Community Brag Posts

Rustic X Coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 17:45

These were my first Ana White pieces of furniture. I was so pleased at how fast they came together and how clear the instructions were. These were a Christmas present for my son and after taking a look at your website, he is full of enthusiasm to start building his own pieces. Thanks Ana.

Estimated Cost
$150 for both including stains
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered grey stain over Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Fri, 01/04/2019 - 13:29

This is such a beautiful first build!  I bet your son was delighted!  Can't wait to see more from you guys!  Thank you for using my plans and sharing a photo - it is much appreciated.  XO Ana

Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/30/2022 - 17:14

I just started building when I found Ana’s site. This chair was the second thing that I’ve built. I can’t believe how comfortable it is and how easy for a novice like me to put together.

Comments

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by teeninyg on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 13:30

This was our first project from the website. I fell in love with the concept and love the finished product. My husband and I worked on it for a full weekend, and now we have a table that the whole family can sit at. The plans were easy to follow and came together nicely.

We also decided to do the Simple Stackable Outdoor Chairs. They are large and comfortable. I did adjust the seat board length to 19 1/2 to give it a little over hang. One down and 4 more to go.

Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Since we didn't get furniture grade wood we have to do a lot of sanding. Then we used 2 coats of an oak stain and 2 coats of polyurethane to seal it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Finns-Dad

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 03:37

Great job. Both the table and the chair look really good. I am curious how the chairs hold up. Are they sturdy? Anything you would change or do differently? Thanks.

Farm house bench

This was my first project I've ever built, although I have wanted to build something for years. I needed a bench for my cat to sit on in front of the window, and also extra seating for my dining room table when we have guests. I didn't buy any lumber. I just used scrap wood that was left in our garage when we moved in for the base and old bed slats from bunk beds we no longer have for the top.

I made one HUGE mistake....I didn't have a carpenters square and didn't realize how important it was to use so my bench turned out a little wobbly, but I found a solution to fix that. It took me a couple of days to build because I kept having to stop and run to my sons school and do many other mommy duties. I found a tutorial for the finish on Pinterest.

Estimated Cost
Approximately $25 total for the paint, stain, and poly, but I have a TON left over for other projects
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded really well with an electric sander working from very coarse to fine grit. Then I used 2 coats of Rustoleum flat black enamel. I would recommend using a different kind of paint though, because it has to dry a very very long time before it can be sanded and recoated. Then after 2 coats of paint, I distressed it taking various objects and hitting in different spots. I also sanded through the paint in random areas and on the edges. After that, I used a q-tip to apply the stain on the areas I had sanded through. I put a couple coats of stain on and when it all dried, I applied 3 coats of Satin finish poly, sanding with a 320 grit sanding block between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

X Console Sofa Table

Followed the Rustic X console plan except did not go for the rustic stain look. I am happy with how it turned out, even though this is my first wood furniture type project. I am not much of a handyman. 

 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130 (wood, stains, paint, screws)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax Clear Polyurethane (top boards) Used 3 coats on the 2x6 boards (top)
Miniwax Clear Polycrylic (all other boards) Used 2 coats over the top of the painted wood.
Sherman Williams Latex Paint - "Pacer White" color. Used 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Writing Desk with Turned Legs

Submitted by kwildman on Mon, 01/07/2019 - 08:53

I modified the Small Old English Style Farmhouse Dining Table plan to build a writing desk.   I used five 1x6 boards for the top for a width of 27.5 inches.   I made my desk 56 inches in length.  I put the drawer on the long side like a pencil drawer.   I did use the legs that Ana recommended in the plan.   I love how it turned out.  I used dark walnut danish oil and dark wax for the finish.  

Estimated Cost
225
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Watco dark walnut danish oil and Minwax dark paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kwildman

Fri, 10/04/2019 - 21:46

Thank you!  I used Watco Danish oil and I used Minwax dark wax.  I've tried alot of different wax brands and I always come back to Minwax.  It dries the hardest in my opinion.

Garage / Basement Shelving + Bonus Wine/Liquor Under Stairs Storage

Submitted by MJC2DIY on Wed, 10/12/2022 - 21:35

Using the guidelines for the “BEST DIY Garage Shelves (Attached to Walls), I added this to our unfinished basement area for additional storage. I plan to replicate it in our actual garage as well and build the freestanding shelves also!

As a bonus, I used this plan as inspiration and built directly beside it, which is an unused space under stairs, a wine/liquor storage shelving replacing the plywood with cut 2x4s for added weight capacity/stability.

Couldn’t have been easier!

Comments

MJC2DIY

Wed, 10/19/2022 - 09:14

Thank you!! I am so thankful for Ana White and team! These projects are helping me build a lot of confidence to continue endeavoring more challenging projects each step of the way :-)

Little Helper Tower

My husband made the little helper tower for my son. After using it for a day I asked him to add a seat so that my son could eat lunch at the counter while I worked in the kitchen. I LOVE this tower!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

fethiye

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 09:20

This is what custom furniture is all about! If you had a store bought tower, I bet you would not even think about messing with it to add that seat. It looks great and now it is multi-purpose!

VelvetSky

Sun, 08/28/2011 - 20:25

I have a two year old who is going to need this soon. Does your son try to stand up while the seat is in place? Do you have any trouble with him trying to get out of it? Would love to know because my son is always climbing on stuff. I am worried he might fall. I wonder if I could put a seat belt in it. hmmm....I am a first time parent so maybe I am a little paranoid. lol
But it looks so cool. I want one.

Titabehm (not verified)

Tue, 12/13/2011 - 09:54

I absolutely love the idea!!! We have a real small house and we are always looking for ideas that will help to maximize the space and functionality of our furniture. My husband built a couple of months ago the tower and our 2 kids (2&4) can climb in there at the same time and help me to cook, wash dishes or just look what I'm doing around the kitchen. It is a little bit crowded when both are in there but they learned to make it work for both :). Thank you for sharing your idea... it is awesome!

Huthbert

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 13:23

Love the added seat!  Seriously awesome!  Thinking about adding that mod to mine!

A Lady's Treasure Trunk

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 09/16/2013 - 14:32

This is my vision of what a fine lady’s treasure trunk might have looked like back in the days of pirates. It is made from the Pirate’s Treasure Trunk plan. I used another alternative hinge for this one. It is a 2 ¼” radius quarter-circle of heavy craft leather, attached to the box top with some super glue and decorative furniture nails. The bottom acts as the pivot, and is attached with a furniture nail.

The decorations are made from craft leather, and attached with super glue and furniture nails. The keyhole escutcheon is made from a piece of foam shelf liner, cut to the shape of the keyhole template from the plan, and spray painted gold.

The finish for this is 2 coats of Clark & Kensington paint (white, with a little brown stain mixed in to make it a cream color).

This build was nearly free – the furniture nails were left over from the prototype build, the wood was scrap, and the paint was left over from previous projects. The craft leather is from Michael’s (cost was about $3.99 - I think it was on sale, but couldn’t find it on the web site to attach a link, so a picture of the packaging is attached).

I’ll be using this one for trinkets, and it’s not going to get heavy use, so this was a good project for trying out the leather hinge idea. I’ve wanted to try that for a while. Not sure how durable it will be over time, but I think it looks cool. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood (free - scrap). Finish (free - left overs). Craft Leather: $3.99
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 Coats Clark & Kensington paint (white with some brown stain added to make a cream color). Topcoat: Minwax polycrylic in satin. Trim: craft leather and furniture nails. Keyhole escutcheon: Gold spray paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

yurra-bazain

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 03:18

I love how you added text to your photos! =D It communicates the idea behind your plan so well. :) The leather has a fascinating look on this one; I do so like it in white and with the softer leather; truly a lady's touch. :)

JoanneS

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 17:51

Or as they say in pirate-speak: Thank ye so much! I be glad ye like them! Many hearty thanks fer postin' a comment! :)

JoanneS

Wed, 12/03/2014 - 18:28

Yes I think that is a very good idea!  I'm going to try that for the next one I do with leather.  Thanks for commenting!  :)

Curtin rod and shelf over the window

My husband has some cherished knick knacks and I am hoping to give our little home a little charm. 

The most difficult part of this project was lining up the dowel holes for the shelf. 

2-1x6's cut to the length of the window 

2-1x6's cut to 6-1/4" for the sides

1-1x6 cut to 4-3/4" for the center support

Fostner  (sp?) Bit at 1" for the dowels, I centered them and put them 2" down on each side and the on each side of the center support

Then I sanded, sanded and then sanded some more.. .

I used the 1/2" fostner  bit and spaced the holes 3 3/4" apart on center for the rail and the top. 

I cut a 1/2" dowel into 2" pcs. 

The rail is a 2x2 that I trimmed down on the table saw, it finished out at 7/8"x1-1/16"

Lots of glue, more sanding and it was complete

Added 3 hillman heavy duty hangers to it and hung it over the living room window. 

Estimated Cost
$16
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Left raw for now
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Master Bedroom Transformation

I have a large master bedroom, but a severe lack of furniture. I love love love my king bed, but couldn't find any night stands to meet my needs or budget. So I built the farmhouse bedside tables! I love how large and tall they are, adequately flanking my large bed. I missed the mark on matching the stain color of my bed, but I worked so hard on these tables, I still love them.
I call this a master bedroom transformation because I also painted, added new bedding, and new lamps during this project. I'm so excited for my husband to come home from his month-long business trip to see all that I have accomplished in his absence!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approximately $100 for both tables.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak Stain and Minwax Semi-Gloss Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by lmorlok on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 16:00

I made this with the help of my dad. This was my first project and it turned out so well! Such a great addition to the house, it really warms up the room. So glad I found this!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rhyan End Table - Turtlecove Variant

Submitted by watsonam on Tue, 11/24/2015 - 05:19

What I really liked about this plan is its versatility. Relatively easy with pocket hole joinery and inexpensive materials, I used paint to match existing furniture and solid wood tops and drawer fronts to add just a touch of elegance.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
one can green spray paint and General Finishes Top Coat gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fire Station Loft Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 09:53

Fairly easy and fun build! We followed the plans almost entirely and spent a few hours each day throughout a week working on it, painting it was definitely the most time consuming part. It came together very easily in the bedroom and was done just in time to surprise our 3 year old for Christmas, he loves it! And I love that we can fit another twin bed underneath to turn it from a loft to bunk beds in the future.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Gray primer, Red door&trim paint, White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clubhouse Bunkbed w/Climbing Wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/08/2022 - 12:08

This is my first Anna White project that I built almost 10 years ago when I was a new grandma. Much to my surprise, it has endured and is still a fun place for 4 grandkids. I revised the Clubhouse bed plans by raising the loft and building it into a bunk bed (I have 10 foot ceilings making this possible), with one end covered by a 4x8' 3/4" plywood climbing wall (with toddler climbing set hardware) painted in seascape that allows them to climb up and over rather than using the removable ladder. I also added a tri-fold latching "baby gate" to the loft for safety if I was called out of the room while the littlest ones were up in the clubhouse. I also added a bucket on a pulley system to let the kids "deliver" items to the clubhouse window from the ground and a "flood level" measuring stick to let them measure their growth progress. To cover the backside of the plywood climbing wall and the hold screws and make sure all was nice and smooth, I added a 1/4 MDF sheet on the inside and painted with a porthole to simulate a submarine when the curtain is closed.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Wed, 11/09/2022 - 10:11

You have to be the sweetest grandma around, this is so awesome! Love all the added details and growth chart, thank you for sharing.

Bedside Tables

Submitted by takahler on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 10:03

This is our very first building project from plans. We loved them. Our first night stand twisted because our 2x2s weren't as straight as we thought they were. With a few times of repositioning them, it turned out fine. The 2nd night stand went together much quicker and easier.

We are hooked! Thank you Ana for great plans!

Estimated Cost
$52 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

3 drawer rolling dresser

Submitted by Kamabrewer on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 17:07

Super fun and easy! This was my first kreg jig build! Not sure how I got by before I got one!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut wiped off after 5 min.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Console table

Submitted by Bpcreel on Sat, 11/28/2015 - 18:43

Loved building this table. This was my first time building anything! I have a lot to learn but I think it turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mission oak stain on top and chalk paint in kid gloves color
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 15:40

First coffee table build. Plans were perfect! Built for $50, sold for $255

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Platform Bed with Shoe Trundle

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 11/22/2022 - 08:08

We had some bulky items that needed to be stored. So I came up with dimensions for a low platform bed so the bows could slide under. I decided to build a faux drawer to conceal the bulky items and added shoe storage into the faux trundle drawer. Of course I used one of Ana's plans for the basic idea and modified from there! 

bed with trundle storage bed

bed legs

bed frame 2x4

inside bed frame

bed support