Community Brag Posts

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

kid clara table modified

Submitted by ajcajj on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 18:35

I made this table for a baby shower gift for my newest niece. I used the clara plan as a starting point and went from there. I ended up using (2) 2x12x36 for the top kreg jigged together and sanded them completely smooth. I used existing legs from an end table and added the aprons.

I also just shortened the cubbie length to make it short enough to fit on top of the table.

Estimated Cost
$12- for the 2x12 and a few 2x2, I already had the table legs and the top for the bench
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the table top with some oops stain I had picked up for 50 cents and then put 3 coats of poly on top. I painted the legs/aprons with a bubblegum pink and distressed and lightly wiped with stain. Same colors for the bench.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Georgia's Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 18:04

This build is a little jewelry box for a family friend who just had a baby girl named Georgia. Although I've built this box several times for myself and others to use for storage, I hadn't done a plan for it until now. This is from Georgia's Jewelry Box plan.

The wood is 1x4 and 1x6 whitewood scraps. The hinges are flat "H" style hinges from Lowes. I had them for another project and ended up not using them. The hinge color works very well with the light yellow, which I thought would be pretty for a little girl.

Originally I was going to paint or stencil her name on the front, but ended up printing it on pretty scrapbook paper and attaching with Mod Podge. Also added this paper to the bottom inside the box. Everything is top coated with Mod Podge.

On the inside of the top, I glued a 3" craft mirror (these are available in a 5-pack from Michael's for $1.99).

This was a very easy build. It look less than an hour to cut, build, and sand. The finishing I completed a few minutes at a time throughout the day, but the actual work between drying times wasn't more than an hour.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood & Hardware: Free (scrap/already on hand), and I have loads left over from the Finishing materials: $2.98 for paint sample, $1.99 for mirrors, $6.49 for mod podge
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Valspar Hazy Dawn (sanded between coats), name and box bottom are scrapbook paper attached with mod podge, and the top coat is Mod Podge (satin finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 18:28

Georgia's mommy loved the little jewelry box, and was tickled that I named this plan after her little girl. The best part of the visit was getting to hold adorable 3-week-old Georgia. :0)

California King Farmhouse bed

Submitted by PhilCo on Wed, 11/11/2015 - 07:24

I had to make some adjustments to the size, because our new mattress is 180 x 190cm, and I had a couple of problems with the plan, it was probably me rather than the plan, but nothing that I couldn't overcome. The bed is pino (pine) purely because I couldn't get any other dry timber in Colombia, unless I won the lottery. 

The boards on the headboard panel, I pocket holed (using ordinary wood screws) as well as glued, to ensure they will not part in the future, and I used lag bolts to attach the base to the footboard.

The bed is a few inches taller than the plan, purely because my Wife wanted one of our dogs to be able to continue sleeping under the bed!

Unfortunately due to the small size of the room, the photos do not show the bed that well. The full build is on my Blog.

 

Now to make the night stands! 

Estimated Cost
1256956 COP / $430 US / £282
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Matt Oak Varnish, I only used one coat, because we didn't want the colour to go any darker, I used sponge 'brushes' to apply the varnish on all the visible timber, the base and MDF was just roughly brushed on.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate