Community Brag Posts

Dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/27/2016 - 02:19

Thanks for the plans!  This dollhouse is great, my daughter loves it. I changed the plans slightly to make an 'open floor plan on the bottom and added a column in the front for support. 

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

Washer/ dryer platform

Submitted by balbright on Sun, 09/06/2020 - 10:21

Only regret is not buying the storage containers I wanted and sizing for them, it took a while to find storage containers for under the platform.

Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Console Table - Easy Build

Submitted by Jake on Sun, 11/25/2012 - 10:02

I wanted a side table that was not too wide to fit under a window and the Tryde Console Table really fit the bill. I built it exactly to the plan dimensions but I altered the process a little.

1. First I built the leg assemblies including the side apron, top leg support, and the bottom stretcher. I used PH screws for the side apron and bottom stretch.
2. Then I attached the two leg assemblies together with the front and back aprons and the bottom stretcher.
3. Separately I constructed the top including the breadboards using PH screws. The tabletop boards are connected to the breadboards with eight PH screws each. The table boards are held together with PH screws.
4. Once the initial sanding and staining was completed I attached the top to the bottom assembly using eight screws through the tabletop supports from the bottom and then eight screws through the top into the top leg supports. Note I did not attach the breadboards directly to the legs as instructed as they are secured to the top with the PH screws. I can always add the screws later if necessary.

Instead of countersinking the screws to the top leg supports I used black (3 1/2 ") PH screws and let the screws remain visible on the top of the table. I think it looks nice and sort of industrial.
5. Then final staining, rubdowns, and touch-ups.

Note: I did not glue the top to the base just so repairs will be easy to make should over time the boards warp or crack. Just remove the eight top screws and lift the top off, make the fix, and screw it back on..

It took a couple of days but it is worthwhile spending the time for accurate measurements, squaring, and finishing. The results are first-class.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax red mahogany. I applied the stain, waited five minutes and wiped it off. Then after it was dry I rubbed it with 000 steel wool and repeated the staining, waiting, and steel wooling process three times. Final rubdowns were with an old clean t-shirt. Really nice deep and slightly shiny result. PS : I did use the wood conditioner before beginning the staining process.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Black Cherry Garden Bench

Submitted by Teejay on Mon, 09/08/2014 - 11:30

Thanks for the plans Ana!  I used a black cherry paint wash for the color, I wanted the wood grain to show.  I used 150 grit sandpaper to distress it, and then poly on top to protect it.  I also used a 2x6 on the bottom so I can use it as a shelf.  Sturdy and functional, looks fantastic on the front porch next to my yellow door!  In the winter I'll keep it at the foot of my bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish was a paint wash. I used one 8 oz sample size of paint and 8 oz of water mixed together to thin the paint. Two coats of the wash, then I distressed with 150 grit sandpaper. I then added 3 coats of poly, lightly sanding with 400 grit between the first 2 coats. I keep it on a covered porch and it's held up great all summer.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Small Pub Table

Submitted by Sbarker645 on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 14:40

Tried to post this under Old Man's pub table post, but couldn't load a photo in the comments section. This is a similar table, but a 2x6 shorter and breadboards are one ripped 2x6, not two 2x6s. Final dimensions were 43" high by 39"x36.5". Built the top with Kreg Jig and screws like most tables on the site. Base is 4x4s with 2x4 I-beams Kreg jigged into 4x4s.

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak 210B, about 3 coats with sanding and evening of finish in spots where it didn't take well. Poly clear coat on top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner desk modified

My wife needed a bigger desk for her home office so built one. I used the modular office desk designs. I had to modify it, my wife wanted the 90 degree cut in where the two desk to meet. I built two open shelves and fastened then together and built one narrow shelf with drawers. Built mostly out of MDF with the top being melamine. Waiting on the edge banding to ship. Also, installed some rope lighting for indirect light.

Estimated Cost
Under $300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted the base cabinets.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy French Farmhouse Table

Submitted by LumbeeDiva on Wed, 11/28/2012 - 09:37

After seeing the Fancy X Farmhouse Table on pinterest we wanted to try and build one ourselves, but using the pallets we gathered from the new construction next door and the scrap lumber they were throwing away. The only thing we had to purchase was a sheet of 11/32 plywood to attach the pallet strips to for more stabilization, Screws, Nails, Wood Putty, Stain, and Polyurethane. I filled in all of the cracks to child proof food messes. We used Minwax Provincial Stain on the top with two coats of poly and a distressed antique white paint around the egdes to give it a more french look. The base was one coat of privincial stain with a good rasp/sanding of the edges to age the piece. Our goal was to build something that looked over 100 years old to match all of the china that will be sitting on it when we entertain! I think it looks very stately! This was our first project! :D

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial Stain and Lowes Antique White Paint distressed with course sandpaper and a quick rub of stain to age. All of the edges on the base were rasped after the stain to give a worn look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bkstyles

Mon, 04/21/2014 - 10:32

hi there - This is so so cool and I went out first thing this morning and collected a bunch of pallets from all over to start! I was wondering how you got your pallets apart without destroying them? I am finding that very difficult!

Console Table

Submitted by stacie_b on Thu, 09/11/2014 - 11:05

Modified the plans only slightly - to make it fit perfectly in the space, and to add a shelf. Great plans, I love my table! Thank you, Ana!!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Mixed stain to get the color I wanted... still not quite what I was going for, but I was OVER staining at the end. ;)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Project - 10'x4' & 4 benches.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/30/2016 - 16:01

As my first furniture project I was impressed at how straight forward this was.

I expanded the plan to fit our family of 10.  I also decided that splitting the benches into two and extending the overhang on the ends would allow us to tuck the benches all the way in without the legs colliding. The table is 120" with trestles centered at 20", 60" & 100". I did some math to make sure that this wouldn't cause the table to be tippy and I should be able to stand on the very edge (like a diving board)

Biggest fail was not keeping the top level. This created far too much sanding for my liking. Any tips on how to avoid the pocket hole joins from shifting? Would be appreciated. My clamps don't have a deep enough mouth to reach the joins and I guess the kids aren't heavy enough to hold it all in place. 

Hardest part was cutting the curve for the benches decorative pieces.

Estimated Cost
Canadian prices…
$350 wood
$50 screws/glue
$80 finish
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Satin triple thick polyurethane over espresso gel stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Perfect End Table

Submitted by TBENNE on Fri, 11/30/2012 - 11:24

It took me longer than it would a normal because it was my first completed project. I couldn't decide if I wanted to build the top or use plywood or a project panel. I ended up building it using Aspen 1x3 for the apron and whitewood boards for the rest. I probably wouldn't buy the Aspen again. I would use whitewood for all or maybe pine. I do prefer the wider apron that the 1x3 provided.

Also, Jen from House of Wood suggested painting prior to putting the top on which was a great tip!! I stained my top after I put it on though, because I didn't want to accidentally scratch it trying to move it into place.

I glued everything and attached with pocket hole screws just for safety. One thing I learned is that wood glue does not stain, so I had to sand it down completely and sand off the glue that seeped for the final result I got.

Also, having paintable caulk is a good tip. I got a board for my lower shelf that was slightly bowed and the caulk was great to hide my beginner imperfections.

It was really easy build (keeping things square was the hardest part, but the carpet hides the small wobble I had on the cement). It looks great in our living room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30-40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Top: Minwax Provencial and 3 coats Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic Protective Finish in “Clear Gloss”
Base: Valspar Swiss Coffee with 1 coat of Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Walnut Media Console

Submitted by SaraLodise on Sat, 09/13/2014 - 11:36

Media console for the living room made out of walnut.  Semi-inspired by the Rustic X Console.  Speaker shelves made to match.

Estimated Cost
$350 Walnut Lumber, $20 Waterlox finish
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Waterlox
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SaraLodise

Mon, 08/31/2015 - 08:09

Wow. Evidently ana-white.com stopped telling me I was getting comments on my projects, lol. For anyone still interested:

I live in upstate South Carolina. I get my black walnut at Woodcraft, which, while pricey, is incredibly close to my house and their customer service is awesome, so I don't mind the cost.  I've tried other lumber yards in the area and they consistently tell me I won't be able to find black walnut over 10" wide, but Woodcraft had the 12" piece for this media console and the 22" slab I used for my coffee table.

I do not have drawn up plans for this table. This was my first free-form project I attempted without detailed plans. The pieces were all hand cut from rough lumber, so nothing has specific sizes, but if you are still intersted in plans, send me a message and I can draw up some.

crown ledge

crown ledge shelf in poplar scraps - i used a scrap 1x6 for the backside to hang my hooks off of.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
one dark charcoal grey coat, then two coats of a light grey - then distressed to match mirror
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Storage Bed

Submitted by Slayer311 on Tue, 09/16/2014 - 09:11

It was time for my daughter to get her very own big girl bed! I found the plans and my wife approved and construction began. 3 weeks later this is what we have created. Everyone at work is super jelious and have referred quite a few people to the website. Thank you Ana for having such a great resourse!

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden premium interior semi gloss paint, white, GLN6400.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

12 foot garage shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/05/2017 - 13:53

Just finished! Plans worked great - longest part was attaching to the wall - finally settled on L-brackets and toggle bolts to fasten to the garage drywall.

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

Fancy X farmhouse table with benches

Changed some measurements to make table smaller to fit space and made benches to fit! Took 2 weeks total with the help of my wife! Great plans to use as a guide!

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey gloss stain and white gloss latex paint and primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Playhouse

A year ago I built my daughter a custom dollhouse for a Christmas present. She asked if I could make her one in her size. Initially, I laughed and said that I didn't think I could pull something like that off. Over the next Spring Break, I decided to give it a try. After pricing out custom playhouse kits online, I figured I could do it myself. I watched some youtube videos and looked at pictures online and came up with a project plan. The detailed step-by-step instructions along with pics are available on my blog: www.momthebuilder.net. Good luck with your playhouse project!!!

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tinted stain/sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 12/07/2012 - 02:43

This came out beautiful. Great job! Love all the attention to detail and the rug is awesome, too!

My X Desk Version, for my son

My son told me he needed a desk for his room, for his recording equipment. I remembered seeing this desk and that I had some wood in the garage. Using 50+ year old 2x4's and a 100+ year old 2x12, left in the garage from the previous owner, I made this desk in a day. My son LOVES it! Thanks for all you do. 

Roger

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Wall Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/07/2017 - 12:35

We were looking for desk that will grow with our family.  This was the prefect plan.  We went back and forth with the hinges and decided the chain would be best.  We also added magnets to use as closures.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The paint, stain, pine and plywood we had on hand. Purchased magnets, chain and eye hooks, approx $15.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint, stain and varnish over the stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern farmhouse bed with matching nightstands

Submitted by zlillymp on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 17:41

Lots of sanding and staining but love how everything turned out. Very sturdy and doesn’t creak when you jump into bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax barnwood with varathene aged gray on top.

Comments