Build a Skylanders cubby storage shelf using 3/4" pine boards for about $25.
I built Ana's Master Closet System for a flipped house. The closet was a large walk-in, approximately 6'W x 15'L. I pretty much used Ana's plans as written, with some tweaking in shelf length for a custom fit. I used beadboard in the back for a built-in look, and 1x1/2" boards to trim out the edges. The entire closet was plywood, which was cut, primed, and painted before install. The pictures are the completed project and before the trim was installed.
During the house sale, the closet impressed potential buyers more than any other feature. This was my first build from Ana's plans, and now I'm hooked. I am currently renovating a 1910 home and plan to use Ana's site for everything from built-in's to furniture. Thanks Ana for such a fantastic site!
This project started because a corner bathroom vanity that fit my space requirements and budget did not exist. A plan specific to what I exactly needed also did not exist. After combing through what plans I found online, the Wall Kitchen Corner Cabinet best matched what I wanted. I modified it with the Momplex Sink Base Kitchen Cabinet in order to turn it into a sink base.
But, there was a problem. I hadn't actually built anything before. In order to get at least one project under my belt, I built the Vintage Step Stool. It turned out great, so I figured I was ready to go! Strangely enough, after spending about $100 and several weekends picking away at this project, it was done! It looked great, even. Then, I moved the vanity into the bathroom and realized that, while it may have looked great, it wasn't very square. Lesson learned was that this is a two person project. It is too difficult to keep things square and screw at the same time when there is only one person.
At this point, everyone was tired of having to use the kitchen sink to brush their teeth and wash their hands, so we needed to get this project done. $100 later, we had more material. Since I had figured out what needed to be done with the first vanity, let's call it our prototype, the second vanity went together REALLY quickly.
Within a few hours, it was pieced together. Since it was going to be painted, we used Bondo to cover up our imperfections. Yes, of course there were imperfections. While much better than the prototype, it still was only my third woodworking project. Sanding, caulking, and priming took another hour or so. A few coats of the finish paint went on, followed by a couple more coats of a clear sealer, and it was done.
We moved it into place, screwed it to the wall, put the soapstone countertop on along with the sink and faucet, and it truly was complete. Sink is Kohler, faucet came from our local Habitat for Humanity store and I'm not sure what brand it is, and the soapstone came from soapstones.com. If we had oiled the soapstone with mineral oil, it would be a very dark gray.
This locker cabinet was my first build and I learned a ton. For example:
1. Use the Kreg face clamps while drilling into the Kreg Jr.
2. Buy straight wood.
3. Buy wood that is not warped.
4. Do not try to buy wood with grouchy kids in tow.
Are you seeing a theme? Yep, your project will only be as square and perfect as the wood you buy.
I modified the locker plan to include apothecary-style drawers for our cell phones, sunglasses and chapstick. I also drilled through the back of one of the drawers to turn it into a charging station for our cell phones.
The locker has been super useful so far and is such a great way to keep my kids' backpacks and lunchboxes organized. The baskets are designated for my purse, stuff I need to return to stores, the dog's leashes, and library books. It's so nice to have all this stuff near the front door and never wonder where any of it is!
Very simple project, but extremely useful! Decided to not put a knob on the top, spray painted it black matte and distressed the edges. The hooks are from Walmart. Great project to use up some scrap wood! Makes great gift!
Thu, 10/14/2021 - 08:29
I really like the finish and bit of distressing, very nice!
We shortened the table and lengthened the benches - you can see all our details and changes in the blog link.
OK, I think this build may be my biggest project yet! It is definitely the heaviest. With the strong winds we can get here in Florida we needed substantial outdoor furniture.
I did make some modifications along the way measurement-wise so the sofa would fit my front porch better. All in all, this took 2 full days. I built the sofa first, stained it the next day and then decided (due to trying to get stain in all the nooks and crannies) to stain the chair pieces first before putting it together.
I am so happy with the results and so far, almost a year later, this furniture looks great and hasn't moved an inch in any of the thunderstorms we've had! Thank you Ana!!
This is one of the cheapest projects for my kids I have ever completed!! And the most rewarding. I think everyone of my neighbors has been on the teeter totter...including adults :) My kids just love it and I am thinking of making a few for my nephews for Christmas. I was able to find all the wood I needed in my scrap pile. I had the PVC pipe and bolt already also so all I had to make a trip to the store for was the foam for the seats. My son helped me build this in an hour. I liked the unfinished look so I just sprayed it with a little Thompson Water Seal. Thank you Ana White!!
I still need to build a matching chair so we have a pair of adirondack chairs for around the fire pit. More pics of the build at my blog.
This was a great project! If a 70 year old woman can build it, so can you. I had an old bench that used 2x4's and those plastic ends. I took it apart and salvaged most of the boards after sanding them down. So my cost was zero dollars to build this, but I'm sure it wouldn't last as long as using new wood.
I found the instructions easy to follow. I used 2 1/2" exterior star screws, and finished the wood with solid exterior stain in a sage green. The wood wasn't in great shape, so a transparent stain would not be a good choice for me.
I bought a $16 chair cushion and I'm tempted to make another chair!
Fri, 08/12/2022 - 17:05
Great use of material, love the finish! Than you so much for sharing.
Super easy and fun project! We altered the original plans to build a loveseat and had zero issues. We did add some extra support below.
I did not find 25”x25” cushions within our price range so I settled for 25”x22.5” and they work but ultimately 25x25 works best.
I've been building Ana White American Girl doll furniture for my two daughters for the last three years, culminating with my biggest build of all - a modified version of Ana's dollhouse.
My wife kept telling me it would end up being huge, and she was right. The great news is that it doubles as storage when the girls aren't playing! 2 Bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and upstairs bonus room for dance and gymnastics. 78" tall x 76" wide, mounted to the wall studs for safety. Lots of joy in our home on Christmas day. Thanks Ana!
This narrow farmhouse table brings a feeling of elegance and grace to an entryway.
Built by The Rhino Home
I built this to go with my outdoor sectional. It's perfect for storing the cushions and the gardening tools that I like to keep on the porch. It doubles as a table and extra seating in a pinch, so it's a great addition to the space.
I'd recommend either spray painting it or pre-painting the pieces- I wouldn't want to try and brush between all the slats.
I built this for my friend who wanted a double cabinet for her recycling material. I used Ana's plan and just doubled it up. She also wanted a weathered looking top. The plan's were great but it was a bit difficult to get the two side by side bins.
I build this limonade stand, together with my granddaughter with inspiration from Ana White
Br Knud from Denmark
As in a lot of plans I made them to fit my needs. This one was no different. I love Anna and her site. Sometimes things are not always clear. With simple knowledge you can solve most of the problems. I made this version for my 5 year old niece for Christmas. I decided to use 1x12 in place of the plywood . It was easier to work with and made it much stronger With the solid wood I think I lost 1/4 inch in height. I also had extra 1x3 boards I used them for bottom shelf. For the dials I used what I had. I used my hole saw and filled in center with filler. It was cheaper than buying a dowel. I think it is easier to mount the shelf before you put the sides on. Top grill I stayed with 1x2 I thought it looked much vetter that 1x4 board. I finished it off with castors I think that put the icing on the cate and made it even better. She loved it.
This was my first finished project using plans from Ana's site, and I am very pleased with the finished product. Every aspect of the finished sideboard is based on something from the site. I started with the plans for the Planked Wood Sideboard, and made no modifications as the dimensions were perfect for our basement family room. I decided to inset the back (http://www.friendly-home.net/2012/02/gigantic-rustic-sideboard.html) as Ana explained that Hillary had done, and love the final result. This will allow us to use this to potentially divide a room in an open concept space at some point in the future.
For the finishing process, I decided to follow the "Rustic Yet Refined" finish tutorial highlighted on both the Ana-White site (http://ana-white.com/2013/08/rustic-yet-refined-wood-finish) and Jen Woodhouse House of Wood (http://jenwoodhouse.com/blog/2013/06/07/diy-dining-table/). I fully intended to complete the 9 step process, but found that after we applied the Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner, followed by Minwax special walnut stain and wiped it off within 15-30 seconds, the finish mirrored the restoration hardware finish that we were going for. We decided not to proceed with layering on the weathered oak or applying the whitewash, and went straight to the spar urethane satin coats.
Overall, the project was a success, but was difficult to finish during the Minnesota winter as it was unbelievably cold and was forced to complete the finishing process in our basement/laundry room, which extended the length of the project. I am very excited to begin building other pieces from Ana's plans.
Mon, 03/03/2014 - 10:01
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for all the details on how you did this!
In reply to Absolutely beautiful! Thank by moosmani
Thu, 03/13/2014 - 07:09
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am extremely impressed with your brag posts as well, and you may have been inspired to take on the picket storage shed project as soon as the snow melts.
This was my 5th build. Took a few weekends working in the morning. Table is Weathered Oak (base) and Early American (top) stain. Modified the plans to make it slightly smaller so it would fit better in my kitchen. Very sturdy and table looks gorgeous in person, very happy.
This is a plan that My 16 year old son chose to do for a project to fulfill a goal to learn some woodworking skills during our unexpected downtime from School.
Mom is thrilled with the new space.
He adjusted different sizes based on what lumber we already had. He used 1x7’s and routed a 45deg on the edges to give the tongue and groove look. Posts are 4x5 and top railing is 2x7.
Sun, 04/19/2020 - 17:42
Amazing, what a fine young man you are raising!!
My wife had the idea for us to give our girls a babydoll bed each this year from Santa. She wanted me to make them so it could be something that they could take with them and hopefully hand down to their girls one day. These were simple and fun to build. I used 3/8” dowels instead of 1/4” just because I felt it would be more durable in the long run. Overall this was a fun little project and the girls absolutely loved the beds that Santa brought them.
Kevin
