Community Brag Posts

Based on FatBobK2's design.

Submitted by Kougar1994 on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 15:30

This was based on FatBob2Ks great design.  I took iut the Xs used 4x4 legs and 2x6s fir the bottom shelf.  I also put a furring strip around the edges to hide the end grain and add some surface area.  I sanded starting with 89 grit, then 120 and finishing with 150.  For stain I used a rag to rub on General Finishes Java Gel Stain for 2 coats. it's really forgiving on bare wood and you don't need conditioner.  I sealed everything with Minwax satin poly wipe-on and did three coats.  

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80. I bought local lumber. The big bix stores just don't have straight boards unless you're buying S4S hard wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes Java Gel Stain and Minwax wipe on poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Chairs with Backrest Modification

Submitted by GBev44 on Tue, 06/02/2020 - 08:16

My first crack at building outdoor furniture. I built two of the Modern Outdoor Chairs built with 2 x 4 and 2 x 6. The first one was a little rough, but the second one was much better. In order to accommodate the higher cushions and make the chairs more comfortable, I added piece 2 x 6 secured to a 2 x 2 to make a partial backrest.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Trash with Lift-up Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/26/2024 - 10:31

Replacing a trash bin for a friend whose cats could not get into. At the last minute I thought a little hiding area on top would give them some storage for bags and things. Had to go one size down on the Rubbermaid to allow for clearance when tilting open. They love it, the cats hate it.

Back To School Podium

I recently landed my first teaching position, and unfortunately my predecessor left quite a blank canvas for my classroom. I will be teaching math and definitely needed a lectern to hold my book as reference for examples during instructional time. However, I was completely unable to fork over $200 for a lectern...so of course I turned to Ana White! I saw the Podium Plan that another had submitted, and used it as a guide with some changes:

1) My dimensions are 15" wide by 21" long by 43" tall (I'm shorter than your average bear).

2) Used the table saw set at 45 degrees to create mitered joint edges with my plywood

3) Inset the shelves into the frame for added stability using a router.

4) Added casters to the base for maneuverability

5) Added an easily-removable laptop shelf for the side for easy hook-up to the Promethean Board in the classroom.

6) Decoupaging my name to the front for some visual interest...(and of course to claim ownership...:) )

My room is painted yellow, and all of my accessories are teal, lime green, and brown. This is gonna look GREAT in there, and best of all, it's attractive AND functional!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Spray-On Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

birdsandsoap

Sat, 07/28/2012 - 22:23

I don't remember having ANY teachers with anything this cool and personal in their classroom (except maybe woodshop, har-de-har-har). All the other teachers will be jealous!

Standing Desk

Submitted by shellyward on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 18:59

During the 2020 quarantine I started working from home and had to take up an office in my grandsons room. I wanted to leave enough space for him when he comes over so I needed it to be more narrows than most but with plenty of space for multiple monitors as well as workspace. I got ideas from many plans here but ultimately designed my own with a little inspiration from multiple plans. I included a pullout for the keyboard as well as 2 additional pullout shelves for added workspace.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and poly on MDF, stain and poly on plywood
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Outdoor Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/02/2024 - 11:16

I make these double benches with storage in the middle… very sturdy and comfortable…. Will last a long time….

Stewart Larocque

Laundry closet makeover

Laundry closet makeover. I was tired of having only the one wire shelf to store laundry supplies. So I added a cabinet, hanging rod, and counter-top over the washer/dryer for folding clothes. Also, behind the curtain on the left is a built-in garbage can for lit. Recovered small ironing board in same fabric as curtain and hung it up so save space.

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

BRISTOL OUTDOOR LOUNGE CHAIR

I followed Ana's plans to build the Bristol Outdoor Lounge Chair. I used White Oak for the chair. The plan was pretty easy to follow and i enjoyed the project. I am excited to build a second chair as well as other items that i will find of interest on her website.

James

Estimated Cost
$220 including cushions bought at Lowe's
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used General Finishes Exterior 450
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rolling Cart - pallet recovered wood

Submitted by jgrunwaldt on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 19:36

Rolling bar cart made entirely from recovered pallet wood.

Based on original Ana White's plan, I've just added a side pocket and rails on the lower shelf to prevent sliding of items placed on it. 

Later on I made another one for a friend who attached a hanger plate and a magnetic knife holder.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

NightTable - Finished with Chalked Paint

This is my first Ana White project, made for my daughter who just moved out on her own. Fun project.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalked Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Storage Step Stool - First Build!

Submitted by red98dawg on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 11:50

We moved my 3 year old son into his big boy room with a queen bed; it was a little tall for him so it was difficult for him to get in the bed so I set out to find a step stool. They were between $60-$80 and there was no way I was going to spend that kind of cash…..so that is how I found Ana’s site!
I built this with no problem and even got to know my jig saw a bit better.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Jacobean, 2 coats
Minwax - Fast-Drying Polyurethane, 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Firewood Storage Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/28/2016 - 17:54

We built this firewood storage shed to hold wood for our wood-fired hot tub! We built this using reclaimed materials we already had sitting around our property so in the end, the only costs involved were the pier blocks plus some screws.

We decided to publish our plans for anyone that may find them useful! Take a look here if you feel so inclined: http://purelivingforlife.com/diy-firewood-storage-shed/

Estimated Cost
$150 if you buy all of the materials new
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern outdoor Sectional

This project is straight forward and lots of fun. Next time I plan to stain opposed to paint due the amount of time painting takes.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Exterior Chocolate
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 05/30/2014 - 11:37

This came out really nice. Love the colors and cushions. Can you share the source of pricing of the cushions please?

Pursuit of Handyness

Fri, 05/30/2014 - 20:23

I like how the color contrasts with the cushions and the throw pillows add a nice punch of color and fun. I also would like to know the source of the cushions. The cushions seem to always be the budget breaker.

Tammylinskey

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44

My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey

Tammylinskey

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44

My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey

Seasonal And Holiday

Ladder Desk and Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/30/2016 - 18:50

Had a great time putting this together for my teenage daughter's room. Took me about 4 hours to cut and assemble (I only have a circular saw, would have been SO much faster with a miter saw). Then sanded and painted the next day. Under $50 for the wood. What a deal! Love this plan!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 12:08

Took combination of farmhouse coffee table and side table to make a square coffee table for our sunroom

Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted Base- endless sea by Sherwin Williams
Top- Rustic Oak from Minwax - 2 coats
Sealer- 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Toybox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:16

My husband and I built this toy box for our grandson from the farmhouse toy box pond you had on your site. We adjusted the size from what was in the plans, but it turned out really nice!

Built from Plan(s)

Loft Bed

Seen the plan on another site....cannot for the life of me remember which one.....but I made my own out of the one I seen online. Sorry pictures are not that great!!! But my daughter loves it!!!!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded well filling in large holes with wood filler....covered bolt holes with the sticky mirrors that my daughter picked out......Paint is White semi gloss...3 coats!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Nail polish cabinet

So another super awesome project from miss Ana. I dont have a lot of jewelry, but I make up for it with nail polish. I made a few minor adjustments and viola and wicked cabinet to hold all of my piggy painters!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
20$
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
espresso/classic grey. Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

balloongal247

Tue, 06/24/2014 - 10:55

Did you use 1x3s for the shelves and doors, and 1x4s for the rest? I've been needing a nail polish shelving unit, so I may copy you. :)

Gas pump

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/04/2016 - 14:52

My husband made this for our Grandson last Christmas. He loved it!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by hgordon on Tue, 06/16/2020 - 09:18

Modern Adirondack chairs with added cup holder holes. Will be adding cup holder inserts as well.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane “Early American” stain
Cabot clear wood protector
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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