Community Brag Posts

Free Standing Barn Door Cabinet

I needed a pantry cabinet for my walk through kitchen (I have a generic 1970's ranch with a walk through kitchen--10' wide and the dining area is small, so I wanted lots of storage with minimal depth) and I am a big fan of cabinetry that looks like furniture--when I saw this project, I knew I had to make it.  

 

I enlisted the help and guidance of my 73 year old Mom----she has been making things for years and has an entire basement full of all the woodworkig machines I will ever need.  We started this project about a month ago and have been working at it on and off since (my Mom is a thinker and has lost sleep over a few issues we ran into, but the final design is AWESOME!  Thanks Mom!).

 

I would have loved a much wider cabinet, but the wall I will be putting it on had a few items that I did not want to move or cover up (light switches & a cold air return).  I ended up making the cabinet 89" tall (my ceilings are only 91") and 57.5" wide (I'm a stickler for symmetry and I wanted the white space on either side of the cabinet to be the same.  This project took a couple of weeks to complete due to work, kids, pets, etc).  I just had my son and better half carry it in tonight and it fits perfectly----now to clear out all my upper cabinets and start taking them down so I can fix my ceiling and start making my kitchen cabinets!  

Thanks Anna!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Total cost for materials, paint, hardware - $250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Chalk Paint - Aged Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Flat Wall Bookcase

This was my very first Ana project. It probably took me three times as long as it would take anyone with any experience. That said, we love it! I have since made two more for friends! No need to look too close, there are plenty of mistakes.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used miniwax water-based red oak and topped with two coats of polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Truss Coffee Table Not quite finished

Submitted by wetsuit1 on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 09:47

I made the Restoration Hardware couch and deck chair. I got really nice Sunbrella material cushions for $60 each at HD. I wanted to make a matching coffee table. I just threw it together. It's a little "jacked up".

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

bathroom vanity

Submitted by Chriss45 on Mon, 10/26/2015 - 20:28

I had a half bathroom in my guest room but wanted a second full bathroom, so removed the sink out of the half and installed a shower. I built the vanity in the room and added a make-up area with seating. I used my Kreg beaded faceframe system and to add a bead around the faceframe and built inset doors and drawers. I used Behr paint and used valspar antiquing glaze for the finish. I used the leftover shower tiles to make the countertop. 

Estimated Cost
75 dollars not including sink and faucet
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr satin paint and valspar antiquing glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Doll Pram Love!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/25/2018 - 18:40

This was a fun build!  It was my first time to use the jigsaw, so my sweet hubby showed me the ropes!  Such a great project and my little girl absolutely loves it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Eggshell paint - random sample I had on hand
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Hanging queen swing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 06:03

I built 3/4 OD ply base on 4x4’s. Rope had 3/16 steel cable inside it attached to ceiling hardware for strength. Rest was 2x4 painted. Little overbuilt but it was my first.

Comments

Toy Workbench

Submitted by TeriA on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 10:57

My Husband and I built this for our son's 2nd Birthday. This is our first finished project!
We drilled 1/2" holes for play nails and screws in the legs and top. We also modified the bottom to have a shelf for added storage, just measured the inside dimensions and cut to fit. We also opted for a peg board on the back to eventually hang tools and some baskets for the nails and screws. The peg board is attached to the base and trim with glue and staples. We taped off a section on the back before using the polyshade to allow the glue to adhere.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Poly Shades in Dark Walnut, 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:48

What a fabulous toy workbench! And those toy tools are just too cute for words! The finish is beautiful. You did such a great job on this, love it! :)

Cottage bedroom bookcase

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 20:42

I used 1 x 10s to make the bookcase a little shallower, and left the back open. Thanks for the great plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane diamond finish water-based polyurethane, satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Built in dry bar

Submitted by releematt on Fri, 12/28/2018 - 14:16

My husband and I worked on this for a few months, no rush. This is the outcome and all we need to do now is get one glass shelf for each cabinet. This is a great place to store all liquors and glassware. The drawers are a nice addition. The paint it black chalk paint with wax finish. All materials were purchased at Lowes or Home Depot. 

Estimated Cost
$800.00 including butcher block top, glass, back splash and lights.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Queen Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/06/2022 - 09:06

This bed has 6 drawers, 2 on each side and 2 on foot. We used Ana White pattern for Farm bed head board and storage bed for rest, while incorporating her easy and no fuss, accurate, drawer slide method.

Comments

Twin Farmhouse Bed - A Beachy-ish Version

I decided to start on the project of converting my daybed to a twin farmhouse bed five days before I had a house full of company - genius! The hardest part was finding the 4x4 posts at the Blue store and deciding what length of screws to use. It's hard to say how much time I spent on it, as I was finishing up 46 other projects during the same time, but I would guess the build took about ten hours, and the finishing maybe three? This finish really is one of the easiest I've done to date. A quick coat of white/cream semigloss, another quick coat of turquoise semigloss, an hour of light sanding and wa-lah! I apologize for the poor photo quality - I borrowed a friend's camera lens to get wide-angle shots in my teeny guest room and the lens apparently wasn't made for my camera - whoops!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I believe the white was Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore and Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore. A single light coat of each, then distressed lightly with a sanding block. I didn't use a sealer, but that may change if I decide the raw finish isn't good enough. It seems to be great right now!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dananryan

Sun, 08/14/2011 - 08:57

I absolutely LOVE the finish! Once I figure out which of Anna's beds I want to build, I will try to copy your fabulous finishing job. Thanks for sharing.

Spring

Sun, 08/14/2011 - 16:30

I love the beachy look. You did an amazing job. I have a day bed that I hate and I'm thinking this is a perfect solution. Thanks fir the inspiration.

Miasmom (not verified)

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 08:41

I love the finish! I'm making one of Ana's beds for my daughter and may copy your finish technique, but use a pink (her favorite color) instead of blue.

I also noticed that you used the bedframe for the siderails instead of making them. Did you just screw them in to the posts?

designdoctor

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 15:53

This is beautiful! I have a non-building related question. Wherever did you find the bedding? I love the red and turquoise floral. I've been looking for fabric like that and haven't found anything. Thanks

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 15:03

I was curious to know what your mattress is on for the trundle? I will be attempting the same thing, but was going to put the mattress in a wooden box on castors. Yours looks more friendly! Thanks for your time. Excellent job.

Trish

exuma_momma

Fri, 02/10/2012 - 09:01

Hey Amanda... this is beautiful. I'm hoping to try this type of finish on a bed I am working on now. How does it seem to be holding up without a sealer? You didn't use any primer, correct?? Thanks. Really beautiful work.

Linda Selfridge (not verified)

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 07:29

I love the color so I went to the paint store bought palladian blue) by Benjamin Moore but it sure didn't look your color. It was more of a weathered gray look. Which was nice too but definitely not the same. Are you sure that you used palladian blue?

winter_baby26

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 11:50

Absolutely beautiful, and such an inspiration. I think the color is stunning, and the weathered look you created is just perfect. It goes so well with the bedding too. I would love to have the exact same thing in my own house!

X Console Table

Submitted by raybotelho on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 07:14

I have built this console quite a few times. Always trying different finishes. Love all of them. Have to say I always skip the X on the sides, I just get lazy towards the end :) Im in the process of building a couple more, will try to add the X to it this time...we will see :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Just layering lots of different colors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great Little Desk :)

Submitted by DWL on Sun, 11/08/2015 - 17:46

We love this little desk for my 3-year-old's room.  She chose the light blue color and helped me paint it.  We used Valspar chalk paint and wax and love the look.  We didn't have room for the double-sided storage so we used pre-made table legs for the other side.  Thanks again, Ana!

p.s. Sorry about the photos rotation.  I have no idea why they are all sideways.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Chalk Paint, Trousseau Blue

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

New dining room table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/31/2018 - 14:14

Here is a "Before & After" (Christmas Day) family gathering.  Easy plans to follow.  Made it a bit wider (48") but otherwise used your dimensions.

Happy New Year!

 

Mark V.

Lakeville, MN

Estimated Cost
About $200 - $250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a gel stain along with wipe down satin poly. About 5 coats on table and benches.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Michael's Bug Bakery

Submitted by lorishad on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 18:12

We let my son choose whether he wanted a modern store bought play market or whether he wanted help Mommy and Padre (my dad) build one for his 3rd birthday present. We used magnetic primer so he can change the name whenever he wants and added some trim and some tea towel curtains! He loves it!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic Table

Submitted by mr.robert on Mon, 09/09/2013 - 18:20

My spin on the rustic table. Used staircase spindles for legs, cut the side boards to accommodate. Rest of plan was pretty much the same. Wife wanted a big table, thats what she got.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Awesome triple pedestal table

Submitted by kazelncat on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 15:39

This was such a fun project!! Kudos to Ana White for a great design!! We made several changes, including the dimensions; 10ft X 42-43 in (left the outside edge raw.  Table top is 1.5" thick American Walnut with a semi gloss clear poly, and the base is milled 1.5" thick poplar, stained dark walnut.  The pedestals also have threaded rods vertically drilled through the center beams (one top and one bottom) and used 3/4" dowels sunk into the base and riser for added structural stability.  Finally, the mortise and tenon runner on bottom used dowels to hold it in place and the top is removable using my own fabricated wooden cleats to attach the top in an old style removable way.  All in all; although this was certainly not the cheapest (about $1,500 all things considered) or simple (although comparable materials and craftsmanship would cost about 3x what I spent); this table is bullet proof and beautiful!! Thanks for the inspiration Ana!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1,500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear Semi Gloss on top and Dark Walnut on Bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Basement Storage from 2x4s!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/02/2019 - 15:12

I am so happy with how this shelving unit turned out! I adapted Ana's plans to the size of our closet space - the shelves are actually 33" deep. One side of the wall is studs, which is how I secured the unit. Now we can put away all of our Christmas decorations! 

 

This might be my proudest build to date...crazy since it's just a closet shelving unit :D

 

 

 

 

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
no finish needed.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Fri, 01/04/2019 - 13:32

This is perfect for your space!  I know how that is, sometimes a simple project can be the best!  Thank you so much for sharing a photo and using our plans.  We appreciate you! Ana

Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/30/2022 - 17:14

I just started building when I found Ana’s site. This chair was the second thing that I’ve built. I can’t believe how comfortable it is and how easy for a novice like me to put together.

Comments

my IKEA knock-off Expedit 4-cube bookcase

Submitted by cbrowan on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 11:40

I had been eying the IKEA Expedit 4-cube bookcase and figured I could build it for cheaper and have lots of leftover plywood for some other projects. I was right!

Estimated Cost
$40 (but left enough wood to build a console table and flat bookcases)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Valspar chocolate brown, eggshell
1 coat of Minwax Polyurethane, satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate