Community Brag Posts

Little Kitchen Helpers

Made two of these fabulous kitchen helpers! One for my niece and one for my own active 2 1/2 yo daughter. She loves to bake with me and is always underfoot while I'm cooking dinner. This has made her so independent, she gathers her own supplies and pushes it around the kitchen to reach whatever she needs. Came out of the shower to find her scooping ice cream into her bowl for breakfast... Thanks Ana!

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

Wine Bar Christmas Gift

Submitted by Amanda R on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 19:21

I built this in my spare time over a couple weeks.  I am really happy with the results.  It was easier to build than I expected, considering this was my first builf that has a drawer. I am wanting to build the storage bed, and I am trying to get a few practices in with drawer making first.  We draw names for Christmas in my husbands family and I drew the name of a wine lover.  I hope she likes it!

Estimated Cost
Less than $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Carrington stain and two coats of Polycrylic in semi-gloss finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Child's arbor bench

Submitted by ppd142 on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 22:06

After painting this bench, I customized it by adding the child's name, as well as some other art to it using black acrylic paint.  Turned out awesome!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entry table

Submitted by toolman81 on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 12:28

I used the rustic X sofa table and modified for my wife's vision. She wanted an entry table but like most of the look of the rustic x series. However, she did not like the X for the area so I took those off. I still used the same dimensions however for just about all of it. My wife wanted drawers, you know because making something from scratch isn't hard enough so we might as well make changes in the middle of the build...hahahaha. I used pocket holes for almost all joints but placed them in places that would be very hard to see. I jointed the one bys to make the top seamless. I also modified the length to 60 inches to fit in our space. Finished it with Briarsmoke stain and a few coats of water based poly. The drawers added a little bit more to the final price, but it was well worth it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke and water based poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Max's Big Boy Bed - thanks to Ana White!!!

Submitted by jaimekehoe on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 16:56

My son was finally ready for a big-boy bed and I found the plans for this bed on this website (ana-white.com). My husband and I built it w/o too many problems (this being our first attempt at building a piece of furniture). I stained it with "classic black" stain for a rustic look and my son, Max, picked the "cars, trucks, construction" theme and I ran with it. I installed some rope lighting and a closet rod (along with curtain clips and a bed sheet) for a super cool play area underneath. Along with some vintage signs, new signs, old license plates and automobile decals - my son now has a big boy room he LOVES!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sand box

Made in South Africa. Have a cutting list which takes into account our timber lengths.    I made it on my own on my dining room table. I did the tops and then transported it in a flat pack in my car to the farm (4 hour drive) and completed the assembly and placement there. I painted it with wood preservative before I started to ensure that it was all coated. As we were placing it on a covered veranda I stapled 100 micron black plastic to the base. It is perfect for outside as the lid ensures that all animals and other creatures are kept out of the sand. I used washed sand for the box as the kids using it are toddlers and it is a good idea to include bulk coarse salt to keep creepy crawlies out.

It is perfect for mommies to sit with their toddlers as the seats are a comfortable height!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
R1500
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Any stain or varnish you like. Can also be painted.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Beautiful Modern Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2017 - 10:56

I added black accent brackets to this project to give it a more unique feel. Love it!

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Console table turned Hedgehog cage holder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/23/2021 - 08:43

Sorry, the pictures are on their side. I used the Rustic X console table plans, but left out the X and made it taller and wider. I didnt have a stripper nor enough skinny wood to lay the slats on the shelf like that did in the video, so each of those slats are held up by pocket screws. Whew! Will avoid doing that again if possible! I did, however, stain BEFORE i built and that made all the difference! Also for the top I used a quality piece of compressed wood which bumped the cost $20, but seeing that a cage was going on top, i wanted a solid piece to hold any shavings. I also added a railing so the cage would stay in place. My neighbors LOVE it and I'm just super happy with how the stain job came out. It was actually a fluke, I think I failed to stir it completely on the first coat and when I was touching up it got waaay darker so I just rolled with it and made it two toned. LOVE the result and not sure if I can pull it off again haha

Estimated Cost
78
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Verathane classic Wood Stain in Special Walnut. Like I said before, the two tone was a fluke. I don't think I stirred it completely on the first run, and while touching up it became much darker. I rolled with it and just highlighted the edges and I LOVED the outcome. This was my favorite build to that point. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Twill Frames

Made these from plans found inside Ana's book. My wife loved them and so did my "little helper".

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
No Finish. Light sanding to minimize splitters.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

James' Castle Loft Bed

Submitted by hmkeith11 on Fri, 12/26/2014 - 09:04

We built this bed for my three and a half year old son and gave it to him for Christmas. He and also my almost two year old daughter LOVE it! We did modify the plans a little: we added a handle for getting into the bed from the stairs and also added more slats for support. 

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

Comments

Hanging Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/26/2017 - 17:10

Using the daybed plan I modified the beds to hang supported by two walls. I mounted the bed to the wall into the studs using 5/16 GRK Rugged Structural Screws, and also used structural screws to attach all the framing supports. I originally tried to hang the unsupported side with rope from a lag thread screw eye in the wall stud and a lag eye bolt in the bed frame, but the rope had too much stretch and would not adequately hold the corner (as the rope stretched the weight on the corner pulled on the 2x4 wall support at an odd angle that would probably eventually break the frame). So, I found stainless steel uncoated wire rope, with the appropriate fasteners, and that seemed to hold well with less give on the corner. I was still a little uncomfortable with the amount of force pulling on the 2x4 center supports at the 2x4 wall brace so I also added 2x4 joist hangers on the center supports. The corner still moves slightly when I hang on it (I'm about 110lbs), but I have no doubt the bed will support the weight of my kids without issue. My 200lb husband got on it without any problems. The beds are straight forward  and cost-effective to make, you just have to be sure you mount them safely. Also, a tip for those of you planning on mounting the beds to a wall, mount the frame first and then screw on the decking boards...so much lighter and easier to work with that way!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
180.00 for 2 beds and all the hardware to hang them from the wall.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
jacobean stain, sanded to distress, and one coat of triple thick poly in satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 17:56

Love this chair. I used old fence planks for the seat. Super easy. Clamps are a girls best friend.

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Desk & Hutch

Submitted by Wildlife26 on Mon, 12/29/2014 - 08:04

I was not able to get to this desk last year and thought my 15 year old teenage daughter had forgotten about it and was getting too old. Around Thanksgiving she made a comment with a sigh that it would never happen and she understood. I immediately went to work in the garage to have this ready on Christmas morning. She had no idea and was very surprised to find it near the Christmas tree!

Desk included a power strip with USB ports, an under the hutch light, magnet board & dry erase board w/ magnet markers to stick on the magnet board.

Thank you so much for putting these plans on-line.

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

Comments

Nitzan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 14:04

I love this plan, it was easy to follow. 

I live in Israel, so had to translate to centimeters. 

I made the X from 2 full pieces, cutting a half width dado. Found it easier to assemble. 

Few minutes after placing it in the house front, a friend suggested buying it....

Thanks

 

Estimated Cost
300 NIS, it's about 83$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chalked rustoleum,
With Yacht Varnish Matt top.
It made the bench a bit too yellow, but the result is still nice
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Octagon picnic table, made from redwood. Modified after eight years.

I made the octagon picnic table in 2012, using redwood. We lived in California, then in Asia, and now in Australia. In 2020 I modified the table using a wine barrel, because the original legs had rotted.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Comments

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by JimmyE3 on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 09:15

My wife's Christmas present. I modified the Cabin Wide Dresser plan to include two extra bottom drawers. I also built the drawers without metal slides which made the drawers a little bigger. Technically, I need to finish this with some nylo-tape to make the drawers slide more smoothly. A similar style/size dresser made of solid wood was easily over $500, this cost less than $200 in materials and my boys were able to help out.

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American 230 stain, then several coats of natural Danish oil. Brushed the stain on and allowed to dry for 24+ hours. Then put on several hand rubbed coats of Danish oil (I love this stuff).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

RH Inspired Shanty Sideboard & Hutch

Submitted by jhavinga on Wed, 12/31/2014 - 14:34

Have been wanting to build this for 6 months now and just havnt had the time. Finally completed it!
I made some small changes to the design, different trim layouts, different dimensions, and went with a plank look for the back of the hutch instead of a solid peice of 1/4" plywood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500.00. This price includes wood, stain, and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of Minwax Weathered Oak, then 1 coat of Minwax Special Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

In reply to by ehays216

jhavinga

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 22:48

Thank you ehays216! Ive looked at your Farmhouse Storage Bed a few times.. Have always wanted to try the Steel wool/Vinegar trick.

Cheers,
Justin

timberandsoul

Sat, 01/03/2015 - 07:40

Great job! The love how the color turned out. May I ask where you purchased your backdrop from? And what size it is?

Thanks!

In reply to by timberandsoul

jhavinga

Sun, 01/04/2015 - 16:09

Thanks a lot timberandsoul!
Photo was taken on an empty wall in my living room, Which is currently a light gray wall. thought it looked boring so I did a quick switch of backdrops in PS. I just typed in brick wall in google.

Cheers,
Justin

Singhs

Sun, 01/04/2015 - 16:27

What type of wood did you use, home depot/lowes regular pine or some specialty wood ?

jhavinga

Sat, 01/24/2015 - 13:08

Sure! the plans call for 2 solid sheets of 1/4 plywood for the backing.. I simply just ran the plywood through a table saw at 5.5" wide and brad nailed it the back. =)
The stain is weathered oak and let sit for 15min. Then right away special walnut and let sit for 15 min.
repeat until desired colour. let me know if you have any more questions!

Cheers,
Justin

Sschoono

Sun, 01/08/2017 - 07:33

How many coats did you have to do to achieve this look?  The weathered oak looks so light...and gray.

 

Thanks!

Painterlyrhett

Sun, 05/17/2015 - 19:40

What was your strategy on attaching the sideboard to the Hutch. I haven't seen where there is any instructions or conversation around this. What and how did you accomplish this and/or is there anywhere to go that discussed this that helped you.

Thanks,

My girlfriend loves it!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/29/2017 - 12:38

Very easy to build!! Looks great!

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

Ana's Adirondack Chair and side table

Been looking for a while for some simple looking Adirondack chairs. I found these and they turned out great. Will be finishing them with a white paint. Thanks for the plans Ana!

Estimated Cost
65 dollars for 2
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Clothesline Frame

When I saw this, I knew it would be perfect for our mantle. I need to add photos to it, but I love it! I plan on changing things out for each season... I can see autumn photos of the kids hanging beside pressed leaves in the fall, christmas cards hanging here during the holidays, etc. So many possibilities. Very simple to make. Love it!

Estimated Cost
$8
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Entry Table

Well after completing the console table I decided to change the sizes a little and create an entry table and stain it to match my great great grandmothers mirror that we have. That mirror has to weigh 50lbs. It turned out great and I did sanding and staining before putting it together which saved a lot of time trying to get into all of the corners. Then just had to ploy and stain the edges of the top once finished.  

This is approximately half the width of the console table so calculations were fairly easy to figure out. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Finish Used
Used dark Walnut with a satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments