Community Brag Posts

White King Size Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/18/2016 - 06:04

Took be about 2.5 weeks to build this bed, working evenings and a couple full days on the weekend. I HIGHLY recommend getting a Kreg Jig. It made life so much easier.

To go from a queen to a king, simply add 16" to all of the width pieces. All of the length pieces will be the same for a queen and king.

 

I added one 2x2 support beam down the middle of the bed, with two 16 3/4 inch legs attached to it, for added support.  I screwed the slats into all 3 of the 2x2 support beams.

The drawers are the trickiest part. Make sure you follow the plan in order, waiting to install the drawers until after you have screwed the storage bins to the headboard and footboard.

 

 

Estimated Cost
$400 for everything (wood, paint, screws, drawer slides, etc.)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white Olympic One semi-gloss paint
Miniwax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Beautiful and sturdy dollhouse

Submitted by DIYMomof4 on Sun, 12/25/2016 - 13:04

Thank you Ana for the wonderful dollhouse plans!  I have been making furniture using Ana's plans for a couple of years now.  I made this as a Christmas present for my 3 year old daughter.  This dollhouse is safe, strong, and my daughter loves it!  It took me about a month to make the dollhouse and furniture.  I do have 4 children and have limited spare time, so I'm sure it could be done faster.  I followed the plan almost exactly as written.  I used screws for the stair treads and added 1x2's underneath for support.  I just put up 3/4" plywood for the roof as my jig saw is not the best.  I also added small push LED lights for the first and second floors.  This dollhouse will last for years maybe even be passed down to grandchildren!

Estimated Cost
It was under $100 for the dollhouse. I'm not sure how much the furniture would cost, as I used a lot of scrap wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Lindseed Oil - I really liked using this finish. It is so easy and there are no fumes. I also used it on the furniture.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Bird Feeder

Submitted by mtairymd on Thu, 12/29/2016 - 12:58

This is a simple project for the beginning woodworker. There are a variety of bird feeder designs available on the web but I wanted to try something a little different. Anyway, this is my try at a simple bird feeder.

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Bird-Feeder-1/

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint for pillars and perch
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse kitchen Island

Submitted by Scrapwood on Mon, 10/20/2014 - 11:26

I used the Ana White "Country Kitchen Island" plans to build.  The only changes I made was the table top, bead board instead of pine planks, three drawers, and mostly 3/4" plywood.  For the island top, i used the top of a maple desk and applied butcher block oil.  To make things easier I used plywood to keep everything square and used bead board (very easy to install) instead of having to join boards together.  After putting the shelves together I just used pine boards to cover the edges of the plywood.  I also installed three drawers for convenient storage.  

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

Comments

hbharshman

Wed, 10/26/2016 - 13:48

Do you have more details on how you did the drawers? demensions, etc? Did you just extend the divider vertical bards that are inside all the way up? Or did you build cut 3 holes out of the front facing horizontal board? If you did that were you able to add tracks? 

Great shelving, easy to do

Very easy garage shelving

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Craftsman playhouse!

Love how this turned out!! Thank you thank you Ana!! Plans were great, I think we got it done for just about $250! 

Thanks again!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pot holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 06:21

Working off your idea. Added another holder. There will be a bottom drawer for bigger stuff.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Will be painted
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Patio sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 12:22

This was exactly what I was looking for! I was able to make a sectional that fit our 4-season patio perfectly, and saved thousands of $$ in the process. 

 

Cushion details

Fullerton Outdoor Deep Seating Cushion Set - Threshold - http://www.target.com/p/fullerton-outdoor-deep-seating-cushion-set-threshold/-/A-52019240

Watch for sales on patio furniture, we were able to save 35% on the cushions (30% off sale + 5% Target REDCard discount)

 

Estimated Cost(s):

  • Lumber = $200
  • Cushions = $500
  • Screws, stain, miscellaneous supplies = $100
  • Total = $800

Finish Used:

  • Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
  • Minwax English Chestnut Oil-Based Stain
  • Minway Fast Drying Polyurethane
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our Thanksgiving Family Project

Submitted by loniwolfe on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 16:50

My husband, step father and I built these Thanksgiving weekend (2010) and my mom got us a half bushel of oysters to snack on and made awesome steamed mussels with bread for dinner. This was a very fun family weekend.

I modifyed the plans a little to make the arms angle in a bit instead of being straight boards and also created the curved front. Then after building the first chair, Pat decided to make the second chair's back rest taller and cut angles to match the arms.

I picked intermediate because of needing a miter saw for all the different angles needed for getting the front right.
Also, It took one day for each chair

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
To my knowledge, Pat has not yet stained them, but once he does I will take more pics and find out what he used!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Closet Door with Storage

Submitted by kristen on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 21:07

This was my first Ana White project, and I learned a lot from making it since I was also a novice woodworker. I am very happy with the end result, but it was probably a good thing that this went on the inside of a closet :) It gave me the confidence to go on and build something more difficult with the skills I built along with the storage.

The $30 estimate is only for the wood. Wood putty, sandpaper, screws, paint, etc. will make this more expensive, but you will use all of the extras on other projects since this one won't use those up.

The time involved is a guess--it has been a few months since I completed this. Someone with experience could probably do it faster and someone brand new to building might go slower. So I chose 3-6 hours, a nice in-between number.

Watch your caster size with carpet. That was my only snag with the instructions. Ana has hardwood floors that the casters roll on. I have carpet so I wanted larger wheels in order for smoother rolling. That added height to the caster also, so you want to modify the length of the sides of the storage unit to reflect the larger casters on carpet.

All in all a great plan and useful end result!

**UPDATE--January 30, 2012** We removed the casters from the bottom of this just yesterday and the door opens SO much easier. I would invest in some high quality casters and not the cheap ones I bought if you are going to use these. Without the casters I am only putting light things (stuffed animals) in this. If you are using it for heavier items, I would use the casters but make sure they readily turn. The casters I had did not want to turn as the door moved and they dragged on the carpet instead. Also, the overall height of your unit will depend on the height of your casters, so buy them first if you are going to use them. I still love this though!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White primer and white paint over that. I used the Zero VOC paint you can get at Lowes--I think it is Olympic brand.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bookshelf wall unit

I fell in love with a set of bookshelves from a big box store (ahem, T@#get) but was disheartened to find that they would not help me get the corner shelf ordered to Canada from their website.

With inspiration from Ana, I decided to design and build the whole thing myself. It cost 1/3 the price, and as my first wood project, I'd say it turned out pretty well.

I made my design to work best with the wood available local to me, and to fit specifically in our room. The biggest challenge wasn't wood-related at all, but was actually dealing with the electrical outlet that I needed to attached to the base of one shelf.

Check it all out at my blog; http://projectjumanji.blogspot.ca

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Convertible Picnic Benches

With the condition of our inherited 6-sided picnic table in my mind, the idea of these picnic benches was too appealing to ignore!
I gave away our old picnic table, and bought some cedar 2x6 from the lumber mill down the road. (He had a pretty good price so I used 2x6 for everything)
I decided to make them 6feet long instead of 4, and with an overhang of 8 inches rather than two I was able to avoid making a third leg set.
I got everything cut and gave it all a coat of stain before I assembled anything and then screwed the boards together with cedar deck screws.
I discovered when I had the tabletop bolted on that the 2x6 caused some issue with the tilting, so I had to go back with a handsaw and trim the front top corners of the back legs so that the table could tilt to the bench mode.
I'm still puzzling out why I have a bit of play in the top when it's bolted in either configuration...
Now if only this chilly rainy weather would quit so we could put them outside and start enjoying them!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar Naturaltone Exterior Stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Husky farmhouse table w/ butterfly leaf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 17:43
  • Hand built Husky Farmhouse Table, plans from Ana White adding a hideaway butterfly leaf
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
4 coats of Polycrylic Clear Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pottery Barn Benchright Inspired Side Table

Submitted by robinadams on Mon, 12/28/2015 - 11:12

A great project!!  I love how it turned out!  I used Poplar wood because I wanted a larger top than 1 inch but smaller than 2 inch.  Poplar had an in between size.  I love how it turned out!  Need to make another one now for my living room so that I have a matching set!  Thanks Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 because poplar wood is expensive. I already had the stain and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut followed by 3 coats of Satin Polyurathane. Sanded with 1000 grit sandpaper in between poly coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Queen Size Day Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 05:45

This is such an easy plan to make. It was my first time making ANYTHING but I was motivated by saving money. The original bed like this from a store was 1700 dollars. I did make a few beginner mistakes but figured it out.  I changed some of the measurments to fit my queen size mattress and of course its for my actual bedroom and not patio... I get so many compliments!! Hope you like it.

Estimated Cost
400.00 it was only so expensive because I had to by all the tools... worth every penny
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mahogany stain with a satin finish

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Modern Bed

Submitted by sarah0406 on Mon, 05/13/2019 - 11:04

We used repurposed wood from a previous home reno project along with new lumber to build a king-sized bed frame and wall-length headboard - based off of the "2x4 Simple Modern Bed" plans from More Like Home. We are VERY much beginners so this was an incredible learning experience, but the end result looks pretty good, in my opinion!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kamado table

Submitted by lmarco191 on Sun, 05/16/2021 - 14:47

The table assembly was Inspired by farm table and workbench plans. It was built from construction grade untreated 4x4 and 2x6 and assembled using Kreg pocket screws and glue. Finish is semi-transparent wood stain. Rather heavy, the table have locking wheels to help move it. The lower shelf is used to store accessories.

The small kamado is just the right size for two people. I added a large ceramic tile under the firebox plus a small inlay next to the grill. That was the top of a small patio table. A few hooks were added as a final touch.

We built it last year; it gets a lot of use as a grill, smoker, bread and pizza oven.

We are very satisfied with the outcome. Many thanks for the plans and inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi transparent wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jacob1234

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 23:34

Your grill is very beautiful, but I prefer cooking in the kitchen, I will explain why, I recently read a lot of Kitchenotic.com here, what connects me and the kitchen most of all is the answers to my any questions, no matter how stupid they are and the answers were always correct

Kids' Playhouse (under stairs)

Submitted by kdins31 on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 09:22

Had the perfect space for a little playhouse under the stairs in the basement and it's been our plan for 4 years to do something. Finally, we did something. Wanted depth so I added the roof and portico. Also added cedar shingles that I picked up for $7 at HD. Inside I had extra laminate flooring so I put that down and added beadboard, chair rail and crown molding. There's also a small transom window above the small kitchen area. The kids love the barnhouse doors with old fashioned doorbell, mailslot and window. The bookshelf under the stairs was the final touch. I didn't use any plans from this awesome site but did, as always, get a bunch of tips and inspiration!

Pin for Later!

Kids' Playhouse (under stairs)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain on cedar shingles.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 19:00

Wow! That is awesome!

You really did a great job on that! So imaginative, too. WTG!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 19:58

That is so stinkin' adorable! Fantastic job. I love everything about it. Your kids (and grandkids) will remember the playhouse under that stairs forever!

spiceylg

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 06:54

Wow, this is too cool! They are going to love love love this! Can't wait to see the kitchen reveal!

bhoppy

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 08:43

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!! It looks amazing! Makes me want to buy a new house with stairs. LOL

birdsandsoap

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:26

You did an amazing job on this. I'm planning a bunkbed with a similar facade. I love how cozy it looks without having to make an actual pitched roof. The shingles are such a nice touch that I may have to copy you! And it's wired for lights; you've really outdone yourself.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 21:14

I love this playroom you created. We are currently in the process of building a playroom under the stairs for our girls. Where did you find the door...it is exactly what I am looking for! What a wonderful job you did!!!

kdins31

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 14:26

Thanks to all of you for the nice comments! Re: the door, I just cut a plain 18x80 door slab ($21 from orange) and trimmed it out. I still need to put the window grille over the open space, and was hoping to find a cool 'speak easy' grille that fits the space.

Thanks again!

megan_m

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 09:07

this is such an amazing little space! great work!

MicheleInAlabama (not verified)

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 23:38

This has to be one of the most adorable things I've ever seen! What an awesome idea......how cool is that for the kids??! Love the lighting and the laminate (or is it hardwood) flooring inside. Even the stove is gorgeous! Such fond memories will be made there and remembered forever. Kudos!!

Amanda Rhoads (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 15:34

Oh my goodness this is such an inspiration! However, as a beginning tool user, I don't think I could get my finishes so nice. How much experience had you had at this kind of stuff before? Was the area closed in before this project or did you do that too? I've got an open stairway into our basement and would be starting from scratch with ceiling, walls, etc. and have no experience hanging drywall or anything. I think it would take me a year. Great job, and thanks for sharing!

maggieasselin

Sat, 06/21/2014 - 12:51

Hi there!

I was just wondering how you made the door for your play house? We're basically stuck at this level in ours right now... ;) Thanks for any tips!!!

MITER SAW CART

Great Miter saw cart plans! Absolutely love how mobile my miter saw is now. I added adjustable shelves and drawers for a ton of storage.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments