Community Brag Posts

Harriet Outdoor Table & Chairs

Submitted by LinzFritz on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 20:02

When I saw these plans I couldn't wait to build them for my deck. I'm so happy to finally have some outdoor furniture, especially solid wood pieces that I built myself. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum High Gloss White Outdoor Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

brookifer86

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 13:46

Everything looks so sharp and chic, love the white color. Only $80 for a full table and chairs too, can't beat that!

My Ana white farmhouse table

After buying our first home we decided we wanted to build our own kitchen table so we stumbled across Ana's plans and I'm so glad that we did!

Estimated Cost
$90 bucks give or take.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax
Polyurethane
Sanding sealer
Dark walnut stain

Sherwin williams
Satin white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Vintage simple bench nightstand

I followed the plan but added a drawer.  I had a drawer that I had previously built but it didn't fit that project. It just happened to be the right width for this, I had to cut off some on the length, and that turned out to be easier than I thought it would be.  I used wooden slides.

Estimated Cost
Less than 20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red oak and golden oak mixed. Wax finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 Truss Beam table

Submitted by dlachance on Sun, 09/04/2022 - 10:08

I went a little more high end for the table top, but really like the design for the frame

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Adirondack chairs for the family

Submitted by ddaavviidd on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 11:34

I've always wanted Adirondack chairs but found them way too expensive to buy. I found Ana's plan a while ago and promised myself I'd make one this summer. Well I enjoyed it so much I did three of them!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
CAD$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Since I used mostly spruce (which was much cheaper) I needed to sand all parts that made contact when you sit (seat, back, armrests for the kid's chair). The first chair (to the right in the featured picture) is exactly like the one in Ana's plan. I sanded and painted it after it was built. The other big one was slightly modified: I made the arms and the back longer so that it is more inclined and I cut the top portion in a round shape with a jigsaw. I also made the armrests larger (6") and longer and also gave them a rounded end. I used cedar-colored protective stain, two layers. The kid's chair's armrests are also larger (4") and longer and have the same rounded end. I plan on getting cushions for them during the Fall promotions. All I have left to do is a small table and a second kid's chair for the new baby that's arriving soon!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Miasmom (not verified)

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 08:31

Those are awesome! All you need to make now is a doll adirondak chair and you've got a complete set of Ana White Adirondack chairs! ;)

The perfect sewing table!

I have been looking at sewing furniture for years, but the prices always made my jaw drop. I have a small craft room, so I needed a table that could also triple as a cutting table and fabric storage. Thank you so much to Ana White for this plan! I built exactly to the plan in The Handbuilt Home, and it's the PERFECT size.

So the sewing machine can sit flush with the top, making working on big sewing projects way easier, I traced the outline of my machine on the MDF and cut it out with a jig saw. Then I built a small shelf using a 1x12 scrap and 2 1x3 scraps. Putting the 1x3s on top of the 1x12 made the shelf 3.75 inches deep, which is exactly the depth I needed. I attached it to the underside of the tabetop using a pockethole jig and screws.

I built 2 boxes using 1/4 inch plywood, and installed drawer pulls on them, giving the illusion that the table has 2 drawers built in. This is where I keep my ugly stuff--interfacing and fabric scraps.

I got the color scheme for the table from the entryway console plan in The Handbuilt Home. In order to make the MDF top look like it had a wood grain, I applied mahogany gel stain with an old washcloth in very thick strokes that spanned the length of the tabletop. It soaked in and lost the "grain" look in some places, but the majority still looks like wood. I did have to apply several coats of polyurathane over the stain; the MDF has a prickly texture that grabs fabric and makes it hard to feed through the sewing machine.

My only complaint is that I didn't quite think through the fact that seating is bar height and I'm 5'7". It's a little difficult to reach my sewing machine pedal. I may build a small stool for the pedal to sit on so I don't have to half sit/stand to sew.

This is the first woodworking project I've done alone from start to finish: from going to Lowe's and picking out the wood, to cutting the wood with a circular saw, assembly, and finishing. (My fiance did carry it up the stairs for me. :) )

I'm so in love with this table! And now to finish the quilt I started 6 months ago....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used 2 coats of Valspar Signature paint in Laguna Beach, and Minwax mahogany gel stain on the MDF tabletop.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

MissMehndi

Mon, 09/23/2013 - 15:22

I love this idea!! I too have wanted a sewing table for a long time but the prices of them take my breath away. I may have to make myself one! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Marshall's Dresser / Changing Table

Submitted by pondrider on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 15:43

Delivered the nursury Furniture and have a ver satisfied daughter preparing to bring our Grandchild into the world. From Ariel "My sweet baby boy has the most beautiful nursery I've ever seen! I am so thankful for my father who hand built this furniture. It is definitely made with love and it's everything I dreamed of. I'm also thankful for my husband and brother in law who set up this entire nursery for me this morning. Thank you"  For this project built with a lot of love, I give a lot of credit to Ed and his very well written plans. http://www.edhart.me/2015/05/how-to-build-a-kendal-extra-wide-dresser/ I followed the plans from Ana-White with Ed's varriations almost exactly except I added Blum undermount glides. This item may 300 pounds but it is well built.  #anawhite

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Blum glides and assorted hardwood drove this project cost up. However this project is better than the item that I was asked to build at a retailer with a price tag of $1,200. My cost was about $500. #anawhite
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Custom Stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Best Floating Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/29/2022 - 11:57

I modified the size slightly and turned an old pallet into three matching floating shelves.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

My Farmhouse Dining Table

Submitted by LinzFritz on Wed, 09/14/2011 - 19:28

I love my new table! My wood was a little bit warped for the tabletop, so that's where I ran into the most problems, but I used a hand planer to smooth it down and it turned out perfectly!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut, Semi-Gloss Polyurethane, and Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Adam (not verified)

Fri, 12/09/2011 - 06:33

Thats quite nice. I'll bet you spent more than half of the time on the finish. Great color choice.

The Weekend Sleeper

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 01/10/2023 - 10:03

My step son, who is in college, comes to stay with us some weekends and we don't have a lot of room in the rental we are in. So I built a place for him to put his things and sleep, during his visit. This was an easy and quick build using 1x10's for the frame and 1x2's for the face frame. Being 1x10's it's super low profile and doesn't make the room feel much more crowded, so that is a huge bonus! I built it around the dimensions of this floor bed/sofa that I found on amazon

Here's a Youtube Video of me building it, if you want to see how it went together.

I really like this design, because I feel it would make a great addition to a guest room, bonus room, dorm room, shared room and more. I ended up attaching it to the wall as you will see in the video because it will be tippy if not. Hope you like it!

Project "Garage Organization"

Submitted by tnjyoung on Thu, 12/31/2015 - 06:57

I saw the "Easy DIY Garage Workbench" plans and got motivated for a little garage organization.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Coffee Table and Side Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/23/2019 - 08:53

I absolutely love how this coffee and end table set have completed my living room. Each one took me about a day to complete and $80 or less!! Excellent, detailed plans resulting in a gorgeous piece. Thank you! 

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The top is stained with Minwax Jacobean finish, then whitewashed with watered down Dover White From Sherwin Williams. Base is painted Sherwin Williams Dover White in semi-gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Princess Pocket Bookshelf

Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 23:15

I pinned, I built and today I post!

 
Last week when I teamed up with Katie, Sherry and Erin 
 
 
 
To host the Pinterest Challenge Fall Edition (not affiliated directly with Pinterest), I joined them to not just challenge myself to complete a project from my pins, but to challenge you as well.
 
 
 
Because who isn't guilty of pinning and pinning ... and never getting around to nailing and cutting and gluing and screwing?  As charged.
 
I love participating in the Pinterest Challenges put on by Sherry of Young House Love and Katie of Bower Power because it's fun, I get to meet great new people, challenge myself, and get super inspired by others projects.  I hope you participated in today's Pinterest Challenge, and will share your project with us today!  I've created a Link party for those of you who blog, and if you don't blog, you can always upload a brag post right here (you have to be a member of our site) and then link the brag post up.  Make sure you let everyone know your project is part of the Pinterest Challenge - you can use the graphics above.  So looking forward to seeing your projects!
 
But first, I'm pretty darn excited to share with you my Pinterest Challenge Project.  This is a first for me, to share the plans, then build and brag afterwards.  It was fun and my project turned out better because I had some time to think of ways to modify the project and read your comments.  
 
So here's my original Pin:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: kidsrooms.co.uk via Ana on Pinterest

 
 

And then here is the plan I designed

 
 
And this is what I built from the plan:
 
 
Thank you so much for the Pinterest Challenge - because now my daughter has a beautiful forward facing bookshelf!  
 
 
We especially love this bookshelf because it fits her books just perfect, leans just right over the baseboard, and keeps all the books leaning back and not falling forward.
 
 

Modifications

The structure of this bookshelf is the same as the plan.  But I did use 1x4s for the shelves and sides to hold more books, and because I choose to use moulding for the shelves instead of the 1/4" plywood.  I also cut the tops of the sides out with a notched arch shape ... it's the little things that take basic and make them fit for a princess.
 

Materials

We used solid wood for all the components and 1/4" PureBond Plywood for the back - so not only is this bookshelf functional and attractive, but it's also good for the indoor air quality of my home.  
 

Time

Building this bookcase took about an hour, and my husband sprayed it with white primer and paint.  We used a simple handheld sprayer - results are amazing.
 

Cost

The materials cost for this bookshelf run right around $35, not including paint and primer and screws - as I buy them in bulk.  There's definitely room to shave costs if your budget is tighter.
 
 
Well, enough about me - I really am looking forward to seeing your projects!  If you took the Pinterest Challenge (awesome, thanks for joining us!!!) it's time to share.  
 

If you've blogged or bragged, you can simply

  1. Click on the blue “Add Your Link” button at the bottom of the thumbnails
  2. Add a link to this post from your specific blog post about your project in the url field (not your home page)
  3. Give your project and appropriate name cause thumbnails are so tiny, a good name really helps!
  4. And please share the love and quickly link back over to our project posts within your own (here’sKatie’sAna’sErin’s, and ours) – it’s also nice to link to your inspiration project on Pinterest as well as to directly link to the original project/site, just so they get some love too.

Can't wait to see your projects!

 
 
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and painted white with handheld sprayer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fiona (not verified)

Wed, 11/02/2011 - 20:20

No tools here, but I love the idea. Bookshelves are not working so well for us right now.

momsthewordus

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 14:15

I can't wait to make this for my girls. I'm planning on two tall, narrow shelves to go on either side of a desk. Thanks for the awesome plans and inspiration!

lankylee76

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 07:50

I love this plan and want to build one for my son's room. Can you tell me how you secured the molding to the sides? also, did you use 5 or 10 degrees for the bottom of the sides? thanks!

lankylee76

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 07:50

I love this plan and want to build one for my son's room. Can you tell me how you secured the molding to the sides? also, did you use 5 or 10 degrees for the bottom of the sides? thanks!

Modular Corner Office and Craft Desk

I started creating the furniture for my new craft room by making the Easy Three Cube Benches I found here.  I modified them so that my cats could lay on top and look out the windows.  The cube benches gave me the confidence to design a printer stand.  Using Ana White's technique of "build the box" and then add the rest, I designed a custom printer stand I am so very proud of!  After the printer stand, I moved on to the final piece that would complete my craft room, a modular desk with plenty of workspace to complete any craft I want.  I modified each module a little to keep with the theme design of the room.  I created three modules.  The last one being a bookcase that is a modification of the Modern Craft Table bases.  I used better quality Oak plywood for the desk top, and good pine and whiteboard plywood for the modules.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
For the modules I used Valspar Furniture Paint in ultra white. For the desk top I used Minwax Simply White stain and then Minwax Dark Walnut over that to create the "driftwood" style look. I sealed the desktop with about 5 coats of Minwax wipe-on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

melkaye

Wed, 02/19/2020 - 13:53

Could you tell me the measurements for the top? I absolutely love your table! 

sukheeso

Wed, 04/07/2021 - 14:07

Hi! This is very similar to what I'm hoping to make. I was wondering what the length of the left side of the desk was?
Thank you!

X-Large Dog Crate

Submitted by Sanna on Sat, 10/26/2013 - 21:19

Found these plans for the dog crate and decided to build one for my large Rottweiler. It's large and tall enough for him to stand in (29"W x 41"L x 32.5"H). It didn't take long to cut and put all the pieces together, the longest part was staining the top and putting the urethane coating on it. The cost was really reasonable, I purchased the wood, used paint and stain I already had from previous projects. I plan on building more projects soon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black spray paint on body and Maroon latex paint for accent panels. Stained the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

AllegraYazz

Mon, 12/09/2013 - 03:22

I would like to build the X large kennel for my dog.
is it possible to have the measurements for the X large version.
the large version is not big enough for my sweetie.

thank you so much

AllegraYazz

Mon, 12/09/2013 - 03:22

I would like to build the X large kennel for my dog.
is it possible to have the measurements for the X large version.
the large version is not big enough for my sweetie.

thank you so much

Farmhouse Doll Beds

For these beds I modified the original farmhouse doll bed plans to accommodate a few more dolls. In the process, I discovered that, while doll furniture turns out SUPER cute, it takes me about the same amount of time to build a little piece as it does to build a big piece, especially when you consider the time it takes to sew the bedding.

I put these together mostly with nails and glue, but used my kreg jig to join the rails to the headboards and footboards.

Estimated Cost
$20 or less per bed.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey to seal. Lots of sanding before and in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:00

I love the mods you did on these. For the farmhouse w/trundle, I know you had to raise up the bottom and it looks like you did the headboard sized boards for the footboard and made the headboard w/even longer boards? Then for the bunkbeds, are those all headboard lengths for the head and footboards and then just very long 2x2s for the posts? I am never brave enough to mod anything just yet! I also absolutely love that bedding on the top pic! So bright and cheery!

In reply to by spiceylg

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:51

Isn't that bedding beautiful? I love it. The fabric is from Hobby Lobby. They have so many cute calicos.

Yes, you got the mods right. If I were to do the trundle again, I'd make the headboard longer so that it goes almost to the ground like the footboard, otherwise you can see the trundle.

The bunk was easy -- much easier than the other bunk plans all out of 1x2s. I've made them both now and the farmhouse one just comes together a lot faster (once you figure out the measurements).

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 09:57

I love Hobby Lobby but never think to check out their fabric! Silly me, I'll have to do just that! Okay, thank you for the info. I just noted the additional detail of the feet, how nice! If you don't mind, I'd love the measurement of the 2x2 for the bunks, simply because I'm lazy like that, lol!

In reply to by spiceylg

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 10:27

The 2x2s are 22 3/4" and the slats in the headboard are 7". I think the bottom of the bottom headboard is around 2 3/4" or 3" from the bottom of the 2x2s. All the width measurements are the same as in the original plan. Also, I used lath strips for the mattress to rest on instead of a rectangle of 1/4" ply -- it seemed easier and I think it was cheaper, too.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 08:00

You are so right about the time it takes.

I made a stuffed doll and her clothing for a niece, and I could have made myself two complete outfits in the time it took to sew one dinky doll dress.

lmhaney (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 07:40

Hillary how did you do the trundle for the farmhouse single bed. I read where you said you would do the headboard longer,but this is going to be my first build and I need a little more instruction to make the trundle and how long would you do the headboard. Thanks!!!

In reply to by lmhaney (not verified)

hillarylouise

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 09:05

Hey. I made the trundle using 1x3 boards just slightly shorter than the size of the overall bed (so it would fit underneath). I used two 18 1/2" 1x3s and two 14 1/2" 1x3s. I built it using pocket holes on the 14 1/2" 1x3s, screwing into the 18 1/2" 1x3s. Then I attached two 1x2 cleats to the bottom insides of the 18.5" boards so that I'd have a place to set support pieces for the mattress. I attached the cleats with glue and nails, I think, but pocket screws would work fine, too. I used pine lath for the support, attached with glue and staples.

For the headboard, I cut my panel pieces at 7", I think, but I should have cut them at 9 3/4" so that the headboard panel would extend closer to the ground like the footboard panel does. Here is an abbreviated cut list:
footboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 6"
footboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 7 1/4"
headboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 9 3/4"
headboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 11"

All of the horizontal cuts are the same as the original plan as long as you are using #1 pine. If you are using #2 pine or furring strips, your horizontal cuts will need to be slightly smaller b/c your panel board will be slightly narrower than the plans expect.

Just be sure to screw the side rails of the bed in high enough to get the trundle underneath.

Hopefully that all makes sense! Good luck! Can't wait to see photos!

In reply to by Aida (not verified)

claydowling

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 06:29

They -might- cut it for you. But based on the experience of a lot of people here, and the advice of some Home Depot employees also on here, it's a mistake to have them do that.

You can do the cuts on your own though. If you can't afford a circular saw, or you're uncomfortable with them, you can buy a hand saw for about $25. It's no good for cutting plywood or MDF, but for solid wood it's hard to beat.

Hillary (not verified)

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 19:26

Nope, I don't think they will. And if they did you won't be happy with the outcome. Too many cuts and there's no way they'll get every cut right. You'd be better off finding a friend with a miter saw you could borrow for an hour to get all the pieces cut. Good luck!

Aida (not verified)

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 08:27

Thank you........ I may have to stop been afraid of using this tools and just use it lol............love this bed and my daughter want me to make it for her........ I will post pictures

blair28

Tue, 10/29/2013 - 08:53

Just curious if you have ever thought of making these and selling them?? I have been looking for a doll bunk bed for my daughter for Christmas and love this bunk bed with trundle. So thought I would ask if you would consider making one and selling it!!

emmakayte

Sun, 12/08/2013 - 18:07

I absolutely love what you did with the trundle and the bunk bed. You are so talented! Thank you so much for sharing the measurements that you used to make the bunk bed and sharing tips. I am going to attempt to make one for my daughter. This will be my first woodworking project. I am crossing my fingers it goes well. Thank you! :)

Potting bench

I made this with leftover lumber after my mom helped me make a swingset for my kids. It's the very first project I've ever done by myself and it turned out GREAT! 

Estimated Cost
About $60 worth of wood, a other 10-15 in screws and other supplies.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I'm not going to finish it probably.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments