Community Brag Posts

Picnic Table Set with the built in coolers..

Submitted by unclebones on Tue, 01/26/2016 - 20:01

My variation of the multiple plans / pictures I have seen.
I will be making another one this season, with an additional variation in mind to make the time it takes to make the whole thing less.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor Stain/seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY Kitchen Island

Submitted by katie0910 on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 07:18

This was my second solo project. I built it for my mom's kitchen to replace her old kitchen table. I absolutely love how it turned out. It is big and functional. Come see how I built it on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
approx $600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Paint+Primer in Deep Twilight Blue
Valspar Antiquing Glaze
Minwax Polycrylic Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Stepping Stool

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 04:49

I love the ease of your plans.

Comments

Bypass Closet Doors for the hallway and master bedroom

Submitted by AlohaMama on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:00

I loved the Idea of new closet doors and hated the idea of bi-folds. My house is crooked it seems. The doors don't sit straight and bi-folds always fall off their tracks. When I came upon the plans for Bypass Doors from Old Paint Designs I was hooked! I made 4 doors for the hallway in 1 day, oiled it with Danish Oil in Dark Walnut, hung it the next day and what a difference!! Glass is rather expensive in Hawaii and so is plexi-glass so I opted for Bead Board which gave it a more "country" feel instead of a more modern feel. I wish I could have used glass but the $150 price tag just wasn't fitting into my budget very well. My hubby loved the bypass doors so much he asked me to build them for our open closet. 2 days of work, 8 doors, 2 closets done!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jilley27 (not verified)

Tue, 08/28/2012 - 15:27

Great job on the doors! I am interested in doing this myself. I will have to make 4 doors for my closet as well since I have such a large opening. Can you tell me what the measurments of your closets are? Also what are the dimensions of the pine that you used? Thanks a bunch!

In reply to by Jilley27 (not verified)

AlohaMama

Tue, 08/28/2012 - 18:44

My closet opening is about 8' across. Each door is 26" wide and 79" tall. I made them so the would have a 1" overlap on each side...

I used 1x6 @ 8' lengths of pine. I like the really knotty pine with lots of character! Have fun building! These were pretty simple to make once you get all the boards cut.

Simple jig to save time and increase accuracy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/15/2023 - 12:13

I downloaded the plans for the octagonal table. I have made several and used a few different woods, made a few minor design changes as well as creating a routine and using a jig or two. This jig fits in between the two boards that form the seat support frame. I used a large paint stick and a scrap piece of 2 x 4. Using a table saw, I cut a groove in the 2" edge, approximately 1/2" deep, this took two passes (pass it through, turn it and pass again), a slight adjustment and another two passes. Insert the paint stick and seat all the way down. Place jig between seat support frame, might be a little snug or use a clamp to hold in place. Adjust so just the paint stick sticks up enough to separate seat boards. With seat boards against the jig, it forms the perfect angle/guide to match cuts. I also used 1/2" spacers to create consistent spacing. Love the various plans you make available as well as your videos.

Comments

Rustic Farmhouse Vanity

Submitted by jameslee on Thu, 10/10/2019 - 16:23

My master bathroom was my first DIY remodel. I took this room down to the studs and built it back up. I struggled to find the perfect vanity that felt strong and sturdy and could not find one. I needed a wide vanity to accommodate this 3 foot wide vessel sink. I found Ana White and this plan online and fell in love! This was my first build and I’ve become addicted to wood working since. As my first build, this took me most of a day to build and assemble drawers. Sanded and painted with a flat finish! I love it! Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes milk paint in Seagull Gray with a high performance flat finish. Hardware and sink found on Amazon.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pallet Reclaim Swing

I work for a large manufacturing company that frequently has 'desirable trash'. Found 3 beautiful, heavy-duty pallets with beautiful wood on them. Took them home, took them apart, and got to work. The wife had been wanting a swing out near our children's playset so she could sit and watch them. Used Kreg pocket holes for everything that I could so as to hide as much hardware as possible.

*Side note regarding why I did the rope the way I did - the original post had mentions of it being a bit tipsy (particularly with little ones!). With this design, there's no flip front or back and the rope only gets tighter the more weight that is applied.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Almost free, only had to pay ~$30 for the rope.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Cedar Naturaltone Stain, foam brushed on and wiped off with rags.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farm House jewelry Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/28/2020 - 12:23

The plans were simple to follow. Made some small changes, used some pine wood wall paneling from Lowes. The pine paneling was used on the back and door. Both were inset with a routed step the same thickness as the panels.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain espresso
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pergola Project

Thank you for the plans! They were easy to follow and my girlfriend and I are very happy how the pergola turned out. I used the 2x6's and 2x4's due to being in Nebraska with heavy snow and high winds often to give it more durability. I can't wait to start on the sectional. Total cost was about 350 dollars...so cheap in comparison to what they sell for.

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

Comments

Jade (not verified)

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 14:43

love this

taylorgdaddy

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 05:22

Thank you Ana, I have had multiple people say it looks like it is on fire...hilarious :) We will be adding outdoor fabric over the top for shade and gathering outdoor curtains on the posts. Will take another pic when that is complete. This site is awesome and I will continue to support you as much as I am able.

Thanks for the comment Jade!

lipstickandsawdust

Sun, 05/13/2012 - 06:03

Very nice Pergola, the color is perfect and the construction rocks! This is on my list of to- do projects for my mom. I have not really made any "outdoor" projects yet. So, I'll keep getting my feet wet with indoor projects.

taylorgdaddy

Thu, 05/17/2012 - 08:31

Thank you lipstickandsawdust! I can send the other plans that I combined with Ana's which showed how to do the cut out notches if you like this construction better. Have a great weekend.

Forrest (not verified)

Tue, 08/28/2012 - 09:24

You mentioned that you combined another set of plans when it came to cutting the notches. That's one of the hang ups I have getting started is that I'm not sure how best to do that. What did you do? The pergola looks great!

jdlemmons

Thu, 05/17/2012 - 11:45

My husband is DYING to have a pergola. I showed him the plans and he is down to build and is really excited for it! That's our next project as soon as I finish our bed (haha!). Did you paint or stain this?

taylorgdaddy

Sat, 05/19/2012 - 05:01

I is the Behr weatherproof stain and the color was "coffee". It took two gallons which was two coats. Post pics when your husband is done I would like to see them. Good luck with the bed.

YankeeBelle

Fri, 05/25/2012 - 18:54

Great job! I want to build one too! The original plans say advanced, but on this post it says beginner.....watcha think? Can I do it? (so far I've made a picture frame and framed out some trimwork). Thanks for posting....btw, I love the twinkle lights!

slee (not verified)

Wed, 06/27/2012 - 17:00

You did an awesome job! I'll be showing my husband these pics and hopefully they will inspire him to make us one too! I'd love your modifications to the plans also since we have heavy snow etc.. up here in Quebec too. Thanks for sharing!

jeremy bales (not verified)

Thu, 09/20/2012 - 06:47

Im trying to build a 10x10 just like this but im trying to figure out exactly what wood dimensions I should order before i do. Im going to use cedar and I know i want to use 6x6 posts and I want to use 2x6 on top like yours but i cant figure out what exactgly I need to order. My wife wants me to do the decorative around the posts as well.
Please help!

sully82384

Sun, 04/28/2013 - 11:27

Hi I was hoping you would share your plans with me I live in oregon I wanna make one of these but I plan on using 12 ft 4x4 posts putting them 3 ft in the ground and I like the way you used 2x4's and 2x6's id like to know the dimensions you used if you modified anas plan what was your spacing and what degree did you cut the outside piece's on the 2x4's and 2x6's I love the design you created from anas plan

Weatherly Pergola with Hammocks

Submitted by jacquiejn on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 08:22

I've wanted a place to hang our hammocks for a few years now. We have some really nice hammocks from a local artisan. This past weekend, we built the framing with intentions of making it a pergola at a later time. With encouragement of my son & boyfriend, we decided to add the pergola on Sunday. I liked this plan because it wasn't as complicated or expensive as a lot of other plans out there that use 2x6s instead of 2x4s. Adding the angle brackets really solidified the whole structure. I'm so thrilled with this project! Unfortunately, today (Monday), it's raining, so I can't go hang out there.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We will allow the wood to dry most of the summer before finishing.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Kayak Rack

Submitted by JamieLynn on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 09:44

I couldn't find a plan for this but found a picture of what I was looking for. It's a little too big but works. Took about 3 hours to make. Used mostly scrap wood.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:17

A modified version of one of Ana’s chairs. I widened it by a few inches and used the staves from a retired whiskey barrel for the seat and back. I then added a Sho Sugi Ban effect to the frame and then stained it using Unicorn Spit.

mcglashanpatrick

My First Builds!

Submitted by DiyIsFun on Tue, 06/23/2020 - 09:33

Made the swing and two sets of planters since we were on stay Home orders. I’d never done anything like this...ever! My husband helped me hang the swing. We love, love the results. (Now to make a seat cushion😆) I couldn’t tag the plans for the modern square planter boxes. They are huge and I can hardly wait until Christmas to put trees in all four!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor Play Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:05

I built this using Ana's plans for her outdoor play kitchen. I live in North Carolina and took it to my grandchildren in Ohio. They love it! I used an inexpensive beverage dispenser installed into a trashcan and connected a small aquarium pump to recirculate the water from the sink to the water tank. I'm super pleased with how it turned out!

Nancye Butterworth

Built from Plan(s)

Tilt-out recycling sorter --Modified Build

I attached the tilt out portion using a Kreg jig and eventually removed the brace (it wasn't necessary and removing the brace gave it a cleaner look.

I used 2 x 2 as a trim around the outside which also allowed me to hide the hinge.

Other than that -- followed the build pretty closely. I used a cable on either side to stop the tilt out from falling to the floor (which allows me to leave it open as well.

This was my first project and it was a battle to figure out how to install the hinges and I did not love my jig saw work with the plan feet so I bought and installed furniture replacement feet which turned out much nicer (IMO).

Good luck!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes Java Gel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy Jewelry Box

Submitted by Matt L on Mon, 06/29/2020 - 19:52

Great plans and a fun build. I made some modifications. My drawers are 1.5” high and 10” long. It allowed for 6 drawers. Overall height is 13.75” and length is 17.5”.

I used rabbits and dados rather than butt joints. There is flocking in the drawers.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Garnet Shellac at a 2# cut. Wiped on. I used 4 coats sanding with 400 grit after coats 2 and 3. I used 0000 steel wool after coat 4. Then I applied Paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Husky farmhouse table

Submitted by wayne465 on Thu, 07/02/2020 - 11:19

This was a fun project to replace our old oak table. Anna’s project plans was very easy to follow. My wife wanted a semi plank look so I used a wood jointer and a wood planer to get the top nice and snug without many gaps. I used popular for the sides and I used 3 pocket holes for every frame connection to add strength. 2 pocket holes seemed a little weak. I used valspar aspire white for the paint and Minwax walnut stain. For the poly I used varathane 3x thick satin oil based polyurethane. I tried using semi-gloss but it was two shiny for us. I added 2 cross braces for added support for the lower portion of the table and to add more points of contact to keep the table flat. And secure. Don’t be afraid to have small imperfections. They give it the authentic look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600-700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut stain
Varathane oil based polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Trellis Design Deck Surround

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:30

Wanted to add some flair to the deck had a designer come up with a computer generated pic and built it. Very happy with results Anna White has inspired me to do more wood working and have confidence in my builds.

Marry Henderson

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