Community Brag Posts

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.

Smaller Version

Submitted by Pomarola25 on Fri, 09/11/2015 - 03:01

Took me a bit longer since I had to make a new cutting list as my table was smaller.  Plus, the wife wanted a really dark rich stain on it so several coats went into the stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Harp Design Turned Leg Farmhouse Table

Submitted by danicarby on Sat, 08/04/2018 - 12:12

A friend of mine loves the tables by Harp Design Co. but she wanted changes made to it such as the apron being inset, removable legs, oak wood, specific finish, etc.

She hired me to make her one and it's been an exciting build!  I built it from a pile of raw wood, turned the legs, etc.

My favorite thing to do is to inpsire others to reach beyond what they're comfortable doing - that's why I post about my projects through my website so other people will feel like they can do it too!  https://theprojectlady.com/how-to-build-a-harp-design-table/

 

I'd rate the level of build as intermediate, but really anyone can make it easier or harder.  The most challenging part is the legs - do something more simple, hire someone to make you some, order them online, etc.  The posts I created for this table are in-depth but don't let that intimidate you!

 

Happy Building Friends!

Estimated Cost
$450 for oak wood, $100 for finish, $30 for hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General Finishes High Performance Clear Coat with Transfast Dye (tinted color)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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

Loft Bed

Submitted by dgardner on Sat, 08/25/2018 - 16:33

This is my youtube video of me building the loft bed.

https://youtu.be/b5LpGZ87DG4

Instagram:  @gardners_garage

 

Thanks Ana for your plans.  I used them but made just minor adjustments to the height to suit my daughter.

Having your website defenitly made things easier, from picking up the wood to the cuts!

Thanks!
 

Estimated Cost
$200 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Classic Grey stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/31/2022 - 17:01

Loved building these chairs. Last year I built 5 of the smaller ones for my grandchildren.
Carol Schiffman from West Orange. NJ

Comments

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

King Size Farmhouse Bed

This was our first big DIY project and I absolutely LOVE the finished product. We now have a solid, sturdy king size bed that everyone loves. The plans were pretty easy to follow although I chose to make the headboard and footboard taller than mentioned on the original plans. The measurements came from another Ana White DIY-er  http://diystinctlymade.com/2014/02/05/diy-pottery-barn-farmhouse-bed/  . For the bed frame, brackets and 2x4s were used. The stain use was dark walnut by Rust-o-leum and finished with minwax polyurethane semigloss. Working on and off, it took us approximately 2 weeks to finish the project; although, I'm pretty sure it could've been completed in a weekend. 

Finish Used
dark walnut stain by Rust-o-leum and finished with minwax polyurethane semiglos
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entryway console

Submitted by danwade on Tue, 09/18/2018 - 17:23

Entryway console without base pieces to more closely match my other furniture.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Nautica shimmering sea paint with furniture was. American walnut stain with clear satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Kitchen Island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 14:25

Love how this turned out! Thanks Ana!

Comments

Simple Outdoor Lounge Chair

Submitted by stacynabby on Sun, 07/17/2011 - 19:57

I've now made two Simple Outdoor Lounge Chairs and can't get over how sturdy they are! I also modified mine to have a 1x6 arm rest, but I ripped the back part of the arm rest so it tapered down to the 4" on the back side. I also made the chairs an inch taller on the legs since my family and I are tall.

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Colonial Maple
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic x desk

Love how it turned out cost a little more if you count stain,wood conditioner..etc wasn't bad still.wood probably cost around 60-70 cheap and better then most anything you can buy.. Lots more to come 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60-120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax, poloyshine blue is transparent behr Wedgwood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Geo Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/23/2022 - 21:58

I followed the instructions for the Modern Geo Headboard but adjusted them to fit my bed frame because I don’t have a platform bed. I’ve refurbished pieces before but this is the first one I have actually built from scratch. It’s certainly not perfect but I’m so happy with how it turned out. Lots of satisfaction in knowing I built this and it cost a fraction of the similar one I wanted to buy in store. Thank you for the inspiration.
-Teena

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bathroom Re-do

I so wish I had taken a before picture! Last summer we did a lot to make over this bathroom. Previously the cabinets were a birch color with a white door (gross). The faucet was one that came with the house, cheapo builder's grade, a tacky medicine cabinet, and that oh so attractive Hollywood lighting. So we painted the cabinet black, replaced the medicine cabinet with a nicer black mirror, replaced the faucet and lights. That had it looking pretty decent, but the wall above the toilet had 3 small pictures hung rather oddly to hide some poor patch jobs from a busted towel bar. So when I saw the plan for the bathroom shelf I was thrilled! I made a few adjustments to the size to meet what I wanted and got started. I also had an extra 30 minutes before a birthday party we were leaving for and had some scraps already the right size for a simple step stool.

Estimated Cost
Free...all made from leftovers and reclaimed wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jaimehack

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 23:28

Oh! Your bathroom re-do projects sounds cool and abrupt. Myself being a bathroom lover usually spend times in Bathrooms. Besides always avid to observe the interiors. As you have done up with the black fixtures and cabinet, I guess it looks pretty stunning. Your ideas and the layout looks good to me and for sure I'm going to utilize my next afternoon.

Straight leg farmhouse table

Slightly based on Ana White's husky farmhouse table, this table has 4x4s as legs and a nice, thick planked top with breadboard ends. It will easily seat 6 and will seat 8 in a pinch! I also build a bench to match, using the same concept, just smaller dimensions.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a combination of golden pecan and dark walnut stain on the top. I painted the legs black and used Rustoleum's polyurethane in semi-gloss to seal the whole thing.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 08/23/2013 - 09:26

I concur with JoanneS. Love the stain on the top and I also love the two tone look. Beautiful build!

Under the Sink Storage

My under the sink door cabinet is smaller than what's on the plan so i had to improvise.  A paper towel dispenser won't fit anymore so I just made another shelf.  I love it.  No clutter and everything is so organized. :) 

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted it with the same color as my kitchen cabinets SW Urbane Bronze
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Thank you, Ana, for the easy plans for a great table!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/17/2018 - 13:29

I made the table from rough-cut cedar that was harvested on my father's land. All I spent was $16 on Danish oil and $5 on sand paper but its priceless to me. Thanks Ana!!!

Estimated Cost
$25.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic corner shelf with matching halltree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/01/2022 - 20:46

My take on a corner cupboard. I used old barn tim form backing and somewhat modified the plans. I actually made the hall tree first and then the matching cupboard. I finished it off with a custom distressed finish.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Hanging outdoor bed

I made this hanging outdoor bed for our screened in porch using Ana's plans. This was one of the first things I've built, and the plans were very easy to follow. I wanted all of the outside trim to be decorative but it was much more expensive, so I settled for just the top piece. I love this web site and am about to tackle the Board and Batten project. Thanks Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 (not including bed, cover and pillows)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Lemon Zest by Behr$
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

T (not verified)

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 19:58

I love this plan! One question, does anyone have any suggestions for how to add arms or a back to it to lean against? Or what types of arms/back would look best? I can't figure out where to put them so that the ropes/chains wouldn't rub against them.

Darmel (not verified)

Sun, 07/29/2012 - 00:25

I really like this as it is so great as a relaxation element for a tranquil space.

First Project!

Submitted by meg_odom on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 16:09

My husband and I built this as our first project & are thrilled with the way it turned out! We shortened it to 44" to fit our space. It took us a few hours but we got the Kreg Jig working the first try (though on a current project it is giving us some headaches). We really enjoyed building this on a rainy Saturday and received many compliments after posting the finished project on facebook. Looking forward to our next project - thanks so much for all your tutorials Ana & other submitters!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American (1 coat) with Minwax Satin Poly (2 coats, brushed) for the top & shelves; Olympic Bewitched Satin (high grade with primer).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments