Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse Table - Pocket Hole Plan - Modified

Submitted by bsarrett on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 14:06

In addition to adding two matching benches (idea from another post based on this plan), the following changes were made to the original plans:

1. Shortened the length of the table by about 14 inches.
2. Cut notches into the leg posts for the aprons to rest in.
3. Eliminated the stretchers (my wife didn't want them).
4. Cut the square 4x4 posts to an octagon shape (wife didn't want square legs)
5. Trimmed edges of 4x8 and 4x10 boards (wife didn't want the notches in the top caused by the rounded edges).
6. Used biscuits in addition to the pocket hole screws to assemble the table and bench top pieces.
7. Used a 1/2" rounding bit and router on the top and bottom edges of the table and bench tops.
8. Attached 3-1/4" Floor Protector Gripper Furniture Feet to the bottom of each leg.

End result: a very happy wife!

Estimated Cost
Around $150 for lumber, hardware and finishing supplies.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used oil-based stain and polyurethane in the finishing of this project. Before appliying the stain, I used Varathane Premium Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to provide a better coverage on the pine. For the top of the table and benches I used Varathane Premium American Walnut wood stain. For the legs I used Varathane Premium Sunbleached wood stain. I then applied 2-4 coats of Varathane Satin Oil-Based Interior Polyurethane (two on the legs, three on the bench tops and four on the table top)..
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Made 2 twin kentwood beds!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/31/2016 - 13:27

Made two of these twin Kentwood Beds for my boys by myself! Super easy and a never study bed! Can't wait to decorate their rooms now!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain and Spray on clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Drawer/Shelf Modern Nightstand

Submitted by Meagan84 on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 11:49

I built these nightstands to replace the mismatched ones in my bedroom. I'm going to use the lower shelf to charge my phone, iPad, and things like that. It'll be nice to have them out of the way.

This was a very easy build, but it took me a while to make, simply because I made a pair and there was a lot of cutting to do. I had never done drawers before, and they were a little tricky at first, but by the time I got to the last one, it went on super fast! Ana's plans are very clear, and easy to follow! Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used two coats of Valspar Paint + Primer in Mercer Blue
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Channing Desk and Hutch

Submitted by brittanyj on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 09:06

Made this desk custom for a friend and I am so happy with how it came out. Took around 4 days with finishing. I didn't put a back on it because drilling those holes for cords always goes rather splintery. If he wants a back we can easily put it on. The top ended up having strange coloring with the Dark Walnut stain, I think because of the wood filler, but I like it because it gives it a rustic old world kind of look. I saved a lot of money by hounding the scrap bin at Home Depot several times a week, looking for wood on Craigslist, and raiding my leftover stash. I modified the side so there was a tower partition and a shelf on shelf pins- courtesy of Kreg shelf pin jig. I used moulding I had sitting around to cover the exposed edges of plywood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
wood conditioner, Rustoleum Dark Walnut stain, floor poly (just what I had lying around). Applied stain with sponge brush, then wiped excess. same for conditioner. poly applied with paintbrush.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Very easy garage shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/05/2016 - 23:22

Wanted some easy storage shelving that didn't break the bank.  These were perfect!  $79 is what it cost for ours (which includes the $20 Kreg Jig).  Lumber was only $58.68 and I bought and extra 8 foot 2x4, so it could have been slightly cheaper!  

Estimated Cost
$60 for lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Boxes, Totes, camping equiptment
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/26/2020 - 21:41

This was a fun project to build! It took about 1.5 hours to build start to finish, with another couple of hours to stain and then seal.

Estimated Cost
$43
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain and Satin Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar House Number Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/30/2024 - 12:30

I've used a few plans from Ana since I found her over the past year, but this is my first brag post! This plan helped to inspire me to make something similar! I used some free pallet boards instead of cedar fencing, and modified the plan by adding a solar powered fixture to it, so you can see the numbers in the evening as well. I attached it to my siding using vinyl siding hooks and D-rings, so I wouldn't have to drill into the side of my house as well because I I'm a happily lazy builder! Added fake flowers leftover from our wedding because I KNOW I'll forget to water real flowers if I put them in here haha.

 

 

Seasonal And Holiday

Side table

Submitted by sparkyht55 on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 17:06

My Dad wanted a table for his chessboard to sit on with the wood from the board to match the table. I had seen this design on the website and liked. It was different then the last table I built, so a new thing to learn. This is my 3rd wood project. Not an overly challenging build, but like anything, special attention to getting everything square and (lesson learned) drilling the 2x2 with the pocket holes, ensure they are lined up, centered and the correct depth. It came out very nice, and I'm sure Dad will enjoy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
about $40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two toned oil based stain on pine. For the top used pecan stain and espresso and polycrylic finish from: http://ana-white.com/2012/12/minwax-two-tone-oil-based-stain-pine
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Shoe Organizer

Submitted by moemoore on Mon, 10/08/2012 - 04:05

Between my husband and I, we routinely have 10 pair of footwear by the front door. In Hawaii, its tradition that you remove your shoes at the door. Unfortunately for us, our condo doesn't have much room by the door. As such, there would often be a pile of footwear as you entered the unit, which is the kitchen. I have tried various shoe organizers over the years, and none really fit the bill, or the space we had. So I built one myself.

Its a pretty basic box, with 1 fixed shelf. All joined with my Kreg jig (of course). I also attached some casters on the bottom to make it easier to move out of the way if needed. After assembling and painting, I picked up some moulding and added it to the bottom, which helped to hide the casters. Then I used some old liquid nail/caulk I had to fill in the holes.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Homework Table and Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 14:08

Needed a small "homework" table for my 6 year old. Looks more appealing in the living room than the Disney Princess table she's has since she was 2. Super simple build and very affordable!! This is my 3rd project from Ana White and definitely not my last.  

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Toy Outdoor Storage Box

Submitted by MattCad on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 20:28

First time making anything half decent and it turned out ok. Followed the Cedar Box plans with a few adaptations. I live in regional Australia so used different materials, also extended the length. Used an app on the phone to convert the measurements to as close as I could. Worked out well, a few teething issues but does the job.

Estimated Cost
70 AUD
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Intergrain Merbau Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lillian's bed

This is my first attempt at building furniture. My wife found the plans and after some research of how much it would be to purchase a bed that would be similiar, my wife decided I was building one. I must admit at the time I was not very thrilled about this idea, but I have experience with building so I thought I could handle the challange. My background knowledge is in framing and deck building, not so much furniture building and finish carpentry. I printed out the step by step plans for the bed from Ann's website and went to work. I added the stairs and the slide and build them to fit perfectly on one wall of her room. I built a small door so she has a hide out under the slide which she loves to go in and read. Under the stairs I built in some storage. After this was done, I was really happy with it. My wife, my daughter and my brother also helped during the process.My daughter loves this bed. For a week she was running around the house saying "I have the best dad ever!" and to this day the first thing my daughter says to people who come to our house is, "Do you want to see my bed?" Looking foward to building more.

Estimated Cost
550.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The pink paint is called very sexy pink. (My daugher picked the colors) Latex based primer and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cornhole Boards

Submitted by djsaffer19 on Sun, 08/03/2014 - 20:08

Custom cornhole boards, made with pocket joinery

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint, stain, decals, always covered with polycrilic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kids chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 09:25

Childrens chair 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain. Lemons edge Valspar paint. Sprayed the whole thing with clear gloss spray paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fence Picket Shed

Submitted by EDempsey on Tue, 08/04/2020 - 11:45

Using the Small Cedar Shed plans as inspiration, I created this 3'x6' shed using pressure treated fence pickets as the siding. I also made the shed one foot taller than the original plans to have a taller single door instead of the double door in the plans. Used 2x4 framing to strengthen the shed. Overall, I am pleased with the results. This was my first time constructing any type of building.

Estimated Cost
$475
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Trestle table

With two small boys it took me several days to make. I had some problems in the beginning because I cut the legs using a carpenter square and not a miter saw. But it worked out in the end. I love the way it came out!

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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