Community Brag Posts

Counter height bar stools

Love my new bar stool, now to build 3 more.    I think it turned out great.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used dark walnut for the stain for the seat and painted the rest.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Closet Tower

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 04/27/2013 - 12:03

This closet tower is from the Craft Room Storage Tower plan, and made mostly with left overs from other projects. I wanted a shallow tower storage just deep enough to hang pants and slacks in, and to use a 12" wide door I already had in my garage. At Target I found some kid-size hangers that were just the right size - about 12" wide. Trouser hangers are about this same width, but they weren't available in-store so I went with what they had. The only things I bought for this project are the knob, hinges, some 1x2's, and the hangers. The sides are from a lengthwise half-sheet of C/D plywood, ripped down to 12" strips on the table saw, with 1x2 edge joined at the back to create a "toe kick" to clear the baseboard. The front is trimmed out in 1x2 with a scrap of 1x3 to trim the top. The removable closet poles are from a flagpole, and the ends are held in place with some 1/2" craft boards. The back is 1/4" plywood. The longest part of this project was the sanding, because the plywood wasn't the pretty kind - used lots of wood filler on the knots and as a grain filler, then sanded it a lot. This project took about 9 hrs total, (sanding took the longest), construction with the Kreg jig and nailgun was very quick, and then paint and adding the door and poles. The removable shelf was added as an afterthought and is a scrap of plywood, with some S4S to hold it up, and a 12" scrap of moulding across the front of the shelf. It is 82" tall, 13 1/2" wide, and 14 1/4" deep. It's a perfect pair with the 6-cube tower that I built from Ana's cube tower plans a couple of years ago.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$36 (for knob, hinges, 1x2's and hangers)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ace Royal semi gloss paint in high-hiding white (left over paint)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

yurra-bazain

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 17:56

This is such a clever build! :) Thank you for sharing in detail how you put this together. =D I love how tall this is and how little floor space it takes up, which is especially a big issue for smaller home dwellers like myself. =D

JoanneS

Sat, 08/31/2013 - 06:23

Yvonne, thanks so much for the nice comment! I just love tower storage, you get so much for such a small 'footprint' in the room. We've replaced our bulky dressers with towers, which makes the room look much more spacious. If you build some, I'd love to see pictures!

There are 2 other items not mentioned above, that I added during this build: I added the 1x3 at the top of the insides, to help keep the joined side boards tighter together at the top (at the time I was thinking the joint might try to pull apart if it got humid). The second thing (you can hardly see this in the photo) is a 12" piece of 1x2 attached across the back, spaced between the 2 closet poles. This was added to help keep the side pieces the same distance apart when attaching the back, and provided an additional place across to nail it. I thought it would help make it more rigid. This piece is used every day, and so far it has held up great. :)

Large porch bench

Submitted by Lukilla on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 13:51

What a fun project, and great bench. We had someone ask us if we could make this for them, and we decided to make 2 while we were at it.....now we just need to find a spot big enough for the second one at our house. Loved this build, and look forward to sipping coffee on it on a cool morming.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:53

Started with the 3 plank plans from Anna's project, then dremeled the logo.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse Storage bed with platform modification

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:06

Hi, I’m Joe and love working on my cabin in Stanley Idaho. I needed a queen size bed on the ground floor but the room is small so I incorporated the footboard into into the platform to gain 6 inches of space in the room. It took a couple months working off and on but all fun. I also made the drawers deeper front to back to maximize storage. I did this at the peak of lumber prices and spent like $900 on lumber. It came out great, my Airbnb guests love it!

Comments

Hall Tree made from old door

Submitted by novofinds on Fri, 05/24/2013 - 20:56

This is my first Ana-White build and I love it so much! I used a 100 year old door for the back and antique knobs for the hooks. I plan on making a farm house table next :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan chalk paint in old white and olive on the inside. Waxed and lightly distressed.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Benchright Table Build

Submitted by tcoche on Tue, 05/28/2013 - 17:59

After doing my first build, pallet media center, I was hooked. My family and I desperately needed a dining room table. We wanted a rustic looking table and I was thankful I found the benchright table plan. Thanks Ana!! This build was fairly easy. I did mess up a couple times with the angle/bevel cuts. Totally ruining a couple boards. Which I had to run back to Lowes and purchase a couple more boards. I used 3/8 hardware bolts/washers/nuts in galvanized for the sides (3") and breadboards (6"). The stain basically painted them, which we love. I still need to add the hardware for the bottom (threaded rods, turnbuckle, nuts/bolts/washers, etc). The pics above really dont show the detail with the stain. The pics make the table look black. But you can actually see the wood grain on the table top. The table looks amazing in person, we love it!!! Thanks again Ana!!

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona stain and Rustoleum Satin Polyurethane. 2 coats of stain and 3 coats of urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Walk mounted can organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 20:13

Love this! My husband used this project to help boys learn to use power tools and work with wood. They made one and he did the others. THANK YOU!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cute corner cabinet!

Submitted by rmurray87 on Sun, 06/02/2013 - 11:24

This project took me the majority of a three-day weekend to complete, but it was well worth it! I had the lumber store cut the beadboard panel for me so that it would fit in my car. This was also the first time I built something with doors on it, which was a bit of a learning curve, but came out alright in the end. I used pocket holes to build the face frame, and attached the shelves to the frame first before attaching them to the 1x8 back. I used 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and 2" wood screws. I left off the trim at the top and didn't bother to cut out the footer, but I think it still looks pretty cute.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Accent color: Appletini from Valspar
Main color: Earthy Mushroom Taupe from Glidden

Everything was given a good sanding and a healthy dose of primer before painting.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Nightstand

Submitted by RenoRustic on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 10:17

I built this nightstand when my wife and I purchased a new bed. We had to rearrange the bedroom and as such, I no longer had a desk or table on my side of the bed. I wanted something "country" style and after searching through several different plans I found a brag post that fit exactly what I was looking for. Well, technically, I found the original Farmhouse Bedside Table plans and modified them to fit what I needed. It wasn't until after I completed the project that I realized there was a "Mini" version as well. What can I say, I'm not that great as using search. I actually built this over a year ago at this point, and it was the second project I ever built. I learned quite a bit on this project, including the fact your project will only come out as good as your lumber selection! This build actually created my addiction for DIY and woodworking. Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Special Walnut for the entire project, then painted the base and drawer Behr white (their basic white off the shelf, I didn't have the paint mixed) in semi-gloss. I antiqued everything for a more rustic look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Planters

Submitted by Liz H. on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 11:33

This was a fun easy build...I took the toy box plans and used 1X4s instead of solid sides and bottom.  I cut the legs short and put finals on.  

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Black outdoor paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/12/2021 - 17:37

My very first project. Was so easy thanks to Ana's instructions. Dark walnut gel stain and Fusion Seaside. Thank you so much Ana.

Comments

Shoe dresser

Submitted by RoseOfShaz on Thu, 07/04/2013 - 15:26

I didn't build this shoe dresser because I particularly needed one, but it looked so lovely that I couldn't resist.

- I modified the plans by building 3 bins instead of 2 so it could hold more shoes.
- I decided against the dowel stick and opted for hinges instead, which were surprisingly not too difficult to assemble. I found that I didn't even need the magnets after installing the hinges as the doors stay closed.
- I used 7" chains on both sides of each bin instead of a belt to make it extra sturdy.
- I added two back legs.

Et voila! This is the end result. I'm very pleased.

PS. Those flopping bins are a pain when you're trying to build!! An extra pair of hands is definitely recommended.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 (with extra bin)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut (can't remember the exact name of the stain, but it's the one Shanty 2 Chic always uses!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SoCaliforniaMel

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 22:49

Pretty :) Good Job. Now if I only had the space for one thats 10 rows high :P I like the stain color too. Shanty 2 Chic always uses Rust-o-leum. I think its called dark walnut. Dont quote me though. I love the stain and spray paint combo colors they use.
~Melody

Recycle/garbage center

Submitted by YeenYus on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 08:50

We just moved in to a newly built house, so it was important for everything to have a place. I don't like the garbage can to be under the sink, and my wife doesn't like the can just out on the floor...too many missed hook shots with the coffee filters I guess! This cabinet solves many kitchen problems all at once. An attractive cabinet that hides garbage and recycle, yet is easy to get in and out of. The railroad spike handles are something we sell on Etsy, as well as knobs and shelves. The shop name is YeenYus.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain, paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ecspronk

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 20:44

I was wondering if you had a price estimate on how much the supplies cost you along with some measurements. I am looking to build a double one like this. More details would be awesome. Thank you

In reply to by Ecspronk

YeenYus

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 21:15

Yeah, I kind of built this on the run with nothing but the space it had to fit into. But it is 34" wide 32" deep and 24" high. I needed it to fit under the window and used the Home Depot garbage bins as the starting point.

I build a lot of stuff...and this was a tough one. The frame is 2x4's with pine facing and bead board. 4 hinges, stain and paint...less than $100.

I'd love to work with you on this if you want. The hard part was engineering the bins falling forward equally and not binding up. The back of the bin actually hits the counter top perfectly now. But you can see that I had to put an extra 1" under the top for it to hit something.

It' gonna take some work but this thing looks and works so smoothly. You can do it...I can help!

momaimp

Thu, 05/08/2014 - 06:07

Would you be able to post a sketch of this project? I assume there are three boxes - the main cabinet and the two tilt-out boxes, but I would appreciate seeing a breakdown of the parts. Thanks!

momaimp

Thu, 05/08/2014 - 06:07

Would you be able to post a sketch of this project? I assume there are three boxes - the main cabinet and the two tilt-out boxes, but I would appreciate seeing a breakdown of the parts. Thanks!

Jsanderson

Wed, 09/23/2015 - 06:32

Is there a way I can get plans for this? I tried to sign up on site but can't locate

Modern Farm Table - Dark Stain

Submitted by nittle on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 22:27

This was my first project. I learned a ton through the process. Ana's directions were very easy and straightforward.

I purchased the wood (Doug-Fir) from Lowe's and cut it at home with a circular saw. I filled the gaps in the table/benches with a crystal clear silicon caulk - I have mixed feelings about this, since it dried kind of shiny. The coats of polyurethane helped to dull the finish a bit. For the stain, I used Rustoleum Kona, and Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Semi-Gloss for the finish.

Like others have suggested, I built the benches first, then the table. This was a great tip, since you can learn the design on a smaller model before tackling the beast of table (it's heavy). I also added some horizontal supports on the ends of the tables/benches, not in the original plans. I just duplicated the end aprons of the table and countersinked/screwed them in at an angle.

Cutting and building the project didn't take nearly as much time as the sanding, staining and finishing. The back-end part of the project was very detail-oriented and stretched out over several days.

Overall, very pleased with the finished project. It was very empowering to know that I can build something like this. Thanks Ana and all of the others with their tips and suggestions! My wife and I know have a long list of other projects to tackle :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona Wood Stain and Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Semi-Gloss for the finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Reclaimed Cedar Board 10x 10 Barn Greenhouse

Submitted by bailie on Sun, 04/24/2022 - 13:02

Thank you for sharing your plan!

10×10 greenhouse made with re-claimed cedar boards from old barn on Menlo, WA

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

rick1956

Wed, 06/08/2022 - 05:52

Beautiful! I like the fact that you bucked the trend and turned your clear panels for Washington rainwater runoff. There are good and bad with both directions, vertical makes the most sense. I can see myself re-doing ours at some point to change the panel direction. At least they're pointing the right direction on my skylights.
Great design, and of course, I love the 'live edge' details you added throughout!

Loft Bed for Renee's Room

This is the 2nd of two loft beds I have built using Ana's plans - they came out great and my girls love them! I did make some modifications to each, as the girls have different needs. It was a great project and I would like to thank Ana for the concise plans, cut lists, ideas, etc. You made it so easy!

If you are interested in seeing more about this project feel free to visit my blog at www.mothersmusings.net. See you there!

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I must say, if I had it to do again I might have upgraded on the wood, but I got the cheapest pine I could find. This led to using A LOT of wood filler and sand paper - and probably took me about twice the time it would have taken had I used prime wood. I used an oil based primer to make sure the knots stayed covered, and 2 coats of Behr high gloss white paint for the finish. Extra work...yes - but ultimately I think I cut my cost in half.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Love love love my new bedroom!!!!

Submitted by DogDoc25 on Tue, 08/27/2013 - 18:49

I've posted pictures of these separately, but I'm so excited about how these things came together in my room! This is the reclaimed wood headboard (queen) and the mini farmhouse bedside tables (only 1 pictured but the other is identical). Thanks so much Ana (and friends) for these awesome plans which have given me a fun thing to do in my free time and also inexpensively furnish my house!

Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean (looks slightly lighter in the picture than it is in real life)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coat closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/31/2018 - 06:57

I just wanted better organization and shoe racks up close to the front of the closet instead of in the back but I also didn’t want them too deep. These plans fixed that.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Christmas Tree Shelf with Lights

I made this Christmas tree shelf using the plans here.

 

I modified it by adding on two shelves so that it could accommodate the 6 hooks I needed for my family's stockings.  I also hot glued a string of lights to the perimeter.  This is serving as our Christmas tree due to space constraints, so I wanted it to be "fancier" and more like an actual tree.

I think I did ok for my first real build and my family seems to really like it.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Sage Green spray paint in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments