Community Brag Posts

Pub Height table shortened

I was asked by my Mother in Law(and when you are asked of anything from your Mother in Law, you do it!) to build a dining room table for my brother in law.  She bought all the wood(all Oak), and all I had to do is design and build it.  I used your Pub Height table plans and tweeked it a bit.  My Single Brother in Law bought a house, and needed a dining room table.  It was my first Dining room table build, and learned a lot.  Had some trouble with the boards twisting when I screwed them together, but nothing a little sanding took care of.  Overall, I am pretty proud of it, and my BIL loves it.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Min-wax Colonial Maple
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Guitar Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 06:54

I built this 6' workbench for your garage or workshop but converted it to a guitar workbench for a local music store. I added a felt fabric top so his technician could repair guitars without scratching or damaging his instruments. Painted it black to give it some flair. Check out my other work at www.customwoodcreations48.com

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse Bed goes chic

My Husband and I built our Farmhouse bed as our 2nd project, out of necessity. Our bed broke, and I was really lusting after a Farmhouse bed, so we took the plunge. 6 months later, we moved and our style changed, so we painted it. I love it even better in gray! The best part of building your own furniture is that you can change it as your style changes!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
First- Valspar Honeymilk paint.
Second- A dark gray (I forgot the name)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack chair

I've wanted to have a go at an Adirondack chair for ages but never had the wood available - I refuse to buy wood for ANY project so I had to wait until some came along. We had heaps of pallets delivered FOC so I dismantled them and had the perfect sized wood for the chair.
Because I used pallet wood there's the odd nail hole etc but each piece was sanded down with various grit strengths until I had the wood as good as it was possible to get it.
I did have trouble with the plans because some of the dimensions did not fit for the size of wood they stated to use but no one else has said they had any problems so I'm guessing the issue was down to me and not the plans. The main sticking point for me was that I had to use a 2" batten in the centre back because the dimensions given for the stringers did not allow for the right number of 4" wood to be used.
This project was the practice run though and so I will make some more with a few minor adjustments to the dimensions. I would also recommend counter sinking the screws (I pre drilled also which makes for an easier finish) and next time I will give each piece one coat of paint/stain/finish before assembling - these images show my unpainted chair and painting in between all the slats was tedious.

Estimated Cost
£10
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Although the pictures show my unpainted chair I have now finished it in Cuprinols garden shades paint in 'Summer Damson;
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Bed for Olivia

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 12:42

These are such fantastic plans! I found my 7yo niece lying across the bed under the Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve. She loved it so much she wouldn't let anyone carry it out to the car for her, she had to carry it herself! I think the picnic bench might be her birthday present...

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simplest Armoire

Submitted by charla1983 on Wed, 04/03/2019 - 12:49

Used in an old farmhouse for storage. Used beadboard for doors and distressed to make it look antique. :-)

Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chicken Coop with planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 04:14

Finally got around to building this coop, turned out well and the plans were spot on, only thing missing in plans were the size of the hole in the clean out tray, shows you where to put it but not how big it is. This cost me about $550 with today's prices If I'd built it a couple years ago when this plan came out probably could have done it for $350. Sorry about the sideways pics, Not sure why it rotated my photos couldn't get them to upload straight.

Comments

Play Kitchen

Submitted by jilllo27 on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 17:43

Thank you so much Ana for posting these plans for us! A huge thanks to Crafting Chicks for some artistic inspiration, too. I referred back to the "original" many times in order to make mine as adorable at theirs!

I've been planing on making this for a year. When I finally decided to start building I was, as always, surprised at how quickly it went together and how simply. The finishing details is the most time consuming, but also the most rewarding. I'm in LOVE with this thing. It will be auctioned off at my childhood elementary school. I hope whoever goes home with it will enjoy it for generations! I wish I had time to blog about all the details for those of you that are interested! I'll be happy to share my finds, experiences to any questions posted.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-$200 including all accessories, paint, etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oil based white primer with latex blueish green paint (I can't remember the color at the moment!), the stovetop is an oil based gloss black paint with stovetop rings painted in the same finish as the rest of the pieces. All is covered in a clear satin spray.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jilllo_23 (not verified)

Sun, 11/06/2011 - 11:20

It went for $400 to a couple that is pregnant with a girl :)

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 12/09/2011 - 06:26

Love this!! I am currently in the middle of building one for my daughters. Can you tell me where you got your faucet for the sink, and the knobs for the stove?

Diana (not verified)

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 21:58

Hi there,
I know you said that you are going to auction your gorgeous little kitchen you made and was interested how I can bid on it or buy it if possible. I would absolutely love this for my little girl.
Are you at all planning to make more as I would definitely be interested.
Thanks
Diana

First Project

Submitted by Adamski on Wed, 10/23/2013 - 05:52

This was my first big project I've ever done. It certainly didn't come out perfect, but man, was it easy. All wood (select white wood) was bought at Lowes and was around $80 for all the lumber. There is 3 coats of Minwax Provincial 211 and 4 coats of Minwax fast drying poly.

I had everything cut and put together in 3 hours. Its the staining and poly that takes the time. I've been asked to make some more for family and friends and can't wait to get started.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial 211
Minwax Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Garage shelving unit

We made this peace 12 feet long, the hardest part was to find straight boards at home depot and adjust the feet because of an uneven garage floor. It was my first big project and hubby helped so I can't take all the credits :)

Estimated Cost
$126
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Patio sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/24/2019 - 14:02

Went with regular cheap studs and extended the couch to make 4-across seating.  Probably should have used better wood because it was hard to find studs that were straight and not full of burrs and knotholes!  AND...studs are actually 1.5" x 3.5", so keep that in mind if you go that route when you're cutting from detailed plans because your dimensions will be off slightly.  Staining and adding spar urethane coat took the longest amount of time.  Cushions are 24" x 24" from Lowe's.  Wood = $80, Cushions = $180.  A little extra for screws and a few pieces of hardware.  This pic shows the couch without a back brace that I added later.  It's a beast, too!  After all that wood the couch probabaly weighs close to 150 pounds!     

Estimated Cost
$280
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Puritan Pine Wood Stain, Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/26/2023 - 05:49

After building my workbench and some shelves to organize my makeshift wood shop, I went online to find practical first projects. Stumbled upon the Ana White site and really liked the simplicity of the pieces and the thoroughness of the plans (cut list, pictures, etc). Had the wood dimensioned at a local lumber yard and started building. Upon completing the first bench - sealed with a tinted Thompson’s water seal - found a local upholster to make the cushions. Now to find a place to put them that the wife approves. Build already approved by the pup (see last photo).

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Tryde Side Table - Modified Plan

Submitted by 10todd on Sun, 11/06/2011 - 18:34

This was my very first project. I really like simple, rustic, boxy furniture. Modified the original Tryde side table plan to include additional supports near the bottom of each side. I will be sure to NOT use clear gloss poly on future projects. Way too shiny for my taste. It was leftover from some wood flooring that I refinished, so I took the cheap way out. Cut and assembled it in about 5 hours. The sanding, staining, finishing took me forever. I learned a lot though, and will probably cut that time in half next time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut stain and clear gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Claudia

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 06:31

It looks beautiful, but if you want to tone down the gloss just sand with extra fine steel wool or sandpaper (400-600 grit). This will give it a satin (not semigloss) finish.

10todd

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 08:10

Thanks Claudia! Good tip, I'll try that. On future projects, I think I'll do a little more distressing and experiment with layering a couple different shades of stain, but overall, I'm happy with it and look forward to doing some more.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 12/28/2011 - 08:53

I love this! Where can I get the instructions?

Modern Patchwork Media Console

I modified the modern patchwork dresser plans to create this media console. Used three different stains for the door fronts and painted the interior a dark gray. Wanted two doors instead of drawers but wanted to maintain the original look. I created a faux drawer front with a flush hinge.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Three different Minwax stains with a poly topcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My Sons new work bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/08/2016 - 15:57

Plans are not exact online recomend buying one more 2x2 for front legs.

I used (2) 1x2 from front legs on each side nailer them together with brand nailer makeing some other measurements diffrent.

This project took me about 4 hours with assemble and sanding

 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Spa Vanity for Bathrooms

I love this vanity, It is one of the first serious pieces of Ana's that I have made. We altered the leg from the 4X4 posts to a premade turned leg, which we think turned out awesome. Mom was a real skeptic before we started, but now she is hooked too!

Estimated Cost
Around $100 since we made 3 we were able to use off cuts for additional vanities
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Carrington
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dining chairs for X based pedestal table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/06/2023 - 10:15

I made the 4 chairs to complete the dining suite. The table was made from the X based pedestal table plan.

The timber was all cut from 200mm x 50mm pine sleepers and finished with Cabots clear finish.

Comments

Easy Build wood headboard - King

Submitted by nestbliss on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 19:14

We used this plan for the reclaimed wood look headboard from Ana-White and these dimension mods for a king. We used lots of tips from Create and Delegate who made the same headboard last year. I love how it turned out! I posted more photos and blogged about everything we did for the finish, etc. at - http://nestbliss.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-made-bed.html

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Perfect End Table

Submitted by monster on Sun, 10/27/2013 - 16:23

I actually made this table to fit inside a wardrobe as we needed some shelf storage space. It worked out well!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White interior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Handmade by Ken

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/11/2016 - 22:22

Barn Greenhouse

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$600 US
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

She Shed Bookshelf Desk

Submitted by Chriss45 on Mon, 05/20/2019 - 20:05

I designed this bookshelf/art center as a baby gift for a friend. The windows are shelves with motion sensor lights. When opened the desk lifts up to provide an art station or reading area.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments