Community Brag Posts

2x10 Step Stools

Submitted by msyoung22 on Tue, 08/16/2016 - 07:26

My kids needed a step stool and I had some scrap wood (2x10) left over from a previous project

Estimated Cost
20 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax (weathered oak stain)
Minwax polycrylic protective finish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kristyzed

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 20:40

These are great.  Can you share dimensions and if there are any angle cuts on the legs?

msyoung22

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:12

Thank you! The dimensions are the same as the Ana White "Simple 1x10 Single Step Stool" except I used 2x10's instead of 1x10's like the plans called for. I also used some scrap pallet wood to make a design on the top of the stool. 

- Stool height: 7 1/2" for legs, 1 1/2" for top, and 1/2" for scrap pallet wood; which gives a total height of 9"

- Stool width: 9 1/4" x 16"

- 5 degree angle cuts were made on the legs

Outdoor bar table

Submitted by hueybp on Tue, 07/21/2020 - 20:06

Not quite finished but love the table already. Trying to decide how to stain/paint it. The Kreg jig was a must for this project. It was my first of hopefully many! I used cedar for the 4x4s and 2x6 top pieces. The 2x4s are treated lumber (only because there were no more cedar ones....apparently lumber is getting hard to get lately!!!). Anyway....thanks for the great plans and motivation for this project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Lumber was about $150 bucks (I bought mitre saw and kreg jig, too)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Will probably use semi transparent stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Basement Shelving....

Time to get organized in 2017....and what better way than with some custom shelving. This was not too bad of a project to complete. It only took about 6-8 hours to cut, frame, and assemble everything together (thanks to an interruption or two). 'Twas nice to have a project for once that I didn't have to care about finishing the project with wood filler, sanding, painting. I am sure my wife thanks me more as I would have been another week getting things just right​​​​​! 

A few changes that I made from the original plans:

- used 2x8 for the shelving runs as I only was dealing with a 10ft run and was a few bucks cheaper to buy 8 boards vs 16 boards. Plus less cuts!!! 

-installed adjustable furniture feet in the supports to deal with sloping basement floor. Unexpected side effect was it was easier to slide the unit around in the basement as I assembled it. 

Outside of those changes I remained faithful to the original design. I didn't bother filling the screw holes as we will be hiding the shelving unit with a curtain once  we turn the room into a TV/Office area. 

Also as it wasn't 100% clear from the original plans, but the height measurements for the shelf supports are to center... not sure why it didn't register with me right away... but just in case anyone else didn't realize that as well. 

Estimated Cost
$150 for wood, screws, wood glue, and adjustable furniture feet
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dining room sideboard

Submitted by dougw on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 09:12

I made a few modifications from the original plans as I wanted to have some visibility into the cabinets. I used natural pine and finished with a tea, vinegar/steel wool solution to give it the reclaimed wood look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tea then Vinegar/Steel Wool. Protected with wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jessica b

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 23:42

Would you have plans available for the modifications that you made? This is beautiful!!

Large Old English Style Farmhouse Dining Table

My wife and I were wanting a large outdoor farmhouse table that looked stylish, and like it could have been bought at Pottery Barn or another high-end furniture store. We found this plan that Ana white had made "Small Old English Style Farmhouse Dining Table". We often host groups from our church and will have 15-20 people on our patio or around our pool area, so we needed a bigger table... I just made some modifications to make it longer (7ft) in length to better fit our space and allow for more people to sit.

To make this plan longer, I simply adjusted the cut-list on the long 1x2s, 1x4s, and 1x6; and added a crossbar to prevent the longer tabletop from sagging. I also added the diagonal corner struts to make the table a little sturdier.

Adjusted Shopping List:
4 - 1x2 @ 8ft
5 - 1x4 @ 8 ft
6 - 1x6 @ 8ft
Waterproof 1 1/4" Kreg screws (for outdoor use)
Minwax Weathered Oak
Minwax Vintage Grey

Adjusted Cut-List
• 2 - 1x2 @ 26.5"
• 2 - 1x2 @ 76.5"
• 2 - 1x2 @ ~33.25"
• 2 - 1x4 @ 26.5"
• 2 - 1x4 @ 76.5"
• 4 - 1x4 @ 7.25" w/ 45º miter (diagonal corner supports)
• 1 - 1x4 @ ~28" (Crossbar - I forget the exact measurement)
• 6 - 1x6 @ 82"

For seating we just bought some inexpensive farmhouse weather resistant chairs from Walmart:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Yaheetech-Metal-Dinning-Chairs-Stackable-Cof…

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American (base), Minwax Weathered Grey (2nd coat)
(See more on outdoor use of stains: https://ana-white.com/blog/2019/05/outdoor-wood-furniture-finishing-secrets)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Footbridge

Submitted by sooz122 on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 18:36

I wanted to make a footbridge for my mom so she wouldn't get muddy when she crosses a small drainage ditch when goes walking on the trails behind her house. I didn't have a plan and this was my first build and I loved it! I just wanted to give everyone an idea of something to build. Can't wait to build more.

Estimated Cost
45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Minwax Walnut with a couple coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse storage bed w/drawers (king)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 11:51

Seen this awesome plan on Anas site and had to build it in KING SIZE. The drawers are enormous, the bed is rock solid. I love it

Comments

Outdoor Garbage Can Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/08/2023 - 08:45

Chose the small firewood shed project as a "template" if you will .. built this to house our garbage cans and eventually put a gate on it to "help deter" the Florida black bears (we do multiple things to keep them at bay) but this will also just be a nicer looking way to keep the cans outside.

I modified the floor since the firewood shed had a floor that was suitable for, well, firewood but not so much for rolling garbage cans. Had to leave the one slat off the back for the depth of the can which I didn't completely account for in the beginning. Overall, still need to paint it and water seal it but happy with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)

Coop and run for Six

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/24/2016 - 08:10

We wanted our chickens to have plenty of room for when we ere not home and could not let them free range in the yard.  One of the six was a rooster-- and long story-- but we don't have him any more-- so 5 chickens now enjoy this coop/run.  It cost about $300 in supplies.  It is 16 feet long.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wishing Well Planter

Submitted by RobKelly3 on Sat, 03/16/2013 - 16:57

This is a wishing well I made for my sister for her wedding. It will be used during the wedding for people to drop "wish you well" cards into and afterward she can use it as a planter in her yard.
I followed ideas from multiple plans here on Ana-White.com, but I didn't follow any specific plan. Mostly I followed tips and instructions for cutting angles, drilling pocket holes and some finishing tips. This is the first "big" project I've done and I"m quite proud of it.

With everything, it measures 44.5 inches high. The well measures 21 inches across and 15 inches high. The roof measures 22.75 inches by 23.75 inches.

I hope y'all like it. I worked hard on this! :)

Thank you, Ana and everyone who contributes to this site. It's been so much fun and I've got lots of ideas for more stuff. If I was any good at all at Google Sketchup I'd put up the plans but I'm not. If anyone could help me with that, that would great. :)

Have a great day!

Estimated Cost
about $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Maximum Stain and Sealant in One, Semi-Transparent, in Oxford Brown. Use 2inch stain brush. Used 100, 150, and 220 grit sandpaper before staining.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bellows86

Mon, 07/21/2014 - 20:04

Anyway you can please tell me the angle for the boards ont the walls. I reallly like your well, and would like to build this for my wife but im not sure on what angles to use thank you

Modified Adirondack Chairs and Coffee Table

Submitted by carvern on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 14:16

I had some Kebony deck boards left over from another project and thought they would work well. I think they did! Kebony is pine that is soaked in an alcohol and then heated up. It has a 30 year warranty and requires no care. I used a Penofin oil on the 2x4s and Cutek oil on the Kebony

Comments

Ana White Admin

Tue, 10/05/2021 - 09:53

Kebony sounds like a great material for outdoor builds, very pretty too! Well done, thank you for sharing!

Cedar Slat Top Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 21:48

I really enjoy making this bench. I build them out of cedar and vary from 4’-6’. My customers love them. Simple prep work consisting of planing all boards to same dimensions can save a lot of time in sanding. Building 3 more this week. 

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dog Bed Window Seat

Submitted by shellyward on Mon, 01/20/2014 - 16:53

I wanted a place for our dog beds, without just having them all over the floor (we have 2 big dogs and 2 little ones. I decided to build a window seat in front of the large window in our dining room which could double as dog beds/kennels. While the base plan was off the large wood pet kennel end table, it had to be modified significantly to be wider, shorter, and sturdy enough to sit on. I am also still trying to decide if/how i want doors on here. This is actually 2 kennels next to each other (not 4) Next will be to build 2 actual kennels for the big dogs to place on either side of this.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200 (high because of the foam and fabric for the seat cushion)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
black paint/ poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rocking Chair

Submitted by PPTG on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 12:11

Getting ready for retirement, so I thought I needed a rocking chair.
No plans, just built what looked and felt right.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

David King

Thu, 03/18/2021 - 01:27

Lovely chair. Nice proportions. Would like to copy it. Have you got any plans, sketches, or dimensions to share?

jlxvnwk

Fri, 02/10/2023 - 13:10

Love this rocking chair! Do you have any dimensions or plans. I would live to take this project on. Thank you.

Outdoor Sofa - Front Porch

Submitted by mclaudeg3 on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 16:47

This project was quite easy and did not require many tools. The plan allowed me to adjust the measurements easily so it could fit in that space. I used regular 2x4’s and treated the wood with Mountain Ash colour in a semi-transparent stain from Sherwin Williams, I just love the colour! I build 2 - 2 seaters exactly the same. The one side has no arm, as I wanted it to look like a lounge chair. I love to sit in the corner and stretch my legs 😊. I bought the cushion covers from IKEA, and got good quality foam.

Estimated Cost
Wood ~$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of semi-transparent Mountain Ash stain from Sherwin Williams.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Adirondack Chairs & Outdoor Side Table

Submitted by j_bowman on Sun, 04/11/2021 - 11:35

These modern Adirondack chairs were my first wood working project ever and they turned out awesome! I wanted to build a small table to complete the set and Ana’s new side table plans were exactly what I was looking for. I am truly amazed at how easy these projects were to make and how great they look on our front patio. Ana’s step-by-step plans make it so simple. My wife and I can’t wait to build some more of these projects for our backyard lanai and pool area.

Finish Used
General Finishes Red Mahogany stain
Spar Urethane

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Modified grandy siding console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/25/2017 - 15:05

We slightly modified the grandy console plans and did a different door style per the customer request and also added a 1 1/2" x 2" toe kick with a door guide.  Console measures 66" long x 16" deep x 36" high.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
180
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain was SW Sherwood BAC Wiping Stain in a custom espresso color. Finish was 4 Coats of Gemini Gem Coat Pre-cat flat lacquer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Table : Restoration Hardware Replica

Submitted by tsibiga on Mon, 06/20/2011 - 09:43

This is the first building project that I've tackled and it's all thanks to Ana-White. I did lots of things different than the building plan but it was definitely my inspiration and extremely useful. I loved the Restoration Hardware table and so I went to the local store to put my eyes on it for myself. Some of the things that I noticed, liked, and included in my design are; I used 4-2x12"s for the tabletop, I used 2x8"s as the breadboards, I used 4x4"s for the legs as well as the side stretcher, I used 2x4"s as the undertable supports, I built two 15" extensions using 2x8"s and 2x2"s, and I attempted to distress the wood yet stain it to match our dining room as best as I could.

www.tommyandellie.com

I've documented the build and you can check it out yourself at: http://tommyandellie.com/?p=14

I've revised the plans with even more details here; http://tommyandellie.com/index.php/2012/01/13/new-and-improved-farmhous…

Hope it helps.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I banged up the wood using random things around the garage and then used a Dark Walnut Stain. Additionally, on the tabletop I did two coats of Briwax (light Brown) for a nice, shiny, and smooth eating surface.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

niecey

Mon, 06/20/2011 - 15:06

This is stunning! I'm working on this table right now, but it's no where near as good as yours. I'm jealous. I love your extensions. I'd love to see a tutorial on adding extensions..

ispeakwhale

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 05:16

It looks beautiful. Did you attatch the 2x2 to the underside of the extensions and then notch out a place on the support for them to slide into? Can you please take a photo of the underside with the extensions on?

Tommy (not verified)

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 14:42

That's exactly right. Here's a link to the picture you asked for; http://www.tommyandellie.com/Site/Home/Entries/2011/6/10_Farmhouse_Tabl…

There's some more details and info specifically about the extensions on my blog at; http://www.tommyandellie.com/Site/Home/Entries/2011/6/10_Farmhouse_Tabl…

It's a super simple addition to the design and can take my table from 96" to 126"!!! Or take it from a 8-10 seat table to potentially 16 seats available for those Big thanksgiving meals.

Guest1 (not verified)

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 15:41

Hello,

I was just wondering that since your table is a bit wider than Ana's table, did you make the support for the stretcher wider? As in, did you increase the length at all (in addition to making it stick out a bit at the ends? If so, what did you extend it to? Thanks and gorgeous job!

tsibiga

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 18:49

Hello,

I followed Ana's example and allowed for a 1" overhang on both sides. So the tabletop is actually 44" wide and the stretchers are approximately 42". The long 2x4" stretcher is approximately 88".

Hope that helps. Thanks for the positive comments.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 20:28

I cant believe how good that looks. Great job! Out of curiosity, how did you make the notches (dados) for the 4x4 legs where they meet the table top? Really impressive table!

tsibiga

Thu, 06/30/2011 - 04:43

For the table legs, I set my table saw blade to a height of approximately 1.5". I then made a first cut at 3.5" from the bottom, then made a cut at 7", and then made several subsequent cuts in between those two cuts. After it was all slivered, I used a hammer to knock it all out, and then swirled the opening all around on the table saw (blade still at 1.5" tall) to smooth out all the cuts. I used the same technique for the stretcher as well.

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 08/06/2011 - 21:36

Hi Tommy, I tried clicking on your site and was told the site could not be found. Last week, I saw it fine and showed my hubby our next project, but now it's gone. Help!

Keri Beth (not verified)

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 07:17

What inspiring pictures! Apparently everyone agrees, because I just "pinned" one of these pictures to Pinterest and it was immediately repinned 27 times and counting. So nice work! I hope to make mine this weekend.

DES.II (not verified)

Sun, 04/29/2012 - 06:29

She and her boyfriend would like to build it using lumber i cut from my mill. They are thinking walnut, hickory or maybe ash but im not sure how that will work out with being distressed. And your extentions, do you have a 2x4 or two that slides out from under the table to help support them on each end ? Are there pics of the under side of the table as well? This is a great table and i think they will have fun as a family assemblimng and finishing it.
Thank you. DesII

Marci (not verified)

Thu, 10/11/2012 - 12:12

Where can I find the bench instructions??

James Groover

Tue, 04/14/2015 - 13:31

Hey Tommy, I saw the Farmhouse table design with extensions, I don't have Excel to open the cut list and need the buy list and cut list to complete the project, I am really short on time and need to start this project tomorrow. Please if you can, do you have a word document or a PDF that shows the page for those?

Built-in Bookshelves

Submitted by seeca13 on Sat, 10/05/2019 - 13:34

I built this project in 6 separate pieces before installing it in our home. I pulled the baseboard and attached it to the wall to give it a built-in feel.  For the majority of the project, I used 3/4" plywood with the exception if 1/4" plywood for the back of the shelves as well as the centers of the cabinet doors.  For the trim, I used select pine boards.  I had to work around an airconditioning vent that was in the floor.  I was able to divert it to run out the bottom of the bookcase. 

This build is loosely based on the Willy Bookcase.  I actually found another brag post on the Willy Bookcase that was immensely helpful in constructing my project.  I'm so grateful for the brag boards!  Instead of fixing all of the shelves like the Willy, I used a Kreg shelf pin jig to make the shelves adjustable.  The shelf that lines up with the TV is fixed for stability. 

The estimate below covers all of the wood, paint, screws, hardware, etc.  For fun, I'm including an in progress photo to illustrate the process.  Thanks for looking!

Also, a note - this is a relatively easy project, however, I listed it as "intermediate" because of the cabinet doors.  They definitely made it more complicated!

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams paint custom matched to trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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