Community Brag Posts

Hanging Headboard

This was supposed to be a table top, however I screwed up a corner so we stained it and turned it into a headboard. We decided to add eye bolts and make it look like it was suspended from the ceiling with rope.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax blue stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

French Cleat Sanding Station

Estimated Cost
Free! I used scraps to make this.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barn door closet build

Submitted by OWJ3 on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 13:27

Double closet door build I did for a relative. He provided the stack of barnwood. Used a carbon gray stain. Fun and rewarding build!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Carbon gray stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Clara Table

Submitted by srodge1 on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 19:41

Another cute, easy project!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Closet Organized!

Submitted by ferbit on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 08:38

I used Ana's 'Simple Closet Organizer' plan as a starting point and then went a little nuts. :) If you read the comments below the plan, a wonderful, professional closet designer gave some fantastic tips and then another person shared EasyClosets.com.

So I plugged all of the dimensions into the Easy Closets website and used the plan I drew up based on its recommendations and my daughter's needs. :) She has three usable walls.

This was also my very first time using my Kreg Jig. I got it for my birthday months ago, but wasn't sure which project to "learn" on. :) I did quite a few tests on scrap before starting. Melamine coated particle board is SLIPPERY stuff so have LOTS and LOTS of clamps or your joints will not be square. Wow!

I got these chrome closet rods at The Container Store – so cheap and they'll cut them to size for you! Like $3~ a rod!? In the photos below, I'm using large, plastic closet rod flanges that I found at Orange, but I have these pretty chrome (peg-friendly) flanges ordered from Amazon. They're really cheap too! They will fit the 1-inch diameter rods I bought much better than the plastic ones and are made specifically for the pre-drilled 32mm closet boards. :) Yay!

Only other thing I did differently was use 1x4 boards to square the closet boxes up. I just cut them to the same width as the shelves and pocket-screwed them into the very top and very bottom of each box. Then I painted them to match her purple wall color.

I was so happy with how it turned out that I did my other daughter's closet that next weekend! I used the same website to design it too. LOVE IT!

Anyhoo, here are the finished closets for both of my daughters! Thank you Ana! I would never have done this if you hadn't have posted that plan! Totally inspired me! Can't wait do do our master closet! EEEK!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Ten Dollar Floating Ledges

Submitted by Radcrafter on Thu, 04/16/2015 - 22:33

I love these shelves.  So simple to build and still make a big impact.  I built mine just a little different from the plan.  I used 1x3 furring strips for the bottom and back pieces instead of 1x4's and then ripped a 1" strip from another 1x3 for each shelf to create the front trim piece instead of a 1x2.  The shorter front trim piece gives me just enough ledge to keep the frames from slipping off the ledge, but provides maxium display area for the art work.  

For three shelves just like these you need:

  • 7 -  1 x 3 x 8' furring strips 
  • Special Walnut Stain from Minwax
  • Satin Poly for finish (I also used Minwax for this too)

They were assembled using 2" fiinishing nails and lots of wood glue.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20-30 approx for 3 shelves
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut Stain, Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

kids bench

I built this bench for my niece on her birthday. It as easy and fun to build. My niece and everybody at the party loved it.

Estimated Cost
$12
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Simi-gloss white
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Kids Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 04:46

This was my first time building a chair. The plans were so easy to follow. The kids size fits an average child up to about age 5 or 6. If I were to build again I would add a bit of height to the backs so they could fit them even longer. My granddaughters aged 3 & 5 just loved them.

Built from Plan(s)

Child Sized Stand Easel

I made this easel for my 5 year old niece. It was tweaked from another Ana plan. I used dry erase board and added oversized paper clips at the top to hold sheets of paper. It has turned into a very loved possession.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Two Coats of a creamy oops!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Queen Size Bed Frame

Submitted by moosmani on Tue, 04/21/2015 - 19:49

This bed frame is for my daughter’s new house, in the guest bedroom.  She chose the design and got all the supplies to make it.  The wood is knotty alder.  It came out looking fairly close to the inspiration picture my daughter gave me to follow. 

I used the Cassidy bed plan and made adjustments to accommodate the iron piece.  The feet and top caps are made of one routered square with another slightly larger, unrroutered square stacked on top of it. 

Thanks for the easy-to-understand plans.  Everything I’ve learned about building has come from this awesome website!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Steel wool and vinegar, followed by Minwax english chesnut, then wipe on matte poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My small truss coffee/project table

Submitted by sr320 on Sat, 09/02/2017 - 13:15

Shrink size and make double truss small coffee/project table. Select Minwax NATURAL BEIGE water base stain and got very warm, peachy color.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
90$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax water based stain and poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchwright Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 09:39

I built the console table and liked it so much I decided to modify the plan to make a whole set. I made two side tables , and a coffee table. This is also the first time I installed drawer hardware. I was a bit intimidated but after watching a “how to” video from Anna it was pretty easy. I’m working on finishing the coffee table now. The stain is weathered oak. They’re finished with gloss lacquer.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Entry way bench and storage

Submitted by seesaw on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 11:19

This is perfect for our front room- (most) shoes fit in the storage baskets, and the hooks are perfect for scarves and coats in the winter, towels and life jackets in the summer. The top cubbies hold gloves and hats, as well as sunglasses, umbrellas and sun screen.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Becca Trunk

Submitted by DMax2010 on Sat, 04/25/2015 - 17:44

Love this trunk! It was my first attempt at moulding and I probably should have practiced on scrap wood first (recommend)! But it turned out great and one of my favorite pieces (because it's filled with toys).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Not sure, I purchased the purebond plywood and the moulding but pretty much had the rest already
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Body of trunk:
Minwax Express Color in Walnut (base)
Behr Premium Plus Flat in Juniper Ash
Rustoleum Soft Touch Matte Poly

Top:
Minwax Express Color in Walnut
Rustoleum Soft Touch Matte Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Trash recycling bin

Submitted by Lwente on Sat, 09/09/2017 - 05:51

I used Ana's tilt out trash bin plans to help me build this fabulous center for use in my kitchen. I love the way it turned out!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
For use in my kitchen. One side will be for trash, the other recycling
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

lindsayalbrecht

Sat, 04/18/2020 - 19:04

Can i get the dimensions from you? I’m wanting to create the exact same thing with two bins and drawers.

Planter boxes made in Australia

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 00:41

Greeting from from Queensland, Australia.

I decided to make a couple of wooden planter boxes for our garden at home, after watching Ana's video on the “Easy Build DIY Planter Box” made from cedar and painted white. I downloaded the plans, and then converted the measurements to metric. I did make a couple of alterations from what was shown in the video. Whilst I do not have a workshop at home, I attend a local "Men's Shed" where there is a large range of woodworking machinery available to use. Firstly, I used rough sawn treated pine 150mm x 25mm boards, which I dressed and cut down to size. The dressed timber looked great once I stained the boxes. Secondly, I have made the boxes without legs, so that they sit directly in the garden, and are filled with potting mix soil.

After making the first 2 planter boxes, my wife asked if I could make another couple. After that we decided another 3 planter boxes in a different part of the garden might be nice, so I made these the same. Then I made a longer planter box of the same style for vegetables and herbs.

Thanks so much, Ana, for the great plans and video, as well as the inspiration. Mind you, my planter boxes took a lot longer to build than the time you indicated in your video, but that is fine.

Cheers Noel

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Leaning Wall Shelves, A Little Bit Smaller

Submitted by kristen on Sun, 03/13/2011 - 18:44

This was my second Ana White project and with this project I really began to feel like a builder. I did modify the plan to make it less tall to fit in the space I needed it for. I also added a front to the shelves because ultimately these were going to be used for starting plant cuttings and I want the front to cover up the plastic pots they are growing in.

The cost of the project is for 2 of the modified shelves and does not include the screws, putty, etc. Also, the time needed would change if you chose better boards than furring strips. Those take a lot of time to make nice at the start of the project. This would also go together quicker if you are only building one shelf instead of two (obviously!).

I'm very happy with the end result! I wrote 9 blog posts on building this project for a more in-depth look at this build.

Estimated Cost
$40 just for the wood (2 of these in the modified, shorter version)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes water-based stain in Espresso. Topcoat is General Finishes High Performance Water-Based Poly in Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Stool

Submitted by keale on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 14:41

Not too hard, just make sure to read the COMMENTS SECTION on every plan, it will save you a lot of heartache, (don't ask me how I know! ha ha)

Estimated Cost
20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner