Community Brag Posts

Cedar planter boxes

Submitted by JavaJoe on Fri, 06/06/2014 - 20:00

I used the main plan for ideas, but opted to use 3.5 inch pickets instead, which allowed for a smaller planter that wasn't as big. Also chose to miter 1x3s for the top which I think really finishes it off. Sanded everything with a belt sander to 220 grit. Used min wax golden pecan plus three coats of poly inside and out. Finished size was about 17x17. Tile spacers work great to keep the gaps even!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax golden pecan
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

6' Square Sandbox

I've been wanting to buy or make a sandbox for my son for a couple of years now. Since seeing this on Ana White I knew I had to make it. My son is 4 yo and I didn't think the 4' square sandbox would be big enough for him, so I made it bigger. Ours is 6' square. Materials: 4@1x8x6' 12@1x6x6' 2x4 - used leftovers from another project 8 hinges 4 handles decking screws Cut lengths: 2@1x8 cut to 71.5 (long sides of the box) 2@1x8 cut to 70.5 (short sides of the box) did not cut the 1x6 boards (top planks) - actually designed the other boards to fit their length to prevent cutting (saving time) (note that original plan uses 1x4 planks - I used 1x6s so I could use the same number of planks but cover a larger area) 4@2x4 cut to 11.5 (arm rests) 4@2x4 cut to 18.5 (back supports) followed instructions for assembly otherwise. At my husbands suggestion we put the handles on the sides and can easily open from either side - prevents having to lean over to the middle to open (back saver) I finished the project in 4 hours including clean up and a couple of small breaks. This is my first Ana White project. It was a lot of fun to build and I hope my son will enjoy it for years to come!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sand and stain with sealer included
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mrs. Chellebelle

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 20:59

Wow, this is just what I need! I've been wanting to make a sandbox for under the playhouse but the other plan was too small. This would be great for the little guys. Thanks!

Pallet Pumpkin Decor

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/28/2024 - 12:33

Using Ana White's plans, I created these pumpkin treat holders.

Pallet wood and wood widths
I first tore apart pallets and sanded the tops with 80 grit sandpaper to keep the rustic look. Because of the varying widths of the boards and imperfections from nail and screw holes, I cut some boards at 3" wide and others at 5" wide and created a pattern.

Route the edges
I used a chamfer bit on my router table to route the edges to make them stand out more. I didn't put spaces between the boards, that's why I routed the edges. If you go this route you will need longer 1x2 for the back of your piece.

Cut the shape out
Use a jig saw with a scrolling blade to make smooth work of cutting out the curves.

Get it together
I used exterior wood glue and a brad nailer with 1" nails to hold the project together instead of a hot glue gun.

Finish
The finish is an 8 oz. sample of Behr Premium Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer from The Home Depot. Colors: Bright Tamra semi-transparent #ST-140 and Woodland Green semi-transparent #ST-126.

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Stocking hanger with added top

Submitted by stamhow on Fri, 12/11/2020 - 20:12

Started built from https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/stocking-stand plan.
My finished product is mostly the same, except I added a little to beef it up. I added decking board size wood for the feet to give it more stability. Santa leaves heavy things in sticking sometimes. I wanted to be prepared! 😁 I made the top 2x4 flush with the top of the sides and added a 1x6 across the top like a shelf. If I get to do it in time, I'm going to add a 1x8 (or 2x8) stained a dark wood color on top and may add a little trim between it and the 1x6 to beef it up. I love it! Might be able to repurpose someway during the rest of the year. Thanks Ana White for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $20 because I had most wood and finishing materials on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted it with a gray color satin wall paint I bought from the sample section and after it dried, sanded it up to distress. I then wiped on a Chestnut Minwax stain for a short time and wiped it right off. After that dried I wiped it all over with the Minwax Wipe-on satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Gigantic planked sideboard

This was my second project and my first piece of furniture I built from Ana's plans. We have a vaulted ceiling in the hallway near my entry and needed a really big piece to fill up the large blank wall. I always hated the space but now I Love It. The Gigantic sideboard is perfect there. I finished it with milk paint and paste wax. If you inspect it closely it is not perfect but for my first piece... I love it and it's supposed to be rustic right!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I did not keep track of how much I spent but I'll say roughly 200 to 250 .
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I first used wood conditioner then sanded, sanded, and sanded. For the paint I used General Finishes Coastal Blue and topped it with minwax paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Fine Touch to help sell our house

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 12:57

In the plans of selling our home and move from Indiana to Washington, I visited  Ana's website I was able to build this easy, simple attractive outdoor furniture to give a little "Curb Appeal" Besides the couchs, I made a corner table. The cushions are made for chairs and the pillows are cheap pillows with new covers that my wife made. Sad thing about this is I hate to leave. I will just have to make another set some day?

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a latex with built-primer. It sat through this past winter and still looks new.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beer carriers

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/20/2017 - 15:23

I love the vintage look with old license plates.  @theshopbycecilia

theShop-woodwork and design

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

Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds

I made these for my 81 year-old Grandma, and I will be making some for my own front yard soon. I followed the plans and ripped the fence boards instead of buying the optional 1x2s. My awesome dad showed me how to use the table saw, but the rest I did all by myself! We decided to leave them unfinished for a natural look. It took me about 7 hours total broken up to make all three, but this is my first project and I was slow. Thanks Ana, for inspiring this working Mom to pick up a hammer and get stuff done!

Estimated Cost
$13 per bed in fence boards
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Left unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic X Desk

Submitted by hnick78 on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 12:00

I was commissioned to build this Rustic X desk with a drawer and door incorporated into it. The finish is distressed white and a combination of Special Walnut and Espresso stain.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bike Storage

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:10

I live in a smaller rental with limited garage space, so I needed a place for my kids bikes. This is what I came up with. It required minimal screw holes in the treated fence posts and I attached a rail system(rubbermaid fasttrak) for the bikes to hang from. I used Ana's easy shelves plan for the upright supports and then just added some corrugated roofing and cedar fence pickets (which I had on hand) to finish off the top.

Potting Bench

Submitted by bluejazz on Thu, 03/24/2011 - 12:09

The plans are great.  This went together really fast.  I am cheating a little here, it is not quite complete; I need to add the side blocks on top and my wife would like a another panel added to the front at work height level, just for looks.  But the overall look won't be changed.  I struggled some with finishing (I usually do).  A couple spots  have runs I didn't see.  One will be covered by the front panel I'll add,but another needs sanding.

Just for fun I added a picture of the bench 3 years later. Its held up well to a lot of use and a lot of sitting out in the elements.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes Cedar Exterior 450 Water based stain. I was going to add a spar varnish to extend the life. I decided against that because while it likely would extend the life, I would have to strip it to re-stain. After a couple years, I can simply re-stain without stripping if I don't varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Project - Loft Bed!

This is my first ever piece of furniture. I bought the Kreg Jig, which is awesome. My son has a fairly small room, so extra floor space is handy. I plan on turning the bottom into a reading nook with come comfy pillows, some lighting and a few small bookcases.

I used 2x6s to support the mattress. put in 6 slats, but I think I'll add one more for extra support. I also want to add a 2x4 across the back to keep the legs in place. Pretty sturdy though. I got up there with my son and between the two of us we're about 230lbs.

Can't wait to build something else!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Walnut and 3 coats of Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Laundry Basket Organizer

Submitted by Lovelace on Mon, 04/25/2011 - 07:48

I use this dresser in my walk-in closet to separate dirty laundry...each basket holds either "whites", "lights" or "darks". The size of each basket is perfect for one wash load. I just love how much more room I have in my closet because of it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I lighting sanded all sides and edges then put done two coats of Sherwin-Williams ProClassic acrylic latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Garage Workshop Bench

This was my second project, with so many more projects in mind, figured I needed to get started on a Workshop bench. This was a fun and easy project and such a great plan.

Comments

Toddler Room

My daughter's room has no closet and is pretty small, and I just couldn't find any furniture I liked around here. But I found tons on Ana-white.com! So, her entire room (except one old bookshelf) is now ana-white originals.... the cubbies hide her clothes and toys; the dress-up center functions as her hanging closet; she colors on the easel (originally made for her brother, but he never used it...); and the doll bed serves as a resting place for several different dolls (sometimes all at once). I think I will build her the dollhouse bookshelf to replace the older bookshelf, and once she's ready for a real bed (as opposed to the mattress on the floor), I'll be building that too! The chalkboard easel was one of my first builds, and I have to say, it still remains one of the most challenging (my screws kept splitting, I had a hard time fitting things together, esp. without another pair of hands....), but watching my daughter scribble all over it nearly every day makes it worth every minute! Building the dress-up center and cubbies took almost no time at all - but it took me over a month to get them finished (sanded, painted and poly'd). Thanks again Ana for the great plans and all your hard work!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The lavender color is oops paint; the white on the cubbies is Benjamin Moore that we used as trim for other rooms in the house.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

How to Build a Raised Balance Beam for $60

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/31/2019 - 14:49

From watching Olympic gymnast Simone Biles on the television to running, flipping and twirling all around our living room — my girls LOVE everything gymnastics. Both girls began competing with a local gymnastics club. Now that my oldest has moved up and is pretty serious about practicing her beam handstands and dismounts, she begged me to build a raised balance beam with suede covering so it would have a similar feel to her beam at the gym.

If you can relate to this, or even if you have a new gymnast (like my youngest in the pic above) wanting to improve their skills at home, then this comprehensive tutorial on how to build a raised balance beam is for you.

Full plans available on my blog The Creative 'Carr'penter. You can also find and pin this tutorial on Pinterest here.

Estimated Cost
Cost of materials were about $60. Could vary depending on materials used.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used an outdoor flat paint to finish the exposed pieces of wood. The remainder was covered in padding and suede fabric.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mud Room - Inspired by Braden Entryway Collection

Submitted by flicker237 on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 09:19

We had a small mud room off our back door that was in need of serious help! We started from scratch in this room - framing, drywall, floor, molding, etc. To complete the room, we modified the Braden Entryway Hutch and shoe bench plans to fit the dimensions of our space, and add a third cubby. It has worked wonderfully!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint (2 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Camp loft bed with a farm house twist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2023 - 07:58

As soon as I saw the plans for the camp loft bed with stairs, I knew it would be perfect for my daughters room. It was my first furniture build. While it is not perfect, I absolutely love it. The plans were easy to read and customize to fit her room. Don't mind the messy room, she's 13 and this is about as good as it gets lol.

Comments

Sliding Pet/Baby Gate

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/27/2023 - 20:13

We desperately needed a gate to keep our pets from accessing the rooms, with carpet, in our new home. We originally thought about building a full barn door but, the security system was in the way and it wouldn’t have allowed the light to pass through to our dark entryway anyway. We definitely wanted to steer away from the “barn door looking” gate we did at our last home and wanted to try something more timeless with the sprayed, black caning. We have a very eclectic style. Very vintage industrial, MCM, with pops of RH glam and a touch of BOHO. Sounds confusing but, I needed this gate to take the pressure off of trends we didn’t quite fit in and be easy to use for my teenager. The gate leads to her bed/bath and the guest rooms. The mechanism is not my design but, it’s brilliant, especially for the industrial element to our home. Took me close to 4 days from start to finish. Lost my Kreg jig in our move and was so thankful to a stranger-neighbor that willingly let me borrow his on the curiosity of what exactly I was building. NGL, it felt pretty good when he said how impressed he was with the build. 💞

Comments

Full Size Storage Bed

My daughter wanted her room redone for her tenth birthday. We decided to go big with Ana's storage bed plans. I had so much fun building this and really learned a lot. It took me three months to find enough spare time to finish it, but it was worth the wait.

Estimated Cost
$200+
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dutch Boy Refresh paint in Mocha White over no VOC primer. I rolled it on with a smooth roller.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Misty Tillema

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 19:24

You did a really great job building the storage bed. I am in the process of building this same bed for my teenage son, only I'm not building the towers. Finding enough time to actually get a project finished is nearly impossible when you only have a few hours here and there! Your daughter will love all the extra storage space as she gets older.

My wife built a bed.

Submitted by AKMan279 on Sun, 06/02/2019 - 20:45

We looked for a simple plan for a bed and found this one on Ana’s site.  Easy to build in a weekend.

Estimated Cost
$140 with all lumber and stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments