Community Brag Posts

Garden Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/30/2017 - 06:26

Had to clean out my storage area to make room for my new woodworking shop, so a new shed was in order. Since my neighborhood does not allow large sheds i thought this would be the perfect fit for the small area right outside of the shop. I had to adjust the plan to make it narrow but longer. Used pressure treated fence pickets for the siding..

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Cost approximately $300-350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Chair with a Bahamian Accent

Hey Ana -

You're plans have been such a great help to me here in the Bahamas. You've saved us thousands of dollars. Really! Here's one of my many adirondack chairs under construction. I added a Bahamian accent. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 (Bahamian)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished (waiting for PT to dry)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hall Tree -cedar picket

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 19:38

I built this based on the idea of the mimi storage bench and hutch. We will use this in our garage next to or shoe rack. I built this primarily from 1x6 cedar fence pickets, a few cedar 1x2's and a couple cedar 2x4's.  

The lid lifts for off season shoe storage.  All bench joinery is with pocket holes and the cedars pickets are attached with pneumatic 1 or 2-1/2" nails.  

I used my speedy square's 45 degree angles to trace out the mountain silloutes and then cut them out with my jigsaw.  I paced myself on the project and my four year old helped quite a bit with measuring and handing me the next board. We're excited to have a little spot to change shoes and grab the jackets.  Feel free to check out my Instagram for other random projects or are family fun  instagram.com/fotosnapper 

Estimated Cost
$80 in wood, $15 in sealant.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Light sanding with a poly sealant for deck furniture from Orange. Single coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first dining table and chairs project

Submitted by Javata on Wed, 02/06/2013 - 17:19

We used carraige bolts to make the legs removable. Very happy with the results!

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Javata

Thu, 02/07/2013 - 05:16

Jake,
Thanks so much! I spent about two months working evenings and weekends as weather permitted, to complete this project. My daughter chose two stain colors and we mixed them together. I'm happy with the way the color came out.

Debbie440

Thu, 11/21/2013 - 18:27

I made the same 30" tall bar stools. I love the whole look of your set. Did you adjust the height of the table for the chairs? Or is the table high enough for these chairs? Also, did you make the table top smaller?

You did a great job!

Javata

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 18:13

Debbie,
Thanks so much for the compliments! My daughter didn't like the "plank" version of the table top so I used oak plywood and framed it with oak 1X4s. I believe the measurements of the table are 48" by 48". I don't think I adjusted the chair height but I did add a foot at the bottom of the table legs. That may have added an inch or so to the overall height of the table.

Chris22

Tue, 02/10/2015 - 13:22

I really like how you added the foot and removable legs to this table! I would like to make mine with removable legs as well. How did you modify the table to use the bolts?

velvetechos

Tue, 07/14/2015 - 06:31

Hello! This plan is EXACTLY what I am looking for except there is a huge difference.......it will be the ritual platform for a traditional Tibetan Sand Painting.  I am seeking a plan just like this for a square table that is 6' square and 3 1/2' high......is it possible to purchase a plan of that dimension or does anyone have a recommendation where I can find that.  THIS would be truly lovely in this design.  THANKS for any help!!!  

Javata

Thu, 07/16/2015 - 12:08

I really just followed the Ana White plans for the Pub Table but used one solid piece of plywood instead of the 1x4s for the top. Since plywood comes in 4x8 foot sheets, you might need to get creative to get it to 6 feet. Good luck, and don't forget to post pictures when you finish!

Crayola2

Sun, 06/21/2020 - 11:52

I really want to make there chairs too! Please post the link to the plans.

Pub Table and stools

Submitted by brittanyj on Mon, 02/11/2013 - 11:28

Using the plans for the modern table and simple stools, I made some modifications so it could be a bar height pub table and stools. The stools took the most time, with all the supports and keeping it level. The table was easy and I am super happy with the addition of the x's on the sides. I think it gives it a more professional look. Turned out that the angle I wanted them at wasn't possible on my miter saw, so I just had to mark the angles and cut with a jig saw. Screws were overkill for them and split the wood, so finishing nails did the job. The top was salvaged from an old ugly mdf topped coffee table. I sanded it a bit and with many coats of stain, achieved a match to the rest of the wood. Yay! Breakfast nook, complete!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Kona stain + poly
additional coats of clear matte poly on tops of table and stools for protection.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Mon, 02/11/2013 - 12:03

Nice job! Also looks like it'd be a great place for conversation while someone is working in the kitchen .

morgo614

Sat, 09/14/2013 - 12:34

What are the dimensions here for your table? I'm looking to make/get one very much like this and trying to figure out the best yet least amount of counter space needed, depth wise. Hoping 15" is enough but I love the look of yours.

All Dolled Up

This is my first project. My husband was out one morning so i decided to try to figure out how to work his tools and create this dress up cabinet. I love the way it turned out and it was so easy! I am praying God will bless me with a little girl, so I made this for her--for I WALK BY FAITH not by SIGHT! Thanks Ana, your plans are amazing!

Estimated Cost
$35
Finish Used
White, lavendar, and Pink paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Our Rustic End Table

This was our first furniture project together. It was not as simple as we thought it would be, but we are very pleased with how it came out. We are planning on making the sofa table to match next!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jbayer80

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 14:46

Nice work!

Can I ask where you got the hardware for the edges? I plan on building this too once the time is right.

Court_Jared

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 09:52

Erik is exactly right...we just bought silver metal brackets and spray painted them black (it took two coats to cover them completely).

Kerplunk Game for Outdoors

Submitted by thediyplan on Thu, 03/18/2021 - 13:54

Here’s another fun game to play for all ages, especially for kids. It’s called a Kerplunk Game. The original Kerplunk game is small, made from plastic, and is mainly for indoor use. But to make it more interesting and to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors, I’ve built a Giant DIY Kerplunk Game with a wire mesh screen. This is a great backyard game for any occasion or a party.

See my website for additional pictures and how I've built it, TheDIYPlan.com

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X TV Console modified to 42" Dry Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 08:34

My wonderful husband and father built this dry bar for me using the Rustice X TV console plans.  They modified plans to so it is 42" tall, 6-1/2' long, and shelving is wider and centered.  I love it.  Thank you for sharing your plans.

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and polyurethane finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/11/2021 - 13:47

I slightly modified the project to suit my wife's request. One key note: Make sure the main frame pieces mirror each other. I missed that and had two identical pieces outlined in Step 1, versus where the inside aprons actually face each other to allow for the top and bottom rails to be secured to the frame.
Thompson's Clear stain protects the wood; one coat after cutting the pieces and a second one for good measure after assembly.

Estimated Cost
$50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Apothecary Jeans Dresser

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 18:27

I used Shelf Help for the plywood pieces and a mash up of Ana's plans for the rest. I shared a video on my family page for steps used here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urFoX5j4J0s

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

West Elm Inspired Upholstered Outdoor Sofa

My husband and I built this modern upholstered outdoor sofa for our back porch. As it was going outdoors we used treated lumber, a painters drop cloth (dyed with Rit dye), and coated deck screws. We are so proud of the way it came out! Please see my blog for more details on the build.

Estimated Cost
$300-350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

pipe/wood bookcase

Submitted by ltodd on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 18:26

1/2 ' x 18" black pipe was used along with 1/2 ' flanges. The wood was re-purposed 2x6' pine lumber that had been used for pallets, that would have been thrown away. The boards were joined with a Kreg Jig, It will house my stereo components.

Estimated Cost
$150 pipe/flange costs
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4's Deak

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/28/2017 - 19:36

I did an epoxy coating which took a few coats as I learned the hard way how to use it but I love the look!!  Did a custom gray and brown stain mix after sanding, weathering and conditioning the boards.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Epoxy topcoat and Rustoleum glossy white spray paint with primer for the bottom. Classic Gray & Kona stains mixed. Beat the top boards with nails, hammer, poked at it etc to make it look old. Sanded twice and conditioned. Painted the top with a cheap white paint then sanded lightly and stained.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First build - started with a simple chair

Submitted by bsohl214 on Fri, 06/18/2021 - 05:19

Decided to start doing woodworking as a pandemic hobby. Given what happened with wood prices, I could have picked a. better time to start making sawdust. Quite happy with the outcome.

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

Comments

Pergola

Submitted by benfsu00 on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 01:30

I have wanted a pergola for years and since we moved into our new construction in Dec. '12, I decided to finally go for it and add it to our new backyard plans. When I stumbled onto the plan on ana-white.com, I couldn't be more thrilled to see how simple of a project it was. I do not mean that it was an easy build by any means. I wanted a "beefier" look to it so I used 2x6 and 2x4's. The 4x4 posts are 10ft long (I was going to use 12 ft until I realized just how tall they were!). I stole the steel anchor post idea from the Popular Mechanics site and the "look" of the pergola from the Weatherly plan. I decided not to notch each beam due to time constraints and I just didn't think I need to. I did use zinc L brackets to secure the 2x6s to the support beams (also 2x6s). The top is stiff as can be but the bottom has a slight give to it since it is only four 4x4s sitting on post anchor brackets. I am planning on adding about 6 inches of concrete around the base of the posts (after my HOA "approves" the pergola) to stiffing the structure and then trim around the base for a more "custom" look to it. It will be similar style to the Weatherly except wider around the base so that I can set drinks on it. It took about 8 hours total and about an hour of that was setting the steel anchor posts (measuring and installing 2 1/4" red head screws into the 4" concrete slab patio).

I will stain it with a semi-transparent (BEHR brand) redwood-ish color in a few months after the PT pine dries.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Console Table

Submitted by wangbw on Sun, 06/11/2017 - 15:32

Quick and easy to follow plans.  Only issue I ran into was that my miter saw only cuts up to a 50° angle.  I set up a jig to hold the 2x2 perpendicular to the saw and set the miter to 30°.  Viola, easy 60° angles!  Pic attached for reference.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little Cottage Loft Bed - Revised :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/20/2017 - 08:05

My 2 grand girls wanted a cottage bunk bed.  Not wanting to disappoint, I took the plans from the cottage loft bed and modified them, adding a lower bunk.  I also added the steps, with storage on the side instead of the ladder, and made a drawer for the front step for the little one.

I made the wreath from Pom-Poms purchased from Jo-Ann's and battery operated string lights.  

I opted for a cedar shake roof, which was purchased from Home Depot, then painted.

Needless to say, they love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maple T & G - left over from remodeling project
Additional wood and hardware - $275
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted using One of Pottery Barn's grays from Sherwin Williams
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Modern Loveseat and Couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/26/2021 - 12:00

We were looking for outdoor furniture big enough for our whole family and friends but everything we looked at was over $5000 and really not well made. Ana to the rescue.
We built 2 loveseats and created a couch by doubling the dimensions.
We built the whole thing out of redwood so total wood was about $1000
The cushions were from Overstock and Lowes, approx $300.
There was a too much wiggle room with the cushions so we made a built-in frame to hold them in place. If we built another I would have cut the width down slightly.
We placed a 4X4 and another 2X4 on top of the back to provide more support.
All in all, love the way it turned out.

Seasonal And Holiday

Counter-Height Stool

Submitted by eralben on Tue, 03/24/2015 - 11:31

I made these stools to use with my counter-height dining table.  The only modification I made to the original plans were I did not use the diagonal support and I used 2x6s to make the seat for the stool.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Mahogany Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

These ledges transformed an entire wall!

For Mother's Day this year, I decided to completely redo what we call our "front room" for my wife. Before the weekend, it was unorganized, colorless, and boring. We decided to start the project with new paint, which my wife picked out. I got some old windows from a thrift store, and we decided the ledges would flank one of those windows and we'd basically transform the entire wall.

The ledges were a blast to build (my wife even helped a bit!) and we're super happy with the way they came out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We just painted the ledges with a flat black. Nothing fancy at all!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner