Community Brag Posts

Ryan's Washer/Dryer Pedestal

Submitted by zoolander on Fri, 12/05/2014 - 17:25

I loved this design.  I couldn't believe that they wanted to charge me almost $600 for the pedestals for the washer/dryer set that I bought on black friday, so I decided to give this project a go.  I basically used the same construction plans from Sausha's project, but I dressed mine up a bit.  First, I chose a bit larger trim for the tops and bottoms of the posts.  Then, I bought some 2" baseboards and did the top and bottom with baseboards.  On the bottom, I had to use my tablesaw to trim off about 1/2" because I used 1x1" boards on the bottom so that I could have more space for baskets.  Then, on the top, I inverted the baseboard and allowed it to overlap a bit so that if it were to vibrate, the washer/dryer could not fall off the edge.  I also added some fabric on the top (stuff that I use to cover the bunk boards on my boat trailer...kind of like a very thick and durable felt material) to cut down on vibration and also keep the units in place.  Finally, I added sides by using wedge trusses on the inside of my side posts and then I put a 1/8" piece of plywood over top and nailed/glued it to the trusses.

It turned out great.  Thanks for the plans Sausha!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Zlk200

Mon, 12/21/2015 - 17:38

Did you use sanded plywood? Did you use any veneers for the exposed 2x4's to get a smooth finish or did you paint right on it?

lastly, what is the name of the trim you put on the 4x4s? I've hard a hard time finding it. Thank you!

In reply to by Zlk200

zoolander

Wed, 06/29/2016 - 13:59

Sorry for the super delayed response.  I didn't realize this question was here.  I did not plane anything.  I did sand the surfaces a bit, but I didn't get too crazy.  I put 3 thick coats of paint on it which made it pretty smooth.  If you look very closely in person, you can still see a bit of wood grain, but it is only noticable if you really get down and look.  I did use a lot of wood putty to fill all of the gaps and crevaces and then I sanded those parts pretty well.  

 

With regard to the trim, the top literally just standard baseboard material turned upside down, and then the little trim on the tops and bottoms of the 4x4s is just another standard strip of moulding that I got from Lowes.  I think they call it "Chair Rail" moulding.  Its the stuff that you put down if you are doing some sort of paint separation or wainscoting.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/1-625-in-x-12-ft-Mdf-Chair-Rail/3403018

I used woodglue on all of the moulding and tacked it on with a nail gun.  Then I filled all of the nail holes with wood putty and also use the putty to fill gaps where the corners came together to make that look smooth.

I hope that helps...you are probably already done with your project by now, but I figured that I would answer anyway.  :)

DIY Learning Tower / Kitchen Helper

Our little one may be happily playing independently but the second I go to make dinner she demands to be held and refuses to be put down, making cooking impossible. To help keep her occupied but still involved I've been eyeing a learning tower / kitchen helper on Amazon for months now, but at $200 it just wasn't in our budget. My sister-in-law had made a learning tower from a plan by Ana White and suggested I try to make one too. I was unsure at first, I've never made anything more complicated than a birdhouse, but I decided to give it a go!

Please see my blog post for additional photos and lessons learned during this project.

Built from Plan(s)

Modern Farmhouse Bed Frame

Submitted by SofiaTaz on Thu, 01/06/2022 - 23:15

I love how this bed frame turned out! Everywhere that has stain is cedar and the rest is all scrap spruce. Thanks for another great plan Ana!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Inspired by the Farmhouse Bed..... for my Dog!

Submitted by dmanar33 on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 20:15

Inspired by Ana's Farmhouse Bed plans, I built this dog bed for my Jack Russell. I measured and planned for it to comfortably fit two standard bed pillows (in waterproof covers of course!). She loves it!

Estimated Cost
$20ish
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and latex eggshell paint with glaze on top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mgoodlin

Thu, 10/03/2013 - 08:49

I love this dog bed and want to make it for my puppy's Christmas gift. Where can I find or purchase the plans to make it?

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by jphbgsu on Sun, 09/06/2015 - 19:48

The project went relatively well. Had to readjust in order to fit our king. I used 2x4s and 2x4 joist hangers to support the mattres. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum ebony stain and satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Park Bench

Submitted by TaylorMade on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 18:42

HI Ana! Just wanted to tell you thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I really got inspired reading your book and looking through your website. I was quite intimidated but I finally completed my first build. It feels amazing and I am so grateful for your help! XO Sarah Taylor

Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

10 foot long Provence Table with 4x4's

My mom was looking for a new outdoor table, and asked me to come up with something. I found the link for these plans (http://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2011/04/free-diy-furniture-plans-t…) to knock off Restoration Hardware's $4000 Provence Beam outdoor table. Overall I liked the plan, with the chunkier look of the 4x4's. But there were a lot of errors in the diagrams, and the finished height is 34" which is ridiculously tall for a table. So we took it apart and cut the legs back down to change the finished height to 30". We chose rough-cut cedar for it's look and outdoor properties, not wanting to use treated lumber for a dining table. We couldn't find 2x10's like the plan, so we substituted seven 2x6's just like Ana's plan, but left a 1/2" gap in between so water can drain and not pool on top and rot the wood. Also, since we were working with 4x4's for the legs, we chose heavy duty lag bolts instead of screws to join them together. I love the finished look they give. Overall it's a sturdy, yet lightweight table that my mom loves and has already used for entertaining!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
outdoor sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

brookifer86

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 10:02

Thanks Brook! It was so much fun to build. I put my dad and husband to work while I was the "project manager" ;)

Cubby/Bookshelf/Corner Desk Combo

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/18/2017 - 20:40

This is a mashup of several plans, combined into one big, bad ass, office desk. I've had a little experience years ago in high school woodworking classes, but haven't really built much since. This reminded me how much I enjoy working with wood. So rewarding to be typing this message at my new office desk!

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax "Early American"
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

treemeagher

Wed, 08/19/2020 - 06:25

This is amazing! So amazing could I ask you to share with me what prices from the collection of plans you used and how? I’m looking at your pic trying to figure out how to incorporate the plans you used. I want to build one for myself lol fantastic job!!!!

Cat Tree/Condo

Submitted by Joni on Sat, 05/11/2013 - 07:22

I always wanted a cabin-type cat tree where my cats could crawl in and feel safe, but still have a great view of the birds out of a window. I tried to draw my vision on paper, but that had a hideous result. Learning Google SketchUp (at least the basics) was an absolute necessity. I could never have built this without drawing it in 3D first, and seeing how the boards would connect, etc.

For the scratch pad, I built a frame out of 2x4s on top of plywood, covered it with carpet, and dropped the standard size scratch pad in place. This is the cat's favorite feature. I put barn doors on the window with tiny hinges so that I can close for added privacy. The tree sits against a window so that the back side is totally open. I made cozy zippered cushions for the platforms (that can be taken off and washed). I covered the carpeted areas with spare carpeting.

Estimated Cost
Approx. $30 for can of paint, varnish and a 4x4 (all other was scrap material)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Combination of Minwax Water-based stains: 6 parts Colonial Pine: 1 part American Walnut, followed 3-4 coats Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bhoppy

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 09:36

Would you mind sharing your dimensions for this? It is absolutely beautiful!

Jodi W

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 08:10

Do you have the plans somewhere? I really want to build this (even got the okay from the hubby!) but I don't think I could do it without some serious guidelines...

Joni

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 15:55

First, sorry for the late notice; I just happened to look and saw the comments/questions.

I don't have plans...all I have is a google sketchup diagram that I created as a guideline for my construction (which is included in the photos), which is not to scale. Actual measurements are:

* Base (green carpeted base): 33.5" x 19"
* 4x4 legs: 35" tall
* 'Mezzanine' scratch pad level: 22" x 17.5"
* Mid-level base: 18" x 32"
* Enclosed cabin: 18.25" x 22.5" x 17" high
* Highest point: 56"

This has turned out to be a fantastic hit with the cats. They use all 5 levels, but the scratch pad and cabin are their favorite spots. If you need anything else or additional pics, please contact me.

Jodi W

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 18:15

Thanks for the dimensions, Joni! I'm trying to learn SketchUp so I can draw up my own plans, also. If I can't figure it out, I'll hand it off to my 12 year old, who is a pro at it (go figure). I know my cats will love it if I can manage to get it built!

Joni

Thu, 10/31/2013 - 14:30

Bhoppy -- I looked at your cat tree on facebook. It's awesome! The sturdiness of it shocked me too. And I was initially worried that my cats might knock it down!!

The worst part of building it was getting that lower scratch pad level on straight with the 3 posts. I'd never want to do that again!
Thanks for sharing, Joni

gregmasciola

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 01:18

Funny, almost every time I'm looking for ideas or inspiration when I want to build something, I end up back on this site. I was searching for pictures of cat trees and this was the only one that made me say "Holy crap, that's EXACTLY what I want!" My cat will love it!

M0710NM4N

Mon, 04/27/2020 - 20:41

Not sure if anyone is still around to see this, but I fell in love with this tree the second I saw it. Wondering if anyone created a detailed plan and might have it handy or possibly a detailed sketchup and wouldn't mind sharing the save file?

In the event nobody has either... I'm planning on having someone else build this for me as I don't have the tools nor skill to do it myself. I have a few questions:

1. The tree base/platform, what's a good recommended thickness?
2. The platform for the scratchpad... is there any certain reason it's so much thicker compared to the other platforms?

Thanks.

whiteroses9

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 11:51

Reverse engineering this project, using just 2x4s. None of the photos show the undersides. How are the plywood pillow bases attached for the top and bottom of the cabin? and the base of the top viewing platform?

DIY Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/12/2021 - 17:37

My very first project. Was so easy thanks to Ana's instructions. Dark walnut gel stain and Fusion Seaside. Thank you so much Ana.

Comments

DIY Rustic Sideboard

I worked on this project over the course of a few months, and I absolutely love the result! I posted all the info at my blog: http://www.designatedspacedesign.com/2017/10/01/a-rustic-sideboard/

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted it repose gray by sherwin williams. The top is a mixture of dark walnut and weathered gray stains.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Dog kennel

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 06:54

In January, I came across your plans for the farmhouse, coffee table. I made it, and loved it! I had been wanting a new spin on kennels for our dogs. And thought your coffee table transformed into a dog kennel would be perfect, and they are!!

Comments

HouseHomemade.us

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/16/2016 - 04:09

We had a great time making this desk! I was so thankful for the inspiration and now I have a new favorite spot in our home.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dining Table and Chairs

This was my first table - I added extensions by notching out the end 2x4's and making extensions that slide into the pockets. There were a few mistakes I made that will be corrected when I build my next.
I modified the length of the table down to 5 feet long, but with the extensions in it goes up to 8'. The table is also 34" tall due to a giant husband and Great Dane. The chairs were likewise modified in height and I made the backs a bit fancier using 1x2's and a nail gun.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Chairs are painted and waxed, table is stained and polyurethaned. When I do my next table it will be waxed.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic hall tree with alterations

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/19/2020 - 11:36

A few alterations I made to your original design plans:
1. I went with 1/2” plywood and bead board for the back. This gave it a little more stability and a complimentary design element to match other pieces I’ve built.
2. I used 2x3’s instead of 2x2’s since the selection was much better at the lumber store.
3. For the bench top I used a black walnut slab cut to size finished with a danish oil and satin poly top coat.
4. Instead of the X, I enclosed the sides and used a pair of parallel 2x3’s backed with poplar boards cut to size.

Thanks! I hope you enjoy.
Chad Cote

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco walnut danish oil
General Finishes satin top coat
General Finishes Antique White milk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tiny Apartment Table

Submitted by mcnessa on Mon, 09/05/2016 - 15:05

Modified the plans somewhat to accommodate the limitations of my daughter's tiny studio apartment. Took 4 inches off the width, centered a cart type base, and put it on wheels so she can use it as a desk or roll it into the kitchen space when she has company.

Also used 1x4 inches boards for the white boxes and used one board the length of the back and put hinges on all 3 top sections.  Drilled a hole with a gromet in the center section so she can feed a powercord through to her laptop.

 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Used Varathane Red Mahogany wood stain and sealed it with polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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