Community Brag Posts

Rustic Dresser and Bedroom Set

My son was too big for his toddler bed and had been spending his nights in the guest bed, instead. For his Christmas gift this year, his grandparents were going to get him bedroom furniture, but I insisted on building it instead! I love the rustic theme, saw the rustic dresser on wheels and thought it was perfect for him and perfect for us since we move so much with the military. Hello, a dresser on wheels? Like, no man labor trying to carry the thing out of the house? Just roll it? SOLD! I HATE the wheels that I put on it, but I really did not want to dish out $100 for the spoked wheels. I think I may change them one day and put the wheels on that will make it look ten times better, but for now, these will do. The wood for the dresser was pricey, but it was my first time buying plywood and I didn't realize that I could buy nicer plywood in smaller amounts that would have been a little cheaper since I didn't need to buy entire boards! Otherwise, it wouldn't have cost as much I am sure. I built a bed and a night table to match the dresser (as seen in the pictures), and frankly, I am very pleased with this set that I built! (CHECK OUT MY BED! http://ana-white.com/2014/02/rustic-twin-bed-upholstered-headboard-matc…) It was quite a difficult project for me, being the first time I had built drawers and because I didn't have more than a few hours in a week to get outside to work on it, but I finally finished :-) I also had a very small space to work in, since my husband consumes the garage with his man "stuff" and it was cold, so I needed the door closed with the space heater ;-). This project could definitely use some good amount of workspace!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$200??
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American , used a natural bristle brush, foam brush and cloth, set for a minute or two, wiped off.
Minwax Furniture Wax, rubbed on with cloth and let dry for a bit.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Kitchen Island from the Handbuilt Home Island Plans

Today I’m sharing this unexpected addition to our kitchen! Everything about the construction of this furniture-style kitchen island seemed to be charmed. There is usually a lot of trial and error that goes on behind the scenes during our projects- but everything seemed to just kind of fall in to place. We enjoyed it while it lasted, since we know it won’t be that easy again! ;) Without a real plan for the island, we found the beautiful marble slab on Craigslist for a steal. While the slab was having it’s edges finished, I began comparing island legs. The ones I decided on came from Osbourne Wood, they are called The Grand Harvest Island Posts. I liked the chunky style in order to support the heavy marble. We are so so happy with the quality of the legs that we plan on using this company for all future furniture building projects. For the specifics on how to build the island, we were a bit stumped. We were just kind of going to wing it. Then, when I was daydreaming about a completely unrelated project, I stumbled across the kitchen island plans in Ana‘s book The Handbuilt Home. The dimensions were almost perfect for the slab! We modified the plans slightly- we didn’t need casters, and our island needed to be a bit narrower than the plan in the book, and we swapped out the 2×4′s for 2×6′s in some places- but the length was perfect, so we were still able to use most of the materials list (a huge time & money saver!) to maximize yields. We ordered a Kreg Jig, like Ana recommended, and I have to say- I love it! This island was so much fun to build and finish- and it makes a huge statement in our DIY renovated kitchen!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Aged Driftwood Finish: I started out by giving the island a coat of Minwax pre-stain conditioner, since I was planning to use a water-based stain. Next, I did a coat of Minwax Waterbased Wood Stain White Base tinted Slate at the paint counter at Lowes. My next step was the whitewashing. I very lightly dry brushed the entire island with white satin paint. After it dried, we sanded it all smooth, removing some of the white paint. Some stayed behind in the detail. Then, we stood back and looked at our results… and we decided that it was too white with the rest of the kitchen, so we went over the paint with Rustoleum Driftwood. Weird, I know- but it worked perfectly! It changed some of the white paint into a more natural looking gray color, and toned down some of the blonde wood peeking through. The overall effect made it appear aged, and we were so happy with it!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

suschen

Fri, 02/28/2014 - 05:22

This looks amazing! I was wondering how you attached the marble slab to the posts?

gkubrynski

Mon, 03/03/2014 - 17:24

Unbelievable! Great accent to the kitchen. You mentioned you used both pine and maple... can you specify which parts were pine v. maple? Beginner here... Thanks

Modular Desk System

deskMy home office remodel was inspired by a post from Ana White a few years ago. For this project I ended up using IKEA bookshelves and cutting the tops off and flipping them upside down. I used some crown mounding to cover the base of the cabinets on the tops. The desk top bases are file cabinets I found at the office supply store and the desk tops are edge glue pine. Overall I think I only had to make 8 cuts for the entire project. Saving me a ton of time and money. Thank you Ana for all of the wonderful post!

Mark Danreiter on Facebook

Log Cabin Birdhouse

I enjoy making birdhouses and log cabin style is my favorite. I make the logs by setting my saw to rip 3/4 pine at 3/4 so I have 3/4 square strips. I then decide the size of my birdhouse and cut the logs accordingly. I also "wittle" on them a little to make it look more authentic. I simply then just stack, glue and nail one row at a time. You can use 1/4 poplar for the roof but I ripped pine at 1/16 and cut shakes with my utility knife and glue them on one at a time (there are 104 on this roof).

Estimated Cost
7.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Built in closet

Submitted by AndyH on Mon, 06/13/2016 - 19:14

Built in closet to replace builder grade wire wracking.  Closet is approximately 11 feet by 5 feet.  consists of two shoe racks with 7 shelves each.  6 large drawers and 4 small drawers.  Two hanger sections with storage  above them.  End wall has hanger for longer items and storage above and a cabinet with shelves.

Yet to finish the floor.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Extra White satin paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My version of the outdoor chair

Submitted by jharrisjr on Mon, 04/20/2020 - 00:12

I saw the plan and thought I would give it a shot. My wife loved the plan, but wanted something with a higher back. I used the bases of the plan as is, but I adjusted by adding some higher pieces at the back. They are attached at the seat flat and the back rail. It worked out pretty well. I still need to sand and stain.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Office Corner Desk with Hutch!

Being my first DIY project - it was a pretty big task not using a saw before or doing any building. Following the plans was easy, just took a lot of time to learn how to do things for the first time.

I modified her plans to have 3 drawers on the one side to match the pb design.

After finishing the table, I knew I needed to create the hutch that is sold along with this desk. After some rough paperwork estimates I went ahead and built the hutch.

Looks pretty amazing and similar to the real deal.

Check out my blog for further pics and details of paint, primer and drawer slides I used. Leave a comment if you'd like me to work on getting a hutch plan organized.

With doing the hutch without real plans, this project took me a while to get those cuts organized and completed.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Antique White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

onehandymommy

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 09:56

I would love to see the plans you used to make the hutch! Also, I can't seem to find your website. The site on the picture isn't working. Wonderful corner desk, is it very heavy?

webdevandasaw

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 15:08

I will work on getting some hutch plans up.. I did it sort of on the fly from a rough estimate on paper.. I will post up on my website and a link here when I do.. might take a bit of time to get it up and learn how to draw it up all nicely on the computer. Not sure why the website won't load for you? http://www.webdevandasaw.com/ should work. Had a few people test it :S

The desk is pretty heavy and solid. I was able to bring each part up a flight of stairs myself (all three parts of the hutch are seperate) - and the desk top is seperate, as well as each drawer I took out before bringing it up the stairs.

allenml2

Mon, 08/08/2016 - 19:50

It's been a while since you built the corner desk with hutch that is posted on Ana White website, and I had a question. do you have a new blog or website where you have posted details on the paint and drawer slides you used as well as the plan for the drawers and hutch that you create? Thanks.

Maureen

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

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!

Modern Round Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/17/2020 - 22:23

Like any good DIY project, I started with plans and then changed pretty much everything.

We wanted a modern but sort of rustic table for our dining area. The Modern Round Table plans almost fit the bill but not quite. The local Lowe’s had the perfect answer—Birch plywood. It also fit our Alaska setting.

I laminated two half sheets of 3/4” together, then cut out a 48” round top with a router.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil Natural, then 4 coats of Polyseal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cabinet with doors and shelf

Submitted by AndyH on Tue, 09/06/2016 - 12:26

White cabinet made from some doors and hardware left over from my built in book case project and other wood left over from the book case and closet projects.  All I bought was the wood for the top and the legs.

 

 

Estimated Cost
$30 (as used leftover wood)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained gray and then two coats of white satin paint sanding between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ryobi Nation workshop and shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 15:48

I bought a whole workshop full of Ryobi tools second hand from my brother over a year ago. I started researching workshop plans and came across Anna White’s Ryobi Nation Dream Workshop. I downloaded the plans and spent about 2-3 months working on it in my spare time. I made a lot of mistakes along the way but I’m pretty happy with it overall!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rcjones4

Fri, 08/11/2023 - 11:50

Do you still have these plans for the project? can't seem to find them anymore

Outdoor end table

Submitted by spiceylg on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 14:38

I didn't use any plans but the Outdoor Ottoman comes really close. Needed an end table to go with our Outdoor Sectional that my husband and I built. While he was at a ballgame I whipped this up. Still have to sand and stain this as well as the sectional, but will probably do it as a winter project. We bought the 1x4s a while ago when we bought the 2x4s for the sectional so I wasn't exactly sure of the cost. I think I used 2 1/2 pieces of 8' lengths. Who would have thought a couple of years ago that so many of us would have attempted to build furniture and then even without a plan now and then?! Ana rocks! :)

Estimated Cost
Approx $5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Not sure what brand, but spray painted Apple Green for a pop of color against the back cushions.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Outdoor Wooden Cooler

An Outdoor Wooden Cooler is the perfect way to accent any deck, patio, or garage. Can be made from Cedar, Pressure Treated, Cyprus, etc. Sizes can vary from small 28 qt coolers to Large 120 qt coolers capable of holding hundreds of drinks. These coolers can be themed for your favorite sports team, favorite hobby, or anything of your choice. Engraving or wood burning is available.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain, painted, distressed, etc.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sgilly

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 09:52

Well, actually, two. My beer loving son-in-laws would love this, and Christmas is coming! Do you happen to have any "step-by-step" directions you'd be willing to share? I can figure out the dimensions but it would be really helpful to read - or see - the components and how you put it all together.
Thanks for sharing!

Adam_Scheetz

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:41

I had to make a new page because of some password issues. Thanks for comments. I have no plans yet, I've built so many it's sort of muscle memory now. Shoot me an email at [email protected] and perhaps I can help.

And no, the lid style I like is nothing more than some tongue~n~groove boards cut to length, attached with pocket holes and nailed to the lid frame. Tongue~N~groove is optional of course, you could just use regular boards.

sgilly

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:58

I really appreciate your response. And, I did indeed send you an email!
I have a bunch of cedar milled and planed by one of my son-in-laws. He'll be thrilled to see that I've made something he can use for his favorite beverage!

Potting Bench with Sink

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:48

I used the basic 2x4 potting bench and made it a bit wider to have room for the sink. Had to make slight modifications -- put a 2x4 in the back to help support the half shelf on top. Found the sink at the restore for $15 have have been waiting to do this. Ana's plan was easy to follow and modify for my needs. Spent 88$ on lumber, nails, 15$ for the sink, plus about 40 $ for additional hardware for the sink. This sets beside my deck. I love it. Now I can was my hands outside and can't wait to rinse my veggies off when they produce.

Susan Chewning

Coffee Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/31/2016 - 07:12

I modified this plan to fit a 27"x 25" chunk of butcher block that my mother-in-law gave me. The finished height is 36 & 1/2". I didn't have any special tools to make the notches for the shelves. I simply lowered the blade-stop on my 7&1/4" miter saw and fastened the screw with hair ties (or in other words, I jimmy-rigged it ;)). I practiced on scrap wood until I reached the depth I needed. There is a 9&1/4" clearance between both shelves, and the shelves have a 1" overhang off the sides. I mainly used pocket holes to connect the pieces. The shelves (3-2x6s each) were fastened together with wood glue and pocket holes, then I slid them into place and screwed them into the side aprons/supports from the top, then filled with wood filler. For the top, I added support from underneathe (2x2s that I had on-hand), then used 2&1/2" screws from underneathe through the 2x2s into the butcher block. At first I used zinc wood screws, but learned quickly that they strip extremely easily, so I switched to sheet rock screws. Fun project!!

Estimated Cost
$35 in lumber, not counting the butcher block top which I got for free from my mother-in-law.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the butcher block, I decided to stain it since it would not be coming into contact with food. I sanded the butcher block with 220 grit sandpaper with my orbital sander. For the rest of my project I first used 80 grit, then 220 grit. Then I applied pre-stain wood conditioners overall, then Minwax provencial stain (I left it on for about 3 minutes then wiped it off). Then I used two coats of polyeurethene, sanding with 400 grit between the coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Back