Community Brag Posts

Kid storage chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 08:50

I followed Anna White's plan to build this chairs. My kids love them. Thanks for the free plan. It took me a while to finished it because they were my first project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
about 30 to 40 for two chairs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
simi gross paint self primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pot holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 06:21

Working off your idea. Added another holder. There will be a bottom drawer for bigger stuff.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Will be painted
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Dining Table

Submitted by sastricker on Mon, 02/11/2013 - 08:20

Using the plans provide, I simply changed the measurements needed for my dining room. A really fun build and a great looking end product!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gunstock Stain with Minwax Satin Polyurethane finish; Behr paint (Bone Folder) on legs
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by beefcake on Tue, 12/16/2014 - 11:03

All the boards are ran through a jointer and planer making each board squared.

No rounded ends.

Stain conditioner used.

Finish - Minwax Early American

 

 

Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Toy Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2017 - 17:07

I wanted an easy toy box made from pallets. I came across the plans for the Simple Cedar Wooden Toy Box and decided it would be easier to but a few lengths of cedar fencing than to tear apart a bunch of pallets.

 

I omitted the feet and rope handles and opted for a carved wooden sign for personalization. I thought it was going to be too small, but soon realized it is a decent sized box.

 

I used Minwax Jacobean stain and am very happy with the end result.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Hemnes Linen Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/17/2021 - 09:59

I modified the Hemnes Linen Cabinet plans to fit this space. Instead of painting, I burned and stained the cabinet before applying polyurethane.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Burned and stained wood with polyurethane. I used a blow torch on the edges for the burned look.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Playhouse

Olivia's Playhouse, built by mommy and daddy, though she did "help." Super-thankful to Ana for her awesome plans and making all this possible for our Little One. Modified the door to make it "barn style" which opens top/bottom. In the spring, plan on adding a small front porch/deck and railing.

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

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Camp Loft Bed

Submitted by dadto3kids on Thu, 12/18/2014 - 20:51

I had a friend who needed a bed for two energetic boys for a small bedroom.  I saw these plans and thought this would be perfect for them.  They absolutely loved it and now have plenty of room for their toys in their bedroom. 

Estimated Cost
about $50 for screws stain and polyurethane. I already had all the wood otherwise I would presume it would cost another $50-$75.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

milyron

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 11:00

Hi, This bed is awesome. I have few question and would appreciate if you could help me.
Did you use any connector bolts to be able to take it apart easily?
How did you connect the slats of the platform to the frame? with PH screws?
would appreciate any details you can give me.
Thanks
Mily:-)

Thanks for providing the plans!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 17:45

Used the plans with minor modifications, many thanks for a great design!

Estimated Cost
$55.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut topped with classic Gray.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First Project: Workbench with casters

Submitted by jamesjill on Tue, 01/19/2021 - 20:23

Success with first project, I am very happy with it.... although I need to find a better way to square things.

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Providence Table & Bench

Submitted by Murphy Fam on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 08:13

We needed a new table for our growing family but didn't want to spend a fortune.
Found this website, explored some plans & fell in love with the Providence table & bench.
It is great!!
We used the Rustoleum stain in Kona as well & did 3 coats of polyurethane. Unfortunately, the table is VERY rough to the touch. And I can see it becoming a problem. We can't wipe it with a damp paper towel as the roughness shreds the paper towel. Any help here would be greatly appreciated!!!
We think sawdust & debris settled on the table when we stained & sealed with the polyurethane. We did not sand in between polyurethane coats either.
If there's an easy fix (or do over) here, please let us know!
Otherwise, it is such a great piece & has already received many compliments!
We'll be sure to refer to Ana White's site!
Thanks so much!!

Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum in Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Quartney

Sat, 02/16/2013 - 15:02

from what I understand, the water in the polyurethane raises the wood, so it needs to be sanded after the first coat (at minimum). I'd sand it down, if I were you. Maybe with a high-grit paper, so you don't damage the stain. Then coat, sand again, and coat.

Jamaunzie

Sun, 02/17/2013 - 16:18

I have had problems with polyurethane all my own fault mind ya. I do not know how smooth of a surface you had after the stain, but if the surface is now so rough that it rips up paper towels. I would venture to say it started there. Also the coats of polyurethane are so thin it would be very hard to just sand down to the stain without scaring the stain finish. I would try either 0000 steel wool or 220 grit sand paper and do it by hand not sander. The picture I see shows it to be a dark stain so if you do scare it you might be able to touch it up, but my experience with that is just bite the bullet and sand down to bare wood and start over. If you do have to do it over I use 0000 steel wool lightly after I stain and wipe it down good and do your thin coats of poly ( with steel wool between coats ) until you reach the look you are wanting

Pam the Goatherd

Mon, 02/18/2013 - 11:22

I learned my lesson about sanding between coats of poly the hard way too! I was able to smooth out the surface of my desk by sanding it lightly with the finest grit sandpaper. If that doesn't smooth it out enough then you are going to have to sand it down further and re-do the poly.

Changing Table / Dresser

Submitted by Ben W on Mon, 12/22/2014 - 09:09

I wanted to build a dresser & changing table combination for our son, who is due in January. I liked the Fillman (Pottery Barn's Fillmore) dresser plan, but also wanted to incorporate some ideas from Pottery Barn's Larkin Hi-Lo Changing table ($1100 - yikes!), namely the side cabinet, so I made a few modifications.

The side cabinet has a pullout shelf to accomodate a diaper pail or hamper. The changing table topper is removable so that this can continue to be used as a dresser when we no longer need the changing table.

I have built a few pieces from or inspired by Ana's site before, but none have been as rewarding as this!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams ProClassic Enamel (semi-gloss) in Snowbound.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Mon, 12/22/2014 - 10:26

Beautiful build. Your modifications make this table very versatile, and I noticed that your spacing all around the drawers and door is so even. This should become a family heirloom.

Cal King Scrap Wood Bed Frame

Submitted by Jaruddp on Thu, 01/21/2021 - 17:41

My first project from Ana’s plans. Loved having the material and cut list available!! I adjusted my measurements to fit a Cal King just as Ana suggested.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

King Size Farm House Bed

Submitted by lolli020 on Sun, 02/17/2013 - 17:32

We made this bed after making the farmhouse bedside tables. So now we have a whole new bedroom set for probably less than $600. We love how it all turned out, and the plans were so easy to follow. We built both projects from Ana's book and plan to build a lot more from it too!

**In the book the plans are for a queen size bed, we modified it to fit our King size**

We added a piece of plywood to the back of the headboard and footboard and stained them so that it would cover all the pocket holes. Also, we extended the very top piece of wood that is on both the head and foot boards so there was a two inch overhang instead of just one.

This bed is so sturdy! I think if a tornado ever blows through we could just hang onto the bed and we wouldn't go anywhere! The side rails also give it a nice finished look even though they just essentially cover the box spring and bed rails. The bed still sits on the metal frame that is bolted into the headboard.

Check out the bedside tables we made to go along with it!
http://ana-white.com/2013/02/farmhouse-bedside-tables-2-toned

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut- one coat that sat for about 20 minutes before being wiped down

Minwax Water Based Polycrylic- Clear gloss- 2 coats on top of the stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

garzalesley

Mon, 09/14/2015 - 10:05

is there a link that gives the dimensions?  When I click on the print friendly or PDF version it doesn't have much on there

Fancy Jewelry Box

Submitted by mmihelcic on Thu, 12/25/2014 - 21:18

My first real wood project with no help from my father. I wanted to make this for my mother for christmas and I got it done 2 hours before church. I recently purchased a kreg jig r 3 and put it to good use. I made a few changes to the plan that helped me achieve the look that I desired. First, through trial and error I adjusted the kreg jig to be able to drill pocket holes to secure the shelves without the need to go back and wood putty the scrww heads that normal would have been exposed on the outer walls. There is a picture of this set up that I uploaded. Also, when byielding the drawers I made two changes. From what I could tell, the plans called for 1/4 inch plywood for the bottoms of the shelves and that is the way I made them at the beginning. However I was not happy with the appearance of the plywood on the nice face boards I was using for the drawers. So I decided to rip down the two side pieces and the back piece of the drawers ( should be 1 - 5 1/2 inch back piece and 2 - 5 3/4 inch pieces ) but I left the face Plate the full inch and a half that way the plywood wous not show from the front. The last change I made on the drawers was I made 2 pocket holes on each side piece to attach the face to the drawers that way the nail holes would not be showing from the front view. While these steps might not have be necessary , it worked for me. Thank
you very much for the plan my mom cried when she opened the box for the first time.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Minwax early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 12/26/2014 - 16:25

Great job! What a lovely gift for your Mom! It turned out beautiful!

mega coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/26/2017 - 13:42

milled a bunch of cedar with the intention of building adirondack chairs, but we got chickens instead :)

Estimated Cost
$50 in hardware milled all the wood
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
just going to let it weather naturally
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Frosty Garden Greenhouse

It was truly great for us to find a greenhouse design from a fellow Interior Alaskan blogger. We kept coming back to this design, enough times to where we decided to actually build it.

We would be the first to admit that tackling a gambrel style building was slightly intimidating and not what we had in mind for our very first self-built building! But, we faithfully followed the cut lists and directions. It turned out beautifully! If you're in the same boat, have confidence that you can build this too!

We love the options available for making it your own. We decided to stain the greenhouse lumber of ours to match our cedar sided home. We also built a semi frost-resistant foundation, since we're a little north of Ana at 65 degrees and sometimes experience frost heaving. We also added full climate controls to ours, adding both fans and louvers that keep our greenhouse at perfect temperatures.

The performance has been great! Building this greenhouse has been the single greatest thing we have done in our years of subarctic gardening. We might even consider building a second greenhouse down the road. No matter how big your greenhouse is, it's never quite enough!

Thanks for the great plans, Ana! We appreciate your work!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$2400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Transparent cedar stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana inspired playroom

Submitted by cannelle9 on Tue, 02/19/2013 - 19:12

There are three plans combined here in this picture. All three completed in the past year. The toy boxes are from the one plan, the cubby shelves from another and finally the dress up stand is the third. It is never this tidy in our playroom! Ah ah, what you cannot see is the other half :D But the girls do enjoy it quite a bit and it does keep most toys off the floor and easily accessible. Thanks Ana for a great variety of plans!

Estimated Cost
150$ plus scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
plain old wall paint leftover from renovating the house!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First Ana-White.com Project

Submitted by bodirskyj on Sun, 12/28/2014 - 18:57

Made a few changes to the cuts on the supports as I made a mistake on the mitres.  However, it worked out and added a different look than the plan's design.  (notice pointed mitres on supports)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus Ultra Satin Green (Craftsman Era Color)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting table

Submitted by OlgaB on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 17:15

Potting table, was easy to build, very strong and stable because of the size of the wood used. It's a big table -- an entire dog fits inside :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Ready Seal, Burnt Hickory
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Wed, 02/03/2021 - 10:32

I love your comment about an entire dog fitting inside, get that dog a work belt, lol! What a wonderful project, love the woodsy setting for your photo! Great job:)