Community Brag Posts

Baby Cradle

Made this from typical dimensions of other cradle plans online and designed it off the cuff. Years ago, my dad made a cradle for me. I thought this would be a fun project to make for friends and family for their new little bundles of joy. The bottom is braced with the idea that older children will probably be playing in it. It was tested up to 65 lbs. All for approximately $60 with the mattress. Hopefully the recipients like it as much as we enjoyed building it. 

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Light Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Chicken Run with Turkey House

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:03

My daughter helped me build this enclosure. We used Ana's chicken run plan, but just made it taller so we could walk in easily. We added an overhang to store food and pellets under, for the supports we used Ana's easy shelves angle support plan, and finally we used the playhouse base plan for the base of turkeys house. All plans used are linked below. We ran the chicken wire out under the structure and still need to bring in some large rocks or pavers, but so far no issues with predators. Turkey was getting too big to fit in the smaller coop, so we decided to have fun with his house and used cedar fence pickets and some treated 2x4's, built a box and jig sawed the shape of a turkey. As you can see in the first photo the ladder for turkey wasn't big enough, all the other chickens were in his house, lol. So I beefed up the ladder and he happily can put himself up at night now:) Overall a super successful project, I wasn't sure what to do with the top and just at that point, the neighbor walked over and offered the metal, talk about a huge win and the perfect solution! We attached the run to the previous smaller structure and now they have so much more room and are laying like crazy:) Finally, I think this would make a great dog kennel as well...

Ten Dollar Cedar Raised Garden Beds

Submitted by kelli224 on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 19:19

Since moving and finding Knock Off Wood, we decided now would be a good idea to try some gardening (again...after failed attempts!) These beds are so simple but beautiful out in the yard and for the first time I actually have vegetables growing. We used the cedar fence posts just as Ana suggested.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

King Farm House Bed

My husband designed this after the farm house bed. I wanted panels on the head board and foot board to "dress it up a bit" and storage drawers. He did a wonderful job. I don't think I have ever had a more prized piece of furniture. Now to find some tall night stands.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Off white oil based semi gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

vanash2012

Wed, 09/23/2015 - 11:54

Any chance you or your husband would share the adjusted plans to include the storage under mattress?

Thank you so much! love your site and your work!

vanessalust

Thu, 01/21/2016 - 21:52

Hi Ana! 

I was wondering if you had the plans available for this bed with the drawers underneath and the head and foot board ? 

 

:) thank you!

vanessa

nateleejohnson

Fri, 02/10/2017 - 05:27

What a beautiful bed.  Like others I was looking for the plans for the headboard and drawers.  Are they available?

Thanks,

 

Nate

danthony313

Sun, 12/17/2017 - 16:03

the wife loves this design but are there plans for the whole thing yet?

Tacoma9596

Wed, 09/25/2019 - 10:40

Ana,

   Can you provide plans with pics for this bed?   My wife wants it and I got tasked with doing it.

Farm House Table and Benches

Submitted by markelll on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:28

I wanted a big rustic farm table, didn't want to drop thousands on one from a store, so I decided to make my own!

I built it in the (formerly empty) dining room, with tarp on the floor and plastic to seal the doorways.

Was a big project and my first project so I started with the benches as this site and users recommended.

I used the farm house bench plan - just shortened the dimensions so that I could have two benches on either side of the table. Then I merged the two table plans so that I could have the top with the bread boards but legs that attached underneath (like the rustic table) so that they could be removed when we move. I'll work to upload my plans too.

Used Minwax Wood Stain in "english chestnut" and Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer (instead of a Polyurethane).

Estimated Cost
approximately $300 (for wood, finish, sand paper, stain, screws..)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax "English Chestnut" and
Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer to finish.

I prepped the wood by sanding it down to 220 (could have done an even better job sanding, and sanded the table and bench tops even finer).
Used a sponge brush to apply the wood stain, wiped off rather quickly (only a few minutes on the wood).
Used brush to apply Deft Sating Wood Brushing Lacquer. Used spray can of Deft when I ran out of liquid. Didn't go on as thick. Although using a brush is more of a hassle, it had a better coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:18

Your use of short benches makes the set more family and guest friendly. I usually hand rub my finish, I think i want to build this and probably use 0ak 2X12's (know it will be heavy).

Suggestions?

I will use it on a Florida roofed concrete deck for an outdoor dining area. Typically more formal dinners. Deck overlooks beautiful cove.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 11:00

Can you explain how you merged the plans to add the bread boards? I would love to do the same!

Jeff (not verified)

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:09

This is exactly what I am looking for in a table to build. We want bread boards on the end and we don't want stretchers on the bottom. How did you combine the two to do this. Can you send me a copy of your plan? [email protected]

Kimberly Dassel (not verified)

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:35

Could you please send me the plans for this table? I love it and would love to attempy making it. Thanks so much!

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 15:53

Your farm table and benches were exactly what I was looking for. Please send me the plans if they are available. Thanks

Faye Sawatzky (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 19:23

I would love a copy of the plans for this gorgeous table you made. I am inspired.

Kelly Lucas (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 15:26

Would love, love the plans for this project if you are willing to share. Many thanks! :)

danno2084

Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:57

I'm sure you've heard this a hundred times already, but we've been looking for a very long time for a table like this. We would also love the plans if you're sharing. Thanks for the great blog!

jsh2001

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 07:47

Getting ready to build my own and now you have me thinking I prefer this design with no stretchers on the bottom. Looks great!!!

Mammavof3

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 20:12

Can I please please please have the plans? I have a very narrow dining area and this table is PERFECT. Thanks

PorkyPok

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 13:30

I too would really love/need these plans. PLEASE. Thanks :)

Cbreck21

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 14:30

I would REALLY like the plans for his version as well. I am going to combine them. Can someone ask him to post or his he sending via email? If so, [email protected]

Thank you SO much!!!

wendykeeler

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 09:48

just bought a cabin and need all sorts of furniture. I love what you did and would sure love to have your plans and how you merged the two----both for the table and especially for the benches. Trying to do a 10' table for huge family gatherings. Thanks so much! You rock!

Sarina88

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 14:28

This table and bench set is exactly what I am looking for. You did such a great job!

Do you have plans that you wouldnt mind sending to my email? [email protected]

KailuaGirl

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 14:25

Hi There!
It seems like there are no replies to the many requests for the merged plans.
I'm guessing he used the top of one set of plans and the bottom portion of the other set of plans?? I will attempt to tweak myself..
Good Luck!

markelll

Fri, 01/09/2015 - 19:54

Hi everyone,
Well I didn't see all these comments! Sorry to have ignored your requests for plans!

This is the bench I made (I did four of these, and adjusted the measurements so they were each about 40" long)
http://ana-white.com/2011/01/farmhouse-bench

I was going to do this table, because it matches the benches, but decided I wanted a table with removable legs so it would be more maneuverable when we move!
http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html

I ended up using more of this plan in terms of how I assembled it, but adjusted the plans to have the tabletop include breadboards (the plank on top perpendicular to the long tabletop planks) and I used 4x4s for legs, plus the top was from 2x8s not 1x10s. I put in the optional cross supports too, and additional supports under the breadboard to connect it to the table frame and table top slats.. this is more info than you need, all to say, plans are flexible and you can do what you want!
http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-very-rustic-table-and-cool.html

Sorry I don't have detailed notes. I was very picky about the dimensions (based on space) and how high I wanted the table (about 1.5" taller than a normal table). I also measure the distance between the underside of the table and the tops of the benches so I could cross my legs under the table (an odd requirement).

Happy Building!

brentlbg

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 15:10

I like the english chestnut stain. That works so well with this type of lumber. Great job. I plan to use the same stain on the Tryde coffee table I am building. Thanks for sharing your work!!!

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

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Black Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

6'x6' Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/20/2016 - 19:22

I found these plans online and was just waiting for the kids' grandpa to come out and build it. Could be built in one afternoon (depending on how many trips to your local Home Depot, and availability of the correct tools)
Modifications from original plan:
6x6 instead of 4x4
Brackets to hold patio umbrella for shade
Added seat gussets for additional support
Added "wooden flange" around bottom of box to run lawnmower on
One additional center back support on each bench
One centered handle (instead of a handle on each end)
Stapled landscape weed barrier fabric onto the bottom
Sanded all exposed edges

Materials:
4@2x10x8'
12@1x6x6'
2@2x6x12'
8 hinges
2 handles
3 1/2" decking screws (for attaching 2"x boards)
1 5/8" decking screws (for attaching 1"x boards)
2+ 1 1/4" 2-hole straps for metal conduit (for attaching patio umbrella*)
*Our patio umbrella pole was 1 1/2" diameter, but 1 1/2" straps had too much play, so we used 1 1/4" straps and misc flat washers to adjust the snugness to the pole
Cut lengths:
2@2x10 cut to 72" (long sides of the box)
2@2x10 cut to 69" (short sides of the box)
Cut one each of the following out of a 12 footer:
2@2x6 cut to 75" (long side "flange")
2@2x6 cut to 64" (short side "flange")
No cuts were made to the 12 1x6's
Used one leftover 2' from the 2x8x10's ripped in half cut to 11.5" for arm rests
Used two leftover 2' sections from the 2x8x10's ripped in half cut to 21" for back supports
Used the last 2' cutoff to make two seat gussets (cut about 9 1/2" off and then ripped it at 45 degrees)
Used the remaining piece (ripped in half length-ways) to attach to the center of the backrest for additional support and as the attachment point for our handles
We decided to do one handle in the center of the backrest so one reasonably strong adult could open the lid
The bottom "flange" was assembled with the box upside down. Basically a 2x6 screwed to the bottom edge of the box allowing 1 1/2" overhang all the way around
After making cuts, but before assembly, we recommend using a quarter-sheet pad sander (or similar) with 60 grit paper to break all of the edges and round over any ends or corners that will be in contact with sandbox users
Followed other general assembly instructions

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300 with umbrella and sand
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We live in a very arid climate (Utah) so we chose not to varnish or paint this project
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Secretary/Storage cabinet

Submitted by Kirch3333 on Mon, 11/02/2015 - 05:39

Inspired by the Tall Secretary with mail slots but with my own twist/needs incorporated in it. Finished with pure white satin paint.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pure white Behr satin enamel paint, finished with Varathane Matte Soft Touch Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Lift Top Coffee Table - Rustic X Style

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/04/2016 - 18:55

Just wanted to do something a little more original.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kitteny

Tue, 02/07/2017 - 06:33

Could you please provide the plans for this table? Looks perfect for what I need. Thanks!

Radiator Covers

Submitted by pde00311 on Mon, 02/24/2014 - 22:15

We loved the radiant air in our new early 20th century house, but as our daughter learned to crawl, we needed to prevent her little fingers from touching the two radiators that were still uncovered. After I finished my first few builds, I custom designed these radiator covers with 1x2s, 1x3s 2x2s and 1x12s. Needless to say, I got a ton of use out of my Kreg Jig. On the middle panel of the larger cover, I used a bit of decorative metal that they sell at the Big Box stores (of course, it would have been easier to use more of it, but I am a bit paranoid about little fingers touching a metal cover). For a final touch, I covered the top of the larger cover with decorative glass. For the smaller cover, I matched the distressed pink throughout the rest of my daughter's nursery.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr camembert paint (for the larger living room) and Behr Kashmir pink paint with distressed w/Martha Stewart vintage gold specialty finish (for the nursery)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Outdoor Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:53

Seen these plans a couple years ago and finally have gotten around to making a set. This was a fun and really easy to follow set of instructions and I think they turned out really nice.

Jeff, with LaBrie Family Woodworking LLC

Seasonal And Holiday

Big Kids Picnic Table

Built using Ana Whites plans for a Bigger Kids Picnic Table. Used pressure treated 2x4 for frame (legs and supports), 2x4 and 2x6 pine (fir) for table top and bench. Finished with Cabot's semi-transparent redwood stain and sealer.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50.00 plus screws and finish
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot's semi-transparent redwood stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Raised Wood Planters by Urban Wood Solutions

Planters build by Urban Wood Solutions

Comments

Truss Coffee Table

This was my third project so far. I am having so much fun with your designs! I bought your book and also got a copy for my friend. Thank you so much for all of your free posts and for being such an inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
special oak by minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Great Patio Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:02

I wanted sturdy seating for my patio. Ana White had the perfect plans for my L shaped seating and coffee table. It was simple to put together and we love it!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Full Storage (Captains) Bed

This was a pretty quick build and works perfectly in my son's room.  I love all the room for the cubbies!  All of his cars and tracks stay off the ground!

The only tricky part for me was attaching the first edges and keeping it straight.  Since I was doing this all by myself, I used my nail gun to attach them quickly and then drilled in screws to secure them.

I kept them in three separate parts so it was easier to take upstairs and then I used my nail gun to attach the slats in the middle.  Pretty easy and inexpensive for a nice wood full size bed frame!

Check out my blog post for more pictures of my build!  http://www.leapoffaithcrafting.com/diy-full-bed-frame-storage/

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I filled all holes with wood filler. Sanded with 120 grit and then 220 grit sandpaper. Applied Varathane Colonial Maple with brush, let soak a few minutes, and then wiped off with towel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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.

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

Makings of an Herb Garden

I followed Ana's Raised Planter Box plan exactly. We did purchase a Kreg Jig Jr. recently, which came in handy on this project for sure. It is a very sturdy piece and it only took a couple of hours to assemble.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Deckscapes in Flagstone with Minwax Whitewash pickling over the stain. Poly over the whitewash
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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