1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Built-in Bookshelves

Submitted by seeca13 on Sat, 10/05/2019 - 13:34

I built this project in 6 separate pieces before installing it in our home. I pulled the baseboard and attached it to the wall to give it a built-in feel.  For the majority of the project, I used 3/4" plywood with the exception if 1/4" plywood for the back of the shelves as well as the centers of the cabinet doors.  For the trim, I used select pine boards.  I had to work around an airconditioning vent that was in the floor.  I was able to divert it to run out the bottom of the bookcase. 

This build is loosely based on the Willy Bookcase.  I actually found another brag post on the Willy Bookcase that was immensely helpful in constructing my project.  I'm so grateful for the brag boards!  Instead of fixing all of the shelves like the Willy, I used a Kreg shelf pin jig to make the shelves adjustable.  The shelf that lines up with the TV is fixed for stability. 

The estimate below covers all of the wood, paint, screws, hardware, etc.  For fun, I'm including an in progress photo to illustrate the process.  Thanks for looking!

Also, a note - this is a relatively easy project, however, I listed it as "intermediate" because of the cabinet doors.  They definitely made it more complicated!

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Pine 1x12 Bookshelves
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams paint custom matched to trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

From Logs to Famhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 18:45

So this DIY Farmhouse Style Table has been on my “make it” list for a while now. And what better time to make it than now, since we just got a saw mill. Check out the blog link below to read all about it.

Blog Link
https://www.bearcreekdc.com/single-post/2019/10/09/From-Logs-to-Table
Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American Stain
Minwax Polycrylic Clear Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday
Fall
Thanksgiving

Modern Dining Table

Our extra long living/dining room was just begging for a little definition. So I scoured all of Ana White's plans for some inspiration for the perfect-for-us table. I have never built anything, so I enlisted the help of my genius dad and we got to work!

We ended up using elements of the Modern Outdoor Patio Table and the Farmhouse Table. We sized the patio table down to six feet long and used the board layout from the farmhouse table for the table top. We also changed up the table legs a bit to add some visual interest.

After tackling the table, we built the banquette and beadboard wall. I never thought I would learn so much about power tools. Ha! This project was so much fun. Thank you for the free plans!! I can't wait to work on our next project!

You can read more about our table here: ‎ http://www.becomingwhitney.com/dining-area-progress/ ‎
here: http://www.becomingwhitney.com/it-is-finished/
and here: http://www.becomingwhitney.com/christmas-cheerin-it-up/ ‎

Blog Link
Customized Modern Farmhouse Table
Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Patio Table
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded this baby within an inch of its life. I chose not to use a wood conditioner because I wanted a rough look, and I adored the unevenness of the stain in some areas. I put on one heavy coat of Minwax Espresso stain with a rag. I used a teeny paintbrush to get the legs and between the planks of the table. Then I sealed it with a semi-gloss water-based poly. I put five coats on the table top and sides and three coats on the legs. It gave it a great finish, but isn't too shiny in person.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:15

The fabulous thing about DIY is how you can modify a plan to suit your needs. You and your dad have built a one-of-a-kind that can be handed down to future generations. Love the style and finish. Keep up the good work!

Whitney Gothra

Tue, 01/14/2014 - 08:37

Thank you, Linda! That is one of my favorite aspects of DIY - the options are unlimited!

Island Organizer Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:42

Hello, Ana.

This is my first share and I plan to share more eventually. First, please know how much I appreciate your willingness to share with and motivate your followers. Thank you.

As for the cart I am sharing, I do not have any plans other than the ones that were in my head so the cart would fit under the stainless steel top. My wife wanted more surface and storage space next to the electric stove in our camp here in Maine. We purchased a used stainless steel table from a restaurant supplier, removed the legs, and prepared the underside of it so it would attach to the cart. In case it is not clear from the two photos, one end is for her cookbooks, the opposite end has a place for the garbage can and a drawer for various kitchen necessities. One long side has drawers where she puts pots and pans. The other side has a place for her to hang her heavy iron fry pans.

I learned a lot from making this and I'm happy to share it with you.

Frank

Built from Plan(s)
Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand

easiest daybed turned floating twin beds

we love ana's plans, and we love the way this one was executed by the bumper crop. check out more pics of our girl version and how we did it at http://www.iwantbdphotography.com/archives/2661

Blog Link
sunshine girls room makeover
Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Hanging Daybed
Estimated Cost
$90 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none :) gutsy for a kid's room. not sure how they will hold up, but we just love the raw unfinished look
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Herb & Flower Ladder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/09/2016 - 15:06

Living on a small city plot, this vertical ladder planter was just what I was looking for to grow my herbs and flowers. I am not an experienced builder but the plans were easy to follow. It didn't take me much time at all to complete this project. Now I am looking forward to fresh herbs and flowers all summer.

Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Vertical Tiered Ladder Garden Planter
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rugged Outdoor Table

Submitted by cdrum89 on Thu, 03/06/2014 - 06:05

Ok I decided to construct my very first project - a small outdoor table that would look a bit ancient mostly because the need for it in my house has been screaming since I could remember. I would selfish to say that I did it alone but I got a bit of help from my hussy. I'm happy that the kids love it and all struggle to have lunch on it.

Blog Link
Idea from these lovely blend of office furniture
Built from Plan(s)
Slatted Outdoor Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Coated with a transparent paint/thinner as I wanted to keep it a bit raw.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft bed for Wyatt

Submitted by Quartney on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 11:47

I did this project 99.97% alone (if you call "alone" with a 1-year old and 3-year old nearby). This was a challenging project that took longer than expected (one full week, working well into the night after the kids went to sleep). I used furring strips for the 1x3s and 1x4s. They cost about $2 less per board! Total cost of this project includes paint, screws, etc.

Built from Plan(s)
How to Build a Loft Bed
Under Loft Bed Tall Bookcase
Estimated Cost
$240.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zinsser BIN primer, followed by Sherwin Williams semi-gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

John Hopkins (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 20:40

I have been looking for something similar to this but with a futon in the bottom. Anyone seen plans for such a critter?

Fireplace Mantle with Drawers and Hidden Storage

Modified plans to include game storage drawers, a flip open mantle for DVD player and hidden charging port, and hidden cupboards on both sides for DVD storage. I scoured the Internet for months before drawing this up to fit my space and tackling all on my own! I love it and all of my other Ana White inspired projects!

Casey O.

Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Shiplap Fireplace Tutorial with Free Plans and Video
Seasonal And Holiday
Christmas Decor

Pallet Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 08:55

All of the wood is recycled from pallets. The hardware is also recycled from old kitchen cabinets. All sides of the cabinet are paneled with planks of pallet wood. The plans were awesome to follow! After a certain point though, I had to go rogue because I was using different wood. 

Built from Plan(s)
Office Cabinet
Estimated Cost
maybe $25 because I had to add to our supply of stain & shelac to finish
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zar oil-based Rosewood
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by jhavinga on Thu, 05/22/2014 - 16:31

Second project ive completed from Ana White, and I am very happy with how this bed turned out! The only thing I would fix would be the finish, I wanted it a bit whiter. not so creamy. Otherwise very quick and easy fun project to do. =)

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bed - Standard King Size
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of a basic latex white paint.
Then I sanded down just so raised grains would become exposed.
1 coat of dark walnut stain (wipe on with cloth)
Done.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

jhavinga

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 16:34

Thank you for sharing all of these awesome projects. I was always hesitant when it came to wood, but now I cant seem to stop!

jhavinga

Wed, 06/11/2014 - 13:43

(You can do all this before or after your project is put together or not.)
Be sure to do a test piece before hand so you can see exactly what your getting :)

The first step I did once the head board and foot board were put together, was to sand any sharp edges or corners. I liked mine rounded and worn looking. I did not sand anything else.

Second step is to paint 1 even coat of a basic white latex paint.

Third step is to sand away some white paint. because we didnt sand it before hand the grains in the wood will be very bumpy. so the paint on the grains will sand off while the paint lower than the grain will remain. makes sense? hopefully i explained that right!

Fourth step is to now wipe on the stain of your choice. I went with Dark walnut. It stains the paint a bit bringing the white to a gray/brown tone. and stains the wood dark walnut so the grain patterns show up dark.

Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!

jbogan15

Thu, 01/29/2015 - 07:49

What grit of sand paper did you use to sand off the white paint? and did you sand it by hand? Also, for the dark walnut stain, did you wipe off immediately or leave it on for a bit before wiping? Beautiful bed, I want to achieve this look!

jhavinga

Fri, 02/06/2015 - 09:15

Hi jbogan15, thank you!
For sanding I used a palm sander with 120 grit to get the job done a bit quicker, than went over lightly with 220. When staining I actually just dipped a rag in the stain and would wipe the stain on. =)

Good luck!
Justin

kosborn

Fri, 01/27/2017 - 11:05

Love this look! Exactly what I am trying to achieve...A few questions about the side rails. How high did you connect them to the 4x4 posts and exactly how did you connect them? Did you use brackets or screw right into the posts? Thank You!

barkleyl

Thu, 09/05/2019 - 15:07

I have seen several beds from Anna White. I was wondering if the frame require a box spring mattress or not. If not, are the beds lower than what a traditional mattress and box springs are. Thanks ! 

Make Beachy Style Picture Frames From Fence Wood

Submitted by ananda on Wed, 06/18/2014 - 23:32

These picture frames are inspired by furniture and frames made from
reclaimed boat wood which came from fishing villages in many parts of
the world. The frames here are made from readily available materials – the humble fence wood boards, some stores call it lathe. An 8' long piece only cost $1-$2. The complete detailed tutorial is here- http://www.apieceofrainbow.com/diy-make-beachy-style-picture-frames-from-fence-wood/

Blog Link
Make Beachy Style Picture Frames From Fence Wood
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
I chose a palette of subdued blues, greens, a little yellow and white. I like acrylic paints because they are non-toxic. Mixing colors becomes a lot easier with the guidance of the fan deck.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen island

Submitted by deadspuds on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 20:36

Built this island off your coffee table plans...love this sight thank you.

Estimated Cost
200
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Enclosure with Raised Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/20/2024 - 07:39

I finished my first project. Although there are some cosmetic errors, I think overall it’s amazing. We had a lot of wood left behind by the builder of our log home. So, I was able to use a lot of that. I made some adjustments to the height of the boxes to help the back!

Michelle M - Jefferson, NC

Built from Plan(s)
Garden Enclosure
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Camp loft with side stair

Submitted by Theresa W on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 16:15

I finally decided I was going to make the fort bed for my daughter and was about to print off the materials list to take to the lumber yard and the junior height camp loft was front and center on the webpage. Though significantly more bed, it looked perfect my little girl. We really wanted her bed high enough to avoid the only heating vent in the room and didn't want to lose the floor space for play, this seemed to be an ideal fit. When I finally put the bed together I realized that keeping the staircase as in the original plans resulted in a bowling alley sort of space left over. It was awkward and really shrunk the room as the 'alley' wasn't usable for much of anything. I played around a little bit and my husband and I decided that we would put it on the side. It fit perfectly to the wall and was much more space efficient for the room. I am a little nervous about the new openness of the deck portion, but both kids have found it a fun place to read and pretend fish. It was my first project of this size and I did everything until the final assembly by myself and I am so glad to have done it. It took more time than I imagined, but again I am a true novice.

I really wanted it stained so that it would camouflage the wear a little better, but I had a great deal of trouble finding a low VOC stain in my town. I used the lowest I could find and a low VOC water based poly. It matches her dressers and trim nearly perfectly. Her older brother likes the bed so much that nearly everyday he tries to convince her that she wants to switch beds with him.

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$100-$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zar UltraMax low VOC stain in Golden Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Back