Community Brag Posts

Bunk Beds for 4 to 6

Submitted by Judianne on Thu, 07/02/2015 - 10:32

We used the Build a Simple Bed plan and the Bunk Bed from Simple Bed. I modified the plans to build a double bunk bed. We needed a way to fit up to 6 small children in a long, narrow room. Although we haven't built the trundle beds yet, each bunk will also have a trundle bed. The kids especially love their "privacy" curtains!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Narrow Modifed End Table

I wanted a table like Ana's narrow cottage table, except I just wanted an open shelf instead of a drawer for a basket.

Here is my version modified to fit my needs. Thanks to Ana, of course. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Undecided...

Step by step and cut list on my blog.
http://thequaintcottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-simple-end-table-for-small-spaces.html
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

MODERN SLAT TOP OUTDOOR WOOD BENCH

This was my first project. I am pretty excited how it turned out. If I did it again, I would recommend sanding and painting prior to building.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Spray Paint - Oasis
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Outdoor buffet table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/05/2023 - 15:03

My first project using Ana White plans. Used pressure treated lumber and Kreg pocket hole jig. Cost: $126.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ultimate Workshop Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 15:38

My garage needed an overhaul and I wanted to start a hobby in woodworking.
I found my way to Ana's website and found some of the best ideas and decided to try my attempt at building the Ultimate Roll Away Workbench with Miter Saw Stand.
This helped inspire me to augment my garage and build that workbench and new french cleat wall.

Thank you Ana for having such an awesome website and offering up ideas for free!!

Comments

End table made from pallets (plans included)

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 02/08/2014 - 14:58

Building an outside side table out of scrap pallets.

Video of the build:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVAYXVGiL_8

Drawing File
https://googledrive.com/host/0B21TbB8gGNQbX2dlNGdxR0NuOE0/end_table.pdf

Estimated Cost
$5 for stain and nails - free pallets
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Barn Door Entertainment Console

Submitted by scubbis on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 10:03

I used the plans from the "Grandy Barn Door Console" for the basic layout, and then altered them to accommodate an electric fireplace insert in between two cupboards, and an open shelf across the top to put in the stereo receiver. The tv is actually mounted to the wall over the top rather than sitting on the console. Overall, I love how it came out. It's exactly what we wanted!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

I HEART Ana White Outdoor Chaise

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/24/2016 - 19:57

THANK YOU ANA FOR ALL THE GREAT PLANS!!

 

I am in southern california (mild weather) so i just used pine and coated them with urethane. 

Estimated Cost
$60 each
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Playset Addition

Submitted by Derek S on Wed, 06/10/2020 - 08:27

Decided our old play set needed an addition, landed on these plans of Ana's. Sat on them and mulled them over for months. Once the wife said something about adding on to it I made the purchases needed. Connected the two platforms with a bridge. I used 4"x4"x10' for the runners, same boards as the decking for the platform of the bridge(5/4"x6"), 2x4's and 1x4's for the railing. If you look at the 3rd photo, I had to chisel out the 4x4 post to get the 2"x6"x12" support to fit correctly. This should measure 2"x6"x13". Another change I made was to cut the bottom and top trim pieces longer on the front and back sections so that the trim would cover the framing of the gable end walls (see last photo). my son wanted windows so I faked in some windows with scrap 2x2's. I used 2x6's as supports from the 4x4's to the 2x6 framing (see photo 3) I added the monkey bars about a month before deciding to do the platform/deck and playhouse. The ladder is based loosely off of a couple of plans I found online. I was able to do all of this work myself except for the roof. Need my dads help to lift the plywood, he then helped me with the rest of the roof.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a dark wood stain fore the house, green exterior paint for the trim and white exterior paint for the interior of the house.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Chick Brooding Cabinet for Quail

My family has started raising quail recently and I built their first home while they were still in the incubator. I have never done any wood work before, so this turned out much nicer than I expected! I followed the suggestion of having the brooder part on the top instead of the bottom and omitted the extra shelf. Two 5-gallon buckets fit nicely below the chicks. Since the quail are so small when they hatch, I used 1/4 inch hardware cloth for the "floor" but it wasn't long before that was too small so we had to change it to 1/2 inch. I am going to make a tray with each size of hardware cloth on it to make it easier to change out for next time, because they really do need both sizes.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Floor to Ceiling Canned Food Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/19/2024 - 13:56

Loved these plans. Top unit was built exactly to specs. Bottom unit was built to accommodate one column of cans. I have also built one for my sis-in-law and will be building one more for this pantry. Love this project!

Leah

Built from Plan(s)

Cedar Planters made from Reclaimed Fence Pickets

I built Ana's under $20 cedar planters for free. Or, almost free! I had to buy some more wood glue, but I had some of the wood on hand and took some from a friend's pile of old fence wood. It took me about five hours to build both planters from start to finish. See the blog link below for more info.

 

Pin For Later!

Cedar Planters made from Reclaimed Fence Pickets

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the new cedar 2x4s with steel wool/vinegar (http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-oxidize-wood.html). Other than that, no finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Open Shelf Nightstands

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/30/2024 - 11:29

I built these for my daughter's birthday, after she showed me a set of night stands that resembled these from the site. I used cedar with a steel wool and viniger stain to give them a aged look. With 4 coats of a water based urathane as a finish. Your plans were accurate and simple to follow. Thanks

Chicken Coop

Submitted by Elloh on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 11:05

This was my biggest build yet and these plans along with being able to see a few brag posts with modicifactions made this project less intimidating. I extended the coop in order to add a walk in door. The drop down doors on both sides will give plenty of access and help with cleaning. I've added door latches to all the doors since putting it in place. My dad provided the cedar so that greatly reduced my costs. This project took about six days to complete. The fun part was getting it out of my carport : ) This was built for my daughter's chickens and she is thrilled with it. So am I! Thanks for the plans Ana!

Estimated Cost
Hardware, screws, hardware cloth and plywood - around $150

Mini Coffin

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 09/28/2014 - 04:03

I scaled this 1 foot long coffin from a full size version I saw online.  I built two versions – see drawing links.  The first one (documented below) is from purchased craft wood which was clean and straight.  The second version was built from scrap pallets.   I’ve also included a quick video of the build along with PDF versions of the plans.

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Coffin/

Video:

http://youtu.be/Rnwt6G7evgA

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint or stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First ever creation

This was the first thing i have ever built. I enjoyed it so much and can't wit to start my next project. The plans were easy to follow even with me changing the dimensions slightly as i was using reclaimed wood, so had to go with the sizes i had already.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a beach hut blue to paint the seat and shed stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic Corner Cupboard-Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 18:36

Corner Cupboard built for use as a dry bar with a few mods for a more rustic look.

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

Play Kitchen

Submitted by Wildlife26 on Mon, 12/29/2014 - 08:18

Built out of love for my 3 year old and 1 year old daughters. Christmas morning was awesome! We also bought play kitchen pots and pans from IKEA and a couple of play food sets off of Amazon. Had an old push button led light for closets that is inside the oven. It is on a timer set for 30 seconds so the batteries will not drain too fast.

Great plan & project for the kids.

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

Comments

Farmhouse toy box

Submitted by Jayna on Fri, 02/12/2021 - 13:34

Made a few adjustments to the farmhouse toy box. Made it a little bigger and added Xs out of 1x2s around it to give it a little extra something! I'm using it as a storage coffee table and I couldn't be happier with it! So in love!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain, three coats of Varathane clear gloss polyurethane, and painted with Valspar white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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