Community Brag Posts

Beadboard Cabinet

Submitted by jamie_C on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 20:26

Since we don't have a garage or any really good place to keep our tools, they end up all over the house while we're working on a project. So, we decided to build a cabinet that would look nice in our house, and also house our tools. We chose the armoire plan because it has plenty of space.

This project took us forever, so it's hard to really estimate the actual working time. We began working on it back in June, then we were evacuated because of a forest fire.... By the time we got back into our house and we were organized again it was the end of July.... and now finally the end of August it's finished. It took us a while, but it's a great addition to our house!

We modified this cabinet by using 1/4 inch beadboard backed with 1/4 plywood for the doors. We also modified the size of the armoire to make it deeper.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125 approximately?
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded, then painted the outside with a quart of "creamed coffee" oops paint, and painted the inside with a sage green paint from Habitat for Humanity Restore.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pantry Storage Spice Rack

Submitted by redhead_61 on Mon, 09/19/2011 - 21:49

I am kind of a visual organizational neat freak and I have been annoyed by all the little things taking up good shelf space in my pantry for a long time now. This just kept getting pushed down the list ya know, not a major project. Anyway, grabbed an extra board at the store the other day and knocked this one out. I LOVE it. I made it short because I want to build a trash bag holder for the bottom half of the door. We'll see how long it takes me. I did use a 1x4 instead of Ana's plan which uses a 1x6. I only needed small things to put in here.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

SingleMomThriving

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 10:04

Looks like the 1x4 was a perfect fit for all those little items, especially the wraps which get pushed to the back all the time and the pasta boxes. I feel some inspiration coming on.....

lianatempera

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 14:16

This is awesome. I should probably do this for my pantry, as well. Thanks for the inspiration!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Wed, 09/21/2011 - 09:31

I love it! Great price,too!

I especially love how the design corals all those pesky little things that always seem to get pushed all the way to the back of my cabinets and drawers.

I'm definitely putting this on my list of things to build!

Cindy from Indiana

Jen Pedro

Wed, 09/21/2011 - 13:34

I assume your door is the usual hollow pantry door. What type of anchors did you use to hold the shelves in place? Did you use standard wall anchors with your screws?

Looks great!

redhead_61

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 08:19

I just got an anchor that looked like it had a little more 'umph' to it. It is called a Cobra Tripple Grip. It looked like it had a section that popped open a little more once the screw went in. I thought that might hold it a little more securely. I feel no movement when I jiggle it at all.

Chris A (not verified)

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 08:29

Very nice project.
Just came along looking for a storage shelf and I saw your door shelf. Going to build one of these for sure, sick of the little wire ones we have falling down every other day.

Octagon picnic table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 02:27

Great project . Easy plan to read .

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Small Chicken Coop with Planter

Submitted by will m. on Sat, 05/25/2019 - 12:14

Great plans! Fun project

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

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor escape

Submitted by Bread0186 on Tue, 04/18/2023 - 11:39

First build ever. Took about 2 days and the most expensive part was the cushions, but Lowe's had a good deal. I did not sanding, painting, or staining. I'm sure I'll do that eventually, or make another sectional later, but I'm in North Texas and loving this set right now.

Comments

Banquette Bench with Flip Up Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:35

Thank you, Ana, for the banquet bench plan! I’ve never done any form of carpentry before, but with your plans, the right tools and some perseverance, this labour-of-love is my new pride and joy and has added some much needed storage to my small kitchen.
Angela (London)

Comments

Twin over Full Bunk Beds

Submitted by bohman825 on Sun, 01/08/2012 - 15:47

I wanted my kids to have more space in their shared room, but I did not want to pay a ton of money for a new bunk bed. My husband and I found a plan for this bunk on Ana-White and fell in love with the design. It turned out so great that we will still be using it in our next home whether it's needed or not. We did change a couple of things on the plan that we didn't care for. The first is that we added a side rail for safety. Secondly we also traded the 1x6 boards on the head and foot boards for 1x4s on the top but kept the 1x6s on the bottom.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain: Colonial Maple and polyurethane.
Used a sponge brush to apply stain and dry cloth to wipe off. Used a brush to apply poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tony (not verified)

Mon, 01/09/2012 - 06:31

The guardrail looks great. How did you attach it to the corner post?

bohman825

Mon, 01/09/2012 - 17:39

With pocket screws on the bottom and then one screw through the 1x4s into the post before the 2x4 on the top goes on. And then the 2x4 is screwed onto the 1x4 and post with trim screws.

NicoleS (not verified)

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 04:36

How much did it cost you to build this bunk bed? I'm wondering if we can build this one as it turned out great looking!

NicoleS (not verified)

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 04:37

About how much did it cost to build this bunk bed? I'm wondering if we can build it since it turned out great looking!

Jillian (not verified)

Wed, 03/28/2012 - 13:02

Cost us about $300 and over an entire weekend of time spent on this project.
It's not for beginners. My husband has had many many years of experience in carpentry and woodmaking.

Good luck to you.
Also, he changed a few things in the plans we found in order to make it look better.

Thank you

Jillian

Jillian (not verified)

Wed, 03/28/2012 - 12:59

Cost us $300.00 to make and almost non-stop making it for the whole weekend. And then stained for hours.
This is with many years of experience in construction and woodmaking.

This is not a beginners project and then expect it to look amazing.
My husband changed these plans a bit to make it look better than the other ppls that we've seen on here.

But, good luck to you and make sure to have plenty of room and time.
Also, we had to make this bed in 10-15 different pieces and put together in the bedroom we wanted it in. There is absolutely no way it will fit otherwise.

Jillian

bohman825

Sun, 04/08/2012 - 15:26

Yes you'd just have to change measurements for queen instead of a full.

rdaneel

Sat, 10/25/2014 - 22:25

I don't see how you could put the fill/twin over a queen since the queen is longer.  Obviously you could spin the queen around and make it an L-shape but then you are looking at a different build.

Jesse and Jillian (not verified)

Thu, 12/06/2012 - 09:53

Yes any size would work as long as you have the room and the extra materials.

rdaneel

Sat, 10/25/2014 - 22:28

I really like the look of this ... I'm going to try to replicate!

What does the bottom of the guard-rail look like?  Did you space out your slats a little more than the original design?  I like the 2x4 topper instead of the 1x6.

hmagnani

Sat, 02/28/2015 - 16:46

We made this bed over the course of a week, both of us have extensive experience in woodworking and building. Ours is very wobbly on the long axis. We had a friend who is a structural engineer come in and take a look. He offered suggestions to shore it up and nothing really worked. The 3/4" overlap is not enough to secure the side rails, imo, and we used a variety of brackets to make it not wobble, to no avail.

This bed is coming apart in a few weeks and will be stored. If it is ever used again, it will be as two separate beds. I spent about $400 on this. My son never felt safe sleeping on the top bunk and has slept on the bottom exclusively.

Just my $0.02.

Privacy planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 16:11

It's a take off of your privacy fence planter. But I added water to make it a water wall also.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Folding Workbench

Submitted by MrsCordz on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 07:47

We chose this project because we have a small garage and space is at a premium.  The dimensions of this build fit well in our limited space and allowed us to organize items such as paint, stain, screws and nails into one central location. I chose 2x4's on the sides to give it a more stable feel. Our garage and parking lot are all sloped and with the 2x4's this prevented the twisting. It feels solid and the wheels are smooth. We picked everything up at Home Depot. The screws that came with the hinges are to long and my husband used the Dremel to grind them down. You could just buy shorter screws.  This is one of my firsts builds and I've definitely learned a lot of lessons along the way. Measure, measure, then measure again before you cut a piece and use a level surface to make level pieces. Overall, everyone in my family played a part in helping me build this piece and so I love it and will cherish this piece and the memories always. Thanks Ana for all your fun videos, sharing your life with your family, and providing resources like this plan to us for free. I'm thankful for my son who bought me a compound miter saw for Mother's Day and other family for buying me a Ryobi circular saw. I'm truly blessed and loved. Thanks

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I'm leaving it in the raw due to the nature of the piece. I may put a clear coat on it later.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Picnic Table

Submitted by tara2 on Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:35

Our first project of many to come!!! Thanks Ana for your website!

Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Free- Standing Faux Mantle

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/15/2019 - 19:25

I added a 1x12 as a base so that it could be free-standing, in case we ever want to move it to a different spot. I also added an insert by gluing slices of tree branches to a piece of plywood . This was a fun, quick and easy project, even for a relative beginner. I love the character it adds to this room!

Custom Entertainment Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 11:08

5ft Barn Door TV Stand.
I used the Grandy Barn Door Console as inspiration. I made it as 3 separate units and screwed them together. The shelves are adjustable, the bead board back was done on the table saw, the doors are maple with a hickory diagonal centre panel! This is my largest project so far and I have have to thank Ana White for the beautiful plans that you produce. Without you I’m not sure I would have attempted this. I am one proud lady 🥰

Debbie P

Built from Plan(s)

Modern farmhouse bed with nightstands

Submitted by judge on Thu, 03/05/2020 - 05:09

I made this beautiful bed in just one (long) day (12h). The next day I made the nightstands with the scraps of wood from the bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
€100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Hard wax oil with a splash of "alaska white" paint mixed in it
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Swing Slide Playset for Grandson

Submitted by shellyward on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 09:22

We are used to seeing our grandson every weekend but during the 2020 COVID quarantine we were unable to do so. Instead, we filled our time building him a swing set for our backyard. He loved it!! We are going to add more to the swing side but the hardware I want isn't available right now (apparently there is a lot of swing set building going on during this time). I look forward to many years of playing on this with our grandson and hopefully additional grandkids in the future... Our cost was pretty high mainly because our first round of lumber came from a local lumberyard that was willing to deliver within a few days (big box was going to take several weeks) and they had what is supposed to be higher end lumber (not sure I am convinced of that)....also, i chose some pretty expensive hardware (brackets) just for the added security.....

Estimated Cost
1800-2000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
not done yet but will be staining/sealing when the wood is ready
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Infinity Mirror Coffee Table

Used the Benchwright Coffee Table for all of the base which was very easy to follow. I used rough cut Alder, which I would not try to do again (way too many linear feet to cut!). I've done drawers before, and I've found that it's easier to attach the slides to the drawer box and the horizontal pieces that attach to the table. After that, attach once of the horizontal pieces first, and shim the other before attaching to the table. The top is 3 boards tall and is comprised of 1 layer of birch plywood, 1 layer of spacers, and the mitered edges on the top. The infinity mirror feature comes from a row of LED's sandwiched between a mirror (base) and glass with a semi-transparent mirror film (also known as one way mirror).

Estimated Cost
$300+
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso satin. Finished with spray lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Portable Workbench

Submitted by atlayank on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 17:27

I have a small workshop so this workbench allows me to bring the work outside. It was my first project and I think it came out great.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x10 Step Stools

Submitted by msyoung22 on Tue, 08/16/2016 - 07:26

My kids needed a step stool and I had some scrap wood (2x10) left over from a previous project

Estimated Cost
20 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax (weathered oak stain)
Minwax polycrylic protective finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kristyzed

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 20:40

These are great.  Can you share dimensions and if there are any angle cuts on the legs?

msyoung22

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:12

Thank you! The dimensions are the same as the Ana White "Simple 1x10 Single Step Stool" except I used 2x10's instead of 1x10's like the plans called for. I also used some scrap pallet wood to make a design on the top of the stool. 

- Stool height: 7 1/2" for legs, 1 1/2" for top, and 1/2" for scrap pallet wood; which gives a total height of 9"

- Stool width: 9 1/4" x 16"

- 5 degree angle cuts were made on the legs

West Elm Knockoff Chevron Bed

Submitted by ctay on Sun, 08/28/2016 - 16:05

Built 2 twin beds for my granddaughters.  They turned out great and they love them!  

Estimated Cost
400.00 for 2 twin beds.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used several stains Early American, Provincial, Ebony, and 2 different greys.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Greenhouse Project -Added elevated raised beds & temp/humidity control

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/05/2020 - 09:09

We loved this greenhouse plan from AnaWhite and wanted to be able to grow in 3 seasons so we modified the design to include humidity & temperature control & 18" deep elevated cedar beds inside with 4x4 posts for support and trellis option. We added electricity in order to have a lighted workspace and the ability to put in a circulating fan to control mold and fungus. We added 2 work tables (2x2') on the inside of the door left and right side door in order to do seed trays & store supplies. This was a wonderful project for my husband and my plants inside are doing incredibly well compared to my outside garden beds here in zone 5. Products used:

Foundation
We had a landscape company come and scape/dig a platform and then fill/compact with crushed rock
My husband then used rebar driven into a 4x4 frame in order to secure the frame to the ground and create a base upon which to build the greenhouse

Active ventilation
AC Infinity Cloudline T8 Inline duct fan
Air king range hood wall cap 8" on the bottom outside of the greenhouse wall for air intake + flex 8" duct to the fan itself
Shelter logic autovent automatic shelter vent kits (1 on each side of the front wall) in order to allow air intake from the bottom back of the greenhouse under the elevated beds to flow to the front of the greenhouse and out
Circulating fan- Hurricane wall mount fan 16" - this fan has 3 speeds with tilt function and small mounting bracket

Soil - sourced 3 yards of 50/50 loam/compost from local landscaping supply
60% loam
30% organic compost
10% organic topsoil + perlite

Soil beds
-cedar frame 2 feet wide along sides, 3 feet wide on the back wall
-galvanized metal roofing with holes drilled into it for drainage
-landscape cloth lined

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$2000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

Back