Community Brag Posts

DIY Barn Door and Hardware for around $80!

I really wanted to put a barn door in my husband's home office, but have you looked at the prices of the kits?  No way was I going to spend that for a door.  So I decided to fabricate it myself.  For the rail hardware- I used a 72" steel rod, copper pipe fittings, and lag screws.  For the door hardware, I used 12"ish, long pieces of steel, pulleys, and carriage bolts.

The door itself is made from plywood siding, 1 x 4's, 1 x 6's, and 1 x 3's.  The entire door and hardware cost around $80 to make myself.  It's functional and looks amazing!  The entire tutorial is up on my blog!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by verymom on Sat, 09/29/2018 - 13:43

We adjusted the plans so this table top measures 84" x 48". Our chairs were also a little taller than normal, so we raised the legs to make sure the height of the table would be comfortable with the chairs. 

I've lost all the math we did, so I'm sorry I can't help you make these adjustments. We made this table a couple years ago.

We used 4x4s for the legs and I'm really glad we did. A previous Ana White table we made, we used thinner legs and the poor thing squeaked like crazy. This table is much sturdier. We also used thicker pieces for the top which also adds to the stability. 

A friend helped us plane the table top and fit it all together. It's just pine though, so we have had some warping, but it isn't bad. 

We bought a kreg drill to make the assembly smoother. Love that thing!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint with built in primer on the legs. I didn't bother urethaning and so far it has held up well. Table top I used a dark Minwax stain (I think Jacobean) with a urethane sealer. Wipes up great and is holding up well to kids.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Love how this turned out!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/12/2022 - 06:20

Thanks for the plans! We have a small backyard and I wanted something that we’d actually enjoy looking at. I skipped the planter box and will likely put some potted plants up there instead. All I need is a matching metal cap for the roof peak, and of course chickens!

Comments

Farmhouse Table

This is my very first woodworking project (except for a Paper Towel Holder in High school over twenty years ago).I have always wanted a long farmhouse table, so when I saw the plans,I was excited to try building my own. Thanks so much Ana for making this doable! 

Estimated Cost
Under $200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut #224 and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Puzzle Bookcase

This was my first attempt at DIY - had to convert to Metric! thank goodness I calculated right - end product is awesome. I lined the back panels with textured Silver wallpaper - gives an awesome contrast.

I'm Hooked, already looking for my next project!

Finish Used
Matt sheen enamel paint and wallpaper
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY SLIDING BARN DOOR

To date this has been my favorite and fullfilling DIY project!! Skills were learned, $$ was saved and it looks fabulous!!!   It wasnt easy but it wasn't impossible.  April WIlkerson provides a detailed tutorial on her website along with a fantastic youtube video on her channell. I hope this inspires someone else to take on this challenge!!  If you have any any questions please feel free to ask me!!  Enjoy.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut, Minwax gray, ragged white followed with a satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm table.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/14/2018 - 13:38

Built this 8' farm table after watching your video. Its my first piece of furniture. 

Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Milled red oak.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Desk

Submitted by JMG on Fri, 06/24/2022 - 20:56

During the transition to online school, I built this for my daughter. Works great. Obviously needs some finish work, but she wanted to use it right away. lol

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Simple Trestle Table

Submitted by ajp529 on Fri, 08/23/2013 - 18:01

Built this from lumber from a daybed that I tore apart. Total cost was about $10 for the pieces for the top. Built in a small apartment with a Kreg jug and some clamps on the kitchen floor. The top is not completely even but close. Was fun to build and I am very happy with how it turned out, thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with tea, let dry, then paint with vinegar and steel wool solution, sand and shellac.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Twisted End Table

Submitted by sdarnell1 on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 11:38

I made this twisted end table for my #oneboardchallenge project.  It was a learning experience and I'm honestly surprised that it turned out as well as it did!  There are so many good #oneboardchallenge projects being submitted, I don't know if mine will get lost among the crowd.  Either way, it wont get lost around my house :)  It is a good conversation piece!

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

Comments

ptb9896

Mon, 10/26/2020 - 01:40

Are the plans for this on your site?

As a new wood worker I am very appreciative of your site and plans. It's my go to source for ideas.

Thanks

$25 2x4 Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/21/2018 - 15:39

Our small entryway was in need of some sort of bench or coat rack. Since the space is on the smaller side, I was looking for plans that were simple and would not overwhelm the area of the house.  When I came searching for plans on Ana White’s website, these plans were JUST posted! It was meant to be! This was my second build ever. Very simple and straight forward. I used Special Walnut for the stain and a satin polyurethane for the top coat.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Special Walnut & satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chaise Lounge

I built this chaise lounge for my daughter from your plans. She will paint it tomorrow. Thanks!!!

Comments

Camp loft bed

Submitted by dmather82 on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 18:15

My first build... Not perfect but it has led me down a new path... Thank you soooo much Ana! More to come and a plan of my own in the works!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Coffee Table Brag

Rustic X Coffee Table Brag! Thank you so much for the plans Ana! Keep building everyone :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel Wool & Vinegar Mixture
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ecspronk

Sat, 10/10/2015 - 18:59

Did you use any tea before you used the steel wool? What was your steel wool and vinegar mixture rate? I really like the color of this! Thanks!

Console to vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/28/2018 - 07:54

This vanity is an amalgamation of a few ideas I found online. I used the Reclaimed Wood Console Table as a guide to pull it all together. All three drawers are functional. The plumbing falls directly between the center and right drawer, and the drawers are mounted on bottom center glides.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
semigloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bench

I built this based on the rustic x bench. While I had previously built the x bench, I really had a hard time with that darned X! So I just added bottom pieces to this and called it a day. This will be put at the foot of the bed and will most certainly help me sleep better! How? Ah yes, no more hubby sitting on the edge of the bed at 4:30a.m. to put on his boots!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free...all made from leftovers and reclaimed wood
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

For a co worker...

A co worker reeeeally wanted this and asked me to build it. It is only my second build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150-200
Finish Used
Varathane Spar Varnish in satin, Varathane Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll House

Submitted by samueldodd on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 08:10

I made this with oak plywood and used a straight edge and paper knife to score it to look like planks and a chisel to vary board lengths and stained it. This is the first house I made like this. I made second house like this after a house fire destroyed the first one. My people were well pleased with both of them. I will put lights in the next one.

Estimated Cost
$75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Work Area

I finally got the chance to share my first couple of projects.

For the work bench I made organizers for tools and screws. I made them with 1x3's and made simple boxes out of them. One longer one at 36" and a couple smaller ones at 6" for easier access to nails. I painted everything with granny smith green and fuchsia pink.

I had originally planned on just making a couple of storage benches to hide my husband's video games in the house, but decided one would be perfect to hold my circular saw, drill, and other power tools while adding a comfortable place to sit. I had ordered the fabric a few months ago and didn't realize that it matched the fuschia pink paint I had bought at orange for my work bench, and I am glad it did.

Though they are in my garage, being a wife to a Staff Sergeant in the Army, we entertain a lot so having something that is useful and looks great is a wonderful thing indeed.

Since I've started building, I've been browsing Ana White's project plans for anything else that could be useful in our house... I can't wait until we move so we can choose a larger house to make way for more projects!

Thank you Ana!!! You've given purpose to my usually uneventful days while the hubs is in Iraq for the third time!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Granny Smith Green and Fuchsia Pink from Orange. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

MissSea

Sun, 09/18/2011 - 14:27

I have to say I love that even though this is a workbench, it's still so personal and girlie! And what a great idea for the storage unit having seating! So many times I end up sitting in the garage, sorting God-knows-what, and I really need a seat! :)