Community Brag Posts

headboard, queensize

Submitted by elainefour on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 08:34

I needed a guest room, pronto, so I made this bed in an afternoon. I used lots of glue and my cordless finish nailer. I'm very happy with the outcome and thinking about my next project. Thank you, Ana.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
dark walnut stain painted over with antique white milk paint, then distressed around the edges.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse table

Submitted by TCrilly on Tue, 11/05/2013 - 17:29

We originally re-sized these plans smaller to make a worktable for my office. Once that was built and we realized that we actually could make a table, we decided to make the full sized version. It turned out beautifully! A couple of clients have actually asked if they could pay us to make them one! Thank you, Ana, for the plans. :-)

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot walnut with semi-gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

A Work in progress

Submitted by 914934 on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 10:10

We haven't had a chance to hang the first bed but had to make it functional asap. So, we gave it temporary legs on the front and attached it to the wall in the back. We are thinking of replacing the desk and making a smaller toddler sized version there for one of our little guys as well.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed with kilz, painted with Wet Sand (leftover paint from walls)
We've got a lot of little ones with crayons around here. We've got to have something washable!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kamado table

Submitted by lmarco191 on Sun, 05/16/2021 - 14:47

The table assembly was Inspired by farm table and workbench plans. It was built from construction grade untreated 4x4 and 2x6 and assembled using Kreg pocket screws and glue. Finish is semi-transparent wood stain. Rather heavy, the table have locking wheels to help move it. The lower shelf is used to store accessories.

The small kamado is just the right size for two people. I added a large ceramic tile under the firebox plus a small inlay next to the grill. That was the top of a small patio table. A few hooks were added as a final touch.

We built it last year; it gets a lot of use as a grill, smoker, bread and pizza oven.

We are very satisfied with the outcome. Many thanks for the plans and inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi transparent wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jacob1234

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 23:34

Your grill is very beautiful, but I prefer cooking in the kitchen, I will explain why, I recently read a lot of Kitchenotic.com here, what connects me and the kitchen most of all is the answers to my any questions, no matter how stupid they are and the answers were always correct

Coffee bar project!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/07/2023 - 13:43

My wife had been wanting a buy a coffee bar for our dining room so we could declutter the kitchen. I came across the plans for this on Ana’s site and made some slight modifications to fit our space and fridge. It turned out incredible! Friends and family say it’s the best piece I’ve made. Thank you Ana for the plans!

Comments

Flip Top Storage Bench

Submitted by trev88 on Sat, 12/17/2011 - 13:43

I came across Ana's website while searching for bench ideas and I liked her Flip Top Storage Bench a lot. I like the idea of wood lap joints which can add an antique effect, so I added two wooden squares in the corners of the top 1 x 4.

I still haven't put the lacquer finish on yet but will upload finished photos soon.

Estimated Cost
$50 (minus the finish)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax conditioner, Stained with Minwax Red Mahogany and will be finished with Sherwin Williams Vinyl Sealer then S-W Gloss lacquer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Victoria Marie (not verified)

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 18:51

You did a great job with this! I love the finish.

I'm actually in the process of making it as my very first building project, and I have a question for you. My bench is kind of wobbly so far. I attached the shelves with one pocket hole in each corner (all that would fit) and I think that's the reason. I think I'm going to need to attach L brackets underneath the bottom shelf for support. How did you attach the shelf, and is your bench sturdy? Thanks! - Victoria

trev88

Tue, 04/24/2012 - 08:13

Victoria,

For the top shelf, I put two pocket screws in each board, in each corner (so 4 per corner).

For the bottom, I put one pocket screw underneath the 1x12 in the corners (total of 4 screws), then the 1x2 or 1x3 strip i nailed into the 1x12.

Everytime board touches board I use glue also. Mine is holding up pretty good and sturdy. I know this stuff is hard to explain so if you send a photo that might be easier to explain.

Trevor

Simple bench for outdoor patio or deck

Submitted by ScottG on Sat, 01/23/2016 - 23:44

Built two simple deck benches from plans found on this site.

Estimated Cost
About $40 for each bench. That includes the price of the wood and stains used.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used Minwax water-based stain for the gray color and Minwax oil-based stains for the other colors. Will add a couple of coats of outdoor urathane once benches are moved outdoors. Base for the bench was built first using the 2x3 studs. Once that was complete, I built a frame using the 1x4 pine and then cut the pieces for inside of the frame to correct length. Then stained all of the pieces. The pieces are joined to the frame using pocket holes and the frame with pieces attached is joined to the base also using pocket holes. In this way, no screw holes are showing on top surface.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Blue egg holder

Hi all,

I made the wooden egg holder for our brand new kitchen. I altered the size because there's just the two of us here since our son moved out. It was a very easy beginner project and lots of fun to build by myself. If you're a beginner like me it can be overwhelming to start, but if I can do it you can do it too! Just go for it. I'm looking forward to build a next project with one of Ana's plans.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Kitchen Hutches

My kitchen cabinets were deep, dark and disorganized. Trying to find things was like cave exploring. When we began remodeling our kitchen I knew those cabinets had to go and be replaced with some open shelving where I could see things without a flashlight.
I love how these turned out! Now I can see what I need and don't have to spend 20 minutes with a flashlight digging through a cabinet.
I plan on making curtains to cover up the stuff on the bottom shelves so my kitchen doesn't look quite so busy.
Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300. for two hutches approx. 7ft tall x 4 ft wide x 2 ft deep on bottom and 1 ft deep on top
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax Pre-Stain, MinWax Golden Oak stain for the main body
Zinsser 1-2-3 primer, Rustoleum Hammered Metal spray paint for the tops
Varathane polyurethane over everything
I was amazed at how much stain this wood soaked up even with using the pre-stain! Started out buying a small can and ended up going back to buy a 32 oz. and then having to buy another 32 oz and used half of that.
Also used about 6 cans of the Rustoleum. Learned that the trigger spray works much better than the regular spray for creating the textured finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Tue, 12/20/2011 - 06:57

It looks like the one hutch is leaning, but it's square. I live in a mobile home and have found that NOTHING is square in my tin-can home! At least the furniture that I've built is square.

viola

Tue, 12/20/2011 - 15:11

Pam I love your hutch and the new use of space. I would love to see more plans for Mobile/manufactured homes, small homes, and apartments. Love anything that is multi-use or space conservative like built-ins.

Pam the Goatherd

Wed, 12/21/2011 - 09:30

Thanks, Viola. Our place is only 900 sq ft so I'm always trying to find ways to make things more efficient around here. I have been amazed at how much these hutches hold. I think my next project is going to be an entertainment center for our living room that will also have space for all our chargers.

JoshC

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 15:52

I love the hutch. My wife and I also live in a small house with very little cabinet space. I like your open space idea and your hutch looks great.

Outdoor Side Table

I adjusted the size of this table for the space between the chairs in our screened in porch. It's a cute little addition, it it was a cheap, fast project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I spray painted this in a fun bright blue.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

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

(Mini) Modern Park Bench

Submitted by philuk on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 15:16

I needed a replacement outdoor bench to fit a small space between two door openings. Reduced the length of the Modern Park Bench to about 44". Also reduced the depth by removing one of the seat planks to retain a sense of proportion.

Had some issues with some of my 2x4s being a bit twisted which impacted the overall build quality but I'm happy with the end result considering the price/time invested.

Tip: spend some time in the lumber yard picking out your own wood - I wish I had.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£35 in timber.
Less than £5 for the finish.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats Cuprinol Garden Shades in 'Urban Slate'
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Easy Build DIY Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/18/2023 - 07:46

I was looking for planter boxes for my front door and these were easy and super sturdy. I absolutely love them and how they enhanced this area! Thank you Ana for this simple yet impactful plan!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Laptop Table Customization

Submitted by hapsap on Sun, 12/25/2011 - 06:08

Thanks for the laptop table idea. I added a shelf, used furniture sliders for the feet (on carpet), and did a plastic inlay on top to put pictures. I used primed white MDF and painted it black, then brown, and gave it a weathered look by sanding it. This was a Christmas present for my mom and she loves it.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Leslie in RI (not verified)

Sun, 12/25/2011 - 09:57

I built this shelf for my two pugs to hang their stockings for Christmas. As you can tell, they've been a little naughty lately. Actually, Lesterann, my three month old, has been the naughty one. Calvin, my 13 year old, is a prince. :)

I love this shelf and can't wait to use it in the kitchen as a reminder board.

Merry Christmas Everyone, and thank you Ana for all you do.

Apothecary style coffee table

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 11/12/2013 - 12:12

Apothecary-style coffee table. I love it. And my family room is clean!

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Old white paint I had stashed away, stained with coffee. I simply painted coffee over the white parts of my project, waited 20 minutes, then wiped it off.

Minwax english chestnut wood finish on table top. I also used a q-tip to apply this finish to sanded edges of false-drawers and corners.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bedside table inspired nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 19:54

This nightstand was insprired by the Farmhouse Bedside Table.  I was looking for ideas for a simple nightstand with a drawer and the Farmhouse Bedside Table was almost exactly the style I was looking for. I used solid walnut which accounts for a majority of the cost. Typically I would use motise and tennon joints for something like this but decided to try pocket hole joinery in an effort to save some time.  Overall, it worked well with the exception of the top rails. When I attempted to screw the top rail to the leg, the screw split the leg likey because of the screw going in so close to the edge. Instead, I just glued and clamped the top rails.

One unique feature is a power strip mounted in the back.  The drawer depth is reduced to make room for a 3 outlet power strip with 2 USB charging ports so that phone/tablets can be charged.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Minnie Mouse Kids Chair

Submitted by Sketch1999 on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 18:56

I took a shot at the Minnie Mouse Adirondack chair for a birthday present.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Poolside Dinner Table using the Beginner Farm Table plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 17:05

I modified the original plans to make the table narrower and lighter weight for my narrower patio. To do this, I used 1x8 (qty 4) pine boards on the top. The legs were cut at 29.25" to achieve the 30" height. The cross pieces were cut at 25.5". This gave me a 29" wide table. I went with a wood prep application, stainable wood filler, stain (Minwax Special Walnut), and 3 coats of spar urethane (for UV protection). The wood filler reacted with the wood prep and turned orange. I had to sand it out and redo it. Lessons we learn along the way! The brown table with the black chairs coordinates with all of my patio furniture. I am ready to host a dinner party around the pool! Thank you Ana White!

Comments

Dress up carts

My sister and sister-in-law asked for dress up carts for their girls for Christmas, I did 2 different kinds and they turned out great and the girls love them.

Could not get the link to work, so here it is: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/craftiness-not-optional’s-dress-storage

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic Tall Secretary

I needed some good storage for my laundry/mud room, and loved Ana's tall secretary plan. I was on a pretty tight budget, so I decided to modify things a bit so I could use some old 2x12 boards from my Dad's barn. I subbed out the 1x12's and 1x2 trim by simply using the thicker boards. I decided to leave off doors on the bottom for now, and added a curtain with a suspension rod to hide our cat's litterbox. I also added a shelf for extra storage. Now she loves hiding in there and jumping out at me when I do the laundry! I made the flip down door with some old fence pickets and simply planked them together with a cleat on the back. I didn't have any euro or hidden hinges, so I used small basic hinges and attached them to the 3/4" inside edge of the door and the base of the cabinet so the door can flip down fully for easy access to my laundry soap. I really like the rustic look of the secretary, and it's perfect for sorting all the mail and keeping it off my counters!

Estimated Cost
free
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None, I may clean it up and wax it to prevent any soap stains
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse table

This was my first "big" project. I built it for Thanksgiving. I recently bought a home, and everyone wanted to have Thanksgiving at my new home I had no table, so I built one. Can't wait to start my next project. Love the site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in Bombay Mahogany, I just sanded the entire table, and applied with a stain brush. Nothing fancy, just applied two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner