Community Brag Posts

Easy Build Fence Picket Planters

Submitted by vendo on Thu, 05/11/2023 - 12:14

I've been wanting to build this plan for quite some time! Took me about 2 hours to build and 1 hour to finish. Giving these as gifts for Mother's Day! Total cost was about $15 per planter. I scaled down the design after I found the plants I wanted to put in them. Ana has the best and easiest plans!

 

 

Seasonal And Holiday

Chunky X Base Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/24/2016 - 20:56

So my sister in-law kept sending me tables on craigslist that were for sale. I didn't like anything I was seeing and to buy what I wanted I was looking at roughly $1000 so I found these plans and was like... YES! When I told the family I was doing this they were all pretty much like... "yeah sure, good luck"
I knew that I could do I just needed the plans which were here.

I pretty much stuck to the plans with a few exceptions. I made the table longer to accommodate the entire family on Friday Family Night...! It's a little over 10' long. Instead of 3 – 1x12x8 I went with 3 - 2x12x10. One because as I said earlier I wanted the table longer and two because I just felt that the 1x12 was too flimsy and I wanted something real solid. Because of that I ended up putting pocket holes on each side of all the 2x12 boards and I also put a 2x6 in the middle for additional support.

Everything was pretty much right on except for the base posts, for some reason they were about 2" too short which forced me to cut the upper parts of the X on the base a bit shorter as well. I ended up putting an additional 2 2x6 on top of the base to raise the table to the height I felt was necessary. If I did it over I would have just made my base post 2" higher and only used one additional 2x6 for the additional height.

I ended up staining it with a semi-transparent beige stain to give it a grayish look.

I gotta say everyone was like "holy crap...!" and thought it was beautiful. I gotta say it feels really good to build it yourself and especially when it comes out the way you want it.

thanks so much for the plans!!!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of a semi-transparent beige stain from Olympic. Stain and Sealer in one
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

SESchild

Thu, 06/04/2020 - 12:15

Hi Ana. I'm a new member here. My wife and I really enjoy your projects! Quick question about the Chunky X Base Table... we're about to build it and we're going to do it 10 ft long like you did. I'm curious how rigid the center span is? I'm guessing the span is roughly 6'. Is it bouncy? I was thinking about running 2 or 3 2x4 "joists" under thre table attached to the bases to provide more support. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you!

Bay Window Drawer Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:22

This is inspired by mud room bench with drawer. Apparently I had to make quite some modifications as this is for a bay window bench with trapezoid shape instead of a rectangular. In the middle are 2 drawers, at both ends are corner cabinets. Ana's design worked beautifully as the foundation of my project.

Built from Plan(s)

Hanging Organizer

Submitted by Coopernest on Mon, 09/12/2016 - 07:57

After following Ana for a couple years, I finally got to build something. This was made after watching the you tube video, I used old redwood fencing that was salvaged from a friend headed to the dump. I decided I wanted mine wider so I adjusted the measurements. It went together great, I hung it up before the metal was attached and found it looked funny being so wide. With the pocket hole construction, it was super easy to undo, trim and redo. Then the metal was added and walah! Done! Lovin it. I also made a TP storage hanger to fill the extra space. I will now be making them for 3 friends who have asked for them.

Estimated Cost
$15 is about what I spent for the metal bar and hooks and screws. The wood was reclaimed.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded to allows the chippy paint to come off, but not all the way. I like the weathered look and sealed with 2 coats of Valspar clear matte sealer spray.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modular Office L-Shaped Desk

I used baltic birch ply (two sheets) plus some 1x3s and 1x2s. I had to modify the dimensions to suit my space (a wall space between a window and sliding glass door.

The dimensions of the 1x2"s we a little hard to adjust. Mostly my math.

 I still need to add drawers, but I like the color contrast between the top, base and trim.

I used General Finishes Java gel stain for the top. General Finishes driftwood for the bottom trim. Basic white paint for the bases. I also used General Finishes High Performance Poly (2 coats). 

If I had to do it again, I would paint the bases in the Driftwood color and wax the whole thing. Also, I wouldn't apply the stain in hot sun. It came out really dark and was impossible to wipe off the excess. Also, never leave a ironed on edge banding in the sun. This lost adhesion and I had to re-iron it on.

Fun project. First use of pocket holes. 

I love the fact that it's modular and the angle gives you twice as much surface area. I get the feeling this will be with me for years to come in some room or another.

-Dallas

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes Java Gel Stain
General Finishes Milk Paint - Driftwood
White Paint
General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jackie scinto

Wed, 08/27/2014 - 21:01

So glad to have seen this post. I am thinking of making this desk for my daughter. Have been looking for a corner desk unit with open file bases. I found Ana's site and have made the sandbox w/bench plan, and it was not that hard. Of course I some help from a family member, and I think he would be help out with this plan as well. I am not sure of what a pocket hole is, can you tell me in laywoman's terms what that would be. Just to be sure, these plans consist of Office Corner Desktop Plan and the Modular Office Narrow Open File Base Plan. Also, did you use a Kreg Jig? I have found one at a local woodworking hobby shop, but i am wondering if the expense is worth it, any thoughts?

saelmc

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 10:38

Hi Jackie,

Ana has provided an informative video about drilling pocket holes with the Kreg jig, for those who are wondering how it's done. You'll find it here: http://ana-white.com/2011/11/drilling-your-first-pocket-hole and then you can decide if you think it will be worth it to spend the money on a jig.

Also, if you're concerned about the price, look around on the internet (like Amazon.com for example) and you'll see that there are different models available at various prices. The junior model is quite inexpensive and you might be able to buy it at a better price than the hardware store sells it for.

Good luck with your project!

My take on "Lady Goats" cedar shed

Submitted by donbay91 on Sun, 03/14/2021 - 19:02

I absolutely loved these plans for this shed. I'm new to the site but I've been using your plans for things here at home... love it. I went with just one door to give me more places for shelves and I also went with a clear corrugated roof since it's shaded on that side of our house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300ish
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish yet. I haven't made up my mind
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Children's play cafe

Submitted by Markb25 on Fri, 04/23/2021 - 23:15

With another total lockdown happening here in Cyrpus, right at the same time as my Daughter will be on Easter holidays, I'm trying to knock up as much outdoor play kit as I can to keep her entertained and off the iPad.

The design of this was very simple, a 2x2 frame clad with T&G; the countertop, shelves, and roof are from marine grade baltic birch (the roof also has additional levels of water prof membranes, root barriers, etc to support the living roof).

Finish-wise, for the pinks and blues, I've used wood aqua by Kraft paints, and for the counter, shelves, and picnic bench, high protection wood stain in walnut by V33.

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
wood aqua by Kraft paints and high protection wood stain by V33.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Sat, 04/24/2021 - 06:54

It's all in the details, looks like you're making a little girls dream come true! Thank you for sharing!

Classic Bunk Beds

Submitted by dwm22 on Tue, 03/26/2013 - 17:16

Construction phase of the bunk beds was about a day and a half project...Cutting, assembling, screwing, bolting. Nothing complicated about it at all. Just followed the instructions step by step. I didn't use metal brackets to reinforce the mattress rails (that the slats lay on). I'm a good 250lbs and I laid on them without a problem. Also, similar to the posted Comments, the original materials list is short a little lumber. I followed the advice of some of the Comments that indicate how much additional wood you'll need. I didn't have to make any additional trips for wood.

The finish took me another 2-3 days (incl. drying wait-time between stain and polyurethane coats). The sanding (electric hand sander) takes a number of hours to sand all the surface area and all the edges (300 grit). I then I applied 1 coat of pre-stain wood conditioner and then immediately 1 coat of Natural color stain (basically clear oil stain but it brings out the wood grain just a bit), and then 2 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane for a shine / protection. Each of those coats took me 2+ hours as I applied them using a paint brush (vs. spray gun).

Since I only need to take apart the bunk beds into 4 pieces to carry upstairs(front, back, 2 sides), I simply bolted them together using 3" bolts (with washers / nuts). 4 bolts in each of the 4 corner posts.

The only real modification I made was moving the ladder to the left-hand side (vs. right-hand side per the instructions). All other measurements were basically the same.

Really happy with the mini Kreg Jig! Simple to use and provides solid joints for the rails of the 2 shorter sides (without showing screw-heads from the exterior).

My toddlers have been sleeping on them for a week now and no squeaking or shaking. They are sturdy. And neadless to say, my boys LOVE having bunk beds.

Sure I could just buy some inexpensive bunk beds for $200-300 but where's the fun in that!?

Let me know if you have questions, happy to help out! Thanks again to Ana and her site.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300 ($220 for pine wood plus 16 bolts, screws, sandpaper, wood conditioner, stain, polyurethane)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, Minwax Oil-Based Natural Wood Interior Finish Stain, Minwax Polyurethane Clear Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

NimbleShopper

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 09:58

The bunks look really nice. Professional even.

What size bolts did you use?
Where did you purchase them?
And, finally, how much did they cost? Guestimation is fine if you can't remember exactly. :)

dwm22

Wed, 06/12/2013 - 09:55

The bolts I used are 3/8" x 5". I used 16 total bolts to assemble. Each bolt (+2 washers & nut) is maybe $2-$3 at Home Depot. So in total, around $35-$40 for the bolts and hardware.

Green Adirondack Chairs

These are great chairs! Easy to build, comfy to sit in. Check out my blog post for more info.

Estimated Cost
$32 per chair for lumber, plus finishing and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior latex paint + primer in one, color matched to Sherwin Williams Dill
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

WorkShopWendy

Thu, 06/27/2013 - 20:23

Hi Hillary, Great job. These are great chairs aren't they, and sturdy. I work at Home Depot and I hosted the Do it Herself work shop for them. Very easy to build and inexpensive. I really like the color you chose, very cheery.

keribeth

Fri, 06/28/2013 - 15:58

I'll be making four of these this week in turquoise to match the little ones I made for the kids. Yours is an inspiration!

Seasonal And Holiday

She Shed - Guest Room, Craft Room, Office

Submitted by Chriss45 on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 08:18

I needed an office and also a guest room so i built a she shed and all the furniture.

Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

junesummer21

Thu, 01/25/2018 - 06:27

I love your murphy bed idea and would love to have plans for it. I too am looking for a guest bedroom and craft area and I know this would work in my space.

Chriss45

Mon, 02/05/2018 - 16:20

I didnt really have a plan when I was building my Murphy bed, I can do a sketchup plan for you if you would like. I used boat chair swivels instead of hinges and there is a YouTube video on how to do this. 

Chris

Nurserene62

Thu, 06/24/2021 - 23:11

Hi Chris! I would love to have a copy of the sketch up of this. I have a small she shed/guest cottage I would live to duplicate this in. Thanks in advance.

cgself12

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 14:18

Hi Chris!
I know I'm coming late to this party but I just found your shed and I adore it. You did an amazing job and I cannot express how impressed I am! I would also like a sketchup plan of both the murphy bed and the adjoining side cabinets. Great job!

Kim Daigle

Thu, 06/06/2019 - 10:59

I absolutely love everything about this she shed!!  I would be interested in a sketch up of the murphy bed as well as the cabinets next to it.  I would at least like to know what the dimensions of it all is.  You did an amazing job!  It's so beautiful!

mcocooper11

Tue, 06/25/2019 - 15:14

Me too!! I built a horizontal Murphy bed so I have that part done but I would like to see the plans for the cabinets on either side with the pull out desk!

so very cute!

Toddler Bunk Beds

Submitted by wubchileno on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 20:34

I used the classic bunk bed plans and resized them to fit a toddler mattress and to keep the height about four inches shorter. My kids love them and we are very happy with the result. I'm glad to share the measurements with anyone who is interested. This was a first project for me, but I had a much more experienced friend helping. If you're interested in plans you can find my explanation here https://warburtonshome.blogspot.com/2017/10/toddler-bunk-beds-diy.html

 

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a pre-stain and a natural color stain with polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Murphy Bed Cabinet

Submitted by Aventusman on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 14:07

I made this cabinet to house my murphy bed.  I used the Toy or TV Armoire plans as a start and adjusted the measurements as needed.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Coffee Bar with Built-In Beer Fridge and Wine Storage

Submitted by Chuck1979 on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 10:39

We made a beverage station for the corner of the kitchen!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white paint and Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

gunnare57

Fri, 07/31/2020 - 09:43

Hello! Was looking to see if this is something you would be interested in building for us? We are in love with this project but don't have the tools or means to do it ourself..

Can talk about pricing / size etc.
Thanks!

Outdoor 2x4 Sofa

Submitted by BGBuild on Tue, 07/16/2019 - 07:06

Last summer I rented a home in Cali Colombia that had a roof deck but no furniture. I had a lot of free time so I decided to use the 2x4 sofa plans to build this. It came out great, especially considering i had very few tools to work with.

Estimated Cost
Including buying the tools I needed for the job and the cushions, it cost about $500 in all. But I had all the cushions custom made. They were the most expensive part.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Modified Modern Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/18/2019 - 15:12

This project was actually my first build (besides a small blanket ladder). I used the Ana White plans every step of the way! Since this build I have created coffee tables, side tables, console tables, head boards and a bed frame. This table gave me the confidence to try an original project of my own. Although this table was fairly simple, it was the project that started it all. That is why I chose for this piece to be my brag post.

beginner farm table plans

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil in Medium Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Bathroom Vanity

Submitted by Decross on Thu, 08/15/2019 - 11:49

This is a heavily modified version of the rustic x kitchen island that I tweaked to make for 2 sinks. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sandishmily

Thu, 01/18/2018 - 05:30

Hi i actually have a question about the tv stand you made. I love it and I'm wondering what paint you used?  Sorry i wasn't sure that you would see my comment on the tv stand link because it was under guest.

2x4 modern Adirondack Chair (modified)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/02/2020 - 17:45

I was so excited to find the plans for these awesome chairs, I’ve built 7 this season already—the modification happened as an accident, but I loved the result !

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax Aged Oak and Black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
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