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Miter Saw Modification

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2016 - 20:55

I followed the plans as listed pretty closely. I added a 2x4 under the main shelf for extra support, and used 2x4s instead of 2x2s at the bottom, so I could have something to attach the casters to. I also opted for 1x3 braces, rather than the hinges to hold up the sides. I need to add the fence and paint it white.

Blog Link
DennisSchmicke.com
Built from Plan(s)
Miter Saw Cart
Estimated Cost
$80-100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint (forthcoming)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Garden Beds

Submitted by Deekra on Sat, 06/07/2014 - 16:31

I used the basic Raised cedar garden bed plans with a few alterations. I made them different sizes, stacked one on top of the other for some dimension in my garden and secured them together from in inside.

Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds - Narrow Width
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY Greenhouse Project -Added elevated raised beds & temp/humidity control

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/05/2020 - 09:09

We loved this greenhouse plan from AnaWhite and wanted to be able to grow in 3 seasons so we modified the design to include humidity & temperature control & 18" deep elevated cedar beds inside with 4x4 posts for support and trellis option. We added electricity in order to have a lighted workspace and the ability to put in a circulating fan to control mold and fungus. We added 2 work tables (2x2') on the inside of the door left and right side door in order to do seed trays & store supplies. This was a wonderful project for my husband and my plants inside are doing incredibly well compared to my outside garden beds here in zone 5. Products used:

Foundation
We had a landscape company come and scape/dig a platform and then fill/compact with crushed rock
My husband then used rebar driven into a 4x4 frame in order to secure the frame to the ground and create a base upon which to build the greenhouse

Active ventilation
AC Infinity Cloudline T8 Inline duct fan
Air king range hood wall cap 8" on the bottom outside of the greenhouse wall for air intake + flex 8" duct to the fan itself
Shelter logic autovent automatic shelter vent kits (1 on each side of the front wall) in order to allow air intake from the bottom back of the greenhouse under the elevated beds to flow to the front of the greenhouse and out
Circulating fan- Hurricane wall mount fan 16" - this fan has 3 speeds with tilt function and small mounting bracket

Soil - sourced 3 yards of 50/50 loam/compost from local landscaping supply
60% loam
30% organic compost
10% organic topsoil + perlite

Soil beds
-cedar frame 2 feet wide along sides, 3 feet wide on the back wall
-galvanized metal roofing with holes drilled into it for drainage
-landscape cloth lined

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Greenhouse
Estimated Cost
$2000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

Scrapped the Sliding Barn Doors, Rustic Cabinet Doors Instead

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 12:15

Changed up the plan a little, shortened the overall length, which changed the size of the door openings, but the biggest change was making four cabinet doors instead of two exposed sections and two sliding barn doors.  Used Lowe's chalk paint products.  Made this a dresser for our cabin in Maine.

Blog Link
Modern Barn Project
Built from Plan(s)
Grandy Barn Door Console
Estimated Cost
$150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American, Lowe's chalk paint and antiquing wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Basement Shelving....

Time to get organized in 2017....and what better way than with some custom shelving. This was not too bad of a project to complete. It only took about 6-8 hours to cut, frame, and assemble everything together (thanks to an interruption or two). 'Twas nice to have a project for once that I didn't have to care about finishing the project with wood filler, sanding, painting. I am sure my wife thanks me more as I would have been another week getting things just right​​​​​! 

A few changes that I made from the original plans:

- used 2x8 for the shelving runs as I only was dealing with a 10ft run and was a few bucks cheaper to buy 8 boards vs 16 boards. Plus less cuts!!! 

-installed adjustable furniture feet in the supports to deal with sloping basement floor. Unexpected side effect was it was easier to slide the unit around in the basement as I assembled it. 

Outside of those changes I remained faithful to the original design. I didn't bother filling the screw holes as we will be hiding the shelving unit with a curtain once  we turn the room into a TV/Office area. 

Also as it wasn't 100% clear from the original plans, but the height measurements for the shelf supports are to center... not sure why it didn't register with me right away... but just in case anyone else didn't realize that as well. 

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Garage Shelves [Freestanding]
Estimated Cost
$150 for wood, screws, wood glue, and adjustable furniture feet
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Storage Bed With Hidden Drawer

Submitted by Beekeeper on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 17:35

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 wink). 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

spiceylg

Thu, 12/11/2014 - 07:41

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!

Beekeeper

Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:03

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!

beckbg

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 13:18

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!

Beekeeper

Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:01

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.

athingvall

Sat, 09/05/2015 - 20:47

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

Codding58

Mon, 02/15/2016 - 14:11

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!

Kmaynard19

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 08:42

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.

NinjaPinky

Sat, 06/20/2020 - 09:06

I, like many others, have been wondering if you'd share your plans for this modification. It just looks so great!

tammis50401

Mon, 11/16/2020 - 15:42

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

Potting table

Submitted by OlgaB on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 17:15

Potting table, was easy to build, very strong and stable because of the size of the wood used. It's a big table -- an entire dog fits inside :)

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Potting Bench
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Ready Seal, Burnt Hickory
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Wed, 02/03/2021 - 10:32

I love your comment about an entire dog fitting inside, get that dog a work belt, lol! What a wonderful project, love the woodsy setting for your photo! Great job:)

Boys Room Makeover

Submitted by agarrigan on Mon, 03/11/2013 - 14:08

My husband and I made this for our boys last spring, while we were still in our old house. It's a modification of Ana' loft bed, with stairs that I drafted myself, a smaller version of Ana's flat bookshelf at the top, and a modification of Ana's dresser bookshelf from the cabin collection underneath. It has tons of storage and a tunnel/hiding spot that goes under the back step all the way through the dresser bookshelf. My boys loved this, and it made a huge difference in their room. Oh Ana, where would I be without you? Thanks for the great plans and inspiration.

Oh, and if you want to see more pictures including before and after shots of the boys room, check out my blog.

http://theelusivebobbin.blogspot.com/2012/03/finding-space-aka-boys-roo…

Blog Link
The Elusive Bobbin
Built from Plan(s)
How to Build a Loft Bed
Flat Wall Book Shelves
Dresser Bookshelf Support for Cabin Bunk System
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Flat latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

robsaem

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 07:52

I absolutely LOVE this bed design.  Do you have a complete set of plans for this bed?  I tried to follow the separate plans for each part, but it is a little confusing.  I am a newbie, so wanted to make sure I do this right.   Thanks so much!  Robin

Sandbox with Benches

Submitted by cscottrun on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 10:33

We altered the original plan by enlarging the sandbox (approx 5' x 6') which made for wider benches that can comfortably seat an adult.  The benches and back rests are three boards deep instead of two.  We added 2x12 supports under the benches for additional support, as well as another 2x4 support in the middle of the backrest.

Built from Plan(s)
Sand Box with Built-In Seats
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Farmhouse Dining Room Table

Submitted by SaraLodise on Mon, 04/27/2015 - 06:18

Farmhouse dining room table built for my mom. Unstained.

Table top is 2" White Pine Boards, legs are cedar, and everything else is whitewood studs. Left the leg assemblies and stretcher board unattached for the two hour transport to Charlotte.  Attached them with screws and some glue upon arrival. Loved the plan and finished in two days!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket Hole Plans
Estimated Cost
White Pine 2x8s = $183
Cedar 4x4 = $48
Whitewood studs = $10
Screws/filler/plugs = $25
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Raised Garden Beds - 3 Tiers

Steps:

1) Cut the boards to the specs below or adjust to your space

2) Kreg Jig the cut boards along each of the sides (length wise and on the ends) for attaching and making a box.  

3) Make 3 separate boxes, don't assemble until you move to location.  I used 4x4 cedar posts in the corners of the base box to add stability.  I used 2x2 pine in the front corners of boxes 2 and 3 for stability.  Install these after the dirt has been added so you can hammer in as a stake, attach with screws on front and sides.  I created 2 stakes for boxes 2 and 3 and added to the front to prevent bowing when the dirt is added.

Box Dimensions:

1) (base) 70.5" L x 46 W x 4 cedar boards high

2) 70.5" L x 32 W x 2 cedar boards high

3) 70.5" L x 16 W x 2 cedar boards high

Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds - Narrow Width
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Planter Boxes

Submitted by KaityJene on Wed, 07/17/2013 - 19:59

They were simple to make and the plan was easy to follow. The only modification I made was adding the 1x3 topper in place of the longer legs sticking out of the top.

Blog Link
Engineering A Home - Large Cedar Planters
Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Planters with 2x2 Legs
Estimated Cost
$23
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson's Water Seal which I just brushed on using a cheap paint brush.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Debi G

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 06:36

Adding these to my to-do list for spring (yes, I plan ahead). I'm thinking of elevating and elongating them to fit around a bay window.

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

Bedside Tables

Submitted by cjlaw on Sun, 09/06/2015 - 12:29

These tables were easy to build.  We ended up using paint and stain to give the tables a distressed look.  They will make a great addition to our guest bedroom.  

Built from Plan(s)
Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table Plans
Estimated Cost
About $30 each.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We used both paint and stain for a distressed finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple 2x4 potting bench modified to include antique window.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2022 - 17:10

I made this for my Mom as a birthday gift. I adjusted the dimensions a bit to accommodate the window, gave it a shabby chic look, and then added some decorative hardware. Very happy with the result!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple 2x4 Potting Bench with Slatted Back

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Folding Workbench

Submitted by MrsCordz on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 07:47

We chose this project because we have a small garage and space is at a premium.  The dimensions of this build fit well in our limited space and allowed us to organize items such as paint, stain, screws and nails into one central location. I chose 2x4's on the sides to give it a more stable feel. Our garage and parking lot are all sloped and with the 2x4's this prevented the twisting. It feels solid and the wheels are smooth. We picked everything up at Home Depot. The screws that came with the hinges are to long and my husband used the Dremel to grind them down. You could just buy shorter screws.  This is one of my firsts builds and I've definitely learned a lot of lessons along the way. Measure, measure, then measure again before you cut a piece and use a level surface to make level pieces. Overall, everyone in my family played a part in helping me build this piece and so I love it and will cherish this piece and the memories always. Thanks Ana for all your fun videos, sharing your life with your family, and providing resources like this plan to us for free. I'm thankful for my son who bought me a compound miter saw for Mother's Day and other family for buying me a Ryobi circular saw. I'm truly blessed and loved. Thanks

Built from Plan(s)
Folding Workbench
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I'm leaving it in the raw due to the nature of the piece. I may put a clear coat on it later.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Finished the Simple Bed! (Twin)

Submitted by reyncloud on Thu, 07/19/2012 - 20:53

Just finished this Twin Size Simple Bed direct from the Ana White plans. This is my first project that I've completed, and it went well! The plans were great, and my only advice would be to take your time. I know that some people don't like to paint the wood, but this white just fit the room perfectly. As a side-note, this bed is SOLID and very heavy! Amazing what a difference real wood is to the stuff you get at the furniture store.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Bed (Twin Size)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Menards flat bright white interior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Amie (not verified)

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 12:49

I am looking into making this bed but into a bunkbed, but I am afraid of doing a bad paint job....any suggestions?? Should I paint prior to putting together? Thank you your detoured out GREAT!!!

reyncloud

Thu, 07/26/2012 - 05:20

Hi Amie! After putting this all together and then sanding and painting, I think this time around (I'm making a 2nd one), I'll cut the pieces according to the cut list, then sand and paint the pieces before putting them together. The painting wasn't too bad to do after putting it together, but the sanding was difficult with some of the angles on the head and footboard. I'll update this after I do it this other way..good luck with your project!! It's very satisfying to see the finished result after you finish!

Ahab (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 13:35

I just priced this out and the lumber comes to $130 for decent pine...

reyncloud

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 16:00

Hi Ahab.. One thing I've figured out from reading posts is that the cost of lumber (and pine) varies widely across regions. Each store also has different grades of lumber available. If you take the time to go through lumber piles and choose boards that are straight you can save a fair chunk of change. Just my 2 cents.. Good luck with your project though!

Medickep

Thu, 12/18/2014 - 16:36

I have a question on how the rails connect to the head and foot board. I think the original plans have you make a box out of 2x2's, Do the 2x2's just screw to the headboard and footboard? This seems like the easiest, unless you want to take it apart and move it! Anyone have ant thoughts on this?

Two Camp Loft Beds

Submitted by Tjslove04 on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 21:00

Ana read my mind! I was telling my husband that I wanted "L" shaped loft beds for our girls abouttwo weeks before she posted these plans! As soon as I saw them we went and got our lumber. So excited to have these done and the girls love them!

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$75 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Bher premium paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mskatiesartstudio

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 13:05

I saw another post where they did horizontal 2x4s instead of stairs. I see that you did one of each. Could you tell me what your thoughts are on how the kids like them....if the 2x4 steps are easy to get up and down on....
We are adopting and we're not sure what age children we will get....so, I want to make sure they are easy to navigate. Any thoughts???

Thank you!

Tjslove04

Tue, 09/03/2013 - 09:30

we id the stairs for our 3 year old and the ladder for our 5 year old. She has no problem getting up and downthem but our 3 year old doesn't like to come down the ladder ones. The stairs are really nice and make the bed easily accesable even for me. =)

melncurt

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 18:48

What are the overall dimensions with the two landing areas and stairs? I really like this idea, but the bedroom is not super big. Thanks!

Pallet wood potting bench.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 19:34

Thank you Ana for the great plans! We adapted the project for wood we had on hand. It is only 40 inches wide instead of 42”. Our widest pallet board was only 40”.
Thank you for continuing to inspire us! We made two couches a couple of months ago. Great plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple 2x4 Potting Bench with Slatted Back
Estimated Cost
Box of screws!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Potting bench.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Full Storage Bed

I built the Full Storage Bed using Ana's plans!  It was very easy and I love the storage space!  You can see it and my modifications at our blog http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/03/crates-for-storage-bed.html

Blog Link
Full Storage Bed
Built from Plan(s)
Full Storage (Captains) Bed
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut stain and Minwax Polycrylic Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate