Community Brag Posts

Modern Farmhouse Writers Desk

Made this for my wife who is an English teacher. I renovated a spare room into her an office space. She loves the desk.

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain
Helmsman spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Changing Table

Submitted by JimmyE3 on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 08:59

Wanted to make our friends who were expecting a nice gift that would serve them for many years to come. Used a Kreg Jig (greatest tool ever for amateur carpenter or wood worker!!) for most of the joinery. Wanted it to have a bit of an older look to it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American 230 stain and Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin (2 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ava's Play Kitchen

Submitted by tcalford on Wed, 12/31/2014 - 09:10

We really wanted to give our 2 year old a play kitchen for Christmas. We also didn't want to spend the money on the likes of the Pottery Barn set, and weweren't sold on the lesser-expensive options. Fortunately, a quick internet search led me to Ana White's website and plans for this play kitchen. As someone who has never built anything before, the plans seemed very doable. All of the brag posts were also inspirational and sold me on starting this project. I worked on this an hour or so after work for a couple of weeks, and then a few longer nights running up to Christmas Eve (always a bit of a procrastinator!). As neither my wife or I know how to sew, we decided to turn the space underneath the sink into a cabinet. The paint color was left over from painting our kitchen and family room, and we decided to stain the stove and counter tops. Overall, we are very pleased and proud with how this turned out, and our 2 year old loves playing with the set!

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

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 12/31/2014 - 13:15

This looks awesome! Love all the details and the green color with the stained counter. Great job!

Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/29/2017 - 11:18

Table was really fun and difficult to complete.  It took me about 30 hours to complete.  However, it is a real hit in the neighborhood.  I used pine and some of the material was really soft and difficult to sand/finish.  Decided to paint the pedestals chalk white (wife's inspiration), which was a really good choice.  Fitting the center sections of table top to frame was most difficult aspect of project.  Thanks Ana for the inspiration!

 

Johnny Wilson

Shelbyville, TN

Estimated Cost
Estimated cost about $300 for materials; wood, stain, paint, poly, etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Table Top; Minwax Early American Stain + Minwax Polyurethane
key: Use t-Shirt to wipe down stain after applying with brush!

Legs: Chalk Paint (mixed at Lowes)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 18:00

Thanks Ana White, love the way my sectional turned out. Your plans are perfect for someone want to start building things around their house. You are an inspiration to women like me!!!❤️

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)

Apothecary Console

Submitted by drewkayla on Sun, 02/24/2013 - 23:10

Apothecary Console

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Krylon white primer, Krylon gloss Ivory, walnut stain and polyurethane spray in semi gloss, Behr faux glaze mixed with a Behr brown (roasted nut)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ladder Shelf

Submitted by donnamarie on Sat, 01/03/2015 - 13:12

My master bath was in desparate need of storage, and as usual, it was Ana's site to the rescue.  I built this Ladder Shelf exactly from Ana's 'Painter's Ladder Shelf' plans.  I built and had it painted in about 2 days.  Now I finally have a place to store towels.  Thanks again, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of primer, then a light sanding, then two coats of Sherwin-Williams Dover White in semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 16:17

We altered the plans to match our kitchen island to our 10-seat farm table my husband made.  The top design is a replica of our table.  We then added some wrought iron hooks and iron bottle opener for detail as well as corner plates to match our dining table.   We decided to leave out the drawers and add a little open cubby for storage instead.  Will look great with our rustic, country theme in our house!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Red Mahogany stain, 2-3 coats of urethane, assorted hardware for details.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My version of Mini Farmhouse Bedside tables

I built these tables for my brothers who wanted extra space in their rooms. These tables were the second and third ones completed. The table on the left has some decorative plyboard I had leftover from another project.

Estimated Cost
$120 total for both (lumber prices have increased)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I started with finishings with 3 types of sandpaper (80, 150,220) initially. Then Wood Conditioner to ensure an even-ish stain (dark walnut on the left table, and American oak on the other table). Next oil-based glossy poly, brushed on, then sanded with 320, 500, 1000 grits. Sprayed on oil-based poly for a smooth glossy look. Finally, I polished with finishing wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Family File System

Submitted by dmcarwin on Tue, 02/26/2013 - 12:21

I fell in love with this project when it was first posted...which was quite a while ago. I am so happy to have it hanging in my home making my life SO much easier! I modified it to fit the needs of my family and I LOVE it! Check out my blog for more details!

Estimated Cost
I used scrap wood, I just purchased the hooks!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen Island with Trash Bin

Well this was definitely the most challenging so far because we decided to modify the kitchen island plans to incoporate the tilt out trash bin. Very pleased with the results. Extended the back of the island to accomodate a 11" deep trash bin. Slim trash cans fit perfect. Found a gift wrapping bin for half price after Christmas and it is a perfect fit and 13 gallon bags fit great.

The x's were definitely a challenge because it changed the angles and it would have been best to just mark it with the board before finishing the whole box. 

Now we just need to paint the cabinets and change the countertops and paint the kitchen walls. Not happening anytime soon, but at least the island is done.

Estimated Cost
$120 approximately - This included some hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used dark walnut stain for top, drawers, and underneath slats.
Did a very minimum distressing to edges of the turquoise pieces.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jr loft bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/03/2017 - 14:17

I loved the junior loft bed plan and it was customizable and much cheaper than at the furniture store.

We ended up buying a thicker mattress than expected and adding an extra 2x2 with wood letters we got on sale at the craft store. Originally their was about a 5 inch rail over the height of the mattress and the letters made it more around 9-10 inches. We attached the letters to the wood first with glue and nails through the bottom and then screwed the board to the bed rail. 

My 3 year old loves it! 

Estimated Cost
With a Kreg jig, kd wood at lowes and materials and the letters we were at $170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Polycrylic satin 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farm house 4x4 table & bench

Submitted by charchav on Tue, 02/23/2021 - 10:07

I loved making this, I’m totally in love with the color it turn into. Thanks Ana

Comments

Train Table

Submitted by amberhibbs on Fri, 03/01/2013 - 10:17

I made this train table for my nieces for Christmas. They LOVED it!

I used pre-primed MDF boards and plywood. I skipped the bottom shelf since I knew it would never actually be used as a coffee table and cut half circles out of the top for access so that it wouldn't need hardware.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 (I bought the plywood at the ReStore and saved some money)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I gave it two coats of an aqua I mixed myself from some random paints I had around the house, then distressed the edges and used a Minwax Stain Marker on the bare spots I created. I should have gave the whole thing a coat of furniture wax or hemp oil, butt I didn't get that done before Christmas morning came.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Oak Pet Kennel End Table

Submitted by zjlawlor on Tue, 01/06/2015 - 12:36

Built this pet kennel end table from Ana's plans for my dad for Christmas. Only changes I made were to the dimensions to better fit my dads mid-sized dog and the top which I made by laminating a few boards rather than sheet material. Everything but the side panels is oak. Plans were really simple and I'm really happy with the finished product. As soon as I revealed it on Christmas morning his dog knew who it was for and ran right in and laid down with his new bone. Very awesome payoff to say the least.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$100 bucks or more depending where you get your oak. I got my for a steal from a guy emptying his shop otherwise I would've used cheaper wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil - Dark Walnut, several coats. The oak doesn't absorb the dark color very much but gives a really nice smooth finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 19:11

This built was easy with Ana white blue prints I used 2x10 for the top and also made the matching bench.

thanks Ana white 

Estimated Cost
200 for both table and bench
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax wood finish weathered oak 270
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My Faux fireplace

Submitted by Rafal on Tue, 03/02/2021 - 09:03

I am so satisfied I managed myself. Thank you Ana for the inspiration!

Estimated Cost
290 Eur
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I followed the plans od Ana and one movie on YouTube and adapted them to my vision.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

see saw

Submitted by aplexis on Sun, 03/03/2013 - 16:24

had lots of fun building this project for my grandauther, she's only a year and a half old and I'm pretty sure she will enjoy this see saw for a long time.

Estimated Cost
$50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Husky Farmhouse Table

My Dad came to visit for Christmas and he knew for months that all  I wanted to do was have him build this table!! We used pine and found really cheap legs on amazon that were being discontinued. They were $15 each!! We plan on having a large family so we made this to fit 8 people. There is enough room to add chairs to seat 12 for parties and events though.I got all of the chairs off Craiglsist for free and just painted and recovered the seats. I am totally in love with this table! Thank you Ana White for the plans and my Dad for his hard work! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We used one coat of Minwax stain in Dark Walnut. we then added three coats of clear spar urethane in a satin finish. I didn't want the table to be too glossy looking. After that dried we applied a coat of wax and viola!! The chairs and legs we painted with primer in a slightly off white color. Then we dabbed a paintbrush in the tiniest amount of stain and went around the legs and chairs really lightly to give them a worn look. I love how it turned out!!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

King Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/09/2017 - 18:15

Thanks to Ana for her inspiration and such great plans.  My wife wanted a taller headboard and footboard so we added to the overall height of both.  Everything else is pretty much per Ana's specs.  Our big box stores here wouldn't know a straight board if it slapped them in the face.  After putting my headboard and footboard together the gaps looked terrible.  So I decided to veneer both with 5 mm underlayment ripped 7.5 inches wide and angled to 45 degrees on each side.  Once that was glued and nailed into place both pieces looked much better.  We decided to do without a box spring so the deck/frame is built from 2 2x10's, 5 2x4's, 6 2x4 "feet", and two sheets of 1/2 inch plywood. This thing weighs a ton!

Estimated Cost
$450 for wood, hardware, primer, and paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr antique white (although the wife swears she is going to distress it later).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Family Project & Entertainment Center

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/08/2021 - 16:30

My son and daughter in law had an unpurposed room in their home and wanted to turn it into a play area for their three kids. She came to me with an idea and it turned into their Christmas present. 8' tall and 140" wide. Now the kids don't want to come out of the room. Papa and Mimi helping them make memories

Comments