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Playhouse

Submitted by Dawnybb on Thu, 11/22/2012 - 09:32

This was so much fun to do! Very easy and I added some personal touches. I made the lower level an enclosed sandbox area with a chalk board on the back wall. On the outside of the back wall, I added a "ball wall" that my kids love. I enclosed the bottom sandbox with plastic "chicken wire" to keep the cats out. :)

Built from Plan(s)
Build a Simple Playhouse Deck
Build a Simple Playhouse - Roof
Build a Simple Playhouse - Back Wall
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dawnybb

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 15:34

Thanks! Glad you like it!

The paint was from Dunn Edwards: Roof was "Louisiana Mud", playhouse walls were "Drifting" and then the white was a snow white from Lowe's.

The slide and accessories were also from Lowe's.

m7hennen

Tue, 04/15/2014 - 09:35

I LOVE this! This is exactly what I'd like to build. Do you have plans you can share with us? I think I'd also like to add a couple of swings on one of the sides too. Thanks so much!

Dawnybb

Sun, 04/27/2014 - 08:39

I know I messed with the dimensions a bit but I don't remember exactly. I made the playhouse larger (deeper and taller than original plans) . I also cut the roof line on the deck side for more room. I put aluminum over the wood on the roof and then painted. The Ball Wall was made out of plastic gutter pieces that I painted and we used practice rubber golf balls to throw into them. I hope that helps! We sold that house, so I can't go out and measure it :)

eegad1973

Thu, 05/28/2020 - 15:32

You may not get this as this is an old post. Did you dig post holes? I have older kids and I am thinking about building a plan like this but at a 6ft height. Wondered how much it moves around when there are a bunch of kids on there. The house I will build is also 6 ft heigh.

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds

I made these for my 81 year-old Grandma, and I will be making some for my own front yard soon. I followed the plans and ripped the fence boards instead of buying the optional 1x2s. My awesome dad showed me how to use the table saw, but the rest I did all by myself! We decided to leave them unfinished for a natural look. It took me about 7 hours total broken up to make all three, but this is my first project and I was slow. Thanks Ana, for inspiring this working Mom to pick up a hammer and get stuff done!

Blog Link
Sunshine On The Chickens
Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds - Narrow Width
Estimated Cost
$13 per bed in fence boards
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Left unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

My First Project: Spinning DVD Rack

Submitted by Dan Y. on Sat, 07/13/2013 - 20:19

I was looking online for a spinning DVD rack to buy when I stumbled across a picture of a custom built rack. I decided to give it a try and this is the result. This is the first project I've done outside of basic shelves and it was a great learning experience. The overall fit and finish isn't quite where I'd like it to be but overall I think it turned out pretty well. I was able to find a 12" lazy Susan at a hardware store that supports over 300lbs and worked perfectly for this project.

I used pocket holes for the shelves, finishing nails for the top and screws for the bottom and lazy Susan. I also used pocket holes to attach the shelf backs and hid them behind the shelves. One thing I definitely won't use next time is spray paint/enamel. The finish isn't nearly as nice as I wanted and it cost far more than I was expecting.

This is also my first time using SketchUp and I'm really impressed with it. I've uploaded a copy of the plans.

Criticism and suggestions are appreciated.

-Dan

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Universal Satin Spray Paint - Espresso Brown
Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:35

I like this spinning DVD unit! Coincidentally, I just finished using spray enamel to redo some cupboard door handles. It's horrible stuff! I ended up sanding it off, and doing it over in flat black. I roughed up the edges with 180 grit to antique them a bit. Looks much better!

2x4 and 2x6 Chairs and Couch

Submitted by clintusaf on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 16:43

I used the Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s plans and slightly modified then to make a 3 seater couch. My cushions(most expensive part) were 24 in x 24 in and purchased from Lowes for $40 per seat. The couch is 79 inches in total length. I also dropped the seat down to the lower level to allow more room for my cushion backs to sit further down into the seat.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s
Modern Outdoor Loveseat from 2x4s and 2x6s
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompsons Waterseal Teak Oil Walnut Semi-Transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Four station desk (PB inspired)

Submitted by monty742 on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 08:58

I really liked the PB mega desk, but I didn't want to spend $1600 on it.  After seeing someone's post here (a couple years ago...) asking for plans on that desk, I decided to do it myself.  I took these two plans and made 4 base units.  They are 18" square at the top and 34" tall.  I used 2 IKEA table tops connected underneath for the top, to make a total height of 36" - counter stool height.  I constructed them a little differently than the plans, but no matter how you make them, the idea is the same.  The plan is to take them apart and make 2 desks once everyone is too old and cool to do homework/artwork together.

Built from Plan(s)
Modular Office - Counter Height Desk Base
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kitchen and Bath finish paint (2 coats) - it's a little shinier than eggshell (I only used it because I had 2 or 3 gallons extra at home :) then 2 coats acrylic top coat matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

monty742

Sat, 08/15/2015 - 04:33

Just seeing your comment...sorry for the delay!  I got the stools and the light fixture at a Ballard Backroom (outlet) store near me.  3 of the stools ended up being about $40 each with the sale they had at the time, and the 4th was $60? - bought at a later time than the first 3.

AlisaH

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 07:40

How did you connect the table tops from the bottom so that the tables were secure together? I'm curious what's the best way to do this. Since two of the four seats will be where the seam is, I want to make sure I secure it properly so it's not wobbly. Thanks so much.

 

monty742

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 05:06

I'm just seeing these latest comments for the first time, so you may have long finished this project already!  The tops were surprisingly sturdy but I did reinforce them.  I placed the tops on the floor upside down and screwed some metal brackets (about 12" long each) across the joint in four places.  I just screwed them in through holes already in the brackets.  This wasn't the most stable because those tops are particle board and don't hold screws very well...  But since it was already pretty sturdy, I figured it would do.  It has been fine, even with standing on the top (kids who get up there and me hanging the light fixture above).

Once the tops were joined, I placed the bases so there was about a 1" overhang on the top.  To hold the top in place, I used small pieces of wood screwed to the underside of the top at the inside corner to act as a placement stop.  The top is pretty big and heavy even though they are IKEA tops, so they don't have a tendency to move or slide at all anyway.  I'm going to try to figure out how to post another picture of the braces and corner stops...we'll see if I can do it!  Let me know if you have any more questions...again, sorry I didn't see this in a more timely manner!

Pmprdwife

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 05:55

Is the photo above the Pottery Barn version or your product result?  I'm trying to figure out the dimensions for the drawer and shelf configurations.  Thanks!  BTW, I'm totally addicted to your style and personality...my husband loves the productivity inspiration I've received. :-)

 

monty742

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 10:17

Hi!

I'm glad you like the desk!  The one in the picture is the one I built, not the pottery barn one!  My dimensions were a good bit different than the PB desk - square bases instead of rectangular and counter stool height instead of desk/table height.  So, I have no idea if I have my plans for this anymore, so I went and measured it again for you!  

So each base is 18" x 18" square and 34" high so that with the 2" top the total height is 36".

 

Each base was made of oak plywood that made with 3 sides, a top and a bottom.  All edges were rabbit joints (3/8" deep in thickness of boards and probably 3/8" wide - not 100% on width of rabbits).  It's kind of a pain to do rabbit joints if you don't have a dado blade for your table saw, so you could use pocket hole screws instead.  I glued and nailed these joints with a finish nailer, I believe.  

I figured a diagram with measurements would be easier than trying to write descriptions...so I'm adding another pic with the dimensions outlined.  Drawing is NOT to scale, so sorry about that!  I really need to learn to use SketchUp.  Let me know if you have any questions!  

Monty742

monty742

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 07:57

Hi!

I'm glad you like the desk!  The one in the picture is the one I built, not the pottery barn one!  My dimensions were a good bit different than the PB desk - square bases instead of rectangular and counter stool height instead of desk/table height.  So, I have no idea if I have my plans for this anymore, so I went and measured it again for you!  

So each base is 18" x 18" square and 34" high so that with the 2" top the total height is 36".

 

Each base was made of oak plywood that made with 3 sides, a top and a bottom.  All edges were rabbit joints (3/8" deep in thickness of boards and probably 3/8" wide - not 100% on width of rabbits).  It's kind of a pain to do rabbit joints if you don't have a dado blade for your table saw, so you could use pocket hole screws instead.  I glued and nailed these joints with a finish nailer, I believe.  

I figured a diagram with measurements would be easier than trying to write descriptions...so I'm adding another pic with the dimensions outlined.  Drawing is NOT to scale, so sorry about that!  I really need to learn to use SketchUp.  Let me know if you have any questions!  

monty742

Thu, 07/28/2016 - 14:13

No you can't buy them from Ikea.  I bought the table tops from Ikea, but I built the bases.  The dimensions for the bases are in one of the additional pictures with the post if you want to see them!

treverandamber

Mon, 10/10/2016 - 07:41

What are the total dimensions of the table top? Thinking of building something like this, but want to make sure it will fit in my space.

Simgre81

Thu, 12/28/2017 - 07:00

Are these just slide in drawers, or did you use some sort of hardware to have them slide in and out?

wooden cooler stand

Submitted by stealth517 on Sat, 04/18/2015 - 20:48

This is the cooler stand presented by Jenny from Birdsandsaoap. Very easy to build and always ends up with someone asking to buy it or have you make them one.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap
Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax gloss polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My laundry basket dresser with doors

Submitted by jensimmons on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 20:19

I wanted to use our laundry basket dresser as a collector for dirty laundry in our bathroom, and wanted it to have doors so it would blend in better. I also made the shelf above for our towels. It is painted white with a faux-zinc finish on the top. I made the top slightly larger so it would overhang and added cute little bun feet. My talented friend Carli helped me build the doors (and by helped I mean I handed her things while she impressed me with all her tools and skills!) and frame.

Built from Plan(s)
Laundry Basket Dresser
Estimated Cost
$75-100 (can't remember exactly)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white semi-gloss paint, zinc faux finish: layer 1 dark charcoal paint, layer 2 dark pewter metallic glaze, layer 3 white paint thinned with water & rubbed on/off.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 07/29/2011 - 23:37

this is perfect! i totally need a bunch just like this! I love the added doors!

Pam in Colorado (not verified)

Sat, 09/17/2011 - 12:48

This is the look I'd like, fit the baskets and hide them behind doors until you are ready to do the laundry. These could be made for bedrooms, bathrooms, toy rooms (okay, toys instead of dirty laundry)...

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:05

I absolutely love this! Could you please add instructions on how to make/paint and install the doors? I am a newbie to making my own furniture. Thanks!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 08:29

I love this idea! I will have a new bathroom soon and I think this will get used! What are the dimensions, or what style cabinet would you suggest to look for? TIA!

Jennifer Simmons (not verified)

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:57

The dimensions are the same as Ana's plan: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser except that the top is slightly bigger (3/4" overhang on front/sides) to look more like a countertop. On the doors we just made a frame w/ angled pieces, routed a notched line on the back & glued/nailed some beadboard in from the back. Sorry I can't be much more detailed on that, a friend did most of the doors for me!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 07:42

I actually got the plywood to do this project and I was going to add doors. I looked at the baskets suggested but it seems they would stick out the front. I was just curious, did you use different baskets that would fit inside the cabinet or did you make the cabinet slightly deeper?

Jennifer Simmons (not verified)

Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:36

Actually I discovered the same problem after it was built. I just didn't put a back on and they stick out a tiny bit in the back. I actually kind of like it that way because it lets some air in (being in the bathroom and putting towels in I could see it getting mildewy without much circulation). But if I had gotten the baskets first I probably would have made it about 2" deeper, then leave some open space, but not all, on the back.

Rustic Farmhouse Table with Distressed Finish

Submitted by petesveen on Tue, 10/15/2013 - 13:06

When I saw Ana's plans I had to make this table for my home. I like the rustic look, and so I distressed the wood using a steel wool and vinegar solution. I modified the top by using four 2x8's and one 2x10. Otherwise everything is the same. It turned out great and everyone who has seen it at my home loves it.

Blog Link
My Rustic Table Build
Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Brushed one coat of steel wool and vinegar. Then brushed on 2 coats of Minwax semi-gloss. Next, I sanded using 400 grit. After sanding, I wiped on a very thin 3rd coat of poly using a clean rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kabarie

Mon, 11/04/2013 - 14:00

The finish you chose just sold this table to me. Love it love it! Great job!

beccalc1981

Fri, 09/05/2014 - 05:55

So very very new to all this wood working but very excited to get started! I LOVE the finished look of this table. I had never heard of steel wool and vinegar, but just googled and can't to try it! Thanks!

charchav

Wed, 11/25/2015 - 07:14

I Love this Table . You should just come to our house and make it for us.LOL

I was just wondering what type of wood did you use? We live in the south east and cant find any Douglas Fir wood. what other wood would you suggest?

thanks Char

Misha1dibbs

Tue, 08/09/2016 - 07:12

The table looks fantastic. I know you built this two years ago. How has the top of the table held up? I am currently working on this table, and I am debating weather or not to use the kreg pocket screws or to use 7/16ths dowels for the body and mortise and tenon joints for the breadboards. However, that is more work than the kreg screws. If the kregs hold up well, than I would rather do that. Anyway, the table looks fantastic.

Modern Outdoor Sectional and Ottoman Tables

Submitted by Storm on Tue, 11/04/2014 - 19:58

Built using 2x4 pressure treated lumber. Made two ottomans with one used as a corner piece. I made that one three inches taller to help keep cushions in place. I also made the sectional back legs taller for more back support. In doing so I had to add an extra cross piece in the sectional back to support the pillows. I love it!! 

Built from Plan(s)
Ottoman or Accent Table for Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional
Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional - Armless Piece with Corner/End Option
Estimated Cost
Approx $450, including pillows
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
WoodRx Semi-Transparent Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Small End Table from 2X4's

Submitted by jbknakal on Sun, 04/10/2016 - 11:55

I made a smaller version of the Tryde End Table with Shelf. I made 2 of them from 6 2X4's

Built from Plan(s)
Tryde End Table with Shelf - Updated Pocket Hole Plans
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Outdoor Patio Set

Submitted by dlangford on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 16:08

Built this over the weekend for my girlfriends sister. It was a great project and the whole family was able to work together on it, sanding and waterproofing it before assembling. The loveseat plans need a little tweaking. We ran ran the slats the same direction as the chair plans call for so we added a middle support for extra stability. We also pitched the seating down towards the back by 5* to make a more natural sitting position.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s
Modern Outdoor Loveseat from 2x4s and 2x6s
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Cedar Natural Tone Waterproofing Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Outdoor Sectional

I scaled back the length of the sofa by a few inches and I made the sectional only one seat to fit my space on the deck. This was my first woodworking project that I did by myself. I got the cushions for more than 1/2 off at Ikea so the whole project cost about $150 ($80 for the cushions). It took me about a week to complete but the total time was less than 10 hours to build and stain. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pittsburgh Paints Stain & Sealant in One for Decks, Fences, & Siding in Walnut. I brushed on the exterior stain just like a paint. I did the top part of the sofa first, then flipped it over and stained the bottom. Read instructions on the label.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dining room sideboard

Submitted by dougw on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 09:12

I made a few modifications from the original plans as I wanted to have some visibility into the cabinets. I used natural pine and finished with a tea, vinegar/steel wool solution to give it the reclaimed wood look.

Built from Plan(s)
Planked Wood Sideboard
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tea then Vinegar/Steel Wool. Protected with wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jessica b

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 23:42

Would you have plans available for the modifications that you made? This is beautiful!!

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by dionneds on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 07:16

This was our first big project with our Kreg Jig. We adapted the plans to make the sofa 8' long. On Friday night, my husband did all the cuts and I pre-painted everything. With the help of our son, we had the whole sofa built in a few hours on Saturday morning. I puttied the visible holes, did a second coat of paint, and made custom cushions. The plans were very easy to follow. I followed the others' advice about pre-painting and assembling the back on a perfectly level surface. It came out better than I expected and it's super comfortable!

Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor Modern Sofa

Comments

kdykes08

Mon, 04/11/2022 - 07:44

I want the plans for this one! I like this style a lot better. I really like how the bottom cushions are at a slant. I suck at modifying plans.

Seasonal And Holiday
Summer

French County Wardrobe

This is probably one of my favorite pieces I have built.  Challenging but fun.  I built it as two separate sections, an upper and lower cabinet to make it easier to carry indoors.  I added a full-extension drawer below for storage. The two-toned paint combination did take a lot of extra time. Because I used an airless spraying to paint I had to tape and cover each section separately. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Simplest Armoire
Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Venus teal and creme brulee by Behr. Dark walnut stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wood Chuck

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 10:43

WOW it looks awesome the extra time spent on the painting was more than worth it looks spectacular. I bet you also could make a great profit selling this Wardrobe either on line or in a consignment shop, if I had the need for one and the money I would defiantly buy one!!

MrCoffee

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 13:54

I love the way the paint job came out on this and I really dig the having the molding on the top stained.

Calmly

Sun, 03/08/2015 - 07:36

This looks awesome! I love the the paint finish and it your profession work

TwoCuteKids

Mon, 03/09/2015 - 17:30

I agree this is your best so far...which is hard to say b/c all your projects are amazing! I love the style, the paint colors, the stained top, and the hardware!

whopua

Tue, 11/10/2015 - 11:13

Are there any available plans? I'd love to make this for my wife!

Anela

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 15:06

It looks really great! 

I have fallen in love with it the second I saw it and somehow I am now convinced that I need a new wardrobe ;) 

I guess you don't have plans for the wardrobe laying around - but would you mind doing a fast sketch (just a simple one on paper) with all the measurements noted? I would be thrilled to try building it myself in the summer. 

Greetings from Germany!

Anela

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 15:07

It looks really great! 

I have fallen in love with it the second I saw it and somehow I am now convinced that I need a new wardrobe ;) 

I guess you don't have plans for the wardrobe laying around - but would you mind doing a fast sketch (just a simple one on paper) with all the measurements noted? I would be thrilled to try building it myself in the summer. 

Greetings from Germany!

petemoore

Mon, 08/22/2016 - 07:32

its very nice but there are no plans

can you put up the plans or email me them please

many thanks

leftysgirl

Tue, 07/18/2017 - 05:43

Are there plans used for this beautiful piece? I do not see any links. Help please!! I absolutely need to make this armoire :) :) 

Full length sliding mirror cabinet

Submitted by mltdblack on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 19:25

I built this for my daughter after building a ladder shelf for my kids bathroom. It took more time to install and adjust the drawer slides and paint the project.  

Built from Plan(s)
Full Length Mirror with Sliding Storage Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$65.00 - I used a slightly larger mirror.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior - Valspar Black Flat Latex
Interior - Valspar Filtered Shade Flat Latex
Top Coat - Minwax Gloss Spray Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

akagracegallag…

Sat, 09/07/2019 - 03:32

Hi mltdblack

Really nice finish on the cabinet.  

It looks like there’s molding on top of your mirror.  

Did you buy a mirror with a frame or buy molding and put it on over the mirror?  

What molding did you use an how did you secure it?  

What size mirror did you use?  Thanks

mltdblack

Fri, 01/07/2022 - 14:14

I am so sorry. This is the first I am seeing your question. The mirror came with a frame and I carefully nailed thru the frame to attach with my 18 gauge nailer. I bought the mirror at Lowe’s and I believe it was 15.5” x 50”. Also, I used full extension soft close drawer slides.

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