Community Brag Posts

Simple Potting Bench Modified

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/29/2024 - 08:13

Slight variation on Ana’s Potting Bench. I lowered the bottom shelf and added a middle shelf with wood from a gate we removed. I’ve received many compliments. Thanks, Ana!

Kathy Joy

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

reclaimed wood headboard

This was our first project.. it was a good one to start off with because it was pretty easy. Our bed is king size. Our boards weren't perfectly flat so we had to screw a few braces in the back with some scrap wood we had left over.

Estimated Cost
maybe $130.. i can't remember exactly
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax dark walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Platform Sectional

The only real change I made to Ana's plan was switching out the 2x6 board for 1x6. I still used 2x6 boards for my base, but went with the 1x6 for my decking boards, and top backing boards. My reasoning for this was to reduce weight. Other than that I increased the size of the base by adding another 2x6 on top (basically doubling up the base height). This made the sectional the perfect height, in my opinion. The plan Ana offered was pretty straight forward, and I love the size of the sectional itself. Very happy with how it turned out.
Cost Breakdown:
Lumber : $200
Screws: $20 (I used anti rust deck screws)
Stain: $35 (I used a semi-solid stain in a drift wood grey)
Cushions: approx $500 (when I started this project I had no idea cushions were so expensive)

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

Comments

Pursuit of Handyness

Sun, 07/13/2014 - 09:35

Looks Great. Don't you love how Ana's plans are so customizable. I'd like to build something similar but I'm aware that cushions are pricey. Where did you find yours? What do you think of the quality?

Enjoying my new desk

Submitted by triad107 on Tue, 10/18/2016 - 08:42

Took 2.5 hrs to cut, fasten and sand, and approximately 24-48 hrs to paint, stain and poly.

 

This has been a very rewarding project. Now I have people comissioning work!

 

Thanks for the plans

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood: Fur 28$
Paint: $15
Stain: $5
Polyeurethane: $5
Screws: $9.50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint, and Dark Walnut Stain, polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Thanks Ana - Adirondack chair done

Now just to fill and stain (or paint)

Estimated Cost
$100 australian
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I will do a jarrah stain (I think) or white paint - thoughts anyone
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by kristine on Mon, 09/17/2012 - 12:35

This was the hubby's second project off this site. Our dining room has been empty for the past 6 months that we moved in to our first home, so it was only appropriate for him to build something for this very empty space.

We did end up modifying the plans a bit... making it smaller (instead of 8 ft, it's 6ft) since we didn't need a huge table with just the 2 of us and the pups living in our home.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Table Top - Varthane Stain + Poly in Early American
Table Base - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Countrey Grey and Old White plus Dark Wax for the antiquing
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rusty Cottage

Tue, 09/18/2012 - 05:32

how many cans of chaulk paint did you need? The one picture has about 11 cans! I haven't finished my two projects that I have constructed....how much paint and stain does everyone use???

The finish is amazing!

kristine

Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:38

oh sorry! didn't realize that there was a comment here. it took less than 1 can of chalk paint. i don't even think i used up half the can of chalk paint for this. the can may be small, but you get a lot of use out of it. i just had a bunch of chalk paint laying around because i was trying to figure out what color to use and i was also using them for other projects. as for the wax, this project didn't take use up too much wax either. i'm still on the same clear and dark wax cans that i first bought and i've used them on at least 5 other projects. so you really get a lot of use out of them!

winwinglades

Fri, 04/26/2013 - 14:13

Your table looks great! Question: as you made your table 2ft shorter, I understand that the diagonal pieces also need to be shortened. What are there final measurements? I'm trying to do the same, but am a newbie!
Thanks for your help!

winwinglades

Fri, 04/26/2013 - 14:07

Your table looks great! Question: as you made your table 2ft shorter, I understand that the diagonal pieces also need to be shortened. What are there final measurements? I'm trying to do the same, but am a newbie!
Thanks for your help!

Kmccoi

Wed, 06/25/2014 - 21:27

Hi! Did you use some of old white and mainly grey? Wondering paint ratio on Annie Sloan paint. Thanks!!!

Weatherly sectional

Submitted by JoseO1998 on Tue, 07/15/2014 - 02:18

First I built the 3 weatherly style sectional, then I added the two-seat bench with table in between to square off a seating area in our yard... Family and friends loved them for 4th of July and I really appreciate the plans!!! Thx Ana White ;)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

MarieCorbin

Mon, 05/11/2015 - 05:45

I love how you did the arms on your version. I was thinking of building this set, but wanted more traditional arms you could actually rest you arm on or set a cup on. Your finished product looks awesome!

Table

Submitted by djp33d on Fri, 10/21/2016 - 14:56

Built a small table for the living room out of a reclaimed pallet. 

Estimated Cost
NA
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse Table

Another super easy plan to follow! I was even able to make adjustments really easily! This table is 6ft by 33in, because I needed it a bit smaller for the space. The table went together in about half a day. My new paint sprayer and orbital sander made my life a little easier but the heat has been obnoxious so it took a couple of extra days to get the finishes done! I did end up changing my mind and decided to stain the table top to match the sofa & sectional which were done in Olympic Maximum stain and sealant semi transparent in cinder.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The table base is painted in Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Gloss Black General Purpose Paint. The table top was stained with Varathane in Summer Oak Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain. Two coats of spar urethane to protect the table from the elements was also used.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Faux Ship Lap wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/24/2016 - 13:07

I just completed my second faux ship lap wall - it gives a more cabin-y feel to the room and goes right over the drywall!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2nd project from Ana.

Submitted by DaDeDeuce on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 07:12

My kids are loving this seesaw. Easy to make. I followed the plans, and completed it all in about 8hrs. Rounded all sharp edges to make it a bit safer. I recommend adding an additional hole on the vertical support if you have smaller kids. A tip, pre-tape the washers over the holes prior to final assembly. It'll save you a lot of frustration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My 17 year old stole my project!

Submitted by Bonnaroo on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 13:23

This project started off as a way for me to get some much needed "me" time and create a sense of accomplishment. However, after purchasing the wood & cutting it into lengths, my "Lego Maniac" 17 year old son decided he wanted to take over! He begged me to let him assemble the units. Since he single-handedly assembled our IKEA kitchen remodel, I decided to let him have his way.

We spent one day painting the cut pieces. I think it looks nicer having them painted first and patching up holes, rather than deal with drips and such with the numerous spaces and sections. We had a wonderful time chatting the whole day and painting. O.K., this is just as good for the soul as "me" time.

That evening, after the paint had dried, we couldn't help ourselves...we NEEDED to assemble one section. So we started with the corner unit. And after one major "re-do", we had it figured out. My son, Jacob, ran with it from there and he and his cousin finished it, wood patched, sanded, and re-painted.

All told, it took him (us) about 3 days to complete. We found the cushions at Lowe's and the entire project cost us about $500.00! HUGE savings and some serious mother-son time!

Sense of accomplishment doubled!

Estimated Cost
$500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
flat paint in Robin's Egg Blue
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Night Stands

I made this project with all 2X4's and 2.5 in pocket holes. This took 8 2X4's. To add the industrial look, I added some metal casters on the bottom. I haven't finished it 100%, but will add some metal corner brackets on it as well. This project was super easy to make. Took me about 6 hours to cut and build (2 tables). And another 3-4 hours to sand, stain and finish.

Estimated Cost
$55 per table ( because of the cost of wheels, screws, and corner brackets). The wood only cost $20-$25 per table.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of Minwax Weathered oak. Let that dry. Then 1 light coat of minwax special walnut. After that dried, I used minwax finishing wax instead of Poly. I like the rough/natural look that it gave in the end.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:00

Hall tree I got off your web site, very simple to build, out standing plans I put my own twist into it. I had some cedar tree limbs on my property that I had cut down . I ripped down on my table saw and added to my project. it was a challenge to turn limbs into small boards but worked out well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Almost $200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a Minwax Red barn stain off the shelf at Lowes, brushed on and wiped off . Had to do three coats, sanding is a must and sealer recommended for uniform color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

8' Chaise Lounge

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/15/2024 - 13:19

The 8’ chaise lounge… my first furniture build. Such a great plan to follow Ana! And since I need space for yoga I made a triangle brace to hang it on.

Laurie H

Wood Chaise Lounge Chairs

Submitted by TexCin on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 14:31

We built two of these wood chaise lounge chairs from Ana's plans. We wanted to make sure they could endure the Texas weather so we sanded, primed and painted them. We used wood we had left over from other projects so our costs were limited to screws and chair pads....about $125 (chair pads are expensive).

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used primer and paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

First Project - the work bench

Submitted by twinlife on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 00:44

I've been a long time creeper, pinner, favoriter of this site. I finally got a garage sufficient to build. Of course, the first project had to be an actual work bench for the many projects to come.

33" was a bit short for my tastes so I adjusted the leg height to 40". Also half way through my project I realized that my 2x4's were not true 2x4's. This became problematic with the four support beams for the top board. I was able to cut some proper length boards from some backup/emergency lumber. I still plan on figuring out what I want to do with the stain but that was all time allotted for!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Still deciding
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simply White Homework Desk

Had to make some modifications since I was using some old hinges.  Use some 1/16" cable with an eye fitting on either end.  Since my kids have a habbit of leaning, standing, jumping, and hanging on things I attached it to the wall using a french cleat system using a circular saw.  Pretty easy to do and extremely stable.  Last mod was the corkboard on the back for my wife to post homework and to-do lists. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X-brace Farmhouse Dining Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 11:59

I used this awesome plan from Ana White and tried to add my own touch on it. After painting the legs, I then routed the edges and stained them to match the table top. Thank you for this plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Ultra interior paint- Black Magic
Varathane stain- spring oak
Minwax finish- polycrylic (gloss)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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