Community Brag Posts

X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 02:17

For my first build I am super proud. Plans were very understable & made it easy to build. Definitely looking forward to building more things! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60-$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain & semi gloss white interior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Full Size Storage Beds - Extra Tall

Submitted by babysteps on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 17:43

When my sons outgrew their twin sized beds and primary colored room, I had already fallen in love with Ana's storage bed collection. I was happy to see that a full size bed was included in the plans. Building it yourself means you can adjust any plans to fit your room exactly, and I planned to squeeze storage out of every inch of their 11.5 foot wide room. The first adjustment I made was to make the headboard taller, so that their pillows would not rest against the small hutch with doors. I also added height to the cubby hutch, making it a 9 cubby unit. The entire bed unit is 92 inches tall. The center tall bookcase is actually two 47 inch tall units stacked. I have watched too many home improvement shows where tall units are built off site only to not fit up stairs or around corners. The center unit is 94 inches tall and 19 inches wide, filling the wall exactly with only an inch of wiggle room to spare. I also added drawers to the open cubbies in the bed base. This was my first time making drawers, but Ana has instructions on the site, so it was no problem.The sides of the bed base facing the walls are just open cubbies as in the original plan. Beadboard paneling faces the drawer fronts, cabinet backs and the face of the headboards. Did I mention how much storage these beds have? The hollow headboards are not accessible once the center bookcase was in place, but that didn't stop me from filling them up. I had 6 Rubbermaid bins (18 gallon) in our basement full of stored Hot Wheels, Little People and other sets. All of the contents fit in the headboards alone. I also put some large saved toys in the under bed cubbies that face the wall. Yes, the Little People Garage will fit! My favorite modification was added an extra crosswise 1x3 that ties together a large section of the slats that support the mattress. This makes an easy lid allowing that you can lift to access even more storage under the mattress. We store their camping gear and off season clothes under the mattresses. I can't total the hours, I worked on this project on and off for about 9 months. When the building was nearing completion I started looking for bedding so I could match the paint colors to the bedding. I painted all the plywood back panels before attaching them to the cabinets. This was especially a life saver with back of the 9 cubby unit, as there are four colors in this section. After painting, everything was glazed with Valspar Translucent Color Glaze in Mocha. When this layer was dry I coated everything with a protective coat of Minwax Polycrylic. If you are wondering about dark circles are at the top of the unit near the ceiling, I had a great idea to use solar landscaping lights up there for a soft lighting effect. It looked great for a few nights until the batteries wore out. There is not enough natural light in the room to charge them. They have since been replaced with a couple strings of cheap colored lights. They are shoved way back towards the wall where you can't see the wires, but are on a timer, so at night they give a nice glow on the ceiling.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
All Paint by Valspar
Main Color: Homestead Resort Cameo White
Accent Colors to match Jacobson Bedding from JC Penney:
Gilded Pesto
Rusted Earth
Brown Velvet
Redstone Blue Spruce
Valspar Translucent Color Glaze in Mocha
Minwax Gloss Polycrylic
Gatehouse brand satin nickel hardware from Lowes
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kelleer

Sat, 04/20/2013 - 07:42

This is AMAZING! I will be moving to HI soon and will not be able to take any of my furniture with me. Was concerned about storage and usability issues, but you have sent my concerns totally out the window. I also like the idea with the solar lights. Props to you !!!!!

Kitchen Hutch

I've built a lot of things...mainly corn hole boards for friends and family but this is my first furniture build. My wife's Valentine present! Now I'm thinking my new big screen tv sure could use a nice Apothecary media cabinet.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used expensive 3/4 in birch plywood so around $130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
CHALK Paint with a chalk varnish for a protective finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sandbox with Seat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/08/2017 - 06:16

I tried to make a similar sand box as yours but as space was limited I decided to only make a 1 seat version.  As a first attempt of making something proper I think it turned out well.  Base frame is made of 4 x2s and the lid and seat contruction it pallet wood planed to make it nice and smooth.  Granddaughter loves it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£20 for bags of play sand, I already had the 4x2s and pallet wood is free.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
no finish as yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dresser

Liked this project. Make sure all the pieces are straight or you will have issues. And having an extra person to help with drawer slides made a huge difference.

Estimated Cost
140
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Rustic Table Completed...just needs to be finished! So proud!

Submitted by Octlibre1 on Sun, 04/21/2013 - 16:51

Rustic table plans with slight modification of the width and the legs were mounted differently for a little added flair. So many finishes to choose from....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$115 for poplar wood and $100 for legs made by local artist from poplar
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cherry coffee table with herringbone tiled top

Submitted by monty742 on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 05:23

I altered the plan a little - this is 40" square.  I edge-glued planks for the bottom level, so I had them sit on top of the aprons instead of inside them.  Note: if you have top and bottom aprons attached to the legs before you put the bottom in (that will sit on top of the apron and not within), you can't get it on in one piece...oops. :) The most difficult part was the herringbone - figuring all the dimensions, cutting everything precisely, getting all pieces to fit, and finding a way to attach it to the framing boards and support in underneath.  I love the table, but I'm very frustrated with the finish.  It's so blotchy, and I tried to do everything correctly to prevent that (see info on the finish).  With every project I learn a few things...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Cherry isn't economical...$500. I used it because it matches the basement.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Conditioner - don't follow the manufacturer directions here to apply the stain within 2 hrs...wait 24 hours and then apply stain or yours might be as blotchy as mine is...I got my Fine Woodworking magazine in the mail the day after I finished the project, and there was an article that showed the progression of blotchiness with the wood conditioner at different time intervals. Oh, if I had only waited a couple days to finish it!

Minwax Provincial Stain

Rusto-leum Matte Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/11/2017 - 19:33

First attempt at a project of this size. 7 middle, armless sections, and 4 corner/end sections. Increased the height of the backs and gave them a slight recline. Didn't have the effect that I wanted. Learned lots of lessons over the course of the month or so I was working on this. 1. Spring for the premium boards instead of the terrible ones you have to pick from for the common boards. 2. Use a stop block on your miter, and cut all your boards before starting assembly. Uniform cuts save lots of frustration. 3. They make outdoor use pocket screws. Who knew? We will see how long the first couple of sections hold up over time. 4. Stain REALLY doesn't stick to glue. Seriously, not even a little. Watch the over application and sand if it you have to. 5. Cushions are EXPENSIVE! 6. I HATE finishing. My wife stained the last 7 pieces.

 

Taking a break from building for a bit. It's summer, and I'd rather spend it at the pool than  sweating it out in my 100 degree garage. 

Estimated Cost
$1500+ by the time I bought the cushions. Possibly overspent on the premium pine, but well worth it to have a better selection of straight, square boards.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thompsons waterseal and stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Coffee Table and End Table

Submitted by alsheats on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 02:46

Rustic X coffee table and end table. Used Minwax Special Walnut for the tops and shelves, and Rustoleum Heirloom White for the frames.

Comments

Cal-King Storage Bed

Submitted by Chris 1975 on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 12:03

I loved the bed by plan, and now love it more that I have built it.

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

Sandbox with lid

Submitted by Klondike on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 15:57

Sandbox with lid, painted first, then assembled. I had originally planned to alternate the colors on each board, but partially assembling it into the 5 large pieces and then painting made the process much more manageable.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
approximately $200, including wood, paint, and play sand to fill the box.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex exterior paint, primer plus three coats. Assembled the main box and each lid piece, painted separately, and then assembled. Could probably have been built in a single weekend except for paint drying times.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Klondike

Wed, 03/18/2015 - 23:04

Doing multiple colors added some additional work, but definitely pleased with how it came out.

Fancy X

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/13/2017 - 21:19

First large build I did by myself. Took a long time because I pre-drilled for every screw. Gave this table and bench to my brother. Made new table in hours- no need to predrill except for the 1x4 on the bottom.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 because I bought a small Kreg jig
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
So many many layers of various stains, deck paints, paint, poly, etc p
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Picnic table sandbox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/24/2021 - 16:43

Thanks for the plans. Added a little twist for the little one's.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Small Dresser

Submitted by Smokeydog on Wed, 03/18/2015 - 16:31

I made this dresser for a young lady who has never had any furniture unless it came from IKEA. Time to mix it up a little.  She was very delighted. The bulk of the dresser is poplar plywood with decorative birch trim.  I had trouble matching the paint color she wanted so I experimented by buying paint as close as I could find to the shade of grey she wanted and then mixed it with paint I had in the shop until I got the desired result.  I'm  no master at mixing paints.  I simply got lucky.  I traced out the decorative top using my wife's China serving platter and then routered the edge. Turned out OK and my wife was none the wiser.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
130.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

pde00311

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 13:00

The finish turned out amazing. How did you get the two toned effect on the drawers? Did you paint the grey face and the white molding separately? Also, is the molding flush with dresser frame?

Smokeydog

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 14:04

Thank you for your nice comment. The drawer face and trim were painted separately. The drawers are flush with the frame but the trim is not. The trim is attached to the drawer face and protrudes out from the frame. I liked the shadow effect that this created. I also decided to put white quarter round on the base of the dresser. This additional trim really makes it pop! I'll update the photo when this is completed.

Thanks again!

Slide out pot rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/01/2021 - 11:07

Built my in-laws a new pantry closet. I wanted to give them as much pantry storage as possible so I followed Ana White’s slide out pot rack plans. My mother in-law loves the new space saver for her pots!

Built from Plan(s)

My First Ana Project (Simple Outdoor Bench)

Submitted by Marcie89 on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 19:38

This bench is the first project I have built from Ana White's plans, and I love how it turned out! The cutting list and instructions were very easy to follow. The most difficult thing about this project was the staining and painting, which I admit I have never been great at. I built this bench because my fiance and I needed additional outside seating on our patio for a party we threw, and I literally built it the day before! A week after the party I gave it to my fiance's daughter who wanted it as an indoor hall bench for her house. At first I was sad to give it up, but I figure I can easily make another! Thank you so much, Ana, for the fabulous plans you provide!!

Estimated Cost
$100.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic wood sealer/toner in Canyon Brown
Helmsman Clear Wood Sealer
Black Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog Bowls

Submitted by tedgray86 on Fri, 03/20/2015 - 21:41

Dog bowls made from scrap wood!  Super Easy!

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

Comments

Little Cottage Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 05:10

Pretty happy with how it turned out. Will take our 4 year year old a bit to get comfortable with the ladder. Wish our room was long enough to add the stairs. Good plans though and thank you Ana White for making them available online.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$225
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White flat paint we had leftover, took about 3/4 gallon for 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cassidy Bed with receding blocks pattern

Submitted by Kimiark on Mon, 09/13/2021 - 08:50

My son needed a bed for his new apartment and this is the design we chose. The cuts are 1x4 pine stained different colors. He loves the bed!

Comments

Fancy Farmhouse Double Pedestal Table

Submitted by carrmatt02 on Wed, 05/01/2013 - 20:02

This is a combination and a scaled down version of a couple different farmhouse table plans. It is 60"x43" to fit our dining room. I integrated an inlay looking piece into the top with a 1x2 and mitered the corners of the outer two layers. The thickness at the edge of the table was accomplished with 1x4's with the middle layer inset by 1/2"... chairs to match are in the process of being built.

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut and Ebony for the inlay with six coats of Minwax Wipe-on Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lounge Chair

Modified the arm rest and the back to my liking. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

gmhurley

Tue, 06/23/2020 - 08:59

Hi, are plans available for this modified chair design? I like that the seat pan appears to be flat and the Adirondack style to the back slate.