Community Brag Posts

Entertainment Center

Submitted by azca33 on Mon, 01/09/2012 - 18:48

My wife and I decided it was time to give our new TV a home. We began looking on ana-white.com and saw a beautiful black entertainment center. That is where I received my inspiration. It is a very similar design however, I decided to change the color and add inset doorsand drawers.

Everywhere we looked for an entertainment center, it was either too pricey, or the measurements were not right. I decided to come up with a plan for an entertainment center that would fit perfectly into our little niche.

Estimated Cost
650-700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain/White Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jana Thomas (not verified)

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 12:28

I LOVE your entertainment center....exactly what we are working on as we speak. Ours will be a little larger (12 foot wide) after adding on two end shelves to hold lots of DVD's!! I know I want the white color, but could you give a little more information on the distressing and finishing? We've never done that before. Thanks!

azca33

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 17:59

Hey Jana,

What I did was kind of a pain. To give the entertainment center the distressed looked, I stained all the areas that we were going to distress a dark walnut. After we allowed that to dry, we painted it with white latex paint. Since we were painting over a dark walnut stain, it took about 3 coats to completely cover the color. After 24 hours of drying we sanded it with 100 grit sand paper on all the areas we wanted distressed. You will want to lightly sand it until the dark walnut color comes through. Avoiding sanding too hard as you will sand through the stain.

We still have some distressing that we would like to do on it, but we need to get a wire sponge for that, and just haven't gotten around to it. The sand paper works really well on corners, but not so much on the face of the wood. We haven't sealed it completely since we still have some areas to distress, but will use a water-based sealer.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

davidmac (not verified)

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 14:15

It looks great. How did you attach the side units to the middle unit? Are the drawer fronts just solid 12" x 12" with the decorate trim attached to front? I can't tell if the portion where the handle is attached is recessed or not. And lastly, are those 1" x 3" trim pieces around the drawers?

azca33

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 16:46

Hey Davidmac,

The trim is all 1x3 solid pine, including the trim around the drawers. The drawers measure out to 10x10. I built the drawer faces the same way I built the cabinet doors. I used 1x3 trim and dado'd a 1/4" groove to inset a 1/4" piece of plywood. I then added molding to give the drawers and cabinet doors a more detailed look, so it is recessed where the handle is attached.

The side units are attached by 1 1/4" screws that are hidden behind the trim. Easy access to remove for any future moves.

Jeff (not verified)

Sat, 01/28/2012 - 22:15

Are there actual plans for this? I just see it in another brag post. but no actual laid out plans.

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 19:22

Where can I find plans for this. Beautiful.

azca33

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 09:24

Unfortunately, there isn't a set of plans for this entertainment center on the site. I looked at the Entertainment Center for Kristen Lotz and built my own plans according to her pictures, with a few adjustments. If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to help you out.

Kristen Lotz (not verified)

Tue, 05/29/2012 - 17:32

I just checked in onto this site for the first time in awhile and I saw your entertainment center. I knew you must have gotten inspiration from ours... I love how yours turned out! I love the white, I love the distressing, and I love the inset doors and drawers with all the details. It turned out absolutely beautiful. Good job!

azca33

Mon, 06/11/2012 - 12:21

Thanks Kristen and thank you for the inspiration. When I saw yours on ana-white, I knew that is what I wanted in my living room. I also thought it was genius to put the DVD Player etc... up higher so the kids can't play with it. We are really happy with it.

kristenlotz

Mon, 12/31/2012 - 14:20

I finally got around to making the plans for our entertainment center (well, actually my husband did it). It is very similar to yours except the inset doors and drawers, the door and drawer trim and the finish colors. Hopefully that helps those looking for plans for this beautiful entertainment center. I love finding brag posts of similar entertainment centers because they are absolutely beautiful at a fraction of the cost of buying one. And we love telling people that we built it!
http://www.jrlwoodworking.com/2012/12/furniture-plans-custom-entertainm…

Andrea Miller (not verified)

Mon, 01/07/2013 - 12:26

Did you do an under coat or did you just add stain to the sanded areas? Love the look.

Football Lockers DIY

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 11:27

Here are a few pictures of the football lockers I built for our school. I used your mudroom locker plans and changed the dimensions to accommodate the boys' football gear. It worked great! I built 6 sets of 4 lockers, for a total of 24 lockers. I also used one of your plans to build 6 benches for the fieldhouse. Three for the home locker room and three for the visitor locker room. Each locker is 30 inches wide and 6 feet tall. 

Melinda Glenn

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS

These Chairs  where fun and  easy to build. I used 1x8 for the back. I used counter sunk 1  1/4 in screws and  pocket holes and  kreig screws. I thought A hinge would not be safe so I screws the tray down with a 2in overhang. Can not wait until Christmas.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
123 primer and Pratt and Lambert semi- gloss interior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 16:57

Rustic X Farmhouse coffee table, built for a true rustic farmhouse!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Light coat of Varathane Dark Walnut woodstain on each X, heavy coat everywhere else.
Minwax Polyurethane (5 coats, lightly sanded between each)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ana White Stocking Stand & Shanty2Chic Stocking Box

Submitted by vprice on Thu, 12/24/2020 - 19:14

Built this today per request of my daughter because she wanted our stockings hung! I loved the stand Ana made but wanted to be able to use it after Christmas. I saw Shant2Chic built a stocking box and decided to combine my two favorite inspirational builders and came up with this! I hope you like it!

I added a 50” box (monitors Shanty2Chic’s measurements) and screwed it to the top of Ana’s Stocking stand!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Entertainment Center

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/21/2021 - 09:58

Largest Build I have done up to date. It took a bit longer but it was so worth it. Wanted something different than all the entertainment centers I saw so I created a herringbone back. I love how it turned out.

-@theorthhome/instagram

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pure White from Sherwin Williams
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Queen Bed with removable rails

Submitted by sunnydays on Fri, 02/06/2015 - 14:05

After dreaming about a new bed for ages, I finally built up the nerve to make our own.  This was actually pretty easy, but it helped to have hubby there for some parts, just because of the size and weight of this thing.

My 1x8s were 7.25", so to compensate, I just added a single 1x2 in the middle.  Perfect fit!

We like to move (!) so we modified the bed to be easily moveable.  I purchased some heavy duty bed hardware from Amazon ($25) and deck/joist hangers from Lowes. 

I put the deck hangers on the bottom of the 2x10s, and the 2x4s sit vertically and free in the hangers.  So, next time we move, we'll just pick up the 2x4s, and unlock the 2x10s from the head & footboards and take off!  :) 

We lowered the 2x10s so that the total height of the mattress + box spring + vertical 2x4s wouldn't be too high for me to climb on to every night.  I have knocked my toe nail on the side rail a couple of times already, so maybe in hindsight I should have raised it a teensy bit.  

I did forget to decrease the length of the side rail, since we didn't hang it on the inside like Ana did.  That's an easy fix, though.

For the finish I used Weathered Gray stain first....and freaked out because it looked SO gray!  But I convinced myself it would turn out, so I kept going.  Next I did some heavy sanding, followed up by Special Walnut stain.  Finished up with a coat of furniture wax over the layers.   

We LOVE our new bed!  Thanks, Ana, for the plans and your website!  Next up: replacing those 1999-era side tables and dresser!  :) 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jlp

Thu, 11/05/2015 - 09:57

Love the changes made to the bed.  Will definately make it easier to move (or put in the room in the first place.).  You mentioned that you had to shorten your side rails.  How long did they need to be?

DIY Murphy Wall Bed

Submitted by Dstor22 on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 07:05

Just finished up my Murphy Bed project. Hope you like.

Estimated Cost
280.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by boxermum on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 14:17

Classic king farmhouse bed build

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique White Finish:
*Primed with white primer
*Painted with Behr Silk Pillow - Satin finish
*Sanded edges to expose wood (rotary palm sander and palm block sander)
*Applied Minwax English Chestnut Stain over whole surface using foam brush being sure to saturate exposed wood areas
*Used old T-shirts to wipe away excess stain
*Sprayed with matte clear sealer (Krylon)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My First Project: Spinning DVD Rack

Submitted by Dan Y. on Sat, 07/13/2013 - 20:19

I was looking online for a spinning DVD rack to buy when I stumbled across a picture of a custom built rack. I decided to give it a try and this is the result. This is the first project I've done outside of basic shelves and it was a great learning experience. The overall fit and finish isn't quite where I'd like it to be but overall I think it turned out pretty well. I was able to find a 12" lazy Susan at a hardware store that supports over 300lbs and worked perfectly for this project.

I used pocket holes for the shelves, finishing nails for the top and screws for the bottom and lazy Susan. I also used pocket holes to attach the shelf backs and hid them behind the shelves. One thing I definitely won't use next time is spray paint/enamel. The finish isn't nearly as nice as I wanted and it cost far more than I was expecting.

This is also my first time using SketchUp and I'm really impressed with it. I've uploaded a copy of the plans.

Criticism and suggestions are appreciated.

-Dan

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Universal Satin Spray Paint - Espresso Brown
Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:35

I like this spinning DVD unit! Coincidentally, I just finished using spray enamel to redo some cupboard door handles. It's horrible stuff! I ended up sanding it off, and doing it over in flat black. I roughed up the edges with 180 grit to antique them a bit. Looks much better!

Extended Spa Bench

Submitted by cdswhite on Mon, 06/06/2011 - 19:24

Our entryway is always a disaster and a little dysfunctional in design.

In hopes of improving the mess and making some room to sit and put your shoes on, we have made this bench that will slide in the width of the wall (approx 58.5"). It has room below to throw shoes and we can add a couple of hooks and storage cubbies above next to the window. This seemed to be the easiest, quickest and least costly solution. The only drawback (and it is the room not the bench) is that when the front door is open, it isn't easy to grab your shoes or coat (if they are behind the door) and go.

As far as making it goes, it was fairly simple. We finished the wood (with the exception of the polyurethane coat) prior to building it. The stain is ebony and we decided to use nails instead of spending more money on a fancy pocket hole screw get up. Because it is a small area and the bench is the width of the room, I was a little concerned that it may not fit. But it was perfectly made to order!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony Stain with spray Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse night stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/31/2022 - 12:59

We altered the plans a bit to fit our space. It looks great - thanks Ana!

Comments

Incredible laundry station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 09:02

This laundry station is perfect for our new red cedar laundry room. We left the wood natural to match the unstained trim and the light color in the cedar planks. Coated with polyacrylic for a smooth finish. Thank you so much for providing the inspiration and plans for such an amazing laundry room solution!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/04/2016 - 15:50

My husbands second build and it turned out AMAZING! Great plans :D

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain and semi gloss off white by glidden
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A swing for bebe

This is basically just a scaled down version of our porch swing, with a few adjustments for safety. The best part? Its baby approved! She swings away happily watching her sibs playing in the yard, She likes it so well, in fact, that I frequently find myself carrying a sleeping baby from swing to bed. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
American Accents Colonial Red
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Robinwood

Mon, 05/14/2012 - 16:48

This is wonderful, and it looks very safe. I don't have any little babies around, but it would be a nice gift for someone.

Doorless Pantry Makeover

Submitted by Huthbert on Tue, 06/21/2016 - 10:07

Our old pantry had bi-fold doors and four wire shelves.  The pantry was functional enough, but I felt it could be more functional (and prettier) with a facelift.  Going into it I knew I wanted white shelves, more storage, a counter for a coffee pot and most importantly, a home for the kegorator.  I didn't really know where to start with the base cabinets until I found Ana's plans.  I used her plans and modified them to fit what we needed.  Thank you for the plans!

Estimated Cost
Not Sure, didn't keep track of this one.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Silver Hill
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cubby Organizer (Pottery Barn Inspired)

This cubby organizer is great for storage, displaying collectibles or as an advent calendar. I'm using mine in my mini-workshop for storing tools and supplies I use frequently when woodworking. Tutorial can be found at my blog here: http://betweennapsontheporch.net/build-a-cubby-organizer-pottery-barn-i… Thanks Ana for supplying the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Sherwin Williams Dover White paint for a soft white. Stain would work great for this piece, too.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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