Community Brag Posts

Rustic X Console Table

We built this console table after the rustic X coffee table and end table. We have learned from previous experience to cut the "X" last, marking them against the frame instead of measuring to cut. This time, my husband made a suggestion to leave the X's out and it was great! The console table still goes very well with the rustic X coffee table and end table, but without the X, it also fits well into other rooms we can use it for. In the end, we are very happy with the result!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Conditioned, stained in Kona, and matte finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/03/2016 - 09:35

Tripled the dimensions, filled with mums for the fall. Now pine boughs and fairy lights! Love!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor stain, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy barn door console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 20:38

I had a different idea for the barn door hardware. I used 1/2" black pipe and fittings for the rail . I found rollers on eBay that were perfect for this application. It went together great and I love the industrial look .

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Square Top Storage Table & Chairs

I saw where another builder had modified this plan slightly to have the square top, and I just loved it. We needed a homeschooling space that would be big enough for my preschooler and his little brother. My guys LOVE their table. I had a glass top that I had planned to top it with because I really loved that about the other table too, but as I wash placing the glass on my finished project it shattered in my hands. I took that as the Lord telling me to hold off on the glass top for now :)

This table and chair set is awesome, sturdy, easy to follow and perfect for our needs!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded, primed, painted 2-3 coats of the Dutch Boy teal paint (forget the exact name), then topped it with a Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 11:33

Really great job! Looks like your little ones like it, too.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 01:36

Hi, I'm on a time crunch trying to get some projects built this week while my husband is off work & before he might deploy! He just built a desk yesterday to provide some work space/laptop space for me & it turned out amazing! The other thing I really want to complete is a kids table/chair set & I was considering your design after seeing the cute picture of your kids & how large the table appeared with them sitting at it. Can you tell me, are there plans for this one & if so, where or what it is called & also how tall your table is & what the length/width of the table top is? It looks like a large work space/surface on top which is something I'm hoping for with a preschooler homeschooling & his little brother to use together when he's older (still a baby for now). How old are your kids in the picture?! I'm trying to get an idea how long this sort of table set might be able to get use before it is outgrown like our current set. Any other tips/help would be great if you have the chance! Thanks so much!!!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 01:42

Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me where the plans are for this table & the size of your table top Length/Width? It looks like a large space with both your kids using it - how old are they in the picture (I have a 4 year old and an infant). I'm wondering if my 4 year old & his friends would fit this table well with room to grow into it. Anyway, any tips if we were to build this? I have my husband home for a week & he built a desk yesterday that turned out amazing (one of the modular type plans that Ana shared). Anyway, if you are able to respond quickly, I'd love to try to run to Lowe's today & work on this with him tomorrow possibly. Thanks so much!

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

exuma_momma

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 05:16

I used the plan for the storage table : http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plan-kids-large-storage-play-table.html. I just modified the top like I had seen someone else do. I believe it was 31" x 31" or something very close to that. My boys are 3.5 and 2 in the photo, and now at 4.5 and 2.5 they both still have lots of room to grow. They love having their little table just for them.

Hope this helps!!! Good luck!

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/27/2012 - 04:58

Thanks! I saw that the other builder posted something about 30x30. Would 31x31 also work or would it be too tipsy if leaned upon?! If you get a second, would you mind measuring yours? I love the color too by the way! My oldest is 3.5 right now so that make me more confident that he'll fit the table okay for a while. He seems to be growing fast these days though, so hopefully he won't outgrow it too fast! Thanks so much!

exuma_momma

Tue, 03/27/2012 - 08:41

My top measures 29" x 29" actually. It doesn't seem to be anywhere close to tipping when my munchkins are leaning on it, but if you wanted to do the 31" squared, it may be best to add an extra inch or two to the bottom base as well. Just to insure the stability. It shouldn't be too hard to do.

Hopefully this helps!

Mikey's Clubhouse Bed

Submitted by Jenga on Mon, 01/04/2016 - 17:41

Finished project for Mikey's bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Maple after burning for a antiqued weathered looked
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Desk X Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 07:07

Full timelapse and thoughts are in the imgur album.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Moonquake grey, Luck of Irish green. Polyurethane on top and drawer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tiny House table for small office

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/18/2023 - 13:49

Made a 48x18x27h version of the Little House table to use in a small office . The Wood is Spalted Alder resourced from our WA State property finished with a clear satin urethane top coat. Fasten with pocket holes and glue for the frame.

Comments

Harriet Chair

Submitted by MarkThomas on Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:26

After our Wal-Mart dining room chairs started falling apart (after 8 years of use) I decided it was time to replace those ugly old things with something a bit more unique. The Harriet Chair really caught my eye, so I set out to build it! My wife, Judi, chose the mustard yellow color and we thought it would be cool to add contrast with some red and white polkadot seat pads from IKEA ($9.99 ea.).

These are the first two I've built, with a goal to eventually build a total of 6-8 to fit around a table I also plan on building.

I made the addition of the front support as Judi likes to rest her feet on it. And, as you can see in the second photo, I added a small brace, cut at 15 deg., on the bottom side screwed to each backrest 2x2, and screwed to the underside of the seat (chair is upside down in photo). This gives additional rigidity and support for the backrest and also provides a nice guide to ensure the backrest has an exact 15 deg. angle on every chair. This was at no additional cost as I used scrap 2x2 pieces for it. And best of all this addition stays hidden and in no way changes the original aesthetic of the chair.

The chairs are extremely sturdy, comfortable and look great in our dining room! The only change I will make on the next set is using higher quality plywood as I had to putty this plywood a bit more than I had hoped. Otherwise, what an easy and inexpensive upgrade to our space!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
custom mustard yellow color, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Benjamin Uyttebroeck (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 11:37

Looks great! How did you assembly the different parts? Simply glue and screws, kreg jig or mortise and tenon?

Mark Thomas (not verified)

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 14:59

Haven't been able to add the Kreg to my tool chest yet so I used glue and screws. Pre-drilled all the holes of course. Came out extremely sturdy. This was one of my first projects of this nature so I've learned a ton from each chair I make. These two were the first and the next ones have been a lot more precise and sharp looking.

Benjamin Uyttebroeck (not verified)

Sat, 11/05/2011 - 00:59

Thanks for your answer! I'll try it that way too then...

Bedside Table

Submitted by thurm12 on Mon, 10/21/2013 - 09:55

Had to adjust the size of the drawer to fit inside the gap. Chose to lay the shelf on the bottom and attached a 1x2 to the front of the shelf perpendicular to the ground to keep the shelf in place.

I chose not to add the plywood backing because it's not visible, but I may in the future.

Overall a great and simple project, and I'm very pleased with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax PolyShade Dark Espresso (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Providence Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/06/2016 - 13:07

I LOVE this bench. It's simple and rustic, yet absolutely beautiful. I modified the plans slightly to exclude the long support board along the bottom of the bench and found that the bench is still very sturdy and stable. I love that this bench is a relatively easy and quick to complete project, with such a gorgeous end product!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax brand stain in Provincial for the color and finished it with Varathane brand varnish in a matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Baby Valet for a baby on the go

Submitted by blasiansky on Sat, 04/20/2019 - 09:34

Made it for a friend who will be on the go with her new baby.  I included screw hooks to either hang bags or separate. Tray & box are removable also. Bottoms are chalkboard paint. She wanted to paint it so i will stop here.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 07:06

A few years ago for Christmas, I modified the dream dollhouse plans by splitting it in half, putting it on wheels, adding hinges and a hook and eye catch to lock it closed. My nieces were able to move it themselves, play side by side, or be on their own side of the house. And if they want, they can separate the two pieces and use them individually or as bookcases down the road. Also, I painted it to match their home. 5 years later the dollhouse has withstood the test of 3 rambunctious girls and they still love it.

Comments

Full Size Hailey Storage Bed

Submitted by Georgia M on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 20:26

When I saw the plans for this bed I knew it was exactly what I wanted for our guest room/office. I loved that it had storage underneath for extra blankets and office supplies and I loved the simple, clean look. I think it turned out great! We made it full size so it could sleep 2 people and we added an extra set of legs in the middle of the benches to make them extra sturdy. We want to add doors to some of the cubbies later.
This is the first piece of furniture I've painted instead of staining, and I'm so glad I did! The white looks so sharp against the gray walls. I don't think any stain would have turned out as good for the room.
The project came together really easily. We just worked on it for a couple hours on two Saturday afternoons and it was done really fast. The assembly was easy as well, and I love the concept of this bed being built of units that can be moved around or re-purposed later.
Thanks Ana for the great plans!

Estimated Cost
$150 (but we bought our wood from a small local lumber store)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Olympic Premium (no voc) semigloss White.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rachel Garris (not verified)

Fri, 01/04/2013 - 12:57

I cannot find the plans to make this bed. There is only a description of the bed. Could I please get the plans for the Full Size Hailey Storage bed?

Lemonade Stand

Submitted by ckwarr on Thu, 10/24/2013 - 11:45

A 1x16 was used for the top and sides to give it a little more depth.
We cut the sides at 29" tall so that it is just under 30" high and can be used with a regular chair.
The shelves are 1x6's since we made it a little deeper.
The banner posts are 1x2's that are 6' tall.
Beadboard and some extra trim were also used.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi-glass paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chartreuse Moving Double Pull Out Trash Can

Submitted by pjfessier on Thu, 05/02/2019 - 17:25

I replaced all of the drawers in our 1960's kitchen with custom built new drawers that have full extension slides.  I can't afford a complete remodel, but the new drawers allow the kitchen to function much better. The old drawers had wood slides that would allow you to pull them out about 2/3 of the way. Any more than that and the whole drawer would slide out and go crashing to the floor. 

I had wanted to build a cabinet like this, but I couldn't figure out how to pull it off. I'm an amateur with basic tools working out of my garage. I found Ana's plan and combined it with my experience making drawers to make this cabinet. I use Blum soft close slides and the cabinet is working great so far. 

The butcher block top is left over from countertops I put in the kitchen. The project basically started with me wanting to put that last bit to good use. It's 1 1/2 in thick acacia. I wish I'd have gone for maple but the acacia is okay. 

I don't know if you can see it in the photo, but it has locking casters on the feet so that we can move it around when we need to clean the kitchen floor, but it doesn't move when you pull on the drawer. I guess it can also double as a little island when we have dinner parties. 

Estimated Cost
$100.00 I'm really not sure. The slides and paint were pretty expensive. Of course I didn't use all the paint so if something else needs to be chartreuse I have more. The wood was poplar and some high quality plywood. It's 3/4 ply on the slides but only 1/4 on the back. The drawer is made with left over baltic birch 1/2 in ply that I had left over from my other drawer projects. I guess you could consider the varnish and nail free too as I already had those. Building the drawer is really a whole separate project that takes as long as the cabinet. And the Shaker door is also its own little project.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic Table - 4x4 legs

Submitted by Bridget327 on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 17:55

LOVED doing this! I am a total beginner so it is not truly perfect but that is what we love about it! My five year old helped me and learned how to work an electric screwdriver. We saw Pottery Barn was broadcasting a table like this and using that the screws showed as a marketing piece - so we have some screws showing and it is soooo warm and inviting. It looks 100 years old. Everyone loves it!! Thank you for the great inspiration. We made ours 6 feet long and 3 feet wide to fit our space and 4x4's for the legs.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax in jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

alyse (not verified)

Sun, 11/13/2011 - 17:17

I LOVE this table!!! Could you tell me which plans you followed? I need the exact same measurements...Any other pictures you have you should post, too. Great job.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 11/24/2011 - 20:26

Can I have the step by step plan too! Pretty please! I love this table :)
Thank you so much
-erin

Hall tree

Submitted by Brad Wills on Sat, 10/26/2013 - 14:13

We had a table in the entryway that seemed to catch everything, bags, mail, etc. so when I found the Mimi hall tree I had to build it. This was my second build, so I was a little nervous. I wanted to paint it white , but my wife talked me out of it. I am so glad she did. Fun build, and now we have a place for all the stuff when we get home every evening.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Kona stain, Martha Stewart Baha bliss (2.49 sent small sample can) valspar polycrylic 3 coats on tops and 2 on the rest.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Modern Bed

Submitted by sarah0406 on Mon, 05/13/2019 - 11:04

We used repurposed wood from a previous home reno project along with new lumber to build a king-sized bed frame and wall-length headboard - based off of the "2x4 Simple Modern Bed" plans from More Like Home. We are VERY much beginners so this was an incredible learning experience, but the end result looks pretty good, in my opinion!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner