Community Brag Posts

Awesome Bar Stools Ana!

Submitted by rdeguz4 on Thu, 09/03/2015 - 20:58

This was a fun and very rewarding project.  Thank you Ana for sharing your talent with us.  I got tired of stores wanting too much money for cheaply built bar stools, so I turned to the internet and found Ana.  These stools are quality built, and at a fraction of the cost.  The only thing I altered in Ana's original plan was the backrest.  I tried to build the horizontal braces but kept damaging the wood.  So I just built them vertically.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 including materials and tools
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Octagonal picnic table

Submitted by Mike F on Wed, 07/04/2018 - 11:39

Picnic table is built of non treated pine. 2x6 and 2x4 only. I did stain as I went with outdoor stain just so everything would be protected. I don’t have the exact amount of wood bought but I think it is around 11 2x6 and 6 2x4. I used plans off of YouTube from A Simple Design of Ocalala. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WlprN_rUiJg

Estimated Cost
$180 -$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Super deck from Sherwin Williams.
English walnut and Mountain Ash
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My version twist on the apothecary

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/30/2022 - 12:09

A bit wider and taller to hide our litter box in our too small living room. Thanks again Ana!!!

Comments

First Project - Sawhorse Table

Submitted by scot price on Fri, 07/08/2011 - 10:36

This was my first project that I took on from this site, and I was very happy with the result.

I used the plans from the Simple Sawhorse Table, and adjusted to our needs.

The only real adjustments were instead of using a solid top, I used 2 2x10's. I also made the total length 90" on top.

Very great site, and hope to be building more soon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For finishing this project I sanded, then put a layer of Amber Shellac down. After that dried, I sanded with a finer grit. I then put a layer of rosewood stain down, and let it dry without wiping excess off. Finally, I sanded the entire table with 0000 steel wool.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Table and chair

Submitted by carongirls on Sun, 08/11/2013 - 13:56

I made the $4 dollar chair and Ana Table. For the chairs I used 2x2's for the legs to help sturdy it up and because of that my seat slats are closer together. It's a very sturdy chair. I can sit on it and it doesn't budge.
The table was easy to do.

Estimated Cost
Chair $4.50 Table $17.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Left over paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom Farmhouse Wainscotting

Submitted by Yodannos on Sun, 09/06/2015 - 22:54

This was a project that took me about 4 weekends.  Last year I installed the French doors.  I decided that this was the year to finish them and the rest of my wife's office with a custom Wainscotting, based off the farmhouse style.  In order to keep it cheap, I used 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4" mdf.  I would then rip them to the width of my choosing, based upon design.  Overall, I used 4 4'x8' 1/4" plywood (for backing), I used 5 4'x8' 3/4" mdf... At a cost of $29/sheet. After installation, filling holes and seams, I primed then painted using a spray gun.  Total cost: about $350.  The room is much more rich, and really lightens up the space.  

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Upcycle Bench

Submitted by LARMO on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 17:55

Upcycle headboard bench made for a local fund raiser

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior cream with an exterior sealer, with a rubbed walnut stain into the seat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/10/2022 - 15:53

I had a customer ask if I could make a chair , they sent me a picture and I used your,and another persons chairs as my pattern, I made a few adjustments for my liking. Turned out great, thanks for always sharing and inspiring your ideas

Comments

Clubhouse Fun!

Submitted by nleonard85 on Tue, 08/13/2013 - 12:36

This project is fun and relatively quick for the end result. All together, it took just over 20 hours. For the most part I followed the instructions and wood cuts according to the plan. I ended up having to tweak some things and I'm not sure if the error was in the plans provided online or my own error. Probably mine!

I thought I would add that, for the sign, I simply picked a font on the computer and printed out big letters (a size that would fit nicely on the sign) and then used those letters to trace out the border. Then I painted the letters by staying inside the lines! Easy Peasy. I used a small rustic rope and drilled holes in the sign to slip the rope through. I then tied knots so as to hold the sign in place. Works great and definitely completes the set. I thought about skipping the windows, but I'm so glad I did not. They really stand out and look amazing. My son loves to open them and just stare out (who knows what his imagination is making him see).

This bed is great because it allows for another area below. My son likes to turn on a lamp, sit in his chair and read. Thank you SO MUCH for this plan!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American. Applied with rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

BrettPaPa

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 09:43

This is spot on! Great job! Your finish is just super! What stain and color did you use?

nleonard85

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 13:35

Thank you! I used a water-based Minwax stain from Sherwin Williams. The color is called "Early American" and the product number is 230. I applied it with a rag since it is easier and I think it actually looks the best.

Coffee Table Plan Modified for Flat File Cabinet Table

I found this fabulous vintage metal flat file cabinet at an antique store (Hunt & Gather Vintage Market, in Princeton, MA), but it didn't have a base or a top, so I went searching online for something that I could build.  The Corona Coffee Table plans were going to be perfect!  I just had to make a few adjustments:

  1. Build it to fit my flat file cabinet.  
  2. I didn't inset my apron 1x3 boards because I wanted the top ones to be flush with the edge of the flat file cabinet, and then I wanted the bottom ones to match.
  3. There was a "lip" on the top of the flat file cabinet, so I had to build a thin trim around the bottom edge of the table-top.  This lip keeps the top from sliding off the flat file cabinet, but just to be sure there wasn't any wiggle, I put a bead of silicone around the top of the metal cabinet and then placed the wood top on.  

LOVE how this table turned out!  It's counter-height and the perfect centerpiece for my craft room.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
I stained the piece with dark walnut and then painted with 2 coats of "creamy" Sweet Pickin's milk paint.  Sanded it down to distress it a bit, and then used a clear wax to seal it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hexagon address planter

Not much to say, just a quick project to use up some scrap lumber. Better to use it than burn it. 

Estimated Cost
$15 for the numbers, wood was all scrap 2x2 and 1x2
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut and Thompsons Outdoor Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Simple Outdoor Bench with Cedar Slats

Submitted by kmatt55 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 17:53

I am close to completing an outdoor set with only the table to go. My parents are going to love this at their new house they are building!! I found the cedar 1x4's at home depot for about six dollars a piece. I painted the base a basic semi-gloss white before I built the bench. It's so much easier to paint first and build later. I have a few more touch ups but I am happy with it. I used the Kreg Jig Jr to screw in underneath($40), which made this project and every project I've done so far that much easier.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white exterior.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhoppy

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 15:28

Looks great! Love the two toned wood look. I wondered whether you added an extra support in the middle... sort of seems like there's one at least in the last picture. Also did you build the top completely separate so it was one piece? Sorry for all the questions. I really want to make this bench for a friend and I would like it to look better than the last outdoor table I made with my kreg jig. Thanks

kmatt55

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 16:42

Thanks! The bench had a little flexibility when I sat in the middle of the bench. I added the extra support in the middle which made no difference at all. It turns out that cedar is a naturally light and flexible wood. If I had it to do over again I would use treated pine for the white base and keep the top cedar. The 1x4 cedar from home depot I used is actually .625 x 3.3875 not .75 x 3.5. So as you can imagine, it threw off the whole slat configuration. Best thing to do is use 28 or so .25 inch spacers to place in between the 14 or so slats on level ground. Once you space the slats like you want, then you can maneuver the frame freely until its even on both sides. Once it looks even on both sides start screwing kreg screws at one end and continue until the last one is done. FYI - I highly recommend drilling the pocket holes first before building the frame in Step 1. Hope that helps!!

kmatt55

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 17:05

Almost forgot. I did add 2x2's in between the blue and green boards on each side of the frame to add more support. The middle board I added as you can see in the last picture did nothing structurally speaking.

bhoppy

Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:11

Thanks for the tips. I finished cutting all the wood and am going to start putting it together tonight... After reading through the comments I think I'll join the 14 slats together with the side 52 1/4 boards before attaching it to the frame. Did you use an extra 1x3 for the second leg board?

Playhouse loft bed with stairs

Submitted by Benjies on Fri, 08/16/2013 - 13:24

This was my first "real" project other than making a small bench to hold my miter saw in order to make this project! :)

Saw these plans and instantly fell in love. I knew my daughter's birthday was coming up soon (she turned 4) so I got to work!

I used Poplar wood that had different nominal dimensions than the standard making this project not nearly as easy as what it should be. A lot of headaches, but seeing Tatum's smile on her face when we revealed her surprise made it ALL worth it!

I mostly used my Kreg Jig and Kreg screws. Used my nailer to tack up all trim. used wood screws to secure all of the walls together through the legs.

For the stairs, I purchased a large bathmat from Walmart and cut it to fit each step. I tacked it down with some staples and adhesive. I used 12" continuous hinges for the stairs and they worked perfectly.

Keep in mind other expenses, as the bill can increase rather rapidly!

My total wood bill was $398...but I used Poplar. If you go with pine, it will cost you less. $40 for primer and paint. $100 for new twin mattress. $30 for protective mattress cover. $75 for pottery barn quilt set (eBay). $13 for carpet on stairs. $24 for hinges ($8 each)!! $28 for 2 sets of sheets...bringing the grand total to a whopping: $708!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats of primer then Glidden latex paint from Walmart.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Famhouse Table

This is my 2nd built and it was a fun one.  I built this table for a friend of mine and she wanted a different look to the table.  She picked Patina Green and Snow White paint for the base and legs.  First I applied the white paint, let it dry and then applied a very small amount of the patina green and dry brushed it in.  After it dried I used my sander to blend it in and have some of the wood grain to show.  On the table top, I applied the stain and let it dry over night and then sanded down (lightly) so the grain would pop.  She loved the different colors and look of the table.  She had the perfect chairs to match the rustic look.  Excellent project!

Estimated Cost
$100 wood materials, $75 for wood conditioner, milk paint, stain and top coat.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes Wood Stain, Water Based, Antique Cherry Stain, HP Polyurethane Top Coat, Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Queen sized bed

I wanted a new bed that was a little taller that the irobot vacuum could get under and the dog could not. Altered the modern queen sized farmhouse bed using mostly pallet wood to come up with this. Overall cost about $65 with the lights and all. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany, headboard has a coat of minwax classic gray over the top, let dry and then wiped down with mineral spirits.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Outside Serving Table

Submitted by jazberg on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 13:17

Problem: I want a serving table. I love the Rustic X Bench. Solution: Longer legs! This was made from the Rustic X Bench plans. We built two. And they serve us well. We love them. They are small enough to move around and use for all kinds of purposes from serving outdoor meals to holding the screw gun while I clamp the next ana-white inspired project (it was my tool holder/work bench when I built our chicken coop). Easy project made super cheap that works perfect for every outdoor serving table need.

Estimated Cost
$75 for two
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Moss Green paint, distressed with a red mahogany stain rub.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Toddler Picnic Table

Submitted by lmolli84 on Mon, 08/19/2013 - 19:08

My husband and I made 2 of these for my 3 year olds "Picnic Birthday Party", and they worked out great! We will definitely be using them for a while! They took about a week off and on since I just had a little time each day to do them, but I could have gotten them done in a couple easily. Very fun, easy project! We ended up staining the bottom support pieces and painting the top pieces a light blue, I love how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 per table
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain/ Outdoor Latex Paint

I ended up cutting out the pieces, and finishing all of them with the stain/paint before we assembled the table. It worked out great! All we had to do after they were assembled is fill in the top screw holes and then paint the table top and bench seat tops.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 19:13

This little table is just darling! The picture of your girls at the table is just the cutest thing! Thank you for posting this!

Oliver's Toy Box

Submitted by jswsks on Tue, 09/22/2015 - 14:20

I found these plans and told my husband he had to make it for our grandson's 2nd Christmas.  So.....he did!  I was so happy with the outcome.  We didnt put in the groove on the front & we used the Rockler torsion hinges.  I chose the letters and painted them for his name.                    We are now beginning a new one for our new Granddaughter for this Christmas!  

It gets lots of use and will be a treasured gift from Grammy & Grampy for years to come!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Glossy white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mtrainerjr

Sun, 07/31/2016 - 14:51

Which Rockler hinges did you go with, as far as the inch-pound?  I'm not sure if I need the 40 inch-pound or the 60 inch pound.  Thanks in advance.

My Awesome Wooden Cooler!

Submitted by mcbrasi on Sat, 09/22/2018 - 18:41

It took me till the end of the summer but I finally finished my awesome wood cooler project! Check that one off my to-do list.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear and dark walnut stain
Polyeurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate