Community Brag Posts

Potting bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/21/2019 - 08:52

My good friend asked me to build her a potting bench for her garden wedding reception. She shouted me a photo of one from the internet. I used your plan and made a couple modifications. This is the color she requested and I used Cabot solid stain. I’m not a fan of solid stain and won’t use it again. She loved it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot solid stain

Bar Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 20:04

We had a wine fridge sitting around that we didnt know what to do with, we were hardly using it. We also had a cheap metal bar cart that was holding all of our wine glasses and liquor bottles, very much not user friendly. So, I decided to build this bar cabinet. I am big into diamonds on my projects, so their are diamonds on both ends of the cabinet with diamond on the inside of the left side of the cabinet to hold liquor bottles. The shelves in the right cabinet space are adjustable in height. All in all, I was very pleased with the finished product, and of course, I was able to finally get some use out of the wine fridge.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black spray paint, cherry stain, polyurethane at the very end
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2X4 and 3/4" Pipe Industrial Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/29/2016 - 07:59

I built this closet for a room in a newly renovated house which was improved from a 3BR to a 4BR but the new additional BR didn't have space for a closet. The entire closet is made of only cheap 2X4's and galvanized pipe found at the local hardware store.

The user didn't need the middle shelves so I modified the original plans to make it shorter in width but 4 inches deeper by using 10" nipples instead of 8". I sanded and stained all the 2X4's first before doing anything. Then I created the 3 legs first (end boards - 82" inside boards - 17.5"). Once the legs were ready, I cut the boards for the shelves at 79" (4 boards for each shelf, evenly spaced out). Before putting the shelf on the legs, I laid each leg on the ground and unscrewed one side of the shelf and added wood glue in the hole, then screwed it back in to increase stability. Next, drill the pipe holes evenly and connect the pipe. Once the pipe is connected, place (4) 79" 2X4's evenly distributed on each shelf and drill 2 screws from the boards into the bottom of the legs on both ends and the middle to stabilize the shelf. From here, I took some pledge and wiped it down which smoothed down the surface. The longest part of the project was making sure the stain was dry and evenly applied.

I recommend using a miter saw for straight and smooth cuts and take the time to sand the wood (even the ends after you cut it).

2X4 Studs - 28
10" 3/4" Galvanized Pipe - 6
36" 3/4" Galvanized Pipe - 2
3/4" Galvanized Pipe T - 2
3/4" Galvanized Pipe Cross - 1
3/4" End Caps - 6

Pipe Wrench for tight connections
2.5" Screws (Drill pilot holes for everything)
1 1/8" drill bit for each hole
Stain - Minwax Espresso
Wood Glue

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Espresso
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ahc0037

Mon, 02/29/2016 - 12:35

I accidently added this project without logging in so it shows it as Guest. Is there anyway to assign it to my username so if there are questions, I will receive a notice about it.

Ahc0037

Mon, 02/29/2016 - 12:36

I accidently added this project without logging in so it shows it as Guest. Is there anyway to assign it to my username so if there are questions, I will receive a notice about it.

Outdoor Furniture Builds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/28/2023 - 07:22

Hi Ana, after building your essential chairs I decided to build my grandson a small one I burned it with a torch and then clear coated it and it turned out so sweet. I also built a picnic table and added a different crossmember to it for strength. I also built a glider swing that I used from an old pattern from many years ago. Still without going to your site and watching you build on YouTube I would not have attempted any of this. I love all of the things that you build and you have inspired me so much. Thank you for all you do and keep those wonderful plans coming! My next project is going to be that little workshop that you build in panels and put together that you made for your friend. I'm going to make one and turn it into a lawn mower shed.

Darlene Sudderth the Twiddlebug woodshop

Loft Bed w/ Bookcase and Headboard

Submitted by trodkewich on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 15:05

We used the loftbed plans, http://ana-white.com/2010/05/furniture-plans-loft-bed.html and the bookshelf plans, http://ana-white.com/2010/06/plans/what-goes-under-loft-bed-how-about-b…- then designed our own headboard. The girls love their new room and we're going to build another one for the boys! We just put a platform bed from Ikea underneath!

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

Comments

greg f (not verified)

Sun, 12/30/2012 - 06:39

i want to build this project for my daughter, but the link for the bookcase is a dead link. where can i find the bookshelf plans? i plan on making the loft be a full size, so will be adding 15" to my project. thank you!

DIY Famhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 08:24

I used the farmhouse table plans, with a few modifications. I made two benches to go along with it. This was my first big wood project and I'm pretty proud of it. My daughter bought her first home and needed a table custom sized to her space so this was perfect. I love all of Ana's plans, so easy to follow.

Sausha's Washer and Dryer Pedestal

This was one heck of a project LOL! But I am so pleased with the results!!

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

pdoughty (not verified)

Sun, 09/23/2012 - 08:03

My washer will shake on the metal pedestals. Will it shake on this one?

Shawna Sommerville (not verified)

Mon, 12/31/2012 - 19:01

My husband just finished one similar to this for me today-total cost about $65.....Thank you for the fabulous & frugal idea!!

Stackable child-sized chairs

Chairs are hard.... when you don't use plans. 

I used Ana's plans for round 2 of these chairs. I actually feared for my children's safety with the first set I made using no plans at all. With plans in hand, these turned out excellent and were actually quite easy to build. 

I used 1x2s for the legs, 1x3s for the side supports and for the turquoise back panel, a 1x4 for the pink back panel, and scrap MDF board for the seat base. 

I regret using the MDF board, it chips easily. In hindsight, I should have used 1x3s for the seat bottom. 

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White cabinet paint, pink and turquoise spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 15:50

The most time consuming part was staining the wood, and getting the Xs to fit properly.  We love how it came out and are making an outdoor bench and end tables to match.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
homemade steel wool/vinegar stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

How to Build a Fireplace Mantel and Surround

Submitted by MillerMade on Thu, 03/24/2016 - 09:05

The Custom Built-ins started out with lots of research, and like many DIY project we looked to Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration. A lot of love and time went into this project. I can't stress enough how important research is. This process is often over looked because DIYers just want to get to the building process as quickly as possible, but trust me when I say doing solid research will save you a lot of stress and time when it comes to building.

 

Estimated Cost
$4,000-$6,000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Square Turned Leg Farmhouse Kitchen Table

I had to do a 3ftx3ft square table since our eating area in the apartment isn't big enough for a dining table, but I really like how it turned out :) I also added breadboard ends because I can't stand how the cut ends look. I got the legs from osborne wood

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut, Antique Beige Paint, and Helmsman Clearcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Wood Storage Box

Submitted by Joni on Sun, 03/18/2012 - 10:42

My wood scraps were definitely getting out of control, and I needed something to store the wood vertically. I had some spare wood (free from Craigslist), so I put together a wood storage bin. All in all, the project cost me the price of some Kreg screws.

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

Comments

hoffer5353

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 13:21

I have been struggling to organize my space because my lumber is on one of my work spaces. I have the perfect space for that, thanks for the great post!

Hemnes linen cabinet finished!

Submitted by Crzymedic on Thu, 01/09/2014 - 16:29

This was my first build for Katy and she loves it! We used acrylic glass and used the frosted spray pains from krylon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 plus what king of panel you use
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Toddler Bed

This was my second project from Ana White's plans. I felt confident in my new woodworking skills once I learned how to use the kreg jig for pocket holes. The child's table and chair I made came out so good, I decided why not try a toddler bed for my 4 yr old granddaughter. She loves her new bed. And I love how easy and fun it was to make.

I only had to make minor adjustments to the size to accomodate her mattress. I brought the footboard out to the edge of the legs because I needed to add an inch to the length, but the sides are set in like the plans. I also added a couple inches to the rail height since her mattress is 6 inches deep and I wanted it to be above the mattress.

I was afraid I couldn't get the rounded headboard neat, so I used the whole 6 inch board, adding to the height of the headboard a few inches. I also added the top board on the headboard because it just made it look cleaner on top. You might not be able to tell from the photo, but I did use the beadboard - I had a scrap the perfect size.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Satin in White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Square Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/26/2023 - 12:32

V2 of my Fijian Kauri 6 seater table.
Urethaned the tops and weatherboard paint on frame for the elements.

Comments

media unit

Custom size media unit using a combination of Ana's plans.

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1. Prime Zinsser Cover Stain
2. Two coats BM high gloss enamel white
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Handygirl

Thu, 04/19/2012 - 21:56

Hey! Looks GREAT!!! I was curious how you made your doors. Did you attach thin plywood to the back, or slide it into the frame as an insert?

Joy Flake (not verified)

Tue, 12/04/2012 - 12:38

I was wondering how you attached the bookshelf unit to the base unit on the side cabinets?
Thank you!

3 pedestal farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/13/2016 - 18:00

Just love how this turned out
The plan was so easy to follow
I stained with black then sanded to give it a rough look marking up the corners etc and then applied dark walnut
I am waiting on brass studs /nails to trim the apron in the centre applying brass corners will keep you posted

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

$10 Picture Ledge

I made it! Yes, my first project is complete. I made a small piece to place in my soon to be repainted half bath. It was not perfect, but for a first time project and stain job, I am proud of my work. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$16
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Benchwright Farmhouse table and bench

I started this Table and bench because, we have a one year old and we had a bar height table. Something a little shorter was needed, so I picked the Benchwright plans since they were most like our style. I used all white wood from Lowes and some pine 2x4's. Since the original plans made the table a little too large for our house I shortened the length on the table and bench by 15". This was the largest project I have done so far, but the plans are so easy to use, that the major time spent for me was getting the wood, and sanding and staining. I submitted the last picture here, because I originally picked out a Rust-oleum Sunbleached stain, or so it said. As you can see from the photo it just made everything grey, and was not the look I or my wife were looking for. I recommend very carefully picking a stain color out and testing it on similar wood before using it on your finished project. I spent two hours after this mistake sanding off the stain, and since it was grey it still shows through a lighter color. In the end we are both happy with the final product, and you don't learn until you try and mess-up a few times. I really had a lot of fun with this project, and can't wait for the next thing to build.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax-Ipswich Pine 221(two coats on table)(One coat on bench), Minwax-Bombay Mahogany Satin 380 (one coat left on for 15 mins on cross members)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Britterz (not verified)

Wed, 04/18/2012 - 11:43

Wow! Your table looks spectacular! Great job! I especially love that bench. I would like to build a bench to go with my benchright table. How did you do it?

dklunde

Wed, 05/30/2012 - 11:25

I dont see any screws on the ends of the planks into the top of the table.
Did you only screw up from the bottom? Did you do that on the plank ends
also?

Thank you for the in process photos too. It really helps alot. Also helps to
see that everything doesnt have to match up perfect seam-wise. I get too used
to manufactured stuff...and forget how beautiful hand made items can be
simply because of their imperfections in the woods.

In reply to by dklunde

Kevin.Leach

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 19:59

I used finish nails from the top into the structure, and then used wood filler to
Fill in the holes. The ends are only held on by the two bolts on the ends.

I appreciate the handmade quality of real wood furniture as well. Even when small mistakes are made here and there, the end result is something to be proud of.

dklunde

Wed, 05/30/2012 - 11:26

Sorry...just thought of another question.... Did you glue in between your planks?

In reply to by dklunde

Kevin.Leach

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 20:10

I did glue between the planks and underneath, I figured anything to keep the boards closer together and fill in the gaps would help.

Combo of Farmhouse Bed with Farmhouse Storage Bed

Submitted by jeniroosen on Mon, 01/27/2014 - 21:39

I meshed the Farmhouse Bed with the Farmhouse Storage Bed with Storage Drawers and this is the final product. Let me know if you have any questions. I learned along the way.

A few things I modified -

I knocked off the corners of the 1x8's used in the footboard and headboard as I wasn't a fan with how they butted up straight. I liked the rounded edges of the routered boards instead.

I cove routered the tops of 2x6's and loved how they turned out

When I handed my cutlist to the kid at the big orange store, he pulled OSB instead of plywood for the storage cabinets. I realized it halfway through the cutting as I was shopping for other things and didn't have the heart to tell him halfway through the job. I had to edge band (first time) the edges and the OSB soaked up a lot of primer.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Glidden Antique White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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