Community Brag Posts
Flip Top Storage Bench
![](/sites/default/files/3154803380_1324158217.jpg)
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.
![](/sites/default/files/3154803381_1324158217.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154803382_1324158217.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154803383_1324158217.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154802972_1324158217.jpg)
Comments
Tue, 02/21/2012 - 18:51
Fantastic!
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
Tue, 04/24/2012 - 08:13
Victoria, For the top shelf,
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
Double art desk
![](/sites/default/files/20160118_232453.jpg)
We have two girls of drawing age so we made this one a double desk, so each of them could have there own paper roll. We used eye hole fastness on the top and elbow brackets on the bottom to secure to the wall.
![](/sites/default/files/20160118_232434.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/20160118_214823.jpg)
Comments
Kitchen Hutches
![](/sites/default/files/3154803056_1324392856.jpg)
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!
![](/sites/default/files/3154803057_1324392856.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154803058_1324392856.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154803059_1324392856.jpg)
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.
Comments
Tue, 12/20/2011 - 06:57
It looks like the one hutch
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.
Tue, 12/20/2011 - 15:11
Use of space
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.
Wed, 12/21/2011 - 09:30
Thanks, Viola. Our place is
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.
Mon, 07/09/2012 - 15:52
Looks Great!
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
![](/sites/default/files/3154837045_1384140294.jpg)
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.
![](/sites/default/files/3154837046_1384140294.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837047_1384140294.jpg)
Shoe Bench
![](/sites/default/files/diy-shoe-bench.jpg)
I needed something to control the shoe situation by the front door. After looking at several Ana White plans, I knew the Spa Bench would be perfect. I modified it just a little, and you can get more details in my blog post.
$10 finishing products
Stain (Minwax)
Polycrylic
Soft touch varnish
Comments
2x4 outdoor sectionals, modified 2x4 coffee table
![](/sites/default/files/IMG_20190714_201512_506.jpg)
I took the 2x4 outdoor sectional plans and built two complete sectionals, then I modified the 2x4 coffee table plans to accommodate a home made fire table. I built the burner and plumbed the system using an old stove top from an RV and some black iron pipe. To finish off the set, I used my tiger torch to burn the wood and sealed it all with spar varnish. I love it!
Comments
Apothecary style coffee table
![](/sites/default/files/3154837146_1384287130.jpg)
Apothecary-style coffee table. I love it. And my family room is clean!
![](/sites/default/files/3154837147_1384287130.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837149_1384287130.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837151_1384287130.jpg)
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.
Bird Houses
![](/sites/default/files/4%20Cedar%20Bird%20Houses.jpeg)
I love this pattern of Ana's! My husband and I made these together. We have 3 very tall pine trees close together, planted by my Mum 50 years ago; one for each child. Now a cedar bird house for each tree. An extra for our cottage in Garden of Eden, Nova Scotia.
Thank you for sharing this pattern Ana.
Darlene & Garry
Patio Couch
![](/sites/default/files/9F255490-3E8B-4986-88DD-894B483A4DB7.jpeg)
I have been asking my husband to help me build a patio couch with Ana’s plan. He just didn’t have the time. So yesterday I took about three hours, including the time to get the cedar, and built one with my sister. We had a great time and the plans were so easy. Bonus score… I found the great couch cushions on FB Marketplace super cheap. I love it!! It is perfect for our deck! Thank you Ana!!!
![](/sites/default/files/43A20591-4739-4824-B53A-AAF5C5BB836F.jpeg)
Comments
Sun, 04/23/2023 - 11:10
Beautiful couch!
Score on finding cheap cushions, it all looks fabulous! Thank you for sharing.
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
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!
![](/sites/default/files/3154837270_1384638410.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837271_1384638410.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837272_1384638410.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837273_1384638410.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837274_1384638410.jpg)
Farmhouse Toddler Bed
![](/sites/default/files/farmhouse-style-toddler-bed.jpg)
I made the headboard a little different by using tongue and groove car siding leftover from our kind bed. I also added 1x2s on the top of the head/footboard. I decided to do 2 side rails with a 12" space in the middle since our little guy still moves around a lot in his bed.
![](/sites/default/files/20190724_105257_0.jpeg)
![](/sites/default/files/farmhouse-toddler-bed.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/1563984515806984492265628674851_0.jpg)
Coffee Bar Sideboard
![](/sites/default/files/IMG_8282_0.jpeg)
I made this coffee bar from your plans making modifications to fit our space .It came out beautiful, I have made numerous pieces of furniture from your plans but this is my favorite . They plans are super easy to follow and modify to my needs .
Thank you Ana and keep up the good work!!
Comments
Kitchen Set
![](/sites/default/files/3154803494_1325344090.jpg)
My husband made these over the course of the last year. We started with just the sink, and are still looking for a good faucet. For Christmas this year he added the oven and microwave stand using the sink design just scaled a little narrower. I made the curtains and the are attached with wooden dowels screwed into the sides. The sink basin is a dog bowl from Big Lots, and the clock was made from a set at Michaels. We bought a lot of the kitchenware from a flea market in town along with The Dollar Tree. My daughter is turning 3 this month, and loves to cook along with Mommy!
Superhero Loft Bed
![](/sites/default/files/3154837371_1384833053.jpg)
This was my first Ana White project and we had a blast putting it together. The plans were clearly explained and the end result is a sturdy loft bed for my son.
There were only a few modifications to this build from the suggested plans. First, I traded out the 2X6's for the bed supports and replaced them with 2X8's. I also replaced the cleats with 2X3's and used the same for the bed slats. Between the slats and the mattress is 1/2" OSB. We also did not use the steps as it took too much floor space for our needs. We added some 2X4's for a ladder step up to the landing.
The theme is Superhero so I designed a custom hero logo in Adobe Illustrator, printed it out and carved it into 3/4" birch plywood with a rotary tool and router.
We're pretty much done with the bed. We now just have to arrange the room and add some lights underneath and maybe some extra storage under the landing.
My boy loves his new bed and I loved building it with him and my dad. It was a blast and will be one of the most memorable weekends of our lives! There's nothing like building with family.
![](/sites/default/files/3154837364_1384833053.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837365_1384833053.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837366_1384833053.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837367_1384833053.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837372_1384833053.jpg)
First DIY Project
This is my first DIY project and I learned alot. It was fairly easy to put together following the ste-by-step plans. I did however have to cut the legs of the table down by three inches due to mis-measuring, but besides that minor hiccup this project was great. This was also the first time ever applying, or even working with, wood stain. Some of the areas did not come out as dark as I wanted, but the overall look of the stain, and the finished product we're pleased with.
For my next project I'm going to really try my hand, step everything up a notch, and attempt the Faux Fireplace Mantle with Hidden Storage Cabinets ( http://www.ana-white.com/2014/11/free_plans/faux-fireplace-mantle-hidden-storage-cabinets ). Wish me luck!
Captains bed with Drawers
![](/sites/default/files/EBA0A950-26DF-45E9-8D82-DB218F27B5C0.jpeg)
Since you’ve been posting a lot of beds, I wanted to share my recent project. A captains bed with 6 full extension drawers beneath. I joke that it took a month to build and 8 months for my wife to chose a color...which is homemade mix of antique white and dark walnut stains.
![](/sites/default/files/2B9CEEA5-5B20-4352-BF61-CF1554881333.jpeg)
Comments
Wed, 08/07/2019 - 10:46
Wow this is awesome!…
Wow this is awesome! Exceptional craftsmanship. The full extension drawer slides are a huge bonus. The stain color looks great, worth the wait!
Children's Ladder Bookshelf
![](/sites/default/files/3154837492_1385001764.jpg)
Loved doing this project! We had been have a book-tastrophy for over a year. Too many books and not enough shelf space, and the shelf space we had wasn't being used efficiently. I love the different sizes for different books. We made some adjustments to the plans including using baseboard and wider shelves.
We did a blog post going into more detail here:
http://thisinsanehouse.blogspot.com/2013/11/brag-post-diy-small-footpri…
Thanks for viewing!
![](/sites/default/files/3154837491_1385001764.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837493_1385001764.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837494_1385001764.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/3154837495_1385001764.jpg)
Comments
Ana White Admin
Wed, 04/05/2023 - 09:43
Great outdoor couch!
Thanks for sharing, looks fantastic!