Large Fireplace Built-in - Built by Kristy
Entire wall fireplace built-in!
Built from Plan(s)
Community Brag Posts
Sandbox with built-in seats
I modified this a tad from the original plans to suit my needs. I will eventually be adding a platform with attached slide and swing set.
Plans were easy to follow. My store didn't have 1x8's so I stacked 1x4's and used my Kreg jig to join them together and then I added extra bracing.
I had seen this on Pinterest a couple years ago and thought it was the coolest thing! Io excited I was able to build it myself!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet. I will stain and seal everything when I get the entire play set finished.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
DIY Modern Rustic Outdoor Chair
I made this outdoor chair by looking at a variety of plans and designs from Restoration Hardware and other stores. Check out more info on the project on my blog link. Thanks for looking!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Eric's Cedar Shed!!
Thank you for the plans, shed turned out great! My association required me to match the siding color, roof color, and anchor to a concrete slab. So I poured 25 bags of 80lbs concrete to make a 9x5 slab. Redid the plans for an 8x4 shed, built the frame with 2x4s and not 2x2's, installed flashing, ice/water shield + felt + matching shingles since I'm near Chicago, and used a flexio finishing sprayer to paint the shed. Saved some $ by using 2 Redwood Grain Fiber siding panels for $22 each at HD.
All in all very happy with my shed and all my dangerous yard tools and woodworking tools can be put away from my toddler.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Christmas 3-tier cookie stand
Inspired by Shara of Woodshop Diaries, created this 3 tier tray for displaying cookies for Santa. Added a 3 dimensional star as the topper and simply followed the excellent photos and schematics on Shara's website.
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Ukrainian Sand box with built-in seats
I live in Lviv Ukraine and painted it in he national colors of Ukraine.
The wood came from a old pallet.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Porch swing bed
Started off with the original design but enlarged it to fit an oversize single mattress. The mattress cost me $35 from a local faith farm, while the materials came in around $200. I decided to hang under my backyard pergola. Fun and easy project.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cedar stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Tue, 01/28/2014 - 21:10
Porch swing
Wow this looks so inviting I might just have to make one too! Nice work-- it looks great!
Mon, 04/07/2014 - 22:49
So Inviting
Really lovely! Great job! This will be one of your favorites spots all summer long.
Mon, 07/27/2015 - 22:45
Swing bed
I want this! I just made a couple of plant stands for my front porch. My husband asked me what my next project was, why, a swing bed. (This was only my second project!) I want to put cup holders in those big ole arms! We have a house at the beach in South Alabama, so, you gotta "hydrate." This is an awesome swing. I can't wait to do mine...pillows to rest on, one foot on the concrete pushing me in a slow swing. Cold beverage in my hand or in my cup holder. Yep, southern girl has a new project. Love it!
Sandbox with Cover
The cover is a tonneau cover for a pickup truck. It's for a 6.5' truck bed so if you notice, I had to ad a 2x4 and one more picket on top to accommodate the extra length.
The cover would add a ridiculous amount of money to the project but it was repurposed. I found it on a truck that was in an accident and going to the scrap yard. I think it it came out great and my grandson loves it.
John
Built from Plan(s)
8 foot long shelf with a little twist
I just made this shelf using 2x4s 8 ft long wood. It is very strong and looks great. My garage size required the shelf to be max 16 in deep, so I used a 1 plywood sheet divided by 3 equal parts for the upper 3 shelfs. Since I made a 4th shelf, I used 3 1x2s for the 4th bottom shelf instead of a new plywood sheet and avoided having extra 2/3 of the sheet around and also saved like 30$ since the 2x1s were only 2$ea. That touch makes it look a bit stylish too so a win win. If you do that, here's a tip: use the outer 2x4s as rails - make sure that the cleats on the lower shelf are placed a bit lower ~ 1in. In such way, you can place the three 1x2 rails at the same level as the outer 2x4s and this you end up having 5 rails total in the shelf. Do use the wooden screws with star head if you can, they were muuuuuch easier to use compared with the regular ones. Note, this shelf is very strong, probably too strong for my needs. For a 8ft long, and my storage needs (camping, Christmas stuff, other lighter things), I'd probably use 2x2s instead of 2x4s. That would save costs, specially since wood isn't cheap these days( I spent ~$150 in materials Jan 2022).
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Baby Ray's New Closet!
This was the second building project I've ever completed. I had to make a few adjustments to make it fit the size of ray's closet, but it was totally worth it. most of the work was in the measuring, sanding, and sealing of the wood. Ftting the frames can be a little tricky if your planks aren't perfectly straight. Otherwise, this project was pretty straight forward and can be done in just a few days depending on how much time you have to dedicate to it. Thanks Ana!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Early American stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Cedar Garden Shed
We needed a way to get all of the lawn & garden stuff out of our garage and organized. I found Ana's plans for the Small Cedar Shed & adjusted them to fit our space. We used 2x4s as our studs & added front walls on the sides. Our shed measures 9.5'x30". We had a concrete slab poured for our foundation. We are experienced DIYer's but had never taken on a project of this scale from scratch. This project was much easier than I was anticipating, and we were able to complete it in one weekend! Similar shed kits were way more expensive and not the size that we were looking for. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Garden shed
Our take on the small garden shed. Ours is 4 1/2 by 7 feet. We used cedar fence pickets and 2x4 construction. Left over shingles from when our house was built. We are definitely not roofers or framers, also chasing around a 3 year old didn't make things easier. Turned out beautiful for what we want it for. Just rustic enough. Great intermediate project.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson's clear water seal will be applied this summer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Mon, 11/30/2020 - 11:14
Beautiful storage!
You did a great job, the 3 year olds add just the perfect amount of challenge to really appreciate a completed project!:)
First nightstand
We used ana's plan but modified the top
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We will use espresso general finishes and several top coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Thu, 05/30/2019 - 13:00
Project Plans
This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for but I can't find the plans that were used to build it. Do you happen to still have the link for them?
Master Bath Barn Door
Created this door with pine wood tongue and groove lumber and pine wood planks. Purchase barn door hardware / track from Jet.com and door handles from Hobby Lobby.
This replaced my Master bath door and I think came out pretty good. Thank you for the ideas!!! Jeff M. Brownstown, Mi
Estimated Cost
Wood 55.00
Handles 2 for 8.00
Stain ( left overs)
Barn door track 54.00
Total $117.00 and 10 % Military discount at lowes
Handles 2 for 8.00
Stain ( left overs)
Barn door track 54.00
Total $117.00 and 10 % Military discount at lowes
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax. Mix of Kona and Driftwood Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
She Shed - Guest Room, Craft Room, Office
I needed an office and also a guest room so i built a she shed and all the furniture.
Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced
Comments
Thu, 01/25/2018 - 06:27
murphy bed
I love your murphy bed idea and would love to have plans for it. I too am looking for a guest bedroom and craft area and I know this would work in my space.
Mon, 02/05/2018 - 16:20
Murphy bed
I didnt really have a plan when I was building my Murphy bed, I can do a sketchup plan for you if you would like. I used boat chair swivels instead of hinges and there is a YouTube video on how to do this.
Chris
Thu, 06/24/2021 - 23:11
Sketch up request
Hi Chris! I would love to have a copy of the sketch up of this. I have a small she shed/guest cottage I would live to duplicate this in. Thanks in advance.
Mon, 11/08/2021 - 14:18
Lovely Space
Hi Chris!
I know I'm coming late to this party but I just found your shed and I adore it. You did an amazing job and I cannot express how impressed I am! I would also like a sketchup plan of both the murphy bed and the adjoining side cabinets. Great job!
Thu, 06/06/2019 - 10:59
Plans or Sketch up
I absolutely love everything about this she shed!! I would be interested in a sketch up of the murphy bed as well as the cabinets next to it. I would at least like to know what the dimensions of it all is. You did an amazing job! It's so beautiful!
Tue, 06/25/2019 - 15:14
Me too!! I built a…
Me too!! I built a horizontal Murphy bed so I have that part done but I would like to see the plans for the cabinets on either side with the pull out desk!
so very cute!
Thu, 05/14/2020 - 05:53
Perfect idea!
I would love the plans for all of this please! This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you!
Sun, 09/20/2020 - 00:13
Hi Chris Can you advise how…
Hi Chris
Can you advise how I can receive a copy of the sketchup? I love the entire setup from the bed to the additional shelving.
Storage cabinets
We needed extra storage in the living room and I didn’t want to pay mega bucks for our cabinet guy to make something I thought I could do.
Its four ft tall, 3 ft long and 16 inches deep. I added 1x3’s to the sides and 1x4’s to the bottom.
I bought the Kreg shelf pin jig and it was super easy to use. Plan to use it again on a bigger project.
Next is a fireplace and TV surround.
Thanks Ana for the easy to follow plans!
Estimated Cost
$250-300. for both cabinets
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar cabinet paint in cream delight, applied with a sponge roller, 3 coats and sanded in between each coat. Knobs from Hobby Lobby and hinges from Hardware Source.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
DIY LED Corn Hole Boards
These were a lot more work than expected but turned out amazing! I used a drill + jigsaw for the center. To do the designs I printed the logos across 4 sheets of paper each, lined them up, then cut them out. Next, I covered the entire area on the boards I wanted to logo into painter's tape. Then I used my cutouts a a stencil and a box knife to out out the logo. Finally, I prepared for spray paint and spray painted the logos. Pulled the tape off and BAM. Finally a bunch of coats of polyurethane. Lights from Amazon.
chewyTBG
Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor sectional
Loved these easy to follow plans and love our outdoor living room!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 plus cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Farmhouse Storage Bed With Hidden Drawer
Ana, thanks for these plans! They inspired me to make my first bed build. I also want to thank all of you that added brag posts! They gave me ideas for some of the modifications that I made. I did this build by mixing your Queen Farmhouse and Queen Farmhouse Storage bed plans. I also added a number of modifications to suit my own preferences. The drawer boxes I changed by building a faceplate (I didn't want the plywood ends exposed), and by increasing in depth to maximize some additional storage. Since I increased the drawer sizes, I went with the euro roller bearing slides. I increased the foot-board height to be slightly higher than the mattress. I also designed the footboard to have a removable inner section with hidden latches on the inside. I did this because I wanted to make use of the "dead space" between the drawer boxes. I then used this space to house a hidden drawer, that is approx six feet deep (I couldn't help myself-I love hidden drawers 
). Because I added the hidden drawer, I changed the opptional center support to 4X4 blockes that were pocket screwed under the center of the boxes. I ended up using birch plywood and fir for this build. For my first bed build I'm fairly happy with how it came out. Thanks again!
Estimated Cost
I didn't keep exact track of the cost of this bed, but I think it was about $800.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I haven't got there yet, but I am planning on putting a mahogany stain and then a polyurethane. All
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Thu, 12/11/2014 - 07:41
Seriously?!
This is your first build and you did all of those awesome modifications?! Really impressive and it looks perfect! Congrats and welcome to the community!
In reply to Seriously?! by spiceylg
Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:03
Thanks!
Thanks for the compliments! It was a fun learning experience. Making all the modifications definitely slowed down the build, but also made it more rewarding!
Fri, 12/12/2014 - 13:18
4x4s
I just started my bed (mostly out of Baltic Birch) and am wondering where you were able to find such nice 4x4s. Your bed is gorgeous! No luck here. I bought redwood, but really wanted fir for the sharper edges. It's my first project, too. I also bought same drawer slides, but the soft close. Didn't want the slam. I figure building it will be the easy part compared to procuring nice 4x4s! Hope you can help!
Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:01
4x4's
Thanks! The 4x4s I found at a place called Better Living Building Supply. They had a pretty nice assortment of fir, including the 4x4s, so that is why I chose it for the build. Finding the 4x4s slowed down my start on the build. Our local Lowes only had them in treated pine.
Sat, 09/05/2015 - 20:47
Going to attempt but have questions.
Thank you for the pictures, the bed turned out Awesome. I was wondering about the latching system for the foot of the bed. Do you think a piano hinge on the lower would work too? Also on the center drawer did you use rollers or is it just friction? Can't wait to start the build.
Thanks
Mon, 02/15/2016 - 14:11
AWESOME!!!!!!
This is excellent!!! I really like this, so much in fact that the wife is going to have to get used to it too. lol But really, GREAT work! Any chance you could post a pic and or comment about how you attached that removeable end? i think this is the best part! Cheers!
Wed, 10/24/2018 - 23:21
work of art !!!!
How can I get / purchase the plans for the construction of the bed ?
Tue, 12/10/2019 - 08:42
Do you have the build plans?
Beekeeper, Awesome build!!! Have you posted your altered plans anywhere? I'm very interested in your build, I was wondering about some aspects of it and how you approached it. Plans would clear it up instead of bothering you with all my questions.
Mon, 11/16/2020 - 15:42
Bed turned out awesome. I…
Bed turned out awesome. I was wondering if you have the plans for the bed with a list of supplies it took to make this bed. I so want this bed it's just what we are needing
Great job
King Size Farmhouse Storage Bed
This was my first project using your plans. I changed the plans to make the bed King Size. I also hinged the footboard to allow storage in the middle of the bed. I am planning a drawer in the middle as well buy haven't installed that yet.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400-500$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Easy Build Fence Picket Planters
I've been wanting to build this plan for quite some time! Took me about 2 hours to build and 1 hour to finish. Giving these as gifts for Mother's Day! Total cost was about $15 per planter. I scaled down the design after I found the plants I wanted to put in them. Ana has the best and easiest plans!
Built from Plan(s)