Community Brag Posts

Breakfast Nook Table

Submitted by vlilly on Sun, 04/27/2014 - 13:37

This table was my very first project and I am proud of myself! After getting married in January and closing on our house in February, I was overwhelmed with all the empty space! (Being 19 and buying a brand new house.. everything was foreign to me! We had NO furniture!) We needed a decent place to eat instead of using the borrowed barstools and my dad has all the tools I could ever need, so I figured I could try out building our own kitchen table! I think it went well! Since then I have made a media cabinet, a dining table and bench, storage cubbys for above the fridge, a mail holder, a towel holder and a wooden tray for our ottoman ALL from Anas plans! I'm just now getting around to posting my brags :)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with Rustoleum Dark Walnut and given a couple coats of Rustoleum poly in Matte!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic Adirondack Bench (love seat)

I loved the Rustic Adirondack Chair so much I felt I needed to make a bench in the same style. I had to be a little creative with the chair plans and modify them to make my bench work. I am absolutely thrilled with how it came out! I already have a friend who has requested a chair and bench (love seat) for his son's wedding gift!

Estimated Cost
Material costs for the wood was $85-ish. Wood prices are nuts right now!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mjackson41995@…

Fri, 08/20/2021 - 16:37

You can make the 1x10 in any length you want. I’m planning on making a loveseat too and The measurements I chose for the seating area will be 48” long (which is the size for 2 seat cushions).

The Step 1 in Ana’s plan, all measurements will be the same.

Step 2: The two 2x4 horizontal supports will be cut at 48”.

Step 3: the two 1x10 seat panels will be 3 inches longer than the horizontal supports. So you will cut the 1x10 seat panels at 51”.

Step 4: Instead of two, you will need THREE seat supports. So cut three 2x4’s @ 32 3/4”. The third seat support will go in the middle of the other seat supports, drilled to the horizontal back support.

Step 5: Attach your back bottom horizontal support which will be a 2x4 at 48”.

Step 6: Attach the 1x10 seat back panels. You will cut (3) 1x10 @ 48”.

Here is the cut list for the loveseat version of Ana’s Adirondack plan. These are the lengths I chose. So with this cut list your loveseat should be big enough for two 24x24” seat cushions. I plan to add cushions for extra comfort.

My cut list:
(2) 2x4 @ 31 3/4”
(2) 2x4 @ 19 1/2”
(2) 2x4 @ 33 1/4” Cut at 20 degrees as per Ana’s plan.
(3) 2x4 @ 48” Horizontal supports. One goes behind your calves.
The other connects the end frames/arm rests at the back.
(2) 1x10 @ 51” Seat panels.
(3) 2x4 @ 32 3/4” Vertical supports for the back panels.
(3) 1x10 @ 48” The back panels.

Plywood Student Desk

Submitted by DangerDad on Tue, 02/10/2015 - 06:22

Simple desk made from maple veneer paint grade plywood.  It's very sturdy and looks great.  The last photo shows a matching dresser that I made as well.  So far I've made two of these identical desks and another with 3 large drawers underneath to one side.  You don't have to have alot of fancy tools and expensive wood to make great looking, sturdy, and functional furniture.  As always, sketchup plans available!

Estimated Cost
About $75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coast poly (satin finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

MATTRUSSO

Fri, 02/20/2015 - 21:31

why can't i get more info on this desk. A cut list and quick diagram.

DIY Murphy Wall Bed

Submitted by Dstor22 on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 07:05

Just finished up my Murphy Bed project. Hope you like.

Estimated Cost
280.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Custom Pallet Laundry Basket!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/15/2022 - 15:43

I told the love of my life about how Ana had a really cool laundry basket shelf, and asked her if she wanted one. Of course she said yes, so I made her one! I added a few twists to mine as you can tell, but the actual shelf itself is completely from her design!

Comments

LARGE FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by mdbennes on Mon, 11/23/2015 - 09:25

I used Ana's plans for this project, but had to deviate since I built it for a friend who needed a table for 14!!  This thing is huge, 12 feet long, and about 44 inches wide.  I made it out of pine, 2x8s for the top but stuck to the plans for the frame.  It weighs about 200lbs or more, and had to move it with 4 guys...used an enclosed trailer to move it from my house to theirs. They love it so that's all that counts!  Oh ya, in the picture, you will see Ana's rustic X console table too! 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut stain, then a GLOSS polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/12/2023 - 07:05

Built this fire place using Ana’s plans and bought the same insert she had. Loved the way it turned out! I added the cabinets and shelving to each side.

Comments

Sandbox with Cover

The cover is a tonneau cover for a pickup truck. It's for a 6.5' truck bed so if you notice, I had to ad a 2x4 and one more picket on top to accommodate the extra length. 

The cover would add a ridiculous amount of money to the project but it was repurposed.  I found it on a truck that was in an accident and going to the scrap yard. I think it it came out great and my grandson loves it.

John

Built from Plan(s)

My First Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/19/2023 - 15:34

I took a woodworking course through the community college and built this cedar bench for my front porch. I learned so much throughout this process and am proud of how it came out. I am now building up my own arsenal of tools and supplies. I can’t wait to choose my next project!

Plans from myoutdoorplans.com/2x4benchplans

Comments

Shiplap Bathroom - DIY Vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/11/2016 - 13:52

It had come time to renovate our powder room bathroom. We were on a tight budget so we decided to build our own vanity & add a little twist to it! We splurged on the granite countertop, vessel sink  and faucet. Thanks to Ana White we built our vanity for less than $10! The plans were easy to follow . . . .we are so proud of our wood vanity!  link to our blog: http://www.houseofrumours.com/shiplap-powder-room-diy-vanity/

 

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none. slightly sanded and used wood oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Baby Ray's New Closet!

Submitted by Katurn89 on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 08:24

This was the second building project I've ever completed. I had to make a few adjustments to make it fit the size of ray's closet, but it was totally worth it. most of the work was in the measuring, sanding, and sealing of the wood. Ftting the frames can be a little tricky if your planks aren't perfectly straight. Otherwise, this project was pretty straight forward and can be done in just a few days depending on how much time you have to dedicate to it. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Early American stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Baby Gate

Our 6 month old is crawling now and we had to hurry up and baby proof the house. As an added bonus this dog proofs the down stairs at our house as well. The "barn door" side is made from 1x6 and the back is 1x3. The stain is called Gunstock which my wife is obsessed with. She is talking about staining every piece of wood in the house with the stain which I will NOT be doing. It took me around 4 days to finish it completely and put it together. I built the frame in about an hour. I let the wood glue set for a day, then stained one side. I gave that stain 24 hours to dry and stained the other side. Then I followed the same process to clear coat it. I clear coated it three times and sanded between each coat. I had bought a latch kit and installed it. I am very happy with how it came out.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gunstock stain and clear gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rhettar

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 05:09

What a great piece, nice job! I love how you put this inside the house, I have been wanting to do a gate like this. Now it's on my list for sure after I see yours.

Four station desk (PB inspired)

Submitted by monty742 on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 08:58

I really liked the PB mega desk, but I didn't want to spend $1600 on it.  After seeing someone's post here (a couple years ago...) asking for plans on that desk, I decided to do it myself.  I took these two plans and made 4 base units.  They are 18" square at the top and 34" tall.  I used 2 IKEA table tops connected underneath for the top, to make a total height of 36" - counter stool height.  I constructed them a little differently than the plans, but no matter how you make them, the idea is the same.  The plan is to take them apart and make 2 desks once everyone is too old and cool to do homework/artwork together.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kitchen and Bath finish paint (2 coats) - it's a little shinier than eggshell (I only used it because I had 2 or 3 gallons extra at home :) then 2 coats acrylic top coat matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

monty742

Sat, 08/15/2015 - 04:33

Just seeing your comment...sorry for the delay!  I got the stools and the light fixture at a Ballard Backroom (outlet) store near me.  3 of the stools ended up being about $40 each with the sale they had at the time, and the 4th was $60? - bought at a later time than the first 3.

AlisaH

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 07:40

How did you connect the table tops from the bottom so that the tables were secure together? I'm curious what's the best way to do this. Since two of the four seats will be where the seam is, I want to make sure I secure it properly so it's not wobbly. Thanks so much.

 

monty742

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 05:06

I'm just seeing these latest comments for the first time, so you may have long finished this project already!  The tops were surprisingly sturdy but I did reinforce them.  I placed the tops on the floor upside down and screwed some metal brackets (about 12" long each) across the joint in four places.  I just screwed them in through holes already in the brackets.  This wasn't the most stable because those tops are particle board and don't hold screws very well...  But since it was already pretty sturdy, I figured it would do.  It has been fine, even with standing on the top (kids who get up there and me hanging the light fixture above).

Once the tops were joined, I placed the bases so there was about a 1" overhang on the top.  To hold the top in place, I used small pieces of wood screwed to the underside of the top at the inside corner to act as a placement stop.  The top is pretty big and heavy even though they are IKEA tops, so they don't have a tendency to move or slide at all anyway.  I'm going to try to figure out how to post another picture of the braces and corner stops...we'll see if I can do it!  Let me know if you have any more questions...again, sorry I didn't see this in a more timely manner!

Pmprdwife

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 05:55

Is the photo above the Pottery Barn version or your product result?  I'm trying to figure out the dimensions for the drawer and shelf configurations.  Thanks!  BTW, I'm totally addicted to your style and personality...my husband loves the productivity inspiration I've received. :-)

 

monty742

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 10:17

Hi!

I'm glad you like the desk!  The one in the picture is the one I built, not the pottery barn one!  My dimensions were a good bit different than the PB desk - square bases instead of rectangular and counter stool height instead of desk/table height.  So, I have no idea if I have my plans for this anymore, so I went and measured it again for you!  

So each base is 18" x 18" square and 34" high so that with the 2" top the total height is 36".

 

Each base was made of oak plywood that made with 3 sides, a top and a bottom.  All edges were rabbit joints (3/8" deep in thickness of boards and probably 3/8" wide - not 100% on width of rabbits).  It's kind of a pain to do rabbit joints if you don't have a dado blade for your table saw, so you could use pocket hole screws instead.  I glued and nailed these joints with a finish nailer, I believe.  

I figured a diagram with measurements would be easier than trying to write descriptions...so I'm adding another pic with the dimensions outlined.  Drawing is NOT to scale, so sorry about that!  I really need to learn to use SketchUp.  Let me know if you have any questions!  

Monty742

monty742

Sat, 01/09/2016 - 07:57

Hi!

I'm glad you like the desk!  The one in the picture is the one I built, not the pottery barn one!  My dimensions were a good bit different than the PB desk - square bases instead of rectangular and counter stool height instead of desk/table height.  So, I have no idea if I have my plans for this anymore, so I went and measured it again for you!  

So each base is 18" x 18" square and 34" high so that with the 2" top the total height is 36".

 

Each base was made of oak plywood that made with 3 sides, a top and a bottom.  All edges were rabbit joints (3/8" deep in thickness of boards and probably 3/8" wide - not 100% on width of rabbits).  It's kind of a pain to do rabbit joints if you don't have a dado blade for your table saw, so you could use pocket hole screws instead.  I glued and nailed these joints with a finish nailer, I believe.  

I figured a diagram with measurements would be easier than trying to write descriptions...so I'm adding another pic with the dimensions outlined.  Drawing is NOT to scale, so sorry about that!  I really need to learn to use SketchUp.  Let me know if you have any questions!  

monty742

Thu, 07/28/2016 - 14:13

No you can't buy them from Ikea.  I bought the table tops from Ikea, but I built the bases.  The dimensions for the bases are in one of the additional pictures with the post if you want to see them!

treverandamber

Mon, 10/10/2016 - 07:41

What are the total dimensions of the table top? Thinking of building something like this, but want to make sure it will fit in my space.

Simgre81

Thu, 12/28/2017 - 07:00

Are these just slide in drawers, or did you use some sort of hardware to have them slide in and out?

Bike Storage

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

I live in a smaller rental with limited garage space, so I needed a place for my kids bikes. This is what I came up with. It required minimal screw holes in the treated fence posts and I attached a rail system(rubbermaid fasttrak) for the bikes to hang from. I used Ana's easy shelves plan for the upright supports and then just added some corrugated roofing and cedar fence pickets (which I had on hand) to finish off the top.

Radio Flyer Garden Sink

Submitted by mji0707 on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 19:54

Was looking for something to do with an old Radio Flyer wagon.. Saw some great pics on Ana's site for garden ideas and thought this might have the right shape to make a water feature.. beats making a flower potter out of it. -And it does in fact work.. The original plan was to use a simple chrome hook-style faucet but found a great brass antique on ebay for under $10 which really set the tone for its look.

The inside of the wagon is double-coated with Rustoleum clear sealant, over-layed with a red top coat. The wheels and handle are original and the hanging bar across the front is from conduit. The wagon is attached to the stand only around the drain by 2 1/2"x 1/4" machine screws. The brass handle on the right end is so the wagon can be tilted to drain settling water. The drain is a standard 1 1/4" sink kit that connects to a compression coupler. Both the feeder and drain line have hose connections.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The wagon was rusted when I found it. I sanded the inside just enough to remove the loose rust debris. To get the tub water-tight I gave it two coats of Rustoleum clear sealant spray. That left it foggy-loooking so I sprayed it over again with rustoleum red paint. The wood frame has two coats of antique white with a light covering of parafin. I used a grinder to scuff up the paint and then used a buffing wheel on the power drill to smooth out the wax. The pallet wood is untreated other than removing the old nails.

For advice, I would definitely say to be cautious of the amount of weight that hangs off the back of the cart. I used the extra pieces of 2x4 to build a frame to tie the pallet wood into. Combined with the feeder-line plumbing It added so much weight that i had to move the back wheels out to give it stability.

Much thanks to Ana's site and community for ideas. And I gotta give credit to the crew in the H/D paint dept in Alpharetta, GA for the sealant paint recommendation.

enjoy the pics!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 05:24

This was my seventh outdoor couch but my first sectional. My very first couches were all inspired by Ana White's plans and I have gotten so much better with my skills that I building other things as well. Thanks Ana for all your inspiration!

Comments

Panel Bed for Ray

I made this bed over a weekend while I “room crashed” my oldest’s bedroom. 
I’m so happy with the result. I experimented with stains mixing two, well layering colors. 
That was a lot of fun! 
I hope to write a blog post about it one day. I will add it to my ever-growing To Do List. 
Let me know if you have questions. I love talking about building and all things DIY! 

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Layered Simply White and Early American from Minwax.
I applied the Simply White (didn’t remove excess) and then I added the Early American on top. Let it all sit a bit and wiped off the stain.
This left a beautiful color.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Classic Bunk Bed with Sweet Pea Stairs

Submitted by e_hutch on Fri, 01/17/2014 - 19:03

I wanted a bunk bed for our daughters, it needed to be easily moveable like the "classic bunk beds." I also wanted stairs like the "Sweet Pea Garden" bunk bed because we have toddlers in the house. I modified the classic bunk bed to put the ladder on the end, then built the Sweet Pea stairs to fit to the opening (I think the only difference in dimensions was a 20" top stair. I didn't want the unfinished ends of plywood so I got 4'x16"x3/4" pine boards from lowes which happens to be the width of the stairs in the plan. Instead of using the 1x2's as trim on the ends of the shelves I put two of them together, one all of the way down the front of each stair and one resting on the top of the stair (screwed together) so I wouldn't lose lateral stability. I then spaced 2x2's in between to keep it "simple" looking instead of the heart shaped decorations from the sweet pea bed. I used some 1/4" paintable composite board to provide a backing to the stairs. I bolted the stairs on to the bed with some flat bar stock cut to size and 3/8' in hex bolts cut to length. I used pocket hole joints wherever possible and countersunk all other screws and used 3/8" dots from lowes to fill the holes. I painted it with a coat of primer and a coat of Glidden Trim and Door paint in antique white from the Easy Vintage Step Stool project.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Glidden Door and Trim, Antique White
Kilz Complete Primer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

zaphod

Mon, 06/23/2014 - 06:39

This is absolutely beautiful! Did you modify the size for toddler mattresses?
I would love to do the same for my kiddos - is there any way you could send me your version of the plans? [email protected]

Thanks so much!

Toddler Bunk Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/16/2016 - 22:13

Modified the classic bunk bed plans to fit crib size matresses for our 1.5 & 2 year old girls, loved how my toddler bunk beds turned out! 

 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr 'Rainwater' paint in satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

em01024

Mon, 08/01/2016 - 17:27

Hi,

Could you email me the change in measurements you used for the crib mattress? 

It would help me out so much. I want to build a similar one for my boys. 

Thank you.

Danielle S. 

Screen door with built in dog door

Our old screen door wasn't cutting it anymore, so I built a new one, and to kill two birds with one stone, I included a built-in dog door. Now I just need to find the motivation to close off the old dog door.

I have the plans to build this screen door with a built-in dog door posted via the blog link below for anyone interested.

Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate