Community Brag Posts

Childrens table and chairs

We built Two children's table and 8 stackable chairs for one of our daycare's. It took a lot of work but once we figured out the first chair it was a breeze for the other 7.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We stained the wood in a Cherry Stain and finished with multiple coats of Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

timh

Sat, 02/08/2014 - 15:54

Awesome! I built one for our homeschool and it works great. Yours look very nice.

Vertical Herb Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/10/2016 - 20:04

Used your plans but make changes to the planters since I do not own an angle machine.  They look great and the cost was less than $30

Estimated Cost
$28
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck screws
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

NextGreenLife

Tue, 05/30/2017 - 14:33

Can appreciate wanting to do projects but not having all the necessary fancy tools.  I need to make two of these anyway (one to give away), so going to steal this idea to make it a wham-bam quick job!

Front Door Storage Bench

My bench sits outside my front door to welcome visitors and provide a place to set your packages while unlocking the door! I made it two years ago, and it's weathered three Baltimore winters with out repainting. I'll probably sand t and repaint it this spring. Folks are always asking where I bought it, and I give all the credit to Ana White, your site and your wonderful furniture ideas!

Jim Dupree

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Twin Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by uncdrum on Sun, 02/16/2014 - 19:14

My dad and I built this twin farmhouse bed for my three-year-old son. I used no-mortise bed brackets from Rockler Woodworking and modified the plan by adding slat brackets mounted directly to the rails with 1x3 slats.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin-Williams 'Naval' in satin finish (three coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Under Stair Pantry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/15/2023 - 18:40

Our tiny cottage pantry is complete! We followed Ana-White's 2x4 Storage Shelving modified to fit.

Materials:
Paint: Behr Whisper White
Vinyl tile: Armstrong Terracotta Clay
Ceiling: Beadboard
Plans: Ana-White 2x4 Storage Shelving (modified)

 

Built from Plan(s)

Modern Adirondack Chairs

We love how these modified 3-panel adirondack chairs turned out! The pillows were from Costco- $15 for a two pack.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The color used is Relentless Olive (SW 6425) from Sherwin Williams. These chairs got a coat of exterior primer and were finished with one quart of green high-gloss exterior enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Mother's Day First Build - "Cameron" Vintage Storage Dining Table

Submitted by meggrs on Sun, 05/20/2012 - 17:04

This wasn't my first DIY project but it was my build from this side and first real woodworking project and it's been the most satisfying to date. I made this table for Mother's Day for my mom who has been dreaming of the PB Cameron fixed trestle dining table but couldn't take the hefty price tag. Things I changed: - I added the "pegs" on the table ends to make it look more like the PB version. They are just 1/2" round wood plugs glued to the trestles. - I was going to add two more tabletop braces underneath (again to make it more like the PB version) but I cut one of them incorrectly so I just added on more in the middle. I'm turning the boo-boo lumber into a yarn swift; waste not. Things I learned: - If the wood is going to be stained and varnished, shell out for the *good* stuff. I had to put on way to many coats of polyurethane to make the cheapo pine boards smooth enough even after I had dampened it to raise the grain and sanded it. - Don't believe the stated length of the boards you buy. 36-inch boards are actually 36 inches and a bit. I ended up having to disassemble and re-cut my tabletop supports. - Practice with your jigsaw if you haven't made curved cuts before to see how tightly you can turn. Luckily I had extra ply to make another couple trestles after I botched the first two...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160 for materials
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Table base:
- Stained edges with Minwax Dark Walnut.
- Two coats Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.
- One coat Annie Sloan clear soft wax.
- Distressed edges with sandpaper to show stain underneath.
- One final coat Annie Sloan clear soft wax and a good buffing.

Tabletop:
- One coat Varathane wood conditioner. (Pine takes stain unevenly without it.)
- Three coats Minwax Dark Walnut.
- 18-million coats Minwax Semigloss Polyurethane. (It seemed like it anyway.)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tracysmith

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 21:33

I've had to learn some of those things myself since I started building a year and a half ago. Sometimes it's frustrating and even costly, but when you learn it, you learn it and you never have to again. haha Unless you're really a gluten for punishment. ;-) Good job and thanks for sharing with us some of those lessons learned.

Vintage pew bench alteration

Submitted by Wnolan on Mon, 03/17/2014 - 11:16

I needed additional seating for my dining room table and wanted something a little unusual. When I saw the vintage pew bench, I loved it. After looking at the plans, I determined I could alter the arm height so we could use it at our dining table. Now that we have moved, we no longer need it at our dining table, so it now sits in our entry. It has been a great multifunctional piece.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
less than $100.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Miss Mustards Seed's Milk Paint with a clear coat of wax and an antiquing glaze over that.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Tue, 03/18/2014 - 10:44

Amazing Pop of Color, Love the Bench! Is that a print or painting, may I ask where you found it?

Wnolan

Mon, 03/24/2014 - 13:25

Thanks Ana! It is a painting. I bought it in South Korea while we were living there.

I may be able to track a canvas down for you, though. You would have to get it stretched...it would be too large to ship. I have a friend who is living there now. ;-)

Kae429

Sun, 09/20/2015 - 16:44

What's the new arm height? I'm going to TRY to adapt this to a 60" bench with two drawers, and the lower arms.

Seasonal And Holiday

King Size Platform Bed

Submitted by hawaiitara on Sun, 06/03/2012 - 20:09

After building my daughter's beds and some outdoor day beds, I finally got around to building a bed for my husband and I. I altered the plans to a king size bed. I added a second 2x4 in the middle for support and around the inside edges as I used the box springs to make the bed taller. Using the kreg jig really made this project so easy. I also used 1x8's instead of 2x8's because I couldn't find those in Hawaii anywhere, except pressure treated wood. It still turned out great.
Thanks for the wonderful plans!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used cabot stain in antique walnut with a cabot satin poly over it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Katie Saldivar (not verified)

Mon, 06/25/2012 - 19:40

I LOVE this bed! I'm asking my husband to build it and I was wondering if you could email me the dimensions for the plans of a king size Chestwick Platform bed? I'm pretty sure he could figure them out on his own, but I'd love to make it easier for him :) Love your work!

Larryshandywife

Wed, 08/22/2012 - 23:04

Whats the point of sharing projects with people when they dont leave the dimensions????............How stupid!!!

sgilly

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 08:25

For sharing. It's beautiful, and how smart you are to work from existing plans but be able to figure out the dimensions you need for your own bed!

Farmhouse Bed - King Size

Submitted by steezyken on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 10:30

Relatively simple project. Just follow the the directions step-by-step and there will be no issues finishing in a day. Have to start early if planning to stain and complete in the same day.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Applied Dark Walnut Miniwax stain for 10-15 minutes followed by an Oil Based Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ultimate Shoe Cabinet

Submitted by CherylMack on Sun, 06/24/2012 - 21:34

This was our very first project made from the plan Shoe Shrine Shelves submitted by Anna White with a few variations. The middle, short cabinet was made from left over pieces using the same dimensions as the taller shelves. The width was determined using the mirror dimensions. The mirror was my husbands genius idea! It was an old mirror just sitting around in our garage, he sanded it down, primed with Kilz and painted Antique White to match. He also suggested the trim stripes on the front (painted Pure Black for contrast) to give the cabinet some unique character! This piece can really be designed many different ways to suit your specific needs. I LOVE it and can't wait for our next project! Thanks so very much Anna!!!

Estimated Cost
$450-500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique White (overall)
Pure Black (accent pieces)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

shanemoma

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 16:14

Wow...this is totally amazing. This is definitely going on my list of projects!! Great job.

A-Frame Chicken Coop (with modifications)

Submitted by anniejw17 on Mon, 07/02/2012 - 18:39

We followed the plans for the A-frame chicken coop very closely, and then modified it a bit at the end.

1. Trim was added to two doors on each side, as suggested. They are secured with latches at the top, more to keep them from falling open than to keep critters from getting in. We used 2x4x10's instead of 2x4x8's on the middle horizontal rail, giving us foot-long handles on each side. My husband and I are able to move the coop about 15 feet at a time, which is pretty good considering it is STURDY!

2. We used 1/2" galvanized hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, as suggested by one commenter (and lots of others in blogland).

3. I cut 1/4" plywood to fit the loft space and coated it with vinyl stick-on tile. This should make it easier to clean. We didn't screw down the plywood, so if we have to, we can remove it to hose it off/scrub it.

4. I cut a triangle of plywood to make an egg door at the end of the roost. It hinges at the bottom (with a 2x4 ripped into a 1x4 to cover the hardware cloth and provide a mounting spot for hinges) and latches at the top. I plan to use cotter pins or something to secure the latch. There is also a piece of untreated 1x4 held in place with tabs at the egg door to prevent bedding from falling out once it's converted to the nesting box (I'm planning to get pullets, not ready to lay yet, so they won't even have a tempting nest box)

5. There was no bottom door in the plans (to allow free-ranging), so I cut a piece of 2x4 to make a triangle against the bottom (same size as the egg door). It folds out (just like the egg door) and will allow the chickens easy access to the yard. We do have hawks in our neighborhood so free time will always be supervised. We also have a dog (who I coaxed into the coop for the main picture, haha!) who will need supervising. She's been around chickens before but you never know what will make her turn on them!

6. There was also no roost in the plans (although if you look at Ana's coop, there is a 2x4 across the middle of the side walls). I had a leftover closet rod, so I mounted that in the covered section parallel to the ladder. The ladder was shifted to the side. For the ladder, I just used a piece of cedar fencing and cut 2 48" dowels into 4 pieces each, and secured those with screws from the underside. I hope my chickens will be able to get up the ladder!

7. I also made a tube feeder from PVC and a dog bowl, and am working on a nipple waterer. Will update post when those are finished!

Now I just have to get some hens! I've been searching craigslist and can't wait!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished except for plywood floor (vinyl stick-on tile) and plywood doors (white exterior acrylic paint)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kids Adirondack

Submitted by jarsofclay on Mon, 04/28/2014 - 14:02

I started msking tgese for my kids and couldnt stop. first was the sonic and princess then spiderman then batman and last the brave chair.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint lots of fun painting
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Storage Daybed with Trundle Drawers + Storage Headboard and Hutch

I combined Ana's plans for Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawers and a Storage Headboard with a Small Hutch.

This is my 3rd daybed with storage drawers. It's such an easy build and gives so much extra space. The entire project took about 40 hours. I used Minwax stain in Classic Grey and three coats of polyurethane. For the drawers, I used 1.5" casters. I drilled a hole through the back of the headboard to feed cords through. Then I put the whole thing in the back of my truck and drove 500 miles for the final assembly. :)  In the provided photos, some of the pieces are flush because I hadn't permanently attached them. 

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Playhouse Loft Bed

Submitted by BethStew5 on Wed, 07/18/2012 - 22:12

This is my first build from this site! I used 6" boards to give the siding a plank look rather than using plywood. To make the height work, I used 8" boards for both the top and bottom planks. I also made the door a little taller. Other than that, I followed this plan step-by-step. It was very easy to follow and I really enjoyed making this bed. My daughter (and my sons) really enjoy it!

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

Rustic Console - my first project

Submitted by loulie on Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:51

Rustic console -first project..plan on adding X to ends

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top is the infamous steel wool vinegar solution with wipe on poly
Left the shelves as is since the wood was so pretty
The rest is a combo of vinegar stain, then a custom mix of gray paint wash and emerald green...♥love it!.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Raised bed planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/02/2020 - 16:36

Hey Ana,

I saw your raised bed planter and decided to tackle it for ourselves. It measures 2'x8' and stands 28" to the bottom of the planter. I used redwood fencing for the sides and bottom at a cost of $1.79 each. I didn't use the wire mesh for the bottom but drilled 1/4" holes in the redwood fencing for drainage.

Thanks for the idea!!

Mike Howell

Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I left ours in it's natural state
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Headboard and Planked Wood Bedside Tables

For this project, I made the headboard from the Farmhouse Bed plans. I omitted one of the 1x6 slats to fit to my metal frame. I made two planked wood bedside tables with shelves and I created a lift top bench that was inspired by both the bed, and the side tables. Finally, I threw together a blanket ladder using 2x3s.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr off the shelf white in Satin, and shou sugi ban with Maker Brand simple finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tall Farmhouse Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/02/2024 - 11:34

 am thrilled with my new headboard. The plans made every thing about this project FUN and DOABLE. I'm a 70 year old Granma who loves to DIY. SO fun to show my photos of what I did ALL BY MYSELF! THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL PLANS! With out them my pretty new headboard would never have happened. WHAT FUN. I mounted an LED picture light fixture on the top for reading in bed and mounted the corded on off extension cord switch to the side of the leg for easy on off ! Again, THANK YOU!

Cheryl King

Sawhorse Writing Desk

Submitted by EndGrain on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 19:53

This was a fun project to do. I am going to add a piece of 24 x 24 sheet metal to the top of it to serve as a smooth flat area to write on. I didn’t have any 1 x 3′s on hand so I ripped several 2 x 4′s down to 1 x 3 which is where I came up with the 1 x 2′s that are running across the top. I’m working on imagineering a chair to go with it, I will post pictures of that as well when I get it put together. If you have a questions or comments feel free to post.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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