Community Brag Posts

Piano Desk

Submitted by Jonesey on Sat, 12/03/2016 - 15:55

Step 1

Getcha a FREE PIANO and some help to move that heavy sucker!  You can find these pretty easy on Craigslist.

Step 2

Get a hammer, pry bar and a sawzall and start taking this piano apart.  Make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves because those strings will pop you good if you're not careful.

Step 3

Sand down the pieces you are going to use.  If the piano has laminate on it leave it if at all possible.  If it's already curling up then you're going to want to invest in a power hand planer.

Step 4

Assemble the studio station according to your equipment you'll be using.

Step 5

Stain, Paint or just poleyurathane to your liking.

Step 6

Make some music!  You can buy my album on Itunes or wherever you download your music.  FYI!  There are 2 Jonesey's.  One uses profanity.  This is NOT me.  None of my music will ever have profanity in it.

Jonesey-My Favorite Day-EP https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-favorite-day-ep/id1087791540 

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

FARM HOUSE TABLE

Thank you Ana for these plans! This is the updated farmhouse table that uses pocket holes. I thoroughly enjoyed making this table. I was so pleased with it and myself for what I had accomplished on this project! It turned out beautifully and my family and friends love it! It wasn’t that difficult to do, you just need to take your time and it will come together . Once you learn the set up of the kreg pocket hole jig, it really isn’t that difficult to do at all and so worth doing. I’m off to build a matching coffee table and tv stand. (Also plans found here)

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White satin paint, white wash (over stain on table top) weathered gray stain. Fast drying polyurethane 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laundry Dresser

Submitted by rosiejane on Fri, 11/02/2012 - 23:32

Really happy with the final product and the hubby is glad I have finally finished a project. This project was an answer to the piles of washing crowding our small laundry. I found 3 sturdy family sized (huge) rectangular laundry baskets for $10ea at Kmart and then used Sketchup to adjust the plans to allow for the bigger baskets (Sketchup is so much fun to use). I ended up having to buy an extra piece of wood for the top because I forgot to allow for the thickness of the sides when measuring the top and base. (I know, I know, measure twice cut once...) I used the piece I had cut for the top as the base and then got a new piece for the top. When I finally got all the pieces cut to size it all went together pretty quickly. I used melamine for the box because it was cheap and I wouldn't have to paint it. It did chip a little bit along the edges when I cut it but it's not too bad. I used 30 x 30mm pine for the basket supports and had to countersink the screws 1cm so I could use 30mm screws. I used iron-on melamine edging to finish the exposed edges of chipboard and used paint on the back and supports. Actual construction didn't take long but the painting took about a day by the time I'd done one basecoat and two top-coats.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 (AUD) incl. screws. Already had the paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dulux Prepcoat & Dulux Aquanamel White on back and basket supports. The rest was white melamine.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rosiejane

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 01:06

Thanks for the feedback. I cut the melamine myself. I clamped a straight edge on top of the melamine (allowing for the distance from the edge of the saw to the blade) and then used my jigsaw to cut. My local bunnings didn't seem too interested in cutting specific sizes. They were happy to just cut lengths down so I can fit them in my car but said their saw could be inaccurate up to 10mm from one end of the cut to the other. (Personally I think the guy just couldn't be bothered) Since I wanted my project to be square I figured it was much easier to just do it myself.
With sketchup I just play around and learn as I go. I got the hang of it pretty quickly although I'm still figuring out some of the more complicated stuff like using the protractor tool to do angles etc.

Npledger

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 22:05

I love this. These baskets are very sturdy. Is there anyway you can post the measurements. I have never made anything but this looks perfect. I have never used sketch up. Please let me know if you are able to post the measurements. Thanks!

Adirondack Chair

Submitted by JD-LIN on Wed, 08/20/2014 - 11:14

This was my very first build by myself (besides cedar plank planters). I made this for my boyfriends daughter so she could have her own personalized chair to sit by the fire pit. I actually used the plans from Ana's Handbuilt Home book.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
32.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Paint in Florentine Pink
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JD-LIN

Thu, 08/21/2014 - 08:38

I wouldn't mind at all. I just made a stencil out of an 8.5x11 piece of paper. The hardest part was hand painting it in. Brought back memories of coloring!

Modern wood dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2016 - 08:07

We didn't paint it, but I think it turned out well. We followed the plan almost exactly and it came out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kentwood Style Double Bookshelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/23/2020 - 06:15

This was my first project, and I did it together with my two oldest children (13 & 11).

We started with the basic Kentwood Bookshelf plan, but wanted to have it a little shorter to make use of the tabletop. We also wanted it wider to fit a specific location in my daughters' room.

Broadly sticking to the Kentwood instructions, we measured the longer space we had and what that would mean for each of the measurements for the cuts. It was tricky to get the measurements right for the 1 x 12s in the middle which had to be a little longer than the 2 x 2 and 1 x 2 frame fronts to fit snuggly, but we got there.

We finished the top and back with 1 x 4 boards instead of planking. It added cost and weight (whole thing probably weights 150 pounds), but hopefully it will last a long long time. We routed the front edge of the table top to give a nicer finish.

Painted it white in the end. Tried to put a clear coat over it, but made a mistake of using an oil-based clear coat which turned the whole thing yellow. Had to sand it down and repaint. Ugh. Lesson learned!

We're very happy with the results.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint which matched the trim in the room it's in.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Can Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 11:57

I love all the free plans. I built this one last year based off one of the plans. Edited to add space length and width, with an end for taller cans. by Chasity Abbott on Facebook

Built from Plan(s)

Double Camp Loft bed

I used the plans from the Camp Loft bed and adjusted to exactly what I needed. Two twin beds in a small bedroom without losing any floor space. I found the slide on craigslist while I was building this and it made the best addition. I also added a shelf along the base of one bed for the boys to have a play table and adds stability to the base of the bed to keep it from rocking.

Estimated Cost
200-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I have not yet added the finish as I needed the beds up asap. I plan on spending a weekend when the kids are gone by simply adding a coat of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lois (not verified)

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 17:38

Great Bed! Can I get the plans the way that they were modified? I am a beginner and definately need the step by step plans. This would be great for my nephew's!

Raye Lin (not verified)

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 14:09

I just made the first bed as the plans had. Instead of doing the stairs I just did an extra 2x4 across the legs so they can get up onto the platform. For the 2nd bed I followed the same instructions as the first but only doing one end and the rails (made a giant L) then flipped and screwed right into the side of the other bed. I used pocket holes all around so it went together very quickly.

Natali (not verified)

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 20:57

I really like this bed!my boys will love it! I am a beginner can I please get the plans and tell me how to make the bed with 5 feet high for more space
It will be my first time I can't wait. Thank you !

theprovocative…

Mon, 06/24/2013 - 10:36

I have scoured the web for this loft for my two youngest girls! As I am terribly untalented at drawing up plans PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP make your adjusted plans available? I have until the end of next month to build this for my princesses birthday and I'm more than a touch frazzled that I cannot find these plans anywhere. Take pity on the less talented and please post your plans? Or email them? [email protected]

Thank a ton in advance!

SuperDaddy4

Mon, 12/08/2014 - 13:48

Great work with the modifications! Can you please share the new plans for the changes you made or let me know what exactly that you did to achieve the finished results. Thanks in advanced!

SuperDaddy4

Mon, 12/08/2014 - 13:48

Great work with the modifications! Can you please share the new plans for the changes you made or let me know what exactly that you did to achieve the finished results. Thanks in advanced!

mideastmom

Thu, 06/30/2016 - 20:16

I know it's been a while, but if you would share your finished plans, that would be great. We have the original camp loft, bought from someone else who built it, and we'd like to modify it to be an L-shape loft.

Jordan's Rustic X End Tables

Submitted by jcrist30 on Sun, 08/24/2014 - 06:04

After building the iTable coffee table, I decided the move on to building some end tables. I do wish I had modified the plan so that they weren't quite so wide, but I absolutely love them . I used Hillary's oxidized finish with the steel wool/vinegar solution about 4 days old, and I brewed 12 bags to 32 oz. of water for the black tea.

I just finished off the tables with Minwax Finishing Paste Wax, as it's a little bit more readily available than the items Hillary used. The wax really warmed the wood up; I was debated mixing in some Minwax Wood Stain with the wax because the raw oxidized finish was so gray, but just the clear wax did what I was looking for.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Hillary's oxidizing solution followed by Minwax Finishing Paste Wax in Clear
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

For my grandson's 2nd bday to match his new race car bed

I built this for my grandson for his 2nd birthday to go along with the new race car bed that he got.  I left off the pump handle and hose as a safety precaution since he is only 2 and a handful.  This was definitely the gift that everyone was talking about!  I love your plans Ana...keep 'em coming!!!

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kilz Primer - followed by Rust-oleum Painter's Touch Apple Red, Rust-oleum Semi-Gloss Black, and Rust-oleum Semi-Gloss White - the lettering was printed out and traced with carbon paper underneath and then filled in with Elmer's Paint Markers in White and Black
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farm House Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/25/2020 - 16:27

After learning I'll be working from home permanently, I asked my husband to use his talent to make me a desk. I have been sitting on a barstool since March and it just wasn't comfortable.

Viola. An Ana White farm house desk. It turned out wonderful and I'm so much more comfortable. He just needs to add the shelves when there is room in the garage again (he's now fixing our son's car with his brother!)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White enamel paint and minwax polyshades
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/19/2024 - 09:15

Took me a week to build but not bad for a one-legged man and no help. Instead of shingles I opted for corrugated pvc. Setting up shelves inside and going to build a bin for scrap lumber with scraps in the corner. I think I made some cutting errors on the doors there is a 1" gap between them. I put white marble stone down to keep it from setting directly on the dirt. - Edd

 

Built from Plan(s)

Laundry Dresser

Submitted by Tina Barta on Fri, 11/09/2012 - 01:20

My very first build inspired by the Ana-White.com website. I would declare this as a success. Decided to make two laundry drawers and keep the bottom open for extra supplies. Perfect for our household.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer Zinsser 1-2-3, leftover paint sitting around in garage.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Key holder

Submitted by naomi on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 07:00

This creation was made using scrap wood, hooks I got from Bunnings and some blackboard paint. Apparently now Brodie doesn't know where the keys are. This was based on Ana White's Craftsman Frame Plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak Stain and Blackboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modern Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/30/2020 - 18:57

I followed Ana's plan to make this pair of woodsy chairs to go on the deck of our little shed in a wooded area behind our home. My only modification was that I had to purchase 1x10 for the decking and rip it down to size with my table saw. And I had to add a mosquito net!

Estimated Cost
60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Bear exterior flat paint. I pre-painted first coat before construction, then sanded and applied 2nd coat after construction.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Custom Knife Drawer Insert

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:18

I made the in drawer knife block following Ana’s plan but tweaking for my needs and drawer size. I love it. It was easy to make and I’m a total beginner.

Karen

Built from Plan(s)

Narrow end table

I adjusted the dimensions to fit my space and added a shelf on the bottom. I built it using my Kreg Jig.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the end table and then polyurethaned over the stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tilt out bin

Submitted by naomi on Sun, 08/31/2014 - 07:48

I love this bin so much I built a large one and a small one. The small one is for the bathroom. The large on is for the kitchen. This is actually a rather easy build. I used mdf. I grooved the front panel on the large bin to add character. This was built from Ana White's Wood Tilt Out Trash or Recycling Cabinet Plan.

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

Comments

Niewenhuis

Thu, 09/11/2014 - 10:17

Can you give me a few more details about your grooved front panel...

did you just run the panel thru a table saw?

naomi

Fri, 09/12/2014 - 01:44

I don't actually own a table saw.

I just used my router and set the depth so that only part of the bit touched the mdf.

It was just a matter of testing it until I found the right depth.

Hope this helps. :)

shelbyannec21

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 16:03

I know its been awhile, however the one you have both normal trash and a recycle bin in.. is that the same dimensions as the ana-white build for a single? 

I assume the trash cans are just flipped side ways to hold 2 instead of 1?

looks great, thank you!

Doll Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by rpd on Sun, 12/18/2016 - 23:57

Made for my grand daughter.  It was too cold in the shop to use carpenters glue, so I used medium thick, gap filling CA (cyanoacrylate)glue, and brad nails instead of screws.

 

Estimated Cost
$10.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Golden Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by cbecksOSU on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 18:43

First DIY project ever. Came out so good I built another

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Georgetown Gray Arbor Coat (Benjamin Moore)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner