Community Brag Posts

Square Modern Farm Table

I really loved the modern farm table, but we wanted something to fit our square-ish dining room space and still fit 8-12 people to fit our famiy of 8+ company.  What we ended up with was a unique statement piece that we absolutely adore.  We made some minor changes to the plans to accomodate the changes in size, primarily by using 4x4 posts for the legs and attaching them differently.  The table is very sturdy with no wobble.  It is very heavy, though!  Please see our blog post for details on size, cut list and our building modifications!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-oleum Dark Walnut Stain,
General Finishes Java Gel Stain,
Polyurethane - gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Front Porch Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/15/2024 - 13:36

My son was looking for some type of planter for his front porch and could not find anything that suited him. I seen these plans on your website so my wife and I decided to try and make these for him as a surprise. These are very simple to make by following your plans. Our son loved them and is wanting two more. Thanks Ana.

Dronetastic views

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

My perfect endtable

I built this using a combination of Ana-Whites plans and JenWoodhouse alterations.
I made my tables to fit my sofa so they are only 20" tall.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35 per table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustomeum Ultimate stain in Kona and S/W Eider White Paint in Semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Locker

Submitted by carongirls on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 17:11

I made hits for my daughters classroom. Very easy build. The pictures aren't the best, they are cell phone pictures. We were in a hurry to get it done for open house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Zebra farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 14:22

Made a farmhouse table for some friends after looking at several posts on here.  Calling this the Zebra table.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75.00 not.count stain and poly which I had on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax gel Honey and Hickory.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft bed with stair

Submitted by tajordan on Tue, 10/02/2012 - 11:59

When my wife told me that our son needed a new bed, I saw that as an opportunity to buy some new tools. After selecting which bed to build from your site, I spent a few hours over the weekend making the loft bed with stairs. Our son loves it! The only thing left to do is decide on a paint color.

Estimated Cost
110
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
N/A
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pegboard Organizer with Magnetic Chalkboard

Submitted by katie0910 on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 10:59

I built two of these pegboard organizers for my boys to hang in their rooms. The magnetic chalkboard allows them to write fun messages or doodle, plus they can hang pictures on it with magnets. The pegboard helps keep their smaller toys organized and the hooks keep their hats from being scattered all over the house.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax special walnut
Minwax fast-drying polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kaitlyn's Crib

Submitted by MCdesigns on Sun, 11/06/2016 - 10:05

So this is my first post of one of my projects, and super excited to share!   I have to say this is one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done.  First time Dad and so excited to meet her!  My wife is now 35 weeks. I have built many furniture projects in the past but I will admit this one intimidated me more than anything.  There are so many safety regulations on cribs and so many stories and blogs online about child safety it made my head spin.  I almost let the fear get the best of me and just bought a crib.....but the DIY in me said NO, and here it is!  After it is all said and done I couldn't be more happy and a proud Father at the same time!  I am still working on finishing this project, so I will add more pics as they come along.  We will be painting it a light gray color and top coating with a water based polycrylic. This is made to be convertable, and will also become a Full size bed.  Thank you Ana White and other users for inspring us all! 

Estimated Cost
Around $280. I buy all my lumber as rough stock from a local hardwood supplier, and joint/plane myself.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Latex paint/ Minwax water based polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

greyboarder

Tue, 02/27/2018 - 12:02

This crib is terrific and just what I am looking to build for my son and daughter in law.  Do you have any dimensions or even rough plans you could share?  I will certainly work ast sketching m own but if you have something you are willing to share it would serve as a great starting point.

Thanks so much,

Mark

greyboarder

Wed, 02/28/2018 - 06:37

My wife and I are going to be first time grandparents in the spring and have been asked by our son and daughter-in-law to build a crib - one just like the one you built.  I think it wil be a fun project.  Could you share any dimensions, drawings or other pictures rom your build?  You can reach me at my email address:  [email protected].

Thanks,

Mark

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by BPJacobs on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 06:39

I built these a couple of weeks ago - very easy. I did not have a pocket hole jig so I added a 26" 2x4 to attach the pieces behind the back-rest. I don't think is makes it look bad, and it adds some weight which is nice.
I have built 6 so far - 4 for myself and 2 that I gave to friends. the first couple took a while to get the process sorted out but after that they came together in about 30-45 minutes per chair. I did make a couple of mistakes in the cutting initially (forgot to cut angles so I wasted a lot of wood), and then of course the additional piece of 2x4 added to the price.

Estimated Cost
About $80-$90 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior wood sealant
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X coffee table

I love how this table turned out. The plans were simple and easy to follow. I chose to distress the table to give it some character i found a great video on youtube for different distressing techniques here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iotye7dvAQ For the finish i used the tea and vingegar method then to make it darker i rubbed on a little oil based stain and finished it with polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
roughly $45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Daniel (not verified)

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 19:55

what type of wood did you use?
thanks

Daniel (not verified)

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 17:37

Do u think you gave to do both tea and vinegar or would tea alone suffice?

Daniel (not verified)

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 17:38

Do u think you gave to do both tea and vinegar or would tea alone suffice?

Daniel (not verified)

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 17:39

Do u think you gave to do both tea and vinegar or would tea alone suffice?

Daniel (not verified)

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 17:40

Do u think you gave to do both tea and vinegar or would tea alone suffice?

Daniel (not verified)

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 17:42

Do u think you gave to do both tea and vinegar or would tea alone suffice?

corey_smiley

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 19:05

It is probobly best to use both the tea and the vinegar because when they are both used together on the wood they create some kind of reaction giving you the color that you want. It is also a good idea to experiment on some scrap wood first to get the color right. Im not sure if you have read this article or not but it gives the full step by step on this kind of finish I hope this helps. http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.ca/2012/07/how-to-oxidize-wood.html

vadepew

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:56

I plan on making this table within the next couple of weeks and I hope mine turns out half as good as yours! You did an absolutely brilliant job!

Paint3040

Sun, 10/27/2013 - 05:20

Love this table!! What oil based stain did you use on the spruce after the tea and vinegar method?

nickeydee

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 18:49

Hello! I am hoping someone can help. I cannot figure out the x's. I have a miter saw, miter box, square, any tool you would think to use and I have also tried tracing. I cannot do the x's can some one plllleaase tell me or show me how they figured this out?

Skyscraper desk and modified locker

Submitted by ibthemom on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 17:57

This was my first ever project! I built the skyscraper bookcase and then built a second one, only modifying it to make a locker style cabinet for backpacks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My helper tower

Submitted by minhnguyen on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 07:20

So glad I found these plans! I couldn't bring myself to spend $200 on the commercial ones. I built this for my 17-month old daughter since she always wants to be in the kitchen with me but always ends up under-foot. This gives her a safe place to be contained and up high so she can see what I'm doing. I don't have a jigsaw so no curved top or anti-tip feet for us but I wanted it straight anyway so that it would slide neatly under the counter over-hang. I did round off the ends of the anti-tip with the sander. I also shortened the height to 34 inches; all other measurements are as instructed.

 

I had to do my cutting in the garage during naptime since she always has to be where I am. Same with the drilling. So this project spanned several days but altogether did not take too long at all. I used 2-1/2'' screws instead of attempting pocket screws - I have a mini Kreg jig but after reading the comments and other people's pictures, I decided I didn't want to risk splitting the wood and having to make another trip to Lowe's with the toddler.

 

I assembled the ladder-rung sides & platform pieces then gave everything a once-over with my orbital sander before handing it over to my husband for staining (he enjoys it - it gives me a headache). After 3 coats, he did a final "sand" with fine steel wool which left a super smooth surface. I finished the assembly with the 1-1/2 narrow hinges - USE CLAMPS! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm Table (Pocket Holes)

Submitted by egm on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 18:03

First time I have ever attempted something like this. Made this table for my wife's birthday. Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 Coat Natural Danish Oil
1 Coat Medium Walnut Danish Oil
1 Coat Dark Walnut Danish Oil
3 Coats of wipe On Poly
Base is painted with Benjamin Moore "Black Panther"
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Big Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by tictoc on Mon, 10/08/2012 - 12:20

Build straight from Ana's plans. Very easy and quick to build. I spent a little longer sanding it a lot. I then just stained it and put two coats of urethane on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20-$30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Light Oak stain and urethane (for indoor/outdoor use)
Sand really well so the cheap wood looks good.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Media Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 19:05

Super excited for my new media cabinet!  I painted my cupboard doors white and added L brackets on the inside of the doors for support.  I had never worked with crown molding before so this was a great starter project on how to cut crown.  My cost was kept down by using supplies such as paint and hardware that I already had. 

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwinn Williams Pro Classic - Extra white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

First Ana Project - Modified 2x4 Potting Bench

Submitted by Tracy HNG on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 23:01

I have built several garden boxes and was lugging my gardening tools back and forth from the garage every day. I found myself with some spare wood and a tall, skinny pallet that I'd gotten from my work when a new conference room TV was delivered several months ago that I'd been trying to find a use for. So I decided to build a potting bench and found the one on Ana White's website and thought I could use what I had to build it. And it worked! I cut the pallet in half that I used to make the back wall and had a small piece of it leftover that just so happened to slide in between the two pallets walls. So I added some leftover scraps and made it into a small shelf for things like twine and plant markers. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out and how it looks in my garden! Looking forward to building more of Ana's projects!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Closet Organizer

Submitted by bcy419 on Thu, 10/11/2012 - 13:46

This was mine and my wife's very first woodworking project. Overall, it wasn't bad at all. I thoroughly enjoyed the actual process of cutting the wood and putting everything together. As far as the painting goes, I'd much rather just go on to another woodworking project, but I have to say that all the hard work paid off. Anna's plans helped tremendously. I tweaked slightly just because we wanted our center piece to be a little taller and slightly more narrow. We also added two shelves on each side, for a total of four. For our small reach-in closet, this was by far the best way to go about everything. We definitely have much more room and overall it is a much better use of the space.

I threw in a "before" picture just for fun.

We also just finished the Farmhouse Queen Bed that Anna has plans for, and we will be putting up a brag post on it very shortly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40-$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We just went with a simple white. My wife and I sanded everything down, then used some leftover Behr Premium Plus, Self-Priming, Interior Semi-Gloss that we previously used on our bedroom trim. We sanded between coats and applied a total of three coats for the finished product.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chest of drawers

Submitted by charae22 on Mon, 08/04/2014 - 08:35

I needed this to be a little taller, so I added another drawer. Other than that, all the other dimensions were the same. I built it in one weekend, but the finishing took about 5 days (for drying time between coats). I was trying to match a baby bed (expresso) so I stained it dark. I also used plywood on the sides, top and drawer fronts instead of pine boards. It really turned out great and matched the bed perfectly.

Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Conditioner, 3 coats of English Chestnut, 2 coats of Ebony (Minwax), 3 coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sharshar1960

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:11

LOVE the finish on this piece! Can you elaborate on the two stains? Did you alternate?

In reply to by sharshar1960

charae22

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:43

No, I didn't alternate. I needed the base color to be a deeper brown so it took 3 coats of English Chestnut. Then 2 coats of Ebony over the English Chestnut, to get the black, layered look. I put each coat on, then wiped it off after a few minutes. On the last layer of Ebony, I only lightly removed the stain. The brown shows through in some areas which is exactly what the bed had. I used the oil-based Minwax.

In reply to by sharshar1960

charae22

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:43

No, I didn't alternate. I needed the base color to be a deeper brown so it took 3 coats of English Chestnut. Then 2 coats of Ebony over the English Chestnut, to get the black, layered look. I put each coat on, then wiped it off after a few minutes. On the last layer of Ebony, I only lightly removed the stain. The brown shows through in some areas which is exactly what the bed had. I used the oil-based Minwax.

tmclifton

Tue, 09/09/2014 - 19:43

I love the finish!  Did you use the satin wipe on poly, or gloss? 

cirkit1

Wed, 10/21/2015 - 11:44

can you comment on the stain with sandeply.  did you use sanding sealer?

i have read many a comment on issues with staining sandeply but yours looks awesome.

i like the approach.

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