Community Brag Posts

DIY Garden Box with Trellis

Submitted by JenFarrell on Mon, 06/30/2014 - 07:13

We wanted a small garden to fit on the back patio stones and this plan fit well. We reduced the height because we have 3 small children to "help" water the plants. The trellis was hoping that we could extend the amount of produce we could grow. They're very heavy, sturdy and straightforward to build. Thanks very much!!

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Jeep Bed

Submitted by papamike on Mon, 07/05/2021 - 17:15

I hope this is OK to add here. It's not an Ana White plan, so moderator please delete if it is not allowed. I made this bed for my grandson. I bought a plan online and modified it from a twin to a full size bed. The dome light and running lights work as night lights. A motion sensor light activates if he crosses the door to illuminate the ladder. Front tire is made as a step so his parents can climb in and read to him. The whole thing is on EZ Sliders so they can move it away from the wall to make the bed.

Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cedar Boxes

Submitted by drowland on Sat, 07/09/2011 - 07:18

We built these before we saw these plans, but they are pretty much the same... We added the chicken wire to keep the rabbits (and our dog) out of the garden. We added the owl to keep the birds out. We've gotten a ton of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers so far. Next year, we'll add a few more beds. We also added the verticle garden to take up less space, but its not deep enough. We'll make the next one deeper.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

KatieO (not verified)

Sat, 07/09/2011 - 20:11

Wow! LOVE IT! I love the taller posts so you can incorporate the chicken wire! I SOOOO needed to do something like that this year. Also, the vertical garden boxes are BRILLIANT! LOVE IT!

drowland

Thu, 11/17/2011 - 07:59

We ended up getting a ton of tomoatoes and green peppers from the garden boxes. We've actually built a couple more. We'll probably double again before next spring. We're looking at adding more veggies.

We now have ton of stuff planted for the fall...

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 10:46

How did you build the upright planter boxes? Do you mind explaining the building process/design? I really want to plant this in my yard!

colton's mom (not verified)

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 06:19

i love the vertical boxes. I am just trying my hand at the world with a green thumb and could use as much advice as possible about how to make as well as to line the boxes or not to line them. All advice appreciated!

berman (not verified)

Fri, 11/23/2012 - 21:53

Hi, my name is berman. I found you pin from my pinterest and your box garden is so great. I am a newbie in this field and so interested to build garden in my house. If i can ask you some question, could you please to answer that?

cheers,
berman

Seasonal And Holiday

Rocking horse

Submitted by jerfer on Wed, 01/18/2012 - 19:16

I made this for my daughter based on one her uncle made for her when she was little.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
mini-wax Bombay mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

hammertime

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 09:00

What a lovely heirloom gift you've created. So much more meaningful (and much more beautiful) than the plastic toys we see these days.

moldah

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 15:32

This is wonderful! I have been thinking of trying to search for plans for a rocking horse to build for a few family members. Looking at this picture, I really like it!

jerfer

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 19:19

I can give you the rough dimensions if you want. I used yellow pine. It is basically a 2x8x8 and a 2x4x8. The head, seat and rocker rails come from the 2x8. The 2x4 pieces hold it all together in the crossbeams. There is also a 1.25 inch dowel holding the two rocker rails together below the crossbeams. A piece of the same dowel is used for the handles.

Corner TV stand

Submitted by TBarn on Tue, 01/21/2014 - 12:41

After a promise to get a new carpet and TV stand as an anniversary gift, I began a search for a corner stand that would fit a 50" flat screen and hid all of those ugly wires. Craig's List had nothing and the retail options were either cheaply made, ugly or crazy expensive. I stumbled upon Ann's page, and since my son has a wood shop in the basement, I figured why not try to build something. I used the original plan, but borrowed ideas from other brag posts to create a 36" tall model with overlay doors that we think looks great. Next project: bar stools for the kitchen island.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinder Primer and Gidden (America's Finest) Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sliding "barn" door from reclaimed pallet wood

I saw many different sliding door projects online, so I did my own spin on one. I was able to get several old pallets for free (pine and oak). I went to Lowes and bought a few 2x3s which I used as the frame, and the track hardware which was only $13! Most doors I see are mounted from the wall, but since I have 7' ceilings downstairs I mounted mine from the ceiling. This project only took about 4 hours total and cost about $40 when you figure in costs for screws, stain, etc. The most difficult part was taking apart the pallets. Using a reciprocating saw with a 12'' demolition blade is the best way to take them apart. Thanks for the idea Ana.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

BREATHESMILEBE

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 20:00

Hi!!
This looks so awesome! I came across this and was hoping to repeat it. You mention that you found the door hanging hardware at Lowes for $13. I can't seem to find it. Do you happen to remember the name of it? I'm entering "hanging door hardware" into Lowes and Home Depot and can't seem to find any hanging door hardware at all. I'd appreciate the help. Thanks!
Tina

Storage Captains Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/16/2022 - 05:03

So this was a really fun project from start to finish, I wanted a storage bed with a place for my son to showcase his Super Hero collection!

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Gate-Leg Sewing Table

My husband and I built this table as our first project. We followed all of the dimensions from Ana's "Small Sewing Table" project here: http://ana-white.com/2010/10/plans/sewing-table-small-spaces?page=1 The only thing we changed was the size of the table top and the legs. We were worried about putting my heavy sewing machine on top of the leaf called for in the plan, so we created gate legs to support the leaves. Since the legs were going to be folded up in between the base and each leaf, we extended the center portion of the table top to accommodate the change. After it was assembled and stained, I decided that I didn't like the solid color, so I stenciled on a pattern with white latex enamel paint (what I had on hand) and continued to paint the base. After lightly scuffing it up with the sander, I layered 3 coats of poly on top. It has held up well, even after many large quilt projects! I just LOVE my sewing table!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Golden Oak Minwax Stain
Polycrilic
Valspa Latex Enamel in Satin White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TinyHouser

Fri, 08/05/2016 - 13:41

Hi there. Could you please tell me what the brackets are you used with the gateleg? Do you remember where you got them? Thank you!!!

Project Complete!

Here is my patio sectional made of 2x4s. Used my Kreg Jig for the first time to complete this project. I used pocket holes in as many places as possible, then finished it with two coats of leftover fence stain and two coats of semi-gloss outdoor Varathane spar urethane for a nice sheen. I modified the dimensions to fit the cushions that my wife purchased before I began the project. I made the back substantially taller to support the cushions and left the arms off of both ends of the sectional so people could sit facing sideways too. I left the corner of the sectional without a cushion so people would have a place to set drinks.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Behr transperent weatherproofing all in one wood finish stain in "chocolate" (leftover from our fence) and two coats clear semi-gloss outdoor varathane spar urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Book Ledges

These ledges are incredibly versatile and will easily grow with any child.  Books for the younger ones and then a gallery wall for when they grow.  They are so easy to build that literally, a child can do it, as you can see.  This was her first build that she completed by herself.  After the boards were cut of course.  Thanks Ana, this is a great plan and it was an AWESOME  day for the girls!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded and painted white.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Guest Room Farmhouse Bed with planked wall

Submitted by The Allens on Sat, 11/02/2013 - 15:05

We loved the first farmhouse bed we built so much, that we decided to build another one for our guest bed. We loved the red paint, and weren't too sure how to accent it, so we went with a planked feature wall. Just need to build some night stands and hang some pictures and our guest room should be complete!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We primed and then painted 3 coats of red paint, I think California Poppy BEHR paint. Then I used a glaze, that I tinted with black paint, brushed it on and then wiped off with a damp rag. Finished it off with Minwax Polyurathene semi gloss clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Sat, 11/02/2013 - 18:16

Awesome project! Love the bed and red finish, and the plank wall is brilliant! Love it!

The Allens

Sun, 11/03/2013 - 19:22

We didn't have any old distressed wood, so we bought pine tongue and groove from the hardware store and stained them ourselves. Then we just used a nail gun to attach them to the studs on the wall. It was surprisingly easy to do, just a bit time consuming. And nerve wrecking, we figured it would look either really good, or just awful! W are very pleased with how it turned out!

Bunk Bed

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 14:04

I am very happy to have completed the up portion of the bunk bed. The full size down was done quite sometime ago and I became sidetracked on other projects.
This is a sturdy bed and a favorite in my home. One day I even found my husband napping (hiding) on the top bunk.
The part that I like the best is when we graduate from bunk beds we still have two beds to use.
I also completed the ladder and it works, but I cut it just alittle shorter than the plan called for. Lets just put another on my to do list.

Estimated Cost
100-200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax, red oak stain. Minwax Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

hoffer5353

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 14:37

It was surprisingly more easy that I expected. It helped me stay motivated to finish both beds.

First Project!

Submitted by katiea40 on Sat, 04/07/2012 - 18:20

I saw this and thought - FINALLY...the answer to my laundry chaos! My husband built it for me this weekend with a couple of minor modifications. He put casters on the bottom, so I can move it to clean and sweep. He also added clear plastic drywall corner protectors over the 2x2's so that they paint is protected when the baskets slide in and out! Pretty clever! Oh, and I thought I was being super creative when I picked the color - and then saw that it is the EXACT color that you painted it! So much for that creative spark - but, I'll work on it! Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and painted with high gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

6' Square Sandbox

I've been wanting to buy or make a sandbox for my son for a couple of years now. Since seeing this on Ana White I knew I had to make it. My son is 4 yo and I didn't think the 4' square sandbox would be big enough for him, so I made it bigger. Ours is 6' square.

Materials:
4@1x8x6'
12@1x6x6'
2x4 - used leftovers from another project
8 hinges
4 handles
decking screws

Cut lengths:
2@1x8 cut to 71.5 (long sides of the box)
2@1x8 cut to 70.5 (short sides of the box)
did not cut the 1x6 boards (top planks) - actually designed the other boards to fit their length to prevent cutting (saving time) (note that original plan uses 1x4 planks - I used 1x6s so I could use the same number of planks but cover a larger area)
4@2x4 cut to 11.5 (arm rests)
4@2x4 cut to 18.5 (back supports)

followed instructions for assembly otherwise. At my husbands suggestion we put the handles on the sides and can easily open from either side - prevents having to lean over to the middle to open (back saver)

I finished the project in 4 hours including clean up and a couple of small breaks. This is my first Ana White project. It was a lot of fun to build and I hope my son will enjoy it for years to come!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sand and stain with sealer included
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mrs. Chellebelle

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 20:59

Wow, this is just what I need! I've been wanting to make a sandbox for under the playhouse but the other plan was too small. This would be great for the little guys. Thanks!

Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawer (Modified)

Submitted by Honeyb65 on Sat, 09/26/2020 - 10:05

Great plans for a really useful storage daybed! I modified the plans to include a slat back and rustic x sides, as well as changing the Trundle drawers to a single drawer to fit my exercise equipment. I finished the daybed with stain and chalk paint in old white and Paris Grey distressed for the perfect shabby chic look!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane stain in Dark Walnut, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White, color wash over the white with Paris Grey and then sanded for the white and some of the stain to show through.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Patio cooler/Grill cart!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 14:06

Great project! I'm new to wood working and have been looking for simple but challenging builds. Needless to say this fit the bill... This grill cart was a great starter build and ultimately became a Father's Day gift!  My Pops loved it! 

I did add a couple of custom pieces: a foldable table top extension and towel bar... things Dad will undoubtedly need as he's an outdoorsman who loves to BBQ!

Thanks for the idea/design plans! 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss spar urethane (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Thumb Chairs

This is seriously the easiest plan ever - great job, Ana! I needed a gift for some children on my husband's side of the family (2 boys, ages 2 and 7), and as I was desperately trying to figure out what to make/give to them Ana posted these amazing plans. I saw them and instantly knew they were perfect! I made them entirely out of scraps from a daybed I had made the previous weekend. The only thing I purchased was the green spray paint - $5 for two great gifts! And, it took me less than 2 hours to build them after work. We gave them to the children last weekend and they LOVED them. They couldn't stop carrying them around with them at the party, and their parents were so touched that I made them a home made gift. PS - As I was getting ready to paint the chairs, I had the blue spray paint leftover from another project and my husband suggested that the other one should be green. I had completely forgotten that Ana painted hers the exact same color! I guess it's a popular color combo, huh?

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Spray Paint in Deep Blue, Valspar Spray Paint in Garden Green
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sliding Door Console

I modified the plans to have three compartments instead of four. Also, the hardware was a challenge.  Tip: use a wheel that has an internal bearing. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
pre-stain and golden oak by minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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