Community Brag Posts

Dog Houses

Our local Habitat for Humanity puts on an annual event where they get folks to restore discarded or worn down furniture and sell them at auction. My wife and I participated last year and this year I was asked to build 4 dog houses and then they were going to let local designers/decorators finish them out.

I figured it would be easy to find a good dog house plan, but I was wrong so I had to come up with my own designs. I did not want to use plywood becauase I wanted them to look good. So I used 1x4's and 1x6's. I built them all just a little bit different, but the same basic design on all 3. Since I am not very good with circular cuts, did not do any fancy 1/2 circle doorways!

There are "after" pictures on the Blog. Thanks for looking!

Estimated Cost
$100 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I didn't finish them out, but did use screws to attach everything, so filled those in with wood putty and sanded down of course.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:10

Great job for a great cause!

Rustic Computer desk with Shou Sugi Ban and Epoxy Top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 14:16

I slightly modified the Rustic X Desk plan to make my L shaped computer desk with a monitor platform! The desk surface is Shou Sugi Ban with an epoxy finish. All made from stock lumber and a lot of pocket hole screws. Thanks for posting your plan Ana to give me the idea! Construct for around $200.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

chicken boxes that work!

I have tried all sorts of nest boxes. No one ever used them. I decided to make the one from Anna White's site. I used joinery to attach the various pieces. The best thing of all: I find girls sitting in the boxes and take eggs from them. It really is awesome. I got a photo with real eggs and you can also see the wooden eggs to entice them to try it out. Thank you so much! I will build another one for the other side of the the wall.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s

After a whole year I finally made a second chair! The first one was made a year ago and now my wife can sit outside with me too 😊. Next for the couch!

Comments

Washer & Dryer Pedestal

Thank you dmccoy!! Washer & Dryer Pedestal / Platform with Drawer

Followed your plan and these came out sturdy and solid.

I adjusted it to 55 inches to fit my smaller space and decided to not build the drawers.

So simple to put together and saved over $400 

Estimated Cost
About $100
2X6 wood, plywood, screws
I had extra paint in the garage
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Outdoor Chair with Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 15:34

Good morning, I took this double chair with table and made it my own. Adding bigger arm rests and table top. This chair is so comfortable and sturdy. Totally love all your projects. Keep up the awesome work. Thanks agin

Hall Tree Bench with Shiplap Back

I made this for a cousin, but now I think I am going to need to make one for myself too!  I used shiplap for the back instead of plywood. It cost a little more but was less effort than cutting the lines into the plywood. Plus it was already finished. 

Built from Plan(s)

Cedar Fence Board Planter Box

Submitted by iowachap on Sat, 03/15/2014 - 19:40

Using Ana's 10 dollar raised garden planter box idea, I made my own using the cedar fence boards and then used 2 x 3 x 8 studs for the L corner supports and mid center support along with top rail. This photo is the first 3, I will have a total of 6 boxes. Will post more as I progress.

Estimated Cost
20 to 25 dollars per box
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used 6 fence boards, 2 for each side of the 6' long runs, and 1 for each short 3' section cut in half.

I got the 6' x 5 1/2 " x 5/8 " cedar fence boards at the orange box

I used 2 x 3 x 8 boards for the corners the middle support and the top rail. I got these at the blue box

I used 2 " and 2 1/2" exterior star bit screws.

NOTE: I pre drilled holes in the fence boards and screwed all the boards to the L corner sections from the inside out, so the screws are on the inside of the box, they did not poke through the 2 x 3 boards.

Instead of trying to measure how far off the side of the board I needed to go to match the vertical 2 x 3 boards, I just cut 10 11 inch long 2 x3 sections, and then used the 2 1/2" screws and made 4 L corner pieces the shorter side I screwed the short 3 foot length fence boards too, once I had both my short sections screwed to the L corner sections, I then stood one up and screwed 2 of the 6' length boards to the L corner section. Then the other side.

Once all 4 walls were done, I would then measure 3' in the middle of the 6' long side runs, and put in an additional 2 x 3 x 11" again screwed from the inside of the box out.

Now that all the 2 x 3 x 11" L corners and side support sections were connected to the fence boards I then cut 76 1/4" 2 x3 boards one for each length run, and then 2 26" 2 x 3 sections that were all cut on 45 degree angle to complete the top rail.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Playhouse

We built this playhouse for our daughter's 6th birthday. She absolutely loves it! We were looking at purchasing one, but they were way out of our budget. Ana saved the day with these plans :).

Estimated Cost
$320.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We painted the house with white Pittsburg Ultra Exterior Latex paint. The mailbox, door and shutters were all painted with Pink Viburnum Sherwin Williams Satin Exterior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Playhouse big build

I went a little out of control on the week of the 4th of July - I set out to build a picnic table, 4 sling chairs, a deck and a playhouse - and I did!!!! I owe Ana a great debt of gratitude for these amazing plans and empowering me to do it! I built the picnic table and the sling chairs as I was waiting for primer and paint to dry on the frame, inside and outside of the house. For the shutters - I scrounged around the garage and found some leftover wainscoting, and put a leftover 1x2 on them. The door frame wasn't straight - so I added a piece of leftover trim from my daughters bed I built. My only next step is curtains for the windows. I even moved the full kitchen set I built the kids a few christmas's ago into their. They have only been playing with it for 2 days and I can't drag them out of it!!!

Estimated Cost
$500-$550
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Farmhouse Bench in 1 day

Submitted by vickitee on Wed, 06/25/2014 - 08:27

This was my first build from your site! Farmhouse bench.
I was a little confused with the miter saw instructions "bevel cut at a 10 degree angle off center". I had to google to figure out what you meant. In the end the bench looks awsome and I feel very empowered with my tools.
(still need to stain the finished project, bought all the wood and built in 1 day)
Thank you Ana for sharing your plans!! I love your site and I love my Kreg Jig!
Vicki
(Canada)

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
going to use walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nesting Office Station

Submitted by Sb1212 on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 18:38

So loving this nesting office station❤️! We will have a sofa sleeper in the office as well. So we needed a desk that could be moved to the wall when the sofa sleeper is being used by guest. I saw a post from Ana for her Nesting Grill Station and I came up with the idea to make this nesting office station. The cabinet includes a file folder drawer (which is from Ana's mail boss plans), a regular drawer, cabinet doors with shelves. One of the shelves is a pull out shelf for the printer. I think it came together great! Design for nesting desk inspired by these plans: https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/nesting-grill-station https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/mail-boss

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Pecan
Valspar Signature Ultra White in satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sb1212

Sat, 10/03/2020 - 08:35

Hi, Thank you! Actually I didn't add wheels to the design since this will be in an office with thick carpeting. I added adjustable metal foot pads to the bottom of the desk.

Shoe Dresser

I had this space in my mudroom that was a perfect spot to make a custom shoe dresser. I adjusted the plans I found on this website to custom make storage for shoes. Now this weird little space is functional.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum chalk paint Serenity Blue, classic grey and special walnut Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Banquette in man cave

Submitted by Lanelle on Sat, 11/01/2014 - 22:21

When designing the layout for my husband's home brewery/man cave I needed seating that would fit in the narrow space. I looked at several plans and used pieces from a few. The final support design was suggested by my brother-in-law. I am in the process of making cushions to fit as it is definitely not something to sit on for long with any comfort!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr hi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2x4 (and 2x6) Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by HR Dad on Mon, 12/28/2020 - 15:43

Been wanting to make some Adirondack chairs for years; have about 10 different plans saved that one day I could get to. These 2x4 modern plans made getting them done quickly possible due to simplicity of the cut list and cheap cost of materials. The only real change I made was to use 2x6 for the arms; I cut a taper along outside edge and increased the length of the arms by about an inch and a half to overhang the front legs a bit. Since I just used basic framing lumber, I milled all of the boards first with table saw and planer to make square consistent edges. And, I chose to use pocket screws in as many joints as I could so I wouldn't have screw holes on any visible faces. Add in a lucky find at the big box store paint return; scored this blue exterior paint for $2.00 a quart, and my weekend project turned out pretty good. Now I've got two neighbors that want 'em.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 qrt Glidden Exterior Semi-Gloss; got it so cheap, I used the whole quart. Multiple coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Board and Batten Fireplace Surround

There was brick above my fireplace. I decided that I needed to lighten it up, but didn't want to necessarily paint the brick. Instead, I decided to panel above the fireplace using a board and batten style. I am so happy with the results! It is lighter and brighter in the room and goes with the style in the rest of the room (walls have board and batten as well).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted white ("Linen White")
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Patio Table w/Built in Beer/Wine Cooler

Submitted by RoyBoy on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 06:58

After seeing the patio table with beer/wine cooler, I wanted to build this for my brother and wife who recently bought a house. I asked them if they were interested and of course they said yes. I modified the original plans by adding a 2x4 on each side of the cooler to make the table wider. I also made the legs out of 4x4 vs the 2x4s that were originally called for. I used redwood and then stained it and used a varnish for the final coating. I probably wouldn't use the varnish again for an outdoor table, because it looks like it should be an indoor table vs outdoor. Overall, I'm pleased with the results and the best part about it, I get to enjoy it every time I go over for a BBQ.

Estimated Cost
$225-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic Redwood Naturaltone Toner Exterior Stain
Cabot Spar Varnish Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Msharp1211

Wed, 07/03/2013 - 13:04

Awesome table, do you happen to have the measurements you used. I'd like to make the same table but I need the lumber yard to make the cuts.

Paper towel rack

Yea, I know these were posted way back in 2013, but I only recently found them. Was looking at some kitchen organization ideas and I knew I wanted to make a paper towel rack. I liked this idea and went with it. My variance from original was to use a dowel rod for the paper towel holder and I cut 45 degree angles in place of the radius.

Comments

Spice Rack

I absolutely love this project. I do not have a pantry with a door so I just placed this spice rack on my wall and it really looks great! We have a ton of spices so I might need to make another!

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

Comments

robynred

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 10:33

hi - I'm thinking of building this to hang on a wall like you have. Do you think the dowels are necessary? Seems like it would give a little more shelf room without the dowels - but do you feel like the spices would fall out without them?
thanks!

DIY Kids Art Table

I'm so excited Ana created plans for this table!  When I first came across it on Pottery Barn Kids it was love at first sight. :D  I built it over the weekend for my little toddler.  Unfortunately, he's too short for it, but he'll grow into soon enough. :)  (I secretly wished it was an art table appropriate for my height!)

It cost me about $75 to build.  I splurged and bought select pine boards for the project.  The art table was also my submission for September's Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest.  September's sponsor is General Finishes and the theme was geometry!

Now, I just need to build matching seats! I love the little stools Ana built; maybe I'll do something sorta like that. :)  

 

Thank you Ana for inspiring me to build!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes Milk Paint (Snow White), Acrylic craft paints for the geometric pattern, ECOS Paints Woodshield in Pine Needles for the cubby stain, and ECOS Paints Gloss Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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