Community Brag Posts

Storage Bed Collection for son

Submitted by nmsigman on Mon, 12/29/2014 - 09:00

Built from the storage bed collection as one of my sons Christmas presents. He loved it so much he cried. This is the first project that I have built and I think that it went rather well. I can honestly say I am now hooked.
 

Estimated Cost
It cost around $600-$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood Filler, Cognac wood stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cabin bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/28/2017 - 13:11

Hello everyone

Just wanted to thank everyone for there great cabin beds and anna white for the amazing plans. My husband and I found them super easy to follow and create. I highly reccomend some stairs our little guy is still only 20 months hes a little short getting in and out... currently the step stools working great.

We had a blast making it ! 

Estimated Cost
400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used weather grey stain and finished it with a non-toxic wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

The Modern Adirondack Leg and Foot Rest

Submitted by prelude on Fri, 02/05/2021 - 03:33

This Leg and Foot Rest is a perfect addition to the Modern Adirondack Chair designed by Ana White. Using the same basic design, the Leg and Foot Rest allows you to put up your legs and feet for added comfort while relaxing around the fire pit or patio.

Plans were created using SketchUp and include Shopping and Cut Lists.

For more details, contact Custom Wood Creations at https://gmarmo48.wixsite.com/mysite or write to us at [email protected]

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior paint or stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kid's Country Bench

Submitted by Jennifer G on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:23

I built this Kid's Country Bench for my son's play corner in my living room. It was so easy! The hardest part about it was waiting for the finish to dry lol. My 3 year old was able to help with a few things and he absolutely loves it! Thank you so much Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Early American Stain and Minwax Satin Spray Poly for the finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Under stair storage seat

Submitted by AndyB on Thu, 01/01/2015 - 02:41

 

We are in the unique position of having stairs in our bedroom and they take up quite a lot of room. We considered putting a chair and set of drawers under the stairs but they would have looked cramped.

Having done some research we found some photos where people had built benches under the stairs.  It was around this time that we found Ana White's plan for framing up a mud room bench in a nook (which for some reason I can't add to the 'built from' section). We had to adapt it as the original plan was framed by 3 walls and due to the angle of the stairs we could only use 2 and added legs. We also had to add triangular panels to give it that built-in look.

We were able to complete the build for relatively cheap as we kept a ton of 2x2 from when we removed a 60s built in wardrobe and was able to rebuild it. If you look behind the drawers you can even see that the wood is notched from the wardrobe hinges but in a nice way it keeps the old owners work in the house.

Estimated Cost
£40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and water based satinwood
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Xmas Tree Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/29/2017 - 16:43

I have this wood I saved from a gate I took down for my parents. It had been up for 20 years, and the wood had taken a beating from the weather, but I couldn't throw it away. I made this Xmas tree shelf for my daughter for Christmas. I really liked the look of the raw, weathered wood. I didn't even take the lichen off. Luckily she loves the weathered look, too.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I made this from salvaged wood and a scrap piece of plywood. I had the nails and screws. So, total cost would be a couple of bucks for the nails and screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mini fridge cabinet!

Submitted by mckaylia on Fri, 02/12/2021 - 16:47

Love this new piece in our game room. It was my husband's first time using the Kreg tool and it went relatively smoothly!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark stain was Kona.
Light stain was Early American.
We used a satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My First Build

Submitted by jcdixon910 on Mon, 02/25/2013 - 09:22

This was my first real build. I used the Kreg pocket hole system and it worked great! With Ana's instructions and the Kreg Jig it went together in a couple of hours! Thanks, Ana for your great site and plans!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Box

Well now that I've been off for a couple weeks during the holidays and starting to build the kids all want something. So I made them some boxes. 

The 2-drawer was the most time consuming. Made from 1 Cedar picket fence. 

The others 2 where just from scraps left over from other projects. 

Estimated Cost
$3
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut on one box. Some leftover blue my daughter found for the box that she painted.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 01/03/2015 - 17:10

Love all the boxes you built for your family, great job! Those octagon shaped pulls are awesome!

Full size Daybed (Hailey hybrid)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 08:44

 This is a hybrid between the Hailey daybed and the Hailey platform bed. My son is in love with this bed! Used aluminum diamond plate for the headboard. 

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum primer, black paint (3 coats) and clear finish. Aluminum diamond plate headboard. Lots of sanding. Used sponge roller for smooth finish. Cut diamond plate into three sections because I found a 2'x4' piece on Amazon for $22. One that spanned the length of the headboard (73") was $100!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse table, bench, and 2x4 chairs

Submitted by palgier15 on Sat, 02/20/2021 - 08:51

Started with building the table for our ever expanding family. We priced out a new table and chairs at the price of $3700 and was able to build the table, bench and 5 chairs for $400. The table is perfect for our big family and very solid. The bench and chairs went together fairly easily. I adapted 1 of the chairs for my son who has to have arms to keep him safe. Great for any family.
2x4 chairs are from morelikehome.net day 4 build

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Gel Stain Provincial
Varathane Polyurethane Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our first picnic table

We built our first DIY project together using the plans for the simple outdoor dining table. It was so much fun we are on to more projects.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic colored stain and sealer in Wedgewood
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Build - Junior Camp Loft Bed

Submitted by stamhow on Mon, 01/05/2015 - 09:40

We had a blast building this bed for our daughter.  It was our first build and I think it turned out perfect!   Thank you Ana White for the inspiration and fantastic directions to get us through!  Now onto the next project!

Amy

Estimated Cost
We bought a combo miter saw too, so without that cost, paint and all, I would say around $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified for double hanging

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/04/2017 - 14:50

I used 8 ft precut boards for shelves and modified the design so there was enough room for two racks on each side. In addition I screwed 1x4 to the studs to secure the shelving to the wall.  I have a 5 year old climber so it was best to be proactive and secure it. It was easy project took about 4 hours to complete.  I plan to paint the vertical boards a medium gray and stain the shelves a dark coffee color. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Anna's Bedside tables

Made these for my niece as a wedding gift. These were one of the first of many of these I have made.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Dee015 on Fri, 03/01/2013 - 17:56

Always been interested in wood working and found this site that is incredibly easy to follow with awesome plans - Thanks Ana.

This was my first project and overall the wood cost about $50 with left overs. I used framing wood SPF and the friendly workers at Home Depot explained all about wood and finding wood that isn't shaped at odd angles or bent.

I bought a Mitre saw 10 inch blade for $99.

I bought the Kreg Jig for $99.

Gel Stain costs $25 for a large can (I used on another project).

To my amazement a box of screws costs $30 but you get a few hundred.

So some of the the things to watch for - for any newbies like me out there:

If you buy a very powerful drill careful not to push really hard or you find your screw goes through 2 inches of solid wood and you are left with a gaping hole.... resulting in you starting over again...

If you don't set your kreg jig to clamp down on your wood, with the wood being level at the base of the kreg jig, the wood raises slightly. This results in your drilled hole to go deeper and screws to pop out the face of your project... nice surprises when you are sanding.

Estimated Cost
First project - summary.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Gel stain

Varathane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Jamaunzie

Sat, 03/02/2013 - 14:38

Your work looks great as I was reading about your adventure I couldn’t help but chuckle and node my head yep.
Welcome to the wonderful world of woodworking land of the bold, adventurous, self confident, and satisfied people

Truss harvest table with white stain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/07/2017 - 14:30

Absolutely love the finish on this table.

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

Comments

16" Cedar Patio Planter

Submitted by prelude on Fri, 03/05/2021 - 04:33

I created these 16" cedar patio planters using Ana's plans. I bought four 6' cedar pickets from Lowe's for $1.98 each or under $8 for the lot. I used the extra picket to cut our my 1x2s and 1x3s so the whole construction is made of cedar including the pieces to hold a potted plant. I used Behr's clear and cedar finish to complete the job in under 1 hour. Thanks Ana for the motivation.

Estimated Cost
$8
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr's clear and cedar exterior finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

charlie's scooter

Submitted by aplexis on Mon, 03/04/2013 - 16:13

fun project for begginers, I made this one for my grandauther she's just a year and a half old and she loves it. This was a good chritsmas gift...

Estimated Cost
$20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Flared Leg Coffee Table

Submitted by DangerDad on Fri, 01/09/2015 - 11:58

For some time I've wanted to build a sturdy coffee table for our family room.  I've also been experimenting with and bulidng lots of furniture for the kids rooms with low cost, paint grade, maple veneer plywood.  I love the ease of working with this material and results have been great.  I never thought that raw edged plywood furniture would have a place outside of the kid's bedrooms until I saw this slab of bamboo counter top at our local big box store and I got the idea for this piece.  Although I still would'nt consider this "fine furniture", I think it turned out pretty cool.  The design is my own, and it's the first time I've tried flaring legs in two directions which was real easy to do with a bandsaw.  I have the plan drawn up in sketchup if anyone is interested.

Estimated Cost
$120 for the bamboo slab (with some left over for an end table)
Less than 1/2 a sheet of plywood at $50/sheet.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American on the top
Minwax Satin finish poly (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 01/09/2015 - 13:33

What a cool project! Love the bamboo top! To do your table legs, did you glue the plywood pieces into a block and then cut with the band saw? Beautiful job!

A lot of work but worth it!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/10/2017 - 18:09

A few things that would be helpful - power tools! Nail gun, drill and table/miter saw would all be helpful. I also would stain the pieces beforehand and touch up after. But overall, SO pleased with the final result.

Estimated Cost
$100 for 2 single loungers.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate