Community Brag Posts

Our Version of Michaela's Kitchen Island

We needed more counter space in our kitchen and I saw the plan for Michaela's kitchen island I thought it would be perfect. I asked my husband to alter it to fit our space. We used Poplar for the base and Walnut for the top. My husband planed and joined the walnut from rough cut boards. We then shellacked and polyed the top. On the bottom we used SW Urbane Bronze with a walnut stain over the top. I Love how it tuned out! Thanks for the great plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze with Floetrol as the base with a walnut stain over it and then the whole thing had poly over that.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 08/16/2013 - 16:26

Your island is beautiful! Love the finish, and the walnut top is just gorgeous!

Just finished needs pillows :)

Loved building this :) think it came out great. Only thing is i wish i had the screws ana talks abt bc the boards split over and over :( what kind of screws do u use ana? Also couldnt find 2 3/4 deck screws, only 2 1/4"

Estimated Cost
40 per bench pine
36 for 5 lbs of deck screws
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Havent yet
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Potting Bench / garage bar

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/31/2022 - 15:46

So easy… about 3 hours to cut and assemble. Will make another one for sure when I go to visit my mom at Thanksgiving. I absolutely love it!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bathroom Vanity

Submitted by jazberg on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 13:04

We remodeled our basement and added a master bathroom. The vanity space we had needed a custom vanity. We saw the Balin Console Table here and thought it would work nicely. It does! The four 12x12 drawers hold everything we need to use and keep discrete and the storage space underneath works nicely for extras that need to be away but quickly accessed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Stain, several coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

In reply to by dananryan

jazberg

Fri, 07/15/2011 - 23:16

We had to make some changes, especially in its depth as it needed to hold a sink. It came out at 31 3/4" tall, 57" wide and 20" deep. We also added a shelf at the bottom. Thanks for the compliment!

briggsy13

Wed, 08/10/2011 - 12:41

It looks like you have a glass top on this vanity? Or maybe its just the finish? I am very interested in doing this build for our bathroom remodel. I too would like the shelf for extra storage, and advice on how you added that?

I'm going to have to shorten it some as we only have like 53 inches for the vanity. Might just make it 48 inches which is still a plenty big vanity and just make 3 drawers instead of 4.

It looks awesome!!! Great work!

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 08/13/2011 - 14:04

Yes, it has a glass top. We had the glass guy cut it to size and sand the edges and put a sealing sticky tape around the edges to make it safe and water proof. We also had to have a hole drilled in the middle for the drain and I put a bead of clear caulk to water seal that spot.

The shelf was easy. Just a couple of ledger pieces nailed with a nail gun (or screwed if you pre-drill) to the legs on each side (from back to front). Then glued the ply wood for the shelf on to the ledgers. I then measured and cut facing to cover the plywood edge and add stiffness to the plywood. I just glued and clamped those on. You may have to cut out a slot in the shelf if your drain pipes are low on the wall (I had to).

Careful is you're going to do three drawers. You'll have a drain pipe going down the middle of the vanity! I had to offset the inside drawers so that they would not hit the drain pipe. I offset them about an inch on both sides (one offset to the left, the other to the right). You can't tell from the front as I sized all four drawer faces the same. If you do three drawers, that middle drawer might need to be less deep (6" verses 12 or more) or you might just make it a false drawer...one that doesn't open at all. Either way, the four drawers (12x12x10) are plenty large enough for our needs. if I had just two drawers i would make them deeper. Good luck! Share a picture with us when you're done!

Bath Shelf Customized

Submitted by Hreyff on Mon, 08/19/2013 - 18:15

I used the Martina Bath Wall Shelf as a design element and extended the length to 49.75" to create a custom piece to hang over my little one's dresser in the nursery. I used select pine, pre-stain and dark walnut for the finish. I spent a little more than what can be expected as I didn't have scrap pieces in the desired size as well as spent $20 on bar brackets that can hold 200 lbs. I went a little overboard on the strength capacity but its for a baby's nursery.

Estimated Cost
$135.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre-stain and Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Val Manchuk

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 22:17

I love this take on the Martina Bath Wall Shelf! I built the smaller one for our bathroom, but I'm thinking one similar to yours would look really nice on the wall over our bed. Beautiful work!
Val

farmhouse queen size bed

Submitted by patrickd86 on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 16:53

Thank you for the plans. This turned out great for our room.

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

Farmhouse table

Submitted by cmanmgm007 on Sun, 09/16/2018 - 12:53

I just built this yesterday, stock 2x4's and 4x4 legs, thanks Ana for the idea.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Speical walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Kitchen island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 11:45

We built this island with the top offset so you could use it for stools on 2 sides. It fit perfectly in our daughter's first college house! The plans were easy to follow we added drawer slides and dovetailed the drawer.

Comments

Simple Modern Desk

Submitted by lilred02 on Sun, 07/17/2011 - 18:01

Built this a little smaller - only 15" deep and 42" wide for use behind the couch with multiple functions - laptop desk, dining room buffet table, and behind-the-couch-set-things-on table. Love it!

Tricky parts - the drawers. Because I changed the dimensions, I built the drawer box to fit my new dimensions and installed it. Then, I cut the sides of my drawers 10" deep (the smallest drawer slides I could find and a perfect fit). I laid the Hettich ball bearing drawer slides (from my local lumber and cabinet supplier, not big box) in the drawer box and trimmed down my drawer front/back until they fit nicely. If you're interested, it was 15 1/8" wide.

Nail gun is a must on this project!!! And remember to glue and use 2" nails.

I used the Kreg jig to build my drawers because I'm familiar with building drawers that way and feel comfortable getting them squared. I highly recommend the Kreg jig!

Then, I attacked it with my orbital sander until it was nice and smooth.

Love Ana's great patterns!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
lots of sanding, vacuum, wipe with microfiber cloth, spray primer, sand, vacuum, wipe, paint, sand, wipe, poly to finish. Use sponge brush to avoid brush strokes.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

simplyelle

Sat, 06/22/2013 - 13:34

I've been looking for a post with dimensions more similar to my sketch and found yours. Thanks! I must say that I'm a bit puzzled with how to attack my drawers. My table's dimensions being 44Lx16D. I am in desperate need of a comp table to fit along a short wall, but need it to be functional, hence the need for drawers. Were your drawer dimensions limited to the length of the drawer slides you found? If possible, I'd like my drawers deeper. However, I'm open to one longer, less complicated, drawer as well, lol. I'm curious. Help!

Play Kitchen

Submitted by carlynoel on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 16:50

This was so fun. My little girl loves it and we have another on the way, so I am thrilled with how it turned out. The assembly wasn't hard, but it took FOUR coats of paint and three coats of finish. That was the most tedious part. I made a box for the apron sink, rounded off the edges, sprayed it with a white lacquer, and modified the countertop so it fit in nice and snug. It's my favorite part. I love that it tied in the white fridge. It ended up costing me 130 bucks. 50 in wood, 35 in paint/supplies, 45 in handles, knobs, faucet, hinges, stovetop etc.

COUNTERTOP AND SINK MODIFICATION:
I hope this isn't too confusing. It's hard when you can't see it, so don't hesitate to email for clarifications.

Countertop
(2) 1x3 @ 10 ½” (these boards go on either side of the sink when looking from above)

(1) 1x4 @ 11“ (this is the board the faucet sits on)

Put the backsplash on the same way the original plans say.

Sink box
11” wide, 8” deep, 5.5“ high (Using all 1x6 boards)

(2) 1x6 @ 11” (front and back)

(2) 1x6 @ 6.5” (left and right sides, on the inside of the 11" boards)

6.5x9.5 inside bottom (cut down whatever board you need to to get this size. This should fit snuggly inside the walls of the box)

Because a 1x6 is really 5.5 inches wide, and the countertop is 3/4" thick, and 3/4" of the sink sits above the countertop, that means 4” of the sink will be under the countertop. So looking at the sink from the front, you need (2) 1 ¾” wide x 4” long blocks of wood on either side of the front part of the sink. Then I just put a 1x12x14 1/2" shelf under the whole thing to hold it up. I built the sink box first and spray-painted it with a white lacquer, then I built the entire sink countertop and base, and then shoved the sink in last. It was a very tight squeeze so I didn't have to nail or glue it in or anything. About an inch of the sink should be sticking out of the front, and 3/4" should be sticking out the top.

Good luck!
Email me for questions!
[email protected]

Or visit my blog for details where I got all the accessories
carlyandjordan.blogspot.com/2013/08/play-kitchen.html

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Paint/Primer (color: Dreamy Cloud by Valspar) Minwax Satin Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our Flare!

Submitted by bfinnemore on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 11:56

Hi Anna, I really had fun making our version of your sliding mirror project! Thought you might enjoy the photos!  I made it into a jewelry cabinet.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kitchen helper

Submitted by itzdonna on Sat, 10/13/2018 - 09:36

Thanks so much for the plans Ana.  Made this for our grandaughter.  Right now all colors are yellow and all bugs are bees so I decorated it as such.  Chose  not to use pocket screws as I figured if you had issues with the wood splitting I wasn't going to push my luck.  Plans were very easy to follow and took us about 4 hours in total.  Can't wait for her to start using it.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Another successful Classic Bunk beds build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/23/2022 - 10:06

I followed Classic Bunk Beds instructions with the ladder to the left end instead of the right. I think this by accident though it works out fine in the room either way. It's finished with Danish Oil rubbed on.

Comments

Corner Cabinet Storage Shelf

Submitted by sssmile14 on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 19:32

We built this corner cabinet shelf in three days (only because it is over 100 degrees here, so we had to wait until 9:00 at night to work on it) for our office space. We love, love, love it and can't believe how nice my corner cabinet turned out. Only our second building project ever. :)

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz Satin Paint- Black
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kellerkb

Mon, 06/03/2013 - 21:20

Hello, I would appreciate help finding the plans for this project! Thanks!

cerberus456

Tue, 08/02/2016 - 14:54

I do cedar. Thank you very much for the drawings. This site is to become one of my favorites.

Greetings from Xalapa Veracruz Mexico

 

Big Kid Computer Desk

Submitted by AlohaMama on Thu, 08/22/2013 - 15:23

We needed a desk for my kid's computer. Something simple and functional but with a little customization.

Since we live in Hawaii ocean themes are everywhere in our home. I scrolled out the waves to make the shelf supports original and let light into the little cubby below.

24" across and 18" deep I built this off the rough plans for the Clara desk and customized it to be at a normal table height of 29" so my elementary school children will be able to use this all the way through high school.

Stained with a blue minwax wood stain on the legs and shelf support. Arctic white latex paint for the table and shelf tops.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue wood stain by Minwax
White latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 08/22/2013 - 15:48

You did an awesome job on this desk! The colors are perfect, and the scrolled wave decorations are unique and beautiful!

yurra-bazain

Fri, 08/23/2013 - 01:05

I'm happy to see other Hawai'i builders sharing their creations. :) I love how you customized your table with the waves. I'd love to know how you made them!

AlohaMama

Fri, 08/23/2013 - 12:24

Great blog you've got going! I'm really impressed with your builds, beautiful home!
The waves were done on a scroll saw. It's one of most favorite tools.

Keep building!

My first Ana White project!

This was my first Ana White project and I can't wait to start another. I love the bench and it was easy to follow the plans. You can find the entire story of this build on my website.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in Paris Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Ladder shelf

Submitted by mltdblack on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 19:58

My kids desperately needed storage for their bathroom. The vanity is separate from their toilet and tub/shower. They were always forgetting to grab a towel before bath time. When I saw the wooden ladder shelf I thought it was perfect for the space. The only problem I had was figuring out the angle and height to place the supports on the front legs. With the help of my husband and a level it was a breeze. Once again it took longer for me to apply the finish than it did to build. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Not real sure. I had most of the lumber on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust oleum Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My "Heck- I'll give it a go" Altered Farmhouse Table

Submitted by snabowne on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 21:03

Our kitchen table buggered out so I decided to give making one a try. This was my first project. With seriously low funds available- I asked around to family for scrap lumber. Turns out the old lumber in the barn was black walnut! I had to plane and join it by hand so it took quite a bit longer to make.
I made the table one foot shorter and one foot wider. It seats 6 comfortably on the sides. Thank you so much for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65.00 (but the walnut top I got for free).
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modular Desk

Submitted by SPA16 on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 15:08

This was my first major DIY build and I LOVED the way it turned out! I have wanted a large office desk for quite awhile, but never could find anything in a store that fit my needs and/or style. I modified the plans to fit what I wanted and it turned out great! The top is just a hollow-core door from Lowes ($19) that I stained with a Dark Walnut color. I added a file drawer to the right and just a hinged pull-down door on the left for more hidden storage. Purchased the baskets at Michael's for 50% off.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut - Top
Krylon Paint+Primer in Ivory - shelves (also distressed edges with Vaseline)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cameron Dresser

Submitted by TMW on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 07:11

My son needed a dresser to fit in a specific space. I had a truckload of 1x6 sitting in the shop. I designed this to use all 1x6's. The sides were created by making rails and stiles using tongue and groove joinery. the panels were planed down to fit into the grooves. The panels are not glued in they are floating. I made a front frame that was pocket screwed together and attached it to the sides using biscuits. I glued up the top and made a simple cove molding with my router table. The drawers fronts were made like the sides using tongue and groove and a floating panel.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain and shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate