Community Brag Posts

Braden Bench and Hutch

Took the standard Braden Bench/Hutch plans and used a English Chestnut stain to really make them pop. If used a few plans from this site but this one turned out the best. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough space to use the mail sorting hutch plans for a middle locker.

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
English Chestnut stain and multiple coats of polyurethane. Sanding after each coat of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bedside Table/Nightstand

Submitted by mrsmay on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 10:09

This was much more expensive than I had anticipated... but that's Oregon prices for you. Now that I've started with Home Depot woods I'm kind of stuck with it until I finish the bedroom set. But, I LOVE IT! It was my first project with the Kreg jig as well and the top of this nightstand is very flat.

No wood conditioner... went without it so it would match the bed. I like the wild look now.

I had to do it during my son's naps on the weekend so it took me quite a while to finish it.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut satin stain and polyurethane finish. Rubbed on with an old t-shirt.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tasha Cordel (not verified)

Wed, 06/13/2012 - 18:13

I am about to try 2 of these next week. (eek!!) Any tips on building these in general? Any troubles or things to watch out for when it comes to the drawers?
Yours look amazing....and I like the WILD wood looks too...seems more natural :-)

MayCustomMom

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 13:18

Hi Tasha (I have a new 'name' as I can't seem to log into my old account)

How did they turn out? Sorry, I didn't check for comments! I had trouble with the first nightstand set of drawers but by the time I built the second one I'd figured out how to keep things square. I made sure I focused on the bottom of the drawer being square and on a flat surface and then when the drawer was done I sanded it even on the top. Since then I've built a dresser in a similar style and made my own hardwood drawer slides... MUCH better. It's more difficult but it's well worth it if you have access to a table saw.

4x4 Farmhouse Table with Video

Submitted by petesveen on Sun, 04/06/2014 - 14:55

When I saw Ana's plans for this table I had to build it. I did modify the size to make the table top a little wider and longer. The extra width is great for putting more food or a center piece in the middle of the table.

I thought the build was pretty simple and everyone who visits our house loves the table. It is definitely a conversational piece.

The table and benches are heavy duty and will be able to passed on for many generations. I love the rustic look and so the steel wool/vinegar stain was my finish of choice.

I decided to document the entire build and created the most in-depth farmhouse table video tutorial online. The goal with the video is to show how easy it is to build the table using Ana's plans!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel Wool and Vinegar Mixture. I then used an oil based Polyurethane from Minwax to protect the wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

country media console

Submitted by Preece76 on Sun, 07/03/2016 - 18:58

nice little project had fun building it with my wife. looks way better then the store bought junk we had before

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Our take on Modern Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 17:27

This was our first try at chairs and they came out super! Even our Yellow Lab, Cassie was pleased! We made a few mistakes on the first chair which were easily corrected. The only thing I would add to the buy list is a 2x2 .

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson’s Water Seal

Sleeping Tent

Submitted by Robinwood on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 19:11

My grandson has special needs and getting him out of his parent's bed has been difficult. His dad had put up a temporary "blanket" tent in the room and has successfully moved him into sleeping in the tent; but the next step is moving him to his room.

This tent is perfect - I added some pockets on the side for his books and a few bed toys and put an "S" hook at the top to hang his lanterns. I made it longer, so his dad could get in with him if needed.

As usual, love this site - always can find just the right plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Matching Stools for Kids

This was my second project from Ana White, and overall it was successful. I used a miter saw for the cuts (struggled with the bevel because my 12 inch saw isn't a slider, a kreg jig to attach everything (struggled to attach the 1x3s to the legs due to the angle of the dril and tight space), but everything eventually was held solidly together and it's really very sturdy. My husband is about 160 and he was able to jump on it with absolutely no give. 

 

The paint is just small samples we had on hand from home depot to coordinate with other projects in the kids' rooms, and I handpainted the letters. I finished it with a double coat of polycrylic. 

Estimated Cost
$20 total for two stools.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
paint and polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Workbench for miter saw

Submitted by Kate_14 on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 14:32

We built this workbench adapting Ana's plans. We did not build the carts yet.

It is very practical! We just love it!

Estimated Cost
100$
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/26/2023 - 12:42

We built the Fancy Farmhouse King Bed (headboard only) modifying it by making it a bit taller and adding a little shelf on top with custom trim. Thanks Ana for such a great website and free plans!

Kelly Babb 

Built from Plan(s)

Outdoor Chaise Lounge

We decided to put my husband to work during a hot Oklahoma summer! After about a month's worth of procrastination, he finally built the chair! It was very detailed but easy to follow. I was the one who stained it (in the dark - so don't judge) and got the cushion from Garden Ridge.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Cherry outdoor wood stain and sealant
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Altered Apothecary Media Console

Submitted by vlilly on Sat, 04/12/2014 - 08:34

I had the wood to make this for about 2 weeks. Started on Tuesday and finished Thursday evening! I wanted the look to be different from the Apothecary look so I made the doors a little different!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained all wood with Rustoleum "Carrington" stain, then painted over the bottom part with Rustoleum "Heirloom White" Spray paint. Distressed through the white so the dark stain could peek through.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jeanniemn

Mon, 04/14/2014 - 17:16

I love this! I just finished putting the frame together but wasn't loving the original door look. Can you tell me how you did the beadboard doors? And what hinges? Thanks!

vlilly

Sat, 04/19/2014 - 08:02

Sure! I just bought a 4'x8' sheet of beadboard from Lowes. I have about half left over. They sometimes have half sheets but didn't when I went. I had them to rough cut it into 20" strips to fit in my car. It came white but I painted over it with Rustoleum Heirloom White spray paint. I bought 2 12ft boards for the frames, I think they were 1/2"x2".. only around $8 per piece and they are stocked vertically at lowes near the beadboard (at the store near me at least!) I cut the beadboard at home and then cut the frame board to fit. I used glue and a brad nailer with 5/8" nails to attach them to the beadboard. My doors had to overlap the plywood since I had the extra shelf that was flush with the rest of the cabinet.. I couldn't inset my doors like she did at Shanty-2-Chic. I bought the same hinges she used, the brand is Liberty and I found them at Home Depot. $5 something for a 2 pack. They are awesome! The doors aren't heavy duty but we didn't need them to be. You could always add a layer of MDF or Lauan if you wanted them to be more sturdy!

I hope this helps.. I'll be glad to answer more questions!

jeanniemn

Thu, 05/01/2014 - 18:28

Thanks!! We are almost done but are stumped by the hinges (I bought the Liberty ones too). Any tips on those? I think we are just over-thinking it, it can't be that hard!!

jeanniemn

Thu, 05/01/2014 - 18:42

Thanks!! We are almost done but are stumped by the hinges (I bought the Liberty ones too). Any tips on those? I think we are just over-thinking it, it can't be that hard!!

pde00311

Fri, 05/02/2014 - 06:53

...has completely stumped me before, and buying the wrong type has halted one of my first projects. Make sure you pick the right hinge for how you want your doors to align. From my experience, HD sells mostly "overlay" and "3/8 offset" hinges, with a small selection of "inset" hinges. These links are to a different hinge manufacturers, but the little pictures/explanations have helped me figure out what type of hinge I need to buy:

http://www.rockler.com/how-to/understanding-hinges

http://www.menards.com/main/store/20090519001/items/media/Millwork/Belw…

(and vlilly, I love the distressed finish on the console above).

Planked wood sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/09/2016 - 23:09

We did it and we love it! Hand made by the LeFebvres in Canada. First attempt at cabinets and drawers. Definitely visit Hilary's site and follow her tips which make this so much easier to construct! Finished cabinet is not only big but VERY heavy to move. Love it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain, 2 coats, and Helmsman satin varathane 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ultimate Shoe Cabinet

Submitted by CherylMack on Sun, 06/24/2012 - 21:34

This was our very first project made from the plan Shoe Shrine Shelves submitted by Anna White with a few variations. The middle, short cabinet was made from left over pieces using the same dimensions as the taller shelves. The width was determined using the mirror dimensions. The mirror was my husbands genius idea! It was an old mirror just sitting around in our garage, he sanded it down, primed with Kilz and painted Antique White to match. He also suggested the trim stripes on the front (painted Pure Black for contrast) to give the cabinet some unique character! This piece can really be designed many different ways to suit your specific needs. I LOVE it and can't wait for our next project! Thanks so very much Anna!!!

Estimated Cost
$450-500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique White (overall)
Pure Black (accent pieces)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

shanemoma

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 16:14

Wow...this is totally amazing. This is definitely going on my list of projects!! Great job.

truss shelf/bookcase

Submitted by mritek77 on Mon, 04/14/2014 - 22:34

This was a pretty simple project as long as you make accurate cuts. Making accurately angled cut allows for tight joint also love the pocket screws. I did add a top brace for stability, seemed a little unstable without them. I pocket screwed them on from the backside, so they can't be seen from front. Than went with a two tone paint/stain.

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