Community Brag Posts

Wood Sleigh

Submitted by DMax2010 on Thu, 01/03/2013 - 08:50

I thought this wood sleigh was so cute, I made it for my mom for Christmas! It turned out cute, it was a good jigsaw exercise! I made it smaller, would probably make it bigger next time, but it's a good size for a table top. She loved it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
nothing-from scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum spray paint, minwax soft touch poly. I painted pieces prior to assembly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Henry Bookshelf

Submitted by ctay on Wed, 10/22/2014 - 19:36

Built this bookcase for my daughter, only modification was to add the X's on the side. She needed to be able to store all of her books on it.  Love it!  I now have another family member that wants one just like it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under 100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Wheat color with general finishes poly clear coat in semi gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tv Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/01/2017 - 09:31

Tv console with sliding barn doors and an electric fireplace insert. Measures 83" wide x 31.5" tall x 18" deep. 

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

Potting Bench - RYOBI Nation Projects

Submitted by olivier on Sun, 10/25/2020 - 04:47

bonjour j'ai réaliser ce projet avec du bois de charpente (récupération) , projet très facile à réaliser avec peut de matériel, le plus compliquer à été de transposer les dimensions de pouces en cm. est-il possible de recevoir des plans en cm ????

Estimated Cost
0
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
aucune
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Market for my boys

Submitted by Quartney on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 13:30

My oldest son really wanted a toy cash register, and he loves pretending he has a Bait & Tackle shop. I built the market base where the front side is for "Will's Stop 'n' Shop" and it can be turned around and used for "Wyatt's Bait and Tackle". The countertop holds the cash register and shopping basket perfectly. They are great Shopkeepers!

Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with various cans of spray paint and sample paint that I had in the garage. Vinyl lettering for the "signs".
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ridge media console

Submitted by Airframer1 on Sat, 10/25/2014 - 15:40

Used mortise and tenon joints. Primed, painted and distressed the wood. Top was stained. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
130 for wood, hinges and knobs.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Autumn haze and a dark glaze. Dark stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Basketball hoop for bedroom decor & play

Submitted by TamarasJoy on Sat, 02/04/2017 - 20:27

Full tutorial on the blog tamarasjoy.com

I built this basketball hoop for my sons room over a year ago and it has stood the test of time! The wood rim never cracked. Plus it looks fantastic :)

Estimated Cost
I used scraps but if you needed to purchase the wood and screws it may run you $25

The only thing I bought was the netting which was less then $10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark stain, nothing special.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Parson Tower Desk but little wider

Submitted by danwiecz on Fri, 10/30/2020 - 17:17

The Parson Tower Desk came out perfect. Also went with the antique white & gloss finish. A slight deviation from the plan to make it a little wider so my daughter would have more room to work (plus all her junk). Also used some nice cabinet wood scraps I had for the surface because it had such a nice wood grain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique white & triple thick poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Console

Submitted by Lis West on Sun, 01/06/2013 - 16:05

I added length by adding another "cubby" and increased the height a few inches. There were no instructions for the door, so I made a square like a picture frame the size of the door opening from 1x4's and routed the inner portion of the square with my dremel so I could lay in wainscoting to the inner door. I made the top differently and made it more farmhouse style by attaching four 1x4's together and adding breadboards at the ends. The shelves are movable instead of being attached to give more flexibility in storage. I used 1/4 inch MDF board for the back because it was cheaper than plywood, looked better when painted and was easier to cut in any holes if needed for media equipment without the splinters of plywood.

The top is made of top grade pine (no knots) and stained in Early American with glossy polyurethane. The bottom is cheaper pine boards (with knots) and painted Caffeine Nation from Valspar (my kid picks out all paint color because I will spend hours choosing paint and he takes 30 seconds and his color selections are always perfect for us).

If I had to do it all over, I would have attached five 1x4's for the top instead of four because there just isn't much "lip" to the top. I would definitely change the doors from inset to overlay. Inset doors are more of a farmhouse style but are not forgiving if you are just slightly off. Also, the doors do not shut all the way...they stay open just ever-so-slightly, I think it is due to the hinges, I am not sure. It is not a big deal but it bugs me. I have never had this problem with overlay doors.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
top: Early American by Minwax, Glossy polyurethane, bought at Lowe's
base: Caffeine Nation by Valspar, bought at Lowe's
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bander

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 17:28

You might want to try putting magnetic catches on the inside of your doors. I find these helps pull the inset doors shut and keep them closed.

I love how the wainscotting looks in your door inserts.

Debra455

Sat, 10/19/2013 - 00:16

This looks beautiful. A great job

A router will be my next purchase.

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by CJaq7 on Wed, 10/29/2014 - 18:56

Built for my son and daughter-in-law. Love it

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut with Minwax Ultimate Poly Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Washer/Dryer Pedestal with Flush Front Drawers

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 18:24

Thank You Dmccoy for the plans used for this project.  Great idea using the 2×6s for strength and stability! I built this Pedestal and placed furniture slides underneath to allow for sliding out for cleaning and access.

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
First 2×4s, 15/32", and 23/32" Plywood
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by jonahnkopp on Tue, 01/08/2013 - 08:50

Just finished up this table. I'm probably going to sell it as the wife would rather have the Pedestal Table. So, it will remain in the house until it sells. Then, I'll get to work on the other one. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
English Chestnut Stain
Polyueurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage Shelves

Submitted by coolove on Sun, 11/02/2014 - 23:16

This project was a bit of a challenge. My garage has uneven flooring and a concrete lip around the edge of wall so I had to make the back legs 10 inches shorter than the front. Overall, it turned out well and everything is completely leveled much to my amazement. I'm thinking of making more shelves on the other end of the garage to free up more space.

Estimated Cost
$90 including extra nails.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pine Chifferobe

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 05:58

I designed and built this chiffarobe based off of the mirrored wardrobe plans provided by Ana White.  I received a Kreg jig for Christmas and immediately put it to use.  We used 1x12's for the top sides and back to make it narrower for our entryway.  My wife did an excellent job painting it green with brown distressed look.

Estimated Cost
$200 - $250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Brown and Green Furniture Paint purchased from Lowes
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft Cabin Bunkbed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 08:11

My daughter-in-law and I (mother-in-law) built this bunkbed for my granddaughters following Jen Woodhouse and Ana White's plans. Excellent, easy to follow plans! Be sure and read through plans carefully and start with the sides.

Estimated Cost
$400?
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Camp Loft Bed With Stairs

Submitted by fletchro on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 15:51

Note: I think the plans were slightly incorrect. Add 2 more 2x4s @8' long (construction studs will do, you don't need 96" length) to be certain you have enough wood. I bought 15, planning to add the lower rear support rail, but then I found I didn't have enough decking. So I scabbed it for decking. Then I didn't have enough for the stairs, so I found some 2x4s in the garage that gave me 5 out of the 6 stairs. The next day I made the last stair. So buy 2 or three more 2x4s than the plan says. The worst that can happen is you have an extra 2x4 sitting around for a while. As for all the other cut items, just don't mess up your cuts and there is enough material.

This was pretty easy to build. It took a lot of work for just me, working by myself. I think the thing is VERY sturdy. We had about 200 lbs of adult and kids up there and it didn't seem to be complaining at all.

I used no glue. I think I was too focused on getting the project completed that I forgot to apply glue at the several steps where she mentions to apply glue.

I did not use Kreg(R) brand screws. But I used the nearest equivalent available at my local home store. It turns out there is another specialty woodworking shop in town which sells the Kreg brand screws, and it turns out they are pretty much the same price. So next time, I will make a special trip to that store because the Kreg screws seat much more solidly in the pockets than the regular pan head screws.

Estimated Cost
~$90
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I didn't finish this project yet. I have a pretty busy life, so just getting the thing built and installed in one day was kind of a feat. We will probably paint it with some good quality indoor paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse King Bed resized to fit standard king

Submitted by hpu2002 on Wed, 11/05/2014 - 06:14

Hello everyone and thank you Ana-White for all of your plans.  I love this site and have built several pieces of furniture for our home from them. 

This bed is absolutely Rock Solid! In reading the blog I noticed several people asking for the "modified" dimensions or resizing for a standard king ( I put them in the blog but this is what I did)

Headboard: 9 1x8's at 30 inches long and 2 1'x6's at 30 inches long (I omitted the 1x3 end pieces at 30 inches and that way I had 76 inches wide.

The plans call for the 1x4 panel trip pieces (for headboard and foot board) to be 80''.  I resized them to 76''

The headboard 4x4 legs were still 54''

The bottom headers 2x4's for both the headboard and footboard calls for 87''...I changed it to 83''.

The top header 2x6's  for both the headboard and footboard call for 89''...I changed those to 85''.

The plan calls for the footboard to have 10 1x8 panel pieces at 15 inches. like the headboard I changed these to 9 1x8's at 15'' and 2 1x6's at 15''.

We have a new 12'' memory foam mattress so I did like others and used 2x4's for cross beams secured with truss hangers and then used peg board for additional support.  The side rails are 2x12's at 62' ( I wanted a little extra room to be able to bolt them to the head and foot board.)

NOTE: The cut list calls for 4 1x8's  You Need 5.  And to do the plans my way you need a few 1x6's.

Sorry if this is wordy but I hope it helps!

Thanks Ana for all of your awesome plans!  My Fiance' loves the furniture and I am addicted to building because of you!

Dave

Estimated Cost
$200-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades in Mission Oak (it has poly in it)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Apothecary Console Table

Needed a storage spot in the living room to hide the wii remotes/games and the iRobot mop, while allowing easy access and charging capabilities. This piece fit the bill and looks beautiful!  

We cut a hole in the back, in front of an outlet, and placed a power/USB strip inside the cabinet. 

 

Used routed plywood scraps for the false drawer fronts and they look so real that everyone tries to pull open a drawer rather than swing open a door :)

 

NOTE:  The cut list in the plans say to cut the 1x3s for the decorative top @ 35.5". They should be 37" each, which we realized after cutting and went to put the cabinet together :(

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
around $150, including $40 in hobby lobby knobs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finish in Ebony. Decorative top has gloss clearcoat and the rest is semi gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondacks

Submitted by Tom_H on Mon, 11/09/2020 - 15:23

Built a couple of these earlier this summer for the wife. We went with a torched wood look, so after cutting all the pieces, everything got torched and then finished with spar urethane. After assembly I sprayed a few more light coats just to seal up the screw holes. These are super sturdy, and really comfy. By far the majority of the build time was in the finishing. Cutting and assembly can be done in an hour or two.

I'll probably be making ~4 more of these for around the fire pit by the lake, but this time after torching the wood, we're going to use some color-dyed stains to change it up.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
shou sugi ban (wood burning)/spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clubhouse bed for my Eli :)

I was sitting down looking through the pottery barn catalog one day and saw the Eli fort bed. My sons name is Eli so I found it funny it had his name but also decided he had to have one! I of course was not going to pay the pretty penny of $1400 that pottery barn wanted so I knew if he was going to have it , I would need to build it. He is 2 years old btw. I decided to google Eli fort bed to see if I could get any other measurements. Then I saw Ana Whites website for the first time. I was in my glory and super excited when I saw the clubhouse plans. Though I changed alot of things, her plans gave me a great layout to give me the confidence I needed to go and do it! So here is my building before and after pictures. Just thought Id share and of course the last picture is my son super excited about his new fort bed!

Some of my changes:

I added 7 inches to the posts height to give more space underneath it and to give me space to lower the mattress .Then I changed the angle of the peek as well to make it shorter to make up for the height difference as well.

I used plywood that looked like panels for the walls instead of pine planks. Im not sure if the cost is cheaper or more but I wanted wood above the door instead of just a piece of trim like in the Clubhouse plans and this I believe was much faster then cutting planks and putting them all together.

I dropped the mattress height down 6 inches because I wanted the railing to be taller after the mattress was in the bed for extra safty since he is only 2. It is easier for him to climb up into the bed with the mattress being lower in the doorway as well. I hid the fact that is was much lower behind the 2x8 trim in lou of the 1x6 trim the plans called for.

I also added the top step to the ladder as well because 3 wasn't going to get him up there. :)

Thanks Ana White for the plans!! They helped to give me a starting point so that I knew which bases to cover when I altered something!

Estimated Cost
$210.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain by minwax and apolycrylic satin clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhoppy

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 14:45

It looks so awesome! I can't believe this was your first project!! This may seem like a silly question but how did you get the mattress inside the bed?