Community Brag Posts

Barn Door hardware console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/21/2016 - 12:44

Changed the Grandy design just a little to bring it up off the floor and add legs to it. I notched 2x4 to line up with the 1x4 face pieces. Then I found barndoor hardware on Amazon for $47 a set. Needed two sets for this console since I wanted two doors. Only needed the one rail piece though. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Decross

Tue, 06/21/2016 - 14:50

This is my build. I guess I wasn't signed in when I posted this on the board. If you have any questions about it then I'll be glad to answer any. Let me know. 

blangenfelder

Thu, 03/02/2017 - 07:25

love the changes you did to the entertainment center...do you have the changes you did? care to share what you did different?

Farmhouse Style Toy Box / Blanket Chest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 11:17

I built this for my daughter after Christmas sinse she had the living room covered in toys. The dimensions are 37" x 18" x 20" 

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil - Medium Walnut (2 coats) with a light sanding between coats with 220 grit, I allowed 24 hours between each coat to dry. To protect the surface I used water based polyurathane matte finish (3 coats) with a light sanding - 400 grit.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwelch

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 13:06

Great job! Can you share more about how the legs were constructed and joined? Was this project based on Ana White's "Simple" toy box plan? Any info appreciated.

jgreaff

Tue, 01/09/2018 - 05:51

HI Anna, 

Can you provide more pictures or instructions on how you assembled this toy box? i want to make one just like it! 

 

Thanks!

apezz

Wed, 03/10/2021 - 16:31

Looking at the wall panels they look like the long edge of each panel has a small bevel cut on it. This gives each panel edge a more pronounced or well-defined edge? Is this true? Was it done with a router?

Bathroom corner vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/12/2017 - 12:49

This project started because a corner bathroom vanity that fit my space requirements and budget did not exist. A plan specific to what I exactly needed also did not exist. After combing through what plans I found online, the Wall Kitchen Corner Cabinet best matched what I wanted. I modified it with the Momplex Sink Base Kitchen Cabinet in order to turn it into a sink base.

 

But, there was a problem. I hadn't actually built anything before. In order to get at least one project under my belt, I built the Vintage Step Stool. It turned out great, so I figured I was ready to go! Strangely enough, after spending about $100 and several weekends picking away at this project, it was done! It looked great, even. Then, I moved the vanity into the bathroom and realized that, while it may have looked great, it wasn't very square. Lesson learned was that this is a two person project. It is too difficult to keep things square and screw at the same time when there is only one person.

 

At this point, everyone was tired of having to use the kitchen sink to brush their teeth and wash their hands, so we needed to get this project done. $100 later, we had more material. Since I had figured out what needed to be done with the first vanity, let's call it our prototype, the second vanity went together REALLY quickly. 

 

Within a few hours, it was pieced together. Since it was going to be painted, we used Bondo to cover up our imperfections. Yes, of course there were imperfections. While much better than the prototype, it still was only my third woodworking project. Sanding, caulking, and priming took another hour or so. A few coats of the finish paint went on, followed by a couple more coats of a clear sealer, and it was done.

 

We moved it into place, screwed it to the wall, put the soapstone countertop on along with the sink and faucet, and it truly was complete. Sink is Kohler, faucet came from our local Habitat for Humanity store and I'm not sure what brand it is, and the soapstone came from soapstones.com. If we had oiled the soapstone with mineral oil, it would be a very dark gray.

Estimated Cost
$100-$150 for the wood, screws, caulk, primer, paint, and clearcoat.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pratt & Lambert Azalea 5-12 and Designer White 33-1 for the colors. After each application dried, I sanded it with a very fine grit sandpaper to make the finish silky smooth. I also used our air compressor to blow the dust off, and then used a damp cloth to wipe it down before applying more coats. That worked better for me than using a tack cloth. Then, I added a few coats of a water based, heavy duty floor finish, meant for wet areas. I don't recall what brand it was.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First nightstand

Submitted by juliec on Sat, 04/02/2011 - 13:24

We used ana's plan but modified the top

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We will use espresso general finishes and several top coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bridgetschaefer

Thu, 05/30/2019 - 13:00

This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for but I can't find the plans that were used to build it. Do you happen to still have the link for them?

DIY Bar Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/24/2020 - 16:27

I bought this tv corner cabinet for $40. I spent many hours turning into my perfect bar cabinet. I built a custom lighted liquor display. I have posted photos of the transformation.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore- hale navy
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

frendlygrl

Tue, 07/06/2021 - 19:04

So this is not your project? Because there isn't much information or a before and after picture. This gave me an idea for our home.

Essential Adirondack chair

Submitted by str1523 on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 10:23

Like this chair! Changed the 3 1x10's on the back to 4 1x8's ripped down to 6 ¹⁵/¹⁶

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)

Comments

Chicken shed

Submitted by diegaeb on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 08:32

I had started this project last year in September and finished it finally 2020 in March because I get my chicken then.
I did modify the chicken coop a little bit due to the material I got.
The instructions and most of all the cutting list I like best!

Antje

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Comments

Planter Box/Bench with trellis

I used Ana's planter box plans and I designed and built the bench out of pallet wood, and purchased the power coated trellis's and custom fit then to the planters.

Estimated Cost
$110.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Twin Farmhouse Bed with Trundle

Took the farmhouse plan and added a Trundle.   Was initially going to build two farmhouse beds for my two girls, but thought adding the Trundle would free up some much needed floor space.  The girls love it!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2x4 Sectional & Handmade cushions - LOVE!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/26/2022 - 21:46

Building this project and sewing the cushions was like a love letter to my family. I made them a year ago while on a high dose of Prednisone for my asthma and chronic pain (so helpful!). I finally felt capable of doing something that would bring our family together outside. A year later it continues to serve us well.

The instructions for the sectional were very well done. Super friendly and made me want to keep going! I used black analin dye to stain the wood. Swoon!

For making the cushions:
- I relied heavily on Sailrite's resourceful web site & tutorials for their thorough and detailed instructions on making cushions, cutting foam and sewing piping.
- Home Depot has the best pricing on foam.
- Used the brand 'Cushion Qwik' Silk Film (Amazon) to wrap the foam so they can withstand PNW rain.

Comments

Little Red Barn Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 12:58

This was an Ana White plan. My first outside project. Late husband left me with lots of tools so decided I’d teach myself woodworking. Thanks Ana White for the super easy plans. I tweaked them a little especially the outside look. I put a single fold down door for the pullout tray. Put a hinged ladder for easy clean out attached to clean out tray.

Comments

Daughters blue Playhouse

Submitted by rysos81 on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 08:55

I used the basic framing plan for the project, but extended roof overhangs, added engineered siding / trim and cedar shake roofing. I put 2x4 bracing on for the platform.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Big Kids Picnic Table

Built using Ana Whites plans for a Bigger Kids Picnic Table. Used pressure treated 2x4 for frame (legs and supports), 2x4 and 2x6 pine (fir) for table top and bench. Finished with Cabot's semi-transparent redwood stain and sealer.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50.00 plus screws and finish
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot's semi-transparent redwood stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Master Bath Barn Door

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2017 - 16:34

Created this door with pine wood tongue and groove lumber and pine wood planks. Purchase barn door hardware / track from Jet.com and door handles from Hobby Lobby. 

 

This replaced my Master bath door and I think came out pretty good. Thank you for the ideas!!!  Jeff M.   Brownstown, Mi

Estimated Cost
Wood 55.00
Handles 2 for 8.00
Stain ( left overs)
Barn door track 54.00

Total $117.00 and 10 % Military discount at lowes
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax. Mix of Kona and Driftwood Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Drop Leaf Mobile Kitchen Island

Submitted by jkjackson on Sun, 03/14/2021 - 11:19

This was born out of the need for more counter space in our galley kitchen. We don't have the space to add an island. Especially around the holidays, it would be great to have extra space for making cookies, serving big meals, etc. I used Ana's Small Kitchen Island Prep Cart plans for inspiration. I adapted the dimensions to fit at the end of our counters when not in use and added a drop leaf to give us almost 4 additional feet of butcher block counter top when we need it. I used scrap lumber that I had for the cabinet and had an extra drawer handle that matches our kitchen cabinets but bought the butcher block, locking casters, drawer slide and hardware for the legs. Also, the weight of the butcher block makes it want to tip when it's away from the cabinet with the drop leaf down so I added a lead counter weight inside the drawer.

Estimated Cost
$150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint for the cabinet, food grade mineral oil and cutting board wax for the butcher block
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

jkjackson

Sat, 07/24/2021 - 16:59

Sure! I used a 4 foot butcher block and cut it down. The horizontal part is 13 1/2" and the drop leaf part is 32 1/8" attached with a piano hinge. The legs need to be cut and hinged to fit when folded up. This one is made so that the drop leaf fits right under the overhang of the kitchen countertop that it is next to so it's snug against the cabinet and not an issue but, if you want it to be freestanding, the weight of the butcher block will pull it over if you don't weight the cabinet down with something as well. I got a 5 pound lead bar from Amazon in case we need to use it somewhere else. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Custom Rustic King Bed

Submitted by jhavinga on Wed, 01/14/2015 - 14:55

My wife is always annoyed with me. I make something for our home, and a few months later I decide I dont like it and want something better! I sold our 5th bed set months ago (Farmhouse Bed made through Ana White) and have been sleeping on the floor for the last few months.. Figured it was time to create something I wouldnt sell! Took some plan ideas from the Farmhouse King Bed Plans and came up with something a little more extravagent.

Hopefully I dont sell this one.

Estimated Cost
$350 With Reclaimed Wood, Im sure much cheaper with HD Wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the Pine. used my favourite combo; Weathered Oak and Special Walnut.
For the Fir and Cedar I just sanded.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jhavinga

Thu, 01/15/2015 - 05:06

Thanks thewoodbuilder, its super easy and you could probably figure it out just by looking at it. =)
I extended the legs 2" past top of footboard, and 4" past top of headboard with caps on top. And layed 1x4 vertically over top of the 1x6 planks, and horizontally across the top of both foot and head board.

Cheers!
Justin

tracygator

Wed, 01/21/2015 - 20:47

This bed is gorgeous!!!! If you don't mind I have a couple of questions... For your stain combo of Weathered Oak and Special Walnut do you layer the weathered oak, wipe it off then apply special walnut? Or do you mix the two stains? Your footboard looks taller than the plan calls for , did you make it higher , if so by how much? And what dimensions are your footboard posts? This seriously is an amazing build. Great job!

In reply to by tracygator

jhavinga

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:04

Thank you! I don't mind at all. =)
The stains I do seperataely. I start with weathered oak and let sit for 15min, wipe off. Than do special walnut right after for 15min than wipe off. I repeat this until I like my color. From the farmhouse plans I really only took the planking idea and how to attach planking section to legs. The foot board is higher by 11" while the headboard posts are higher by 10".

The posts are reclaimed fir 6x6's. Thank again very much tracygator! Its a super easy design! if you have any other questions just let me know. =)

Cheers,
Justin

awheat1

Sat, 05/23/2015 - 20:13

Do you have any other pictures of the side rails? I'm curious how you did them? Specifically, how did you mount them to the head and footboard?

Redwood 2x4 outdoor sofa (Cushions on order, due Monday)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/21/2021 - 15:31

I love Ana White's 2x4 sofa project. I chose a couple of upgrades: bought redwood 2x4's and a pocket-hole jig to reduce visibility of screw holes and, of course, installed the additional side and back rails. I finished with Tung oil and then read the directions on the can afterwards: 'This product is intended for interior projects only!' Oh well.

We ordered these cushions: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arden-Selections-Plush-BlowFill-Sapphire-Blu…
which were rather expensive but I read too many negative reviews from customers who bought and used cheap cushions.

This was the perfect project for a retiree with too much time on his hands and some basic building skills.

Thank you for this!

Michael Smith

Estimated Cost
$500 with cushions?
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tung oil...but I won't make that mistake again.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

"Cube" storage unit

Submitted by kds199 on Fri, 10/14/2022 - 09:49

My wife and I wanted a nice way to hide more of our son's toys in the living room that didn't look tacky. We actually bought the cubby bins before even deciding what to make. (From target of course.) I made the bookcase out of wood shelving that already looked kind of beat up when I bought it knowing that the wood stain wood bring some character to it.

I only changed the plans slightly by making the legs flush with the inside so I could trim the ends and customizing the size of the cubby openings to fit the bins. (Mine aren't actually cubes.)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of stain...minimal sanding to keep the surface looking rough
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Patio Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:02

I wanted sturdy seating for my patio. Ana White had the perfect plans for my L shaped seating and coffee table. It was simple to put together and we love it!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday