Community Brag Posts

Coffee Table

Submitted by jcbil on Sun, 07/17/2016 - 14:32

I loved building my Coffee Table, thank you Ana White! I built mine to be 42" long and kept all the other dimensions the same, (but didn't do the X's). I also installed leveling feet. I stained it Minwax's Early American, and used 3 coats of Polyurethane and applied everything with a rag. I used 2" Corner Brackets, spray painted with Rustoleum Metallic Charcoal. I bought the baskets from Michaels.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Just under $50. Already had Stains & Polyurethane on hand. Wood was $38. Hardware $5. Leveling Feet $3.50.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, 3 Coats of Polyurethane, all applied with a rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2+ Cubic Foot Raised Planter Box

Submitted by B.W.Martin on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 09:29

This is a cedar and treated lumber raised planter that holds over two cubic foot of potting soil and has a built-in drain out the back so your feet do not get wet. The treated lumber is used only for the frame, no dirt or water touch any wood.

The inner dimensions are 12"x12"x32", and it stands 24" tall. There is a seamless double layer of 4 mil plastic that opens into the drain only and is siliconed. There is also a seamless black mesh inside to keep the soil and nutrients from washing away.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish used, left cedar rough.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Under Sink Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:38

I got tired of both the clutter under the kitchen sink and how often bottles of random cleaning solutions would tip over and make a mess. Based on Ana's plans, I made these organizer shelves so that all of our most-used stuff would be at the front. Found some scrap pieces of beadboard from another project for the backing, and put the whole thing together with glue and my finish nailgun. I'm pretty pleased with this small Saturday project. Thanks, Ana!

Sean Payne

Comments

cypress providence table for screened porch

Provence table knockoff from restoration hardware (aka: providence) with 4x4s and providence benches

table modified to 90 inch length, benches to 42 inches

used lag bolts with a washer on 4x4's that show, kreg pocket screws everywhere else

note: the free-diy plans listed last have an issue with the table height. It came out 1 1/2" too high, so we made a change that I like better: we modified the table top to have a 2x4 skirt held together with kreg pocket screws that drops over the 2x4 frame above legs. we left about 3/8" gap between the skirt and framing so the framing would fit in easily. The top actually just sits on the frame so it is possible to move it in two pieces. It is so heavy and stable that we didn't worry about screwing it together.

we love it! perfect for 2 families to eat dinner together. my husband calls it Thor's table because it looks so tough.

Estimated Cost
330
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I really wanted it to look old but hold up to my kids and the weather, so I used a chemical aging process followed by antiquing oil (from minwax)


Chemical aging solution is white vinegar (large plastic jug from the grocery store which cost $1.87) with a ball of steel wool shoved in it. Let it react for a couple days. Then drench the wood surface while you wear gloves (use paintbrush, roller, toothbrush or best: a sponge). It makes rust spots, so use a drop cloth and wear old clothes. The color shows up in a few minutes. Kind of like magic paint :) next day oiled it, one coat everywhere except table top which got 2 coats. rubbed surface with a cloth a few minutes after applying oil. Think linseed oil would work just a well.

It came out dark and old looking, kind of a grey/brown color with nice wood color showing through. The table top has beautiful knots. Our porch will get a little wet in blowing storms plus direct sun for a few hours each day, so I didn't want to put wax on it (would melt) or a stain (would make rings from water if sealer failed). Think we might have to reapply oil every couple years which is no big deal. The cypress should hold up nicely outside. So far it has not made any spots or rings since the surface is already pre-damaged with the aging solution. I don't think you can hurt this beast of a table.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 11:35

This is gorgeous! I definitely prefer the chunkier leg you used and love the hardware showing as well. That was smart the way you made the top for easier moving, too. Great job! I think you should have added the link for the plans, this way your picture will always show up above the plans in order for everybody to see it each time. :)

Herringbone Cassidy Queen Bed

I have never made anything before, this was my very first project. I had a total blast! Our old bed was falling apart, so it as a great time to try out my hand at woodworking. I really wanted to use up some old wooden deck tiles I had in my garage. I didn't feel comfortable using a miter saw for a chevron pattern so herringbone it was! I am totally in love with this bed and seriously cant thank Ana White enough for making it so people like me can make things like this.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax oil based stain in Jacobean and espresso. Paste wax for finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pursuit of Handyness

Sun, 04/20/2014 - 10:49

This looks really nice. Are you sure this is your first project? I like the idea of using the deck tiles. Where do you find these and what type of wood are they? This may sound a little cheesy but I don't know where my life would be like if it weren't for Ana White and her blog. I absolutely love woodworking.

jeannajustfine

Sun, 04/20/2014 - 11:25

Thank you so so much! 100% sure its my first project..lol. The deck tiles I bought at Capitol Iron, which is a home and garden store we have here in B.C. They were display pieces so I got them for VERY cheap, almost free hehe. I know you can buy them new online, but they are pricey. As for the type of wood, since they were a display it is a hodge podge of diff kinds. Teak, eucalyptus, acacia I know for sure. I seriously LOVE this site. I have looked and found nothing even close to it. By far an amazing resource for any aspiring builder. I see you have made some pretty impressive stuff yourself!

jeannajustfine

Mon, 04/21/2014 - 12:18

Thank you :) and thank you so much for this site. It is amazing how much you have to offer. I honestly can say I would never in my life would have tackled something like this if I had not stumbled across your page. The amount of joy I feel every time I walk by that silly bed is nuts..lol. Too cool. Still cant believe I made that myself (with no boy help..lol) Cant wait to make some tables next! You're awesome.

anfrench

Fri, 05/29/2015 - 14:52

I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am by your finished product! I have been interested in building a bed, but since I have no experience I have been unsure where to start. But the fact that you did this as your first project has me very inspired! Well done!!!!!

shartam

Wed, 10/21/2015 - 13:21

Does anyone have the plans for this bed in California King size? I have a california king mattress and would really love to make this... I see this is for a queen size bed..

Thanks!

#igbuilderschallenge Bailey Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 16:21

Plans use was the Bailey Console Table. 

 

This was build for the #igbuilderschallenge hosted by @desertwoodwrks and judged by @anawhitediy and @davidsheinkopf. 

I used two old queen sized bed frames for the legs and stretchers, welding them together with a Lincoln Weld Pak HD Flux core wire feed welder. With a little practice, anyone can do this easily! 

I used poplar hardwood instead of pine for durability. Stain is Minwax Jacobean, with 4 coats of Deft Clear Satin Spray Lacquer on top. 

 

Added a face frame around the doors, and made then inset flush mount drawers. The left drawer also has a false bottom, with hidden storage beneath the lift off tray. 

Recycled bed frames were used for the legs and stretchers (both front and back) and them painted with Rustoleum Black Satin Finish Spray Enamel,with the lacquer on top of that for protection. 

This challenge was so much fun to do, and it was a real blast seeing the creativity of everyone else involved! I can't wait for the next one. 

Follow me on Instagram : @amanteafinewoodworks 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Rustoleum Black Spray Enamel (metal)
Deft Satin finish Clear Spray Lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First thing I’ve ever built

Submitted by Nick.Olson on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 10:27

I stumbled across your videos via YouTube and I saw the video to make this coffee table. I was just browsing for things to do to keep busy during this pandemic. This is my first project and I could of done a lot better but I learned a lot from doing it. Thank you for your videos. I have since went on a shopping spree at Home Depot and Lowe’s Lol. I’ve bought Kreg jig, Miter saw, Makita drill set and circular saw and a Makita sander. I was like a kid at a toy store. I’m going to build your narrow console table next. Thank you for sharing your inspirational work. Nick Olson

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)

Comments

Tall Bathroom Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/09/2024 - 09:10

I have a mountain cabin with limited storage. A friend gave me two cabinet doors so I built the box to go with them. I used 3/4 in birch plywood for the box and shelves which I made adjustable using metal shelf brackets.

Lynda Westbrook

Double Pallirondack Settee

This is a Double Pallirondack Settee, an Adirondack-styled set of chairs connected by a two-shelf table that is also an umbrella holder. It is made 100% from recycled wooden pallets (thus the name). It took approximately four full pallets to make the settee. The finished picture was taken by its new owners after they stained it with a cedar-colored sealer and added an umbrella.

The other two images show it before I had added the bottom shelf of the table and it finished before staining. I just finished a second settee and will be selling that to someone who saw the original one at a party.

The design is based on a couple different plans -- one for the chairs and one for the table/umbrella holder. I modified both plans to make them work together. Great fun. If I could have worked on it straight through, it probably would have taken 2 full days, starting with pallet deconstruction, then cutting pieces, sanding, assembly of chairs and, finally, assembly of the connecting table.

Estimated Cost
$20-$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
It now occupies the corner of my friends' pool area.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pallirondack

Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:51

Unfortunately, no. I actually took the plans for a chair and mixed it with the plans of another settee. Essentially, the "inside" arms of the chairs do not get shaped at all. The front of the chairs are 12" apart (15 degree miter) and the backs are 27" apart if I remember correctly. I added 4" 2x4 blocks to the outside of the bottom back legs and that is what the bottom back table support is attached to on the settee. The the three center boards are cut to fit (1/2" in the front, 5.5" in the back and spaced equally. 1.5" hole for the umbrella holder in the center board, top and bottom.

Rustic X Console

I made half of the Rustic X Console table. It was an easy build until it was time to make the X's. They were only hard because I was using a circular saw and carpenters square and I couldn't get my lengths right. I ended up with a lot of short pieces and I was glad I ended up buying more than enough 2x2's. If I had a miter saw it would of been a lot easier (I have one now).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona (work in small areas because it dries really fast)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X-Book Case

Submitted by veiglcc on Sun, 07/24/2016 - 14:09

I made this book case  for my daughter to replace an existing book case.  I the design is a little different from what I found. 

Estimated Cost
Estimated Cost includes wood stain and lacquer $120. It could be a little cheaper ($30) it you use ply wood for the shelf.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood stain (gel) and lacquer as the protective finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My new Chicken coop

Submitted by cgerrells on Fri, 05/15/2020 - 13:58

My chicken house from plans

Estimated Cost
650
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rockraptor5

Sun, 05/17/2020 - 11:41

I'm in the process of building mine without the planter box, extended the coop to the full 5'. I have it mostly built out but seeing yours is helpful.

Is the PVC going down from the planter bed a feeder? Mind sharing how you did that?

Red Oak Truss Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/14/2024 - 19:03

Used red oak lumber with ash grey rubio monocoat. The tabletop is 90"x40" and I made the base 64" long in order to place a chair at each end of the table.

Ashely Shook

 

Built from Plan(s)

Playhouse

Submitted by nikjwil on Sat, 07/07/2012 - 20:57

It was a big project, and my husband did all the main stuff!
I still have to paint the inside. Since we aren't building a deck yet, we are putting it on some pavers. We bought 40 12x12 pavers and will push that out on in the next couple of days. I also will eventually attach a window box with plants. I'm planning on painting a couple of the inside walls with chalkboard paint.
It was seriously worth every amount of time and energy. If you are thinking of doing this, do it! You can, it's a great plan. Thanks Ana for the plans!

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
valspar outdoor primer, then white paint on trim, light lavender on walls and pink door
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dino Dig Shack

This project was made for our four year old son, after viewing an article from a known magazine he came over charmingly stating "Daddy can you build me this in a dinosaur theme??" So of I went searching and found the plans online here (Thanks Ana!) @ a cost of approx $400 and about 40 hours of work it was built. He loves it and loves to show it off to friends and family, as it has also been a hit within our neighborhood. We built it using white board wood, sanding everything down, and using just semigloss polyurethane to seal and protect the wood. All materials where obtained from either Home Depot or Lowes.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi Gloss Polyurethane Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/26/2016 - 06:01

Over the winter we decided to upgrade our daughter's bed from a single to a double.  We wanted her to be involved in the concept and design.  Here is what we came up with!  

More builds/projects/tool info can be found at my YouTube page.  Would love to have you stop by!

http://www.Youtube.com/ericgreaves

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi Gloss White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

House Number Planter from Cedar Fence Picket

Submitted by Juvlyne on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 07:30

Used Ana’s plans for this just made one modification, which was adding wire to the bottom so the plant can drain out. I also stained the fence picket before putting it together. The numbers were the most expensive part of this project they were ~$18. https://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/house-numbers-vertical-plant…

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Oil based wood stain grey & Krylon Matte clear coat spray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tidy up Coffee Table

I Loved the idea of this table! It is in the kids' living room/game room. This room is usually cluttered with blankets for friends, games, game controllers and so on! I was thinking about building a storage chest for their coffee table, then I saw these plans! It is perfect! The boys even use it to clean up...WITHOUT ME FORCING THEM! Oh yeah!!!!

I wanted my table to appear to have three drawers instead of two, so I modified a bit. I also opted out on the breadboard ends and just made the top boards a little longer.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I made stripes, alternating early american stain by rustoleum with natural wood, followed by two coats of satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sofa

Submitted by DIY4Love on Mon, 04/28/2014 - 06:08

After looking at sofas in magazines and fliers, I decided I wanted to build one. For the quality (or lack of) at the price we could even dream of, it just didn't make sense to purchase one if I could build it. There are still a few little adjustments I may make as time goes on, but overall, I'm happy with the way it turned out! The pillows I made definitely added the finishing touch it needed!

It's a full 8 foot sofa designed with plenty of space underneath for storage! My plan was to build two wooden boxes on casters for the kids to use as toy boxes, but I think plastic totes will work just as well and much lighter and easier to clean! I drew up the dimensions and plans to fit what we wanted and went from there. The frame was the easiest part; took about a day. The cover and cushions on the other hand were quite a challenge. The sewing involved in this project was HUGE; took a little more than a week just for that. The pillows took an evening.

Thanks for checking out the project! Whatever you have in your heart, you can do!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I started using Canvas Drop-cloth for my upholstery projects after seeing a project that Ana did. That's what I used for this project; costing about $.54/yard instead of $7/yard (on sale) from a fabric store. I used about 90 yards of fabric total.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

mom of 4

Mon, 04/28/2014 - 09:07

I've sewn canvas drop cloth covers for an already made sofa, and you are absolutely right. It takes forever and it takes a TON of fabric! I am very impressed you built the sofa frame. How comfortable is it? What was your total cost including the foam, fabric, wood, everything?

DIY4Love

Tue, 04/29/2014 - 12:44

My total cost was about $400. I think it's pretty comfortable, though I do need to adjust the seat cushion a bit. It's stuffed harder on one end than the other. As for the foam, I used a memory foam mattress topper (4 inch) from Walmart (about $150) and then used poly-fil to give it some shape and extra cushion. If you've ever shopped for foam, you'll know the high-density stuff is RIDICULOUS! Hope that helps!

First project!

Submitted by ranlim on Thu, 07/28/2016 - 14:33

First wood- building project I have ever attempted. It seemed crooked for most the time i was building it, which stressed me out and somehow it all worked out in the end! Very sturdy and think it would definitely sell for more than i paid for. Proud of it!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Haven't finished yet. Not sure if i should stain or paint. Waiting to move into our new place to decide which way to go
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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