Square Picnic Table
I used the picnic table plans with a minor modification for the top and seats. I used flooring for trailers that were rejects. I made this for my wife for her birthday and she loved it.
Alan Welch
Built from Plan(s)
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Dining room set (with Classic Chairs made Simple)
This was my first attempt at making furniture...but it turned out GREAT! My fiance was about to buy a VERY similar dining room set for $1300 before I stopped her and insisted that I could build it myself, finish it to match our kitchen/dining room, and save a TON of money!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350 total
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Expresso Stain plus 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic on table top and seats
Minwax Classic Black Polyshades on frame
Minwax Classic Black Polyshades on frame
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Storage Daybed with Trundle Drawers + Storage Headboard and Hutch
I combined Ana's plans for Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawers and a Storage Headboard with a Small Hutch.
This is my 3rd daybed with storage drawers. It's such an easy build and gives so much extra space. The entire project took about 40 hours. I used Minwax stain in Classic Grey and three coats of polyurethane. For the drawers, I used 1.5" casters. I drilled a hole through the back of the headboard to feed cords through. Then I put the whole thing in the back of my truck and drove 500 miles for the final assembly. :) In the provided photos, some of the pieces are flush because I hadn't permanently attached them.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
DIY Sofa - Storage Sectional
Basically I took Ana's plan and tweaked it to create a diy sofa, a love seat, and a corner piece to make a sectional. All 3 pieces have the same basic design and function (they all have a storage compartment), although the corner piece, because of its placement and the thickness of the seating cushions, doesn't open unless the couch is opened first. We purchased custom cut, 6" thick foam cushions for the seats (we bought the XL-38 foam from https://www.buyfoam.com/, but if we had to do it again, we'd go with the XL-28 as the 38 is VERY firm). We also used upholstery fabric instead of a paint drop-cloth to cover the couches. The foam and upholstery fabric upped the overall cost significantly. Other changes from Ana's plan, I used 15/32" OSB because the 1/4" plywood just felt too flimsy (I'm a large guy). I also added I bolts to the underside of the seat before the foam and upholstery so I could add a stress relief rope to prevent the kids from opening the top and dropping it and ripping out the hinges. I used piano hinges as they seemed to me to provide the most support. Finally, I ended up using 1x2s for the base trim since I couldn't find any 2x2s that were straight and finish-ready, then I added router detailing to provide some visual interest. I used 3" pieces of 4x6 for the feet and added matching router detail. Additionally, I used T-Nuts and bolts to make the feet and base trim completely removable.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax PolyShades Espresso
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Mon, 08/17/2020 - 07:46
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Porch Swing
I wanted to make this porch swing ever since seeing it in the plan catalog (Large Modern Porch Swing). Just a matter of setting aside a weekend to get it done and then to find A frame to support it. I made the A-frame from a combination of this post:
http://www.buildeazy.com/newserve/swing_seat_support_dec07_1.html
and this one:
http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/custom-a-frame-childrens-swing-set…
I made the back a bit higher on our swing... and not quite as wide.
Reading several other blogs on this- I chose to attach the chains to the top back of the swing to keep it from tipping backwards...
Now just get to enjoy it!!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior Sealer/protector
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Picket Planter Boxes
Thanks Ana, I built your planter box, actually built 2 of them, one for each mom. The were a huge hit and I already have people asking me to build them one.
So loved building this planter box. Thanks for all you do for your fellow woodworkers!
Dale G
Callahan, FL
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Tue, 05/10/2022 - 07:05
Pretty Planters!
Love these, wonderful idea for a mother's day gift, thank you for sharing!
Square Turned Leg Farmhouse Kitchen Table
I had to do a 3ftx3ft square table since our eating area in the apartment isn't big enough for a dining table, but I really like how it turned out :) I also added breadboard ends because I can't stand how the cut ends look. I got the legs from osborne wood
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut, Antique Beige Paint, and Helmsman Clearcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Thu, 05/29/2014 - 23:09
I've been looking everywhere
I've been looking everywhere for a small farm table! Can you tell me which legs and lumber you used?
Sun, 01/22/2017 - 13:56
Square Turned Leg Farmhouse Kitchen Table
I love this table however i am a beginner. Where can i find the plans to this table and step by step instructions?
Thank you!
Tue, 03/28/2017 - 15:13
Square Turned Leg Farmhouse Kitchen Table
This 3x3 farmhouse table is exactly what I want to make with the breadboards. Any chance you can send your plans with the measurements for this 3x3 table. Thank you!
Sand box with benches
This sand box was very easy to build and it works great. The only thing I would change is cutting the "arm rests" at 7 1/2" instead of 6 1/2". I did that for the second set of arm rests (when I downloaded the plans many weeks ago the cut list was wrong). It made putting that section together a lot easier.
I easily spent more on the hinges (at $5 per hinge x 8 hinges) than I did on the wood itself.
My 1 and 1/2 year old loves playing in it and now I need to build a toy box for him to put all of his sand toys in!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$115
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Redwood colored stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Comments
Sun, 04/29/2012 - 00:06
It's been zen-raked!
It's been zen-raked! haha.
Those little benches are adorable. I wish I had seen this plan before I built ours.
Mon, 09/17/2012 - 10:29
Covered Sandbox
I just want to say that I asked for my husbands help, and his advice increased the price significantly.
He does not like to paint, and will spend the extra dollar to purchase pressure treated wood. So I sent him with my materials list and the wood he purchsed was $60.00, plus $22.00 for hinges and $10 for a box of deck screws. Actually, I am a artist and had wanted to paint the project to look like a big frog.
My Greenhouse
I went from a 6 x 8 Harbor Freight Greenhouse to this one 10 x 12. I added a few windows...
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Seasonal And Holiday
Porch Sectional Seating
Porch sectional all done. Just need the fire pit.
Built from Plan(s)
Basement Play Gym
With Christmas approaching and the realization that my three young boys had way too much “stuff”, I enrolled the help of my dad to build this amazing basement play area. When I found Ana’s plans for the play gym with monkey bars, I knew we were in business. I modified the design to fit our space and we were off. Such a fun build and my boys absolutely love spending time down there. Thanks so much for your continued inspiration and the confidence you give us mamas to build with the big boys, Ana!!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
In reply to Fabulous! by Ana White Admin
Fri, 01/08/2021 - 16:23
Thank you so much!! 🙏
Thank you so much!! 🙏
Modern Dorm Mini Refrigerator Microwave Cabinet
I changed plan to make deeper. I also modified the bottom trim and top. I put a ball bearing soft door drawer guide on modern door so it can slide back and forth. I feel we need more modern plans on here but with a bit of creativity and using plans you can make anything. I have never built anything before. I love General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White and I brushed rolled it on (sanded between 3 coats). It’s basically self leveling and leaves a nice matte finish. Used door glide in picture bought from homedepot in the 24 inch and that’s how wide door was and it was 36” tall. Door glide I only used one on top of the door not on bottom as well. Door piece of fiberboard with just strips glued on and quarters spacing them correct.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dorm mini refrigerator microwave cabinet
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Comments
Farmhouse Toy Box
Super simple build with fabulous results! I have been using as a coffee table and it looks awesome and is functional for lots of toy storage as well. It would also work so great to house extra blankets and throw pillows. I added a lid support so it does not slam shut on little hands. This would also be a perfect addition to any playroom for some nice looking toy storage!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
For the legs I used Rustoleum Canyon Black paint and for the rest I first used Minwax Weathered Oak with Minwax Early American over the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Sandbox with built-in seats in our playhouse
The base of our playhouse felt like the perfect spot to use the sandbox plan with built-in seats. The bench seats actually fold flat to create a lid for the sandbox when it’s not in use. I followed Ana’s plans exactly and used the list of materials she provided. The only modification I made was eliminating the back supports. It was not necessary for me to add the back supports since we have the playhouse posts to support the back of the bench.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Garage Shelves + Work Bench
I used Ana’s plans for the garage shelves, but modified them to include a work bench. A lot of you tubers have done this, built a combination work bench and shelving, but I built nearly everything according to Ana’s plans. 12 feet long, 24 inches deep. I got some LED lights (two 1600 lumen strip lights) from menards that really brighten up my entire garage and make the work bench more useful. The one thing I really wanted was to not have a supporting pillar on the work bench to keep it open, and I loved how it turned out. I went for 3/4 plywood, mostly to have a stronger work surface, and I’m glad I did. I have since added a supporting 2x6 off of the study to support the top shelf above the bench and its strong enough to do pull-ups off of, and I have reinforced the support leg under the bench with a cross bar. Thanks for the great plans!!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200 (lumber prices have gone up recently due to supply issues with covid)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Comments
Kid's Playhouse and Slide
I LOVE these plans. This was my first project, and although it was a big one to start with, the plans were easy to follow. If I can do it, anyone can. I added the rock wall. My kids and I love it. Total cost for me (including all lumber, nails, paint, slide, etc.) is about $850.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$850
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 coat primer, 2 coats paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Floating Bench (Walnut bench Board and Batten Wall)
Followed the instructions in the original blog. I would like to thank Ana for the blog. It was the inspiration I needed. This project was challenging for a rookie like myself. The plan is basically the same as the original post from Ana.
Materials:
4" Vertical MDF primed boards
3" Horizontal MDF primed boards
Our wall has texture so we had to use tempered board to make it nice and smooth.
Half inch plywood for under the bench seat.
2x4 for the bench frame
I ordered furniture quality Black American Walnut from a sawmill for the floating bench (not cheap but worth it). I stained it with one coat of Watco Black Walnut just for protection (took 10 minutes to do super easy) let it dry for 24 hours at least.
Challenges:
1. The wall on the right side of the bench did not have a stud just a corner stud, I was not going to risk this bench support so I put the bench support on the one corner stud and installed a hidden strong tie: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-CF-4-15-16-in-x-6-in-Con…
This provided the support that the missing stud would've. Now the bench is structurally sound.
2. Walnut uneven cuts from the sawmill, I had to use a plane to bring the planks closer together didn't want huge gaps.
3. Outlet in the way. City code mandates to remove outlet leaving access to it. We decided to build above the outlet making the bench a bit higher than we wanted it but still worked out, now we still have an accessible outlet under the bench.
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Thu, 12/30/2021 - 11:21
Gorgeous floating bench!
Thank you for sharing, that looks amazing, just shared to our Facebook page:)
Simple Console Table
I used dimensional lumber for a little nicer look and laminated two boards for the legs. I used light walnut danish oil to finish. I adjusted the width and got It the perfect width for my hallway.
Built from Plan(s)
The Gíaffe TV Stand
The Gíaffe Free Standing TV Mount. Handcrafted and engineered to use its center mass to deliver strength and balance for tv sizes 30-60". Display your television without detracting from your home's decor. The Gíaffe Free Standing TV Mount is the perfect solution and its rich finish will be perfect for any house/office room.
Estimated Cost
$109
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain - Dark Walnut - Varathane - 2 Coats
Finish - Water Based Polyurethane - Varathane - 3 Coats
Finish - Water Based Polyurethane - Varathane - 3 Coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Wed, 03/11/2020 - 07:16
I absolutely love this!! Are…
I absolutely love this!! Are there plans available?
Outdoor sectional and coffee table
Loved these plans! Was my first project I tackled trying my hand with a new hobby of wood working to stave off quarantine craziness :-) finished project looked awesome and got me started working on other plans on the site.
**note**
Side table was just sanded and refinished, wasn't built just tried to match.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Modified Garage Shelf (w/ Workbench)
Great plans allow for versatility and easy customization. Put the whole thing together in a day w/ one other person. My set up is 16' long - 5' on the side shelves and 6' for the workbench. Added a pegboard and fluorescent light under the top middle shelves. I'm also designing a slim drawer to go under the workbencheck area. Thanks a bunch!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$150 including pegboard.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Will stain dark in the future
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
