Community Brag Posts

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

My media console

Submitted by cbrowan on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 18:48

After the success of my first project, I had to go for #2. I loved not having to predrill and countersink anything on this...just pound away with my hammer. Since I had a bit more confidence about building, I was also able to move a lot faster on this project. I modified the plans by not adding a drawer and keeping the bottom a shelf, as well as adding smaller doors and maintaining an open shelf above them.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70 for wood, nails, and hinges/knobs
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of leftover Valspar chocolate brown paint, sanded down the corners and covered with 1 coat of Minwax polyurethane semigloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wedding Guest Book Bench

Submitted by NoëlD on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 20:23

I made this bench for the daughter of a friend to be used as the guest book for her wedding after seeing this brag post - http://ana-white.com/2013/07/wedding-guest-book-bench-modified-fancy-x-….

I made similar modifications, including the use of a project panel for the top. I made a couple of other changes. I added two reinforcements under the top. And instead of using a 2 x 4 for the legs, I glued up two 2 x 2s.

I also matched the font of the wedding invitation for the bride and groom's names and wedding date.

While the total time spent building was somewhere between three and six hours, it was built over a couple of weeks.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Three coats of white satin latex.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

NoëlD

Sat, 09/07/2013 - 20:44

The bride and groom loved it.

This was my second major build from plans I found on Ana's site. The other build is a pair of nightstands which are still awaiting stain. They were put aside so I could concentrate on the bench.

Ladder shelf Results

Submitted by vdotmatrix on Wed, 11/11/2015 - 10:56

I made these shelves for the top of my work bench to keep from going insane,,,,they are 57" tall with shelves every 14", 8 feet long and 16" deep. I had to loose 2-18" deep shelves to accomodate my drill press. , I used 5/8" plywood for the shelves and 1 by 12 and a 1x4 for the top shelf. Everything is glued and screwed. STURDY like a rock! I took a long time to over engineer these shelves, should have taken about 3-4 hours or less but I took my time...warped pine makes life ugly use the best wood you can afford.- See more at: http://ana-white.com/2014/09/free_plans/easy-economical-garage-shelving…

Estimated Cost
$60...2x4x10; 2x4x8; 4x8 23/32"; screws and tite bondIII.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Plank Sideboard / Wine Cabinet

Submitted by denthy68 on Tue, 01/01/2019 - 06:40

Modified Anna White planked sideboard plan.  Made the unit smaller and changed the center cabinet to a wine rack.  This is my very first piece of furniture. It's not perfect, but I love how it turned out.  Routed the edge of the top to add detail and used a tablesaw to square edges of 2x4's for a sharper look.  Fits nicely under my husband's antique mirror.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams satin latex. The first finish I tried was a flat black, but it looked lifeless so I added two coats of satin and am very happy with the finish for look and durability.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Patio Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/22/2022 - 13:05

Based on Ana's 2x4 patio furniture blog and plan wirh some modifications.

Built all in cedar.

Seats are 1x6.
Seat back height is at 36"
Backs are 1x6 .

Cushions are from Home Depot:
Bozanto Sunbrella Deep Seating Cushions
24" x 24" seats with 6" thickness
Back cushions are at least 6" thick.
2200 UV hour fade life.
Aceent cushion are from Lowes.

Stain is Cabot Gold Sunlit Walnut put on with 2 coats.

Covers are custom ordered from Covers and all. Www.coversandall.ca

Estimated all in cost lumber, supplies, stain, covers - $2,500.

Much cheaper less than half than the retail cost for similar quality patio furniture.

Comments

Modified Farmhouse Table

Submitted by kfitz85 on Thu, 08/18/2011 - 19:18

Modified farmhouse table - A little over 5 feet. Really a fun project

Estimated Cost
60 Dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mission Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Brittney89 (not verified)

Fri, 08/19/2011 - 11:11

What were the modified dimensions you used for this farm house table? It looks amazing!

Brittney89 (not verified)

Fri, 08/19/2011 - 11:11

What were the modified dimensions you used for this farm house table? It looks amazing!

Modern Angle Chair

This was a fairly easy project that I believe had great results. The finish time includes a few nights of polyurethane and sanding to finish.

The fairly costly price is from wanting to make this chair like a real finished project. The bulk of the chair is made from poplar and the seat is made from a pine project board.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust Oleum Kona stain and satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by mdj1281 on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 06:27

Our new home has a 21'x17' screened in porch that needed somthing, anything to occupy it! We looked for sectionals from online retailors and could not believe how much money they were demanding for them. Being new homeowners we could not afford/justify spending that amount. I found Ana-white.com while looking for shoe bench plans and found these 2 plans for the sectional. It was time to justify all of my tool purchases! lol

 

I took the 2 plans for the sofa and armless sectional and increased the size on the armless sectional by 1 seat to fill the area better. Future plans also include a bar, serving area and coffee table in the space. I bought (30) acq 2x4x8's and, not including scrap pieces, had 3 reamaining full pieces after completing the project. Total for the wood materials was $130 and I also had to buy a Kreig Jig ($37) and 2-1/2" ext deck screws so all in all about $180 for the materials

 

For the cushons I searched local retailors and found since we were going into the winter season a lot of local stores were selling off their patio supplies at big discounts. I found a local Home Depot selling Hampton Bay deep cushions for 75% off (normally $49.98 on sale for $13.xx). I needed 8 seats and since one was a corner I ordered 9 sets (9 backs, 8 seats).

 

Project took me less than 5 hours pick up the wood, set up on-site shop, make all the cuts and assemble. That 5 hour timeline also included a break for dinner. The sofa sections are heavy when put together, if you plan on moving them more than once or twice a year I'd suggest putting some caster wheels on the base with locks to keep it from rolling away when being used.

Estimated Cost
$130 in wood materials, $117 in cushions (on sale) + incidentals (glue, screws)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kbdesigns

Tue, 11/17/2015 - 17:58

Looks like some nice pieces of furniture you have here! I actually built the same sofa from that same plan as our outdoor furniture, along with some chairs built with the same style to match. Mine is a few months old and I'd like you give just a tiny bit of advice (if you'll accept it lol) so yours doesn't end up like mine... On the back, top horizontal support (the ones that traverse the entire length of the sofa) I would put 1-2 vertical support posts spaced evenly. After just a month of having mine I started to notice a slight sag in the board :( No doubt after 6 months to a few years it would become pretty bad. Its just a matter of cutting a couple scraps and screwing them in, so its a pretty simple fix! I hope it helps, and keep up the tool collection and builds!

 

-Jeremy

mdj1281

Wed, 11/18/2015 - 04:09

Funny you should mention that, I was thinking it while showing it off to the in-laws a few nights ago. I'm a big guy and leaned back on it and naturally it had movement. I was torn between a 2x4 on end running under the rear piece or horizontal supports... I didn't want there to be any undesirable spots to sit in if my guests leaned back. So, since you did this addition does it effect the seating area?

 

Good call though and something I'm going to do!

 

Thanks!

Christmas present from my husband!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 18:03

My husband made this for me for Christmas. He changed the size a bit but overall stuck to the plans. He used Jacobean stain by Varathane and 3 coats of matte poly by Varathane as well. He used an HVLP sprayer to apply the poly and I think that made a huge difference in the smoothness. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean by varathane 2 coats on top with paint brush and used rag to wipe away.
Matte finish by varathane for poly. 3 coats with HVLP sprayer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse table on casters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/30/2022 - 17:17

I bought Ana’s book and combined the kitchen island and the farmhouse table to create the farmhouse on casters. This project was built for a small apartment so that you can use it as a workspace or dining table and then roll it out of the way. The table is counter height so 24” stools fit neatly underneath.

Comments

Farmhouse Bed - King.

Submitted by Shayna on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 14:50

My very first project! In love with this site & my new bed- have caught the building bug!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Antique white paint, Minmax "Walnut" stain.
Stained wood first, painted 3 coats of white, sanded in between each coat, finishing off with a last coat of stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhghome

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 00:49

Looks awesome! I'm going to be trying to build this exact bed this weekend. Did you just lightly sand in between coats, and did you finish it with a polyurethane coat? This is the exact finish I'm going for, but I've never tried it before.

Console Table

This table was inspired by the pottery barn Jocelyn console table. I made some of my own changes and it is built out of pine. The drawers have full extension slides witch makes the hole drawer excesable.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
It's painted with general finishes milk paint the color is basil and its glazed with general finishes vandyke brown glaze. The top is stained in light walnut with the vandyke brown glaze over it to make the color that it is.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Trestle

My vintage table collapsed, so I built it new legs using the farmhouse plans. I didn’t want to lose the expandable leaves however, so I decided to reuse the top and add a second trestle so the table can still expand. I sanded and restained/polyed the top and leaves and cut a space in the center support to hold the spare leaves. I’ve never seen a table like it and I’m very proud.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Dressor project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/14/2022 - 16:57

First Dresser project using the plans on this site.
My wife is very happy with the result and so am I!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Tryde Media Center!

Submitted by perchik on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 20:04

I finally got the tryde media center built! This is actually the last piece I built but the first one I finished. I've made the rest of the tryde tables and I'll upload those later.

You'll notice that I made some cosmetic modifications to the hutch. I extended the top trim out and wrapped it around the sides. I also embellished the trim at the base of the hutch. Finally with the hutch, I changed the plans to allow me to break it down into smaller pieces to move. The top piece is basically a box with trim. Then the back boards break down into two sections of four boards and the sides come off. Everything is attached by screws so I can undo it later.

I slightly modified the base unit so that the top boards are 48" long [so I could get two from an 8' board] and the breadboard piece is a 2x6 instead of 2x4 to compensate for the lack of width a little. [This modification wasn't planned until I had the base built and realized I bought 8' 2x4s instead of 10' boards.]

Additionally, on all of my tryde pieces, instead of untreated 4x4s I used a 2x4 1x4 2x4 sandwich and modified all the plans to account for the extra width.

The first picture is the unfinished base.
Second is the top piece of the hutch.
Third, the completed unit, unstained.
Fourth is a detailed pictures of the molding that went at the bottom of the sides of the hutch.
Finally, there's the back boards I used, just because I think they look neat.

After finishing, I ran a rope light around the top of the hutch [hidden by the molding], for some ambient overhead lighting. I also did a lot of cord organization on the back side of the base to hide all the cords.

Estimated Cost
~150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded with 120 and 220 grit BEFORE assembling. This made it so much easier to finish. I'd strongly suggest doing this if you can.

The stain is Cabot "English Leather", which is one they have to tint for you at the desk.

I finished with a spray can of shellac. I liked how it came out, but it was too expensive for me. In retrospect I would have just done it right with a can of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mini Media Center

Miniature Media Center- Set up under camp loft bed. Was the perfect finish to the room. The boys love their new area where they can control what they watch and for the first week or so I rarely saw them in the house....it was so quiet. They go the lowes build and grow clinics each month and this was a great place for them to display their projects.

Instead of using 1x6's and 1x8's I simply bought one 4x8 sheet of plywood and had it ripped down to 5.5 and 7.5 inch strips. I then added rounded edging to cover the edges on the front.

Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted a bright red- not sure of color- I got it off the opps rack and it went perfectly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 06:59

Love this whole area; the beds, adirondack chairs, mini media wall. Lucky kids!

New Farmhouse Kitchen Table

Submitted by tbladecki on Mon, 11/23/2015 - 09:21

This is 84" long and 41" wide. I built this to fit our family. We are a family of 7 and our old table was just too small. It would not hold the food or all the people, so we came up with this. It has plenty of room and there is no more buffet style eating.

 

The build was pretty easy, the finishing took some time. All in all happy with the results. Looking forward to building the bench and chairs. This entire build is made from constuction grade pine off the shelf at the big orange box store.

 

Cost was under $100 for just the wood but the finishing items I did not ahve so I had to purchase. The finsih was a 80/20 mix of gloss minwax poly and miniral spirts. It worked very well and I am very happy with the outcome. I did learn a few things along the way, 1) off the shelf cheap lumber is not very stable and 2) this thing is HEAVY

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony & Jacobean (Ebony base, top Jacobean) 1 coat for all

Wipe on poly, 4 coats base and the top was about 8
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great idea, though I added to your design

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 19:39

Well for starters, we wanted a bed with a slide. There are few options that a 19mo would not fall off/out of. (Yes are getting a tad ahead of ourselves). My wife liked the design, but was hesitant about the open part so we included a removable top cover with a look-out window. I also changed how the hinges mount so as to allow the flap to lower all the way down. Now we can simply slide the mattress out to make the bed, and put back as well as insert our son through the slot when he is asleep. I also added a platform in the corner for the stairs and slide to attach, and made the entry point to the bed at the foot of the bed and not the back side. This made the opening more stable. The room does not allow for much access to the other end of the barn so for appearance sake, we added a partial cover for the play area to make it still look like a barn from the side. I was able to make everything in sections, paint outside, then bring in and assemble. I made a "prop" of sorts, to assist in positioning the bed frame while I brought in and attached the head-end of the barn. We did it in 5 days, but it was legitimately a 7 day job that we just overworked ourselves on. The cost estimate is primarily wood, screws, and paint because I already had the stainless sheet. Thank you for the basic idea, but as pics show, we modified it in many ways. 

Estimated Cost
$600.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate