Community Brag Posts

Numbered cubbies on the wall

Submitted by ajcajj on Fri, 08/05/2011 - 11:36

I saw this and fell in love! I've made three so far!

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cedar Shed

Submitted by jean on Sat, 08/31/2013 - 10:09

Thanks for the shed plans, I've been looking all over for something like this. I used 3/8" ply wood for the back wall to save money but spent what was saved and more on the shingles and stain/seal. I made the shed exactly 6' wide and 4' deep to fit the 6 2'x2's patio slabs.
The entire project took about 2 weeks to complete and cost about $700. We pay more in Canada but at least I finally got the shed I wanted.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic Honey Gold Toner Exterior Stain for the walls and Olympic Clear Waterproofing Sealant for the roof.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Barn Beam Mantel

We always wanted a real barn beam in the house, we bought an old ash beam that we used to create a modern mantel.   After some research, I decided to save some money and mount it on a 2 x 4.  I've provided some instructions on my blog.

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/barn-beam-mantel-diy

 

Cheers,

Ian

Estimated Cost
We paid $150 for the hand hew barn beam mantel.
The only other costs were a 2x4 and a few screws!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Nightstand-charging table

Submitted by csnezz on Tue, 11/13/2018 - 12:58

This was built as a nightstand/charging cabinet.  I made it a little deeper for more stability. I also replace the 4-5 drilled holes with a corded electrical/usb outlet that allows you to both plug electri cords and usb cords for electronics (about $10 online). I added a center 1 X 2 and magnet closers on the doors. I used unfinished wainscot for the center of the doors.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane water based pre-stain, Varathane American Walnut quick dry stain, Varathane water based polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Two Sizes from One Set of Plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 19:45

We followed Ana's plans for the large project bench. We altered the plans to make a bench for our compound miter saw with the saw platform level with the project bench.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse Toddler Bed

Submitted by Tonya Diaz on Mon, 08/08/2011 - 16:21

The bed on the left is the one that I made. I used as much reclaimed wood as possible for this project. I had a bookcase that wasn't stable that had a lot of 1 x 4s so I took it apart and used them. In the second picture, I made the elephant wall art with some 1 x 2s and stapled the fabric to it. It hangs on the opposite wall. It was a fun project. (did not make the bench) I have a lot of interruptions when I build, so I am not sure about the length of time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Not sure because of the reclaimed wood: maybe $30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Spray paint I think that the color was charcoal? I did use a spray primer as well. It was granite color. I bought the attachment for the spray can to help have a continuous spray and it worked great! It only took minutes to paint. Instant gratification!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Saw Horse table for sewing!

Submitted by akyramoto on Mon, 09/02/2013 - 14:52

My first Ana white project!
It was easy and I really tried to take my time to make it look nice. Great new BIG table for my sewing room! LOVE IT!!

Stained the top 2x12's black and the legs are oops paint that are a teal color.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a wood conditioner then black stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My stainless steel kitchen island

Submitted by LRSinCA on Sat, 10/24/2015 - 22:36

I really do enjoy my island. It has great storage and the added prep space has been wonderful. With the added counter space It has aloud me to make breads and pizzas and with the stainless steel top it is a breeze to clean. I really have enjoyed Ana's website with all the great plans and tips. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
It was a bit more expensive because of the top. In total it was around $400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a primer and then the Red paint on all the wood except the inside of the drawers along with the stainless steel top which I love. I used a spray primer to seal all the wood and then I used my Paint sprayer for the Red. I then used a gloss poly spay for the top coat to give it a nice shine.The stainless steel top I had made here in the Oakland, CA area. It works great to prep on and roll out pizza rounds.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Classroom wall coat/backpack/lunch rack with shelf

Submitted by jendon on Sat, 08/20/2022 - 20:13

Dear Ana,
I was able to change classrooms and needed a place for my students to hang their backpack, lunch, coat, and snow gear. I used a combination of your ideas and created this. Each shelf is 8ft. Long with cast iron supports and coat hooks. The zinc hooks were too thin and we could bend them. The wood was sanded, stained with golden oak, and routed out the edges. I pocket holed every 8 inches and joined wall board to the shelf. The coat hooks are 6 inches apart. I cannot wait for the class to see it on Monday. Thank you Ana for all the ideas and making me feel comfortable to create on my own.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Comments

Ana White Admin

Sat, 08/20/2022 - 21:01

Thank you for sharing your projects, no doubt everybody is going to appreciate what you've built and use it everyday!

Claire's Loft Bed

Submitted by hook Fam on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 10:00

A few months back a friend of my Sister asked if I would build a bed for her 10 year old daughter. I was excited to do it! So I finished up the projects I had already started and then went to work. I had never built bookshelves before. I wanted it clean and "hole-less" on the outside, so we found a Kreg Jig and I started learning. SUPER easy!! I believe it has been painted white. I can't wait to go see it!!
I followed Ana's plans except I used 2*2s for slats and used 16" wide boards for one of the bookshelves and the desk top. I want them to be able to use this for years to come and not out-grow it too quickly.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 11:08

This turned out fantastic! You did a wonderful job.

judee (not verified)

Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:56

hello just a quick question about the railing. Is it screwed on or is it just sitting over the wood? Very nice bed.

WannaMakeA LOFTBED (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 13:35

How many 2x2s did you use? I think I am going to do the same to make sure that I do not outgrow the bed. Also did you have to change the size of the little bookshelves when you changed the desk to 16" instead of 12" ? I'm trying to build the whole set on my own (im 14)

In reply to by WannaMakeA LOFTBED (not verified)

hook Fam

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 15:09

I think I used around 20 2x2's, and did use a center beam to add strength. I only changed the one bookshelf to a 16" (the one under the desk). The other one I left as a 12". Good luck building your bed!

WannaMakeA LOFTBED (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 18:29

Thank you sooo much. I have left questions in the comments sections and you are the only one who has answered. I greatly appreciate it.

jvanhorn

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 19:37

Hook fam, Thanks so much for your work and for the pictures. I really like how you left the lower back side of the big book shelf off and still included the desk behind. Love the 16" too and I think I will go with that for the desktop but leave the 12" for the shelves. Thanks again! This is now my next project!!!

My cedar fence--thank you!

Submitted by NayNay on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 12:48

Thank you for the plans for this fence! So many sites tell you what you need to do to plan for a fence, but don't give you any dimensions, materials, etc.

I didn't do it exactly like your instructions, but close enough to give you all the credit!! I am a 45 year old woman, with only a little do-it-yourself experience. I went to the hardware store, and asked "what are these PH screws?" and felt a little stupid. But my friend Tanya and I built this fence this weekend, with a post level, stakes and string, a chop saw, two 18v drills,a sledgehammer, a string level and a sharpie! We are so proud of ourselves.

I still need to trim off the tops of the posts, and do a few little tweaks. Also, we did not dig post holes. We used oz-posts, and pounded them in with a sledgehammer, attached the wooden posts into the oz-posts with heavy-duty construction adhesive and 8 screws, and straightened them with a huge wood clamp. And next weekend, I'll be putting in raised flower beds along the bottom to cover the lower space. :-))

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$76 per panel
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
cedar-toned (pre-finished)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

carongirls

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 06:40

I am excited to hear about these Oz posts. I put up a small fence and dig holes which took me a week and blistered my hands.
I love your fence!

NayNay

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 07:36

If you check out the oz-post website (just google "oz-post"), there are video tutorials. We pounded them in with sledgehammers which kicked our butts. The oz-posts are about $16 each from Home Depot, which adds to the cost of your fence. But renting a jackhammer was $130 per day plus $30 per running hour, PLUS gas. Renting a post hole digger and buying cement is also expensive. So, buy yourself a sledgehammer, and use chunks of pressure treated wood to put in the tops and wack away!! We first used just regular wood, which splintered terribly, and then spent a lot of time trying to pry them out. If you do get the wood stuck in the posts, drill in a couple screws through the top, and pull them out with someting attached to the screws. Use chunks of pressured treated 4x4s and try to hit it square in the middle!! Good luck!

HD

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:46

I know this has nothing to do with woodworking or fence buidling...but that water tower in one of the picture reminds me of one I saw during a drive through Wisconsin. 

Farmhouse table

We have a very big dining room in which we tought none of the store-bought tables would look good in. We needed a square table!

We got inpired by this beautiful post on Ana White (http://ana-white.com/2011/05/farmhouse-tablesquared) and soon after that starting to go look for what sizes of wood we can get. We live in an apartment, with no access to super big machinery so we needed to work with what wood stores offered us. We adapted the plan to our desire. Total cost was lower that 300 Euros, including screws, glue and stain. We are THRILLED!! :)

Estimated Cost
300 Euros
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Turned Leg Coffee Table

Submitted by kwildman on Wed, 12/26/2018 - 02:24

Turned leg coffee table from pine.  I also built matching end tables (shown in another post).  :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I coat rustoleum dark walnut. Sand lightly. 1 coat old English varathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kwildman

Sat, 12/29/2018 - 05:56

Thank you!  I had stained it with varathane dark walnut and I wasn't happy with the color.  I sanded lightly and went back over with the golden oak that I had from another project.  I love how it warmed up.  

Brian Famous

Thu, 12/27/2018 - 09:04

Did you turn the legs yourself, or order them from somewhere?  They look great, as does the entire piece.

Cedar potting bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 06:10

Cedar 4x4 and 2x4 frame, cedar fence wickets for the rest. Added - built around- a plastic planter box from big box store. Untreated, but good for covered outdoor area I think.

Comments

Spa Bench Finished with Milk Paint

Submitted by shaunk on Fri, 08/12/2011 - 13:57

Built this bench over a couple of nights. It was really easy. The most difficult part was deciding on the color and finish. Overall it came out great and looks good by our front door. The finish is Old Fashion Milk Paint in Salem Red. I painted two coats and then sanded the sides and corners. I'm contemplating adding an antiquing glaze to give it an older look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$32.00 ($21 for the wood and $11 for the milk paint)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint two coats of Milk Paint and let dry over night. Sand corners down with power sander. I added distressing marks prior to painting using a couple of nails and a hammer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

simple modern outdoor sectional

Submitted by raflis35 on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 20:35

I utilized a mix of the platform sectional and the simple modern sectional to create this piece. I added the design on the back rather than the simple 1x4. I also made the entire piece out of 2x4s and 2x2s.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
thompsons water seal with stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Easy, Economical Garage Shelving from 2x4s

I modified the width of the shelves and as you can see from the variable height of my garage one side was made higher.  

I used some scrap wook so I was able to cut expenses by about 25 dollars.  The total cost was 50 dollars not including the nails.  Although time is money.  It took me one day to draw up the modified design, get prices and get the wood and then another day to put it together.  With what I saved by doing it myself I could have made more working and buying a premade unit.  However with this said, it would not be my personal accomplishment and modified to my unique needs.  Besides, I had fun doing it.  

Thanks for your info.  It was very clear and simple.  Debbie

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Bamboo top buffet

This was a fun project that ended up being a multi-use table! This was originally built as a small island for the kitchen but as the family grew it became a changing table! The top was purchased online at home depot, the base is made of douglas fir 2x4's and the corners accents are Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX Galvanized 16-Gauge 2X Rigid Tie Connector available at HD for about $2 each. Thanks for looking! See more at my website analogwoodworks.com!

 

 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Toasted marshmallow in eggshell
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

From Scrap 2 Useful

Submitted by calcowoods on Tue, 09/06/2022 - 10:09

Diy project with scrap wood laying around the garage. Using a hole saw, cut 1 1/2 inch cookies from several pieces of wood. Glued them into 3 separate towers. Using 1" fostner bit cut recess for tea light candle. A quick sanding and coat of polyurethane. Also, included an example of using plywood cuts into a rectancular shaped candle holder.

They look pretty good for a quick fun project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments