Community Brag Posts

Princess Castle Loft Bed

We used the plans from this site to build this for our daughter. We did however make the bed part a bit more sturdy to ensure that no one would get hurt and to make sure it could support any weight. We added 4 2x4s across the bed like rafters and screwed the slats on top of them.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

A princess castle bed

My first ever woodwork project! Thank you Ana white! 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bed built

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/21/2023 - 06:47

This is my second bed built it was build for my daughter. I enjoyed building it Great Plains I added a border around the headboard. For the paint we used chalked paint aged gray we also painted the nightstands to match the bed. Thanks to my wife for helping on the painting.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Princess Bed with Stairs and Slide

Made a princess bed for my little peanut. We adapted the idea of the stairs with storage and then added a slide. I hung LED Christmas lights underneath with a foot switch so she has light in her play area.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 01/10/2012 - 19:20

Please tell me your roof pitch is 12:12 - we are building a house and I have already promised my children to build them both this kind of bed. But I'm fretting that I won't have enough head room - but seeing this picture gives me hope! Our roof pitch is going to be 12:12 and our house is 28 wide, witch will make the upstairs rooms about 20 foot wide I believe at the base of the wall....sorry for rambling....just excited to see your pic. Great job by the way:)

trenthenderson

Fri, 01/13/2012 - 07:17

I made another comment but forgot to hit reply. You can see it below this one. But the point at the ceiling-wall intersection you see in the picture is 72". Hope that helps on perspective.

Trent

trenthenderson

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 14:11

If our pitch isn't 12:12, it's dang close because it's steep on that side. The general layout can be found on Ana's site. I had to modify extensively on height and width to accommodate the room and the play kitchen and the slide. My dimensions are 67" high at the posts, 114" wide from outside slide to outside stairs, and 42" deep. With her mattress on there, she has 8" of railing to make sure she doesn't tumble out. Hope that helps.

If you have other questions, let me know.

Trent

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 17:23

Can you post the plans and dimensions for the slide? I love this bed, and I'm planning to start on it for my daughter.

trenthenderson

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 18:24

I honestly don't know how to post plans here. My email is trent henderson at hotmail dot com. If you'll email me the request, I'll put it on a PDF or something and send it to you.

DIY Salvaged Mudroom setup inspired by the Fancy Hall Tree

I was inspired by the fancy hall tree project, but what I made is a total modification/inspired by with salvaged materials, I loved the idea of having wood backing for the mudroom bench and hooks. I had some leftover vintage door knobs from our interior refurbish, so kept them raw metal (sandblasted the metal and clear coated it with polyurethane to keep from rusting). I found some amazing old mahogany bleacher boards from a local high school and a great slab of fir for the bench. I've been building several of Ana's plans and using some of the projects for inspiration when working with salvaged materials ;)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
used dark walnut stain on the bench, and on the wall/bleacher boards, I stenciled on numbers to look like "seat" numbers, finished all of it with 3 coats of water based polycrylic in semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Who needs Restoration Hardware??

We have huge open walls in our new house. We needed something big! And like everyone else on here, we didn't want shell out $3-4000 for something we really wanted. These plans were perfect. I did make a few adjustments. The overall dimensions are 98"H X 63"W. I used some different trim. I custom made the bottom trim. I also added fronts to the shelves to cover the exposed plywood edges. Really happy I added those. Made a huge difference IMO. I really love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350-400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Driftwood and Hellmans Spray Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 18:11

My husband and I have enjoyed building this coffee table together. This is our 2nd Ana white build together. So glad we found this website. Thank you for creating these step by step plans, we're excited to build more beautiful furniture for our home.

Estimated Cost
112
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Briarsmoke
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Jr. Loft Bed

We loved the idea of the Jr. Loft Bed, but made some modifications to fit our needs.

Modifications:
-I didn't really feel the 2x6 railing was needed, so to cut costs, we used all 2x4s. On the end, I put two 2x4s one on top of the other to keep the mattress from sliding off the ladder side.

-Height was a concern for me as my kids are 4 & 2. So I lowered the overall height by about a foot. 54in is the height. Since we are putting my youngest on the bottom (on the floor) we made sure she had enough head room.

-We wanted this to be STURDY and reversible. So we added bottom supports on both long sides to ensure that the frame wasn't going to move. We also added six 2x4 supports under the mattress on the top. I can climb up there to tuck in sheets with no problem.

-We skipped the stairs & landing. I didn't want my kids to be playing on the bed. So we skipped the stairs and just built a ladder into the frame instead.

This was a fairly easy build. We previously built a HUGE Ana White Table. And I felt like I was kreg jigging for DAYS. This was only a few hours of cutting, sanding, kreg jigging, and a simple put together. Staining took the longest! It's a great bed and we're so excited it's finished!

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Minwax Polyshades. Classic Oak Gloss. 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first wood working project after being inspired by Ana white

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 22:53

I followed the plans pretty closely. I always wanted to get into woodworking and once I bought a house I finally had the space! My wife wanted a farm house table and rather than spend $500+ on one I told her I could build it. Luckily that turned out to be true!

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White 7-piece Patio Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/01/2023 - 04:20

This is my first outdoor furniture project, learned much from Ana's plan and my own mistakes. Used Cedar as material which total to ~$500 and ~$200 on cushions found as discontinued items from AtHome.

Projects
* 2x4 Outdoor Sofa https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/2x4-outdoor-sofa
* Essential Wood Outdoor Chair https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/essential-wood-outdoor-c…
* 2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/2x4-outdoor-coffee-table
* 2x4 Outdoor Side Table https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/2x4-outdoor-side-table
* Modern Cedar Outdoor Storage Bench https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/modern-cedar-outdoor-sto…
* Tongue and Groove Ottoman Tray https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/tongue-and-groove-ottoma…

Comments

Tryde Table

I took the Tryde coffee table plan and made it taller and wider to fit our dining room space! It turned out way better than expected!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 ish (CAD)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I mixed the meduim and dark brown water based General Stain colours (2 coats) and then used a satin finish poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mar_co (not verified)

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 15:37

This is beautiful ! how was your experience with spruce? im debating between spruce and pine, but spruce here is so much cheaper... did it split at all?

King Minimalistic Platform Bed

We built this bed actually from a few different styes from this website. We didn't really like the cut out that much - but we loved how low to the ground it was. So we combined the farmhouse bed, with this bed with a west elm bed to come up with this style. I can be happy to say we've sold over 40 of these beds from Double - Kings! We use 2x3" slats for the base. Super strong! Our frame is made out of 2x12's and then the headboard is attached to the base. This is our personal bed & we're so in love with it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
230.00 CA
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We stained this bed in a Early American / Dark Walnut Mix & varnished this bed in Semi Gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Batman’s lair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 11:25

We took the farmhouse bed with drawers plan and made it into a twin bed instead of a queen for my six year old son. He wanted it to be Batman blue, and we even got his own bat signal on the headboard!

Estimated Cost
$230.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Batman blue paint :)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Canopy Storage Bed

Submitted by arkep on Fri, 12/06/2013 - 12:29

I combined the full-sized Hannah canopy bed plans with the Farmhouse Storage Bed with hinged footboard by birdandsoap here: http://ana-white.com/2011/07/farmhouse-storage-bed-hinged-footboard . Decided not to taper the ends of the 2x3s. There's so much storage underneath!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats primer, 2 coats Olympic Premium in Satin Ultra White.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

outdoor canopy with curtains

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/21/2016 - 16:51

I gave away my outdoor furniture in need of something for that space.  This plan is perfect with added outdoor matress and Curtains so I can lay down on the summer.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100-150 for bed
250 mattress plus cover
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chocolate stain.
Strip sunbrella for mattress and high density foam.
Rasberry sunbrella mattress
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Lemonade stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/12/2023 - 17:37

My granddaughter wanted a lemonade stand and it had to be easily portable. I used Ana White’s plans, made it a little taller (30” counter height, 65” total height), added hinges so the top drops down, and wheels on the back side so you can tilt and pull it behind you like a suitcase. Added a hook for a cutting board and hooks for a bungee strap to hold the cooler, pitchers and supplies inside while you haul it. A sign for her and sissy, some painted wood decor and we’re all set. Just add lemons!

Comments

Smaller Square Coffee Table

Our friends and my co-worker, Tommy & Susannah, got married back in November and for their wedding gift I said that I would build them a coffee table. They liked the look of my original one that I built but wanted is square like the one I did for my sister. However, their living room space was not that big, so they wanted scaled down version. They wanted it 2 1/2' x 2 1/2' and similiar in color to the ones that I had already done.

Not to be say how cheap I got the wood for their wedding present, but the wood for this was not very much at all. Especially since I got the 4x4's in the culled wood bin for $1 each, and only needed 2! Total cost of wood was $17.50! Add in the screws, stain, staining materials and you are looking at around $30.00 max. Now my labor for this project was priceless, so was very expensive wedding gift!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First real project: Hooked!

As an Ana White newbie I was excited (to say the least!) about my first real project.

It was also my proving ground. My Hubby said that if this went well, I could feel free to build an office desk... pergola... coffers in the dining room... whatever! He was floored and impressed beyond words!

I have included a before picture of our entryway and also a view from our front door, so that you can see how much of a presence this has in a room. I love it absolutely!

I made mine a bit deeper in the seat (about 20") because my husband has size 15 shoes that needed to be hidden. I also added a shelf for more shoes (which was easy and also where I tried out my new Kreg Jig). That tool is pretty darn sweet!

I decided to use hefty planks for the seats as well and reinforced them with a bit beefier legs, as my husband and his family are all nearly 7 feet tall. (just in case - you know!)

Mine is a bit shorter in length than Ana's... but all in all pretty similar. These pictures don't show all the holes filled in yet (as I ran out of putty) but that will be done next week. It looks pretty polished where I have filled them in though - paint is a wonder at hiding things.

My tearful thanks to Ana for making this seem so completely "do-able" for a woman! I was feeling pretty low before building this - but I have to say that working with wood is a REAL confidence booster and it feels so satisfying when you see the finished result. The JIG is a bit intimidating till you get used to it - but then it's so cool! Love it!

I started this on a Sunday night and finished on a Wednesday night.

I will be building again very, very soon!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
280 (bought the small and large Kreg Jig :)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and varnish for the seat. Three coats of clear varnish so that there is some "wipeability". White semi-gloss all over elsewhere (for easy cleanup). I opted for dark wood where the shoes would go to (hopefully) show less dirt!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Joni

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 08:56

Did you seriously make this in your dining room? Now I'm even more impressed. This was your first build? And in 3 days? Holy cow -- the 2-tone finish, the architectural details on the front, customizing the build....GREAT job! Can't wait to see the pergola!

In reply to by Joni

Porshes Place

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 19:28

I did make it in my dining room! My husband was away for 3 days in Boston and I planned on building it in the barn, but it was 15 degrees here in Ohio - so that was out! I worked like a maniac for those 3 days too! I was on a mission. (note: I didn't realize how much dust sanding creates and I have now spent the last 3 days dusting said dining room :( Next time I will cover things!

DecorSanity

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 18:02

I don't think your husband knows what he's given permission to--I see a lot of great builds in your future! Way to go! :-)

In reply to by DecorSanity

Porshes Place

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 19:31

I think he is realizing that now too!! I can't wait for the warmer weather now - I have so many areas I want to get my hands on in the yard! I'm really eyeing that Weatherby Pergola and seating arrangement. :) Thanks for the kudos!

A place for all my wife's Fiestaware

My wife wanted a built in shelving unit for all of her Fiestaware.  I couldn't find anything that worked so I looked for large hutches instead.  I found a nice design on Ana White and saw some other modifications from other posters - came up with what you see here.  Turned out well.  I never worked with Blum hinges before so that was a learning experience.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The glass was the most expensive component at $260 for 4 panes. Total cost was around $600.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic One Paint and Primer in One - Semi-gloss with Snowstorm Tint. Door glass pattern is called Wicker.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified 4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by barnes420 on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 05:58

Build this 4x4 Truss Beam Table for my wife's Birthday. For this table however, I did change the top and used the Fancy X Farmhouse Table top shortened to 7' (84"). I also used Whitney's plans on where to put the pocket holes (link provided in 4x4 Truss Beam Table Plans).  This is my first wood project and with that first time using an Ana White plan. The plans are awesome and very easy to follow, we can not wait to build the matching benches! Biggest tip I have is do not wait to long after buying the boards to start the build, the wood sat for about 3 weeks(due to work travel) and some warped a lot. 

Estimated Cost
I do not have the exact amount anymore but between $100-150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane- Kona and clear Poly
Sherwin Williams- White Cotton
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner