Community Brag Posts

Bedside Table

Submitted by thurm12 on Mon, 10/21/2013 - 09:55

Had to adjust the size of the drawer to fit inside the gap. Chose to lay the shelf on the bottom and attached a 1x2 to the front of the shelf perpendicular to the ground to keep the shelf in place.

I chose not to add the plywood backing because it's not visible, but I may in the future.

Overall a great and simple project, and I'm very pleased with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax PolyShade Dark Espresso (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Lift Top Coffee Table

Submitted by KL728MX on Wed, 01/06/2016 - 13:59

I used the rustic x coffee table for my inspiration for this project. I found the mechanism for the lift top table on the web and was able to work it into my design. I used oak plywood for the top instead of the 2x6's and trimmed out the rough edge, however, I have thought about redoing the top with the 2x6's to match my tv stand and end table. I am still really happy with the way it turned out though. After posting this I decided to upgrade the top as I had described and I am way happier with the look of it!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum American walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

clara table

Submitted by jim7sf on Sun, 04/21/2019 - 03:31

Not bad for my first project!!  I decided to upholster the chairs so i used a solid piece of wood for the foundation of my seat and also decided I was going to use chalkboard paint I had left over

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 09:17

I followed your basic farmhouse bed plans and modified them. I have made three headboards now. Each time someone sees them, they want me to build one for them!

Built from Plan(s)

Full Size Hailey Storage Bed

Submitted by Georgia M on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 20:26

When I saw the plans for this bed I knew it was exactly what I wanted for our guest room/office. I loved that it had storage underneath for extra blankets and office supplies and I loved the simple, clean look. I think it turned out great! We made it full size so it could sleep 2 people and we added an extra set of legs in the middle of the benches to make them extra sturdy. We want to add doors to some of the cubbies later.
This is the first piece of furniture I've painted instead of staining, and I'm so glad I did! The white looks so sharp against the gray walls. I don't think any stain would have turned out as good for the room.
The project came together really easily. We just worked on it for a couple hours on two Saturday afternoons and it was done really fast. The assembly was easy as well, and I love the concept of this bed being built of units that can be moved around or re-purposed later.
Thanks Ana for the great plans!

Estimated Cost
$150 (but we bought our wood from a small local lumber store)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Olympic Premium (no voc) semigloss White.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rachel Garris (not verified)

Fri, 01/04/2013 - 12:57

I cannot find the plans to make this bed. There is only a description of the bed. Could I please get the plans for the Full Size Hailey Storage bed?

Lemonade Stand

Submitted by ckwarr on Thu, 10/24/2013 - 11:45

A 1x16 was used for the top and sides to give it a little more depth.
We cut the sides at 29" tall so that it is just under 30" high and can be used with a regular chair.
The shelves are 1x6's since we made it a little deeper.
The banner posts are 1x2's that are 6' tall.
Beadboard and some extra trim were also used.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi-glass paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Love my new built ins!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 16:47

built ins for my office-based on basic bookcase plans, and pieces from rustic bookcase plans.  I got a kreg pocket hole jig for this one- best money ever spent!!!  My husband didn't think I could do it but I did!  ❤️❤️❤️

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patio tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 05:06

Fun and easy project. If I did it again I would definitely follow the directions to stain the wood first. My first Ana-White project. I’m hooked!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rustic Table - 4x4 legs

Submitted by Bridget327 on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 17:55

LOVED doing this! I am a total beginner so it is not truly perfect but that is what we love about it! My five year old helped me and learned how to work an electric screwdriver. We saw Pottery Barn was broadcasting a table like this and using that the screws showed as a marketing piece - so we have some screws showing and it is soooo warm and inviting. It looks 100 years old. Everyone loves it!! Thank you for the great inspiration. We made ours 6 feet long and 3 feet wide to fit our space and 4x4's for the legs.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax in jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

alyse (not verified)

Sun, 11/13/2011 - 17:17

I LOVE this table!!! Could you tell me which plans you followed? I need the exact same measurements...Any other pictures you have you should post, too. Great job.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 11/24/2011 - 20:26

Can I have the step by step plan too! Pretty please! I love this table :)
Thank you so much
-erin

Hall tree

Submitted by Brad Wills on Sat, 10/26/2013 - 14:13

We had a table in the entryway that seemed to catch everything, bags, mail, etc. so when I found the Mimi hall tree I had to build it. This was my second build, so I was a little nervous. I wanted to paint it white , but my wife talked me out of it. I am so glad she did. Fun build, and now we have a place for all the stuff when we get home every evening.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Kona stain, Martha Stewart Baha bliss (2.49 sent small sample can) valspar polycrylic 3 coats on tops and 2 on the rest.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Home Depot DIH Workshop Rolling Storage Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/10/2016 - 05:50

I needed more storage in my small kitchen so I modified this cart to 42 x 20 x 96. One shelf has a sliding drawer. I am very new to all of this so I mistakenly overlooked accounting for the side ends of the shelves in my calculations. I left them off, but may go back and insert 1 x 2 to complete them. Not sure yet.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Newbie at work

My first piece of furniture 

Estimated Cost
Scrap wood and 1 8ft 1x4
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Hammered dark bronze paint and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Bed and Wardrobe

Submitted by Robinwood on Mon, 11/21/2011 - 21:49

I love the Farmhouse Doll Bed, but because we bought a lot of doll clothes, I built a wardrobe to go with it.

The wardrobe is 21 1/2" tall X 14" wide X 7" deep. The inside shelf is 4" from the top. I'm having trouble uploading a photo of the inside, but will keep trying...

I made a mattress to look like the older striped "ticking" style. I still need to do a little more with the bedding because I'm not happy with the (muslin) pillowcase and want to do something brighter.

Cost was minimal because I'm still using up scraps from other wood projects and I used material for the mattress and bedding that I already had. That is what I love about some of the plans - they help me to use my leftover materials and still have something nice to give as gifts.

Thank you so much Anna for this plan - I also followed your suggestion and made a second one to donate. I love your site...

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cherie Heltne (not verified)

Tue, 11/22/2011 - 07:25

Beautiful! I am trying to do a wardrobe right now, too! I am making my second of this bed today. Great job!

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 12/03/2011 - 11:29

Where and how do I find the plans for the doll wardrobe?? I made the Farmhouse bed and love it. Thank you

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/26/2012 - 15:22

I'll trade you picture and info for a great doll closet for you plans for the Farmhouse bed. Our granddaughter loves the closet, so now I need to build the bed.
Thanks,

Robinwood

Sat, 12/03/2011 - 14:12

Thanks for your interest - I'm sorry, I tend to work by the seat of my pants and develop an idea as I go; so I don't really have plans. The best I can do is give somewhat of a cut list; which is:

Sides: 2@7"X19.5"
Bottom: 1@7"X13.5"
1st Top Board:1@7"X14" (hangs over 1/4in on sides)
2nd Top Board:[email protected]"X15"(hangs over 1/2in on sides and in front- it's even at back)
Doors: [email protected]"
Inside Shelf 1@7"X12" (Top of shelf is 4" below top of inside cabinet.

I just measured enough below to allow for doll hangers and drilled for dowel, but it came out just right for the longer dresses.

The front trim overlaps the left door, so that I only had to put one door catch at the bottom.

I hope this helps - I really need to learn the Sketchup program.

I used 3/4" plywood because that is what I had, but used 1/2" playwood for doors to make them lighter.

Stephanie (not verified)

Fri, 12/09/2011 - 14:41

What size dowel rod did you use? I have a niece who I've made a bunch of clothes for, and I'd love to make her a wardrobe to house new clothes!

Robinwood

Fri, 12/09/2011 - 21:14

I believe it was 3/8 or 1/2 inch - I took one of the hangers with me and just put it on dowels until I got the right size.

sgilly02 (not verified)

Wed, 03/14/2012 - 20:25

Just a suggestion for a quick way to "brighten up" the pillow case. Just find some ribbon to coordinate with the bedding and sew (or use iron on adhesive - really easy then!) around the hem line of the opening.

The wardrobe is darling. I love the flower knobs!

Rustic X end table

I love this site. We needed new furniture in are house and didn't want to spend a bunch of money. Finding the Rustic x plans was a life saver.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint and kona stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First Fully Finished Project ! YAY Thanks Ana

Submitted by fariha ali on Wed, 01/13/2016 - 21:03

I am very excited to post this project .

 

I used the Schoolhouse Chair with Writing Pad Desk Plan exactly and did not stain the wood. Just gave it a coat of PU and there it is .

Its not a perfect project (since I used a Jigsaw ... Yes I did as no other tools were available :() but carefully cut them straight using guide.

 

As a  first-timer I am happy with the result... sort of... But Thanks for inspiring Ana & Jaime !!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
One PU coat and sanding ..
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Chicken Coop

I Modified the plans to make the coop 4Ft wide to accommodate 4 nesting boxes. I Used roll away egg nesting trays in my coop. I keep the base pretty much the same dimension but made the planter smaller. I also replaced the 2"x 4" that framed out the house with 2" X 3".  My chicken ladder is made from three 1" x 2".   Because my chickens are so young I have the nest box blocked off until they are bigger. I will then use a hole saw to cut holes to each individual nesting box. I also added a Chicken Swing!

 

Estimated Cost
300-500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Industrial Bookshelves

Submitted by Jodiah on Thu, 10/31/2013 - 14:20

It took a long time to compile all if the parts for these shelves. I searched the Internet for affordable cast iron castors. I ordered all of the black plumbing fixtures from a local hardware store. I bought 2, 16 foot 2x12's and cut them up, sanded them and stained them.

Estimated Cost
$250./ shelf
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax Early American stain, min wax Polycrylic protective finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Customized Entry Console

I changed the size and style of the Pottery Barn plan to fit our space and match the Fancy Hall Tree that we recently completed. We think it came out great so wanted to share.

Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Min wax aged oak gel stain and tung oil
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Farmhouse Table and Bench

Submitted by shaunbeck7 on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 08:28

This project took me about 3 weeks of my spare time. Maybe an hour or two a day. I was lucky that I bought the table legs and bench legs together to match. I’m really pleased with the results. Thank you Ana White!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain the table and painted over top the stain with chalked white paint and sanded down to show some of the stain through the paint for the rustic look. Stain and polyurethan table top. Used wipe on polyurethane which I liked better then the brush on. Took about 4-5 coats though.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First plan,,first table. I made two of these.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 12:44

I was retired from my job and needed a new chore.
The plan seemed easy, and not being a real good carpenter, I required easy, and the plan was exactly that.
Thanks Ana.

Comments

Tryde Counter-height Kitchen Table

Submitted by ferbit on Wed, 12/07/2011 - 12:14

We badly needed a new kitchen table since ours has been completely destroyed over the years. Not a bad table, but too "smooth and perfect" for our lifestyle. I wanted something darker a lot more rustic that would not HIGHLIGHT nicks and scratches so badly.

I fell in love with a table at World Market, but it was the wrong size. It's called the Napa Gathering Collection.  It comes in either a counter-height 3' x 3' table or a standard height 3' x 5' table.  Shorter table is too long for the kitchen and the counter-height one was too small.  *sigh*  Here's a photo of the set.  LOVE this!!!!  So upset it's so small.  World Market photo below makes it appear a lot more red than it is.

World Market Napa Gathering Collection

 

Anyway, it's made out of Acacia wood, so it was massively heavy and strong. I loved it so much that I bought the four gathering chairs and spent over a month trying to get Acacia wood without spending a fortune. No luck. So I decided the most similar table here on Ana's site was the Tryde coffee table.

I researched different hardwoods, but was so nervous to spend that much  money that I decided my first kitchen table would be a rough draft with super cheap wood.  LOL  If I love it then I didn't spend a lot.  If I don't love it, I will learn from it and can build it again someday with more expensive hardwood like maple. 

I used the 2x8 hemlock for the tabletop, hemlock 4x4 legs and finished hemlock 1x4's everywhere else.  I used cheap 2x2 studs for the support structure underneath.  This table was almost exclusively built using Kreg joins, with only a few exceptions where necessary.  No visible screw holes to fill ANYWHERE!  Yay!  LOVE my Kreg Jig!

Lots of sanding, Benite wood conditioner, red-ish dye, dark chestnut stain and three coats of poly later... and I moved it into my kitchen this morning!  So excited!!!  I love how it turned out! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benite wood conditioner, Daly's red-ish toned dye, Daly's chestnut-ish brown, Crystal-fin poly finish in satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

hiddenhalo360

Wed, 12/07/2011 - 18:24

I am in the exact same boat as you. We badly need a new kitchen table, but I have not been able to find what I want in my price range. Therefore I am prepping to build a new kitchen table this weekend!

snickersmom

Sun, 12/11/2011 - 18:25

What are your demensions on the table? I'm looking for something on the smaller side. Thanks

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 01/10/2012 - 06:48

Wow, I love the table! I very impressed. You captured that robust rustic look that I have always liked. Its one of those tables that makes you wonder what stories have played out on and around it. You did awesome and thanks so much for sharing it. I am certain that I am not the only one truly inspired by your creative and can do spirit. You go girl! Can't wait to copy this and whatever you do next. Please don't stop and please keep sharing. You are just awesome. Wonder what might happen if someone gave you a welder too? Take care and thanks again!

Guest 713 (not verified)

Wed, 06/13/2012 - 16:32

I love it! Could you add your dimensions for the table also?

TiffanyNic (not verified)

Wed, 10/31/2012 - 10:52

Tryde Counter-height Kitchen Table is exactly what I need - want - gotta have it - can anyone help me out with the how to plans? diminsions?! Something?!

Sb1212

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 12:11

I love this!! Did you build your chairs also? If so did you use plans. I would love to build those exact chairs.