Community Brag Posts

Lounge chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 09:20

New chairs for our lake house. They turned out realy comfortable. Thank you Ana! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Bookshelf

Submitted by bozarthm1 on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:34

used Ana's plans, just modified the width and depth.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bozarthm1

Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:35

This is officially DONE!, just waiting for the paint to dry. Turned out heavier than I thought it would. Next time would try to use thinner materials. The X's weren't too bad, but were still a PIA. ... thats why most of them live in Texas

Vintage Stool with a Twist

Submitted by bobmireau on Fri, 04/05/2013 - 20:41

Saw your plan for the vintage stool and had to build it for my grand daughter. I added a little twist to it by adding a saying found on stools back in the 70s. Used a router sign kit for the lettering. The last picture shows the grand daughter's approval

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a cabinet paint for a tough finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Benchright Coffee Table

Submitted by jessem491 on Fri, 02/20/2015 - 15:01

I used Douglas Fir instead of pine, which increased the cost but I love the warmth of the wood in this piece.  The instructions were pretty easy to follow once I got going, and the longest part of it was the staining process.  I love this piece and I'm ready to do another one!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Cabot's Espresso with 3 coats to get the darker, warmer tint I was looking for. I like the Cabot Espresso because it's a water-based stain & sealer, and because it dries REALLY fast.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Adult and child adirondack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/21/2017 - 10:54

Love Ana's projects. Made a few mistakes, but all and all a fun and easy build

Estimated Cost
$40-$50 per chair
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor paint for the adult chair and spray paint for the child's. Used my cricut to make the stencil for the name and bugs.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 08:27

We used Ana’s plan for modern Adirondack chairs and modified them to build out heat treated pallet wood. The chairs are very comfortable. We appreciate her plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Chunky canopy daybed without canopy

Submitted by a_hard on Sun, 04/07/2013 - 22:09

We (myself and my girlfriend) decided to build this daybed after considering several options for a new sofa. With three big dogs we knew we wanted a big sofa and after looking at many $400+ options we saw several issues (besides cost), The biggest was the availability of slip covers for easy cleaning. We went with the daybed route because a mattress is far cheaper than foam for sofa cushions and twin sheets are readily available for low prices in many colors.

Obviously I altered the plans significantly as I wanted a chunkier, heavier frame that would withstand the abuse of day to day life. Also I removed the canopy as it's not needed indoors. The rear legs are 4x4 nominal which I resawed to 3x3 actual. The rear frame is 1x3 nominal horizontal pieces with 2x3 nominal boards as the verticals. These have rabbets cut in them to join with the horizontal pieces. The bottom support for the mattress is a 2x6 resawn to 2x5 actual and rabbeted to fit each vertical and the legs. Also, the top two horizontals are longer to fit into rabbets in the legs - this allows the back structure to be far stronger.

The sides are constructed of 1x3 horizontals with the leg and arm cap being 2x4 nominal resawn to 1x3 actual. The verticals were rabbeted like the rear to accept the horizontal pieces. The front crossmember is a 2x6 nominal block planed to match the front legs.

Joinerys consists of the following -
All rabbeted joints are glued and brad nailed together.
The legs and arm/top caps are pockted screwed to the horizontal crossmembers.
The front, sides, and rear join with 3 1/2" deck screws and 5 1/2" lag bolts.
Stringers/mattress supports are 2x3 nominal.

Finish is Behr premium plus interior latex eggshell paint/primer sprayed with an HVLP sprayer.

If anyone is interested I can take some measurements and more photos. Right now we just have our old futon mattress on (we're saving to do some other projects).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$375 (including mattress, pillows, and paint)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus Paint/Primer - Tibetan Orange
Paint applied with HVLP sprayer (the type used in automotive finishing).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easy Frame and Panel Doors

Submitted by skydogda on Tue, 02/24/2015 - 04:17

Needed to outfit an antique center island with some doors because our cookware was constantly getting dirty and having to wash before using. Followed the panel, rile and stile plans and ended up with some pretty decent cabinet doors. I would say that this style of creating doors while may seem easier due to not needing many tools (circular saw and kreg pocket set is about all you need), is actually intermediate because the panels have to be cut EXACTLY right or you will have gaps in your door. I remedied this with the help of my old friend wood putty, but this limits the doors since they must be painted. If your big box home improvement store has a COMPETENT worker (sometimes those are hard to find) you just might get some panels cut well enough, although I myself know how 1/8's of an inch add up crying. If you do decide to get someone else to cut the panels bring your tape measure and verify the cuts are accurate.  Anyway I have created doors both the traditional rile and stiles with inset panels and this way and this way is definitely quicker!

NOTE: I haven't installed any catches or handles thats why the door is slightly open.

Great Way to Spruce Up Your Kitchen!

 

-Martin

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 for 4 doors
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss Cappuccino White Valspar Ultra
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY Star Wars Themed End Table

I build a Star Wars themed end table from a sheet of plywood and some scrap pine. Eventually, I'll add lazy susan hardware to make it spin. The top is glitter covered with a layer of resin.  Click on the blog post link for a full tutorial on how to build it. :o)

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black paint, ECOS Paints Woodshield in Pine Needles, Epoxy resin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm table, with bench

Submitted by Daniel B on Wed, 06/09/2021 - 11:44

I started with the no pocket hole plans. I then shortened them to fit my kitchen, and modified them to use the pocket holes.

Estimated Cost
Around $200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain, Varathane polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Workbench

Submitted by Binda B on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 10:34

I needed a workbench to be able to create all of these wonderful plans. I used one of Ana's table plans and modified a little. I followed exactly, then I added a second top made out of birch pure bond plywood. I then put 1x2 edging to hide the edges. I used some pretty heavy duty casters with the double locking feature, I had to buy this off the internet.
This was my second build, the first being a 10 dollar ledge.
The plan is from Ana's book, the kitchen island. I can't seem to find it online.
This took me a long time due to limited time, because of work and kids. About 4-6 hours per week, for 2 1/2 months.

Estimated Cost
$ 250, this includes expensive casters, stain and extra plywood. $100 dollars for the wood if doing the table from the plan
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I needed experience in staining and wanted some protection, so that is why I stained this workbench. I used Minwax pre stain, Rust-oleum early American on the base, and left the top raw (I figured it would get scratched up). Then I used Tung oil 5 coats on the bottom and 6 for the top. Finished with one coat of furniture wax. It is a bit slick, I should not have had so many coats of Tung oil, but I was experimenting :)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

"Cube" storage unit

Submitted by kds199 on Fri, 10/14/2022 - 09:49

My wife and I wanted a nice way to hide more of our son's toys in the living room that didn't look tacky. We actually bought the cubby bins before even deciding what to make. (From target of course.) I made the bookcase out of wood shelving that already looked kind of beat up when I bought it knowing that the wood stain wood bring some character to it.

I only changed the plans slightly by making the legs flush with the inside so I could trim the ends and customizing the size of the cubby openings to fit the bins. (Mine aren't actually cubes.)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of stain...minimal sanding to keep the surface looking rough
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My new couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/27/2017 - 18:23

I love this couch project. I can finally enjoy my deck in the evenings the way I envisioned. Thank you Ana White!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Not finished yet, likely a paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

outdoor patio table

Submitted by dboy on Thu, 06/17/2021 - 17:31

Just finished my very first wood project ever . I think it turns out pretty good . But if I did it again I’d make some adjustments . This version is made from pine as cedar has been unavailable for weeks . Thank you for the plans

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Helmsman spar urethane satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Katie Nightstand Open Shelf

My husband built these for me and it was his first time building anything. LOL. They turned out perfect for me. It takes a little bit because we had to wait through the coats of the finish. Also, the gloss coat has to set for 24 hours before you can use it. It is highly recommended to wait the full 24 hours, we did not on the dresser I refinished of my daughters, and it started to chip. It was so easy and turned out beautifully!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60-75 for both
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish is Kiltz primer (2coats). Then use Ultra White paint on areas to be painted white. The mint green color is called Sweet Mint from Lowe's spring collection. Be sure to tape off the areas for nice straight even lines. Then add a coat of MinWax Polyurethane High Gloss and you're done!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bethhamstra

Tue, 05/28/2013 - 12:29

I am in the middle of this plan myself. Its been about 6 months in the making since I am pregnant with two small children and hardly can find the time to get out there and build!

How did you start the box and ensure they were square? I have drilled my pocket holes but I'm nervous about drilling the first screw! Did you use a Kreg square clamp??

Your project turned out great and I love the mint green!

britpatt2010

Wed, 06/19/2013 - 12:51

Yes I did use the Kreg clamps. It was very scary as my first project to make sure the boxes were even. I am sorry it took me so long to respond. How did yours turn out? Mint green and coral are my favorite color combo and Lowe's just happened to have the perfect one! I am glad you think I did a good job!

Storage daybed with bookshelf

Submitted by Quinnfire on Mon, 03/02/2015 - 14:18

I made 3 cubbies underneath and left off the doors. I'm still looking for fabric bins to go under there. Instead of doing the bottome arm, I made a bookshelf so there would be more storage space in this little room. I love how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Planked Wood Sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/31/2017 - 16:01

Great buffet for any dining room. Made with pocket hole joints. Built by mgwood_work on instagram 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse hall tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/26/2021 - 09:49

Made the farmhouse hall tree from the plans on the site. I added wallpaper in front of the panels and it looks wonderful!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Farmhouse Chic Bench

Submitted by cdlwin on Mon, 04/15/2013 - 15:26

This was the first piece I ever made and I was very excited about how it turned out. Last summer I spent a weekend with a friend and she had a bench almost identical to this one in her entryway-- I just had to have it. I took pictures of it from every angle and went home, telling my husband he had to make it for me (he does some woodworking). As time went by and my bench was not made, I finally told him to teach me how to use the power tools... he did and this was the result. I wish I had plans for this, but I do not. I made this bench by looking at the pictures I took of the one I saw at my friend's house. Eventually I hope to get it together in order to make some up-- it was very easy, and I do think someone with some skill (since at the time I had none!) could most likely do the same. I was able to do it about 3 days.

Finish Used
Combination of acrylic and milk paint in Linen and Barn Red
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dmcarwin

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 09:35

Congrats on your first project! It really is a fun bench you did a great job!

My First Project Farm House Table

Submitted by iceman0941 on Thu, 03/05/2015 - 10:22

Thanks Anna White for your plans and for your great website!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X End Tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/03/2017 - 19:39

I took the base plans from your Rustic X end tables and added a little more detail on the sides and experimented with the stain combination. I stained the entire table in Golden Oak and for the based I stressed in an Ebony to give it a slightly burnt look in the base. Turned out really well. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Oak
Ebony
Clear Gloss Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate