Community Brag Posts

Simple outdoor sofa for the pool!

Submitted by monster on Wed, 02/26/2014 - 18:03

An easy build! Thanks for the plans, Ana. This was a housewarming gift for some friends and it now sits nicely by their pool. I got the cushions from Ikea (Arholma range) and sized the sofa around them. I used 2x3s for the frame and added a couple of 2x3 support legs under the back cleat for extra support. I also attached a couple of 2x3 pieces between the back cleat and the back apron for the back support to rest on. Now for the table... :)

Estimated Cost
$250 including timber, cushions and paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dulux Weathershield paint, 2 coats. Cushion covers were dyed navy blue with Rit.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sectional seating

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/30/2016 - 06:18

This was by Far The Best Sectional plans on the Net! Very Easy To Make! Thanks Anna white

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern media console - walnut slab

Submitted by jvtoomey on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 14:02

Built mainly from the Modern Media Console plan, modified in a few ways.  Aside from the obvious part being the walnut slab on top, I modified the doors to be inset hinges for looks, and it’s slightly longer than the original plans.  The other main modification was using the base from the Emersen Console or Buffet plan with the addition of the adjustable height leveling legs. 

Estimated Cost
750
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stained with American walnut to bring the hue of the walnut and maple to be similar, then finished with a light coating of clear satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Wood Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 19:18

I am a mathematics teacher in Central IL. I teach a class called Geometry in Construction. I had my math students build this wood shed in pieces at the school, then I brought it home and put it together with a few of my son's friends. The students enjoy a math class that gets to go to the wood shop to apply their math skills to a wood working project. I am proud of my students hard work and dedication.

Shari Bruyn (I'm old, so I do not have Instagram or a blog page. lol)

Built from Plan(s)

modified outdoor dining table

My wife has been wanting new patio furniture so here is my version of the simple outdoor table, I shortened it to fit our needs. Next is the chairs to match.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Flat book rack

Submitted by Morrell272 on Mon, 03/03/2014 - 08:37

Built this for my son's nursery. Cutting and assembly was a snap. Took under four hours. Painting however took forever. I'm a slow and careful painter. Each coat took two hours, then sanding in between. I'm happy with the result. I bought the kreg r3 pocket hole jig and I love it.

Estimated Cost
45.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and then water based semigloss clear coat to protect the finish from sticking to the books
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X Coffee Table Woes

Submitted by mrcleland on Thu, 06/02/2016 - 05:56

I started this project a few months ago for a friend. The build went easy enough and was complete is less than a day. The only issue I had was with the X's. My miter saw doesnt cut past 55 degrees and it called for 60 degrees. I had to eye it and the X's turned out less than perfect. It did give me a compelling arguement to upgrade from my 10" to a 12" sliding saw (we will see how that pans out). The finishing was the real problem for me. Ive had issues in the past with not liking the final color and having to sand the whole project over and over until I finally just settle. I was hesitant on the vinegar and steel wool finish but went for it anyway. The top turned orange, almost like a fresh cedar color. I whitewashed it the following day and roughed it up with some light sanding. It looked great. I added poly and the top turned orange again. It was horrible. I had to sand it and start over. I then went with a weathered grey with a whitewashed top coat and it looked great but my friend wasnt a fan. I sanded AGAIN and tried another color. Third time was a charm and the sunbleached stain with whitewash came close to what we wanted to acheive. He likes it, I like it, and eveyone is happy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sunbleached Color Stain w/ a whitewash mixture (1/1 white paint and water)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Card catalog shoe cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/25/2020 - 15:43

I built the shoe cabinet but added card catalog handles. Also used deck railing toppers for the feet

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore advanced

Geo Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/04/2023 - 14:44

Bedroom dresser made from Ana White’s plans! Absolutely love it and it was easy to build!

Kristen Kobeszko

Built from Plan(s)

Retro Style Wall Hanging

Submitted by Joni on Mon, 05/21/2012 - 14:40

This piece began with finding a unique piece of walnut that had been discarded by a custom cabinet manufacturer. When I saw it, I thought I could make a beautiful wall hanging out of it. The walnut wood is absolutely beautiful; pictures don't do it justice. The majority of the piece is not stained; the natural color is enhanced with a clear polyurethane designed to give a hand-rubbed finish. The darker walnut section was lightly stained for contrast. The frame is made of pine 2x2s. I built a platform in the grooves with shims, and embedded earth-toned glass and stone tiles (as well as river rocks) in the grooves around the "waves".

While this didn't come from any specific plan, most any inspiration and techniques come straight from what I've learned on ana-white. Ana's site has really changed my life and given me a passion for building.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

hammertime

Tue, 05/22/2012 - 10:15

Joni, I've been admiring your work all along, but this one takes the cake! You have such imagination and vision. I think this is an outstanding piece.

Cottage Side Table with Vintage Label Painting

I modified the plans just a tad bit, i.e., framed the top and used 1" x 4"s on the top and bottom horizontal planes... painted a vintage citrus label on the top and now I have a one-of-a-kind side table for my porch.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain with a white milk paint dry brush on top of stain. Art work is done with acrylic then sanded and distressed. Finished the table with semi-gloss polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Alexia Bench modified

Submitted by rkyount on Sat, 06/04/2016 - 15:35

This was a very quick and easy build that was completely finished in an afternoon. My Kreg jig was loaned out, so I have exposed fasteners, but I prefer to let them show instead of filling the holes. I built this with 20" legs to make it a little taller and more comfortable for my height. I also prefer straight lines and angles, so I changed the trim pieces a bit to suit my style. The hardest part was getting the drawer slides lined up. The finish is Rustoleum Heirloom White with a coffee colored glaze. The picture makes one drawer look darker, but it's really just a shadow. I'm in love with this project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Heirloom White with a coffee colored glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Stinctly Made Crib

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 10:15

While I found the plans a little difficult to follow as there were steps left out, missing measurements, and misinformation, it was an easy project and I'm so glad I made it. Even at 21 weeks pregnant it was totally doable alone. The only thing I needed my husband for was to hold the side rails at the correct height.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kona by Varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stacking cube

Submitted by Joleene24 on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 13:41

Hi all,
This is my second project I have build from plans I have found here. I'm a novice at woodworking and only get a couple hours on the weekend to work on projects. So it takes a while to finish one. My daughter loves her new toy shelf. The hardest part for me was to attach the doors straight. I'm sure there is a secret I just haven't figured it out yet.
I primed the whole piece, applied three thin coats of latex paint and sanded with 320 grit sandpaper in between coats. I applied two coats of finish after 48 hours and sanded with 400 grit sandpaper in between.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft bed Black with monster high colours.

Submitted by moka58 on Sat, 03/08/2014 - 20:18

My wonderful hubby built this bed in a short amount of time and I did the sanding and staining. We made it for my 6 year old daughter for her 6th birthday surprise. Her reaction… a high pitched scream of excitement.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades. I don't recommend this since it's oil based and it took a long time for the smell to dissipate. Go with a water based product.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Queen size farmhouse bed with storage

Submitted by fdfp84 on Wed, 06/08/2016 - 17:11

I made the bed  from the plans on this site, I made the drawers using a dovetail joint.Took a little longer because of that. 

Estimated Cost
cost was around 350.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Wood Hall Tree

Submitted by advanlente on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 11:41

My family was all coming over for Christmas and we were going to have about 30 people at my house. I only had my mudroom hooks but no other place to store people's keys, coats, etc. When I saw these plans they looked quick enough to build in one night (the night before the party lol). So I did! And man did it get use. I wish I would've taken a picture with all the coats and purses and keys on it. 

Built from Plan(s)

Modified Laundry Basket Dresser

Both dressers were completed in one (long) day by my boyfriend and his father. Modifications were made to make it fit square Sterilite 1.5 Bu./ 53 L laundry baskets (serial/bar code # 073149121789).

I'm not sure what size pieces they purchased, however this is the cut list (for one dresser, 3 laundry baskets):
2 - 48" x 20" (sides) - could possibly be shorter, we had a little bit of extra space
1 - 20" x 20" (bottom)
1 - 21.5" x 20" (top)
1 - 48.5" x 21.5" (back)
6 - (2" x 2")'s cut into 20" pieces (or the metal angle option in the original design)

They did not distance the spaces perfectly for the (2" x 2")'s, but every 14-16 inches should be about right.

I'm sorry these instructions are void of a lot of information, but I hope they can help.
I think this project can take a shorter amount of time if no mistakes are made. They had to run to Lowe's 2 times in the middle of the project because they forgot to purchase a second size of screws and then they cut the back too thin.

Good luck, and have fun! It is a fabulous project and oh so very useful.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 - $100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Lowe's Creative Ideas for Color, "Dive In" CI 249
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Katie B. of Ho… (not verified)

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 09:53

This is a brilliant solution, particularly since most sorters don't have enough compartments to separate the whites, sheets and towels from each other. But we really don't want to wash them together, do we?

Love how cozy your kitty looks up there, too.

Little Helper Tower

Submitted by aoliaak on Wed, 03/12/2014 - 16:48

Loved building this for my son, much easier than I expected it to be.

Total build time was about 3 hours, and another 3 hours for finishing. We've had it only a few days and it's already a staple in the kitchen, used for everything from peeling potatoes to feeding his horse!

Thank you so much for making these plans freely available.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Sico's Luster Gloss in Desert Sun + 1 coat of polyurethane spray.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Full Size Storage Bed

Submitted by duchamp6 on Sun, 06/12/2016 - 20:57

My daughter turned 10 this week and we did a room makeover for her birthday. She is in LOVE with her new space. She has been sharing a bunk with her 6 yr old brother. We told her when her 2 yr old brother climbed out of the crib that she would get the baby's room and the boys would then bunk together. Well, he climbed out as they ALL do. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Behr satin finish white with primer and applied it with a sponge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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