Community Brag Posts

First Woodworking Project - Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/03/2019 - 07:34

I am embarrassed to admit, but we had been using a 8ft plastic folding table with a table cloth and folding chairs for TWO YEARS prior to this build. I had struggled to find a table that was large enough and that I actually liked. I was so fed up that we decided to build this table. It was a huge learning curve because we had never build anything before. BUT IT IS DOABLE and FUN!

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mimi Wax - Walnut & Mini Wax Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Tall Bookshelves

Submitted by frmoody on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 09:23

A friend wanted these bookshelves to match the Farmhouse X Desk but she wanted them narrow so they would fit in a small office. This was a very challenging and at times frustrating build getting everything to fit and getting the X's correct but in the end they turned out very well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The wood was painted with a white cabinet paint and the shelves were stained with Varathane Kona.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

American Girl upholstered arm chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/21/2016 - 13:47

I used the pattern and instructions on how to re-size from http://1inchminisbykris.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/chair-upholstering-tutt…. I then built the base using 1x1 and part of a wood closet rod I had left over and drawer bottom material from Home Depot.  I know those descriptions are not super informative but it's just materials I had around the house.  Once the base was built I used Ana's instructions from the doll mattress tutorial to sew the bottom and back cushions.  Unfortunately, I don't have pictures from the build but I intend to make her a couch when I have time so hopefully I can add some pictures of that to give an idea of what the frame looks like.

Estimated Cost
~$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

8x12 Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/13/2023 - 03:26

My new garden shed built from your premium plans! I'm 62, never built a shed before, and worked mostly alone. My sons helped with some of the wall and roof sheathing. In the end, I did everything except for the shingling. I painted it to match my house main color and trim.

The video is very helpful - I watched it several times. My major change to the plans was using Simpson Strong Ties and hurricane ties to secure the rafters to the ridge pole and the top plates. Otherwise, I used all other methods. I recommend cutting the front wall sheathing before cutting the panels for the doors. I do not have a trim saw and thought my standard circular saw was too heavy for me to make the cuts like Jacob did.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

DIY Outdoor Sofa, Chairs and Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/27/2023 - 13:22

I decided to build my patio furniture and built a couch, with cushions, coffee table, 2 Adirondack adult chairs and one child’s Adirondack chair. It was so much fun to plan and build all of the furniture and so enjoy going out there on cool days! Thanks to Ana White for all of the plans! This is my 20th Ana White project! On to my next project! Plans were outdoor modern sofa, modern Adirondack chair, kids Adirondack chair, 2x4 outdoor coffee table.

JoAnne

Seasonal And Holiday

DIY Brew Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:38

I used your workbench plan to build my Brew Bench. I changed the measurements to fit my space and used a butcher block for the countertop. Very sturdy and pretty easy project. Took one day to build.

Scott R

Comments

Tall Rustic X Bookshelves

I followed the Rustic X Tall Bookshelf plan to make a set of bookshelves for my husband for Christmas! It was my second ever woodworking project. The plan was really easy to follow and so fun to make! I ended up using an additional shelf piece on the very top for a more modern spin on it. I also bought a pocket hole jig to use on this project. I'm happy with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 per shelf
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax English Chesnut Wood Finish and Paste Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Folding workbench

Submitted by mellyc_fl on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 17:42

We do not have a garage yet, so this size works great to push out of the way when not being used and pull out for a workbench and also to extend the table top for the saw.  The plans were easy to follow and easy to modify.  I added a base made of 2x4’s to make it sturdier since it will be moved across a deck vs a level floor.  I also added some boards behind the shelf to keep things from falling out the back and adjusted the height to match the table saw top.   Next up will be a router table stand to replace the camping footlocker. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Book Rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/22/2016 - 11:08

I built this book rack using scrap wood and modified plans from the Full Length Plate Rack. It was a really straightforward build, and functions very well as vertical storage that takes up little space. I predrilled, screwed and glued all of the joints, vs. stapling.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of "Simplicity" country chic chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sandbox with built in seats/lid

6'x6' with 12'' Treated Sides, 1x4 and 1x6 SPF tops/seats and 2x4 Brace under Seats to accommodate the 6 foot span. Sanded and Painted.

Completed in 2 days, couple hours each day, sanded/painted all boards before assembly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior Grade Paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 Truss Table

Submitted by BojackH on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 20:08

We needed a sturdy table but didn't want to spend a fortune buying one so decided to take a stab at building one.  Our space isn't too large but also wanted the ability to expand the table with leaves if we have a large crowd.  I built leaves by cutting notches in the horizontal leg 4x4 and then sliding in/out with 2x2's attached (see pic).

I will say it makes life a whole lot easier learning how to use Sketchup or some other design software.  That way you can visualize what it will look like, cuts you need to make especially if you will be deviating from the original post design and don't want to do math in your head (like me).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200 for wood
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used the vinegar/ steel wool solution and then 6 coats of Minewax semi gloss polyurethene. Before applying polyurethene, I used a blow torch on the corners to make some neat burn marks.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

10 foot long Provence Table with 4x4's

My mom was looking for a new outdoor table, and asked me to come up with something. I found the link for these plans (http://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2011/04/free-diy-furniture-plans-t…) to knock off Restoration Hardware's $4000 Provence Beam outdoor table. Overall I liked the plan, with the chunkier look of the 4x4's. But there were a lot of errors in the diagrams, and the finished height is 34" which is ridiculously tall for a table. So we took it apart and cut the legs back down to change the finished height to 30". We chose rough-cut cedar for it's look and outdoor properties, not wanting to use treated lumber for a dining table. We couldn't find 2x10's like the plan, so we substituted seven 2x6's just like Ana's plan, but left a 1/2" gap in between so water can drain and not pool on top and rot the wood. Also, since we were working with 4x4's for the legs, we chose heavy duty lag bolts instead of screws to join them together. I love the finished look they give. Overall it's a sturdy, yet lightweight table that my mom loves and has already used for entertaining!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
outdoor sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

brookifer86

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 10:02

Thanks Brook! It was so much fun to build. I put my dad and husband to work while I was the "project manager" ;)

Kind bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/16/2020 - 22:07

King bed hand made made with 1by4 pine boards

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My very FIRST build!! LOVE IT!!

Submitted by AmJoy37 on Sun, 02/23/2014 - 09:11

My husband is deployed and I just decided to start building, to keep my mind busy. I built this table & benches, sanded, stained it & had it in my nook in just 6 days!!! I worked on it every night when the kids went to bed. Thank you Ana White!! :) I will be using this site quite a bit to keep me busy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Basement Sofa Table Bar

Submitted by advanlente on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 12:04

My husband and I had been looking at many different stores to try and find a bar table for behind our new couch in our basement. We wanted something that people could eat and drink at when we entertained and/or be able to sit at and play video games. I should have known we were better off to build our own rather than look in a store. It was only $30 in lumber and took 3 hours to build. And another project in the books!

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)

Comments

megs502

Fri, 04/03/2020 - 11:03

do you have the plans for this? i've been looking and looking for what i needed and this is it!!

mferrara

Sat, 04/04/2020 - 05:39

Hi - exactly what I've been searching for....do you have plans available? Please and thank you!

beckaroo

Tue, 06/02/2020 - 23:04

Hello,
I would also love to see the plans for this sofa bar table.
Thank you
Becky

Hawkins pantry

Submitted by mlhawkins on Wed, 04/09/2014 - 08:21

I needed more storage for our TINY kitchen. I found the nursery armoire plans and asked my dad to help me build it for a pantry! We modified it some by making it taller and adding more shelves inside (sorry no pics of that). For the doors I wanted to do something fun so we cut lots (over 700!) of small pieces of wood and inlaid then in a herringbone pattern - IN LOVE! For the handles we used copper pipe and I am IN LOVE with those too! Enjoy!

~ Maggie

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dollhouse

Submitted by keribeth on Sat, 07/07/2012 - 05:46

I combined my favorite elements from three of Ana's dollhouse plans to make this dollhouse for my kids. My favorite part is the stairs, which I cut from a 2x4 with a miter saw. I made this project from start to finish in one day while the grandparents took the kids, and it was ready for Christmas morning! I made simple furniture for it, too, which you can see in the second picture.

Estimated Cost
~$20 (I used some scraps)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jerika

Wed, 02/11/2015 - 06:35

Is there any way you could email me the plans you used for the furniture? or just individual pictures of the furniture? [email protected] (you may wanna copy and paste that people always get it wrong, haha).
I LOVE THIS

MissM

Wed, 07/10/2019 - 04:08

I know this is an oldie but if you have the finals plans I would love to see them!

What a great open dollhouse!

Family Back Deck COVID19 Project Facelift

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/02/2020 - 11:53

Thank-you so much Ana White! We took on our back deck as a family COVID19 “homeschool” two weekend project! Why just build a sectional sofa when you can build a sectional sofa, coffee table, farmhouse table with two benches, two Adirondack chairs and a side table that the 11 year old designed and built himself! Mission accomplished, he’s a builder for life.

Our deck was brutally neglected and the boys had had some exposure to power tools and small builds. We decided that the best way to remedy the situation was to set up a family build all at once so that the tools are out and then put back away after the build is complete!

The plans were easy to follow and incredible! Thanks again so very much!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stained the sofas, chairs, coffee and end table with outdoor solid stain. Used the same solid stain on the bottom of the farmhouse table benches, and outdoor oil based spar varnish on the farmhouse table and bench tops. Finished the look by refinishing the deck with Behr Penetrating Oil finish in Chocolate and cushions from Lowes for the sofa. Adirondack chair cushions were sewn by myself with Sunderland fabric leftover from front porch, cushion inserts from IKEA.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our twin elevated gardens

Here's our planters, and they're our first carpentry projects! We found that there were cost efficiencies when building 2 units. We also opted for nut and bolt attachments for the legs instead of making pocket holes…mainly because I don't have the guides for making pocket holes. Seems to work fine, although I do still need to get a saw that I can cut off the excess bolt length on the inside (see pics). Perhaps next time I should trust my measurements and buy the correct bolt length. Ended up costing about $250. Slightly more than the cost of ready-to-build planters at home depot, but those weren't elevated and not nearly as heavy duty or as large. Well worth the investment of both time and money, and a great starter project for beginners. Good luck to you all! -Don and Staci

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Only a light red stain on the exterior as we didn't want the chemicals to invade our vegetables. Ended up with a very nice orange hue when the red stain combined with the pine's natural yellow coloring.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday
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