Community Brag Posts

My favorite TV console ever!

Submitted by Ash12bug on Fri, 11/07/2014 - 18:32

My husband and I were able to build this project one night after putting our kids down. It took us 3 1/2 hours to build. I love how long it is. I wanted a TV console that was pretty long and this one is 8 feet. It's perfect. We didn't change anything about the plans...except we haven't put casters on the bottom and I can't decide if we ever will. Thx for these plans Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
We went to a lumber yard and were able to get all the wood and lag screws for about $130
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Top- Early American wood stain and sealed with poly acrylic sealant.
Paint- Chalk dust mixed with Baer brand (off white) paint and sealed with hemp oil.
I sanded the paint before sealing it to give it the distressed look because I wanted to see some of the grains in the wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

TwoCuteKids

Thu, 11/20/2014 - 09:34

It looks fantastic! I love the finish and the impressive size. Your plank wall is amazing...I wonder is it tile or wood? Great job!

My Lucinda stroller

Submitted by penny58 on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 21:42

For the grandkids

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

Truss Dining Table

Submitted by omnia on Fri, 11/13/2020 - 10:55

Followed the plans pretty closely other than making it a tiny bit shorter to fit in the living room. The hardest part was just smoothing out the top because I could not find straight boards. ended up using a hand planer and a ton of sanding after it was put together.

Feels very solid.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Triple Doll Bunk Bed

Submitted by dananryan on Sun, 01/13/2013 - 21:18

My friend's 7 year old daughter custom ordered this bunk bed! She asked for a bunk bed for her 3 dolls and she even picked the color! I had a lot of fun building it and learned a lot in the process. As usual, finishing took longest. Lucky for me, my hubby likes spray painting :-)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats of Rustoleum Berry Pink spray paint, sanding btw. coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Two-Toned shabby chic 4X4 Truss dining Table and Benches

4c4 truss with dark walnut top 4" thick, base stained dark walnut with white wash and shabby etching.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut, white paint, matte pily
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

thewoodbuilder

Tue, 11/18/2014 - 04:55

I know right, i think looks even more amazing when seen in person.  I did 2 chairs to match as well. which i will load up now.  :0)

Sideboard / buffet table

My husband built this buffet table as a mother's day gift, for me. It matches my farmhouse dinning table, that he also made from Ann white's plans. He Installed soft closing drawers. It took him  about 17 hours. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$260
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by rhettar on Fri, 01/18/2013 - 20:59

I live in a small mobile home, so I didn't make the dresser as wide. I also used a little combo of the 2x4 look from the Rustic X Console (which I already made a modified version of) I liked the 2x4 look and I wanted the dresser a little sturdier because I was making it a little taller without a bottom shelf. It's 44" wide and 40" tall. I wanted a space where my dog could have her bed out of the way (you can already see her in her spot :) ) Because I didn't make it as wide I also thought 3 drawers to the top would be too busy, so I put two to the top and one large bottom drawer. It is already given me more room for clothes.

I have to estimate on skill level and time, because I do it here and there, but I probably finsihed this with in a week. I haven't been real good at keeping track of costs because I have bought wood here and there, but this may have been around a $100 more or less?

This was also my first project with drawers. The first was a toughie...but the other two went right in (???).

But I am proud of it and love it! Without Ana and her website I wouldn't have been able to do it....

I also have 4 other dogs who started out as fosters....so more space saving projects on my list....tons to do! So, please don't look at any mess, still lots of work in progress :)

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used 2 coats Behr paint and primer "Corner Stone" and Rust O Leum Dark Walnut stain (I've used Minwax before, but thought I would give it a shot). I paint and stain my pieces before I put everything together. This is just my preference I find it not as frustrating as trying to paint a big piece and getting into odd spots. The finish is what seems to be the most time consuming, waiting for the drying between coats. Before staining, I sanded around edges of pieces some enough to expose some wood. I also use a small brush for my stain mostly making a streak where the exposed wood was, use it sparingly and wipe immediately, letting the rag do the rest of the work in some places. I found this gives me the finished effect I like vs. other techniques I have seen or tried.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ann M. (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:51

Lovely build and excellent space saver too. Also, so kind to keep your furry buddies comfort in mind as well.!

ACM (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:53

Lovely build! Love the adaptations to fit your space AND make a wonderful place for your furry buddies!

rhettar

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 05:20

Thank you for the comment Ann. Quite a few of my projects will have my babies in mind :)

Dana P (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:19

I love the way you painted it. Looks great!

Dana P (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:20

I love the way you painted it. Looks great!

Cool Dresser

Submitted by Gotwake7 on Thu, 11/13/2014 - 08:39

This project is built from a/b sanded plywood, pine select trim, and pine 2x2 furing stirps.  I was a little scared to do the drawers as i have not had great luck with them in the past.  But after watching some videos and reading the tutriol for the slides i tackled it and it came out great.  I didnt want the wheels so i made the side 2" taller and it worked out great.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax red mahogany no poly on it just stain to keep the satin look
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Desk- 4 foot version

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/18/2017 - 17:39

Love this desk and have gotten so many compliments!

Estimated Cost
$60 worth of lumber. Already had paint and screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Queen size Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/26/2020 - 07:51

Stained Aged Barrel with mixed Whitewash

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Min wax Aged Barrel
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Dollhouse Bookshelves

Submitted by GBolton on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 19:17

We used Ana’s plans in the Grade 12 Custom Woodworking class this semester at St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Surprisingly the all boys class really enjoyed the project and there effort shows in the final products. We built them to order and sold them at cost to the other teachers to replenish the ever shrinking lumber budget.

For the first few bookcases we used wood screws,dowel plugs, and biscuit joints, but quickly smartened up and purchased a Kreg Master System. If you were on the fence about getting this system, then take our advice and go out and buy one. We now have a second system on order.

We added customizations with mitered trim pieces, custom colours, wallpapering (see pink shelf), and choice of a backer board or choosing to leave it open with trim all around. The project is such a hit, we now have 6 more shelves on-order for next semester.

Thanks for a great website.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Lowes Valspar Signature Paint (primer + paint)
(White, Pink, Lime Green, Wild Grape)
Because we used Pine with knots we used spackling compound to seal the knots and all parts were sanded with 80, 120 and finally 220 grit sand paper. Prior to painting in all corners we ran a bead of paint-able white caulking to give a nice finished look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X Coffee Table

Submitted by AK Newbie on Sun, 11/16/2014 - 22:24

A rustic x table for our cottage!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Reclaimed wood-look headboard

Submitted by TxDork76 on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:59

I used wacman's idea for faux reclaimed lumber to make this headboard by using a saw to score lines in the long boards to make it appear to be smaller pieces ( http://www.ana-white.com/2017/01/DIY_furniture/farmhouse-faux-reclaimed…

I played with different stains, mixing some, overlaying others. I darkened the "seams" in the boards with some java glaze

The 1x3s and 1x4s were from the bottom of the stacks at HD, so they had lots of gouges, nicks, and imperfections that were perfect for the "rustic" look.  Had to do a bit of sanding, but overall the "ugly" lumber ended up looking great.

One change to the plans I'll make next time.  the top & bottom 1x4 boards end up getting covered by the final trim 1x4s.  Next time I'll use 1x3s for the trim pieces so that a bit of the top/bottom 1x4s show.

Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
different stains, some overlayed others mixed: Provencial, Red Mahogany, Ebony, Jacobean, Early American, Weathered Oak, Classic Gray, Dark Walnut, Colonial Maple.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My build of the Potter Barn Keyhole Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/28/2020 - 15:54

I know it's been a while since you and Pneumatic Addict worked on the Pottery Barn Keyhole Desk but I wanted to let you know I was so inspired by it that I built my own. I also made a build video: https://youtu.be/AzkjgI3VmAo. Thanks for your great inspiration!

Estimated Cost
$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tryde Side Table

Made a couple of Tryde side tables for our living room along with a Tryde coffee table and kids country bench.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

new mudroom!

The drawers were my very first project!  I have never built anything before and I loved how deep the drawers were here.  I'm really thankful my dad helped!  Super happy with how it turned out!

I picked up the hutch at an old barn sale for $65.  It's perfect to hold all of our coats and stuff and the shoe drawers are super deep and hold ALL our shoes.  Here's our story...   http://onblissstreet.blogspot.com/2014/11/mudroom-makeover.html

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

OnBlissStreet

Fri, 11/21/2014 - 20:14

Thanks so much!  Love your site and how "beginner friendly" so many plans are!  I'll work up to the hard ones!

Retro Art Station

We decided to turn this little retro play kitchen into a kid art station. It's so adorable.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint in white and Aspen Aura
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tall Planters

These were made using the Tall Planters plan...4 cedar pickets for each one. I also used cedar rough cut trim for the 1x2's and 1x3's. They are painted to match cedar shutters I made for my parents mountain house. I used Cabot's Solid Color Acrylic Deck Stain in Evergreen to protect the planters exterior. The only alteration to the plans was adding the top trim. I used 1x2's cut at 16" long each on a 45 degree angle to form the box. I glued and nailed together the trim before nailing into the tops.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35.00 ea
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Deck Stain (tinted to Evergreen)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Planter Box

Submitted by ang312 on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 12:24

Living in Tempe, Arizona, I am always in need of creative planter boxes so that I can garden with more ease. I loved this tutorial and recommend it to anyone, even beginners! A full tutorial can be seen here: http://www.barerootgirl.com/homemade/2012/11/5/homemade-diy-raised-gard…

 

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Step stool

Submitted by Jay Pepper on Sat, 02/25/2017 - 21:56

Step stools I built for my kids to use.  The second one I actually used glow in the dark paint for the lettering and the stars. Took me longer to paint since everything was hand drawn / written.  Total time for the project would have been a few hours if it wasn't for the paint and poly added.  

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and polyacrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Console Table

Submitted by mrich_d60 on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 06:42

This was my first indoor woodworking project, where it mattered if the corners were 90 degrees and the colour matched and the wood was not warped.
Even when the lumber yard gave me the wrong width of board, did all the cuts and I didn't notice until I was home, laying out my pieces and measuring everything, I will still able to complete it.
I went with the 10" (9 3/4") wide top instead of the 12" (11 3/4") rather than go back to the lumber yard and have it recut. I was anxious to make my project and it was a hassle to drive that distance. it didn't have the 1 1/2" overhang that the larger width would have had but it fit in my tiny space better.
The next time I visited that lumber yard for more wood, I got my money back and I learned a valuable lesson - just because the lumber yard staff are picking up the wood for you, you need to read and check. I didn't go closer to see it because of Covid-19 restrictions but next time I will ask to measure it and check it before I bring it home. I've learned to carry my tape measure with me, just in case!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane ultimate one coat stain and Varathane triple thick clear finish. Used a cloth to apply and brush in the corners where the cloth could not reach easily. Applied 2 coats with light sanding in between. I used a dark stain because other furniture in the room is stained a darker colour. Due to the pine's absorption, it is a little lighter, as I wanted.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner