Community Brag Posts

Vanity Made From a Rescued Trash Board.

With the remodel budget for my powder room only being $300, I needed to get creative with the vanity. The room is tiny, so the vanity needed to fit well in the space and allow us to still move around. I had rescued this board from the dumpster at church when it was being remodeled and kept it in my garage until inspiration struck.
I'm not a carpenter, I try and I'm learning as I go, but the vanity turned out great for me. I made it to fit the $15 Craigslist vessel sink and the little nook in the bathroom. The towel bar was $1 at my local restore. It's nice and sturdy attached to the studs with "L" brackets.

For the tutorial on how I built it using one board, visit my blog.

Estimated Cost
The vanity was free to build except for a few screws and glue.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanding, a coat of Minwax Provincial Stain, 3-4 coats of Minwax Wipe-on Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Weekend Project: DIY Kitchen Island

Submitted by bdel on Fri, 11/10/2017 - 11:09

We have a limited amount of counter space in our kitchen, while also having a large open space that is unused. We've always planned on including an island once we renovate, but we didn't want to wait. We decided to build a butcher block-style island with open shelving underneath - a simple design that would give us all the counter space we needed and some additional storage space.

We bought a premade bamboo tabletop, as well as 4x4 cedar posts for the legs, 2x4s for the framework, and 1x2 slats for the shelf.

You can see all of the details of how we built it in the blog post, but here are a few of the features:

- an interior framework that connects to the tabletop and outer framework so that no screws are visible on the outside

- countersunk GRK structural screws used to attach the legs htat look like carriage bolts

-feet are angle cut so that floor is less likely to be scratched if the island is moved

 

We're really proud of this build and are enjoying having so much extra counter space. It's amazing what you can get done in a weekend!

Estimated Cost
$200 - $250 - pre-made top, cedar 4x4s, pine 2x4s, pine 1x2s, assorted screws, finishing nails, stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial stain on pine (2 coats), mineral oil on bamboo top, no finish on cedar.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Small Dog Bed

My mom really wanted me to build her a bed for her dog and was coming to visit in a week, so I jumped on the project immediately.  (Although it is for her pup, mine is modeling the bed:-).)  I took the Farmhouse Doll Bed plan and used that as a base for a modified version.  I went to Joanns and grabbed a standard 15"x17" piece of 2" medium density foam for about $5 and built around it.  Instead of using the 1x3s for the headboard, I used 9 1x2s to even out the space.  This was also my first time ever sewing, so that was probably the most time consuming part of the project!  (That's what took it over the edge from being an "hour or two project" to an "afternoon project".)  I also modified the plans for Ana's Outdoor Cushions to fit the smaller piece of foam.  (I fell in love with the dog fabric from Tonic Living, so I HAD to make my own!)  I finished it off with 2 coats of spray paint.

Estimated Cost
$25 - including foam and fabric for cushion
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 cans of Rustoleum Spray Paint in Antique White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Child Size Beach Chair

Submitted by sueslager on Thu, 06/13/2013 - 13:08

This project goes together very easily. Had my adult son come by and make it for his daughter.

Did make one adjustment ... the supporting bar on the small frame ... the one that determines the opening angle ... at 6" the chair was too open ... at 6 1/2" it was more comfortable for the little ones. We used glue and air-gun brads for joining ... once dry I was able to sit in the chair without collapse!

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
ace hardware, clark & kensington, pale purple
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Large Cubby Bookshelf for nursery

Submitted by Shaila on Sun, 05/17/2015 - 13:28

I wanted a bookcase for my son's room that would add some color and be a functional storage unit for his books and toys. I did not buy the highest grade of pine because it would have doubled the project cost and I knew I was going to paint it. The only trouble I had was that the boards were a little cupped so the shelves don't have an invisible fit. I used stock moulding and cut down the base trim to fit. In hind sight, I would have not done the adjustable shelves. I like the symmetrical look of this and can't see myself moving them. I did make a cleat to attach it securely to the wall so that a busy climbing boy wouldn't pull it down on himself.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
This probably cost me $100 because I bought two paint colors.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior paintd
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Oliver String Puzzle

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 12/10/2017 - 05:09

This is my take on the classic Oliver String Puzzle. It was built from scrap wood, a ring from a previous project, purchased wood beads and rope.

The goal is to remove the ring from the puzzle. My kids and wife found it quite challenging. I would rate the skill level at 3 out 5. If you can't figure it out from the pictures, refer to the video.

Build Instructions: https://www.instructables.com/id/Oliver-String-Puzzle/

Solution: https://youtu.be/VTb0IlMXSiU

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My version of the $10 ledge shelf

Submitted by JennyG on Tue, 04/05/2011 - 14:38

I built these shelves and wasn't pleased with the finished look. We went back and added a small piece of crown molding. It made the difference I was looking for.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
black paint & a can of clear gloss spray paint from another project
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Foldable Farmhouse Table 2

I recently published my first foldable farmhouse table last week here: http://ana-white.com/2013/06/foldable-farmhouse-table The first one I made was very heavy because I used 2x6 tops and 4x4 legs. I decided to make another one that would be lighter and easier to transport. The plans are basically the same just instead I used 1x6 for the top and put 2x4s together for the legs. I also shorted the length by about a foot. The only issue with making the table shorter length is that the legs don't fold completely flush. You could easily make the legs short enough to fold flush, but then the table was a little too short from the ground up for us. The same as before I simply used kreg joints to join the top boards together. I then made a 2x4 frame and attached it to the bottom. I made each of the legs separately by joining 2x4s together and sanding everything down. Everything was stained before putting the legs on using Miniwax Dark walnut stain. I used 2 coats of Miniwax water based clear coat to seal it. A notch was cut out on each of the bottom 2x4 supports on the legs and I glued in a small piece of wood cut to size. These are so I can put in a 2x4 support board under the table so that the legs do not fold in on themselves when it is standing up. The legs are just attached using door hinges you can buy in packs in the hardware section. Be careful when screwing into the 1x6 top not to use too long of screws or else you will over screw and have them come through into your table top. Table design was by Amber Veatch Designs and photographed by Andi Mans Photography

Estimated Cost
120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sand to finish and then used Miniax dark walnut stain followed by Miniwax water based clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Freddyflis

Tue, 07/07/2015 - 06:41

We have built something very similar and we have a good bit of wobble at the top, even though the stretcher down the center of the table is holding solid in there and secred with clasps. Were thinking of some sort of sliding pin into the top of the leg to the apron. Anyone run into this before?

Seasonal And Holiday

Modified Reclaimed Wood Console Table

Submitted by Radcrafter on Wed, 05/20/2015 - 21:45

I needed a console table that would fit in a fairly small spot and knew as soon as I saw this plan that I wanted to create something very similar in a scaled down version. Made a few modifications to the original other than size, like using a solid piece of wood for both the top and bottom panels.

The building plans are easy to follow and it all went together easily. I included the modified cuts on my blog if anyone else out there needs a little table like this one.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30 (but I used wood from other projects which kept the cost down)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Latex Paint for the body and a mix of Special Walnut and Dark Walnut stain from Minwax for the drawers and bottom panel.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

X Console

A house warming present for my little brother and his wife 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Timber Cabin Chicken Coop

Submitted by Julie101 on Thu, 12/02/2021 - 19:14

I had to convert all the measurements from inches to mm, but it was worth the brain drain. I didn't add the garden, but extended out the chicken coop. I am thrilled with the results! Thank you!

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 12/03/2021 - 07:39

WOW, definitely worth the extra effort, just beautiful! I wish we could offer metric plans, may need to figure that out.

Seasonal And Holiday

Our first build

Submitted by artkdz on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 11:53

Actually built this last Summer, but just now getting around to posting it up.  Made it with Cypress, if I remember correctly, which is cheaper than Teak or other woods, but it's hard to stain because of the natural oils, and tends to flake a bit.  Didn't come out too badly, though, if I do say so myself.  Here's my little girl helping to show it off.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
stain. Had to use something on the wood to prep it first to remove the natural oils
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

"Barnwood" Head Board

Submitted by uglyrhino on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 15:06

This my version of the Farmhouse Bed.

http://ana-white.com/2010/03/farmhouse-bed-calif-king

A friend of mine wanted just a headboard and so I set out looking for a style that would compliment his home.

My lumber stash is primarily made up of reclaimed pallets and salvaged 2x4 lumber.

The only thing I had to buy was the 10' 4x4 post that I used for the legs.

I used star drive, self tapping, deck screws to assemble this beast. As the style is rustic I didn't bother trying to hide any of the holes.

Once assembled I sanded it twice and then "pickled" it to get that "barnwood" look.

The vinegar used in the pickling process should kill any microbes for those who would be concerned about using reclaimed lumber in a residential setting.

Estimated Cost
$11.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Pickling solution
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Y Truss Round Table

Submitted by Gcomfort on Tue, 05/26/2015 - 05:33

Using the "Y Truss Round Table" plans, I created a 48" table with metal accents.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Gcomfort

Fri, 06/05/2015 - 08:11

The table top is 1.5 inches thick made up of 2 layers of 3/4 inch think plywood. The top layer of the table top is hickory plywood (the top and bottom layers of the plywood are hickory). The base layer of the table top is 3/4 inch general plywood from Home Depot.

Thanks, again.

bcolligen

Sat, 09/19/2015 - 11:18

I actually looked at the hardware stores for something similar before you answered by comment.  I wasn't able to find anything that I thought would work.  Do you remember what the aluminum is used for in other jobs?  Or what area you found it in?  

A family member suggested using the metal stips that hold down the end of carpet, but it's not long enough for the table.

Thank you!

first project

Submitted by cbeach34 on Tue, 12/19/2017 - 11:54

I am a welder by trade and metal is what I do best. I have a few friend in the woodworking industry and they make it seem really easy. so with the help of a friend and my wife getting me a table saw I mad her this console. This was my first build and starting out I was walking around finding wood like I was looking for my lost mother. after a short weekend and learning from my mistakes and the plans from Ana White being sooo darn good to follow step by step my wife has this beautiful console in the living room.

Estimated Cost
$70 for the wood.
Being I was starting out I have a lot more in to it because I was also buying tools.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint/primer
Walnut stain on top and door (not pictured)
Barn door slider will be made by me.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Desk top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/15/2021 - 10:19

I used Ana’s desktop plan to build this desk. I purchased black metal desk legs and added the bottom shelf.

Comments

Little Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by Cassie1686 on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 23:35

Thanks to LoriInVegas for her help with the legs on this project!  My legs were so wobbly, even thought I was super careful to cut them evenly.  So, I unscrewed all the screws besides one, in each leg, and then re-screwed everything in one by one, being sure it was steady after each screw.  I built this for my 3 year old and 1 year old daughters.  The table was a bit smaller than I had imagined, but it's sooooo cute!  It will fit them both for now, but definitely no more than one child on each side, and I assume my 3 year old won't be able to fit comfortably much longer.  I plan to build the Bigger Kids Picnic Table this weekend!  I painted the entire table in chalkboard paint so that the kids could go crazy decorating it.  I plan on putting a cute little basket in the middle of the table to hold their chalks.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Paint, mix 1 cup paint with 2 tablespoons unsanded grout. Paint and let dry. Prime the surface for chalk by coloring entire surface with chalk and wiping clean with damp cloth before using.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

"Mirror" from Ana White's book, The Handbuilt Home, pg 37

Submitted by tracysmith on Wed, 06/19/2013 - 14:36

This was a great project to do - fairly easy. About the hardest thing on it was the scroll work for the shelf brackets, but that really wasn't bad.

I built this entry shelf from Ana's book (pg. 37) for a client who was looking for something to place his brothers ashes on - a memorial shelf as I'm calling it. I altered the dimensions of the project to fit the clients needs.

I used Minwax Color Express for the first time on this project and I was quite surprised with how easy it was to deal with. I do wish I had stained the pieces first, but because of how it came together, I really needed to put off the staining until the end.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Color Express - in Emerald. No top coat, really doesn't need it!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easy Build Planked Wood headboard

Submitted by cooperjd on Thu, 05/28/2015 - 06:49

This one was very straightforward and pretty easy, and it gave me an excuse to finally buy an air compressor and finish nailer. i did the building, and my wife did the staining to give the new wood an older look. it turned out great we think.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments