Community Brag Posts

Extended piano bench

Submitted by Lukilla on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 12:13

Got a piano for free that has no bench with it. When I started looking up dimensions, I realized traditional benches are a little short if you want to sit and play with someone else. The size of this plan works perfectly and can store music. Best part is that if we ever get rid of the piano, we will have a nice entryway bench.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Added a wall for mounting the tv

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/16/2022 - 10:28

I've gotten tons of comments from friends and family already on this build. I liked the original white but it wouldn't have matched my other furniture in the room already built/stained this color.

Comments

HBWineWoman

Fri, 03/18/2022 - 09:28

Oh my gosh, this looks fantastic! I love that you did the simple framing on the "headboard" portion. Might have to give this a try!

Dressed up Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by kcragun on Fri, 07/24/2015 - 10:25

I added some decorative trim to the top of the table and also to the sides of the table.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black paint and pecan stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Loft Playhouse Bed

Submitted by kyounghome on Tue, 02/20/2018 - 06:16

I saw this and new I had to make it for my eight year old daughter.  Followed Ana's plans as directed.  The total cost to include wood, screws and paint brought this to about $315.00.  I am going to make stairs next for this but my other daughter wants a new bed now too, so, the stairs will have to wait.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$315.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Bathroom Vanity

Submitted by khoran66 on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 13:18

This was a great first project for my husband and I. First time doing drawers but was amazed how easy it rally was.

Comments

Simple Potting Bench

Submitted by navylangs on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 10:15

This has to be one of our favorite Ana projects so far! And our first using the Kreg Jig - which I now love!
Much to the dismay of the neighbor kids next door - it's not a candy stand. Nope, for now it's destined to be my little red potting bench.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

mamas shelves

Made these shelves for my mom.

Estimated Cost
FREE. I used scrap wood but it would prob cost around $10 for the wood
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax espresso stain and semi gloss polyurathane spray
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic Kentwood Bookshelf

Submitted by wthalin on Mon, 07/27/2015 - 13:09

I wanted to build as big of a booshelf as I feasibly could so I altered the sizings in width and height to create this monster. The planks in the back did not fit perfectly in the new sizing so I spaced them a little bit and I think it turned out nice. The spacing gives it more of barn-like look to it. I also alternated stains on the planking between American Walnut and Dark Walnut because this thing took more than a can of stain and I thought the look was neat. The majority of the piece is in American walnut which turned out a little redder than I hoped, but overall I am happy how this turned out.

As always, thanks for the plans!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane American Walnut stain, Minwax Dark Walnut stain, Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Satin clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 07/27/2015 - 17:09

You did a great job on this bookshelf!  Love the plank back and the barn-like look it gives, and the alternating colors for the back.  Looks beautiful!

itsnikkilyn

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 00:14

Hello, would you be able to provide the exact measurements you used to build this beautiful piece? It would make my life a whole lot easier lol Thank you :)

wthalin

Thu, 01/19/2017 - 10:29

Final dimmensions of the bookshelf ended up being 51"W x 16.5"D x 81.5"H. I would suggest measuring out the space where you would like to put the shelf and see how much room you have.

Fancy Hall Tree

Love this site!  I've made the Facny X Farm Table, and now this piece.  I changed the back to ship lap.  Also cut out the baseboard so it sits up against the drywall then coped the baseboard around the base to look built in.  Thanks!!!

Edit - sorry for the pics being sideways, they're not like that on my phone or computer :(

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Octagon Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/09/2022 - 10:23

I just finished this octagon picnic table as per your plans
the 2x6 are all clear Western Red Cedar and the skeleton is
Douglas Fir. I think it turned out astonishingly excellent.

Thanks for the inspiration Ana.

Seasonal And Holiday

Apothecary...not perfect, but ok

Submitted by Marisol on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 15:29

I worked on this by myself for 1 month...i am exhausted, still need to glue the flase drawer fronts, but am overall happy with it, still functional.

Estimated Cost
$140.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut staing and Behr white paint with primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bhammond

Mon, 01/20/2014 - 20:51

This is beautiful. Imperfections (I can't see any) definately add to the character. It looks perfect to me, way to go!

Adirondack Love Seat

Submitted by burgan on Tue, 07/23/2013 - 15:06

Modified from Ana's Home Depot DIY, using all pine lumber w/1x6 for the arms.

Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Left natural...for now.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ledge Shelves & Modular cabinet

I love this site!  I used the Modular Office- Narrow Open File Base under an old 5 panel door added some old table legs and voila new desk for two!

I thought the perfect thing to go above the desk was the $10 ledge shelf. I actually had the wood and the stain already...so this project was basically free...just my time.

 

 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
DIY chalk paint on desk. Old Masters Dark Maple on ledge shelf.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Camp loft bed with stairs

Submitted by Kaymich13 on Wed, 02/28/2018 - 19:06

Super easy build, had to make a few adjusments because of the size of the room.  My daughter absolutely loves it. Thanks Ana White for these awesome plans!!

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Workbench Console

Submitted by johnseth on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 13:56

First Project. Finished it all except the hardware just in time for my Mother-in-laws birthday party. Pictures are from my phone decorated for the party w/o the hardware, and then after, finally complete with the hardware.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut & Exterior Helsman Spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Elise (not verified)

Thu, 06/23/2011 - 11:34

Your workbench looks amazing! Can I ask where you got the towel bar and bottle opener? I just love them!

Exactly what I wanted

Submitted by rhamil12 on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 08:07

I stumbled upon the octagon picinic table almost by mistake. I set out to just find a blueprint for a standard picnic table to know how much materials I needed and this came up in the top of the Google search. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be perfect for my backyard. It looks great and the neighbors are quiet jealous!

In the first additional photo you will also see the entry way bench and storage shelf (http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plans-for-entry-storage-benchshelf_2314.ht…) that I worked on when I wanted a break from the table.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Redwood Naturaltone Semi-transparent Deck stain/seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

jlbarahona

Thu, 07/25/2013 - 16:56

This is gorgeous, i'd love this for my backyard! Do you know how much it cost you? thanks!

Garden bench - Adirondack style

Hi Ana!  Thank you so much for creating all these wonderful woodworking plans.  My wife and I wanted a garden bench, and I thought it would be so much more fun to make one than to buy one, so voila!   Couldn't have done it without your plans.  I made a couple modifications to make it more "Adirondack" style, with the paisley-shaped armrests and curved backpiece.  Great plans, thrilled with how easy they were to follow and how well the bench came out! 

Thanks - 
Bruce 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Large Rustic X Bench

Submitted by hannahclou on Sun, 06/12/2011 - 14:11

For my second project I wanted to build something a little more difficult than a shelf.  The hubby showed me how to use our power tools and I was unstoppable.  I chose this great bench because it fit the feel of our house and I wanted an entryway spot to sit while putting on shoes. 
The finishing took much longer than it actually took to build the bench.  I thought it would be more difficult to get the precise angle measurements  to make the supports under the bench, but it was not bad at all.  I can 't believe I built this pretty bench!  I have the building fever now!

Estimated Cost
$12
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American and Polycrylic for the top.
Antique White and Clear Gloss for underneath.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

In reply to by mandylynn523

spiceylg

Thu, 08/18/2011 - 04:33

Hello. My hubby and I are in the process of building this bench. Basically just have to put the top on and finish the staining/painting. We are doing a black bottom and stained top. I have a hard time w/angles so my husband tackled that but I have to say, he had a hard time with it as well. Glad you had an easy time of it! Can I ask how you attached the top?

Bathroom Vanity - This one's Josephine!

Submitted by JoanneS on Sun, 07/28/2013 - 09:08

Converted an ordinary bathroom vanity into a Napoleon sink console/vanity. This is the second one I’ve completed, the first was in the hall bathroom which Hubby calls “his” bathroom. Since this one for the master bath is more feminine, I’m calling her Josephine! This was approximately a day and a half project, but spread out over several weekends. I had originally planned to put a faux drawer in front of the sink, and had the drawer front made, but then decided I’d like to try to make some custom drawers in front of the sink to utilize that space. I ended up doing the center drawer fronts twice – on the first try the space in the center was a little too narrow for the knob once the trim was in place. Since the vanity is in a corner, the sink doesn’t fall exactly in the center of the vanity cabinet, leaving it left of center by about an inch. This required different middle drawer sizes with interesting shapes.

The drawers are made from a combination of 3/8” craft boards and 3/8” plywood, ½” craft board, and some ¼” plywood for the bottoms (all of them except the one right of center – that has ¾” plywood for the bottom). The 2 outer drawers also have ¾” S4S as guides.

The doors and drawer fronts are ¼” birch plywood cut to size, with ½” x 1 ½” craft boards glued to the fronts for rails and stiles (I added a few pin nails from the back side also). Inside these, mitered pieces of mini-stop moulding were glued in place. The whole thing received some putty on the edges and joints, and thorough sanding with 80-grit, then 220-grit.

The inside frames are made from S4S, 1x2, and some scraps of 1x4 cut to size. If I were doing this in a newly constructed vanity without the sink already in place, the setup for the drawers would have been much simpler. But, we weren’t ready to buy new yet, so necessity was the mother of invention and we have this. I re-used the hinges and 2 of the knobs from the original, and I bought 4 more and the hardware for the drawers.

The pull-outs in the bottom are made from plywood scraps, thoroughly sanded and painted. These are based on Ana’s wood pull out cabinet drawer organizer, with added supports across the bottom to make the drawer clear the lip of the face frame, keeping them the correct distance apart, and giving something to attach to the cabinet floor.

For the inside floor of the cabinet, I got this Idea from Yvonne at Sunnyside Up-Stairs in this post:
http://sunnysideup-stairs.blogspot.com/2013/06/progress-installed-dishw…
Left over flooring was placed on the cabinet floor to give it a fresh new look and protect the cabinet bottom. Our house is 21 years old, so you can imagine the floor of the vanity cabinet had seen some wear and tear. Now it looks new!

Estimated Cost
$45 (hardware, craft boards, trim, already had the finishing materials and the rest was scrap on hand)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
This was my first try at home made chalk paint (2 coats). I got a free quart of Clark & Kensington flat paint at Ace, and had them tint it to Benjamin Moore’s Blue Echo color. I made the chalk paint by mixing the paint with some water and plaster of paris. I love how it dries so quickly and covers well, but I missed the sheen of a satin or semi gloss. The glaze is some Minwax Express Color in Walnut. Once everything was dry, it received a top coat of Minwax water based poly. I ran out of that right as I was doing the center drawers, so those have some Oil-modified water based poly. Pull-out drawers are some left over cream paint, and the frames are Ace Royal semigloss in Wishbone. Overall I’m very happy with the finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

yurra-bazain

Sun, 07/28/2013 - 12:25

I love your vanity. Something about it helps me imagine a British nobleman's home, or since she is Josephine, I suppose it would be in the home of a French duchess. =D I really do like the idea of having that pull out drawer on the bottom of the vanity.

I am definitely going to give glazing and distressing a try sometime. I just have to find the right project for the look. Lest I forget, thank you for sharing the link to my site. :)

JoanneS

Sun, 07/28/2013 - 15:57

Thank you so much for the nice comments! I love the idea of a Duchess, I think I'll nickname this finish Duchess Blue! :) I was happy to share your blog link, the idea about the vinyl flooring in the vanity worked like a charm, I'm going to do that in my kitchen and the other bathrooms too.

Modern Outdoor Patio Table with Alt Stain

Followed the plan exactly, with the exception of the stain. I mixed a walnut and rosewood stain to give it a little more warmth/red.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I mixed 75% Olympic Walnut 708 and 25% Rosewood 728. I mixed these at home and made sure to stir thoroughly and do several tests on scrap wood pieces until the ratio was just right.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Reclaimed Barn Wood Dog Crate

Here is a custom rustic barn wood dog crate we built for our friends – with the majority of the barn wood reclaimed from their own barn.  The piece is approximately 36″ high, 60″ wide, and 29″ deep; with interior dimensions of 30″ x 56″ x 26″ – plenty of room for a large dog to move around and stretch out.  Of course, it is on locking casters too so it can be easily moved around.

The frame of this piece is made from the reclaimed barn wood, which was 2 x 6 stock resawn down to 2 x 3.  The sliding barn door also started as 2 x 6 material which we cut down to 1 x 2 stock.  The barn door was the only piece of this where we used a Kreg jig and pocket hole screws.  The rest of this custom rustic barn wood dog crate used miter joints for the front corner, while the back and bottom were attached in rabbets we cut in the outer frame.

The spindles are standard 1/2″ rebar, cut to the appropriate length and painted with a hammered black spray paint.  They are are recessed about 1″ into the wooden frame to ensure the dog can’t push them out or crack the wood while leaning on them.

This custom rustic barn wood dog crate also includes custom, hand made barn door hardware we made ourselves.  Yes, we do some metal work too!  We made this barn door hardware from standard flat bar steel and pulley wheels.  We even made custom clevis pins from 5/8″ steel rod to hold the wheels in place.  

There are more pictures here.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
none. it's all natural
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate