Community Brag Posts

Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 15:33

First attempt ever at building anything! Probably took me a lot longer than it should have, but I'm very proud of the result

Comments

Console Table

Submitted by chjaway2 on Mon, 03/21/2011 - 12:43

Fun & easy, the console table took much longer than anticipated due to weird weather in our area & conflicting schedules.

Weather cooperating, it would probably have taken only 3 days to build & stain, but "Murphy's Law" had other plans for this build!
One weird thing, and it must have been a mistake on my end (though I was pretty sure I quadruple checked my measurements) there was a quarter inch gap left on the back (leg tops have a 1/4" section visible from the top down.  As it's in the back, against the wall, it wasn't a big deal this go around.  (I figured I could use it as a shelf/track for any electrical cables.)  
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ebony Stain & Poly coated
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

5 BOARD CROSS BRACE CONSOLE OR SIDE TABLE

Submitted by Charleline on Wed, 06/05/2013 - 10:00

Loved the simple lines of this project - the first one I attempted! I used a 1x10 instead of a 1x12 (because it fit better in my space) with the called for 1x6's. I looked for an interesting piece of knotty pine to add some interest. Two stains were layered and a top coat was added. Timeline is total time but spread out - includes time with a paint brush but not drying time.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax ebony stain over something called 'bark' that I got at the Restore.
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

Concrete top

I changed up the legs because I had a beautiful piece of reclaimed wood I've been looking to use.  I did use these plans for the concrete top and it turned out great!  Just followed all of her advice.  It's very smooth, almost feels like soft cotton, with only tiny bubbles.  Thanks for the great plans!

Estimated Cost
$20 for the wood and $25 for the concrete top
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Eagle Project Workbench - Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand

Submitted by nelsoncc on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 11:32

My son chose to make a workbench for his high school theater for his Eagle Scout project, and selected the Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand as the basis for the project. The theater teacher wanted pegboard for tool storage, so we extended the rear legs on each workbench and notched the top to allow them to pass through. We built two frames from 1x3s to fit inside the rear legs, then put a pegboard inside each one.

To secure the extended legs, we added a riser shelf from 1x8s. We put a storage station for drills at one end of the riser shelf.

We also made all the cart shelves adjustable and added an adjustable shelf under the miter saw, and added lighting and power strips.

We left out the panels at the end of the workbench to allow access to the shelves there without having to remove the carts. Once we had constructed it, we added a brace at each end of the workbench to better support the outside front legs.

This plan was the perfect one for the theater, giving a stable work area for the miter saw and allowing for tool and materials storage. The carts can be rolled around to where a work surface is needed. This will come in handy for years of set construction in the theater. So proud of my son and all the leadership and hard work he put into this project!

Comments

nifof17547

Fri, 05/31/2024 - 00:38

Wow, what an impressive project! Your son did an amazing job with his Eagle Scout project. The Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand sounds like a perfect fit for the high school theater's needs. I love how you customized it by adding pegboard for tool storage and making the shelves adjustable I remember how I do similar things all day long and I don't have any time left to do housework. Then I use https://essays.edubirdie.com/personal-statement-writing and it's a really great solution. The addition of lighting and power strips is a fantastic touch too. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort went into ensuring the workbench is both functional and durable. Your son's leadership and hard work really shine through in this project. This workbench will definitely be a valuable asset for the theater for many years to come. Great job!

Little Bit turns 2

Submitted by Kevin on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 19:18

This was our first introduction to Ana's incredible web site.  My wife wanted an activity table and stumbled upon Ana.

Built using Clara's table design and painted with PPG's HPC paint.  This was also my first time using a cordless paint sprayer.  Incredible tool however, don't forget to setup a paint booth (I knew better) but was still giddy of an 18v cordless sprayer I've learned to love the new pink/white floor design

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
PPG HPC Pitt-Tech high gloss enamel sprayed with airless gun (borrowed from a friend) you could also brush
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little Farmhouse Action

Submitted by SamWiseMan on Fri, 06/07/2013 - 21:34

I used 2x8s for the tabletop and bench tops, with 1x4 to frame it. The legs on the table are 2x4 times 2 to look like 4x4 (can only find them treated around here). I messed up in my calculations on the benches. I intended to do the same with the legs there, but was forced to do 2x4. I don't like it as much, but they will do fine. The table is stained in Rustoleum Kona, used a wire brush to make it look rough, and then sanded it a little bit. The bottom is actually spray painted in Ivory.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum's Kona water-based stain and Rustoleum's matte finish poly. Rustoleum spray painted bottom in Ivory.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

basteeley

Fri, 04/08/2016 - 16:09

This is a most difficult site. I have signed in and would love to have the plan for the Little Farmhouse Action table and bench for outside use by SamWiseMan.

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

Kids table and benches

Submitted by dhoop31 on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 06:03

Built this with matching benches that will store underneath the table completely.  Thanks for the great ideas!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My entry way bench in Hickory

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/23/2021 - 15:07

The Shelf Help app helped me customize this to my space, the plans were excellent. Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Our bathroom step stool

I looked everywhere for a two-step wooden step stool and just could not find one.  The ones the kids were using to try and reach the sink to wash their hands, just wasn't cutting it.  I have tons of scraps (from many other Ana projects), so I thought I would make my own little stool.

The building part was pretty straight forward and I'm glad to have a stool that doesn't wobble. I sanded all the edges down so it looked worn.  I decided to experiment with the finish as I have a big cabinet that I'm getting ready to finish and I don't want to experiment on that one.  :)  I recently downloaded the recommended "Creating Your Masterpiece" by Shaunna West (see the ad to the right of this post) and was inspired to try something out of my comfort zone.

So, for the finish, I first used Miniwax Hickory gel stain.  After that was dry, I used the Behr paint I had leftover from my bathroom walls and dry brushed it on.  I had never done this technique before, so I started on the underside of the stool.  I'm glad I did because I got much better at the dry brushing as I went on.  It is definitely a tough technique to use in corners and where the wood meets at a 90 degree angle.  That's why it looks so much better on the treads and flat side of the stool.  After the paint dried (about 10-20 minutes), I took a medium to finer grit sanding block and sanded in a circular motion.  I even had little hands helping (note picture). Finally, I used the Miniwax Paste Finishing Wax.  I was unsure that I was using it correctly as it goes on very thin and it was hard to see where I applied it.  After letting that dry for about 15 minutes, I buffed it out with a clean cloth.  I could really see it start to shine up (just like a car wax).  I love the feel of the wax and I hope it holds up over time.  I do realize that I will need to re-coat on the stool treads, but that's fine with me.

Estimated Cost
Scraps used . . . . estimated at less than $10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
See notes in the summary
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Square Fancy X Farmhouse Picnic Table and Benches

Submitted by MicheleV on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 16:25

When we resurfaced our deck last year we had to remove the built-in benches due to code regulations, so I knew I would get to make new benches this year. We wanted them to be a flexible size so we could rearrange the deck easily for eating, entertaining, enjoying the sun and the shade. Based on the size and shape of our deck, a square table for 6-8 people was going to be the best option.

After looking at a couple design plans, I decided to combine a few plans to get exactly what we wanted. To get a mid-sized square table I used the leg structure of the Fancy X Table with the construction method and the stability from 2x6s of the Square Pedestal Table. The top is joined from seven 45.5" lengths of 2x6 and two lengths of 2x4s. It ends up being 52.5" square. It is snug for eight people, but comfortable for six. We didn't end up using the skirt boards so there would be more knee room. The base is mounted on the diagonal for the same reason.

For the benches, I used the supports from the Fancy X Benches, with the bordered top from the Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Bench, since it would match the table top better. The benches are 48" long, and only two supports were used for each, inset 5" from the end of each bench. Likewise, I used a single stretch of 2x4s for the seats rather than seam them in two parts like the 106" long original plans. I did add an extra 2x2 support board under the seat platform to keep the 2x4s even over time. Overall, I made five benches - four for around the table and one for next to the BBQ. They are blue so they provide some color against the brown deck and green tree tops that surround the deck.

For both the table and the benches, I pre-stained the surfaces that make up the inside of the Xs. It made it easier to get good coverage there.

I also made a quick flip-down BBQ prep station, on similar lines to the Flip-down Wall Art Desk out of two 5/4x6 and two 5/4x4 cedar boards. The shelves are on adjustable pegs.

The costs broke down - with all hardware, screws, putty, sandpaper, stain, etc. - as: $90 for BBQ station (lots of hardware), $200 for 5 benches, and $155 for the table. I did a lot of sanding and filling to get the rough 2x4s smooth. In the end, there was about 50 hours in the benches, and 20 in the table. The BBQ station was less than a day, including mounting.

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Semi-Solid Arborcoat in Spanish Moss (table and drop-front BBQ station) and Spellbound (benches)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic DVD/Bookshelf

Thanks to Ana White and Lady Goats for the idea from their prior plans on the Rustic X Bookshelf. The bookshelf is 6ft tall and the shelf height is perfect for DVDs or books.

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

Harvest Table DIY

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 10:18

 

Submitted by Valeria Green -

My husband built this table and bench for my son and his wife. He is presently building another by request for a young couple.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

amberfro

Thu, 10/25/2018 - 11:01

I love the use of the 4x4s instead of the 1 and 2 x 4s. How did he attach the 4x4  used for the width to the 4x4s for the side braces and height? Thanks in advance

Tiny Home:)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/05/2021 - 13:32

After watching your tiny home builds we decided to build our own. It's almost complete:)

Comments

James & Libby's Library

My first project! It turned out pretty well, although I had some trouble hammering the nails in straight! It cost me a little more because I used fir instead of pine - there weren't any straight pine boards. I also used a 1x3 for the bottom, becuase it's along James' bed and I didn't want him banging his head if they stuck out too much. Perfect for his Thomas trains!

 

The wall I wanted them on is a little less than 8', so I cut 18" off both and now have two more little shelves to go somewhere, yay!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25 for both
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Some random white trim paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Planter Box with Finials

It didn't take me long at all to make these. I enjoyed making them and all my neighbors love them. They have a nice amount of space. I actually had to make mine smaller than the instructions. I had most of the wood on hand.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$7/box
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rocking Moses Basket Stand

This was one of those "Labor of Love" projects. I was nervous about the rockers but the hardest part about them was getting the ends rounded perfectly. I didn't scribe the legs, instead I cut and assembled both sides and then laid them up against my rocker 1x4s. I marked where the legs met the rockers and then cut the rockers leaving the areas where the legs met at full width. Made it much easier. I also rough cut the rockers and used my orbital sander to bring the wood down to my pencil lines. I had the rockers clamped together for the entire sanding/cutting process. I love the silky smooth finish of the milk paint and hope my nephew and his wife love the finished cradle as much as I do. Thanks for a wonderful project Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 with basket and bedding.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean under Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Eulalies Sky. Distressed so that stain shows through in natural wear spots. Finished with 2 coats of hemp oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

danicarby

Thu, 05/14/2015 - 13:20

This will be such a wonderful-thoughtful gift for your nephew! The best gifts are those that are made (with love)! :)

2x4 Rustic Outdoor Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2017 - 09:46

Submitted by Carla Santiago on Facebook - 

 

We did a bench, I got your plans off Pinterest. We just put a slight slant to the back and we love it. Thanks for the great plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner