Community Brag Posts

Little Helper Learning Tower

This is a slightly modified version of the little helper tower, very sturdy design, i weigh 184lbs and use it to climb up to high places as if it were scaffolding. The modifications include making the sides the ladder and the ladder the sides, this allows for smaller hands to grip easier when climbing. It helps to mimic more a ladder design than climbing up the side. It also made for easier install of rungs for ladder. Screws go through the wood face into tge end of the rungs, then pocket homes were used for side supports which were larger woods pieces than the rungs  and pocket screws went from face of supports to the edge of the legs therefore no split out when doing pocket screws! All made from recycled wood from crates, dried and seasoned of course, if you use recycled wood it must be fully cured or it will warp and split over time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The wood was free from crates that were going to the dumpster from my job. About $25.00 for screws glue and dowels, we used deck-mate #8x2,1/2 screws to assure safety of the rungs because they had the highest shear strength. We used minwax golden oak from the local hazardous waste collection site and the same with the poly, so the finish was free!
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax golden oak on the lighter one and semi gloss poly brush on, others are special walnut with spray minwax poly semi gloss. I personally like the brush on poly for the finish on this type of project. It is tougher and hold out longer, but it is a pain to apply when it is all together. The stain was applied before the pieces were put together. Touched up stain after all was together and sanded off high spots then applied poly after all was finished, bottom of tower first then to front and sides.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Easiest Teen Platform Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/03/2020 - 09:05

https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/easiest-teen-platform-bed

This went really well thanks for posting the plans!

Estimated Cost
$185
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
50% espresso 50% english walnut minimax stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Double loft / desk combo with storage ladder

Submitted by sylvialh on Thu, 04/26/2012 - 05:23

Our den is an awkward spot and we wanted to have a usable double bed as well as desk space for two people, but putting in two desks and a futon made it really cluttered and took up a lot of space, plus we were always having to move one of the desks in order to use the futon as a bed. So we combined all three items!

I changed the dimensions of the loft to accomodate the futon frame (I actually just dropped the futon bed support into the top of the loft) and then I used a long counter I already had as a desktop. The desk is sitting on large shelf brackets that are attached to the uprights of the loft, and then at the front there are shelves to hold up the front part of the desk.

It's ideal because most of the time we are not both working and so we can take advantage of the other person's space, but if we are both there there is enough room as well.

The plan I used below is awesome because everything is really firm but you can still take apart the key parts to get it out of the room. So I built it outside but put it together in the room itself.

We call it the sky bed and my friends love it. I also ditched the ladder and built the shelving unit you see that is both a ladder and shelves, and takes advantage of the shape of the room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bookcase with large drawer beneath for my son's nursery

I built a bookcase with a large drawer beneath for my son's nursery. This build was based on Ana's plans for the Cube Drawer Bench and Hutch, but I changed a few things to make it my own. This was my first real attempt at making any kind of furniture, or anything else, really, and I'm fairly happy with the way it turned out. More importantly, my wife loves it.

I learned a TON from all the resources on this website. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$200? Maybe a little more.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I originally tried staining using a deep mahogany color from Sherwin Williams, but I hated it. It looked nearly purple. I ended up sanding that off and refinishing using General Finishes "Georgian Cherry" Gel Stain - 2 coats. I then applied two coats of Minwax Satin Polyurethane. The gel stain was exactly what I hoped it would be.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

misterwilbur

Mon, 02/10/2014 - 16:54

Thank you!

I attached the hutch to the drawer by drilling 4 pocket holes on the inside of the bookcase where the bottom meets the top of the drawer. I also used wood glue. I was concerned about the hutch moving around, and the possibility of it tipping over, so I decided to go ahead and build the two components as one piece, essentially.

Also, in order to add some additional strength and stability, I combined the frames on both components so that I would have vertical 1x2's going down the entire length of the backside of the piece. I also added horizontal 1x2's on the backside of each shelf. All these things combined really gave it a lot of extra strength.

My Pallet barn door TV Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/09/2016 - 09:46

Mini sliding barn doors. Made this piece out of pallet wood and used red oak for the top. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Honey and Pine Stain. Semi-Gloss on top and Satin on the rest
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bunk beds

I built this bunk bed from the plans here on Anna white, I love this site. I think it came out really good. It took a little longer than expected because I sanded every piece down, every corner, every side, every end,  because it's for my kids.  

I devised the ladder myself for my situation and modified the rails I found as well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear matte polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Entertainment Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 11:08

5ft Barn Door TV Stand.
I used the Grandy Barn Door Console as inspiration. I made it as 3 separate units and screwed them together. The shelves are adjustable, the bead board back was done on the table saw, the doors are maple with a hickory diagonal centre panel! This is my largest project so far and I have have to thank Ana White for the beautiful plans that you produce. Without you I’m not sure I would have attempted this. I am one proud lady 🥰

Debbie P

Built from Plan(s)

Finally I Finished My Bench

Submitted by Jake on Sat, 04/28/2012 - 14:18

It is a great storage bench. It took me a while to finish it because I made the decision to make the storage area deeper to 4.5 inches without thinking about how that would change the side panels. So I had some adjusting to do. I took my medicine and moved on. I was going to use the bench in the garage to store tools but it came out so well that now I may find a place in the house. Great bench and very sturdy. I was going to paint it entirely black but the idea of the flip top being a different color hit me and I kinda like it. If I do it over I would go with black hinges, which I can still do.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar flat black and satin red paint..
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Build -- Farmhouse Table

This is my first build!

Had a blast building this and turned out beautiful!

cant wait to start on my next!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Light Walnut for the top and semi gloss white for the base
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

strotter13

Sun, 02/16/2014 - 22:21

Looks AWESOME! I did something similar with the wood on white, I just posted the build :) I am going to have to copy this though!!!

Triple Pedestal Table

Submitted by jiles95 on Thu, 05/12/2016 - 07:27

I built this for my wife for Mother's Day 2016!  Also built the centerpiece box.  If you know how to use a miter saw, jig saw, and read a tape measure....then you can build it too!!  It was a lot of fun and very rewarding!!  Took around 25-28 hours to build and finish.  Let me know if you have any questions.  My email is [email protected]

Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Legs - one coat of dark walnut minwax, then painted with valspar project perfect satin latex enamel in white (mix of spray paint and brush), distressed
Top - one coat of early american minwax, sanded, then white washed with 1:4 ratio of same valspar white and water. 4-5 coats of poly/crylic minwax clear matte.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bathroom vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/16/2020 - 21:40

Hand made bathroom vanity

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)

Comments

kradams

Wed, 06/30/2021 - 23:28

I've been searching for WEEKS to find this vanity. I knew it existed somewhere but didn't know where. Please, PLEASE, post the plans for this. The video posted above it is for the pantry organizer. Thank you in advance!

kradams

Wed, 06/30/2021 - 23:35

What angles did you cut the "X"s at? They're cut at the top and bottom instead of the sides like the kitchen island plans show and I want to make sure that I cut mine at the correct angle. Thank you again.

Super Simple Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/05/2023 - 16:09

This is my first piece of furniture I've ever made that didn't come in a box ;) The instructions were so clear and easy to follow. I wish I'd had a table saw for the piece of live edge (it had live edge on both sides so I had to make a 6 foot cut with my circular saw that came out not quite perfect, but I am choosing to think of it as adding to the charm. Might go back and add some shine to the top, but for now I'm super happy with it.

emily.rhoades_

Apothecary Shoe Dresser

I have been planning to build the apothecary media console, but my desire for a new hall table and shoe storage won out. So...I transferred the look, and I love it! I wanted a vintage feel so I added legs, apothecary drawer fronts and knobs, a 2x10 top, and a distressed finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Black spray paint, distressed with a sander and finished with varathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Desk for my little girl's room.

Submitted by kristyzed on Sun, 02/16/2014 - 14:01

I was very excited to make this for my daughter. I made the tops and shelves from MDF. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of buying construction-grade 2 x 2s, instead of select pine, as I didn't know there was a difference at the time. DON'T do this! The select pine looks much better, with crisper edges and cleaner lines.
The assembly was a bit tricky on my own, but I managed to get it done. I really like the general looks of this desk, but I made a few mistakes along the way so I'm probably going to build another, without the mistakes.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I applied 2 coats of Valspar's Cloud White, which was perfect to match with our Plantation shutters and our trim. I then applied a coat of poly, sanded, and applied another coat of poly. Here is where I made another mistake. Please learn from this so you don't make the same one. I ignored the can of poly which states in BOLD to apply THIN coats, and after my two coats dried I was left with a yellow-tinged white colour. In the daylight it's quite obvious and I'm kicking myself for it. Make sure you apply thin coats! :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Sofa (half of the sectional plan)

Submitted by Fitz3636 on Tue, 02/18/2020 - 08:27

I had some wood laying around with all the new home construction around us and needed a reading seat for my 3 & 7 year old. I took the sectional plans and whipped this together pretty quick (as you can tell as I still need to put in wood filler for the screws...). It's perfect and we all can sit on there while reading books for night time (and he can keep all his little shoes under there for easy storing). Takes a few hours to come together for s novice like me. Paining took the longest. I need to remember to paint first but tend to get so excited to build, painting comes after. Thank you for the plans!

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Slat Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/11/2023 - 10:51

My biggest woodworking project yet. I used espresso gloss stain and polyurethane finish.

Playground-6ea61.firebaseapp.com

 

$4 chairs with chalkboard top storage table

These were made for a charity auction and ended up selling for much more then I expected.
I was suprised and how strong the chairs ended up being. I'm thinking of making another table chair set only with 4 chairs and a longer table.

Estimated Cost
$50 majority of cost was paint
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
white spray pain in a flat finish then a glossy clearcoat. Tble top is chalkboard spray paint 3 coats. Table storage bottom is covered with cork.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by nuarty145 on Tue, 02/18/2014 - 06:53

My wife wanted a black headboard to match our existing bedroom set so I built just the headboard from the farmhouse bed plans. It was simple to build, looks great, and my wife and I love sleeping under it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 + paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CreativeChaos

Mon, 06/09/2014 - 10:03

I just built this headboard for my daughter's new full bed and she wanted the headboard with the metal frame. I was wondering if you could share how you attached your headboard to the frame? The holes in our metal frame on the the flanges for the headboard are rather large. I used kiln dried 2x4's for her legs because we don't get 4x4's here that aren't pressure treated.

Rustic American Flag

This was a fun build.  I used common board for the the stripes and a left over piece of cabnet grade plywood for the union.  Whole thing is 37 x 19.5.  The stripes are 1.5 wide.  I painted all the pieces then sanded then down to expose the grain and give it a worn look.  Then I took a handheld propane torch to it.  I used small 1 in tin stars which were the most challenging and expensive part of it. I painted them then distressed them with sandpaper.  I attached the stars with super glue.  All in all a fun project.

Estimated Cost
Wood and paint 30
Tin stars 30
Glue 10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

In reply to by trojan24man

Tony Garcia

Fri, 05/20/2016 - 05:49

Thank you. This was a gift for my Fath in Law, I think he is going to put it on his patio.  I added a lip a the top on the back so it can rest on some anchored screws. Depending on where he puts it though I might add a wire across the back so it will hold a little tighter outside with the wind.

Tony Garcia

Fri, 05/20/2016 - 05:46

It was a gift for my Father in Law.  I think he is going to hang it on his patio.  When I built it I added a lip rail along the top so you can rest it on an anchor. If it does go outside I might add a wire across the back so it can catch and won't blow off in high wind.

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