Community Brag Posts

Man cave

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 04:21

We made these chairs following easy instructions from AnaWhite!

Comments

Truss Coffee Table

This was my third project so far. I am having so much fun with your designs! I bought your book and also got a copy for my friend. Thank you so much for all of your free posts and for being such an inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
special oak by minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom flller cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 12:02

I replaced my gas stove, and could not find a 36" wide stove that was affordable, and had the features I wanted. I bought standard 30' stove, but had a gap to fill. Found this site; adapted the filler cabinet to 7 3/4 inches and found the pullout shelving unit. Added a drawer front with a pull, and it is great!

Estimated Cost
$220
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in Honey Pine for cabinet front only.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Side Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/31/2019 - 06:24

First thing my husband has ever attempted to build and I love it! Thanks Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Dresser

Submitted by elainefour on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 09:33

I needed some furniture for the entryway and made this dresser. All it needs now is a few accessories! Thanks Ana.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a light cherry stain and topcoated with a matte black paint. I lightly distressed the edges to have the stain show through.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:00

I love this. I would love to build this, but modify it to be more narrow. I am afraid to do both. I don't have the confidence yet to modify or tackle drawers. Yikes. Going to have to bit the bullet one of these days!

1st Toy Box

Submitted by Parahann on Sat, 11/23/2013 - 16:35

This is my first wood working project I've done. I am definitely a beginner, but feel that it turned out great. The project instructions were easy to follow and very descriptive. Some of the problems I ran into was my hardware store had a very limited selection of wood to choose from. I ended up buying a 2x4x1/2 sheet of plywood for the sides so when I made my cuts, I didn't take into account that the blade from the saw would eat up an 1/8" of wood which made my cuts off. Next when I was attaching the 1x2s and 1x3s to the plywood, I didn't realize I clamped the wood to hard which left a slight bend in my joined pieces. Overall I feel the project turned out great and my 3 year old loved it (which is the most important thing)!! I look forward to making more projects, to include another toy box.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White gloss paint and then spray lacquer. I used lacquer because it after doing my research, it seemed to be the most durable out the different types of protective finishes.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Coffee Table

Submitted by Mitch3088 on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 10:09

Handmade coffee table base on Corona plans. Bottom shelf was chagned to wooden slats instead of solid plywood. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobsen Stain
Behr White Paint thinned with water
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Bunk Beds in Antique White

Submitted by arlo on Wed, 09/18/2019 - 18:46

I used the overall dimensions from the plan for the beds. Some differences:

  1. For the ladder we wanted less footprint, so attached it vertically.
  2. I modified the guard rail to attach to the top of the side rail, and the side of the vertical board. These were fastened with pocket screws. This method eliminates the support 2x4s that would jut into the mattress area.
  3. I cut the ladder and guard rail corners to 45 degrees and routed the edges.
  4. I used just 2 bolts and nylon lock nuts per connection, which is plenty strong enough since the weight is on the vertical 2x4s.
  5. We used IKEA LUROY slatted bed bases to support the mattresses.

Tips:

  1. When you prepare the vertical boards with notches, be sure to use the same 2x6 boards that will be your actual side rails. I accidentally used one from another job that was slightly narrower, so I had to open up those notches when I assembled.
  2. Be sure to test fit everything before painting, including drilling for the bolts.
  3. Pre-drill and counter sink the holes in the vertical supports and in the 2x2 slat supports. Then use wood screws.
  4. If the bed base is noisy, wax the support rail. Renaissance Wax works great.
  5. For any job using pocket screws, be sure to set the tool for the correct board width. I accidentally had it set for 3/4, so had to fill those holes and flip the guard rail and re-drill for 2-1/2.
  6. For the 1/2" gaps, I used scrap boards, teed together as spacers. You can see in the photo of the guard rail.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex based, Antique White. 2-3 coats as needed. This used about 3/4 of a gallon.

For a better finish you should use a proper primer first.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/17/2023 - 11:12

I made two. Somehow one turned out just a tad larger than the other. It works though, my kids are 2 and 9. Love all your plans. Thanks.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Lockers for Mudroom

This was a much faster build than we anticipated, thanks to easy to work with MDF and pre-finished bead-board backing. Had all the wood pre-ordered on line from Lowe's made pick up super easy - and then they did all the cuts for us!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 15:12

Looks great! I have a goofy question -- can you specify the cuts you want made when you order online, or do you get it at the store, take it back to the saw and have them cut it then?

In reply to by Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

molliepayne

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:07

No, you have to go back to the cutting area and do those. I wouldn't want to trust them to do them just right, though. I like to watch and help measure if need be. There's nothing worse than having your cuts off by a 1/4 inch or more!

Sam - builder (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:08

I don't think that you can specify cuts in your online order, just the boards. But we picked it up with a sheet of paper specifying how each board should be cut.

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 18:01

Now that you said that, I totally agree about wanting to watch the guy cut. Usually they are pretty good, but I have run into a couple of not-so-smart ones also!

Play Vanity

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Tue, 11/26/2013 - 11:52

I wanted to surprise someone special with just the right gift on her 5th birthday. The size was just perfect for her and the space that was available.
At the last minute I decided to add drawers to contain all those girly things and am glad that I did. To finish it off I added pretty crystal knobs to really glam it up.
I also built the play table stool to complete the set.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35-50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Oak, semi-gloss poly, White semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 12:48

So precious! Wish I had this type of set up when I was a teenager, let alone when I was five! LOL! Lucky girl!

DIY Dollhouse for American Girl Dolls

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 12:11

Using Ana's three-storey dollhouse as a foundation, I amended the measurements to create a narrower dollhouse (36" wide) to fit our space.

Estimated Cost
This dollhouse - using MDF and 1 x 6" boards for the roof, came in at $100 Canadian. (Less wood since my plan was both narrower and didn't include the centre dividers. Remember when buying castors to choose ones that will hold at least 150lbs - this sucker is heavy!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used some small mis-tint containers from our local Home Depot which came in at $1 per container. The flooring is peel-and-stick tile which range in price from about $0.60 to $1.34 each.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tress Beam Table

Submitted by Billzair on Sun, 09/29/2019 - 11:48

Put this baby together in 3 days and I just LOVE it! I cannot wait to pick my next project.  Thank you,  Ana White, for your inspiration!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Potting Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 06:59

I really liked your design so I decided to make one for my mom for Mother’s Day and she loves it. Just painted it white before adding the 2x6’s and stained them a walnut Thank you ..!!!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Doll Crib

I did it! Using your plans I made the doll crib. I had to improvise on the drawer as the drawer in the plans was to tall to go under the bed and I had already put it together before checking. Oh well. I also made the mattress, reversible blanket and 2 pillows for the bed. As this was my first woodworking project I am so proud of how well it turned out. Thank you Ana for this site. It is amazing and I am HOOKED.

Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, and "homemade" Pink. (Red and white mixed)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

reclaimed timber farmhouse table - first build

wanted a big table for christmas, this is over 8 foot, and we couldn't afford a table like that so having seen the site thought i'd try and build one. thanks for the plans absolutely great
first project, no real woodwork experience but competent diy-er

made mainly out of reclaimed wood, the top and side apron are made of old scaffold boards and the main brace a chunk of wood form my neighbours shed.

i did have to buy some 2x4s for the legs and the cross braces

sides painted and the top waxed, looks a bit patchy in the photos but the finish is good.

all in all cost about £70

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/15/2016 - 11:31

Here is our first stab at building funiture...not too shabby. We built 2 benches with the table!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used Minwax Jacobean Stain!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen helper

Submitted by Chef Sowa on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 17:51

My first project build from Ana-white.com. My wife had been looking at these towers online for a while until we saw they were upwards of $200 online... So I was like, "I'm sure I could make one.". So I found Ana's website, and here it is... My 19 month old daughter loves it, she climbs in and out of it with no problems, she calls it "uppy". This is my first of many projects to come from this very helpful site. The plans are all so helpful and very detailed. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

cfgenie

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 01:28

you did such a great job on this helper tower! I love the way you finished it with her name, the fun colors, the dots, the kitchen lingo... soo much fun!

American Girl Canopy Bed

Submitted by sraper2 on Tue, 12/03/2013 - 17:01

I built the American Girl canopy bed and closet for a family friend for Christmas. This plan was so much fun to make! I will definitely be making a few more for Christmas. I put a tutorial for the mattress I made and will be adding tutorials for the rest of the bedding on my blog tomorrow. Thanks so much!!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer, white pain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cottage Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/17/2016 - 18:37

My first project using Ana White's plans.  Love how easy the plans are and how great the bench turned out.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Chalk Paint with Dark Brown Wax then sanded for a distressed look
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Farmhouse Queen Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 07:47

Love this bed so much, we plan to build another 3. Used local white cedar milled just down the road from our cottage.

http://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/modern-farmhouse-bed-frame

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished. Love the cedar smell.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments