Community Brag Posts

Distressed console table (free)

Submitted by JoanneS on Tue, 12/27/2011 - 18:12

Ana's simple, cheap and easy console table, made entirely with repurposed and scrap wood, so it was free! The plan was great, and it was easy to adjust to the wood I had on hand. The distressed finish was fun to do too.

Estimated Cost
free (everything was scrap wood, and paint was left over)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint, then a coat of gray over the white, and sanded to reveal the white. Paint was left-over that we had on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

HAPPIER HOMEMAKER FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by colleend74 on Sat, 11/16/2013 - 14:26

This was our first Ana White project. We knew we wanted to do a table, and decided this was the easiest one for first-timers without a kreg jig (YET!). We made things even SIMPLER by having Lowe's do ALL the cutting for us! I didn't even know they would do that, but they will.... and happily so!

The project went VERY well and we are delighted with our new table. We used Rustoleum "Kona" stain and we used Rustoleum spray gloss poly because Lowes had a bunch of cans of it on clearance. We were happy with the results, though it may not be the best indoor product in the future ;-)

The project took us about 4-6 hours to build, and then we just sanded a little each evening, and the next weekend we stained and poly.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona Stain
Rustoleum gloss spray poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Turned Leg Coffee Table with Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/03/2016 - 06:56

We combined the plans for the Turned Leg Coffee Table and the Corona Coffee Table to add the storage shelf for toys. Visit my blog for more details and pictures:

Estimated Cost
Using low-grade pine, we spent about $180.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Faux top stain using Minwax Gel Stain and Behr paint. Details are at www.renovatedfaith.com
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corona Coffee Table - Square

Submitted by oneillrp on Sat, 07/27/2019 - 11:44

Built this table out of solid Maple, which made it much more expensive to build, but such a beautiful piece of furniture. I bought the legs from Osborne Wood. One thing I did to cut down on cost was to use 1" X 6" wood for the 5 center table-top boards instead of the 2" X 6" called for in the plans. Underneath those, I put a piece of 3/4" plywood to increase the thickness to match the (4) 2" X 6" outer edges. This is not visible unless you climb under the table to look at it from underneath but I think it actually helped to create a flat (almost seamless) table top. Thank you for the plans! I put a lot of work into this piece and I think it will remain in my family for generations!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$700.00 (
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
-3 coats of Varathane Stain (the color is Briarsmoke)
-2 coats of Varathane Polyurethane (Matte Finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar 3 tier planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 09:33

I made the boxes a little wider than the plans called for but still came out great. I'm very happy. Thanks Ana for the inspiration.

Comments

Shadowbox Shelving Unit

Submitted by kpcrash on Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:35

This project is all about using a Kreg Jig. My daughter asked for some shadowboxes to go around her chalkboard. 1 piece of 3/4" plywood and a few 1x2's later - here it is. It's really just an 8' x 2' box with the window panes inside - super simple, but does require a compact drill. Mounted to the wall using a ledger board underneath, then, pocket holes in the top shelf to join it to the studs. Quite sturdy. One day I'll learn Sketch-Up well enough to make this into a plan.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Classic Cherry Stain, Shellac clear. The wood was sanded to 400 grit, then stained via cloth. Shellac sprayed on via Preval as the air compressor was on strike.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm house bench

Submitted by Builder J on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 08:40

Made from scrap wood left in the empty lots besides me, from framing crews.

Cost me just the time, screws, sand paper and stain.

Made all the cuts with a skillsaw, by saving the $$$ I have now went and bought a mitre and table saw. YAY!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 in 1 Miniwax PolyShades, Bombay Mahogany. 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee and End Table Rebuild and Refinish

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/05/2016 - 00:22

Rebuilt the tops of a coffee table and two end tables using 1x3 and 1x4 common pine boards. Boards were joined together using glue and then Kreg Jig pocket holes and Kreg screws. Tops were finished with Minwax dark walnut stain and bases were painted a light cream color.

Estimated Cost
Cost would be about $60. This would included to cost of the pine boards and the stain and paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax oil-bases dark walnut and Minwax Polycrylic Water-based semi-gloss top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Chandelier

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/12/2019 - 10:50

Farmhouse chandelier that I'm building for a customer. I used a vanity bar light for the lighting for the chandelier. I just have to add the Edison bulbs and chains and it will be done!

Man cave

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

We made these chairs following easy instructions from AnaWhite!

Comments

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by brookita12 on Tue, 01/03/2012 - 20:27

I looked ALL OVER for a bedside table that met my demands and my budget. It did not exsist. I found the Farmhouse Bedside Table and fell in love with it! It was definately a more tricky build, and my husband and I learned ALOT about what we know and what we don't know about tools, wood, angles, measurements, etc. But it was a fun project to do together and I just LOVE how it turned out! We definately surprised ourselves on this one! Only about $35, not too shabby! Only piece of advice would be to measure and cut as you go- some of the measurements didn't work out for us (not sure why...) but we were glad we didn't cut them ahead of time! We measured everypiece and double checked it. But we are new to work working, so cut at your own risk :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint: Lowe's Valspar "Du Jour" White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jigganancy

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 10:58

I made the bedside table and love your modern (without being overly modern) look! great job,

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

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!

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