Community Brag Posts
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
Sat, 06/16/2012 - 16:00
loving it.!
What are the dimensions? I am trying to build a similar table and am thinking 40" square.
Flat book rack
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
Recyclable Pull-Outs
We are trying to tidy up our laundry/mud room and needed a place for the recyclables. I ran across Ana's plans for these pull out cabinets and raised panel doors, adjusted the measurements to fit our space, and had at it! It's kind of a tight fit in that room but these seem to help with the clutter. I also added that little table on top for folding laundry.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Red Oak stain and applied with a rag, wiping excess off with a clean rag. I then sealed everything with a semi-gloss polyurethane, which I applied with a bristled brush. I believe I put on three coats, lightly sanding and removing dust before each application.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Home Office Solution
Both me and my partner work from home, where we share an office. It’s nice to be together all day, but not always. Sometimes we get on each other’s nerves, and sometimes we can’t stand the sight of each other. We’re a happy couple - it’s just that working from home together takes its toll from time to time.
First, I considered renting an office together with a friend. That idea did not last for long, unfortunately. The overall expense, as well as the ins and outs of council permits, forced me to scrap the idea.
In the end, I decided to go for a backyard office in the form of a log cabin. I put two and two together - these things are perfect garden offices and both me and my husband have some of that DIY enthusiasm in us. Why shouldn’t we give it a try?
Once we found the right backyard cabin company, everything went pretty smoothly. It took them six hours to build the whole thing. Granted, it’s a 4 x 3 sqm cabin, which I chose for three reasons.
Firstly, I thought it was big enough to give me the needed space. Secondly, a cabin of that size doesn’t dominate the garden. Finally, the guys from the company assured me that it doesn’t need council approval.
The cabin came fully installed. I got it with an insulated roof, fitted windows and doors, light sockets, and a deck. All that I needed was some furniture for a home office. Which is when I decided to check out the plan catalog on Ana White.
We decided to go for two projects - a simple office desk and a file cabinet. These were the only two things I really needed. As we’re both handy with tools, it took us two afternoons to complete the projects.
Once I got the furniture I needed, I started organizing everything. Here, I realized that setting up a functioning home office is a bit more complicated. Here’s a list of things I had to take into account:
A View
One of the first things I remembered was how important it is to have a view. Just like in the office in our home, I needed to have some natural daylight while I’m working. Moreover, I like opening the windows for fresh air in good weather. I put the newly-built desk close to the window.
Lighting
Having good natural light inside your home office is one thing. Having a good lighting solution is another. The lighting in our shared office was pretty good, so I wanted the same in my cabin.
Since it’s pretty small, we solved the issue with a ceiling LED lamp and a brass lamp for the desk.
Plants and Decorations
I love plants! I have a bunch of them in and around the house. Naturally, I decided to bring some into my new home office. I also brought in a couple of paintings, and I intend to start using essential oils, too. All of this makes for an atmosphere of a stimulating office, which I think is really important.
A Second Monitor
With new space that’s only my own, I decided to upgrade some of my techs. The first and most important thing was to purchase a second monitor. I always wanted some extra screen real estate, as I hate juggling windows.
I advise buying the same model as the one you already have. You’ll get the same screen fidelity and user experience.
A Sound System
Some people find music to be too distracting when they’re working. I’m not one of those people. My husband always nagged me about this. I finally managed to shut him up by finding out that work plus music equals productivity.
For that matter, I’ve decided to invest in a good sound system. I’ve set the speakers at the strategic spots around the desk. It’s a bit weird without my hubby around, so music also helps me feel less lonely while working.
The Right Chair
If you’re someone who works from home, do not underestimate the convenience of a good chair. It should be the core of your productive home office. Make sure to choose comfort over style.
I decided to avoid buying the chair online and went to a store. After testing nearly a dozen of them, I found one that provides the right arm, thigh, and back support.
Wire Management
Since my computer setup includes a lot of wires and cables, I was worried about them getting tangled up in such a small space. Clearing up this mess was pretty easy - I only needed a couple of zip ties and clamps.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Retro Style Wall Hanging
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
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.
Built from Plan(s)
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
Made by Alisha Stubblefield
Very easy to read instructions... Excellent swing. You can build and stain in one evening. Love it.
Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Farmhouse Bed - Standard King Size
Really loved these plans and they produced a beautiful product. The only minor change I'd make is to double the number of support slats. Our Casper mattress requires gaps less than 3" between each slat. Thank you for the plans!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$430
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Honey Stain + Minwax Wipe-On Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Coffe Bar Cabinet
Barn door console I turned into a coffee bar. Great storage space. Love the way it turned out.
Dee
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 11:47
Great dining room addition!
Fabulous build, so much storage and beautiful too!
Stacking cube
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.
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
Door Picture Frame
Our house walls are still pretty bare, we wanted some artwork. We bought an old door at a flea marker last summer and decided to turn it into a large picture frame.
More details and photos on my blog:
http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/door-picture-frame
Cheers,
Ian
Estimated Cost
The expenses were the photos and mats and we had to get to pieces of the glass replaced on the door.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Farmhouse Table & Bench
We NEEDED a table really bad when we moved into our first home. This was really easy to build as it was only my second project doing woodworking. I must have put 5 layers of polyurethane on the finish, but it was sooooo worth it!
Built from Plan(s)
Turned Leg Farmhouse Coffee Table
I have built several furniture pieces in my home several coming from you.
I have done quite a bit of wood working never being great at any of them . But I truly love furniture building.
Built from Plan(s)
Tryde Coffee Table
Tryde coffee table pattern with added magazine rack. We used pallet wood which was sanded but still retained it's rustic appearance. Dark walnut stain was used to finish!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain with Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Thu, 01/16/2014 - 21:19
Tryde coffee table pattern with added magazine rack
I love this coffee table! Do you have the new plan with the added magazine rack with the pallet wood? Thanks so much!
Wed, 03/12/2014 - 07:29
TRYDE COFFEE TABLE
How can I get the plans for the TRYDE COFFEE TABLE with the magazine rack. Thx
Armless Sectional Bench
I built four pieces of the sectional (1 corner, 3 reg) It took me a long weekend, I would come and go so actual hours are hard to estimate. For the stain I used steel wool and vinegar, followed up by strong black tea. Teak oil was used for the sealer. The second photo is a picture of one stained chair approx 30 mins after stain applied, the other one has no stain yet. The pillows I sewed myself, outdoor fabric is from Jo-anns (use the coupons!) and inserts are from ikea. The only large investment were the cushions! Pine Wood - FREE. My dad works for a lumber company. Outdoor fabric - Between $6 and $10 a yard Pillows - $3 for small, $6 for large Cushions - $29 each **my picture wont display correctly even though uploaded correctly!!!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel wool and vinegar, followed by strong black tea. Finished with teak oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Full Size Storage Bed
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
Rustic X Coffee Table
I used the Rustic X Coffee Table plan to make a living room set. I added a 3.5" deep lift top storage area out of plywood, and also used plywood on the bottom of the table as well instead of 1" by 12".
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used an eggshell antique white for the paint. I used a minwax pre-stain, one coat of minwax honey stain, and two coats of minwax polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Modern Farmhouse Entryway Console
Built 2. Stained one Briarsmoke the other to be determined. Thank you Ana for the inspiration and plans!
Tim Basoco
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Sat, 11/18/2023 - 12:48
Love the finish!
This looks amazing, looks like you've been busy with planters too! Thanks for sharing:)
Joss' Big Boy Bed
My building write-up goes with the post for the plans. The only thing I need to add here is the change I made on the toddler rail. The first one I did wasn't quite long enough for my little guy. He's quite the squirmmy bug at night, so he kept slipping off the bed with the shorter one. He never just really fell hard, but it was enough to wake him up a few times, so I added a little more length to the rail and it seems to be working much better. I'm excited to see how this bed will evolve :) Hoping to make a few additions to it a little further down the road!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Distressed a few shades of blues and greens of interior flat paints. Wiped on a light coat of a satin poly for the top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate