Community Brag Posts

Donated bed

Submitted by Medickep on Thu, 10/15/2015 - 08:42

I made another one of these bunk beds for a family near my community.  This time I made all cuts from longer boards 16' + The boards had less nknots, which required less sanding and came out better!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
220.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Medium walnut (2 coats)>
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified Michaela's kitchen island

I used the plans from Michaela's kitchen island, but modified the top. Instead of 2x4s pine studs, I used black walnut boards a friend of mine had lying around. They were ~1x8" boards so I ripped them to ~4" width and ~60" length. They were a little warped so I glued and screwed them togther using a Kreg jig (best tool ever). This made a huge difference and there was only minimal gaps (1/16") between the boards. I ended up borrowing a belt sander from another friend to take out the 1/16"-1/8" lips in the boards. First time using a belt sander and it took a few minutes with 80 grit across the grain to get a level surface. Used 120 grit paper with the grain to smooth out the scratch marks from the 80 grit. Attached the top to the base with screws, finish sanded with 220 and 320 grit, cleaned up the dust with a tack cloth and then applied a few coats of polyurethane. For the drawers, I couldn't find 21" slides so I ended up modifying the drawers for 20" slides. Another fun and satisfying project!

used the plans for Michaela's Kitchen Island, more or less, but scrapped the top. Instead of wood, I went with a piece of Corian that I got very, very cheap at a local recycled building materials store. It was not that much more expensive than using wood, believe it or not. It's also easier to work with than wood, at least for this project. We even had enough left over for 2 large cutting boards. - See more at: http://ana-white.com/2012/02/kitchen-island-w-corian#sthash.yUJ3fA16.dp…
used the plans for Michaela's Kitchen Island, more or less, but scrapped the top. Instead of wood, I went with a piece of Corian that I got very, very cheap at a local recycled building materials store. It was not that much more expensive than using wood, believe it or not. It's also easier to work with than wood, at least for this project. We even had enough left over for 2 large cutting boards. - See more at: http://ana-white.com/2012/02/kitchen-island-w-corian#sthash.yUJ3fA16.dp…
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200, includes cost of wood and hardware. The black walnut was free, but otherwise would be over $100.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr "Frost" semi-gloss paint for the base, Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane for the top. After cutting all pieces, but before assembly, I applied a coat of white primer to all base pieces. I then applied 2 coats of Frost semi-gloss. For the top, I applied coats of polyurethane with light sanding using "0000" steel wool between coats. Synthetic 2.5" bristle brushes were used for paint and polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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.

Tiny House table for small office

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/18/2023 - 13:49

Made a 48x18x27h version of the Little House table to use in a small office . The Wood is Spalted Alder resourced from our WA State property finished with a clear satin urethane top coat. Fasten with pocket holes and glue for the frame.

Comments

Coffee Bar with Built-In Beer Fridge and Wine Storage

Submitted by Chuck1979 on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 10:39

We made a beverage station for the corner of the kitchen!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white paint and Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

gunnare57

Fri, 07/31/2020 - 09:43

Hello! Was looking to see if this is something you would be interested in building for us? We are in love with this project but don't have the tools or means to do it ourself..

Can talk about pricing / size etc.
Thanks!

Blue egg holder

Hi all,

I made the wooden egg holder for our brand new kitchen. I altered the size because there's just the two of us here since our son moved out. It was a very easy beginner project and lots of fun to build by myself. If you're a beginner like me it can be overwhelming to start, but if I can do it you can do it too! Just go for it. I'm looking forward to build a next project with one of Ana's plans.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bench

This bench is a perfect addition to our front porch.

This is one of the first projects that I tackled, and its holding up beautifully!

Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor Paint and Primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Palette Mud Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 03:16

Here's the Mud Kitchen I made for my son's kindergarten. All made from palettes. Unfortunately your plans came out just too late

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Raised Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 11:59

I helped my 3 grands make this for their mom for Mother's Day. They loved it and she was over the moon!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Wall Mounted Hutch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 06:48

I wanted a china hutch in my dining room, but did not have the space. Instead, I built a wall-mounted hutch, which provided room for the dining room chairs to slide back from the table. I altered the plans to make the hutch less deep and added a trim piece along the bottom. My favorite part about this hutch is decorating it for every holiday and season. Thank you Ana White!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
China hutch and home decor
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Mon, 11/04/2019 - 12:23

Thanks so much for submitting this brag post!  It was selected randomly for a $100 gift card - look out for that in your inbox shortly!  Ana

Seasonal And Holiday

Modified Modern Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/18/2019 - 15:12

This project was actually my first build (besides a small blanket ladder). I used the Ana White plans every step of the way! Since this build I have created coffee tables, side tables, console tables, head boards and a bed frame. This table gave me the confidence to try an original project of my own. Although this table was fairly simple, it was the project that started it all. That is why I chose for this piece to be my brag post.

beginner farm table plans

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil in Medium Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

Texas Adirondack Chair

Submitted by bclexsam on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 07:02

With a little project oversight, my son built and painted this chair which went on to win 1st place in his division at the local 4-H show!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Porch Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/24/2023 - 13:40

This build was a lot of fun! Thanks ANA!

David Marks

Comments

Garage shelves

Submitted by Queequeg on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:35

This is my first project ever built. I can't thank you enough for this site. I already have several other projects I want to build around the house because of this site. Thank you so much!

Estimated Cost
$150 for the wood. And some extra for the stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut water-based stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Queequeg

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:36

Didn't realize the photos were rotated. Can't figure out how to fix that!  Oh well.  :)

 

Tardis Murphy Bed

Submitted by alleysrats on Thu, 04/07/2016 - 19:40

I took the original plan design for a Murphy bed - it was inspired by a Dr. Who themed bed that used a Murphy Bed Kit - I've used Ana White's plans before and thought why spend $$$ on a kit when you don't have to.  I few trips to the store and a weekend later I have my very own Tardis Murphy Bed.  It cost about $140 to build not including the mattress and accessories cost (light kit/upholstery panel/police box sign etc) I raised it up about 4" to attach legs and added some puck lights for a lighting effect.  I think it came together rather nicely.  I just have to add handles and the magnetic closures and it will be all done.

 

It took me all weekend to build by myself - had my brother help me with mounting the mattress box in the cabinet.  I would suggest having wood cut at the lumbar yard as it is difficult to cut the 8 and 12" boards unless you have a bigger table saw that I do.

Estimated Cost
$140 not including accessories which added about another $40 to cost. Mattress was additional $180.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Swing Bench

Submitted by Katpiter on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 18:43

Perfect plan Ana , very easy to make. Swing hung on the  A frame bulid with 4X4

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
swing $60
A frame $120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little Helper Learning Tower

This is a slightly modified version of the little helper tower, very sturdy design, i weigh 184lbs and use it to climb up to high places as if it were scaffolding. The modifications include making the sides the ladder and the ladder the sides, this allows for smaller hands to grip easier when climbing. It helps to mimic more a ladder design than climbing up the side. It also made for easier install of rungs for ladder. Screws go through the wood face into tge end of the rungs, then pocket homes were used for side supports which were larger woods pieces than the rungs  and pocket screws went from face of supports to the edge of the legs therefore no split out when doing pocket screws! All made from recycled wood from crates, dried and seasoned of course, if you use recycled wood it must be fully cured or it will warp and split over time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The wood was free from crates that were going to the dumpster from my job. About $25.00 for screws glue and dowels, we used deck-mate #8x2,1/2 screws to assure safety of the rungs because they had the highest shear strength. We used minwax golden oak from the local hazardous waste collection site and the same with the poly, so the finish was free!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax golden oak on the lighter one and semi gloss poly brush on, others are special walnut with spray minwax poly semi gloss. I personally like the brush on poly for the finish on this type of project. It is tougher and hold out longer, but it is a pain to apply when it is all together. The stain was applied before the pieces were put together. Touched up stain after all was together and sanded off high spots then applied poly after all was finished, bottom of tower first then to front and sides.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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