Best Chairs Ever!
I made these modern Adirondack chairs for our business in Anchorage. GREAT and easy to build design by Ana - we upgraded the arms to tapered 2x6 and they're awesome!
Built from Plan(s)
Community Brag Posts
DIY Ladder Shelf
DIY Ladder Shelf to use as a plant stand on our courtyard deck.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Paint: OR-368
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
L-shape Modern plywood desk
I constructed this desk all from birch plywood. It features a pull out keyboard tray, modern drawer finger pulls, and full extension drawer slides. The plywood was finished with a hand-rubbed danish oil for a natural wood appearance.
Estimated Cost
$150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Fireplace with recessed TV mount
This is a very custom fireplace that I built for my wife as a 40th wedding anniversary gift. It is built around a Samsung 55” Frame TV and a Vivo motorized mount. The motorized mount allows the TV to be lowered to a better viewing height than the standard above mantle position which is usually too high for comfortable viewing.
In order to maintain the flush mount effect with the TV in art mode, I recessed the mount into the fireplace. That required building a “back” frame for the TV mount then the outer frame for the surround. I covered the outer frame with ½” OSB then ship lap. The mantle and hearth is made from Poplar with walnut stain and Polyurethane satin top coat. The hearth opens for storage.
This was sourced from several different plan sets with a lot of customization and input from the Technical Support Staff at Vizo-US.
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Thu, 02/16/2023 - 09:46
Happy Anniversary! This is a…
Happy Anniversary!
This is a beautiful, well thought out project.
I was hoping someone would do the recessed mount, and you nailed it! It's so much better with the tv flush like yours.
Also love the motorized mount.
Thank you very much for sharing photos.
Ana
Outdoor hangout using 2x4 and fence boards
Bought enough lumber for one sofa but ended up using old fence boards for the decking so had enough lumber to make the sectional and a shortened coffee table.
Great way to save some cash even if u have to buy the fence posts.
Added a reinforcing piece to the one armed sofa between the legs using a kreg jig to stabilize the legs a bit more.
Waiting on my foam from Amazon to finish off this project!
Used inspiration from the beer/wine cooler patio table and made the middle of the table removable to add a buck underneath later.
Note the 5 year old patio set, also an ana white project from back in the day!
Super quick build!
I did find that the measurements for customizing it for your cushion size seemed about 1.5 inches too big for all the depth pieces so I sized down but I haven't received my foam yet so maybe I'm wrong but Smth to think about. I didn't want my cushions to slide around so I took that into consideration when building.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60$ CAD for the high density foam for each sofa (3x24x72) plus throw cushions for the back.
11 2x4x10 - cost varies depending on cedar or PT
Fence boards were reused
Outdoor Fabric to cover the foam
11 2x4x10 - cost varies depending on cedar or PT
Fence boards were reused
Outdoor Fabric to cover the foam
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
DIY Pantry Shelves
Built in 5ft x 5ft pantry using pine panels as they were available in the widths we needed. Inspired by your pantry build video, thank you.
Rob Worsnop
Built from Plan(s)
Rustic Desk
I have build several of these rustic desks. I left the "X" off of this one as I had trouble getting it to fit properly. My last desk I had no issues but not this time. I use MinWax "Provincial" stain followed by three coats of Varathan 3X glossy finish on the top and two everywhere else. I also added a cross piece between the two end sections to better secure the top to.
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
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)
Triple bunk beds with crib
We needed beds for 3 children, one of which is 14 months old, in a small bedroom and with the simple bunk bed plan to start with I came up with this. The kids love it, although it took the 14 month old a few tries before she accepted the change from her regular crib in another room to this crib/bed and sharing a room with her siblings. Now it's all good!
The beds can also be used separately. The top bunk and the middle bunk will stand 30 inches off the floor when used as separate beds, so like loft beds with storage space underneath for a dresser, reading nook, toys, etc. All side safety rails can be removed for unstacked beds as I finished them all separate from the beds. The bottom "crib" bed side rails can also be removed for single bed. At this point it would just sit on the floor as a single bed also but I may come up with some sort of feet to get it up off the floor when the time comes. They really wanted this set of bunks to be able to be used separately also. The fold-down portion of the "crib" side rail was designed to give easier access for changing sheets, etc. for the "crib". This "crib" bed also uses a regular twin mattress.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oil based Stain and wipe on varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Wed, 11/23/2016 - 08:45
How is everything?
I have three boys (youngest is 10 months right now) and we're getting these built for us this summer. How did the baby take to it? Also, How tall was the bunk. I'm thinking about ceiling height.
Fri, 05/01/2020 - 12:50
Correct plans?
Thank you for this idea! We have special needs son who won't stay in bed unless he has a rail. Now that he is 7 this might work. Keep him with his brother in the same room too.
The link for the plans is not the same bunk bed. Is there another set of plans or do I need to just improvise based on the photos?
Thanks again!
Modern Farmhouse Bed Frame
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
Modern Craft Table *tweaked*
Completed Modern Craft Table! We tweaked the plans a bit because I was looking for a larger table top. The top now measures 48" x 76". We simply did this by adding an extra set of cubbies to the other side of the shelves. Absolutely LOVE how this turned out! All I need now is 4 counter height stools built and lots of shelves to complete my craft room! Will be sure to post those once they are completed!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ultra White Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Thu, 11/17/2011 - 01:10
Darn I was so excited to see
Darn I was so excited to see you craft table! I apologize that your brag post did not show images. If you can send me images at knockoffwood(at)gmail.com I'd be happy to post. Thanks so much for submitting a brag post. Ana
Sun, 03/04/2012 - 07:31
Craft Desk
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your craft table. I want one! Looks like my husband wil have to get busy! Thanks for sharing!
Kristina
Houston, TX
Tue, 05/29/2012 - 00:05
Question about Middle support
This is great!! I am planning something similar, but what is your idea or the plan you used for the middle support to keep it from sagging over time? My idea is to run another cubby in the middle from side to side. What do you think?
Mon, 01/21/2013 - 09:54
I love the modern craft
I love the modern craft table, just what I have been looking for, do you share instructions, dimensions, etc.? thanks, Laura
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 15:14
Are plans for the tweaked version?
I'm loving this and would love to have FIL build it for me but the plans look like its for the regular modern craft table but not the tweaked? Also is there support for the middle? Can you send me a link for the tweaked supply list please, can't seem to find it. Love what you do!
Planter Porch Steps
Plan modified to be built on stringers due to hight.
Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Pending
Comments
Fri, 07/07/2023 - 15:22
Do you have an illustration…
Do you have an illustration or instructions on the exact modifications you used for this project?
End table made from pallets (plans included)
Building an outside side table out of scrap pallets.
Video of the build:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVAYXVGiL_8
Drawing File
https://googledrive.com/host/0B21TbB8gGNQbX2dlNGdxR0NuOE0/end_table.pdf
Estimated Cost
$5 for stain and nails - free pallets
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Octagon Picnic Table
Was a good project that I built for my son's new home.
I found a few errors in the instructions such as:
A) 2 - 2x4 @ 30 1/2 should be 30 1/4
B) 8 - 2x6 @ 32 15/16 both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other) should be cut at 34 15/16 blank sizes then cut the angles to acheive the finish size of 32 15/16
C) 8 - 2x6 @ 36 3/4 (both ends at 90 degrees off square, parrallel to each other) should be (both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square, NOT parrrallel to each other)
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain, Urethane Top Coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Simple DIY Daybed
This is the daybed option. The plan and cut list worked great.
Built from Plan(s)
Pallet outdoor sectional!
I made the sectional from pallet wood
Needed extra wood for legs to be stable. I made these under the house, and unfortunately had to take apart to get out! luckily i used screws.
I made to measure after getting the outdoor cushions first.
Taught me heaps
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Cost of cushions $60nzd and paint $25nzd
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
2x4 sectional + 2x4 end tables
I reduced the size of the 2x4 coffee table to make 2 end tables. They can be used as additional seating when needed.
Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Planters made from Reclaimed Fence Pickets
I built Ana's under $20 cedar planters for free. Or, almost free! I had to buy some more wood glue, but I had some of the wood on hand and took some from a friend's pile of old fence wood. It took me about five hours to build both planters from start to finish. See the blog link below for more info.
Pin For Later!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the new cedar 2x4s with steel wool/vinegar (http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-oxidize-wood.html). Other than that, no finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Tue, 09/08/2020 - 16:12
This is great. I just tore…
This is great. I just tore down my old fence and have tons of old cedar pickets. I want to make some planters for my new patio.
Bench with soft-close drawers for Front Entry
We needed a bench to fill the space in our front entry and provide some storage for seasonal gear. We couldn't find anything to buy that would work for us, so when my wife found these plans, I had to try it! Couldn't be happier with the results. We widened the bench by a foot to 84" to fill the space. Basically, it just made each drawer 4" wider. Everything else was built to plan. The most expensive thing was the soft-close 24" drawer slides (~$100). As soon as you go above that 24" depth, they get pricier! It was also tricky to get the drawers to catch properly on the soft-close mechanisms, but I made sure to take the time to get it right before closing it all in. Now I just open and close the drawers for the pure satisfaction of it! I used premium pine plywood for the top and I find it still doesn't give that smooth finish I like, even after sanding. I think I'll create a new top out of joined knotty pine planks later and just attach it to the top.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer and pearl finish paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
My Mom's King Fancy Farmhouse Bed
I built this bed for my parent's guest room at my sister's house. It is very similar to a bed mom had been wanting. They wanted a king size so I had to do some modifications to the original plan - primarily adding 16" to all width measurements. I also used 10 - 1x8s for the headboard panels. That made the panels slightly too wide, so I had to rip a little bit off the 2 end panels.
The hardest part of the project was getting it in her house! The legs made it about 1/4" too wide to fit it thru the door. We were about to remove the legs (which would have been a disaster since they were glued, screwed and painted on) when we finally figured out the right angle to squeeze it in. I had to touch up the paint in a few spots once we got it in position, but that was much better than having to remove legs and put them back on. We still need to get plywood for the mattress to sit on and I'm going to add a middle leg for extra support since it's a king. I will probably eventually build nightstands to go with it. Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out since this is my largest and "fanciest" project so far.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Satin Latex Enamel in White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 12:41
How to alter for easy moving?
I really love this bed, however, being military we move quite often. Is there a way that you would recommend I could alter it so that it can be broken down a little to make it easier for moving? Thank you much :D
In reply to How to alter for easy moving? by bran2511
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 14:29
For easy moving
For easy moving I can not recommend the highly enough. You attach them to the side rails and the head and foot of the bed and instead of screwing the whole bed together it just locks into place. They are THE BEST! http://www.rockler.com/m/product.cfm?page=11
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 15:59
Bed brackets R UR Frend
Attach the sides to the headboard and footboard with bed rail brackets so you can knock the bed apart to move
http://woodworking.rockler.com/search#w=bed%20rail%20brackets&asug=&sli…
There is even a bracket for the center rail of a king-sized bed.
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 12:41
How to alter for easy moving?
I really love this bed, however, being military we move quite often. Is there a way that you would recommend I could alter it so that it can be broken down a little to make it easier for moving? Thank you much :D
Sat, 08/24/2013 - 18:31
Moving
I just posted a brag post with this bed in black. I will see if I can upload a photo of how I built this bed for very easy break down. I looked at all the brackets etc.. with this being built out of pine I was not 100% confident in the Rockler / Wood craft brackets. I used a forstner bit and a 4.5" bolt with some washers.
Cutest Baby Doll High Chair
My neighbors grand-daughter is about to turn 3 and I thought this would make a great present for her.. plus, when she saw it online while visiting me (I was checking the website as usual), she said "Oh, I NEED one of those!". I laughed and then that night went out and checked my scrap pile to see if I had everything I needed to build it.
I only needed one 8' piece of 1x2 to complete it.. .everything else I had, so great!
Estimated Cost
About $10 with paint.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I have yet to paint this little project, but it will be painted in a gloss lavender purple so it's easy to clean.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project