Community Brag Posts

Naked wall no more!!

Submitted by jmefish on Mon, 02/04/2013 - 07:48

I had a wall in our living room that was bare for almost 4 years. SO happy with the results of my "Ten Dollar Ledges"!!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
RUST-OLEUM, AMERICAN ACCENTS; Colonial Red Smooth Satin Finish.
I'm a lazy painter, I didn't sand or prime my ledges and only applied one coat as I loved that I could still see the wood grain through the paint. (8oz can covered both ledges with one coat, still have half the can left!)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

rhettar

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 10:59

I was wanting to make a small one under my bathroom mirror, but wondered if it would be too bulky. Seeing yours, I can see they look pretty sleek and I am probably going to go for it. (if I don't like it, I am sure it will get use somewhere)

I love how you admit you are a lazy painter, I am getting more patient the more I am building...hehe

mybartmart

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 13:22

The colour you chose is really nice. They shelves look great on that wall, I am making some for a hallway with 1 x 3 instead to make them stick out less.

Round The Corner Shelf

Submitted by JKEich02 on Mon, 12/08/2014 - 12:55

This is my first project using a Kreg Jig and I'm hooked. Easy build and great storage! Looking forward to doing more projects! 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax pre-conditioner and Minwax stain in Black Cherry.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Station Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/02/2021 - 12:44

Since I've been working at home, I needed a desk with space for both my work station and for my personal use. This plan was quite easy to adapt into a two-position desk. On the left side I substituted a keyboard tray for the drawer. I also made mine 2" deeper than the original plans, since that fit my needs better.

Estimated Cost
Probably around $200, not counting the cost of upgrading to a nicer Kreg jig, which was well worth it.

Comments

Cubby Bookshelf -- Large

Submitted by pde00311 on Wed, 02/06/2013 - 18:48

First Project...

Different aspects of the project took a lot longer than they should since I was trying to figure out how to use all of my new toys, e.g. circular saw, kreg jig, adjustable shelf jig, sander, etc., but I think it ended up turning out pretty good.

I ended up buying an unfinished rocking chair on Craigslist for $20, which I finished the same way.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Kashmir Pink with Minwax Early American Finish on the Distressed Edges...followed the Vintage Distressed Pink using Minwax Stain Tutorial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chunky Truss Table

Submitted by DangerDad on Thu, 12/11/2014 - 13:38

This is my first full sized table project.  I wanted to make an inexpensive dining table with nice looks and this one fit the criteria.  I deviated from the plans by making the legs frames and the middle truss using rabbit and dado joinery.  As a result the middle truss and leg frames did not have to be fastened together with any screws.  This design modification made it easier to build in the garage and be able to move easily into the house for final assembly.  Top is made of SPF lumber stained to match the natural colour of the cedar legs and truss frame.  Thanks Ana for the inspiration to build this beutiful piece.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain (early american) and Minwax Helmsman finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

earthbybike

Thu, 12/11/2014 - 17:11

Love how you rounded the edges of the 4x4s and taylored the cross beam underneath. Just simply fabulous

ctufano

Mon, 07/24/2017 - 05:24

Hey Dangerdad! Wife and I bought cedar for the base and have all sanded, but are torn on how to stain. I liked your table, and was reading your description of your finish. Did you stain your cedar? You say you stained the top to match the natural cedar, so am thinking maybe you just sealed it without any stain?

Could you clarify? Thanks so much!

ctufano

Mon, 07/24/2017 - 05:25

Hey Dangerdad! Wife and I bought cedar for our table base and were discussing how to finish it. Did you stain your cedar? Your write up seems like you may have just finished it and not stained at all, and only stained the top? Just curious

 

Thanks so much!

 

Sewing table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 17:19

Sewing table with a square top variation 

Estimated Cost
$250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Different take on the farmhouse X table + bench

Submitted by melbuckner on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 15:07

Wife found a post where someone did a riff on farmhouse X table where instead of supports at the floor and top of the base, there was one support in the middle of the X. The riff made the table taller than the original (which I didn’t realize till we had the x bench put up against the ‘riff’ table - about 3 inches too low which I’ll fix this weekend. It only works ok for my 6’7” brother law lol.

Other alterations i made - turned the X support into through tenons (my first - future ones will be cooler) and decorative cross 2x2 under the table top similar to the way they are on the bench.

Turns out, looks pretty cool with taller bar chairs!

Estimated Cost
$300 - cause it’s all cedar. Cheaper if you use pine.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Spar Urathane 3 coats

Comments

Shabby Chic Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by RVmama on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 18:18

This was our first major project, so we learned a lot while we were doing it. We painted our bed white, and rather than using metal bed rails (which no one seemed to sell), we improvised and fastened 2x4s to the inside of our side rails. Then we cut slats to rest on the 2x4s and run the width of the bed. The 2x4s lend great stability to the side rails, and are much less costly, not to mention easier to obtain. ($10 vs. $75) This bed is sturdy and solid. I think we will be handing it down to our grandchildren in fifty years!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fiona's Doll Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 07:05

 As the dolls I have were very small I scaled the plan to half size, and finished  with some leftover garden paint. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Built from scrap, so zero cost.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Kitchen Pantry

Submitted by JameyD on Wed, 01/13/2021 - 09:35

I took some ideas from an Ana White wine rack I saw and made this Pantry for our kitchen. Pretty happy with how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse bed Queen

Submitted by fish-hed on Mon, 02/11/2013 - 13:10

I followed Anna's incredibly easy to follow plans pretty darn closely. I used Cherry for 90% of the bed and the cross-boards on the headboard and footboard are poplar. I used lumber that I had been holding on to for some time and purchased construction-grade lumber for the frame. Anna's plans allowed me to bring to fruition my dream to build my own bed. This was the largest project I'd built to date, and I was incredibly happy with the outcome. For a mattress I ordered foam from http://www.mattressbymail.com/ I ordered 5" of high quality foam and 4" of the 5lb viscomax memory foam and it is the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in for

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax antique oil finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

take on star doll closet for american girs

Submitted by radardad52 on Tue, 12/16/2014 - 12:28

built for grand daughter for christmas

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
stain urathane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rekourt Dining Room Table and benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/18/2017 - 18:08

This was my first big build and I love how it came out!  Thank you Ana White for amazing and straightforward plans to follow for both the farmhouse table and benches.  

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top MinWax Dark Walnut plus Rusteoleum Weathered Grey. Bottom is painted with ivory chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Liv's new toddler bed

Our baby's turning 3 and is ready for a twin bed, having slept in a toddler version since 18mo... but we just HAD to build this adorable canopy toddler bed for her while she can still use it. We added a small window box that had been above her previous bed to the footboard, she stores her stuffed animals/bedtime books in there. Just need to pick out new sheets and fabric for the canopy :) Both she and the puppy love it, Thanks Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$53
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ACM

Wed, 02/13/2013 - 16:52

Just saw your kitchen and thought that was wonderful and now have to say how amazing this bed looks!

Rustic X Console

Submitted by Amanda R on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 19:40

This is by far my favorite build.  I couldn't be more happy with it! I spent several days on this.  The majority of my time was spent on the finish.  It really is a great plan if you are just getting started.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 or less
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American and two coats of Polycrylic in semi gloss with a third coat on top (In order to survive my children!).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kitchen Corner Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 22:48

I saw http://www.ana-white.com/2013/02/plans/wall-kitchen-corner-cabinet and knew this was the project I wanted to do in our new home. The side cabients are from http://www.ana-white.com/2013/12/plans/36-wall-cabinet-double-door-momp… project, redesined to fit the wall-kitchen-corner-cabinet plans. This was my first cabient build. Still have to install doors. I am happy way it came out and so is wife.

Thanks Ana for your great site and plans. My next project is the storage sofa :D

Estimated Cost
about 400$ I live in Philippines and cost was around 2000 PhP.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint, 3 coats wet sanded in between coats. Inside is Boysen chocolate enamel.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

My First Table

Submitted by toolman81 on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 12:42

This was my very first table. We could not find one in stock so I found these plans from Ana White. The base was easy enough if you take your time and make sure you are oriented right before cutting.......not that I made any mistakes by not double checking before plunging that saw into my work piece. The top was modified to be 6 feet long. I edge jointed, using an electric hand planner, the 2x6s after planning the faces flat. This helped my hand planner to ride flush and make a pretty straight edge after a few passes taking off very little each time. This actually took longer than building the base. I pocket holed the underside to squeeze the top together with some glue. It turned out almost perfectly seamless. I mixed some fine sanding dust with some poly for any cracks or blemishes. That allowed the stain to actually take, unlike with wood filler.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Carbon Gray stain with a water based poly on top. White enamel paint for bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Small bench

Submitted by Miaya39047 on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 21:00

My husband and I needed a small bench for our long hallway. This plan was perfect! Somehow though we bought extra wood, I followed the shopping list exactly. Took about an hour to cut and put together. Painted it a matte black and sanded edges to looked distressed, and then 1 coat of polycyrlic. Cost about 15.00 to make.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Black matte paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Loft bed turned into bunk beds!

I needed bunk beds for my girls and found the camp loft bed - perfect! I liked how it used all 2x4s and 2x6s... made it easy to do everything with the chop saw. I customized the bed by lowering the overall height so that the actual bed is only 3 feet off the ground, and then I still had plenty of room for a mattress underneath for my three year old. I was strapped for space so I made the deck half the size so that the stairs stayed in between the bunk bed posts. I also added a little fence to the side of the deck since it's not up against a wall. I am so happy and proud of my work and I thank-you SO  much for these wonderful easy-to-follow plans :)

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded, unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner