Community Brag Posts

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/12/2017 - 12:13

6'x3' Farmhouse table.  Top is made of 2x8's, stained with MinWax natural oak. Legs are 5"x5" "husky" legs found on Etsy.com.  Side aprons are 1x6 pine.  The base has a basecoat of mahogany stain, covered my antique white milk paint and distressed with an orbital sander.   

I was hoping to get the same "old world chipped paint" finish that Ana did on one of her tables, but I couldn't get it to replicate.  But I'm still happy with the results.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Natural Oak stain on top, Mahogany stain covered by antique white milk paint on base.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Farmhouse Table & Bench

Submitted by diegaeb on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 00:55

Last summer we got a new terrace and definitely need new outdoor dining furniture.

Estimated Cost
200 €
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mylands Artillery Ground No. 164 Wood & Metal Eggshell & Mylands Cadogan Stone No. 59 Wood & Metal Eggshell

Comments

ABC Book Holders

Submitted by ebuffy99 on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 22:20

I used the longer book holders to make these. I painted it in a flat light pink and bought craft wood letters that i painted with Martha Stewart Glitter Turquoise craft paint and glued them to the front. Not only does this hold books that are in arms reach once its bedtime but its a nicer way to have the alphabet shown on the wall everyday to help my 3 year old learn her letters.

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

Patio Cooler

Submitted by tjaburke8 on Sun, 02/15/2015 - 16:31

This was one of my first DIY projects - while the "perfectionist" in my is not overjoyed by the final product, I think it's pretty good for a newbie.  It's a gift, so I'm sure my brother-in-law will like it.  Plus, I learned a lot about what do do in the future!

One main change I made was with the drain.  I had a hard time getting a good seal with the plans provided.  So instead, I got a smaller hose (1/2-inch OUTER DIAMETER) and put it through the cooler drain instead of on the outside.  This still caused a seal issue, but I used rubber/putty cement around the inside of the cooler drain & hose, as well as where the hose entered the wood cooler on the inside.  This only allowed the water to exit the drain or stay in the cooler until it passed through the drain.

I skipped the side shelf, but added the little steel bucket to catch bottle caps.  And while I live in Texas, I had to give a shoutout to my Wisconsin roots (notice the bottle opener says "Drink Wisconsinbly".

All in all, I think it was a fairly good project for a DIY newcomer.  Looking forward to figuring out what my next project will be! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Red Mahogony Gel Stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hot Air Balloons & Clouds Flip Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 08:38

Made these chairs for my 1 year old to use as she is learning to stand and climb!

Estimated Cost
<$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted, distressed, decoupaged.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Table 2

Used the plans here to make the table. Modified the dimensions slightly to fit my space by re-drawing the plans in AutoCAD 3D.

Due to the size and weight of this table (48" square), I upgraded the legs to 4 x 4s. I swapped out the 2 x 2 runners for 2 x 4s.

Added stainless steel adjustable feet to the legs for leveling. Wanted to keep the wood up off the ground since this table sits on my back patio.

Amazon link for feet:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VRPCDNL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title

Estimated Cost
$265.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso Stain on top
Minwax Satin Polyurethane on top
Sherwin Williams Exterior Latex Paint - White on base
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bypass Closet Doors

Submitted by Mama2Three on Fri, 04/05/2013 - 08:49

After discovering a leak, we are in the process of a master bathroom/bedroom remodel. In the bedroom, we had replaced all of the windows, painted and installed crown moulding with rope lighting in the bedroom. Then we looked at our closet doors leading to our walk-in closet, and realized they really needed to go to. They were heavy, mirrored with brass trim and regularly would jump off their track. Unfortunately the leak had caused more damage than we originally thought, and our remodel had expanded to replacing two exterior walls as well so we were over budget. Just to get an idea of how much it would cost to buy new doors, I got online and thankfully I found these plans. Although I used to watch my Grandfather build things in his wood shop, I had never actually built something all by myself. My contractor let me use his Kreg Jig and miter saw. After purchasing the wood, I quickly put together the door frames. Since we were on a strict budget for these doors, I decided to use bead board instead of glass. I bought a 4 x 8 sheet of beadboard and had the store rip it in half. I then attached it to the back of the doors with small wood screws and glue. I painted the doors with white gloss trim paint to match the other doors in the room. Since my closet is a walk-in closet, I did paint both sides. My closet entrance had no trim, so used a piece of moulding and attached it to the bypass door track. We are not finished with the flooring or baseboards yet, but once complete we will be installing guides along the bottom.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high-gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kitchen Island

Submitted by fitbrown on Thu, 02/19/2015 - 15:25

First ever building project!!! I am beginner, you can do it too! Got the Kreg Jig R3 for my birthday and conquered my first build! I wasn't about to try the drawers maybe next time! Adjusted the measurements for the length I needed and only have one shelf trying to decide if I'll add the top shelf. I have been reading ana-white for years and finally did it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona stain and Behr bright white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Porch Swing Glider

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/19/2017 - 09:25

Built the porch swing and was inspired to build the glider frame by another "Brag Post" Looks great and fits perfectly in my back yard!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Transparent deck sealant for frame, white exterior paint for seat panels
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rachael Brown

Fri, 02/18/2022 - 08:20

Are there any dimensions for the glider part? I have first year agriculture students building this, but we are unsure of the cut list for this. I am sure I can figure it out as the teacher, but with 20 students in the class, it would be better to be able to give them instructions to follow on paper. Thank you!!!

New Workshop - Let the Fun Begin!

Submitted by ikeymedesu on Sun, 05/30/2021 - 18:33

I was really into building things and DIY over 10 years ago, but due to work/life I hadn't done anything since 2009. I was going pretty crazy working from home during the pandemic, and decided to get back into home improvement to have something to look forward to. After doing some painting and building a few accent walls out of shiplap and reclaimed wood (and loving it), I decided to turn my single car garage into a shop. This is when I found Ana White, and absolutely loved the plans and videos around the wall storage and workbench. I can't believe how sturdy everything is, how straightforward the plans are, and how well this turned out. It made me want to build all the things, and I'll be taking on many projects in the future. (my apologies for the pictures being in the wrong orientation - can't seem to adjust them)

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Camp loft bed mod.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 19:19

Started with the regular loft bed, and added 10 inches to the height. Then I made a ladder instead of stairs to save room. Enclosed it, then added the finishing touches. Link to the process and my son's reaction is below. 

https://youtu.be/xhOqYV7RkKQ

-John

Estimated Cost
Under 200 for lumber and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy X Desk

The dining room table was my office since WFH requirement. I made this one for me and then made 2 more 1 for my wife and 1 for my sister in law. All with different dims of course. Fun project!

Built from Plan(s)

Needed a Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2017 - 09:21

The boss requested a table to the patio, figure I would keep the theme going and use the same size wood that used for the pergola. Followed the Fancy X Farmhouse Table plans with a few exceptions. Instead of 2x4, it was constructed with 6x6, 4x4, 2x8, 2x6 (Doulgas-fur, rough-cut). The bench plans can be found on the site as well, the original plans were for a full-length bench, on one side two benches were built with half the length. 

Had a weekend to complete it for a party the following week. table top needs to be refinished.

Great look and feel for the backyard patio.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood stain / linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patio Planters

Submitted by TeresaK on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 15:52

A friend of mine asked me to build her a patio enclosure for her restaurant, but she wasn't sure what she wanted. I suggested modified planter boxes as they were easy to make and the supplies could be purchased locally. After the planters were painted, my friend was thrilled with the final look and she is constantly being complimented on how pretty they are. Thanks for the free plans Ana!

Cheers,

Teresa.

Finish Used
Outdoor water based latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Doll crib

Submitted by DWolf on Sat, 04/13/2013 - 15:46

After building the playhouse loft bed recently, I whipped up the fancy doll crib for my daughter. My mother made a beautiful pillow and quilt to match the one of my daughter's bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$13
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White all purpose paint
The tiny rails are a bit tricky to paint. A paint sprayer would definitely help!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Floating Shelf

Submitted by pde00311 on Mon, 03/02/2015 - 07:50

My father-in-law needed a place to display the remains of Great-Grandma after she passed away last winter. I modified the plans posted at Shanty-2-Chic to fit the space in his living room: http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/02/diy-shelving-floating-ledge.html

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak with gloss Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ukrainian Sand box with built-in seats

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/30/2017 - 05:28

 I live in Lviv Ukraine and painted it in he national colors of Ukraine.

The wood came from a old pallet.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by DeGi_DeVa on Mon, 06/21/2021 - 13:13

Built a set of six. First chair wasn't perfect, but with each build it got easier.

Estimated Cost
70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint with polyurethane sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X Rustic Coffee Table

Submitted by csmark on Sun, 04/14/2013 - 20:04

X rustic coffee table

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar/Steel wool stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Vintage Step Stools

Submitted by pde00311 on Wed, 03/04/2015 - 07:30

Our two-year-old daughter's newfound hobby of washing her hands and brushing her teeth really took off a few weeks before Christmas. Santa left stools for her and her little sister to be used in different bathrooms.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr frosty glade and cabbage green with silver and gold paint pen for the names. Minwax polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate