Community Brag Posts

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

Octagon table

Took about 1 week to finish the project. I like the overall result.

Instead of using pocket hole to join the top, I use dowel and glue to join the board together. Clamp the top in sections then combine 2 large piece together. 

using the speed squre to create the 45 degree angle and use the circular saw to cut out the angled section. 

I used the table saw to cut off the round edge on 2x2 to create smooth Table apron.

Use wood filer to fill all the crack and hole from brad nail/joint. 

apply 2 layer of stain. allow it to dry overnight. Then Thin out poly with minaral Spirit to wipe on 4-5 layers.

sand finish in between with 330 grit paper

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min-wax Red Mahogany with 4 layer of Min-wax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

I learned to use a Kreg Jig for the Rustic X hall tree

Submitted by msbiochem on Tue, 12/21/2021 - 19:31

I made this headboard-inspired version of the rustic X hall tree in about 8 hours with the help of my hubby and son-in-law. I own a miter saw and basic tools, but no Kreg Jig. I thought I would be able to make it without one since I made a similar entry table just screwing the pieces together and hiding the screw heads under the dome-shaped clavos. I planned to do the same with this project but soon realized that the way the 2x4s were attached to one another it would not be possible. My son-in-law allowed me to borrow his Kreg Jig and showed me how to use it. I used the clavos and iron accents to match the sofa table and love the way my version of the rustic X hall tree turned out! The finish is Varathane Classic Wood Stain in Jacobean and the corner accents were purchased from Hobby Lobby.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Wood pullout Cabinet drawer pulls

Submitted by 3kidsilove on Sat, 04/16/2011 - 20:03

When I saw these on this sight I had to have them! We just bought a house and it has old cabinets and a remodel is not in the budget so these were perfect ! I did the top one then my husband did the other 4. This was a fun project can't wait to do more.

Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pink Camp Loft Bed

My husband and I just finished this bed, as you can see from the photo, we haven't even bought the mattress yet. This was our first project, and it's amazing how quickly it went together. The Kreg Jig was a little expensive, but it was completely worth it.

Originally we were going to paint it white, but at the last minute we decided to make it pink. Right now it works great for a 'princessy' room, and because the color's pretty bright it should work well in a tween room when our daughter gets older - add some zebra throw pillows and we'll be good ;)

We're so happy with the results, and we can't believe our first project turned out so well. Now we have plans to do one for my son's room, and we're also planning on tackling a desk and a few more pieces for around the house.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Primer, Rustoleum Painter's Touch Spray Paint in Berry Pink Gloss - 2 Coats
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

AshbyandPenelo…

Wed, 11/18/2015 - 19:44

Hi there! How did the spray paint work out long-term for the bed? We are building this in the next few weeks, and I love the idea of spray painting!  Did you paint the pieces individually before putting together, or after it was complete?

Thanks!

Easy, Inexpensive and Super Strong Movable Work Bench

I needed a nice work bench or table for my new 12" Ridgid miter saw. This thing is a beast so it needed to be super strong and I also wanted it to be moveable so we can optimistically be able to park in the garage some day.

I had a 2 x 4 and a few 4 x 4 posts. I went and bought a sheet of mdf and some lag screws and here is what happened.

It's super strong, moveable and works like a dream. Plus there is plenty of room to add removable boxes on each side to hold up large lumber.

For around $15, you can't beat it!

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

King headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 12:42

We wanted a king headboard and had a great time doing this project together. Great plan design and details, Ana White!

Comments

easy deck lounge chairs anyone can make

Submitted by lorasolis on Wed, 04/20/2011 - 11:53

Love these chairs. Simple to construct. most important thing is to predrill! These boards will most definitely split if u don't. I always have 2 drills out when I'm building.
Not sure on how to finish yet. Whether o paint brightly or use a deep poly finish. I'll keep you posted!

Estimated Cost
around $20 each
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Shown unfinished.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X coffee table

This was a weekend project with my husband, dad, and mom. My dad builds custom homes so we were able to knock all 4 projects out in approximately 10 hours with his expertise. We adjusted the measurements for each of the tables according to our space and couch height. Every piece of the Rustic X collection is gorgeous and I couldn't be happier as to how they turned out.

Estimated Cost
$220
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain: Dark Oak (Sherwin Williams)

Before adding the table tops to the structure we applied one coat of stain. Then added 2 coats of Minwax water-based satin Polycrylic. Sanded very lightly and added one more coat of Minwax.

Paint: main color (Valspar: Shore) distressed color (Valspar: Mountain Smoke)

Applied Shore to the entire body prior to putting on the table tops.

Then added distress using Mountain Smoke. We dipped the paintbrush very lightly into the paint and then brushed out most of it onto cardboard until there was hardly any paint left on the brush, then applied it very lightly all over the body. This really brought out the imperfections in the wood, which is exactly what we wanted.

Note: We used a hammer to create extra dents and imperfections to the wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

faux raised panel door

Submitted by brittanyj on Thu, 06/04/2015 - 10:43

Can I be real with you here? This projects was a pain. I love the way it turned out, but getting there was a horrendous process. Blisters, cuts, sore muscles and exhaustion contributed to an overall very distasteful experience for me.
We have cheap hollow core doors throughout our house that are slathered in what turns out to be 12 layers of paint. Getting that paint off was torture. Paint stripper, painters tool, steel wool, wire brush, mineral spirits and a belt sander all did their part over 4 days to get this paint off. Afterwards, when I sanded the holey, splintered mess of a door, it actually looked like I could make something of it. I stained it, and cut strips of 1/8" ply, nailing them to each side. I ORB sprayed the knobs and hinges, moved the casing (breaking the casing, of course, and having to buy new casing) to fit the new width of the door, and installed it all in place.
As I said, I love the results, but boy was it a chore. The white door is a before door.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
steel wool and vinegar stain, black tea
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pickle Washed X Table

Rustic X Console table. I extended the size to 96 inches to fill a wall in the kitchen.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Classic Grey Minwax Stain with White Pickling Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner