Community Brag Posts

Ice Chest Cover. My first Ana White project. I modified it to fit my ice chest. I made 2. Thank you for offering free DIYs!

Submitted by wunkie on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 19:55

I needed something to hide the exterior of my 7 yr old, hard used ice chests. I saw this and modified it to fit my ice chests. Love them!

I'm a newbie to wood work and am so glad I found this site! I made these in July and am working at getting better at it.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Oak stain that I had on hand. Worked great.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/22/2019 - 14:09

I fell in love with this design right away, and rushed out to buy the wood. The build itself was super quick... 4-6 hours start to finish. Oxidizing the wood took a lot of trial and error... I was hoping for a more grey look like the plans showed, but I ended up with a richer brown. Still love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the oxidizing, strong tea followed by steel wool dissolved in vinegar, as described here: http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2012/05/oxidized-x-console.html

For the final finish, Vermont Natural Coatings Poly Whey Furniture Finish, Clear Satin Finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Deck Furniture with only 2x4s

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 16:45

We have gone through several sets of deck furniture at our home in Monument, Colorado. We like wicker, but so do the squirrels! Inspired by an article in the Wall Street Journal where the author used his wood shop experience to make outdoor furniture and avoid "astronomical prices," I found this site. I thought, "Even I can build something out of 2x4s." I borrowed my neighbor's high-end chop saw and made two chairs, a love seat (by cutting the dimensions of the 79" sofa - three cushions - down to 55" - two cushions, and the coffee table, cut down from 55" to 47". Construction took less than two weeks from purchasing the wood to finishing. Everyone who has seen the finished set loves it.

Comments

Ana White Admin

Sat, 05/06/2023 - 07:41

Love your spirit and attitude to do it yourself! Thanks for sharing, it looks amazing and should last and last.

Seasonal And Holiday

Doll bunk beds

I saw this plan and wished I knew some little girls who needed this bunkbed! Two weeks later, my neighbors little girls came over with two of their Christmas gifts - American Girl dolls! I went out the next day to buy the supplies and now have it finished to give to them after school this afternoon!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint with white primer and then ivory gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

jennybriggs1970

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 16:27

These are soo cute! However I have looked high and low for the 1x1 square trim, all I have found are the 1x1 4 footers for around $4 each! Is this what everyone is using? I dont have a table saw! and our lowes nor Home Depot would wanna rip wood so small!

mikejillnelson

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 16:35

Yes - unfortuanely that's what I had to do. That's why the final cost came to $20. I tried to come up with another stair tread idea but ended up just buying the 1 x 1's. If you don't mind the look of round and square rungs, you could consider using a round dowel. They're much cheaper than square and can be found at Walmart for less than $1.

Tall Secretary

Submitted by emolson on Fri, 11/22/2013 - 10:25

I had so much fun building this project. It came together really easily, and added the perfect touch to our dining room to make it feel nice and homey. I have since added the cabinet doors to the bottom shelf... more pictures to come.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat Kilz oil based primer
1 coat Sherwin williams bright white satin latex paint (left over from house trim)
Would finish with a second coat of paint and some sort of stronger finish next time. I also added contact paper to the shelves to protect both the piece and my cookbooks from being marred.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Shimmering Headboard

My version, with a top shelf added, and the legs made of a 2x6 with a trimmed 2x4 added to make the L shaped leg.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 14:58

Really like this project and am anxious to do another :) if you have any for porch swings I want to make one of those too:) thank you for sharing!!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)

Comments

Back Yard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/15/2023 - 08:32

This is my homemade backyard inspired by plans from Ana. Used Ana's previous post to build all pieces. Stained in Mission Oak and bought pillows from Lowe's. Succulents from a local nursery.

Coffee Table
2 piece lounge
2 chairs
Ice chest
Planter Box

Comments

Toy Storage

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 19:30

After our basement remodel I decided we needed some storage for our growing collection of of toys.
This project went together much more quickly than I expected. I am so happy with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
valspar, interior semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Vmc107

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 07:05

hi! Ive been looking for something like this for toy storage in my living room. Were you able to post the plans to make something like this?

Basic changing table for a besty

This was a quick and easy build. My friend needed a changing table and I had several scraps left from a toy box build. I will mention that using 2x2 firring strips is always my worst nightmare. They're rounded, never straight, and full of knots. They just don't give that professional feel. I had to use 1/2"x3" preferred pine on the ends in order for them to sit flush inside the 2x2's. Used the kreg pocket holes and assembly was easy. The changing pad frame on top attaches to the back with an L bracket so they can remove it and still use the table down the road. I hope they enjoy it for many years.

Estimated Cost
$80 using scraps, probably $175 without scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Duo interior semi-gloss in muslin white and Minwax satin polycrylic. Love this paint, more than Behr!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Husky farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/11/2016 - 11:32

This project took me no time at all. If you pick up straight boards and purchase the legs, this shouldn't take more than a few hours to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I got the legs for $140 on Etsy and paid $40 for shipping. About $40 in additional lumber for the top and sides.
$220 total
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American
Brushed on and almost immediately wiped off.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Full Size Modern Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by lmelendi on Sun, 09/22/2019 - 11:39

We made the full size bed. We added 4 inches of height on the bed so there was room to slide a twin mattress underneath.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Weathered Gray Varathane stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

6' Barn Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/21/2023 - 11:34

I used the 6' modification of the 8' model. I used 2x6s for the top, and most of the pieces were cheap lumber, like furring strips. The color and stain are a bit darker in person.

Comments

tryde modified coffee table

Submitted by CoreyS on Mon, 01/09/2012 - 18:16

I built this coffee table for my wife for christmas, it came out really nice. I didnt make it as wide to accomodate our living room space. the plans were really easy to follow and i had a lot of fun building this project. One thing i would recommend for this table is to get a plane of some kind to get all the planks flush with each other. For the legs i used cedar 4x4s because pine 4x4s are not available anywhere around me, that didnt matter too too much because i stained the table dark anyways. We are very happy with this table and thank you ana for such great plans to follow. now hopefully ana in her busy life will find time to post a farmhouse tallboy dresser from pottery barn to match our farmhouse bedside tables

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 in lumber plus stain
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
chocolate coloured stain by varathane then used two coats of semigloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sturdy work bench plus...

Submitted by Jaymar on Wed, 11/27/2013 - 23:32

Added a peg board and a couple of extra shelves... Great design.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Purchased 4 foot fluorescent fixture, electrical wires and switch with box and plate. Used 2x4s
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy Sliding Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/13/2016 - 16:33

This was a lot of work and a bit of frustration but now that it's done it was well worth it!!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr in Solid Opal
Minwax Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Narrow Console Table

This past weekend I build Ana's Narrow Console table. I went Saturday evening to pick up the boards and cut them. I completed the whole project late Sunday afternoon. I don't have a nailer so in-between the project I switched to self-tapping screws and it became even quicker because using the ol' fashioned hammer and nails was difficult and time consuming.  Cutting the angles was a first for me, and it is not bad at all! I was very intimidated first but so glad I took that first step! Also, I just watched her video countless times to ensure I was doing it correctly, and that helped the most ;).  It is very lightweight and I did not need any assistance in carrying the table. I truly, truly believe anyone can do this!

Estimated Cost
$40 with the paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding I used one coat of Glidden Flat + Primer "Crushed Silk"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 07:47

Hi Ana. Been a fan of yours. My name is Ed. Wood working is my hobby. And its always nice to look at your plans, and put my own spin on it. My wife wanted a planter for our deck. So I tweaked your plans and made them a little bigger. I Also built her a herb garden too. With these new planters; it should put a stop to the rabbits eating everything.

Thanks for your inspiration.

Comments

Single Lounger

Submitted by adburleson on Tue, 02/16/2016 - 12:23

I loved the simple look and have admired similar loungers at Pottery Barn.  Even if I had the money I feel it's a waste to pay for what they charge.  I knew there were plans somewhere to make something similar for a fraction of the cost.  So happy I found this site!

I have many tools at home so I needed to purchase the lumber, hardware (screws, hinges, etc.), stain, and sealer.  I would say it was about roughly $100/chair (rounding up) - not including the cushions.  Those I found at Lowe's for about $60/each.  

I haven't made anything like this before so I made the first one and took my time.  I really enjoyed the process and thought the instructions were simple to follow.  I have some skills and basic knowledge so I didn't feel like this was too difficult.  I love the way they turned out!  I did the 2nd chair the following Saturday.  It took most of the day including the finishing.  I only took a few hours to put one together.  If I had help, would have been less, no doubt.  I plan to make a double lounger to match these soon. 

I will agree with some of the other posts that the legs seem a little "flimsy."  I went ahead with the orginal plan and they've held up with no problem for a year in the Texas summer heat with lots of activity and use - including our dogs!  So, I guess it's just fine.  I may use something sturdier for the double lounger since it would hold more weight.

I highly recommend these loungers to cut costs!  Also, the plan is not too difficult for anyone with little experience.

Estimated Cost
I had to purchase the wood, hardware, stain, and sealer. I would estimate about $100 a chair (rounding up). Which is a LOT less expensive then purchasing something like this! The lounge cushions came from Lowe's and were about $60/each.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Rustoleum stain - Kona. My personal favorite.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn door console

Submitted by mattquealy on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 03:30

Great project for the family. My wife and 2 daughter helped build and paint the barn door console. I used Red Oak for the top and put 4 coats of the stain to get the darker look. The plans had a get cut list and easy step by step instructions. I modified the plans slightly to fit the room in my house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$220
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane - Provincial
Dun Edwards paint - Glen Falls
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments