Community Brag Posts

First Finished Project!

Submitted by MrsD2008 on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 17:00

I decided to not paint it, but we sanded it REALLY well. I also decided to forgo the caster wheels just so it would fit under an entryway table. Right now I'm using it for dog toys!

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

Wooden Star

Used a compass to make my star as I wanted the points to be a little taller. 10 pieces of 8" walnut was used. And I used a table saw sled to cut the pieces. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Pallmann Magic Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Added some trim and everyone thinks it cost $1000

First piece of furniture every built. I added some quarter round and 1x4 blocks. Finished with a grey stain and paste wax. Everyone asks me is where did I buy it and how did I afford it.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax classic grey and Johnsons paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Front Entry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/27/2022 - 19:55

Sitting bench with shoe cubbie underneath. Barn boards for backing and shelving above.

Comments

My modified simple, cheap, and easy console

Submitted by cbrowan on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 11:35

I wanted a simple table to highlight this retro sewing machine I inherited from my grandma. I had to modify a few of the dimensions of this table and add a different trim up top, but I really like the results!

Estimated Cost
FREE (used leftover boards/paint from a different project)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut stain
1 distressed coat of Valspar Sea Breeze, semi-gloss
1 coat of Minwax Polyurethane finish, satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner Cupboard

Submitted by REASMOM on Thu, 09/12/2013 - 11:54

I've been looking for a corner unit for my kitchen for a couple of years, but couldn't find anything that I liked that fit my budget. This corner cupboard was exactly what I've been looking for. My husband and I built this together and I've definately discovered a new hobby!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Early American and 3 coats of Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane (Satin).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

REASMOM

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 06:40

Thank you for choosing my corner cupboard as your featured brag post! I was so excited to see it on your facebook page last night :) I enjoy this website so much and can't thank you enough for sharing all these free and easy to follow plans! I love that reader's can share their builds and give tips and advice! Thank you for inspiring me to be creative!

Elijah's Washer & Dryer Pedestal

I got this Idea from Sausha's washer dryer pedestal post.  Before then i didnt know people even built pedestals for their washer and dryer.  Just purchased new front load washer and dryer and they wanted 250 bucks extra for each pedestal.  That is 500 bucks and is absolutely rediculous.  So i opted out of those and thought to myself maybe I can build something instead.  So I began my search online and stumbled across this post which seems to be the most popular pedestal build on the web.  I think sausha's build is fantastic and absolutely beautiful though I went another way with mine.

I tend to like to overbuild things.  Especially in this case, seeing as the washer weighs a beastly 200 pounds by itself.  I figured with clothes and water it would be about 235 pounds just for the washer.  I noticed that with the aluminum drawer pedestals that you can purchse with the washer and dryer the support is only where the legs from the washer and dryer will sit.  That was all I needed to get on my way.  Purchased some regular old douglas fir 2x4's, 4x4's, and a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4 inch plywood.  I opted to use fence post brackets to tie everything together because I didnt feel like driller pocket holes in each 2x4 when you were not going to see them once its all said and done.  The fence brackets are not structural so they lack ridgidity untill you tie everything together with the legs, slats, and top.  Cut the top from the 3/4 plywood sheet and used the left over plywood to cover the front and the sides.  I left the back open as it is not seen anyway. 

Total size of the pedestal is 56" wide x 31" deep x 12 3/4 inches tall, but you can build it as wide, deep or as tall as you need it.  When i was done putting it together.  I tested it by jumping up and down on it and I weigh 230 pounds.  So this thing is quite strong.  I finished it up by covering the edges where the plywood meet with Edge moulding and the bottom with baseboard to match my laundry room.  I used Behr premium plus ultra paint on most of it and, behr alkyd paint for the baseboards.  Gave the top a couple coats of General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane.  Which isnt neccessary but I opted to do so because of the weight of the washer and dryer and the General Finishes High performance dries harder than most other polys that I have used.  I only used it on the top though. 

Taking into account that I used the paint and baseboards left over from renovating my laundry room.  This project cost about 150 bucks.  200 if you have to purchase the paint and moulding.  Quite easy to do and though I made the cutes I needed with my table saw.  This can be done with a circular saw and a drill.  No exotic tools are needed.  Will post finished pictures when my washing machine and dryer are delivered on friday and they are sitting on top of the pedestal. 

Estimated Cost
150 give or take a few bucks.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Poplar toy chest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 17:17

Toy chest for our daughter.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Loft bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/07/2022 - 08:48

I used the Camp Loft Bed plans and adapted the stairs to have storage and a place for laundry (from another plan from Ana White). I also added a small bookshelf to one end. They wanted the bed to extend to the full width of the wall. The bookshelf helps hold the mattress in place and also gives great storage for books and stuffed animals. I wish I had a pic of the bed completely painted, but as you can see, my granddaughter moved her stuff in immediately! She was so excited to sleep up there. (It has since been completely painted.)

Comments

My Apothecary Cabinet

Submitted by Sarah A. on Mon, 08/22/2011 - 17:41

I have always loved apothecary consoles! Then my grandmother gave me her huge collection of pottery, which I have admired since I was a kid. I had nowhere to put it, so it was a perfect excuse to build this.

I used MDF for the cabinet and pine for the top. I did a thick top, I stacked two 1x6s on top of each other, giving me 1.5" thick top. I also distressed in and filled in with Ebony Wood filler. I absolutely love how it turned out. I hadn't used pine before, I always use poplar. This project made me love pine!

I modified the plan slightly...I made 4 doors instead of drawers. I also made the top cubbies 2" taller, just to add extra height. I still need baskets for the cubbies, though!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the top, I used Minwax stain in Provincial. I then distressed it with a screwdriver and filled in the scratches with ebony wood filler. I did two coats of wipe on poly on top, sanding between coats. For the base, I used Vaslpar kitchen and bath paint, can't remember exact color.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kristi Hays

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 08:29

You did an amazing job! This piece has been on my to-do list for awhile now. I think that's the beauty of Ana's site, seeing the wonderful finished projects of other amateur builders gives us all the confidence to tackle things we'd never otherwise dare. I hope when I finally get around to building this, it will turn out as lovely as yours has, thanks for sharing.

Sarah Crawford (not verified)

Mon, 08/29/2011 - 12:12

This looks really great! This is next on my to-do list to make as a tv stand... it'll be my biggest project yet & I'm nervous, but this looks wonderful & makes me think it'll be worth it :)

My creation

I've built 6 of these so far. They are fun to build. The # 1 request is for one that is bigger so I'm working on that next. A couple of things I changed iS the dowel rod from 1/2" to 7/8" and the body I thought wasn't rigid enough being cut from 1"x 10"x 10' and there wasn't sufficient room for screws and glue so I'm now using 2"x10"x10" it's working a lot better and is a lot more sturdy and easier to assemble. Another thing I have done is once assembled the the plans is I transcribed them to rigid cardboard so can use them over and over cuts the time down considerably. I'll post more pictures soon. I have named mine Lil' Moto

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$12
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I don't have a set plan for painting or a specialized finish. I just use what I have on hand or goto my local habitat for humanity repurpose store and pick up paint and stain for next to nothing. Also if you want a specialized color just go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick out the cold you are looking for and just get sample jar for a couple of bucks it's enough to paint the whole ( at least it has been for me)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 18:13

Ran on the wood through planer to get rid of that rounded edge stud look on the wood. Fun little project.

Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr white veil base with gray paint brushed to distress on base. Miniwax jacobean with semi gloss waterbase on top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shoe crates

Submitted by stcarroll on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 10:08

We desperately needed something next to the door to put shoes in. I didn't quite yet have the courage to attempt the shoe dresser (http://ana-white.com/2011/01/shoe-dresser) and there are lots of scraps in our shop from my husbands projects. I tried these crates out and they were super easy and super fast to throw together during nap time. I primed and painted because I used plywood instead of 1x12.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
FREE!!!!!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
primed and painted with left over paint we had from misc. projects.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

clucaswvu04 (not verified)

Fri, 09/09/2011 - 08:54

I loved the vintage crate plans but hadn't thought of a good use. We have a shoe problem in our house too. With 3 kids, they all get mixed up and it drives me crazy! We've tried an over the door shoe organizer; but that hasn't been especially helpful because the 2 youngest would need a stool to reach anything about the bottom 2 rows. I think I just found my weekend project - one for them each in a different color should do the trick. Thanks for sharing

5 Board Bench

Submitted by truckrun on Tue, 09/17/2013 - 20:50

I was looking for a plan for a 5 board bench so naturally I came to your site. I made your basic design but made it a little bit smaller in all dimensions and I put a half inch split down the middle of the top. I built it out of pine and painted it flat black. I gave the legs and underneath 3 coats of satin polyurethane and the top and sides received 5.

You can follow the build on my blog at :
http://funwithwoodworkingtoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/project-how-to-build-…

You can also watch a video of the build on my YouTube page at:
http://youtu.be/1_hz2n7v9ss

Thanks for the free plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
MINWAX water based satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee table

Submitted by wnmhunt on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 06:52

Ana, thank you so much for all your beginning wood working plans. My husband and I worked together to do this farmhouse coffee table for our daughter-in-law Danielle and she loved it.

Comments

Rustic Bench

Submitted by mom of 4 on Thu, 09/19/2013 - 21:53

I wanted a simple bench for my yard during the summer. This was a fun, simple build with a little bit of extra style. I used a fence picket for the seat and added a center support underneath, since it was a bit bendy. Sanded the top really well before finishing. Built with Kreg jig.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish takes way more time than the building. Sanded first with 60, then 150 grit paper. One coat water-based primer, two coats white Behr enamel, two coats clear spray-on lacquer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids table and chairs

Great little project. Finished just in time for Thanksgiving.

Andy

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Mirrowax, polyurethane semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 11/26/2015 - 07:14

You did a super job!  These are absolutely adorable!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Cedar Slat Top Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 21:48

I really enjoy making this bench. I build them out of cedar and vary from 4’-6’. My customers love them. Simple prep work consisting of planing all boards to same dimensions can save a lot of time in sanding. Building 3 more this week. 

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Reclaimed Wood Look Bedside Table - Modified

Submitted by lishamarie on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 18:42

I built the reclaimed wood headboard for our master bedroom, and then found some awesome reclaimed-look stools at Pottery Barn on sale. About a month after that, Ana came out with her reclaimed wood bedside table plans. I was slightly bummed that I already had these cool stools, but then I realized that I had a whole guest room that I could build for! My guest room has a beach theme so I painted my tables white. The room is also kind of small, so I decided that I would put in one drawer and put in a shelf on the bottom. That way it wouldn't look so huge in the room. I love it! And I found these cool bronze starfish knobs at Lowe's. I got a little overzealous at times and I have pocket hole screws in places that are visible, but not that visible. It could be better. All in all, I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$60 (for two)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Flat White Spray Paint and Valspar Clear Flat topcoat. I sanded all the edges with 150 grit sandpaper before applying the topcoat. After the topcoat dried, I lightly sanded it again with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out all the bumps.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

leejae76

Sat, 10/15/2011 - 18:14

Curious about how the bottom shelf is supported - how did you attach it to the solid side panels? Looks great! :)