Community Brag Posts

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Beoncia on Mon, 05/05/2014 - 06:15

"Beginner" doesn't begin to describe me! I didn't know the difference between a skill saw & a miter saw before starting this project, but thankfully, my husband is a Mechanical Engineer & knows his way around a few tools. We're very happy with the end result, but they're not perfect. We learned a lot & I'm confident that the next project will be better. A couple of things I learned along the way--no need to buy exactly double the wood for two chairs. Probably obvious for those that are experienced, but I bought exactly double & could've saved a little $$ if I knew what I was doing. Not counting the investment of the saws & other equipment (that will now last my lifetime!), the chairs were less than $50 each for the wood, paint, screws, etc. We used the cheapest wood (whitewood, per the recommendation) available & now that I'm a bit more knowledgeable, I'll upgrade for my next project. The paint is regular Glidden Exterior, & the Home Depot reps were kind enough to mix samples of the two lighter colors so that I didn't have to buy a quart for such a small amount. Colors are Peach Crayon, True Peach, & Tropical Coral. It should be noted that samples aren't available in exterior, but the chairs will be used mostly on a screened porch--out of the direct sun and rain--so I didn't worry too much about it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
<$50 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden Exterior
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Blue big kids picnic table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/05/2016 - 23:25

I primed and painted all of the boards before I cut them. Then I just had to do some touch up when I was done. This is my first woodworking project and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. I already have my next Ana White project picked out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farm house entertainment center

Submitted by LPJunky on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 22:36

My one of my first projects. Followed the plans here, https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/grandy-barn-door-console

Doors are 1x4 frame on 1/2” plywood and got the hardware from amazon

WINSOON 8FT Antique Double Sliding Barn Door Hardware Roller Track Kit Black, 4-18FT for Choose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014SMIWTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bH1YEb890KWDF

A little beefy but worked. Had to trim the track a little bit to fit the build.

Also added hdmi/coax ports for easy plug ins. And an hdmi splitter since our tv only had 2 inputs.

Overall very happy with the outcome on this one

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mailbox Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/12/2024 - 08:33

I didn't like the standard mailbox we had at my house so I designed this with my CAD program and mage it happen. thanks for this opportunity to post this.

Rich Hebert

Our New Sandbox

I followed lady goat's instructions but made the seat back taller and the sandbox wider (4'x5'). I have more details here:

http://www.statelykitsch.com/diy-sandbox-with-lid-benches/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

In reply to by Lady Goats

Heidi Sentivan

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 05:02

The kids do really like it but it has been so hot it hasn't gotten much use yet. I am hoping once the weather cools off they will be out there more. The one other addition that I haven't gotten around to is adding a pvc pipe on the inside so that the beach umbrella will stay in place better.

Camp loft bed with stairs

Submitted by themombot on Fri, 05/09/2014 - 13:27

I had my dad and father-in-law come help with this project. We are all pretty much beginners, but have done some building in the past.

Because I'm not experienced, I didn't find the plans to be in depth enough. Some parts weren't not fully explained and took some guesswork.

I also didn't know what a Kreg Jig was or how expensive it was! This upped my cost by $100. It was well worth buying however, and will be used again in future projects.

We added a railing to the platform since the bed is up against a window with a screen. If the kids were to fall off the platform and hit the screen, they could fall 2 stories. The railing is just screwed into the side of the platform and can be removed at any time.

Overall, I love how it turned out and so do my kids! It fits the toddler-sized DIY bed that my husband and I built right underneath so my 4 year old and 2 year old can now share a room.

More details and pictures are on my blog: http://themombot.com/crafting/2014/05/09/details-our-diy-bunk-bed

Estimated Cost
$150-$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax wood stain in Jacobean, with pre-stain conditioner and 2 coats of polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kitchen Island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2016 - 07:59

I created a different top out various size select pine boards joined by biscuits and glue and then added utensil hooks on both ends and a bottle opener

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gunstock stain and satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse console table

I have never so much has touched a saw before, but got a wild hair to build something. This is my very first attempt. I didn’t put the X on it, but I did the rest. There are soooo many flaws and I’ve since made several other pieces. But I wanted to post this to show that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything! I’m in love with this piece. Thank you so much for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)

Perfect Lounge Chairs

Submitted by BJ D on Fri, 07/20/2012 - 08:24

This was a very straightforward and easy build. As soon as they were compled, I wanted a dining table and chairs to coordinate. These chairs were intended to be used without cushins (is there anything better than laying out on a warm lounge chair when stepping out of the pool?) so I recessed the hinge completely below the deck. They were cut adn assembled in two evenings after the little one went to sleep. As you can see, my daughter and her friend approve.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck sealant.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

BJ D

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 06:04

I ended up adding some additional support under the outsides of the corners. I glued and nailed a small block to the front and back and pocket screwed it to the inside boards for additional strength.

Seasonal And Holiday

Mom's Day side table

Submitted by CSaintD on Sun, 05/11/2014 - 08:52

I made this for my Mom for Mother's Day. She has been wanting a little table to put next to her recliner (where she knits, reads and watches TV). For the top and drawer, I used Douglas Fir from Lowes. The rest is whitewood and redwood (legs). Overall the wood cost me about $50. I painted the body with high-gloss white paint and the stain on the wood is a mixture of min-wax Golden Pecan and English Chestnut. The finishing took the longest, but the build went very quickly.
I did notice that the cut list is a little off. You need 4 of the 1x2 pieces for the sides, not just two.

I may put a layer of varnish on it, but as of now it is not varnished.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White high-gloss paint on legs and body. Golden pecan stain overlapped with English Chestnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Alden's Computer desk

Submitted by veiglcc on Sun, 08/14/2016 - 08:20

Small computer desk built for mom. Was not built from a plan.

Estimated Cost
Estimated cost $60.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Bombay Mahogany stain (gloss).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garden bed with folding screens

Submitted by Kate_14 on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 09:39

I added folding screens to my garden bed to prevent my dog to go in it. It can also discourage hares, cats and other animals. The folding screens make it easy to work in your garden.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Adirondack Chair

Fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Cricut Vinyl
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Stuffed animal holder

I had a friend ask me to build this for her daughter. The bars are bungie cord that you can order by the roll. I made 3 frames the same size then put 2x2's on the inside corners and counter sunk the screws the stapled the bungie cord at the top and the bottom. I would highly recommend securing this to a stud in the wall incase a little one tried to climb on it.

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

Flatware Caddy

Submitted by Eddie A on Sun, 05/31/2020 - 13:19

We camp a lot in our travel trailer and until now we’ve always used a coffee mug to move our utensil around and keep them easily accessible; the problem was, that coffee mug was constantly falling over! I saw this and knew I HAD to make one.

Made this with scrap 2x6 and 2x4 boards which cause the measurements to be a bit different, but the results were still great! Super easy and gonna be very useful!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Storage Mantle

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 10:26

I had been wanting to build a mantle for quite a while but couldn't decide what I wanted it to look like, then I saw the wood mantle with hidden storage plans on Ana's website. I used a steel wool\vinegar mixture as a stain, 3 coats making sure it dried completely before applying the next coat. I finished it off with a beeswax & orange oil wood polish & conditioner. So far I'm storing the remote for the fireplace, the key to the gas for the fireplace and the tool that helps remove the front of the fireplace in there. I'm not sure what else will find it's way in there. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Julie V.

Built from Plan(s)

Farmhouse Night Stand

Submitted by searcyb on Tue, 07/24/2012 - 20:28

My Wife asked me to look into a night stand for her. I am so so so thankful that I was able to come across Ana's site. I showed the site to her and she asked me to build this night stand as opposed to going out and buying her some expensive poorly built nightstand. Thank you Ana for this wonderful site and the inspiration that some of us need to "get started."

One thing that I didn't think about when I started this project:
The cut list is a suggestion of what you will need to cut. I only ran into one major issue and that was with the inset bottom of my pull out drawer. I cut my drawer sides to the dimensions on the cut list (not paying attention to the note from Ana) and had to adjust my cuts for the drawer. I ended up ripping down the remainder of the 1x12 and paired it with the 1x6 that I had left over. Using the Kreg Jig I now had a perfect fit for my drawer.

I would have liked to have had a darker stain (more of an espresso) and that is my fault for not buying different stains and testing them on my wood choices. As far as my wood choices I used 1x6 and 1x12 "white board" 1x2 and 2x2 precut pine and bought a scrap piece of 1/4in plywood for the backer.

The Kreg Jig made this project very easy to complete as well as my counter sink drill bit. Although not impossible to complete without these two tools it is remarkable easier to complete.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Bombay Mahogany and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Herringbone Cassidy Queen Bed

Submitted by mrcleland on Mon, 05/19/2014 - 06:46

I cannot be happier with the final look of my new bed. I decided to take on this task with intentions to make small changes in the plans based on my needs and preferences. The process was easy and original plans were definitely easy to follow. I had the head or foot boards completed in about 3 hours (without the herringbone pattern). I saw where someone else decided to add a herringbone design and I liked it so I did the same. It was a little tedious but overall not hard at all. Building the frame was easy as well and didn't take long at all. I started running into problems when transporting the footboard. I dropped it from about 2 ft and the leg post snapped off. I thought the pocket holes were not that strong from the beginning. This was not a problem though because I just followed the special note in the instructions and added a 2x2 to the back of each side and attached them with 3 inch wood screws. I did this for the head and foot board and it made me feel more comfortable with the stability overall. I was going for longevity for the bed so I wanted to make it easier to disassemble and move around (screwing the frame in would wear out with a few moves). I went to a woodworking shop and picked up some 5/8 inch insert nuts and bolts to match. I added one to each corner and tightened accordingly. This was by far the biggest headache for me. If I could do it over again there are a few things I would change.
1. I would have sanded my cedar post before attaching them
2. I would have attached my cedar post with the 2x2 and not used pocket holes (I l like pocket holes but not for such a heavy load)
3. I would have drilled and placed my insert nuts on the post before attaching anything to them (this would have helped to ensure a level hole).
My wife and I love the natural look of the wood but it doesn't really go well with the modern contemporary look in our home so we are having a hard time deciding on paint or stain. We are leaning toward stain because we love the grains throughout the bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
To be determined
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Mon, 05/19/2014 - 08:15

I absolutely love how this came out. What did you use for the herringbone part, are those 1x3s?

mrcleland

Mon, 05/19/2014 - 11:08

I used the pine 1x3's from my local home improvement store. They were $1.39 each for a 1x3x8. I used about 15 total. I decide not to go with the select wood for the herringbone and glad I didn't. I feel the less perfect, rounded edges add character.

mrcleland

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:35

I like it so much, I am planning to add a box spring to mine. I really like how high yours sits. I also like the color of yours. We are experimenting with stains now and I will post new pics once it has been done. Don't be surprised if it looks very close to yours :). I used cedar for my post so I think it will be hard to match the colors.

mrcleland

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:35

I like it so much, I am planning to add a box spring to mine. I really like how high yours sits. I also like the color of yours. We are experimenting with stains now and I will post new pics once it has been done. Don't be surprised if it looks very close to yours :). I used cedar for my post so I think it will be hard to match the colors.

jeannajustfine

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 19:00

I love that you like it so much. Between this and getting picked for Anas brag post of the day on Facebook yesterday, I was walking in the clouds...lol

I used Minwax 1 coat of espresso and 1 coat of jacobean for all the larger pieces. I used Cedar as well for the posts. And it does come out a little redder. Just mess with it till u get something you like. It may not match the rest of your pieces exact, but it will look great once its all together.

I also messed around with the herringbone pieces. I used the same colors of stain but did some with one coat some with 2, some for 30 secs some for as long as 15. It kept the colors along the same line, but gave some variation.

I finished with paste was

As for the mattress. I love how mine sits. Feels very regal being up so high..lol. Its such an awesome bed plan. I cant wait to see yours finished.

Thanks for making my day. That was my very first project. So very cool!

Pallet outdoor sectional!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 17:49

I made the sectional from pallet wood

Needed extra wood for legs to be stable. I made these under the house, and unfortunately had to take apart to get out! luckily  i used screws.

I made to measure after getting the outdoor cushions first.

Taught me heaps

Estimated Cost
Cost of cushions $60nzd and paint $25nzd
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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