Community Brag Posts

Ana's Loft bed w/o the stairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 12:38

I fell in love with the loft bed but thought the stairs stuck out too far for my daughter's room so I revampd the plan just a bit to add three 'stairs' in the platform rather than the standard stairs in the plan.

I got started on the project on a Friday night, got my cuts made, my pocket holes drilled and pieces sanded for an early start Saturday morning, everything went together like a dream - though it would have gone MUCH faster if I had had a second set of hands; I had to balance all of the long peices on other peices to try and get them attached and it took much longer than it had too! 

It was all together, the holes filled and first coat of primer on by Saturday afternoon - I used Zinsser primer so the knot's did not bleed through. Sunday morning I was painting and it was in place and decorated by Sunday night!

Great, easy to follow plans (as always) Ana - thank you, I have one VERY happy daughter!

Estimated Cost
Approx $150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 20:25

Thanks for the plans!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut
Minwax Gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outhouse Plan for Camping Property

Submitted by UncleMike on Wed, 04/28/2021 - 10:50

I built an an outhouse for my camping property in the PNW. The plans were great and easy to follow.

I did take the liberty of extending the the front wall to 8' still using the 15 degree roof line. I also wanted the option to shower during extending camping trips so I extended the floor and added one more back and side wall to create a shower house. With this design, I basically duplicated the side and back wall. Since I am in the middle of the woods, the Dutch doors were a last minute embellishment that I'm glad that I implemented in order to take advantage of the view!

For the shower, I used composite decking with 1/2" gaps for drainage and lined the inside with 6' lengths of corrugated metal roofing.

One additional note: I did build this on my back patio over a couple of weekends since my property is a fairly long drive from my home and about 2 hours round trip from the nearest hardware store. It broke down easily in about 30 minutes with 2 people and fit perfectly in the back of a full size pick up truck for the trip.

In summary, great plans and I love this site. Much appreciated and happy building!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
1200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used primed T-111 siding and finished with PPG "Cabin in the Woods" base (PPG1021-7) with "Mountain Forest" trim (PPG1130-7). For the redwood decking, I just used a Behr clear protectant and hit it with 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 13:31

Great bench

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

wood crate

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/08/2017 - 14:15

Hi Ana, found your page very informtive and very easy plans to follow. Made the crate to keep my vinly records in and was well pleased with the en result. Think I'll add some castor wheels to it once I've finished painting the crate,

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£18
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
home made stain Vinegar and steel wool
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sewing Table

Submitted by deschudon on Tue, 04/23/2013 - 07:34

We did it in MDF as suggested, used piano hinges, and changed the height to 36" because I'm used to work at counter height and wanted a larger surface, plus I don't mind sewing sitting on my stool. We had the store cut all the pieces, but this table is very heavy using this material. We also made the legs at 4" considering the weight. The only disadvantage of making it 36" high is that the legs will stick out once folded, unless you have the room and adjust the depth at 36" as well. I overlooked that detail but in the end, I don't mind since this table is stored away out of the view when not used. It did soak up a lot of paint... Already used it and it's great to have my space ready to use roll away, not having to clear the counter or dining table to work.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$144 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint, satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwk

Tue, 01/28/2014 - 05:11

Do you happen to have the new measurement layout for what you did????!!
I was trying to work it out, but math isn't my strongest suit!
Also-- did you consider making it wider so the legs wouldn't stick out??
(I am planning for plywood instead of mdf)
thanks!

Craft table with Oak Plywood and Chalk Paint

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/18/2017 - 09:29

As a solo and novice woodworker, it took me a while to get used to the pocket hole jig and longer to cut the wood myself but eventually it all came together.   To ensure I could get it out of the house if I move, I used circle 8 desktop fasteners to fasten the plywood top to the risers.  I am proud I finished and love to use the table now for both craft work and breakfast on the weekends.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Top is oak plywood finished with Danish oil.
Shelves are pine with Minwax oak stain
Paint is Valspar chalk paint: Kid Gloves for the outside and Bonnet Ribbon for the interior, all finished with Satin finishing wax.  
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

outdoor dining table

Submitted by kevinsauer on Thu, 05/09/2013 - 15:02

Weekend project, I used 4x4's instead of the 2x4's to give a heavier look, now off to buy a bandsaw to give them a 1/4" taper to give a more refined look.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax Aged Oak then 3 coats Teak Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dog food storage bench

Submitted by DianeS on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 13:30

This project came from a plan I recieved when I bought my kreg jig, not sure of it origins, it was awhile ago. I needed a place to hide dog food, biscuits are on the left and food on the right!

Estimated Cost
75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used the minwax goldon oak with a poly clear satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patio Table w/Built in Beer/Wine Cooler

Submitted by RoyBoy on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 06:58

After seeing the patio table with beer/wine cooler, I wanted to build this for my brother and wife who recently bought a house. I asked them if they were interested and of course they said yes. I modified the original plans by adding a 2x4 on each side of the cooler to make the table wider. I also made the legs out of 4x4 vs the 2x4s that were originally called for. I used redwood and then stained it and used a varnish for the final coating. I probably wouldn't use the varnish again for an outdoor table, because it looks like it should be an indoor table vs outdoor. Overall, I'm pleased with the results and the best part about it, I get to enjoy it every time I go over for a BBQ.

Estimated Cost
$225-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic Redwood Naturaltone Toner Exterior Stain
Cabot Spar Varnish Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Msharp1211

Wed, 07/03/2013 - 13:04

Awesome table, do you happen to have the measurements you used. I'd like to make the same table but I need the lumber yard to make the cuts.

Reclaimed Wood Headboard, Queen sized

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 17:34

My boyfriend and I wanted a calm relaxing beach feel at our Florida vacation home, however with kids in college and two getting married, we were on a tight budget.  We found these plans on Ana White's website.  He made the headboard and bench and I distressed it to make it look weathered.  We used Minwax Dark Walnut as a base,  let it dry over night,  and lightly wiped it down in the morning.  We then used Rustoleum "Chalked" in White Linen and applied it with a large stencil brush we found at Michaels craftstore.  We applied it almost haphazardly,  purposely making it look rough.  The chalk paint dries quickly.  We then brushed on some clear Americana creme wax.  We are very happy with the end result,  it was our first project build, and we nailed it.  Thanks. Ana!!!

Estimated Cost
It cost about 100 dollars to build both the bench and headboard. We also spent about 40 dollars on the medium to finish the headboard.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax: Dark Walnut
Rustoleum Chalked: White Linen
Americana Clear Creme Wax
(All the above purchased at Home Depot)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Raised Garden Planter

Submitted by Tamila on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 21:48

This was my first building project ever! It was so easy to do...the only problem was that we didn't have enough room for all the veggies we wanted to plant in our garden because we only built two! The plan is to build at least two more this summer!

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

Rustic X Console

Submitted by srodge1 on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 19:47

Built this for some dear friends ... turned out so pretty.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rory's House

In need of a replacement for my hideous (but large!) wire kennel, I was ecstatic when Ana posted plans for an end table kennel, just like the fancy ones in Sky Mall magazines! Once I got out of my first trimester of pregnancy, I enlisted a friend to help me out with the build. I spent a little too much on lumber (I accidentally purchased the good whitewood, as opposed to furring strips) but I'm chalking that up to pregnancy brain. After a million Kreg Jig holes, the assembly was maybe an hour or less to put all four sides together. We decided to paint the interior prior to assembly, and that was a good choice! I put the sides together with L-brackets, and honestly did a pretty poor job of it. But the main reason was to easily disassemble it should it need to be moved at some point. I splurged on the hinges and gate closure, and love love LOVE the finished product! These were great, well-laid out plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded it with 100, then 150. I gave the MDF edges a quick coat of DAP to smooth things out, then sanded with 220. It's painted with 4 coats of semigloss white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Herringbone Barn Door

Submitted by susanshamp on Fri, 05/01/2015 - 22:25

This DIY Herringbone Barn Door is used over a simple hallway opening to separate the maing living space from the kids' bedrooms. I searched this site and Pinterest for inspiration, and loved the herringbone and chevron patterns that I found. This door was made of reclaimed barn wood and wrapped in raw steel channel iron. Hope you enjoy!

Estimated Cost
$150 for the wood and steel, not including the rolling hangers and track
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Chair Bench

Very nice bench.  I have now made three.  This one is grey washed red cedar.  

Estimated Cost
170.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Grey Washed Flat Exterior paint, mixed 50/50 with water. Varathane Satin finish. Practice on scrap wood wiping on/off the grey paint to get the desired look. Polyurethane has a yellow hue, the varathane is crystal clear.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Folding Workbench

Submitted by suzeet305 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 18:32

I'm a beginner DIYer and I knew one day I was going to have to make a workbench. I made mine 24x48 so I wanted a little more support to hold up the drop down leaf. I searched your site and found another plan with these gatelegs and knew this is what I wanted. I love the way it came out. What do you think?

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Potting bench

Submitted by DianeS on Wed, 04/06/2011 - 14:04

I used the plan for the simple potting bench, but because I had  a lot of reclaimed wood, I used well supported 1x4's instead of 2x4's, simply because I had an abundance.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
10.00 for screws and the potting bin
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
just sanded a lot.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments