workbench
Built two of these workbenches using 2x4's I found in the dumpsters around my neighborhood. Tested out rustoleum stain for the tops. Covered really well in just one coat.
Clear lacquer
Built two of these workbenches using 2x4's I found in the dumpsters around my neighborhood. Tested out rustoleum stain for the tops. Covered really well in just one coat.
I call this the fish fry table because I built it for my mom to fry her fish on outside rather than in the kitchen. :) I did the old barn wood finish on it (vinegar and steel wool) and used a sharpie to draw the Philippine Islands on it. Conveniently, there was even a knot in the wood to emulate a tropical storm. Then sealed it with a clear gloss poly.
I used silvered pallet wood that was constructed using the method outlined in the farmhouse bed headboard plans. In addition, I rabbeted the edges of the boards and glued them together. I took a cue from another builder and put the rear "box" legs more towards the center. It's a little high, but I love it! Thanks, Ana!
This was my first woodworking project, so it’s very easy to build. I made a huge Parsons bookcase, anchored to the wall, and affixed plywood and Ikea kitchen cover panels to the front to create a headboard with storage. Thanks, Ana, for the easy plans!
I didn't really like the modified 6' console plans, so I modified the 8' version. This gave me the center opening for my home theater equipment, power station, and gaming console. Besides reconfiguring the dimensions, the only other things changed were aesthetic. With the right tools, this console was pretty easy to build!
Primitive Doggie Daybed
What a beautiful bench to build. Will build the matching table soon.
My 11 year old daughter and I built this table in a weekend for a fundraising auction for her school. We changed out 2x6 for 5/4x4 Cedar. We also fixed nailers on the underside so no screws show. The table was a fun project to work together on and for Taylar to learn to use power tools. BTW the table raised $700.00 for her school, I would say that is awesome. Thanks Anna for the plans!!
I spent lots of time looking at all the photos posted on this site of people's amazing renditions of "Grace's Play Kitchen." I was so inspired by everyone's creativity! I found an old wooden play stove at a flea market and decided to make a matching sink. I took Ana's plans to the carpenter at the wood shop on the military base where I am stationed and asked if he could help me build a matching piece. We spent about 4 hours one Saturday building the sink. The carpenter had so much fun helping me, he suggested I build a matching refrigerator. So that was created in another couple hours the following Saturday. I did as much of the building as I could, but definitely had some help from the carpenter as I'm a novice. (Thanks, John!) I made the curtain and matching towels, but found the apron and chef's hat on Etsy. (Thanks, "SweetApronzNCupcakes"!). The play kitchen is in my kitchen, so my two year old daughter can pretend play while I'm working on meal preparation. Thanks again, Ana and all the creative folks who contributed ideas! I foresee many hours of play enjoyed by this play kitchen, and hope it can be passed on to future generations!
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 15:49
I really like the fridge and the knobs on the stove. They look great!
I've been working on these bathroom vanities for a family building a home. These are made of gorgeous Greenheart lumber. I have only worked with pine and spruce up to this point, but this wood is truly stunning. It has been quite the adjustment to work with, and I've broken my share of bits and screws :)
All of these together took me about a week to complete. Had I been working with a softer wood it would have taken no time hardly, but the hardwood....that's a whole other ballgame to me!
They will be adding 2'' thick concrete counter-tops on these when they get installed. I love the simplicity of their look!
Tue, 10/01/2013 - 07:35
These vanities are beautiful. It would be really neat if you could add pictures when they are installed with the counter tops! I am contemplating replacing a vanity with a DIY one, and I love seeing how other people have made things beautiful with their own 2 hands.
In reply to They are beautiful! by NimbleShopper
Tue, 10/01/2013 - 14:35
I will most definitely add the pics with the counters. I can't wait to see them myself :)
Lesson learned....... Drilling straight holes is critical.
8 foot long photo ledge inspired by $10 ledges project plan, http://ana-white.com/2010/10/ten-dollar-ledges.html
I used a 1x4, 1x3, and a 1x2 and added some crown molding to the bottom for a little something extra.
I was so excited to see this plan and knew what to do with the wood I had recently acquired when an old home was being destroyed near my house.
Love the site and the projects are too much fun!
Thu, 10/03/2013 - 07:29
The heart of pine is more dense than red oak and heavy!!
I painted mine black and distressed it. Stained the top and distressed parts with MinWax American Walnut poly stain. Hardware from Van Dykes Restores. Used piano spring loaded lid supports for lid.
Took awhile but had others projects going.
I made this for my daughter for Christmas last year. Well, actually Santa did, or at least that's what she tells people. I had one of the big companies cut the lumber for me, but a few boards were cut incorrectly. I live about 25 minutes from a local hardware store and needed to have them re-cut. Luckily for me, my father-in-law is handy and he brought out his circular saw and helped me even out my boards. Then, for Christmas I got a gift too - a table saw.
WOW this was our first build. We had some money to get started so went and bought new miter saw and sander, kreg jig, basically everything we needed to build it. Tools aside we spend only about $100 on the lumber to build the coffee table and 2 side tables.
Eric cut notches in the X instead of using 2 separate pieces for the other side, so they fit together like a puzzle piece. it was a learning experience of trial and error, but he got better and better each time.
For the finish i used the tutorial of dissolving steel wool in vinegar and then added a coat of strong coffee which made an ugly green-gray color. I happened to have picked up a can of "autumn" wood stain that when applied made the color pop and look amazing. (thank goodness because i was so frustrated and wanted to give up) when we do this again (cuz i just sold the set we made) i will be better at sanding everything nice and smooth, and do staining/painting of the Xs and the top separately before putting everything together.
I dont recommend the steel wool and vinegar stain, it smelled terrible and was hard to apply because it was watery and ran a lot plus you cant see the color develop for a long time so its hard to see what was wet and what wasn't. yuk. The Minwax "gray" stain they just released would most likely work a lot better. those small can of stains for $6 are big enough for all 3 pieces we built so really i don't think i saved money buying the steel wool and vinegar.
Anyway this was way fun! Cant wait to build again :)
I pretty much just followed the plans. It turned out a bit more colourful that I expected but I've already sold it so I guess its okay. I'm going to make another one with a bit more toned down colours. I also created a matching night stand. I didn't follow any plan. Just used the ideas from the bed build.
Mostly built from cedar plywood.
Had to reinvent the lid. Used panels instead of the recommended panel boards
Sun, 01/22/2023 - 08:22
Beautiful box and love the customization! Thanks for sharing.
I tackled the Farmhouse Table over a long weekend while my boyfriend was away - he was surprised needless to say!
I have not attempted any woodwork projects since grade 8, but this was alot of fun - I did not find it very difficult and loove using power tools :)
I made the matching bench, however I guess I did not stir the bottom of the can well enough and my bench is now red :/ soo I am going to either stain it dark or paint it white and use it as a mudroom seat!
*I also made mine shorter - 7ft long to fit in our dining room and adjusted the bench to fit.
Fri, 10/07/2011 - 17:15
Thank you so much Ana! We are in the process of renovating our house and your website has inspired me to take on so many more projects now!! :)
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 04:52
I built a similar table and I am having problems with my kids getting food in between the pieces of wood. Do you have this same problem, is anyone having this same problem? Does anyone have any suggestion as to how to fix it, how to keep food and other particles from getting trapped between the cracks? Thanks! You did a great job!!
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 15:00
I am building this table as we speak. The thought occurred to me as well concerning the cracks attracting crumbs. I believe using clamps to make the fit as tight as possible will help. Also some poly finishes may be appropriate with children which may even seal the cracks... if sanded and clamped well.
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 15:11
I did try my best to clamp the wood together as tight as possible - due to the pieces of wood not being completely straight, they are there.
I haven't had this problem yet. I do use place mats when eating at the table, that generally stops any crumbs etc.That's probably the easiest way to avoid it :)
Thank you for your comments!
Comments
dan-k
Fri, 09/09/2011 - 20:45
Nice workbench
Looks great, I like the look of the dark top, but it might make it harder to see small objects.
beachmama79
Tue, 02/21/2012 - 18:52
Beautiful!
I love how you took it one step further and stained the top. So beautiful!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 02/21/2012 - 19:09
Thanks beachmama
Thanks beachmama
kdearing (not verified)
Tue, 11/13/2012 - 18:14
Sweet!
Nicely done! I also like the look of the stained top!
ddietz12
Mon, 05/06/2013 - 06:49
Wow. Thank you for those
Wow. Thank you for those unbelievably kind words. I am not an architect though. My main profession was a service manager and now I'm unemployed and partially disabled. I just love to be creative and use my hands. I also love photography. I did all my work on nights and weekends. Again, thank you for the kind words.