Community Brag Posts

Patio Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2017 - 08:21

The plans were very easy and the chair came together nicely and quickly.  I used all 2x4's instead of 2x4's + 2x6's and alternated 1x2's for dimension. My husband is a pretty big and tall guy and he really liked how the chair felt sitting in it. Very roomy for even him. I could've gotten this done in about an hour, except where I live it was about 110 degree dry heat so I had to take a lot of water breaks. But overall, I love the chair!!!

Estimated Cost
$25.50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Desert Sand Semi Transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Corner bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:50

I always wanted a corner bench for the kitchen table at my family cottage. Lots of room for everyone and little kids don’t fall off. Love this plan. Thanks for sharing it!

Comments

Tryde Side Table

Submitted by kari on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 12:23

This was my very first project, with a little help from the husband.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean stain and polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mother's Day

Submitted by BrettPaPa on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 08:25

I just wanted you to see what a great Mother's Day gift your planter made. It was a great project for a 4 year old grandson!!!

Thanks, Ana

Estimated Cost
$10.00 including plants.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Tiled Bar & Bar Stools

Submitted by iChristee on Sat, 04/04/2015 - 13:08

This was my second Anna project! I changed this one up quite a bit (size and style) so it would fit the area were I wanted to use it. I just love how it turned out!

The tiles were left over from my kitchen backsplash. They are inset so that they are practically flush with the wood on the top. 

Total cost: ~ $150.00 for the bar and 3 bar stools. 

 

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique Walnut Gloss - stain & poly in one
I found the stain & poly in one to be hard to work.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tmoules

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 01:54

Is there a cut sheet on the material used to make the 3 tiered top.?

One arm sectional with table from scraps

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 00:28

We built the one arm sectional but 8 ft cedar was all we could buy. So with the scraps left over we built the coffee table to match. Couldn't be happier with it. 

Estimated Cost
$250 without cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

entry way shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 14:49

Hey Ana! I just finished the Entry Way Shelf and will be staring on the bench soon. I love your projects and especially that they are free! I'm so cheap I have a hard time parting w/ my money when I don't know something will work out, but yours always do!! I can follow a blueprint and create things based on a model but I don't have the creativity to come up w/ them myself, I'm sure glad you can! LOL! Thanks SOOOO much for sharing and I continue to look forward to the next thing!
Thanks again!
Patrick

Comments

Children Book Ledges

I’m a complete beginner without any sort of wood working experience. The only experience I have is taking a jigsaw to my dresser while my husband was gone for the day.
When I was visiting my in-laws, I decided to start a project. I knew the 10$ ledges were a great easy first project. My main lesson from the project is to check the state of your wood! I was at a home improvement center that goes and gets the wood for you. I had it bundled and didn’t bother to check it until the next day. By that time there was a couple of feet of snow and all the highways and roads to the home improvement center was closed, and most in South Dakota for that matter. (I’m going to venture a guess that Ana probably deals with worse conditions in her neck of the woods.) Any who, the wood was a bit rough and ugly…even for pine, but I decided to deal with it. I was snowed in and may as well do a project while I was!
The only adjustment I had to make was cutting them in half since an 8 foot shelf wouldn’t travel back home with me in our SUV. This ended up making them a bit off when I put them on the wall, but it was a necessity and I’ll deal with it. I used a table saw and belt sander for the most part. It was the first time I used this equipment. After my husband gave me a lesson, he had strict orders to back off and let me do the work. The plans work absolutely great. My husband and I agree that the shelves create a whole new atmosphere in the room.

Estimated Cost
$20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I have previously tried semi-gloss latex paint to get white furniture. I have had problems with yellowing with this method. I decided to try white enamel paint this time. It definitely created a more finished look. I used two coats of primer first, then about four coats of enamel. The look is a smooth shiny white finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Toybox with lid

Submitted by Mlatimer on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 10:47

This entire project was built with 3/4 MDF plywood. The lid is 3/4 MDF with sides routed for rounded edge for professional appearance. Inside the box are two friction hinges ( one on right and one one left) to support the lid.

On the bottom of toybox are four casters with mounting plates that attach to bottom. Two of the wheels have locks while 2 are 360 degree motion.

The paint is Signature Series and primer used is Kills high hiding low odor.

The letters on the front are 4 inch letters purchased from BIGLOTS. Holes were countersunk into the letters, screwed to front of toybox, and filled with wood filler.

I couldn't be happier with how this project turned out.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Satin Signature Series at Lowes
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sofa Table.jpg

Submitted by Mike78910 on Mon, 04/06/2015 - 15:07

Just finished this table and am very pleased with how it came out. My original intention was for it to match the gray finish of the one posted with the plans, which it originally did. However, after applying several coats of polyurethane, it changed the color to bring out much more of the brown and now having very little gray. I was also originally planning on adding the hardware on the corners and legs, but decided that because of the way the finish turned out, it would detract more from the appearance than it would add. Just a tip for anyone who is going to try and use the same finishing treatment as the one in the original plan with the vinegar and steel wool. I made the mixture and let it sit in a mason jar, waiting for some visual change to occur to the solution so as to match the picture on the website. After letting it sit for about a week and a half, and not seeing any change and only having what appeared to be clear vinegar still in the jar, I decided to try it out on some scrap wood. It worked just fine. So I guess my point is that you shouldnt be surprised if the solution doesnt appear any different, just open the jar up and try it out.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used the black tea treatment as described in the directions. I also used the steel wool and vinegar solution after applying the tea. I then used the steel wool I still had to sand down the finish. I then applied three coats of a water based polyurethane to he body and four coats to the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ewing.111

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 20:55

Thanks for the tip about the steel wool,thats a good one. Great looking table too.

Double Barn Desk

Submitted by markyro on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 08:14

Built this from a picture my wife showed me so I do not have plans just customized it to the room.

The desk top was made from wood planks, put together with Kreg Jig and glue.

The cabinet was made with 2x4’s and pine boards.

The legs were made from 2x4’s with a 30 degree angle.

The desk and cabinet were wrapped in 2x4’s

The hinges and door handle were bought at home depot.

 

Desk Top is 12 Feet by 26 inches.

Desk Top Planks (4) 8X10

Cabinet  (3) 2x4  (1) 3x1  (5) 5x1

Trim (5) 2x4

Tools used

Kreg Jig

Square

Tape Measure

Drill

Sander

Glue

Table Saw

Miter Saw

Kreg Screws 1 1/4 – 2 ½.

Project Cost approx. $200

Used weathered Milk Paint for the finish.

Estimated Cost
Approx 200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Weathered Milk Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

See Saw By: Ray

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 15:48

The grandchildren love the see saw. it is very sturdy. Great plans Ana.
Thanks
Ray

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rustic X Bench

Submitted by tracysmith on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 16:17

This was a really cute bench that I thought would look nice paired up with my grandmother’s piano we’d inherited after she passed. My 13 year old daughter has been taking lessons and needed something better than a folding chair to sit on when she practiced (at least I thought so).

We did modify it a bit. We made it a bit taller for her to be able to sit comfortably at the piano. We also ran into a little bit of trouble when putting this together because the shopping list isn’t exactly right on the plans. Other than that, this was a great plan, easy to do and very inexpensive. Even if you had to buy the stain (which we didn’t as we had some left over from another project) it should still only cost about $27 or so. So for under $30 you’ve got this great bench that is super cute and very functional. Can’t beat that!!!!

Thanks Ana for posting the plans and allowing us to all live in your world! This is a great website and a wonderful online community. I check out the site everyday to see what’s new!

Thanks again!!!!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$18.50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax water-based stain, clear tint in Coffee
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Stuffed Animal Cage

Submitted by Anace on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 17:26

No more free range stuffed animals! We needed stuffed animal storage because they are bulky and keeping them in bins meant the one the kids wanted was always on the bottom. But none of us (my husband and I included) could manage to cull them.

I was inspired by the way Walmart contains their giant beach balls -- bungee cord verticals on a fixed frame. I was going to make it free standing til I saw the behind closet door storage plans. Perfect!

I made the frame and shelf from 1x4s because that was the depth of my doorframe -- 3.5 inches. It took (3) 1x4s @6' - One for each side and one cut for the top, bottom, and shelf/support.

I couldn't find bungee cord by the roll (should have checked Amazon first!), so I bought colored 1 inch wide elastic from JoAnns. Each 3 yard pkg cost $4. I needed 3, so that drove the price up. I cut them in half, and the 4.5' lengths have plenty of give on the 6' frame, so you could probably use standard 4' bungee cords from the box store.

I used my router to make the holes for the elastic. I used wooden toy wheels to keep the knotted elastic from being pulled through the holes. You could just drill holes, but my router was new and I wanted to practice with it.

The kids love putting their stuffed toys away now, and they can see all of them so they can pick the ones they want to play with rather than dumping them all out of a bin. I love it.

I've already decided to do the other door with the bottom half of the frame in elastic like this for costume storage, and the top half shelves. Thank you, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of leftover interior latex, then 2 coats of Polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Bunny Trug

Submitted by JoeP on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 10:58

Fun project that the kids were able to help with.

Estimated Cost
Nothing!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
A free pink paint sample.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hall Tree Combo

Submitted by tthackston on Tue, 08/01/2017 - 20:20

I started with the Fancy Hall tree plan, but decided to add cubbies to the top. This is the first "real" thing I have ever made. I could only work on it every other week, so it took longer than expected. Thanks for the plans!!

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

Twin Platform Bed with Hairpin Legs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 17:40

I used untreated 2” x 6” boards, mitered the corners and stained with Minwax Early American.
The 14” golden hairpin legs are from Amazon however, after I built the bed, I realized the mattress on the trundle was getting caught on the angles of the legs so I’ve ordered straight legs as replacements. It should take care of the issue. Lesson learned! 🤣 Overall, I built it myself, it’s very sturdy and she loves it! Thanks Anna for the plans!!!

Comments

Library Book Cart

Submitted by Ji on Thu, 05/23/2013 - 20:30

We followed Ana's plans for the basics but went on our own for simplicity. We found the letters at Hobby Lobby. I also added some ceramic knobs to hang things on.
To make it easier we eliminated the handle holes and did not round the top edges. Just used some kreg jig screws for the bottom and second shelf and screws for the rest. That's about it! Pretty easy. The hardest part was the painting.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 for two carts
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded with #120 sand paper and painted with pink and green from the blue store.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our New Farmhouse Bedside Tables

Submitted by brianarmas on Sun, 04/12/2015 - 13:06

My wife and went through a phase, in which we saved as much money as we could to buy quality furniture. "No more cheap stuff from the department store!" we said. Well several thousand dollars later, we had a gorgeous espresso colored bed, a beautiful rustic dresser, and empty pockets. About a year ago I decided to take up woodworking, and since then we have discovered what you can build on your won, from the plans at ana-white.com look just as good (if not better) than the thousand dollar pieces we own!

When I saw this plan, I knew that we would soon have the bedside tables my bride had been wanting for more than 6 years. With a few modifications, I was able to build the set for about $40.

I modified the plan as needed, buying the cheap $1.50 2x2s and 1x2s from Lowe's, which I planed at home, and a single 12ft pine 1"x12" at the lumber yard for just $14. I also used 2x6's (planed down to 1" for the drawer) rather than 1x6's (8')  which I bought from Home Depot for about $5. I used my Kreg Jig for all the pocket holes, and took. my. time. About 8 hours of building, I stained the top with Minwax Espresso Satin Stain, laying on 1 thin, quick-drying coat, followed by a second thick coat (let dry 6 hours) after which I hand-sanded with 220 grit paper, then applied a final thin coat, which dried in about an hour. The frame was painted an off white we chose to match our baseboards. 

Super happy with this build. I think it's the nicest project I have had so far. Thanks so much for the plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20-25
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Poly Espresso Satin Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pottery Barn copycat X Table

Submitted by Flowerchld on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 16:04

I'm not a plan follower and just wing it. Saw a Pottery Barn Table I fell in love with and started building with 2x4s for the frame, 2x2s for the Xs and 2x6s for the shelves and tops. Finished with steel wool soaked in white vinegar.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel wool soaked in vinegar, soaked for a week and painted on
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner