Community Brag Posts

Breakfast nook table and banquette

Submitted by wtclarke1 on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 10:07

When we moved into our house, there was an empty breakfast nook.  I built in the banquette seating, and then built the table out of oak.  This was inspired by the Triple Pedestal Table (http://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/triple-pedestal-farmhouse-tab…)

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

Simple jig to save time and increase accuracy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/15/2023 - 12:13

I downloaded the plans for the octagonal table. I have made several and used a few different woods, made a few minor design changes as well as creating a routine and using a jig or two. This jig fits in between the two boards that form the seat support frame. I used a large paint stick and a scrap piece of 2 x 4. Using a table saw, I cut a groove in the 2" edge, approximately 1/2" deep, this took two passes (pass it through, turn it and pass again), a slight adjustment and another two passes. Insert the paint stick and seat all the way down. Place jig between seat support frame, might be a little snug or use a clamp to hold in place. Adjust so just the paint stick sticks up enough to separate seat boards. With seat boards against the jig, it forms the perfect angle/guide to match cuts. I also used 1/2" spacers to create consistent spacing. Love the various plans you make available as well as your videos.

Comments

Rhyan End Table (or Nightstand) Modified with a Tile Top

Submitted by Joni on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 10:43

I used Ana's plan, but modified it to incorporate a tiled top. If you want to do the same, you simply align the upper shelf with the bottom of the 2x2 frame, fill it in with hardibacker cement board, and tile over that. My stone was thicker than the border used, so I made a narrow shim in order to accommodate and bring them all to the same level.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I labored over the stain and ended up doing multiple steps to get the finish I wanted:
1) Minwax water-based wood conditioner,
2) Minwax water-based stain in American Walnut,
3) Dilution of Minwax water-based stain in Onyx & Cinnamon Toast (3-to-1 mix),
4) General Finishes Glaze in Van Dyke Brown, and
5) 4 coats of Bartley's Satin Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 05:02

Joni - I concur with Ana, this is stunning. I've been wanting tile topped tables. Absolutely beautiful job on the whole thing! Looks store bought.

Chayeri

Sat, 02/04/2012 - 15:54

You just gave me a good idea for the tile that was left over from my kitchen backsplash. That is beautiful and I love the color combination. Great Job

oddie316

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 00:23

I am amazed at the talent here. I am in love with your piece. you shouldbe proud

Julie D. (not verified)

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 11:24

This table is obviously put together like a pro, the tile top is beyond beautiful and creative but what really gets me is your GORGEOUS staining work. I struggle with staining on every project! Any advice or tips on how to get a beautiful finish like yours? You should give a tutorial!

In reply to by Julie D. (not verified)

Joni

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 08:05

Julie, Thanks so much for the feedback. I hate to admit it, but I am unable to get anything to look decent with an oil-based stain; all I get is blotch. I see others on the site with gorgeous colors and finishes that I want, but I can't use them. I can only get consistent results with the water-based stain, and I have to use the pre-stain wood conditioner. With 2 coats of stain, I have fairly consistent results (applying with foam brushes and wiping off with paper towels). On this particular project, I had to mix several colors and layers to get exactly the tone that I wanted.

I'm on my last can of Bartley's gel polyurethane, and they no longer make the product. It allows such control in getting a perfect finish. I don't know what I'm going to use when my can runs out!!

Newbie07 (not verified)

Thu, 11/08/2012 - 10:26

This end table is amazing; looks like an end table you'd buy in a high-end furniture store. The finished looks perfect and the tile top is really creative.

Question: where did you find the 2x2 poplar? I'm looking for some to use for the Rhyan Coffee Table and can't find anything longer than 3 feet.

In reply to by Newbie07 (not verified)

Joni

Thu, 11/08/2012 - 11:57

Thanks for the feedback!! I had to go to a bigger lumber yard to get the poplar 2x2s (Austin Fine Lumber in Austin, TX). The poplar was the cheapest (by far) of the better 2x2s, and the guys told me it wouldn't take a stain very well. They were wrong; it took the stain beautifully. The 2x2s were perfectly straight and had straight edges...much different than the ones from Home Depot or Lowe's.

Happy Entertainment Center

Submitted by tzachary on Fri, 12/13/2013 - 14:27

I really wanted a new entertainment center but could not find one in the stores that I liked and looked to be made of good quality. I liked the Apothecary Console but needed to make a few adjustments to the plan, which is why I marked my project at an intermediate level.

I built this about a year ago and love it as much today as I did the day I finished it. I have had a ton of compliments on it and many are impressed when I tell them I made it myself.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted with a Satin Sheen Behr Pure white paint then wiped on and then off a dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Spa Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/24/2016 - 08:45

I love this plan! It's so versatile. I made this bench for my daughter's entry. First I painted it with an all in one paint/primer in light grey, then I sanded it down to reveal some of the wood grain and roughed up the edges a bit. Next, I brushed a dark ebony stain over the entire bench, one section at a time, and wiped it away. I thought I would get less stain, but really enjoy the end results. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint/Primer in one (I had some leftover and mixed it with a black chalk paint to get a light grey)
Ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bed Side Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 15:25

My daughter wanted a table to fit a specific location .... your plan for a side table fit the bill - with some dimensional adjustments

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Dark oak stain with satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar log table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/20/2023 - 12:01

All cut up with our sawmill! Francesca and Bob Schilling. Beaverdam, Virginia

Comments

doll bed #10

Farmhouse style doll bed, modified width one less slat.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Paint two coats Behr Swiss Coffee
2. Distress
3. Seal with wipe on clear satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

lmhaney (not verified)

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 05:36

What are your finished dimensions on this bed? I was thinking of making it with one less slat also to make it more like a twin bed.

Faux Mantle

1st of all I want to apologize for posting several of my builds at once. I am not trying to steal the show, but I'm just deciding I would like to share my builds.

Ok, now to this build. I didn't get this mantle from this site but still wanted to share. I used the one from "blue roof cabin" site and adjusted it to my desire. I wanted my depth to be bigger so I used 1x8's to bring it out from the wall more. I got the backing idea from "Netties Expressions" by using Whitewood V-Groove Wainscot wall panels.

I plan on building one from Ana's site to do one for my dining room. I check this site daily just to see what you all have built so I can get more ideas. Thanks Ana for sharing your builds.

Finish Used
Rustoleum black cherry and dark walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My UpsideDown V Desk

Submitted by MPopadynec on Sun, 02/28/2016 - 06:54

I am a novice builder living in an apartment. I needed a new desk for my den and fell in love with two - the X-frame desk from Ana's Website and the Truss Desk I saw on Shanty 2 Chic. As I have limited tools, I decided to combine features of both to make my custom desk that included a keyboard tray as I needed one to ensure I type more ergonomically. I love my desk and now, on to build another piece!

Estimated Cost
$100 - As I used pine and had items cut.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey Stain - Varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/06/2019 - 15:17

Made from the rustic Console Table plans, used a dark oak stain and antique oil finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax antique oil finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Grand Waterfall Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/27/2023 - 08:48

I used the Grand Waterfall Console plans, but modified them to be 72 inches long instead of 84 inches. Overall, I learned a lot during the process, but wood filler, sanding, stain, and finishing with polycrylic made all the difference in the end. The hardest parts for me were the mitered cuts. I think if I did it again, it would look even better!

Deb

HGTV'd myself

Submitted by angiemicn on Fri, 02/10/2012 - 04:21

This was one of my first big projects, this site motivates you to get better. No, at first I couldn't build a box, now, I'm building outdoor bars! All of my skills, I learned from this site. The boxes are heavy, sturdy, they've had 5 golden retrievers on it, 4 adults at once, and the storage is incredible. The pics below show what an improvement a piece of furniture can do. This piece went into a dead space corner, a catchall. I'm not proud of the mess, :), but I am proud of the after. Extra room, light, airy, yeah!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80 to 100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
primered x2 coats, Kilz2, stained n between. Semi gloss Pure White 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified fancy x

Beetle kill table. I chose to mortise the support and use pegs for effect. As such used 4x4 for leg uprights. Made the top removable because it's heavy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based gloss plolyurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Josh-Adam

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:59

That table looks awesome ! I am in the process of making one similar i went to a local mill and they had ambrosia maple to make the table topper and i am making the base. I was wondering how you went about making the table top removable did you use threaded inserts ? also how did you get the cross support cut out done? Last question i have is where did you find the 4x4 material i am in eastern north carolina and it seems it doesnt exist around here. thank you for sharing

Josh-Adam

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:59

That table looks awesome ! I am in the process of making one similar i went to a local mill and they had ambrosia maple to make the table topper and i am making the base. I was wondering how you went about making the table top removable did you use threaded inserts ? also how did you get the cross support cut out done? Last question i have is where did you find the 4x4 material i am in eastern north carolina and it seems it doesnt exist around here. thank you for sharing

Coen's Cabin Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/29/2016 - 15:28

This is a fairly easy build. It did take some time with three little ones running around, but the finished product is well worth it! My three-year-old doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning (win!).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax weathered oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White Admin

Tue, 03/01/2016 - 12:19

You did an amazing job on this, I wouldn't want to get out of bed either! Thanks for sharing:)

Rustic Farmhouse Vanity

Submitted by jameslee on Thu, 10/10/2019 - 16:23

My master bathroom was my first DIY remodel. I took this room down to the studs and built it back up. I struggled to find the perfect vanity that felt strong and sturdy and could not find one. I needed a wide vanity to accommodate this 3 foot wide vessel sink. I found Ana White and this plan online and fell in love! This was my first build and I’ve become addicted to wood working since. As my first build, this took me most of a day to build and assemble drawers. Sanded and painted with a flat finish! I love it! Thank you Ana!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes milk paint in Seagull Gray with a high performance flat finish. Hardware and sink found on Amazon.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Child adirondack chairs

Submitted by sidman on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 02:37

I just had to build these for my two kids. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painte two of them per the kids request and the other I just coated with a light oak with poly stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Play Teepee

Submitted by keiatbohma on Mon, 12/23/2013 - 21:17

Play Teepee used 4 yds of fabrics, 2.5 yd of webbing, bias tape, ribbon, heat and bond double sided adhesive, and 4 1x2s at 8 ft.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor sectional

I have been wanting outdoor seating by my pool forever but couldn't afford anything I liked. When I came across Ana White's plans for the outdoor sectional I knew I had to build two. They are just what I was wanting and cost under $200. It took my brother & I one afternoon to buy the supplies and put it all together. Since this furniture is outdoors 24/7, I had to caulk the seams & paint the whole thing. That process took two days. The biggest expense was of course the cushions from Home Depot that Ana White recommends for this sectional. I have to admit, they are well worth every penny. They look amazing! Can't wait to spruce them up with some throw pillows.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-$200 for sectional; $550 for cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

1st Project - Dining Table for (Canadian) Thanksgiving

Submitted by KyleMohler on Sat, 10/12/2019 - 17:15

Hi Ana! - I'm so glad that I found your site. Thank-you SO much for your plans and video tutorials. 

I was recently in a car accident and found myself away from work for several months. Though I've always been hesitant to build anything (for lack of having been taught), I've found a new passion for woodwork. It's been a wonderful pastime and has created hours of fun with my young daughter. 

This is my first project (save for a few small boxes). - I'm very proud of the final product and was thrilled to be able to share it with my family for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend.

The project was quite pricey, due in large part to the live-edge lumber that I sourced (2 x (2x6) @ 8ft). - The project includes the Fancy Farmhouse Table as well as 2 matching benches. 

Thanks again :)))

- Kyle

Estimated Cost
500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax American Colonial (2 coats) + high gloss polyurethane (4 coats to table top).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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