Community Brag Posts

Channing Desk

Awesome desk made from the Channing Desk plans on Ana-White.com! I had such a great time building this desk with my girlfriend. It was our first of many builds together.

thanks again ana-white.com

Estimated Cost
$110-$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean (2 Coats) with Minwax High Gloss Super Polyurethane (2 coats). I sanded the polyurethane with a 180 grit block between coats and let dry overnight.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting Bench

Submitted by fifi_momo on Mon, 05/12/2014 - 19:45

I adjusted the depth of the bench to accomodate a bath vanity top with sink (from the Habitat reStore). The width was adjusted to allow for 2 feet of workspace to the left of the sink. The overall height was adjusted to my wife's height. The front legs were made longer than the rear to account for the slope of the yard location.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stained red oak toybox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/14/2016 - 11:29

Thank you very much for this marvelous plan and idea. I built one for each family of grandchildren and love the finger-saving torsion hinges and front lid relief. I did end up trying biscuit joints (except for where the 1x2 boards join to the legs) as it left the inside of the box looking cleaner, especially if stained instead of painted.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades Pecan combination stain/polyurethane after a pre-stain treatment.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchright Table and Farmhouse Bench

Great plans and a great build. I used 4x4’s for the legs and decided to go with the Farmhouse Bench instead. The color I went with is Weathered Grey. I applied it with a brush and immediately wipes it off with a clean rag, then 2 coats of poly to finish it off.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey Oil Based Stain with Semi-gloss Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Shoe Shrine Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/17/2024 - 09:58

I made 2 shoe shrines then decided to add a cabinet between them for long dresses . Was going to put cabinet doors on the shoe shrines but decided it looked good displaying her shoes. I followed the shoe shrine plans from Ana's web site I found the plans easy to follow although once I was finished I realized it would have been much easy to make the outside frames first and then square them rather then build the insides and then put the outsides on last. It's challenging to keep them square when following the plans . The whole project was allot more work then I anticipated I used my sprayer to paint it I filled all the pocket holes and used wood filler to make the cubbies all one seamless look. Then added crown molding to the top. The doors are the faker shaker doors . I have made real shaker doors on other projects I cant tell the difference between the fakers and the real shakers . Happy with how it came out.

 

Mark DePonzi

Built from Plan(s)

12 foot long cedar Providence Buffet

My mom asked me to build her a buffet to match the Provence style dining table I built her a few months ago. I used the Providence Table plan as a jumping off point. Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes I made to the plan:
• Supply list – 3 2x6x12′ boards for the top
2 2x6x10′ boards for the shelf
5 2x4x8 boards for the legs and supports
• Design – I cut the legs to the same dimension, but flipped the legs 90 degrees so the profile matched the table’s. I placed the leg support 4″ from the ground, again to match the dining table. I added a shelf by drilling the 10′ 2×6′s down onto the leg supports, and used scrap 2×4′s under the center to keep it from dipping. I nixed the center top support, and decided to keep the cross supports at the same angles and length, but doubled them and used scrap 2×4 cut at 18″ wide (the width of the buffet) to span the three boards so the center wouldn’t dip or warp over time.

We chose cedar to match the table and cut down on chemicals, but it could cost a lot less if you used untreated pine for indoor use. Either way, $120 for a twelve foot long buffet isn't too shabby!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
left unfinished, my mom will probably sand and use deck stain on it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Patriotic Picnic Table for Kids

I built this for a silent auction at my school. My students chose the theme. Each of the kids in my class signed the white legs. Super easy to put together after following the plans to cut each piece of lumber. The painting was another story thanks to those stars!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
leftover paint and varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farm Table Sewing Base

Submitted by fallon on Wed, 07/25/2012 - 18:52

We just slightly modified the plan to accommodate our really great industrial sewing table base.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
First coat - Glidden Natural Linen
Stain - MinWax Classic Gray 270 (one person brushes while the other wipes it right off)
A little sanding for some aging
Several Coats of MinWax - Polycrylic, satin finish (sand between each coat)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Great weekend project...the "love swing"

Submitted by Don Ellery on Mon, 05/19/2014 - 15:49

A great weekend project...the "love swing"! I used the plan from Ana for the swing seat and added two arm rests from left over 1x6, rounded them off and sanded.

I cobbled together an A-frame to hang everything, made from five 8 foot 4x4s and two 8 foot 2x6s laminated together for the stretcher. Assembled with 1/2" galvanized carriage bolts and hung with 1/4" chain.

Definitely going to want a good miter saw for the A-Frame angles (the top ones are a bit tricky to get everything lined up)

Love it! Thanks for another great plan Ana..and of course..Shanty2Chic!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 ish..including the A-Frame... the hardware and chain can be pricey!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr exterior weatherproofing stain - Chocolate.

Just 2 thin coats, dries fast...second coat can be applied later the same day.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Carpenters Daughter

Mon, 12/12/2016 - 17:09

Could you please post the plans to build the a frame as well? I really love what you did and would like to copy it! Great Job!

Don Ellery

Wed, 07/19/2017 - 11:31

Hi! I wish I could, but I didn't take any notes on the angles or lengths when I made this and I left it with the house when we moved. 

Sittin', thinkin' and dreamin' bench for my Mermaid Mansion

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/20/2016 - 15:55

I made this bench to replace a sidewalk planter box outside my front door.  The only modifications I made were adding 4- 2x4 supporting legs - you can see them in the first photo.  This just makes the legs a little sturdier and I also added some carriage bolts to give a slight decorative touch as well as to anchor the legs to the frame.  I use a nail gun and some wood glue to secure the 2x4 to the side of the existing leg, and voila!  Thank you for a very easy to understand and follow project, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60, wood, screws and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behrs outdoor stain and sealer, semi-transparent colors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A First Desk Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/29/2024 - 07:44

This was the first time that I built anything from scratch and I must say that I was really surprised by how good it came out. It’s not perfect but I’m really proud of the finished product.
Thanks Ana for making it easy.

Tyra Williams

Built from Plan(s)

TV console

Submitted by Kmtgolden on Fri, 05/23/2014 - 08:20

This was my first attempt at building something with doors- the one on the right got knocked off square at some point and required some finagling to get it to fit. As a result, there's a gap above it, but it opens and closes smoothly. I'm okay with it. It's not perfect, but at least it's MY not perfect.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My modified version

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/23/2016 - 19:05

I modified this bed plan. Decided to go flush with outside of bed post and wanted footboard same height as mattress

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Red chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easy stool

Inspired by a photo on a DIY site i made this simple stool from pallet wood. No plan, just an idea, and i know that the hight should be around 20".

Estimated Cost
<5$
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing, just a little sandpaper #120, and a spray-text on top
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Double X Bench

Build this bench for our dining room. Had some left over stuff and got a 11 feet plank for free at the lumber yard.
66 inches long, 14 inches wide and I made it a little higher, 19,5 inches.
Have a weakness for red benches :-)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted it twice and put one layer of polyethylene on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bathroom shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/27/2016 - 13:26

Very easy build! This took just a few hours to complete and gave us some much needed flare for out tiny guest bathroom! 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/07/2020 - 18:45

Loved these plans. Made a table as well. Great set!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Scooter

I am going to be a first time Grandma and this project has been on my mind to make for him as soon as I saw it!!!
Assembly was a little tricky as I felt I needed to be sure it was very sturdy and safe. I also felt a bit out of practice as I haven't been making stuff as much as I was in the past, it may be more of a beginner level project, but I definitely needed my dad's guidance and assistance. (Thanks dad!)
I felt it needed a thicker wood for the body of the scooter so I used 1.5" wood instead of 3/4".
I am unsure on the time to make as I worked on it in the evenings after work. It did take more time than I expected, but I am super picky and wanted to add some extra touches to it.
I found the perfect monkey and bodysuit with scooters on it and that made it the perfect baby shower gift!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint, triple thick satin poly finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

brookifer86

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 06:26

Oh my goodness, I LOVE this! The modifications you made are brilliant too! I've been trying my hand at building more, and it seems like I'm plagued with splitting and such. Now I know to try 2x instead of 1x wood! I also love that you sandwiched the supports between the rockers instead of on top. Great ideas to make this build better!

MichelleC

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 17:35

I love how yours turned out!!! I want to build this for my daughter for her 2 year old birthday but was afraid the 1x wood wouldn't be strong enough so I was considering the 2x, and I'm definitely going to do it now after looking at yours, thanks! Her birthday is in one week so I have to stay focused this week!

cutepickles

Fri, 12/04/2015 - 16:35

You did an amazing job.  So adorable!  May I ask what you used to cut the thicker stock? I don't have a bandsaw and I'm wondering if it's a "must have" tool for this project. ;)

 

Thanks! :)

Liquor sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/29/2016 - 20:00

This was my first prject of this scale. First time making doors and drawers. Took about 3 months of working after work and weekends to finish. I'm pretty happy for how it trurned out as new wood worker. Time for a drink.

Estimated Cost
About $400.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Behr Marquee paint. I used minwax water based poly for the interior.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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