Community Brag Posts

Outdoor buffet table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/05/2023 - 15:03

My first project using Ana White plans. Used pressure treated lumber and Kreg pocket hole jig. Cost: $126.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bathroom Vanity I did for my mom Based on the Momplex vanity

I remodeled the main floor bathroom for my parents. My mom had seen a vanity she like at a home center. Then she thought about doing an open vanity. Then I showed her the one Ana did for the Momplex (48" Turned Leg Vanity). and she loved it. This is what we came up with.

It has bead board panels on the ends and the doors. V-grove planks for the bottom shelf.

The top is made from 100 year old ship lap siding from my brother house. The sink is hand hammered copper with a venetian bronze faucet.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The vanity was finished using Rust-o-leum Ultimate wood stain in summer oak with several coats of a marine varnish to protect it in the bathroom. The top was only finished in the marine varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Washer and Dryer Pedestal

Found these awesome plans from Ana's site here and thought I could definitley make that!  My mother needed a new laundry room makeover so it was the perfect opportunity.  I made my stand only 56" long to fit perfectly into the spot.  Which still allowed enough room for washer and dryer to be on there and enough room if they shook a little.  I had to adjust my plans as I wanted it to fit snug against the wall but needed to allow for the dryer hose to connect to wall so I cut out a 4.5"x 5" spot on both the bottom and top platforms to allow for hose and cord to plug in.  I put in extra supports going vertically and horizontally to replace the strength for the holes being cut.  The result was perfect!

 

I got creative and added a floating rustic tabletop to the washer and dryer to make the space useful and also added a floating shelf above that.  Both stained in a dark walnut.

 

Happy builder right here!!!

www.facebook.com/RW.Creations.Blackfoot.AB

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted a dark chocolate brown and sealed with
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor sofa/sectional

Submitted by Davidmarks on Sun, 07/19/2020 - 00:01

This project was fun! My kids help me! We still got to stain the table legs. Thank you Ana for everything! We got are cushions from home Depot $25 each 6x25x3

Estimated Cost
$100 we had the wood, fire pit and material
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Redwood transparent stain
Polyurethane cushions from Home Depot
Fabric from Walmart
Fire pit from lowes
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wooden Cooler Stand

Submitted by dlewis39 on Mon, 08/18/2014 - 06:36

We built this as a birthday gift for family members and boy were they excited. We, though, were not excited to let it go. So happy with how it turned out. The plans are good for reference but make sure to make your own measurements when using milled lumber from a big box store. Some of the the changes we had to make on the fly were to the back and front panels having to use a different combination of board sizes to fill it in without massive gaps. Its recommended that you lay them out first before attaching them to the frames. Also the measurements on the cooler lid were smaller by 1/4" to 1/2" of what's listed in order to get a snug fit. The shelf on ours is two 1x6's cut to the width of the whole project (around 16.5") and then the shelf brackets were also 1x6's cut to a length of 10". Brackets are mounted inside the legs using wood glue and three 2.5" screws through the backside/inside of the cooler box to hide (obviously done before the cooler was inserted). For drainage we attached a 2" piece of 1/2" inside diameter clear tubing that was fed/jammed through the cooler drain and pulled through the other side and then a 1/2" push on adapter, threaded on the other end screwed unto a 1/2" faucet head. Drilled a 3/4" hole about 2.5" (center mass) from the 2x4 cooler base through the middle piece on the side. We placed the cooler in first and used a pair of pliers to grab the clear tube and line it up with the hole and then pushed a long screw driver through the tube from inside the cooler in order to guide the faucet head/adapter combo into the tube and stiffening the tube so it didn't collapse when pushing it on. We couldn't decide what do to with the center display piece and then remembered we had a can of chalkboard spray paint left over from another project. We spray painted the whole menu board and then painted the "logo" at the top before clear-coating it with a protective enamel. Its a snug fit so the pressure holds it in place but you could also use velcro strips on the back if that tickles your fancy. We took the snug fit route that way if they didn't want the menu board in. A 1/2' hole was drilled towards the top so they can use a finger to pull the board out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70 + the cost of beer to fill it
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom mix of Minwax American Pine and Rustoleum Kona. Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Saddle Seat Stools

Submitted by naomi on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 06:57

After a lot of cutting, screwing, chiseling and sanding... oh and a lick of paint! My new little Saddle Seat Stools are complete. Time will only tell whether they will hold up to the abuse the boys give them especially Brodie! These new stools only cost me $48 to make the pair and I got all the timber from Bunnings

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$48
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak and White Enamel Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchright Round End Tables

Submitted by DWL on Sat, 08/30/2014 - 21:06

This project was a challenge because of the instructions regarding the "recommended" pocket holes for the aprons. I soon realized you can't put a 3/4 pocket hole on a 45 degree mitred edge, and when I adjusted the depth of the pocket hole, I could not for the life of me screw it into the legs without the apron getting sucked past the edge of the legs. I ended up putting the pocket screws on the outside which I know is a major faux pas for wood workers, but because I used Kreg wood plugs and painted it, you can't see the little ovals where the screws are.

The photos are just for scale. The little girl is a big 2 1/2 year old, and the dog is not a St. Bernard.

We love the table and it works great for baby brother's room.

Thank you Ana for another great project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gripper primer and Semi-gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Hartke22 on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 22:33

Just a few of our Fancy X farmhouse tables. Along the way, we where able to put our own spin on the original plans by Ana White.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Minwax Satin clear Polly

Comments

Indoor Playground Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 11:56

This playroom set was inspired by the plans you posted.  I was forced to make some significant modifications due to the fact that our bonus/playroom has angled ceilings.  We have a rock climbing wall, ladder, crawl tunnel with windows, trapeze bar, monkey bars, miniature baskeball goal and a slide.  My boys are 6, 3 and 19 months and they love it!  Thanks for the inspiration.

 

Jim and Caroline Sparrow

Estimated Cost
$1250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Paint on bottom and Minwax Stain on top
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/22/2020 - 05:47

Thanks for the simple plans Anna, they worked out great!. I resized the table to make maximum use of the material, still within the same quantity you specified in your plans. I glued the legs along the lengths of the table, and kept the table top and shelf screwed in, for easy dismantling, if necessary.

Finally I added pop down heavy duty wheels allowing me to move the table (not shown in this pic) easily. When the wheels are not being used they pop up, making the table very stable. The height of the table is about 1/2” lower than the table saw, making it an ideal outfeed table as well.

Great design, and fun build.

Estimated Cost
Cn$148 (went with a finished 3/4” 4x8’ ply board)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

$10 Planter Box

Submitted by glenndas on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 19:25

I had been looking for pretty wooden planters for the front porch and couldn't find anything affordable when I came across Ana's plans for a planter box. So I just made it a square and made it a bit taller.

I used finishing nails and glue to put the whole thing together. If you make the sides 17 1/4" then the bottom is wide enough for three pieces side by side. I added four pieces the same as the strips that were made to the bottom so that they stuck out into the center of the planter. Then I laid the bottom pieces on top of those. I left them loose so they could be replaced if needed after a few summers of water and dirt. You could also put a liner in. The width is just enough to give space for water to drain out.

Out of 5 pickets I could have made the side strips a bit longer and put a strip across the bottom. But I had a couple other projects in mind for the scraps so I didn't.

With the left over scraps I made the small flower box for a table on my deck. I glued and nailed that together too. So for less than the price of one planter box I made two and the small flower box. If I hadn't cut one piece wrong the first time I could have made a second small flower box.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Left unfinished and I hope they will grey with age.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Large porch bench

Submitted by Lukilla on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 13:51

What a fun project, and great bench. We had someone ask us if we could make this for them, and we decided to make 2 while we were at it.....now we just need to find a spot big enough for the second one at our house. Loved this build, and look forward to sipping coffee on it on a cool morming.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Cat Tree/Condo

Submitted by Joni on Sat, 05/11/2013 - 07:22

I always wanted a cabin-type cat tree where my cats could crawl in and feel safe, but still have a great view of the birds out of a window. I tried to draw my vision on paper, but that had a hideous result. Learning Google SketchUp (at least the basics) was an absolute necessity. I could never have built this without drawing it in 3D first, and seeing how the boards would connect, etc.

For the scratch pad, I built a frame out of 2x4s on top of plywood, covered it with carpet, and dropped the standard size scratch pad in place. This is the cat's favorite feature. I put barn doors on the window with tiny hinges so that I can close for added privacy. The tree sits against a window so that the back side is totally open. I made cozy zippered cushions for the platforms (that can be taken off and washed). I covered the carpeted areas with spare carpeting.

Estimated Cost
Approx. $30 for can of paint, varnish and a 4x4 (all other was scrap material)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Combination of Minwax Water-based stains: 6 parts Colonial Pine: 1 part American Walnut, followed 3-4 coats Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bhoppy

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 09:36

Would you mind sharing your dimensions for this? It is absolutely beautiful!

Jodi W

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 08:10

Do you have the plans somewhere? I really want to build this (even got the okay from the hubby!) but I don't think I could do it without some serious guidelines...

Joni

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 15:55

First, sorry for the late notice; I just happened to look and saw the comments/questions.

I don't have plans...all I have is a google sketchup diagram that I created as a guideline for my construction (which is included in the photos), which is not to scale. Actual measurements are:

* Base (green carpeted base): 33.5" x 19"
* 4x4 legs: 35" tall
* 'Mezzanine' scratch pad level: 22" x 17.5"
* Mid-level base: 18" x 32"
* Enclosed cabin: 18.25" x 22.5" x 17" high
* Highest point: 56"

This has turned out to be a fantastic hit with the cats. They use all 5 levels, but the scratch pad and cabin are their favorite spots. If you need anything else or additional pics, please contact me.

Jodi W

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 18:15

Thanks for the dimensions, Joni! I'm trying to learn SketchUp so I can draw up my own plans, also. If I can't figure it out, I'll hand it off to my 12 year old, who is a pro at it (go figure). I know my cats will love it if I can manage to get it built!

Joni

Thu, 10/31/2013 - 14:30

Bhoppy -- I looked at your cat tree on facebook. It's awesome! The sturdiness of it shocked me too. And I was initially worried that my cats might knock it down!!

The worst part of building it was getting that lower scratch pad level on straight with the 3 posts. I'd never want to do that again!
Thanks for sharing, Joni

gregmasciola

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 01:18

Funny, almost every time I'm looking for ideas or inspiration when I want to build something, I end up back on this site. I was searching for pictures of cat trees and this was the only one that made me say "Holy crap, that's EXACTLY what I want!" My cat will love it!

M0710NM4N

Mon, 04/27/2020 - 20:41

Not sure if anyone is still around to see this, but I fell in love with this tree the second I saw it. Wondering if anyone created a detailed plan and might have it handy or possibly a detailed sketchup and wouldn't mind sharing the save file?

In the event nobody has either... I'm planning on having someone else build this for me as I don't have the tools nor skill to do it myself. I have a few questions:

1. The tree base/platform, what's a good recommended thickness?
2. The platform for the scratchpad... is there any certain reason it's so much thicker compared to the other platforms?

Thanks.

whiteroses9

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 11:51

Reverse engineering this project, using just 2x4s. None of the photos show the undersides. How are the plywood pillow bases attached for the top and bottom of the cabin? and the base of the top viewing platform?

Pottery Barn Logan Knock Off Media Build

Submitted by anb80 on Tue, 03/31/2015 - 12:37

This was one of our early builds.  I"ve learned a new way to do doors since then so hope to replace these before we move.  I love all the storage on this unit!  The finish on the tops is a metallic glaze I made.

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

Raised Garden Beds

Submitted by kari on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 09:54

I made these last summer for my sister. And she didn't even use them yet! Very easy to make. She did want them taller, so that is the only modifacation I made. We're hoping the bunnies won't notice all the yummy veggies up this high :) I know, probably wishful thinking. Makes a great kid corral too.

Estimated Cost
it's been a while
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

Kid sized picnic table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 12:22

My daughter and I did this project together. It was our first wood working and painting project. Learned a lot in a short time. Plan was as said “Easy” although maybe a bit hard for us given we had no experience. All drawings and paintings were free hand.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

DIY Rustic Sideboard

I worked on this project over the course of a few months, and I absolutely love the result! I posted all the info at my blog: http://www.designatedspacedesign.com/2017/10/01/a-rustic-sideboard/

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted it repose gray by sherwin williams. The top is a mixture of dark walnut and weathered gray stains.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shoe dresser

Submitted by RoseOfShaz on Thu, 07/04/2013 - 15:26

I didn't build this shoe dresser because I particularly needed one, but it looked so lovely that I couldn't resist.

- I modified the plans by building 3 bins instead of 2 so it could hold more shoes.
- I decided against the dowel stick and opted for hinges instead, which were surprisingly not too difficult to assemble. I found that I didn't even need the magnets after installing the hinges as the doors stay closed.
- I used 7" chains on both sides of each bin instead of a belt to make it extra sturdy.
- I added two back legs.

Et voila! This is the end result. I'm very pleased.

PS. Those flopping bins are a pain when you're trying to build!! An extra pair of hands is definitely recommended.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 (with extra bin)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut (can't remember the exact name of the stain, but it's the one Shanty 2 Chic always uses!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SoCaliforniaMel

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 22:49

Pretty :) Good Job. Now if I only had the space for one thats 10 rows high :P I like the stain color too. Shanty 2 Chic always uses Rust-o-leum. I think its called dark walnut. Dont quote me though. I love the stain and spray paint combo colors they use.
~Melody

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