Community Brag Posts

Twin Loft Beds for Twins

Submitted by annierey on Thu, 10/31/2019 - 16:33

My twins just turned four and were still sleeping in their toddler beds, so it was time for an upgrade.  They still want to share a room so we knew we needed to maximize space and open up some room for them to play.  We chose the Camp Loft Bed but raised the height to 72" (with 53" of headspace) so we might be able to add a desk underneath when they get older. 

Essentially, we made two loft beds with the platforms but omitted the stairs.  Then we built a slightly lower platform to put between the two beds, which acts as a step down.  Then instead of making stairs that jut out into the room, we added two 2x4s as ladder rungs to the lower platform.  This also acts as a tunnel for the twins to crawl under to go between each other's play spaces.   This also makes it so the beds can be easily separated if we ever need to put them in separate rooms. 

When it was complete we noticed one of the beds was a little wobbly, so we added diagonal braces in the corners and another 2x4 across the length of the bottom to help stabilize it.  We also chose to use 1x4 pieces of pine as the slats for the mattress to lay across, but they didn't feel like they would support our weight if we wanted to read to them in bed.  So we added two more 2x4s underneath the slats the entire length of the bed, which has added a ton of support. 

We stopped keeping track of exactly how much it cost, but it was close to $400 for both beds combined.  And it took most of my husband's free time for two weeks, but most of that was painting two coats of paint on every piece before assembling.  First he cut all the pieces to size, drilled the holes with a Kreg Jig, and then painted.  To make the painting more efficient, he put a bunch of screws into boards so he could paint all the exposed sides of the lumber, flip, and leave them to dry.  Then we assembled the beds in their room. 

The twins love their new beds, and we love how much more space they have to play in their room!  We were worried the room would feel too crowded but with the openness of the plan and the space that was opened up underneath, we think it turned out great!  Now we can move in a bunch of their toys and reclaim some of our house!  Thanks for the great plans!

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Two coats of white paint/primer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Console entry table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/20/2023 - 12:07

This entry table I made from wood I got from a recycle center of wood products. It’s been in our entry now for several years. I have only basic tools-no planers and jointers, etc. I do have a fold up table saw that I use once in awhile. I enjoy working with natural /live edge and or construction grade materials. Always impressed with the items Ana has built. Good job Ana😁👍

Built from Plan(s)

Toddler Canopy Bed

I designed and built this canopy bed without knowing Ana had already done a toddler canopy bed! Talk about reinventing the wheel. I should have known she already had plans up. ;)

Full plans are on my site, but I thought I'd add this as a brag post instead of a project plan since Ana's plans are already here. They're different, but the end result is very similar!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20-50 depending on paint and finish supplies on hand
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinsser water-based primer, semi-gloss latex paint, and polycrilic topcoat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Dining Table

Our extra long living/dining room was just begging for a little definition. So I scoured all of Ana White's plans for some inspiration for the perfect-for-us table. I have never built anything, so I enlisted the help of my genius dad and we got to work!

We ended up using elements of the Modern Outdoor Patio Table and the Farmhouse Table. We sized the patio table down to six feet long and used the board layout from the farmhouse table for the table top. We also changed up the table legs a bit to add some visual interest.

After tackling the table, we built the banquette and beadboard wall. I never thought I would learn so much about power tools. Ha! This project was so much fun. Thank you for the free plans!! I can't wait to work on our next project!

You can read more about our table here: ‎ http://www.becomingwhitney.com/dining-area-progress/
here: http://www.becomingwhitney.com/it-is-finished/
and here: http://www.becomingwhitney.com/christmas-cheerin-it-up/

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded this baby within an inch of its life. I chose not to use a wood conditioner because I wanted a rough look, and I adored the unevenness of the stain in some areas. I put on one heavy coat of Minwax Espresso stain with a rag. I used a teeny paintbrush to get the legs and between the planks of the table. Then I sealed it with a semi-gloss water-based poly. I put five coats on the table top and sides and three coats on the legs. It gave it a great finish, but isn't too shiny in person.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:15

The fabulous thing about DIY is how you can modify a plan to suit your needs. You and your dad have built a one-of-a-kind that can be handed down to future generations. Love the style and finish. Keep up the good work!

Whitney Gothra

Tue, 01/14/2014 - 08:37

Thank you, Linda! That is one of my favorite aspects of DIY - the options are unlimited!

6 x 6 Sandbox

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/23/2016 - 20:54

This was our first attempt at making a woodworking project but knew it had to be done to save our plants from our son digging in them. It took us all weekend (mostly because of the staining) but we completed the project in 2 days. We went a little bigger (made a 6 x 6 box) to give our son some room and allow for friends. I loved putting the project together and look forward to many years of use from this box. Thank you for such simple plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Twin Bed

Loved building this for my daughter. The plans were simple to follow and everything came together easily. So happy with how it turned out. Thank you, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Bright White, semi-gloss
Caulk for most joint boards

Fish Tank Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/24/2023 - 10:30

fish tank console

I designed and build this cabinet that is being used to hold a fish tank. It’s made from 2”x6s” for the sides and top and most of the rest of it is made from 3/4” plywood with extra support underneath to account for the extra weight of the tank with water. The stain is gunstock and looks absolutely amazing! The black hardware really makes it pop. (My new favorite combo)Thanks for taking a look and have a great day!

Jake from Jake N’ Jill’s Woodshop LLC 

Boys Bunkbed Makeover

My hubby and I took the weekend to remove the loft and twin bed that was squeezed underneath it to give our boys more space in and around their beds. Thanks for the idea Ana, we like wood, but we also like color so the beds where stained two colors one for the frame and one for the slats. The boys chose red and blue, and green and black. We decided to hang the beds with chain from a stud in the ceiling. They were so exicited to sleep in their new beds that i believe bedtime will be much easier! Thanks Ana

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 X 4 pine
1 X 3 pine furlings
Stained with color tinted Minwax stain and clear polyeurathane sealer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Corner Cabinet

This was such a fun project. I had been shopping for a corner cabinet for months before I decided I either couldn't afford what I liked and didn't like what I could afford. So I built it! I added the top doors... I didn't need one more thing to dust.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wooden patio Cooler by DIY Pete

This was my very first project I did. Very proud of how this turned out. Now my sister has one and I am building another one with Mickey Mouse on it for my other sister. I build it in a day with lots of breaks due to 4 teenagers.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Happy kiddos

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 12:30

This was a 3 weekend project that I hope my son loves.
I used both plans and made adjustments as needed. Read everyone’s post to see what works best for what you are trying to accomplish. I know that my slide is steep and I would of made it more gradual If I did think my kiddos could not handle it. I would say this bed is perfect for my 5 year old and my 7 year old has been in the room playing on it also all day.

Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used common boards, particle boards. The red was my son choice. For the accents I burned those with a torch. This was a fun project but also a very heave and secure project.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Canopy Daybed - First Project!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 14:16

This was the first time I ever built anything - before this is hardly used a drill. It was big for a first build, and I did it entirely alone aside from a few text messages with questions. I added a couple little end tables to it for a book and a drink, and it’s now my favourite outside summer spot.

Facebook user @robyn.marie.3572

Built from Plan(s)

Farmhouse Dining Table

Submitted by keribeth on Sat, 03/17/2012 - 13:28

I used the basic construction of the turned leg coffee table, but used 2x4s screwed together for the legs, added a couple of supports, and made the dimensions larger (38.5" x 62" for a dining table that seats 6). I used pocket holes for all the joints and it came together pretty easily. (One day, though, I am going to build a project without drastically altering the plans. One day.)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$180, including finishing
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax wood conditioner followed by two coats of Minwax stain in walnut, and then, because the stain looked splotchy, one coat of Minwax gel stain in hickory. The gel stain evened things out a bit and was great to work with. Then a few coats of wipe-on poly on all that.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Closet tower from scraps!

Submitted by arkep on Tue, 01/07/2014 - 17:41

I needed some organization in my small closet, which originally only had one rod and one shelf. This is what resulted, and I made it from scraps from other projects, which is why the closet rods are mismatched...they'll be covered up with clothes hangers soon anyway. I had to buy the drawer slides and one more set of closet rod holders. I had some copper pipe straps and decided to use them as pulls on the drawers. I plan to make some crates out of cedar fence pickets to fit the shelves.

I just got the Kreg Micro Jig and used it on the drawers, which were made out of 1/2" plywood. I prefer to make drawers by using the table saw to create overlap rabbets and then use the nail gun to put them together, but it was 15 degrees outside today so I opted for the micro drill. It went pretty well...definitely caused less splitting in the 1/2" plywood than the regular kreg jig.

Estimated Cost
$40...I already had the plywood and closet rods
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Polycrylic in Satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

lizdischert

Fri, 08/22/2014 - 21:34

I just wanted to give you props on your organizer! It's so cool! I love the drawers and are those casters on the bottom? I looked at yours before I did mine and your comments helped!Thanks for posting this!

JoanneS

Wed, 08/27/2014 - 16:43

I love projects made from scraps - yours is awesome! You did a great job on all those drawers, and the idea to use the copper pipe straps as drawer pulls is so creative!

Farmhouse Bed

My wife is an avid quilter and I've just begun woodworking, so when we needed a bed for our spare bedroom, we combined my love of woodworking with her love of quilts to come up with this bed, modified from your plans.  We couldn't be happier with the way that it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Provincial Stain covered by polyurethane (3 coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

4x4 Truss Table and Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/24/2019 - 12:41

Modified so that it could fit 12 people comfortably.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

New Dining Room

New dining room with a board and batten, farmhouse table and six parson chairs.
Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
wengue stain and white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 18:15

This room is absolutely gorgeous! You did an awesome job- love all the finishes and colors, and the fantastic chairs!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:43

Wow! This room turned out great - really fantastic job!

claydowling

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 05:14

I'm with Ana on the chairs. That's really amazing. The last time I made a chair it took a very full and tiring day to build the frame, and another evening to build the seat. Do you have tips for speeding the process up?

alamanda973

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 09:16

Thank you for all these compliments. I don't speak English very well because I'm french but I will try to make me understand. I built a chair with the modifications to see the result, then, I made all the cuttings with my miter saw for the 5 other chairs, then I made every chair within half an hour. I cut all that it was necessary foam and fabric in one step and I sewed everything for covers. To make covers, I made a paper pattern, then I sewed them in 10 minutes.
I am very happy I found this site with all that wonderful projects. It's my favorite site . Thank you Ana, you changed my life!

Milca (not verified)

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 07:44

Je suis impressionnee :)

kaytrishjr

Tue, 08/21/2012 - 13:16

I'm totally amazed, talk about getting busy! Your room is beautiful!

Angela Kempf (not verified)

Thu, 11/29/2012 - 14:24

Does your slip cover come off? I would like to make a couple of these to use as accent chairs in my living room. Yours look amazing.
I have one little boy, two cats, a large dog and a ferret. I need something that is WASHABLE =)

sugarhigh1605

Thu, 07/18/2013 - 12:37

I love your chairs and especially like the extra height. How tall did you make the backs of the chairs?

Bathroom Vanity I did for my mom Based on the Momplex vanity

I remodeled the main floor bathroom for my parents. My mom had seen a vanity she like at a home center. Then she thought about doing an open vanity. Then I showed her the one Ana did for the Momplex (48" Turned Leg Vanity). and she loved it. This is what we came up with.

It has bead board panels on the ends and the doors. V-grove planks for the bottom shelf.

The top is made from 100 year old ship lap siding from my brother house. The sink is hand hammered copper with a venetian bronze faucet.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The vanity was finished using Rust-o-leum Ultimate wood stain in summer oak with several coats of a marine varnish to protect it in the bathroom. The top was only finished in the marine varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Media Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 18:57

I built this console from the Grandy Sliding Door Console. I modified the plan slightly and lowered it to about 30 inches high, and have since hung the TV on the wall. I made the sliding door hardware at a local metal fabrication shop, and used patio door wheels for the hardware. It is stained with Rustoleum Dark Walnut stain wiped on with a cloth to ensure a non-uniform stain for a distressed look. I used the Kreg jig for most of the connections, and added support of the mid shelf in the back of the piece.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustolium Dark Walnut with satin wipe on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Twin captain storage bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/28/2019 - 15:08

Our daughter outgrew her loft bed and wanted something closer to the ground. We didn't do the side storage towers, because we were concerned if there would be enough room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gun stock stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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