Community Brag Posts

Outdoor Sectional

This was my first official attempt at wood working. We desperately needed outdoor furniture, but I couldn't find any modern pieces close to our price range. I finally worked up the nerve to attempt to build it for seating at a couples shower we were hosting at our house.

Thanks to Ana's well thought out plans and a Kreg Jig, everything came together really well.

I purchased the wood at a local wholesaler and saved lots over the big box stores. Although I did find the cushions at Lowe's.

I have an extra bottom seat cushion that I plan on using for an ottoman in the future.

At first the project was pretty intimidating, but it became much easier with each piece. My one recommendation is to lay all of your pieces out and carefully plan where you'll need the Kreg screws before you begin assembling.

 

Thanks so much Ana! I'm really looking forward to tackling more of your projects soon!

Estimated Cost
$85 for wood & Kreg Screws
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I will be finishing it with a "graywash" technique, by thinning a medium gray oil-based paint and rubbing it into the grain and wiping off the excess.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

pub height table

Submitted by knich27 on Sun, 06/02/2013 - 16:04

Bar height table witb 4 chairs and 2 benches. My mom wanted a new table big eight to sit 6 to 8 people, I think it can fit 10 though!

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax red elm gel stain and 5 coats of poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Our Kitchen Remodel

After getting ridiculous quotes for new cabinets, we searched out ways to save money. Ana White, your site has been a blessing! I have a construction background and was planning on doing everything except cabinets and electrical. I estimate that your plans and inspiration have saved us at least $7500.00!!! Thanks so much. We will continue to update as progress continues!

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

Comments

Heatherdee

Mon, 05/04/2015 - 07:03

I can't wait to see the final product. Keep the pix coming. Will you be buying raised panel doors or going for a more craftsman style look with a 1x2 frame around the cabinet door?

Corner Cupboard

My husband built this for me. The doors were a bit frustrating for us as beginners. I really thought he was going to end my life over those doors really. I am very happy with the end result but it did sit inside of the house for over a month without doors. LOL I love this cabinet so much though. It's my favorite piece so far.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finish Java Gel Stain
Dove White Valspar Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Clara's Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 08:57

I've built four of these tables over the years for grandkids. One has already outgrown the table height so I rebuilt the frame and added longer legs. I modified it and use mortise and tenon joints, which has held up great.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 10/08/2021 - 10:36

Love that you were able to do a whole new table with longer legs to fit the grandkids as they grow! Thanks for sharing~

Happy Stool

Submitted by Silveera on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 13:50

Finally built my first project with plans from the site.  Just modified slightly to use the wood and tools I had on hand, but I love it!  If I make another, I will be sure to make it with the legs angled out as Ana did.  With two active toddlers, it would be a bit more stable..

My girls have nominated it as a "reading desk" and might not be as thrilled as I am about having it for them to use in the bathroom to wash their own hands!  Great, easy plans.  It would have been much easier to build with a pocket-hole jig, but maybe I'll get one for my birthday.

Estimated Cost
0-15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz primer and a Glidden yellow "OOPS" paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

American Girl loft bed

Submitted by Maureen C on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 20:33

Made three of these beds with and for my best friends daughters.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished so far. Girls still narrowing down their options.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

mollyb

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 14:11

Brand new to woodworking. About to dive-in with this American Girl Loft Bed project. From others' comments, it seems a Kreg Jig Jr. will be just fine. Yet another commenter suggested purchasing the Mini as well. Is this strongly suggested or can I get away with the $40 Jr. set? Thanks!

Maureen C

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 15:32

Hey Molly,
I used the Jr. You definitely don't need to buy the more expensive one. I even just built a long console table using the Jr. Good luck and don't forget to post pictures of the finished product.
Maureen

mollyb

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 17:37

Thank you, Maureen! Reassuring to know!

Just got back from purchasing the Kreg Jig Jr, clamp, and wood. I felt totally out-of element.

I have had this loft bed pinned on Pinterest for quite some time now. Seeing your brag post AND knowing that it was your first project helped me to think I might be able to accomplish this.

Funny that you just built a console table. That is one of the top projects on my list if this all goes well.

(Pre-teen) Man Crate

My first woodworking project.  The plans were fantastic and easy to follow. Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Dirkmonster

Mon, 05/04/2015 - 08:07

And thanks to JoanneS for the excel calculator that allowed me to convert my cut list to my larger dimensions!

JoanneS

Mon, 05/04/2015 - 14:53

Dirkmonster,
You did an awesome job! Congrats on a great first project! Thank you for the shout-out! Love the addition of the hinges, handles and lock. Looks like a happy young man there! :)
JoanneS

Outdoor storage box

Submitted by mdsandell on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 10:46

I modified the plans slightly to go taller so it could fit a standard propane tank. I also added a hinged lid based on an image I found on Pinterest that did something very similar. I still need to sand and stain it next weekend.

Like others, I had a little trouble keeping the fence planks from splitting when screwing them to the 2x2 legs, since there was about an 1/8” gap between. I tried to find some scrap to fill in the gap and didn’t overtighten the screws. The lid was made entirely of 1x3”.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My wife’s new desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 18:29

Oak top with espresso finish. She’s very happy. I’m very proud

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

The Coffee Table of Fun

Submitted by QueenMahin on Mon, 03/21/2011 - 03:59

Hello Fellow Ana White Fans!

This is from Ana White's lego coffee table plan, but my daughter is not a huge fan of legos, so we’re just calling this project the Coffee Table of Fun!  Indeed it was a fun build.  This project gave me the excuse I was looking for to buy a kreg jig.  Certainly a kreg jig was not required, as the plan calls for a plywood top and bottom, but Ana revealed in the comments that she made her table by planking 1x6 boards with the kreg jig.  I was nervous at first with the kreg jig (it comes with a whopping big bit), but now I see a world of new possibilities in building with this awesome tool.

This table came together very quickly.  In fact, perhaps it was too quick, because I made a substantial mistake during the build.  In step 8 of the plan, adding the top sides, I missed the fact that the top side was supposed to be flush with the top support, not with the box itself, so that there would be a ledge for the top to rest on.  I didn’t realize my mistake until I added the top ends (correctly), and then measured for the top piece.  Then I scratched my head after realizing that the 3 planked 1x6 boards were not going to fit at all.  Oops!

I was disheartened at first, because I didn’t know what to do.  By the way, Ana has included a “How-To’s” section on this new site for fellow builders to submit tips.  I’d love it if someone could give some pointers about fixing mistakes.  Is there any recourse once a board is glued and screwed?  Anyway, I took some quiet time to think about the project and had an “Aha!” moment.  I ended up attaching 1x2 pieces around the inner edges of the two compartments to create the ledge for the top to rest on.  Then, instead of the three planked 1x6 boards that I’d planned on, I used 6 1x3’s planked together to make the top.  Yes, there was an unexpected detour from the plan, but it all worked out just fine.   I’d rather not make mistakes, but at my current level of experience, I think that mistakes are inevitable, and the mistakes actually give the piece a story and a little extra personality.

Looking forward to the next project!

Cheers!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain with Minwax poly shades - pecan satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Front Porch Bench

Submitted by Smokeydog on Wed, 05/06/2015 - 19:33

I made this porch bench for my daughter-in-law 's birthday. She purchased bench cushions from Pottery Barn and asked if I would build the corresponding bench. Using the dimensions of the cushions and examining online photos I was able to build the framework and tried my best to duplicate the
Chatham series bench. Not quite ready to tackle the curved bench rest and arms but after watching YouTube on how to make curved woodworking items I might just take a shot at it next time.

She really loves the bench and I am pleased with how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$275.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Spray Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sliding door buffet

Submitted by amberfro on Fri, 09/22/2017 - 08:32

I did the top in two pieces of rustic walnut and instead of using bard door hardware, I used black pipe. I made the door frames and the inserts are decorative metal sheeting

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
polyurethane on the top and paint for the rest
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My First Project

Submitted by SHiggins03 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 12:57

I just started building so finding this site was a God send. My wife and I wanted a new bed frame so why not tackle it myself. I loved every part of building it. Now my daughter wants one for her house. I'm happy to do it. I can't wait for my next project

Comments

Ana White Admin

Mon, 10/18/2021 - 17:14

That's so exciting, you got the building bug! Building for your home and family is such an awesome feeling and accomplishment, thanks for sharing!

coffee table

I used the coffee table framing system, and doubled the dimensions.. I had used the Kreg system, and it was so easy, and quick...

Estimated Cost
80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used water based walnut stain, and water based high gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Washer / Dryer Stand

Submitted by Myk3 on Fri, 06/07/2013 - 14:04

I followed the plan, but added some floor molding to the top and bottom. I did this to attempt to cover the seams from the plywood / 2x4s.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Navy Blue paint, two coats with Behr with primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Nice big bench

I built this lovely, modern park bench from plans I found at Ana White. The only adjustment I made was to make the legs out of 4x4s. I like this plan because it's all straight, right angle cuts, a one day project, which I tackled by myself. I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the miter saw. The wood cost under $50. I plan to paint it with primer, then white exterior paint, both of which I have around the house. Stain would be beautiful, too. If I had to do it over again, I would paint all the pieces before assembling. And I wish I had a brad nailer; it would make attaching all the slats go much faster, and would have to fill as many screw holes.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rolling cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/24/2021 - 06:26

This originally came from a sofa console plan but I added drawers and wheels to make an island.

Comments

Tryde Coffee Table

Submitted by ke263565 on Sun, 03/27/2011 - 16:48

built coffee table based off easy to follow plans - couldn't find untreated 4x4 but just painted it and hoped

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner