Community Brag Posts

DIY Loft Bed

We adjusted the plans slightly to better fit our room. Rather than an angled set of stairs leading to the platform, we replaced it with a short vertical ladder. We also increased the height of the bed to allow for another bunk in the lower section for when Callaghan outgrows his crib. Plus, we added handles to the bed which made it easier for Luke to get up and down.

Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

my daughters big girl bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/22/2016 - 10:10

I was looking for a bed for my daughters room. She does not have much storage or room so this plan worked perfect. Took about two days so a great weekend project. Built with love unlike from a store.

Estimated Cost
Around $250 for all the material
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly clear gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Breakfast nook table and banquette

Submitted by wtclarke1 on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 10:07

When we moved into our house, there was an empty breakfast nook.  I built in the banquette seating, and then built the table out of oak.  This was inspired by the Triple Pedestal Table (http://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/triple-pedestal-farmhouse-tab…)

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

bench #5

rustic bench, modified length and omitted x detail, painted numbers

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Minwax ipswich pine
2. Minwax early American
3. two coats clear satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

5 tater tots (not verified)

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 08:27

Sometime I wish I hadn't been handed down such a nice dining table and chair (plus coordinating antique buffet!)set from my parents. I read about this project at your site and would love to build this for my family. We are expecting baby #6 and two benches with 1, 2, and 3 on one and 4, 5, and 6 on the other would be too cute.

I keep hoping my parents will build again, this time in the style that matches their previous set and I can "generously" give them back the heirloom set ;-).

Happy Entertainment Center

Submitted by tzachary on Fri, 12/13/2013 - 14:27

I really wanted a new entertainment center but could not find one in the stores that I liked and looked to be made of good quality. I liked the Apothecary Console but needed to make a few adjustments to the plan, which is why I marked my project at an intermediate level.

I built this about a year ago and love it as much today as I did the day I finished it. I have had a ton of compliments on it and many are impressed when I tell them I made it myself.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted with a Satin Sheen Behr Pure white paint then wiped on and then off a dark walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Spa Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/24/2016 - 08:45

I love this plan! It's so versatile. I made this bench for my daughter's entry. First I painted it with an all in one paint/primer in light grey, then I sanded it down to reveal some of the wood grain and roughed up the edges a bit. Next, I brushed a dark ebony stain over the entire bench, one section at a time, and wiped it away. I thought I would get less stain, but really enjoy the end results. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint/Primer in one (I had some leftover and mixed it with a black chalk paint to get a light grey)
Ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bed Side Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 15:25

My daughter wanted a table to fit a specific location .... your plan for a side table fit the bill - with some dimensional adjustments

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Dark oak stain with satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Patio Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/20/2023 - 09:32

Our outdoor furniture from Costco was falling apart but the cushions were still in great shape so I decided to design the furniture around the existing cushion dimensions. I used all Cedar wood and stained it with Australian Timber Oil Honey Teak stain. The table design was from a picture I saw on another site.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Faux Mantle

1st of all I want to apologize for posting several of my builds at once. I am not trying to steal the show, but I'm just deciding I would like to share my builds.

Ok, now to this build. I didn't get this mantle from this site but still wanted to share. I used the one from "blue roof cabin" site and adjusted it to my desire. I wanted my depth to be bigger so I used 1x8's to bring it out from the wall more. I got the backing idea from "Netties Expressions" by using Whitewood V-Groove Wainscot wall panels.

I plan on building one from Ana's site to do one for my dining room. I check this site daily just to see what you all have built so I can get more ideas. Thanks Ana for sharing your builds.

Finish Used
Rustoleum black cherry and dark walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My UpsideDown V Desk

Submitted by MPopadynec on Sun, 02/28/2016 - 06:54

I am a novice builder living in an apartment. I needed a new desk for my den and fell in love with two - the X-frame desk from Ana's Website and the Truss Desk I saw on Shanty 2 Chic. As I have limited tools, I decided to combine features of both to make my custom desk that included a keyboard tray as I needed one to ensure I type more ergonomically. I love my desk and now, on to build another piece!

Estimated Cost
$100 - As I used pine and had items cut.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey Stain - Varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Folding Worktable

Made the portable worktable as my craft table. I'm limited on space so the fold down table was just the key. Thank you Ana. You are an amazing carpenter & inspiration to me. You make your plans so easy to read & follow. Thank you so much. I can't wait to make more of your plans. ❤️

Jodi Inman

 

Built from Plan(s)

Barnwood Frame - Variation

Submitted by Joni on Fri, 02/10/2012 - 08:48

Have you checked out prices at framing stores lately? Since I didn't want to pay $250 for a frame, I decided to make one out of some spare 1x4 Douglas Fir that I had. It's a single board with a router cut at the edge for detailing. I routed a rabbet onto the back, and kreg-jigged it together. I distressed the wood by beating it with a hammer and chain.

Prior to completing the frame, I took a sample piece to the framing store (who would be matting it) to make sure they could work with my rabbet size. I ended up having to make it deeper and wider to accommodate them, so I would advise doing this if you're taking it to a framer.

I never dreamed I could actually make a frame, much less a piece of furniture. Thanks so much to Ana for sparking all of this. I've found my creative calling thanks to her!

Estimated Cost
Free (spare wood!)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Minwax water-based wood conditioner. 2. Minwax mix of Onyx & American Walnut water-based stain. 3. General Finishes Glaze in Van Dyke Brown. 4. Bartley's Satin Polyurethane (4 coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Becky Smith (not verified)

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 04:32

That is really beautiful! I've been considering the same build for the same reasons. Framing costs are outragous! I've never used a router before and I guess I'm a little intimidated by them. What do you think? Are they too hard to use? Worth investing in?

Thanks!

Joni

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 08:11

Becky -- thanks for the feedback. The router is hard for me, but I don't think I know all the ins and outs of how to use it. For making the rabbet on the back, I've found out that a table saw works SO MUCH BETTER than trying to use the router. I believe that a dado blade for the table saw could make the decorative cut (and much easier, faster, and cleaner than trying to use the router).

Modified fancy x

Beetle kill table. I chose to mortise the support and use pegs for effect. As such used 4x4 for leg uprights. Made the top removable because it's heavy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based gloss plolyurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Josh-Adam

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:59

That table looks awesome ! I am in the process of making one similar i went to a local mill and they had ambrosia maple to make the table topper and i am making the base. I was wondering how you went about making the table top removable did you use threaded inserts ? also how did you get the cross support cut out done? Last question i have is where did you find the 4x4 material i am in eastern north carolina and it seems it doesnt exist around here. thank you for sharing

Josh-Adam

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:59

That table looks awesome ! I am in the process of making one similar i went to a local mill and they had ambrosia maple to make the table topper and i am making the base. I was wondering how you went about making the table top removable did you use threaded inserts ? also how did you get the cross support cut out done? Last question i have is where did you find the 4x4 material i am in eastern north carolina and it seems it doesnt exist around here. thank you for sharing

Kitchen Console and Hutch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/29/2023 - 09:44

48" X 60" built this A few years ago from pallets I picked up on side of Road

Mike Holman

x bench

Submitted by sidman on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 02:41

I loved this bench when I saw the plan and had to try it. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red oak stain on top and painted the botton black.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Play Teepee

Submitted by keiatbohma on Mon, 12/23/2013 - 21:17

Play Teepee used 4 yds of fabrics, 2.5 yd of webbing, bias tape, ribbon, heat and bond double sided adhesive, and 4 1x2s at 8 ft.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor sectional

I have been wanting outdoor seating by my pool forever but couldn't afford anything I liked. When I came across Ana White's plans for the outdoor sectional I knew I had to build two. They are just what I was wanting and cost under $200. It took my brother & I one afternoon to buy the supplies and put it all together. Since this furniture is outdoors 24/7, I had to caulk the seams & paint the whole thing. That process took two days. The biggest expense was of course the cushions from Home Depot that Ana White recommends for this sectional. I have to admit, they are well worth every penny. They look amazing! Can't wait to spruce them up with some throw pillows.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-$200 for sectional; $550 for cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

1st Project - Dining Table for (Canadian) Thanksgiving

Submitted by KyleMohler on Sat, 10/12/2019 - 17:15

Hi Ana! - I'm so glad that I found your site. Thank-you SO much for your plans and video tutorials. 

I was recently in a car accident and found myself away from work for several months. Though I've always been hesitant to build anything (for lack of having been taught), I've found a new passion for woodwork. It's been a wonderful pastime and has created hours of fun with my young daughter. 

This is my first project (save for a few small boxes). - I'm very proud of the final product and was thrilled to be able to share it with my family for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend.

The project was quite pricey, due in large part to the live-edge lumber that I sourced (2 x (2x6) @ 8ft). - The project includes the Fancy Farmhouse Table as well as 2 matching benches. 

Thanks again :)))

- Kyle

Estimated Cost
500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax American Colonial (2 coats) + high gloss polyurethane (4 coats to table top).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Garden Bed

I made this garden bed in one evening. I love it! I bought 6 6' cedar fence pickets and two cedar 1x2s. I don't have a table saw, and they wouldn't rip a fence picket for me at the store, so I had to buy the cedar 1x2's but the project was still very affordable. I wanted it a little wider than the original plan, so I just cut the 6' pickets in half for the sides.
It is 6' x 3' and I didn't bother to cut the dogears off. You probably wouldn't even be able to tell they are there. I didn't trim the top out because that would add on about $6, and I like it just the way it is.
Now, lets see if I can actually grow some plants in it!!
I'm a beginner, and this project was really easy.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Lisa P (not verified)

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 08:08

This is exactly how I was going to modify Ana's plans as well. Have you started growing anything yet? Looks great!

Tara Kirkland

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 20:55

Yes, I've started "trying" to grow a few things. I don't usually have much luck, but maybe.... just MAYBE this will be the year!! :)

Lindyer0523 (not verified)

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 07:13

What would you have used for the top trim?

Rustic X Console - Surprise Christmas Present for my Wife

So my wife found this on Pinterest last month and loved it. We have been searching for something to go behind our sectional couch in our den. When she showed it to me I discreetly emailed it to myself as a plan was forming in my head. She was working nights for the month of December so I worked on it in the garage in the evenings and hid it in the crawl space so she wouldn't see it. She woke up Christmas morning to find it in place with a bow (clearly made by a man who is much better at carpentry than bow making) attached and was very surprised and excited.

I distressed the wood using several highly complicated techniques such as hitting it with a hammer, dropping a bag of screws on it, and scratching it with a screwdriver. It was then sanded and stained with Minwax Provincial 211. I applied two coats of satin polyurethane for protection.

I liked the look of the hex head screws so after painting them flat black I actually used them to hold the top on.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial 211
Clear Satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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