Community Brag Posts

Media Cabinet Base of built-in

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 11:21

First furniture project. It was a little intimidating - but once you get the cabinet squared everything else is just about precision cuts and patience to get the finish you want. Inset drawers are tough because they really show any mistakes.

Completed over 3 weekends.

My wife loves it! Our plan is to use this as the base of the built-in, and surround the TV with shelving up to the ceiling. Applying the concepts to this build will allow me to custom build the top unit, probably at some point next year.

 

Cheers!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Exotic Wood Farmhouse Style Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/30/2023 - 11:09

I loved your farmhouse bed , so decided to make my own , but with wood wat is available here(Philippines) the post and the frame is made of Mango wood , the tree fell down during the typhoon, so I made boards and beams out of it , for the headboard and also the footboard used Moldave/Mahogany/Ipalipal/and a few kinds I don't know the name

Built from Plan(s)

Blanket Chest and DVD Shelves

Submitted by Robinwood on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 19:55

These were all Christmas projects...My daughter needed a blanket chest, so I used Anna's Toy Chest plans - modifying them to add a lid (which also functions as an extra seat). I made the dimensions larger because she had some really large blankets to store and also added some fancier trimming. Her husband wanted DVD storage in their room, so I built the cabinet and painted it to match the blanket chest. I do most of my building in the evenings, so it took a couple of days to build these - the finishing took the most time over several evenings. Also shown is the mail organizer, with an airplane motif because of my grandson's love of airplanes.

Estimated Cost
$100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sandie

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:48

You did a great job on all of it! I especially LOVE the brown color!!

relye4b5

Tue, 03/12/2013 - 19:42

This looks amazing! I'm wanting to do something similar... a 28"x41" toy box that could double a a lounge seat. Would you be willing to share your plans for the lid addition? I really love the lip on the lid to keep the cushion in place!

Robinwood

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 12:56

Sorry, I hadn't noticed there was a new comment. I am one of those who just look at something or see a need and form plans in my head (I'm not good at writing them); so I don't have any plans. I just cut the lid so that it would overhang an inch on the ends and front. Then I cut a 1x2 the length of the lid and attached it on top of the lid at the back (the 3/4 side against the wood). The 1x2's for the end of the lid were cut to fit; the fronts rounded with a jig saw; then attached. I hope this helps.

Bookshelf for our nursey based on your terrific Channing plan

Submitted by Astern on Tue, 12/24/2013 - 14:24

Great, simple bookshelf for our nursery

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 for wood, $150 for paint and tools I needed
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Flat wall paint -- the same we used for the trim in the room.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Old Red Clubhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/05/2016 - 23:03

My husband and I had a lot of fun building this bed for our 3 yr. Old son. We are very proud of how it turned out. There were a few changes we made on our own as far as bracing was concerned, so our measurements changes just a little. The plans were easy to follow. I'm already searching Ana's site for our next project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Chalky Finish paint in Ruby Earbobs with Valspar Antiquing Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Wall Boot Rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/14/2019 - 03:24

I adapt the plan for the demand of a double boot rack. One for the big foot (Mother and father, 45 :) ) and one for the kids. And each for 6 pairs of boots! It's why I've decrease the space between each pair not to have to long rack. 1.4m for the longest. I used bankirai wood from a dismantle old deck and pine.

Estimated Cost
25€
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Bankirai: no necessary Pine: normal protection for external used
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bench and Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 08:32

Hello everybody
I am a retired man from Toronto, and I find wood working is very therapeutic. All credits to Mrs. Anna that’s she is been inspiring many people to engage with this activities. The most important steps to achieve my plan is sticking with the project I had planned. In the past as a rookie, I was very excited and started the project without a plan in order to speed up the process and finishing the task. The results were very disappointing and disaster.
Thank you for reading my experience.
Best regards
John

Built from Plan(s)

Narrow Farmhouse Table - first build EVER :)

I built something!! I really want to build a bed for my son, but wanted something a little simpler for my first project. This table came together very easily. I can't wait for my craft room to be done and get all my sewing machines set up on it - Thanks so much for your site, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
primer/paint/spray polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Loft beds for my girls

Submitted by Talarin on Fri, 12/27/2013 - 07:03

My wife and I came across this site 2 years ago and immediately fell in love with the loft beds.  I have never done any kind of project like this and really wasn't sure if I could do it.  I'm an IT guy, so the idea of fumbling around with power tools was a bit intimidating.

I decided to give it a try this year, 2013, as a Christmas present for my two girls, ages 9 and 7.  I bought a chop saw and circular saw, had the wood delivered and proceeded to take over the garage.  Following the plans, I started making my cuts.  Made a few mistakes and had to go buy extra wood, but eventually I completed my cut list.  I proceeded to prime and paint the wood, except for where I was gluing as I heard from a friend that wood glue worked much better on wood than paint.  Go figure.

I sent the girls to my dad's the weekend before Christmas.  They had no idea what I was doing out in the garage and I wanted to make it a complete surprise.  I had a good friend come over and help me assemble.  The first bed took just over 10 hours to complete.  Neither one of us really knew what we were doing, so we were being extra cautious.  The second one took us 4 1/2 hours.

I have to admit, I was quite proud of how it turned out.  The plans were really easy to follow, even for a complete novice like me.  I was really surprised at how sturdy the beds were, no wobbling, hardly any creaking when getting in them, a really solid product.  I did some touch up paint after it was all assembled and then I was done. I highly recommend this plan to anyone considering a loft bed.

Tal

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450 for two beds and accessories
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of primer, one coat of semi-gloss white paint. I used a small roller for the vast majority of it so as to avoid brush strokes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Full Length Mirror

Submitted by AndyH on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 10:27

Full length mirror made from a cheap $10 unframed mirror from IKEA. Trimmed out with some 1 by 3, 1 by 4 and 1 by 2. Stained black and then painted white. sanded between coats of white to show some of black through and give antique worn look.

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained black and then painted white. sanded between coats of white to show some of black through and give antique worn look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farmhouse Bed Anniversary Gift

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 09:17

Built the Ana White designed modern farmhouse bed in a standard king size for my wife as a gift for our anniversary. This was a great weekend project and the final result was impressive! It’s the most solid and sturdy bed we’ve ever slept on. Thanks Ana for the plans and the inspiration! Night stands up next!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Gray stain + poly in one by Varathane. Only needed one coat to get the look and feel I was going for. Sanded from 80 grit to 220 grit and lightly sanded with 220 after applying the first coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Full Size Bunk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 11:30

Almost finished but I managed to alter the plans into a full over full! Just use 2×4 instead of 2×1 and use 2×6 for the legs.

Antonio

Built from Plan(s)

Modified Entryway Shelf

Submitted by bwconing on Sat, 02/25/2012 - 09:03

I made this shelf roughly from the entryway shelf plans. I modified it to meet our needs in our nursery. We hung it above the changing table/dresser (that we bought) and my wife put some nice pink polka-dot baskets in the cubbies. We use it to put baby accessories in (socks, lotion, rash cream, hair bows, etc.) This was my first project and it turned out better than I expected! It was an all day project for me, since it was my first, but shouldn't normally take that long.

Estimated Cost
$12
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I just used white latex paint. It required 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by pcdaugs on Sun, 12/29/2013 - 21:50

My wife saw this build about 2 years ago and fell in love with it. She decided we should try and find something we could by that was similar but just couldn't find it. Anyway after 9.5 months I finally finished the piece with a couple modifications. First, I added a second smaller open shelf for BlueRay players, video games, and cable box so the TV could be sitting on the top without any clutter.Second, I milled out the corner posts to exactly 2" X 2" square boards so there was little more presence on the side detail. I really like how it turned out and this piece will have a long time home here with. Especially after putting all that time into it!

Estimated Cost
$350 Dollars on Wood Alone
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
This piece will be used as a TV entertainment center.

We just stained it with three coats applied with a cloth and then 2 coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:56

I love how you modified the plans to suit your needs. The wood grains on the sides are very attractive as are the drawer fronts; that doesn't always happen.
The finish is outstanding. I"m sure you're glad you took your time to get this build just right! Congratulations!

pcdaugs

Fri, 01/10/2014 - 15:40

It certainly was a project but in the end I really like what turned out. I can also say my wife was key in getting the finish just right as I am a terrible stainer.

snogirly7

Fri, 07/18/2014 - 17:50

can you post the changes in measurements you did to make this taller? and additional wood I would need to purchase? this looks amazing, great job! I hope I can do this just as well.

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/12/2016 - 11:54

Followed the plan, pretty straight forward. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 Wood
$8 Stain
$12 Poly
$5 Paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore - Kendall Charcoal
Varathane - Dark Walnut + Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toddler bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/23/2019 - 09:35

Built this classic bed for my grandson. It was one of the easiest builds yet. All of Ana White's plans are super user friendly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax, dark walnut stain, polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Toddler size loft bed

Submitted by jlandr on Tue, 02/28/2012 - 23:20

I built this loft bed for my daughter who is 3. It is built like the loft bed but the height of the fort bed since she is still little. The first night we were worried that she would somehow roll out since the mattress is thicker than I had realized making the side rails shorter, however she has not had any problems. I used 1x2s and a few 1x3s since that is what I had in the shop. If I were to do it again I would use more 1x3s for support or add plywood like the Fort bed.

Estimated Cost
$50 to $100, the lumber was purchased for another project that never made it out of design phase. Not sure how much we paid for it.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray lacquer. Only one coat. We should have used more coats and sanded it down more, especially the edges around the top of the ladder, I've noticed that it is a little sharper than I had intended. My husband is not a very patient man and we tried to build this with the 3 year old and 4 month old in the shop with us. It started out good but quickly became a bad situation because I had already taken her old bed out of the room and we needed to finish this one. Oops! I got a little excited!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:35

I love this bed but I need it in a size that would fit a toddler sized mattress. This looks like it is toddler sized but are the plans for a twin?

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:53

Is there a plan that includes toddler dimensions for this bed. It appears the one pictured is a toddler bed but the plans seem to be for a twin.

leah47 (not verified)

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 13:54

SO sorry about the four posts... didn't see it go through so I tried too many times :(

Dining Table and Chairs

This was my first table - I added extensions by notching out the end 2x4's and making extensions that slide into the pockets. There were a few mistakes I made that will be corrected when I build my next.
I modified the length of the table down to 5 feet long, but with the extensions in it goes up to 8'. The table is also 34" tall due to a giant husband and Great Dane. The chairs were likewise modified in height and I made the backs a bit fancier using 1x2's and a nail gun.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chairs are painted and waxed, table is stained and polyurethaned. When I do my next table it will be waxed.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft Bed in a Day

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 06:21

Yes, really a bed in a day! It took 24 hours from the time we bought our supplies to completion. So much nicer than any store bought we looked at, these plans are really a breeze even though I had never tackled a project like this before.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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