Community Brag Posts

Classic Bunk Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/27/2016 - 13:57

I basically followed Ana's plans that she laid out in her origanal post minus moving the ladder over to the other side.  The kids loved it since we surprised them while they were out of town with the grandparents.  In about 2 years I'll be building another set for the younger 2 girls! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300, but I bought select grade wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with an eggshell white interior paint. I used a paint sprayer to get a nice, smooth finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Park Bench

I made the Modern Park Bench with a shou sugi ban treatment for my first wood working project. Love it & so does my pug Maximus! Thanks Ana for the easy to follow step by step instructions! Already looking forward to my next build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Shou sugi ban

Under Stair Dog House

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/23/2024 - 09:30

Under staircase unused space now a puppy palace!

Handy kandi

Simple White Outdoor Table

Submitted by solomonson on Tue, 07/10/2012 - 14:25

This little table was part of a larger overhaul for my patio, which was just a sad little slab before. I threw it together from scraps I had after building the table and benches. For some reason my Kreg jig did not like me that day so I built it using wood screws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used some Valspar spray primer and white spray paint. It's not particularly durable, but that lends to the distressed charm.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My daughter's toddler bed

Submitted by akutz on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 08:33

The Flickr gallery for this project is at https://www.flickr.com/gp/akutz/48S29J/.

My daughter is three now, but she when she was only 15 months old she was able to climb out of her crib. Because her crib mattress was rather expensive (organic per the wife's wishes), I decided to build her a toddler bed around the dimensions of her mattress. And I think it turned out rather well.

Unfortunately I didn't write down any plans other than the basic measurements. For the routing work on the hearts I traced the outside of the bottom of a standard paint can. For the heart in the middle of the headboard I simply free-handed it.

Yes, one of the hearts on the side is chipped. It was the last route of the entire project, and when it ripped off I was ready to be done with this because I had spent a lot of time sanding. So much sanding. Can't have my little girl getting splinters! So I decided that her daddy would just be the "first boy to break her heart." :)

The lumber was just red oak from Lowes. I don't recommend it for a first project. It is *hard* wood. It was extremely difficult with which to work for a beginner like myself. The internal slats were white pine since I didn't care about their appearance since they weren't going to be visible.

Please pardon the dow and dove-tailing work. I know it's shoddy, but this was my first attempt at wood-working. I come from a long line of master carpenters, but I haven't practiced at it in 15 years, and I live in the city with only an assortment of basic tools and half a garage filled with toddler toys as a work space. I did the best with what I have :)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I left the project unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simplest "Garage" Armoire

Submitted by YakFish22 on Sun, 07/31/2016 - 10:28

Some armoires look good in a bedroom. This one looks good in my garage storing my beer fridge and smoker. This took two pairs of repurposed shutters from the in-laws, two sheets of 3/4" plywood and some scrap lumber from around the garage. The best thing is with the Kreg tool, there are zero visible screw heads. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Entryway Bench with Cubbies

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/29/2024 - 11:58

We followed the Essential Entryway Bench plan and modified it slightly to fit our home. We used a 35 degree miter cut at the corners of the trim, and finished the top with a dark walnut wood stain. The accent between the two colors is our favorite part!

Built from Plan(s)

Bookcase Dollhouse

We built this for our daughter's 6th birthday! Love how it turned out :D  As you can see we opted to leave the plywood backing off for the time being so she can use it as a doll house and play on both sides. When she grows out of the doll house phase we will either convert it to a book shelf, donate, or sell in a yard sale ... so many options!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$74 wood & white paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
One quart semi-gloss white paint (2 coats) bought at Walmart. Pink and green colors were left over paints from when we painted the walls in our home.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Full size farmhouse w/underglow

i used the full size farmhouse plan for this bed. i added the LED light strips from ebay to the bottom to give the glowing effect. i built the bed for my 3 year old so we use it as a night light. she loves it.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Beach Glass Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Redwood 2x4 Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by jsutton78 on Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:22

This is my attempt at the 2x4 outdoor sofa.  The entire sofa is made out of 2x4 Redwood, so the cost was a little high at $150 for the wood.  I'm still waiting on cushions, but I went overboard and bought them custom made so the total for those came out to $520.  Overall, I could have easily bought a complete set online but hey, this is more fun!

 

My one concern is the back support.  I'm thinking of building something angled in, but haven't thought of the best approach yet, that will still look good.  

Estimated Cost
$670
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Redwood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchright Round End Table

Submitted by RGWood on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 08:01

I built this table for my mother-in-law. I added a brace/frame for under the top. That helped me with the angled legs. This table takes a beating at their house as she watches kids all day long. The plans produce a very sturdy table. The whole table is Dark Walnut stain and Satin Poly(oil based).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain
Satin Poly(oil based)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Solid Wood Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/05/2024 - 08:59

My son kept telling me he didn’t need anything for his birthday, so I asked him what would make him happy!!!! He said a new dresser for my granddaughter because he wanted to burn the one they bought her!!😄
So, I had just seen your post of this new design and it is perfect!!!! My son and granddaughter LOVE it.

Arlene Sherer

Laundry Pedestal

Submitted by MikePT on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 17:35

My first build! Took me a while to complete, but I was in know hurry and was learning about carpentry/woodworking as I went. Overall it was a great success and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Thanks to ana-white.com!!

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X bookshelf

Submitted by ewing.111 on Mon, 09/09/2019 - 09:13

Built this bookcase based on the plans for the tall rustic X bookshelf, but made a couple modifications to use one entire sheet of plywood. It made for a monster bookshelf but is perfect for out needs! I also added the cross detail in the middle for extra support, I love how it turned out! I followed the tutorial that mimics restoration hardwares finish applied to originally the farmhouse table plans I think. Combination of weathered oak and special walnut stains with a satin poly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Followed most of the directions in this link, http://ana-white.com/2013/08/rustic-yet-refined-wood-finish , I didn't do the whitewash step though, I liked how it came out after the special walnut and weathered oak.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

balloongal247

Wed, 05/07/2014 - 06:56

OMG, this bookshelf looks soo cool! I love the center support and how the top shelf is kinda split in two! Would you be willing to do a plan post for it? I know you'll probably get a ton of requests!

balloongal247

Wed, 05/07/2014 - 06:57

OMG, this bookshelf looks soo cool! I love the center support and how the top shelf is kinda split in two! Would you be willing to do a plan post for it? I know you'll probably get a ton of requests!

"Tryde" coffee table - beautiful

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/08/2016 - 06:30

Turned out looking amazing. My family loves it. Thank you for sharing these design plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 for wood, and another $30 for the various stains, finishes, screws, etc; assuming you already have a pilot/countersink combo bit, paint brushes, etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Green tea, vinegar/steel-wool mixture, walnut stain, poly finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Beginner coffee Table

Submitted by mpjacob08 on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 09:23

So Fun!! My first ever wood build!! I’m completely addicted now ha! Thank you so much! I’m learning so much from watching your videos.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Golden Oak with one coat of shellac spray and Varathane oil based polyurethane to protect from liquids
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Scrap Wood Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/12/2024 - 09:07

My scrap wood storage boxes were overflowing so I decided to try a queen size chevron headboard (with no plans) using teak, rangas , mahogany and other select woods I had used on other projects. I used 2 coats of clear gloss lacquer. I like the way it turned out.

Richard - retired

Doggy Door or Baby Gate

I installed a half door to isolate our dog from the laminate flooring when he sleeps at night.

It was only $25 for the hollow core 6 panel door from HD, which got cut in half.
$25 for the passage knob.
$10 for top plate and trim
Less than $5 for the hinges.

Not having to replace the laminate flooring priceless!

Some Tips:

The $25 door is not prehung. Buy the $14 dollar irwin door jig to install the door "http://www.homedepot.ca/product/door-lock-installation-kit-carbon/904157" It will come in handy if you are remodeling and installing new doors to replace those old flat panel doors. You will also have to chisel out the hinges.

When installing and marking the hinge locations in the door frame shim the door a 1/4" off the floor.

Estimated Cost
$65 materials + $15 jig = $80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Butcher Block Kitchen Island

This is a modified butcher block kitchen island built from ana white's plan. Instead of using doug fir (2x4) material for the top, I used hard maple to build an edge grain butcher block top that if knife friendly and food safe. I also altered the dimensions to fit my space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mineral oil was used for the butcher block top. The paint is kendall grey by behr and early American stain by minwax for the shelves.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

jbuilder712

Wed, 06/04/2014 - 08:49

Wow, what a stunning piece! That looks like it'd fit my space more than the original plans. Would you mind posting your dimensions and cut list? Thanks!

Basketball net

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/11/2016 - 14:15

This project was very fun and and easy.

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