Community Brag Posts

Dining room table and bench

Although I didn't use a plan from this site, I do have Ana to thank for giving me the confidence to go alone and build this from a drawing that my wife drew up. All of my previous builds were from plans on this site so to make this from scratch without any help makes this my favourite build to date.

Table

Top: 2x12s

Aprons: 2x6s. Trim purchased from Lowes

Legs: Purchased from Lowes

Fake drawers: 1x4 ripped to size. Knobs purchased from Lowes

 

Bench

Top: 2x12

End sections: 1x10 (may replace with 2x10)

Aprons: 2x4

 

Chairs were purchased separately. (I'm not that confident yet)

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Honey stain and 3 coats of polyurethane for the table and bench tops. 3 stage latex chalk and wax for the 'shabby chic" finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

gpsmith

Sun, 12/06/2015 - 06:03

Hi,

 

This looks lovely, just what I'd like to do. Do you mind sharing where you found the plans or if you're a creative whiz, send some photos of the underside so I can see how you constructed it?

 

Thanks,

Mike Millington

Mon, 12/07/2015 - 07:38

I didn’t use any plans for this. My wife sketched out the design she wanted and I decided to go it alone. This is the first time I’ve built something from scratch without help and it was surprising easy to put together.

This is completely put together with the Kreg jig. The table top is made up of 3, 2 x12s attached together with pocket hole screws. I cut the 4 aprons and attached those to the legs also with pocket hole screws. To give extra support I attached 2, 2x4 cross braces between the longer aprons. The table top was then screwed in place with pocket hole screws through the aprons and 2” screws through the 2 braces.

For the fake drawer fronts, I cut them to size and routed the outer edges to round them off. I then attached the knobs and screwed the drawers in place through the back of the aprons. Finally, I attached trim to the bottom of the aprons. The knobs and trim were bought from Lowes.

The bench was made in a similar way. The top is made from a piece of 2x12, 2x4s for the aprons, the end sections are 2x10s and I used a jigsaw to cut out the arches. All attached together with pocket holes. I then added a 2x2 support beam through both ends and attached matching trim to the aprons.

Hope this helps.

Factory cart coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/24/2019 - 04:20

Awesome plan, used 10” boards and 6” wheels to add height. Also added hinges so that the top opens up for storage. Found some hardware to give it some personality. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$85.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut & gray stain, layered.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Extra Long Buffet Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/03/2022 - 19:29

My husband and daughter worked on this project together. They modified the extra long buffet cabinet to include a drop leaf on the backside. This project adds extra storage her tiny apartment while also providing a space for them to eat.

It still needs painted, however it looks amazing.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Super Simple Lid and Pot Rack

Submitted by twsnowman on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 19:57

Super Duper Easy

Built in 2 hours including time to change outfits on my daughters' poly-pockets, feed the baby dinner, and pick up kindergarten carpool.
and yes, I did it all on my kitchen table.

I was trying to find plans for a pot-rack that also holds the LIDS!!! By the time I reviewed half a dozen designs that didn't work, I had thought of one myself that works brilliantly. I can reach and store the lids from the ground (yes I'm short) as easily as I can the pots. I hung mine over the kitchen sink so it doubles as a pot/lid drying rack as well.

If you want details on steps I took, materials used, or mistakes I made, message me.

Happy building!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever. I just painted with interior semi-gloss tinted to match my table.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bristol Blue Jean Lounge Chairs

Submitted by Ekoed on Wed, 12/09/2015 - 11:13

This was my first build, and the instructions were great. I ended building two of them for our porch. The strength of the chairs following the plans is perfectly fine. We have used them every day for the past 6 months and have had no problems. The base cushions were re-claimed from an old couch someone was throwing away. We ripped the old covers off, and my girlfriends mother sewed $9.00 shower curtains over top of them. (Purchased at walmart) The backs are just 4 inch foam purchased from Hobby Lobby. The stain was "blue jean". We love these chairs. Thanks Ana.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue Jean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Coffee Table, take 2

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/31/2019 - 10:07

Made from leftover wood from other projects.  Adjusted the plan to accomodate the lengths of wood I had available.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax antique walnut, layered with Rustoleum Weather Gray. Minwax hand-rubbed polyurethane finish (2 coats) and 1 coat of wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/21/2022 - 07:42

We desperately needed more counter space and storage in our kitchen, so we turned to Ana for inspiration. This island is based on the Simple Kitchen Island plan. We purchased a 30" x 48" butcher block countertop and adjusted the dimensions to fit. We also added a second shelf for additional storage. We used materials we had on hand (2x4s and 1x4s for the frame, and MDF for the shelves). We're fairly new to DIY projects on this scale, but the complete, detailed instructions provided on the website gave us the confidence to make the adjustments we needed to make our kitchen island a reality. Thank you, Ana!

Comments

A Gift to Grow With

Submitted by melissa2 on Sat, 09/10/2011 - 16:33

Though I'd spent a few months crocheting a baby blanket, my mother also wanted something special and lasting as a gift for a future new family member. She tried to think of something unique, but kept coming up empty. I went online to help her, and looked for newborn items. Unfortunately, I just kept running into toys, toys, and more toys. Ones that would be "grown out of" quickly, too. It was late at night, and very quiet, the time when your brain is calm and sometimes things just dawn on you.

Why not a toy BOX? (And one already "worn in," so that it could take a lot of play throughout the years.) I knew right where to look for a plan--Ana White's website! It ended up being a gift for him from both of us, and while he's a little too young to notice it now, we hope it grows with him and brings him years of joy.

Thank you, Ana, for sharing your talent and helping us (and so many others) create something truly special. That old blanket can wait until Christmas!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 or so (with some toys)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1) Paint on primer, and use a roller to smooth (with all paint coats); 2) Paint on Painter's Touch or American Accents by Rustoleum in "Heirloom White"; 3) Sand; 4) Paint; 5) Spatter on black craft paint; 6) Sand edges down to bare wood, and some surface areas; 7) Put water in brown craft paint, and use as a stain in sanded-off areas, wiping off excess with paper towels. Use some to make stains on other areas; 8) Hammer in random spots with a meat cleaver; 9) Varnish with one coat of semi-gloss. ~ The bird on the bottom right is a wood applique, purchased from a craft store and added before finishing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mikejillnelson5 (not verified)

Sun, 09/11/2011 - 04:36

What a wonderful idea! As baby girl gets older it could become a hope chest (not a common thing to have nowadays but still useful and appreciated). For the cuddly boys, a storage locker for sport jerseys, memorabelia, etc. A gift that truly lasts a lifetime!

melissa2

Sun, 09/11/2011 - 18:42

mikejillnelson5, those are great suggestions! Another one for boys as they age is to use it as a place to dump sports gear (basketballs, baseballs, bats, etc.).

Kids as they age can flip the toy box around, so that anything that becomes "childish" to them--like a name or added detail--can be hidden against a wall.

Farmhouse style bed

Submitted by mindogas on Sat, 09/28/2013 - 23:53

Modified Farmhouse style bad. Used lighter wood for headrest and footrest. Changed measurements for Lithuanian size of mattress (200x160cm). For headboard panel were used pallets wood so it was necessary to paint it right. Also Added some trims for decorating edges.

Estimated Cost
~200$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Water based Champagne Sand color paints.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bclute

Sun, 09/29/2013 - 06:37

I wish I would have seen your plan before I built my bed. Your head and footboard bases make it a lot easier to attach the side rails. Paint color and texture look good too. Did you use a satin finish?

mindogas

Sun, 09/29/2013 - 08:25

Thank you for your opinion.
I used glossy paint and its over. No final polishing or lacking ant the end if you asking this.

Flip top bench

Submitted by Crakes84 on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 06:41

I made two of these as gifts. I modified the plans for a smaller bench length and width. They are 33in long on the top with a 1.5 overhang. I chose to place the 1x4 on top at the end as it was easier to stain and finish. Instead of wood glue since it was finished I used 3 pocket hole screws in the back, 2 corner braces with antique bronze finish on the ends under overhang and 2 on the inside of the storage area and gorilla glue.this made it very solid. It also made positioning it easy as I screwed the corner braces to the bottom side of the 1x4 face. I measured for a 1in overhang and 3/4 of an inch for the thickness of the back board. By doing so I could simply place the board on top of the bench and center it for 1.5 in overhang on ends then simply screw in the remaining screw hole in the inside of the storage  compartment.

Estimated Cost
50bucks
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax honey oil stain and 3 coats of minwax semi gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Customized Sliding Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/05/2019 - 15:05

Designed from the Grandy Sliding Door console, but I modified it by extending it to 8ft wide, and added a media shelf to not cover remote sensors for my set top boxes. This is my first build from Ana White so it took a little more time and expense than I hoped only because of some startup tools I decided to get to help the process.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Verathane Carbon Grey and Sunbleached
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ladybug'13

Mon, 07/01/2019 - 14:08

Nice job! I really like your version, especially the doors. How did you make them? 

Jargon89x

Sun, 12/12/2021 - 21:41

I realize its been years since this comment was posted, But i started with a 1/4 ply. Then topped it with 1x4 common wood to create the chevron. They are glued and held with clamps tight against the previous as i built it out. Can provide more pictures if interested.

Modern farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/29/2022 - 09:45

Post and beam farm house table.

Completed 4 years ago by myself while using the Ana-whites plans.

Matching baby change table and crib are also finished for our newborn arriving Jan 3rd.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Desk

Submitted by daliae on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 20:32

I made this this February for my daughter’s birthday. I did not use Ana’s plans for same desk since at the time I did not know this site existed. I made my own plans that were influenced by Ballard design and Pottery Barn catalogs. It took me many nights though if you have the time it should not take more than a weekend to make.
I added a keyboard shelf using special slides hat I found at HD.

I made it out pine and plywood from HD. I trimmed the bottom with a trim and painted with primer and high gloss White Dove Valspar paint.

Estimated Cost
75&
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and high gloss White Dove Valspar paint (Lowe's).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sgilly02 (not verified)

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 22:47

Your desk turned out beautifully! Does the bottom drawer hold hanging files? Ana's plan mentions buying rails that fit on the sides of the drawers and cost about $1.50, but she doesn't mention specifics. I wondered if you found something that worked for this purpose.

FANCY X FARMHOUSE TABLE

Great, fun project. Only used a Kreg jig, Skill Saw and Sander. Super easy.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean and exterior finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Square Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/18/2015 - 20:12

This is a 5x5ft square farmhouse table that I built for my dining room. It's all kiln dried construction lumber. I bought a thickness planer to get this right. I got tired of the twists in the boards that made it impossible to get the table top flat and consistent. It's completely worth it. I cut all the boards down from 2x12 lumber to 10 inch width. I routered the edge of each plank with 1/8 bit to give it a small crack in between the planks. I sprayed the new varathane poly, water-based, and it came out perfect. I ended up with 4 coats.

Estimated Cost
250-300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First build done!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/11/2019 - 07:55

Really enjoyed the build.

You don't really need a Brad nailer or stapler, I did it with good old hammer and nails. Just brace it well when nailing into unsupported beams. You also don't need a tablesaw, I did all the plywood cuts with a circle saw. The shelves in the original plan are deceptively small. After building one side with the shelves how the plan has them, I decided to build the other cart with only one shelf for two on each side instead of four, gives a lot more space. I didn't add any shelves to the other side of the left cart, planning on adding hooks to hang extension cords and such in there. Make sure you predrill, I still had cracking issues even with the self drilling screws. I would recommend splurging on quality plywood especially for the tops and front. 

 

I plan on adding a dust hood and shelves above each side. Also going to do the tablesaw and bench tool mods to the carts when I get those tools. 

Estimated Cost
Not sure on cost because I bought tools too. Maybe 225? Really not bad. Casters were the most expensive part.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint to match garage
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farm benches

A set of beautiful farm benches for our outdoor table. I built these beauties with redwood wood using only pocket holes to avoid exposing any screws. The only place where I had to use pocket holes plugs was in the leg stretchers to avoid seeing the pocket holes.
I applied pre-stain wood conditioner and then stained them using Dark Brown transparent stain. I wanted the wood grain to be visible through the stain and this allowed me to do just that.

Modified Tryde coffee table

Submitted by lkey on Sat, 09/24/2011 - 11:11

We loved the Tryde coffee table, but thought a more industrial look would fit better in our apartment. We saw some black iron pipes at Home Depot and decided to use these for the legs. It turned out great and looks really good with the rest of the furniture! Thanks for the plan!

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

Comments

Flip Top Storage Bench

Submitted by Linda7 on Tue, 10/01/2013 - 15:40

So my sister's house is on a rural, sandy lot. Did I mention sand...lots of sand. Her tile doesn't react well to sand-covered shoes , so they needed a place for guests to take off street shoes to replace them with spa booties. I offered to build them a storage bench for that purpose.
I modified the bench to make it shorter as per my sister's request. She also wanted the lower shelf modified to place a boot tray on it to catch the sand. I suggested replacing the lower shelf with rails to place the shoes on so the sand could fall off onto the boot tray. We nailed finish nails into the legs under the rails and slid the tray onto them. Now she can remove the tray easily to dispose of the...sand.
The finish on the body matches the mirror, which hangs above it. The lid of the bench was stained to match the finish on the doors, posts, etc. I used wrap around inset hinges from here: http://www.rocklerpro.com/product.cfm?page=5135&rrt=1
I checked this as a weekend project because of dry time for stain and poly.
Thank you, ANA for the awesome plans.

Estimated Cost
About $65
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Express Color "Crimson" for body; Minwax "Ipswich Pine" water-based stain, followed by three coats of gloss poly for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Buffet Table

Submitted by kterrell on Mon, 12/21/2015 - 21:05

The goal of this project was to create a buffet / serving table to compliment the large farmhouse table I made a while back.   We have been using a folding table for a buffet line at large family gatherings and that just didnt seem right when placed next to the giant 10' table.  (info for the table: http://www.ana-white.com/2014/07/big-farmhouse-table)

The build is similar to the farmhouse table, but the materials are a bit smaller due to the size of the table.  The legs are 2x3's and the table top itself is made of 2x6's outlining a 2' x 5' section of tile. All of the other materials (stretchers and apron) are made from 1x3s.  The tile is set so it sits about 1/8" higher than the wood.  This is to allow hot pans and plates to be placed directly on the tile without a trivet or other separator.  The tile sets on a 3/4" piece of MDF supported by small 1x2 slats underneath.

 

All of the joinery is accomplished with glue and Kreg Jig / Screws. 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Cost
$70 in lumber.

Cost doesnt include finish materials or screws as I had them onhand already, but would probably cost $20 or less.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
pre-conditioner (brushed), traditional american stain, 2 coats of tung oil finish and 1 coat of rub on poly (all applied by cloth).

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner