Community Brag Posts

Bedroom Dresser Cubbies / Media Stand

Submitted by Debi G on Wed, 07/27/2011 - 14:08

This is inspired by pieces I've seen here, though I sketched it out on paper myself to make sure it would suit the limited space in our room. I built the simple piece to match our bed (made from Ana and her reader's plans, see my photos below).

Originally, I planned to include cabinet doors, but with the limited space we have, this is better for us.

For nightstands, I stained plain wooden crates I had in the basement. Still working on how to hide the cords.

The baskets under my bed are from Bed Bath Beyond. The baskets in the "dresser" are from Target.

Sorry about the poor photo quality.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Built from leftover materials (Baskets $5.99 each)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial (one coat) and one Minwax water-based poly coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Debi G

Wed, 07/27/2011 - 14:09

I was trying to show that these pieces are a set, but instead the photos look pretty random.

Debi G

Sat, 12/10/2011 - 07:41

Sorry I haven't logged in in so long--the bed follows plans for the king Stratton, combined with the reclaimed wood headboard. The headboard is attached to the wall. We can slide the foot bench part out to hide presents behind, which is really handy (though heavy) to do.

Such a fun build!

I've used Ana's plans for several builds in my house and this one was so much fun to build. I love the way it turned out and think it looks great! Thanks for all the great plans Ana! Keep them coming and I'll keep building. :) 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak oil followed by one coat of Minwax Special Walnut. Finished off with 2 coats of Varathane 3x thick semi-gloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom made easy. Thank you!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:59

Wanted something that could accommodate two foot stools so I made a couple of changes to the bottom construction and added casters. My version is a bit rough and ready (first time building a piece of furniture) but your plan was easy to follow and it's perfect for our space. Thank you for making these plans available and your comprehensive videos! My husband wants to know when I'm starting my next project.

Comments

Farmhouse Storage Bed in Cheyenne

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/12/2019 - 17:10

First time building furniture and enjoyed the project.  I used better lumber as I wanted to avoid paint but it turned out well for my first try.  Thank you Ana White for a good set of plans.

Estimated Cost
$700 but I used premium lumber, hardware and finished all the surfaces which took more time and money.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax black gel stain and 5 coats of minwax polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Closet shelving for sloped ceiling.

Submitted by kellystern on Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:22

I used Ana’s Shelf Help Configurator to build these shelves for a deeply sloped ceiling. None of those well known Closet Organizer Companies could come up with a decent plan for this closet and they charge a small fortune.

Comments

daybed converted to fit ikea kura bunk bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/26/2015 - 12:29

We wanted to add some storage to our Ikea Kura bunk bed. We needed to adjust the size of the day bed by a couple of inches but worked awesome. Looks like one finished bunk bed.

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

Comments

Trakrys1011

Wed, 02/03/2016 - 12:43

Hi i just purchased the lumber to make this following the plan from thw original day bed. Would you happen to still have the changes that you made to put it under the ikea kura bunkbed?

Entryway closet bench

Submitted by ga2akwld on Mon, 02/25/2019 - 13:33

Adapted from Ana's mudroom in closet plans, I made this to fit the small closet when you walk into the house. I slotted it and hung wire baskets for air flow since it will be used mainly for hats and gloves which we wear more than not up here in AK. Next for the closet directly across will be a sho storage project which I'm sure I will find on here. Thank you Ana for your awesome site and work you put in.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso min wax and satin poly for top. Morning sky chalked paint for bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pottery Barn Benchright Inspired Side Table

Submitted by robinadams on Mon, 12/28/2015 - 11:12

A great project!!  I love how it turned out!  I used Poplar wood because I wanted a larger top than 1 inch but smaller than 2 inch.  Poplar had an in between size.  I love how it turned out!  Need to make another one now for my living room so that I have a matching set!  Thanks Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 because poplar wood is expensive. I already had the stain and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut followed by 3 coats of Satin Polyurathane. Sanded with 1000 grit sandpaper in between poly coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor end tables

I made these two Ana White outdoor end tables for my patio. Next up will be the matching coffee table

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Dog Kennel into Entertainment stand

Submitted by bigshowble on Mon, 10/10/2011 - 15:44

This was my first ever woodoworking project. I was looking for a good plan for me to use. At first, the kennel was going to be in the living room, but we couldn't imagine spending nights without our little girl in the room with us. The only thing is that the bedroom is quite small. However, the TV stand she was using at the time was lower than the level of the bed making it awkward to watch TV. I decided to create an entertainment stand out of the kennel in order to save space and make the TV at a viewable height.

Well, I already had a kreg jig for a project I am planning in the future. I borrowed a circular saw from my dad and I had a few tools of my own. It took a total of two days from start to finish. I ran into a few hitches because I wasnt using the jig properly, and a few other rookie mistakes, but I fought through and managed to get it done! I can't wait to do some more plans from this site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 for Lumber about $20 for screws and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax black stain and polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Gimbler

Tue, 10/11/2011 - 06:21

It looks to be plenty large enough for your pup and an attractive and functional piece of furniture too. I just love multi-function furniture. Nice job!

Corner kitchenette build from Garage Shelves Plans

Submitted by Nativo1 on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 20:12

Started with an empty wall, an idea and a 12 pack of Heineken. The end result, was this useful counter with barn style doors and two floating shelves. Total spent, about $200 including the beer lol thank you lady for the ideas. 

2x4 kitchen counters

Estimated Cost
$200-$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White stain for counter top, oak for the bottom and white primer + paint shelves.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

(Mini) Modern Park Bench

Submitted by philuk on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 15:16

I needed a replacement outdoor bench to fit a small space between two door openings. Reduced the length of the Modern Park Bench to about 44". Also reduced the depth by removing one of the seat planks to retain a sense of proportion.

Had some issues with some of my 2x4s being a bit twisted which impacted the overall build quality but I'm happy with the end result considering the price/time invested.

Tip: spend some time in the lumber yard picking out your own wood - I wish I had.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£35 in timber.
Less than £5 for the finish.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats Cuprinol Garden Shades in 'Urban Slate'
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom Spa-like Vanity

Submitted by BERobinson on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 07:39

chunky-leg vanity for spa-like bathroom.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
all wood was white-washed and then painted on top of. Legs were asked to be painted black, and top was asked gray. Wax finish on the legs and plank shelves, semi-gloss poly on the top to keep it waterproof.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

reclaimed timber farmhouse table - first build

wanted a big table for christmas, this is over 8 foot, and we couldn't afford a table like that so having seen the site thought i'd try and build one. thanks for the plans absolutely great
first project, no real woodwork experience but competent diy-er

made mainly out of reclaimed wood, the top and side apron are made of old scaffold boards and the main brace a chunk of wood form my neighbours shed.

i did have to buy some 2x4s for the legs and the cross braces

sides painted and the top waxed, looks a bit patchy in the photos but the finish is good.

all in all cost about £70

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Perfect size for two granddaughters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 11:01

The plans for the small and medium picnic table came at a perfect time. Our two granddaughters were growing out of their plastic play table and a big party was on the horizon - a graduation from pre-school.

As it turned out, I had purchased some very nice pine pre-covid and decided to use it for the table. The only change I made to the plan was to use 1" x 6" boards for the top as that was what I had. It gave the table a lighter look. I'm not sure if the boards will cup over time but I'm hoping the 5 coats of Spar Varnish will prevent that from happening.

I was surprised at how easy the plans were to follow and that the level of detail was enough to get it build without questioning "What do I do next?" or "How do I do this?"

I must say that having a miter saw and drill press made the job go faster but I could see that using more basic tools would certainly get the job done. Having the material allowed me to build the table in a single day. The coats of varnish took time to apply and let dry but I believe it will protect the table better than polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cedar Garden Bed

I made this garden bed in one evening. I love it! I bought 6 6' cedar fence pickets and two cedar 1x2s. I don't have a table saw, and they wouldn't rip a fence picket for me at the store, so I had to buy the cedar 1x2's but the project was still very affordable. I wanted it a little wider than the original plan, so I just cut the 6' pickets in half for the sides.
It is 6' x 3' and I didn't bother to cut the dogears off. You probably wouldn't even be able to tell they are there. I didn't trim the top out because that would add on about $6, and I like it just the way it is.
Now, lets see if I can actually grow some plants in it!!
I'm a beginner, and this project was really easy.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Lisa P (not verified)

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 08:08

This is exactly how I was going to modify Ana's plans as well. Have you started growing anything yet? Looks great!

Tara Kirkland

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 20:55

Yes, I've started "trying" to grow a few things. I don't usually have much luck, but maybe.... just MAYBE this will be the year!! :)

Lindyer0523 (not verified)

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 07:13

What would you have used for the top trim?

Rustic Planked Wood Sideboard

Check out my blog post for more on building this giant, hardworking piece! It took me about 45 hours to build it from start to finish (I work slowly) and cost about $400 in materials.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes water-based stain, milk paint, glaze, and Staples Crystal Clear bowling alley wax. More details on my blog post.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Icepickman

Mon, 02/02/2015 - 07:21

hey, great build, i'm going to attempt a similar project. i could not get to your blog post?

Main closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/27/2019 - 19:23

10 ft closet that had a lot of space but little organization. First attempt at building anything. Built the bench first in four different sections then attached together. Closet already had two long 10 ft boards so just added vertical dividers to match the cubbies for each person. Added shelving on sides using the concepts of making the original bench. Our baseboards have tile that was installed up to it so I didn’t attempt to remove them but notched out the backs of the wood to fit around. On the side left about 6 inches and installed the rod front to back using C hooks to hang things from them. Will be adding lots more hooks on the sides as well. Used a couple different plans but ended up making changes along the way based on my skill level and what I thought would work best for the family.

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted sections are Sherwin Williams Olympus white and stained shelves are classic oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner Cupboard, Corner Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/15/2016 - 21:33

I saw the plans on Ana White website and and used them to put this together. I changed it slightly to fit my needs. I made this for my in-laws and it was a lot of fun to do. Hardest part was using blue tape on stain and paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
125$ includes four cans of Rustoleum White Satin primer and paint from Home Depot, hardware, and lumber. Measure twice Cut once and all will be well.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Min wax Red Oak
Min wax satin poly
Rust oleum White Satin Paint and Primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate