Community Brag Posts

Slightly modified all tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:25

A friend asked me to build them a hall tree for their entryway because they couldn’t find one big enough to suit the area in their home. Thankfully I found the plans here for Mimi’s hall tree bench and hutch. I had to modify them slightly to make it a little wider and taller. They were very happy with the finished project!
Thank you for providing woodworkers with these excellent plans for all skill levels!

Comments

Sand Box

Submitted by lbrennec on Thu, 05/09/2013 - 05:54

I gave this one to my Dad to do. Of course he made some changes. But she loves her sand box and we love it too! Thought I would share some pictures of the construction after he brought the parts to our house. 400 pounds of sand later.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Red Garden Bench

Submitted by EAnderson on Sun, 03/29/2015 - 19:20

This was the first building project I completed by myself start to finish! I was able to use 2x4s we already had in the garage (sorry husband!) and some scrap wood for the few other pieces it required. The only thing I added to the plans was some trim for the front.

I built this last summer and since then the shelf on the very top has warped a bit. I would recommend adding extra support. It rains a lot here, and I think that contributed to it warping. Other than that, it has held up very well and the shelf can easily be fixed with some brackets.

Overall, this was a great first build for me! The plans were straightforward and easy to follow. And there's just nothing more rewarding than standing back at the end of a day of building and thinking, Hey I made that :)

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

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My handmade farmhouse table and benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 20:32

This is the table I made for my wife using 2x lumber...I used the epoxy resin finish and it gives it a beautiful look and finish...my wife, family and friends love it...I'm very pleased with how well it turned out...

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

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:07

I followed the plans for the 4x4 Truss Beam Table and it turned it out great! I definitely recommend the Kreg Jig HD for the 4x4's. I used non HD Kreg screws for the table top.

It's much easier to build it upside down to ensure you get all your pocket holes underneath. Also, use duct tape to keep the 45 degree angle posts clamped as it's much easier when screwing together.

As a bonus for the family I built it for, I cut their name out with my scroll saw and added as a personal touch for the piece.

Built from Plan(s)

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Simple Outdoor Collection

Submitted by handymommy on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 05:32

The outdoor bench was my first Ana project. It was so easy and rewarding that I immediately set out to build the rest of the set!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
dark deck stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Happier table

Submitted by venessat on Thu, 05/09/2013 - 21:33

My very first piece of furniture I built!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut with clear satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entry Built in and Board and Batten

Submitted by anb80 on Tue, 03/31/2015 - 11:42

Entry board and batten treatment with hooks, cabinet with doors and drawers and bench.  Made from plywood. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

anb80

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 06:55

Thanks! We just sold our house in under 48 hours and I think all these built-ins helped! Thanks Ana for all the great plans and inspiring me. I learned so much coming from some one that had never built anything. You're awsome!

Laundry Basket

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 09:09

This was super easy. Just make sure you bolt it to the studs in the wall. I bolted them to each other and to the wall for added support. It only took me the afternoon and then I stayed up all night to finish it and get it done. I made this system over 3 years ago and it still works great for our family. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maybe less than $50? It was worth it whatever it was. And I used peg board on the back bc I already had it.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
painted
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Window Seat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:32

I made this window seat for my home office from your mudroom bench plan. Turned out fantastic. Loads of storage in these huge drawers. Loving it!!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Outdoor sectional!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2017 - 16:12

My husband followed your design for an outdoor sectional for our pool deck. We LOVE it!! Our boys helped and we were able to get the whole thing done in two days!! 

Estimated Cost
Wood and screws: $110
Sunbrella Cushions: $584 (on sale through Home Depot)
White Paint: $30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Worth every penny, sweat dripple and sun burn (we finally got smart and set up our pop up canopy for shade). We did buy the cushions first, when they were on sale. We used 25 x 25 and I feel like we could have gone a little smaller, but maybe as we use them, they will settle smaller.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

New closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:58

This closet system was designed and ordered using the Ana White Shelf Help configurator. I put it together using my Kreg pocket hole jig, Kreg shelf pin template, and Kreg screws. I’m 70 years old and I was able to do it all myself. My husband helped me move it into the closet after I assembled it. Very sturdy! I planned to paint it white. But, I really liked the light natural finish of the plywood, so I just put several coats of poly instead. I am VERY pleased with the finished product. I would never have attempted this if not for the Shelf Help configurator! Thanks.

Comments

Picnic Tables

For my son's 4th birthday party, we were doing it at our house and needed outdoor seating, so I took on the task of building 3 Toddler picnic tables and 1 smaller one. Building them was not that big of a deal, but painting all 4 took some time! After the party, we sent 1 to my parents, 1 to in-laws & 1 to my bro/sis-in-law, so only ended up with 1 left over. FYI-the picture on the plan is one of mine, thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed each table, then painted them with 3 coats of paint and sealed them.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

2x4 cubby

Submitted by arkep on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 19:26

These cubbies are the next step in organizing my sewing/guest room. I plan to fill the shelves with fabric and books very soon!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 (I already had the casters and paint)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white primer, followed by Benjamin Moore Advance Paint (white)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bunny Easter Basket

Submitted by DMax2010 on Sun, 04/05/2015 - 10:02

My son loved his new Easter basket! This was super cute to make and I just used scrap wood. The paint was CeCe Caldwell's chalk paint in Blue Montana Sky. I used CeCe Caldwell's Clear Wax for the finish. Love these projects!

Estimated Cost
Used scrap wood and materials I already had
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
CeCe Caldwell's Blue Montana Sky chalk paint and Clear Wax for the finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

OUTSIDE FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by DiRico.PF on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 00:17

We just recently moved and we need a dining table for outside. I wasn't happy or interested in the high cost of a low quality crappy steel table set. So i went out and bought the lumber and built the table.I noted that it took me a week to build this table. If I had the weekend dedicated to building it, it would have only taken me the weekend, but life got in the way and it took me a solid week. I used treated lumber for the legs of the table and went with untreated for the rest. I applied some Behr Weatherproofing stain. I thought it turned out great. The only problem i had with the table was that in the plans they are made for a 4X4 that is actually a 4X4. The ones i acquired was 3 1/2 X 3 1/2. It did not cause to much of a problem I just added an extra inch on the skirt. I also was not a big fan of having the feet of the table in direct contact with the ground. Especially on those rainy days. ( Which we have been having a lot of this season) So i went out and I got some Hockey Pucks. Yup some good ol' Canadian hockey pucks. I centered them and screwed them in. Not only do they elevate the table they act as a good grip to the patio stones. By the way this was my first build ever. Excited to get the benches done now. 

Estimated Cost
All lumber I purchased (including benches) Which I am completing soon with Stain came up to a grand total of 250$ Canadian.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Behr WeatherProofing Semi-Transparent. I sanded at 220 and Stained. Rinse and Repeat for a total of 3 times.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic small island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 15:00

I have actually made this island several times and modified the size each time. I really like this and it fits my kitchen well. Thank you for the inspiration

Comments

Danielle's Painter's Ladder Shelf

Submitted by zigmommy on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 13:50

This was the first good-sized project I built by myself. I finished it more than 4 months ago and it still makes me smile every time I look at it. :-) A simple, functional and BEAUTIFUL shelf that will work anywhere and for anyone! I was so impatient for it to be finished I didn't put poly or any clear coat on it and I'm still in love!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams 'Sierra Redwood'

(The grain in the wood shows through just BEAUTIFULLY!)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first dining table!!

My first attempt at a country farmhouse style dining table, my children managed to also use it as a playhouse within minutes!!

Estimated Cost
Approx £200-£250 timber seems to be a lot more expensive here in the UK compared to the U.S.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint for the legs and a mahogany stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sofa and Table

Submitted by Don Ellery on Wed, 07/19/2017 - 11:42

I enjoyed making this outdoor sofa and table combo from Ana's Ryobi series.  An inexpensive and easy project that we just love!  All construction grade 2x4.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr premium exterior "Slate"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Airondeck Chairs and Bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 16:24

Lockdown here in Sydney has been going for over 100 days now, so in-between home school and quietly going insane, I thought I would make something for the house in the hopes that at some point we may be able to have people back in our home and enjoy entertaining again. The Deck chairs are to replace some horrible plastic ones we had on our balcony. Now my wife and I can enjoy a glass of wine while looking out over our bay in style! The bar was made from leftover timber I had and the deck chairs are made from 2x4 Treated pine (bits painted white) and NSW Spotted gum - which is a hardwood. The bar is also made from 2x4 treated pine and Merbau ( another hardwood) . I have put a few bronze hooks on the front to hold tea towels etc when entertaining. They are both fantastic additions and we love them. Thank you for saving my Sanity Anna!

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