Ana White, Knock-Off Wood
About Ana: She’s the founder of Knock-Off Wood and Ana-White.com, and designs furniture plans and provides them for free on her site. She’s a builder, a blogger, a writer, and a mom.
It’s been a long time since I’ve found a site as awesome as Knock-Off Wood, so congratulations on your blog and all its success. You have a great way with words and with encouragement and motivation – you are doing a remarkable job of empowering the ladies and getting them out to build. You have completely demystified the process for me!
When did you build your first piece of furniture?
In some fashion or another, I’ve been building my entire life. One of my earliest memories is pounding nails on trusses for parents’ house. But it wasn’t until several years ago that my furniture turned the corner from DIY to professional looking results. The landmark project was my farmhouse bed.
Ana’s Farmhouse Bed
How much money can you save building your own furniture?
When I sold furniture to retailers, I charged approximately 5 times the cost of materials. When you add the retailers markup, you can save upwards of 90% of the retail price. But in my opinion, the value cannot be priced, because you built it with your own hands.
Can furniture be made without power tools?
Yes, it is possible. Definitely more difficult, like sewing without a sewing machine. But if you are amazing enough to create spectacular art from the dollar store, than I bet you have the ingenuity to build despite limitations. And while I highly recommend having the proper tools, look what Amy did by having the hardware store cut her boards, and fastening with a good ole’ hammer and nails. Just going to warn you, you may want to cancel your gym membership.
You’re pretty busy. Do you ever find time to craft? If so, what crafts?
I am so busy, I even have to multitask when I’m relaxing! My daughter and I do kid-centric crafts together, that way we get some bonding time in and I get my craft fix. Maybe someday I can move beyond the playdoh and pipe cleaners . . . for now, I’ll just be satisfied to drool every time I visit a craft blog like Dollar Store Crafts or Infarrantly Creative.
Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions, Ana! And thanks for all the inspiration!
20 Comments
merideth
great job on the bed! your headboard? you could “fill in” that shape with the same paint from your bankers’ boxes. easy to change whenever you change your colors and it would really stand out framed by your jute. :)
Nancy
I love the bankers box idea. I just finished my Queen Size storage bed and plan to work on the baskets/drawers next.
Mich L.
The bed is amazing! Looks so expensive! I love the storage idea – never thought to paint those boxes, but why not? They’re so pretty that way, can’t believe how cute (and useful!) for such a teeny amount of $$$.
Sophia
Wow! Thanks for the link to the website. I could spend several hours planning about twenty projects … Now if I could only convince my husband! :)
amy
What a great idea to paint the boxes! Bankers boxes are so great to store stuff in but they’re so ugly – way to go!
marysuek
I’ve tried this with a waterbed frame and mounted plywood to the top. Then my box springs and mattress, but the kept sliding off is either side. How do you keep them from sliding off? Is there a lip all around to home them in place?
heather
@Marysuek – Ours doesn’t slide, so I’m not sure! You could try getting a non-slip rug liner and putting it underneath your mattress.
Kat
I love the idea of these storage boxes! What is the material? I want to create storage for my son’s toddler room, but the same price is for cloth bins, and I’d like him to be able to see what is in them. I wanted to figure out a way to make a “window” for him to see the contents. Do you think this material would cut cleanly, or have any other ideas?
heather
@kat, the boxes are banker’s boxes, which are cardboard boxes you can buy at your office supply store. They are triple reinforced cardboard, so cutting into them might compromise how sturdy they are. That said, they are cheap enough for you to experiment with.
cellac
I was wondering, if you were to paint the boxes before folding them, would the paint crack when folding them? Anyone try it?
heather
@cellac, I haven’t tried it, but it does seem like the process would be easier if you painted before you fold. But like you said, cracking is a concern. I guess the only solution is to try painting one that way and see what happens!
Sally
Hello, I would like to suggest an idea to you. I love they gray and I can even dig the orange boxes but do you know what would really give this room a nice finished look? One of those tufted (nailhead) headboards. I have seen several diy project plans for them. Also, maybe cover the throw pillows with some kind of fabric that has a little orange in them to really pull it all together!
Irene
WOW I’m leaving for my sophomore year of college next week and I was looking for storage boxes to put on the shelf in my closet, but everywhere I looked those boxes were so expensive. (especially for a broke college student!) this is perfect!! I actually went to Wal-Mart and got boxes that were about 75 cents each. Talk about a deal!! Thanks for the inspiration and saving me tons of money!!
Nancy
Couldn’t you assemble the boxes inside out, so the writing is on the inside of the box? Then you may need fewer coats of paint, since you wouldn’t be trying to cover up writing on the outside.
jackie
Where are you finding bankers boxes for $1.50? I just googled my local staples and they sold them 16.99/4 pack and 16.99 each.
lauren
I found some bankers boxes 10 ct at Walmart for $16.88 the dimensions are 10.5″L x 12.5″W x 16.25″ H.
heather
@lauren, yes those should work!
Frank
Like your idea for painting bankers boxes. Great look and excellent storage at a better price!
alex
So, I’m a bit confused. The box spring and mattress are on top of the wood? I’m assuming so, but just wanted reassurance
Lindsay
This is fantastic – I’ve been searching all day for the right sized storage boxes for above my kitchen cupboards. Wouldn’t you know it, banker’s boxes are the perfect size and perfect price! And I can paint them to match my kitchen and make the most of the space up there! Thanks :)