Community Brag Posts

Channing Coffee Bar

Submitted by dbarndt on Thu, 10/01/2015 - 12:11

The Channing Snack Cabinet was the perfect fit for a coffee bar in our little kitchen/dining room. We modified the plan slightly by adding two inches to the height, and putting two drawers in behind a pair of barn doors made from plans by Shanty 2 Chic. The top drawer holds k cups, coasters, etc, and the bottom two drawers hold coffee cups, extra water bottles, and tea.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The wood alone was $100, and we used some wood and mdf left over from another project.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
First we stained the cabinet with Minwax dark walnut, and sealed it with Shellac to prevent it from bleeding through the chalk paint. Then used white and yellow chalk paint (Americana Decor Delicate) and distressed with sandpaper for a vintage look. Then it was sealed with Annie Sloan clear wax. The drawer pull and knobs were a splurge from Anthropologie.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Parsons Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/25/2022 - 11:33

I host an Airbnb and wanted to add a small fire table feature to the outdoor front porch of it. Everything prebuilt was either very large or very ugly, so I decided to build a small coffee table and add a tabletop lp gas unit I found. I had built Ana's Farmer's table before so I searched the site and found the Parsons Table series. Ana's plans are so straightforward and easy to customize so I scaled it to fit the space. I added some privacy panels to hide the lp tank making one hinged for access.

Comments

Jewelry/Makeup Storage Cabinet

Thank you Anna for providing the template plans for this project. My wife had a mirror leaning on the wall in our bedroom that rarely got used and jewelry all over the dresser. So thanks to you I was able to turn this cheap mirror into useful storage and organize her jewelry.  Thanks! 

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glossy spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Wed, 10/07/2015 - 10:18

Thank you for building!!!  Your post just made my day, I'm so happy to see your build! I love the customization with the jewerly holders too!  Thank you so much for sharing!

Drop Down Hutch Desk

Submitted by danicarby on Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:05

I designed this desk and created a building plan using Google Sketchup. It has 2 file drawers, 2 smaller drawers, 2 large adjustable shelves and a pullout shelf in the bottom, 4 small adjustable shelves on the top and a large space for a computer monitor. The large door drops open for a large work space. When you're done, put the door up and you have a beautiful piece of furniture!

I consider myself an advanced-beginner when it comes to building. I have just enough knowledge to get me by. If you have time, patience and the right tools you can build this too! It took me 10 days to build, working as much as my kids would allow.

It took me countless hours to perfect the building plan - probably just as much work to design it as it was to build it :)

I really scrounged around to build this desk. I used a large beam my friend cut up into 2x2's for the main posts/legs, pine furring strips for the side boards and around the top for moulding (lots of scraps I already had), 3/4" plywood for the inside dividers/panels & desktop, 1/2" plywood for the drawer boxes, drop-down door & top, 1/4" plywood for drawer bottoms & backing-board. I used 3/4" pine boards for the drawer faces and small doors on the bottom. I used drawer slides from an old dresser I found by our dumpster and vintage knobs I bought online. The other black hardware (hinges, pull handle, and clasps for door) I bought from a big box store and is categorized as gate hardware.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did one coat of Mixwax Whitewash Pickling on the main desk frame and doors. Be careful because it dries fast and you need to do sections and wipe off every minute (especially on plywood). I did Minwax Jacobean Stain on the shelves, drawer boxes and inside parts of the top/back panels. I used Minwax Polycrylic* for all visible surfaces. I sanded with 220 in between all layers.

*After using the desk for a year I wish I would have used a more durable/lasting clearcoat. The Minwax Polycrylic stained very easily (my kids love drawing on things with Crayola markers & pens) and was hard to wipe off and make it look clean. Invest in a nice clearcoat.. you won't regret it (try Ceramithane)!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 15:33

Beautiful and unique build. Just a shame you are in a sense advertising it to sell on a site that offers plans free.

Joni

Sat, 08/31/2013 - 08:22

Your attention to detail is amazing! I see that every little detail matters to you, right down to the stain selection for the interior. This is a beautiful design. I only wish I had a place to use it so I could make it!

Something to hang you hat on

Submitted by sgilly on Mon, 09/02/2013 - 17:45

I built this for a friend of a friend. They had seen a similar hall tree on line that ran between $300-$500. It was made of a mix of materials, including mdf and veneer. It was for newlyweds so I did the finishing (something I really hate) and I made the cushion. I had the mirror cut at a local glass shop, and had it cut a bit shorter than how it appeared in the picture they gave me - I was afraid someone would toss somthing onto the cushion and it would end up hitting the mirror.
They seemed happy with it. I hope to get a picture of it in place so that I can add it to my album titled "Look what Gramma made when she could still do things".

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used 3 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut, 2 coats of rub on polyurethane, satin finish, and then applied a coat of wax and buffed that out.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

CreativeChaos

Tue, 09/03/2013 - 16:45

I was considering making the hall tree for our bathroom and wondering how you stabilized the back without those curvy side supports? I like how yours turned out!

sgilly

Tue, 09/03/2013 - 20:31

It was an easy build and would be really easy to anchor to a wall. I suggested to my clients that they just add anchors to the top piece and screw to the wall there. This is 72" tall. Most people wouldn't even see the anchors. You could also screw through the back from inside the cubbies. It wouldn't budge!

Bathroom Cabinet

Submitted by Smokeydog on Wed, 11/11/2015 - 10:58

I built this cabinet for a little additional bathroom storage.  I used select pine for most of the project and some old leftover hardwood flooring for the top.  The lines of the hardwood gave the cabinet top a nice rustic appearance.  I am happy how this project turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around 100.00.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
BEHR satin paints
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

LARGE FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by mdbennes on Mon, 11/23/2015 - 09:25

I used Ana's plans for this project, but had to deviate since I built it for a friend who needed a table for 14!!  This thing is huge, 12 feet long, and about 44 inches wide.  I made it out of pine, 2x8s for the top but stuck to the plans for the frame.  It weighs about 200lbs or more, and had to move it with 4 guys...used an enclosed trailer to move it from my house to theirs. They love it so that's all that counts!  Oh ya, in the picture, you will see Ana's rustic X console table too! 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut stain, then a GLOSS polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fireplace Barrier

Submitted by ccapps4284 on Tue, 11/24/2015 - 10:54

I was worried about my 13 month old Grandson getting burned by the glass on our gas log fireplace. And I could not find a screen that was not metal and was sturdy enough that I felt comfortable using. So, I did some measuring and built my own to match our existing mantle and frame around the fireplace. Made my own 2x2s for the rail as I could not find any straight enough and "knot free". My wife was a little hesitant when I told her I was going to buld something because I am not the fastest builder as I just do it hwne I get time and feel like it but, this only took a couple of weeks including the painting and staining. I can take it apart in 3 pieces for the summer and store it in the garage.

Estimated Cost
75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex Paint and Minwax stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bunk Bed from Simple Bed, modified

My husband modified the Simple Bunk Bed plan by Margjack and built this bed on weekends over the last month. He first built the four head boards and then went on to design his own railing and ladder. I liked how Margjack created more height and identical beds, especially if/when we use them as individual beds instead of a bunk bed.

After priming and painting all pieces, we assembled the bed in our sons' bedroom. A slide show of the assembly can be found at:

http://vimeo.com/27997563

Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primed and then painted.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

river4250

Sun, 09/04/2011 - 09:13

Looks amazing, and I'm totally in love with that color! Great choice.

Tregg Istre (not verified)

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 06:11

I was wanting to know if you could get me the plans to this particular bunk bed? We really like it very much!

Tregg

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 06:24

We are interested in building this bunk bed for our girls is there any way we can get the plans?

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Wed, 03/14/2012 - 06:22

Tregg - I just used the Simple Bunk Beds plan from Ana (http://ana-white.com/2010/01/plans-how-to-modify-the-simple-bed-to-a-bu…) which is a modification of her Simple bed plan (http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plan-by-request-simple-bed-twin-sized.html)
I further modified it by making 4 headboards instead of 2 headboards and 2 footboards. I fashioned a ladder attached perpendicularly to the side instead of an angled one.
If you look at Ana's plans it should make sense.

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 03/30/2012 - 20:07

I love this, and like others I particularly like the extra height created by doing 4 headboards instead of 2 footboards for the top bunk...my question, though, is how high are your ceilings? I am afraid that if I do this there won't be enough room for the person in the top bunk in our house! Yours looks like it fits just fine, though! :)

Patricia Mandli (not verified)

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 12:49

I LOVE this color! Do you remember (or could look at the can) the name of it and where you bought it? Thanks so much!

wotto

Mon, 03/17/2014 - 08:59

link from vimeo isn't working. Is it still available?

Entertainment Unit

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/05/2022 - 12:31

This entertainment unit was inspired by the 4x4 x base pedestal dining table with planked wood top. It completes the set which also includes the Table, coffee table and lamp table.

All 4 pieces have the same top design
Made from 200mm x 50mm pine sleepers and finished with Cabots benchtop clear finish

Comments

Trash Can Cabinet w/ Bead Board Insert

Submitted by dhunt on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 22:00

My mom bought a similar one several years ago and I've been wanting something like this ever since...so glad I came across this site so I can proudly say I built it myself whenever someone asks!

Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic One
Paint and primer in one!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

shammrocky

Sun, 05/19/2013 - 13:44

I would like to purchase something like this, but I cannot find it any where. I actually want to make it into a laundry hamper where it is deep enough to fit two tall thin laundry baskets. Can anyone help me on this?

dia

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 20:59

Absolutely adore how yours turned out. Such an elegant look. Please share the color you used. Can't really tell if it's black or a very dark brown. Thanks and congrats on the gorgeous result!

Debbie440

Mon, 11/25/2013 - 16:23

Yes, I agree, this turned great. I'd also like to know what color it is?

Miter saw cart

I looked at several solutions for a potable miter saw cart given that I had just purchased a new miter saw and it is quite heavy. Opted for the miter saw cart in Ana's website because it provided the most flexibility given my limited working space.

Built from Plan(s)

I used the corrugated polycarbonate to cover the greenhouse I made from a chalet style Sun Country Greenhouse Plans. Thanks for the idea.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/09/2019 - 06:34

I saw the barn shaped greenhouse plan but preferred a regular roof pitch. I did however incorporate the corrugated polycarbionate as a covering. I find it odd that you guys installed the polycarbonate horizonitally instead of vertically.

Anyway thanks for the info on polycarbonate.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Using cedar framing... 9 x 16' @ $3000 +/-
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

hauxy

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 17:47

Love this! I really prefer the roofline on your greenhouse. Did you modify Ana's design, or did you get plans from another site? Would love to replicate your design if possible-very elegant.

Seasonal And Holiday

14 foot table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 18:37

I made a 14 foot table using Ana's plans. I am remodeling my parents house that they built in 1966.  I was able to use some 4x6's for the legs from walls that I took down.  

Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

lisadrisco

Tue, 06/04/2019 - 20:07

Hi that looks amazing! I’m looking to make the same size table.  Could you please tell me the measurements of your legs?  Also what length support boards did you use.  Thanks

Redwood Shower Bench

Submitted by lwarteman on Sun, 10/20/2013 - 08:33

I wanted to build a small shower bench. I used the Providence Bench Plans and just made it a bit smaller with a few adjustments. This bench is 35" long and 18" tall. I did not use the cross supports on the bottom because it was so short. Also, you will see that I turned the bottom stretcher and side supports flat/horizontal. I put the screws for the seat boards through the top down just because this was the easiest way for me to do it. The plans did not show in detail how to attach the seat boards from the underside. It just said "finally, the seat boards." I guess they probably used a pocket jig. I bought a pocket jig and used it in the couple of places, but this was my first time using it. I used brown, coated decking screws in the places I did not use the pocket screws. This was my first attempt at building anything and my first time to use a pocket jig. I used a natural wood stain and Behr Weather-Proofing since it will be in a wet area.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr All-in-One Stain and Weatherproofing in Cedar Naturaltone (No. 5533). Because this is going to be in a wet area, I put 2 coats on and let each one dry 12-24 hours in between and before getting wet.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King storage bed

This bed was built using poplar, and pine wood. I used poplar for most of the stained pieces that are visible, and the stain is varathanes Early American. This is the fourth bed I’ve built with Ana’s Farmhouse Storage Bed plans, because it breaks down to four pieces, headboard, footboard and two side boxes, along with the drawers. This makes it easy to assemble on site.

Estimated Cost
$550
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane, Early American stain
Varathane satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bengals97

Tue, 07/28/2020 - 14:33

I really like how you built this...I noticed you used the queen plans but made a king. Would you be able to share the changes you made to make this a king. I am still relatively new in my woodworking passion compared to your 25 years of experience. Thanks for sharing your end result...I would be open to pay for the updated plans if need be as I know your time and experience is valuable.

Dog Crate

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 06:28

I modified the Grandy Console to be dog crates for my Grand Pups so we didn’t have to have crates set up in the house. Middle divider can be raised to make one big crate.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Great Plans!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 09:46

My friend & I made this doll house for a Christmas present for my daughter.  The plans were easy to follow!

I put carpet on the top floor & then used contact paper that lookes like wood for the other flooring.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Homemade DIY Kitchen Island inspired by Williams-Sonoma "Cooper Double Kitchen Island"

Submitted by LN2014 on Mon, 04/29/2019 - 22:26

My latest furniture build, custom kitchen island inspired by Williams-Sonoma "Cooper Double Kitchen Island. The workers there weren't too happy when I was at their store taking measurements and me telling them, I'm going to build one myself. The most expensive part was the matching quartz top on it. Here is my start to finish pictures. It's a great addition to my complete home renovation project, which is now on the market for sale. If anyone wants specs and build info, to build it yourself let me know! Thank you Ana-White for inspiring in 2013 to start wood working and building, I have learned so much from your DIYs from the first x console table to now building anything my mind can imagine. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8707-Braun-Path-San-Antonio-TX-78254…

diy kitchen island

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations black
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

2x4 Truss bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/07/2023 - 14:52

We've been eyeballing this plan since it was first posted. We tend to accumulate extra 2x4s from other projects. Great easy build, was able to knock it out in a morning. The finish is a custom blend.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bunk Bed Shelf

Submitted by Medickep on Tue, 01/12/2016 - 13:11

I made this simple Bunk bed shelf so all the stuff my son stored on the headboard, wouldn't keep falling off. It was easy to make and I painted it while working on another project. and I used spray paint to get the orange on a little easier!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint, primer and color. Waited 20 minutes between coats and did the whole thing in one setting.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

dkkachik

Mon, 10/21/2019 - 19:12

My daughter asked for a shelf for her bunkbed—something to hold her glasses, IPad, and retainer case.  And maybe a book or two.  Thanks to Ana White and free plans...I made the shelf that others have made.  thanks!