I did (another brag post) because they are very sturdy with no tipping factor like regular store bought stools.

I probably spend a total of $600 on the table and 6 stools, but it was swell worth it and you cant buy a table like this in the stores for less than $1200 and that is with crap laminate wood that chips and then its ruined. So I feel this was a smart investment (plus I get the enjoyment and fulfillment of making it )

I did not finish painting the leg portion yet, but love the way it is turning out...I did by the Kreg jig finally as well and it is well worth the investment! so much easy, and secure joints.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Traditional Cherry
Minwax Polyacrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

James' Castle Loft Bed

Submitted by hmkeith11 on Fri, 12/26/2014 - 09:04

We built this bed for my three and a half year old son and gave it to him for Christmas. He and also my almost two year old daughter LOVE it! We did modify the plans a little: we added a handle for getting into the bed from the stairs and also added more slats for support. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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

60" Barn Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 09:39

This is my #1, go to, piece to make and sell! I love these plans and I'm so grateful for Ana for posting them!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Professionally painted with Woodwright paint in Black with 20 sheen
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Washer/dryer stand

Submitted by Hoff84 on Wed, 02/20/2013 - 09:58

Built this from the plans on this site. I beefed up the top frame with 2 extra 2x4's

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Lots of sanding
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Desk & Hutch

Submitted by Wildlife26 on Mon, 12/29/2014 - 08:04

I was not able to get to this desk last year and thought my 15 year old teenage daughter had forgotten about it and was getting too old. Around Thanksgiving she made a comment with a sigh that it would never happen and she understood. I immediately went to work in the garage to have this ready on Christmas morning. She had no idea and was very surprised to find it near the Christmas tree!

Desk included a power strip with USB ports, an under the hutch light, magnet board & dry erase board w/ magnet markers to stick on the magnet board.

Thank you so much for putting these plans on-line.

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

Comments

Nitzan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 14:04

I love this plan, it was easy to follow. 

I live in Israel, so had to translate to centimeters. 

I made the X from 2 full pieces, cutting a half width dado. Found it easier to assemble. 

Few minutes after placing it in the house front, a friend suggested buying it....

Thanks

 

Estimated Cost
300 NIS, it's about 83$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chalked rustoleum,
With Yacht Varnish Matt top.
It made the bench a bit too yellow, but the result is still nice
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Modern Farmhouse Writers Desk

Made this for my wife who is an English teacher. I renovated a spare room into her an office space. She loves the desk.

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain
Helmsman spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

LuckyGirl

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 03:27

Creating a cozy and functional workspace with the modern writers desk has transformed my writing experience. And with help of useful reviews from https://paper24.com/reviews I found the perfect tools to enhance my productivity and creativity. Now completing a difficult writing task no longer seems like a big problem to me.

Shanty Farmhouse Table brag

Submitted by malinoj on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:37

We were in need of a dining room table--we were hosting Thanksgiving and finally wanted a "grown-up" table! We are huge fans of Restoration Hardware, but not their prices. The Shanty plan was exactly what we were looking for! We love the table, the size is great for our dining room--we left the top at 8 ft. The finish is also what we were looking for; it is something like a weathered barnwood look, though now that the dining room is painted it comes across more steely blue-gray. Still, it is exactly what we were looking for.

We also made an accompanying bench, which you can see peeking out from behind. That has not made its way to the staining process yet, but we are now in the process of building the sideboard and hutch, so we'll just stain everything at once.

It was our 3nd project using Ana's plans and we love it!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat Minwax Jacobean, followed by 2 coats Minwax Classic Gray. Polyurethane (2 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

RH Inspired Shanty Sideboard & Hutch

Submitted by jhavinga on Wed, 12/31/2014 - 14:34

Have been wanting to build this for 6 months now and just havnt had the time. Finally completed it!
I made some small changes to the design, different trim layouts, different dimensions, and went with a plank look for the back of the hutch instead of a solid peice of 1/4" plywood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500.00. This price includes wood, stain, and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of Minwax Weathered Oak, then 1 coat of Minwax Special Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

In reply to by ehays216

jhavinga

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 22:48

Thank you ehays216! Ive looked at your Farmhouse Storage Bed a few times.. Have always wanted to try the Steel wool/Vinegar trick.

Cheers,
Justin

timberandsoul

Sat, 01/03/2015 - 07:40

Great job! The love how the color turned out. May I ask where you purchased your backdrop from? And what size it is?

Thanks!

In reply to by timberandsoul

jhavinga

Sun, 01/04/2015 - 16:09

Thanks a lot timberandsoul!
Photo was taken on an empty wall in my living room, Which is currently a light gray wall. thought it looked boring so I did a quick switch of backdrops in PS. I just typed in brick wall in google.

Cheers,
Justin

Singhs

Sun, 01/04/2015 - 16:27

What type of wood did you use, home depot/lowes regular pine or some specialty wood ?

jhavinga

Sat, 01/24/2015 - 13:08

Sure! the plans call for 2 solid sheets of 1/4 plywood for the backing.. I simply just ran the plywood through a table saw at 5.5" wide and brad nailed it the back. =)
The stain is weathered oak and let sit for 15min. Then right away special walnut and let sit for 15 min.
repeat until desired colour. let me know if you have any more questions!

Cheers,
Justin

Sschoono

Sun, 01/08/2017 - 07:33

How many coats did you have to do to achieve this look?  The weathered oak looks so light...and gray.

 

Thanks!

Painterlyrhett

Sun, 05/17/2015 - 19:40

What was your strategy on attaching the sideboard to the Hutch. I haven't seen where there is any instructions or conversation around this. What and how did you accomplish this and/or is there anywhere to go that discussed this that helped you.

Thanks,

My girlfriend loves it!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/29/2017 - 12:38

Very easy to build!! Looks great!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 18:00

Thanks Ana White, love the way my sectional turned out. Your plans are perfect for someone want to start building things around their house. You are an inspiration to women like me!!!❤️

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)