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Adirondack Love!

This was my second build ever, and I'm so extremely satisfied with the entire process! Ana's plan was super easy to follow, and I couldn't be more proud of how they turned out!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barnes

Fri, 06/13/2025 - 15:53

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Bathroom corner vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/12/2017 - 12:49

This project started because a corner bathroom vanity that fit my space requirements and budget did not exist. A plan specific to what I exactly needed also did not exist. After combing through what plans I found online, the Wall Kitchen Corner Cabinet best matched what I wanted. I modified it with the Momplex Sink Base Kitchen Cabinet in order to turn it into a sink base.

 

But, there was a problem. I hadn't actually built anything before. In order to get at least one project under my belt, I built the Vintage Step Stool. It turned out great, so I figured I was ready to go! Strangely enough, after spending about $100 and several weekends picking away at this project, it was done! It looked great, even. Then, I moved the vanity into the bathroom and realized that, while it may have looked great, it wasn't very square. Lesson learned was that this is a two person project. It is too difficult to keep things square and screw at the same time when there is only one person.

 

At this point, everyone was tired of having to use the kitchen sink to brush their teeth and wash their hands, so we needed to get this project done. $100 later, we had more material. Since I had figured out what needed to be done with the first vanity, let's call it our prototype, the second vanity went together REALLY quickly. 

 

Within a few hours, it was pieced together. Since it was going to be painted, we used Bondo to cover up our imperfections. Yes, of course there were imperfections. While much better than the prototype, it still was only my third woodworking project. Sanding, caulking, and priming took another hour or so. A few coats of the finish paint went on, followed by a couple more coats of a clear sealer, and it was done.

 

We moved it into place, screwed it to the wall, put the soapstone countertop on along with the sink and faucet, and it truly was complete. Sink is Kohler, faucet came from our local Habitat for Humanity store and I'm not sure what brand it is, and the soapstone came from soapstones.com. If we had oiled the soapstone with mineral oil, it would be a very dark gray.

Estimated Cost
$100-$150 for the wood, screws, caulk, primer, paint, and clearcoat.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pratt & Lambert Azalea 5-12 and Designer White 33-1 for the colors. After each application dried, I sanded it with a very fine grit sandpaper to make the finish silky smooth. I also used our air compressor to blow the dust off, and then used a damp cloth to wipe it down before applying more coats. That worked better for me than using a tack cloth. Then, I added a few coats of a water based, heavy duty floor finish, meant for wet areas. I don't recall what brand it was.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Leaning art easel

Submitted by Calmly on Tue, 03/31/2015 - 08:57

My husband and I built this to place our huge white board on for homeschooling. We altered it a bit by adjusting the length to 7 ft. It was painted lavender ( my favorite color). I may have to add another easel to prevent the white board from sliding off. Thank you Ana for your awesome plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The cost was about 20.00 which includes the white board. 2.70 each for 1 by 2 , white board cost 15.00 and I hade 1 by 3 scraps
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lift Top Coffee Table

Submitted by JJones0925 on Fri, 03/16/2018 - 20:48

Instead of attaching the top to the coffee table base as done in the plans, the top is attached using a set of coffee table lift top hinges. 

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

Comments

Dog Houses

Our local Habitat for Humanity puts on an annual event where they get folks to restore discarded or worn down furniture and sell them at auction. My wife and I participated last year and this year I was asked to build 4 dog houses and then they were going to let local designers/decorators finish them out.

I figured it would be easy to find a good dog house plan, but I was wrong so I had to come up with my own designs. I did not want to use plywood becauase I wanted them to look good. So I used 1x4's and 1x6's. I built them all just a little bit different, but the same basic design on all 3. Since I am not very good with circular cuts, did not do any fancy 1/2 circle doorways!

There are "after" pictures on the Blog. Thanks for looking!

Estimated Cost
$100 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I didn't finish them out, but did use screws to attach everything, so filled those in with wood putty and sanded down of course.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:10

Great job for a great cause!

washer and dryer pedestal

Submitted by KL728MX on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 13:07

my wife tagged me on facebook right before Xmas with the plans and picture of this, so i dusted off my tools and built her one as a present. its not only great for her but it makes the laundry easier for me as well. I had to mofidy the base of mine because my dryer vent comes up through the floor in the corner.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar white latex
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Round Modern Wood Side Tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/28/2023 - 06:05

Fun weekend project! Thank you for the great plans.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

2 Person Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 12:45

Made 2 of these for my coffee shop in Puerto Rico. Easy instructions. Thank you!

 

Javiel Cardona

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Linen Storage Tower

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 12:23

This tower plan was perfect for re-using some already stained 1x12’s I had from another project. It fills up that little square of unused space at the top of the stairs, and gives us extra storage for towels and TP for the 3 bathrooms in our house. I substituted 1x2 and ¼” plywood for the door and used some 1x2 and 1x3 to attach and build it in. This project has been up for a couple of months now, and has come in handy. This was my first attempt at doing something as a ‘built-in,’ and it gave me confidence that we could do our next big project (the pantry) as a built-in. Since the side and shelf boards were already stained, once it was assembled the finishing was easy- all I had to do was stain the trim boards to match, and paint the door and the inside.
Thanks for this great plan, Ana! I’m planning to build several more of these, for my sewing room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot water based stain w/poly (walnut) on the sides and shelves and minwax express color in walnut on the trims. Door is painted with Ace Royal semi gloss in Crushed Peanut, and the inside color is Wishbone.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pool Lounge Chairs

Submitted by Fitnpink on Wed, 07/15/2020 - 17:00

Part of a huge order I did for outdoor furniture. Love how they turned out! Thank you!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

DIY Outdoor Bar Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/14/2020 - 11:09

This was my first big project. I made one of Ana's planters to get my feet wet. I changed the dimensions a bit. I made it counter height and shorter in length. I accidentally bought larger wood for the top, so it's a bit heavy. I built the top on the deck after I put the base together to save time and my back. I went with a Behr solid color stain. I had some frustrating moments but I am thrilled with the results. You can't buy a solid wood table for $150!

I absolutely love it. I can't wait to make more furniture.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr solid color stain - pewter
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Kids Loft Bed

Submitted by kdins31 on Mon, 03/06/2017 - 10:25

Turned my daughter's ordinary room into a cool hangout for many years to come.  The frame fits a twin with a decent buffer on 3 sides for "stuff."  I also built the headboard with a shelf for more "stuff!" Loft is 4' off the floor.  Headboard was made with with 2/3" frame and scrap 5" t&g boards leftover from other project.  Bed frame is made of 2x8s lag bolted to wall and supported by 4x4.  Railing is made from 2x4s, 1x2s and 1x3s.  The stain is a walnut Danish oil. Under the bed there are LED lights shining down on the seating area.  The couch is made up of two separate folding chairs that turn into beds for sleepovers.  Couches were purchased from Walmart and I built the base.  Built in shelf in wall uses primed 1x4s.

 

 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint. Medium Walnut Danish oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds

I made these for my 81 year-old Grandma, and I will be making some for my own front yard soon. I followed the plans and ripped the fence boards instead of buying the optional 1x2s. My awesome dad showed me how to use the table saw, but the rest I did all by myself! We decided to leave them unfinished for a natural look. It took me about 7 hours total broken up to make all three, but this is my first project and I was slow. Thanks Ana, for inspiring this working Mom to pick up a hammer and get stuff done!

Estimated Cost
$13 per bed in fence boards
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Left unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Workbench

Submitted by jaimej on Sun, 04/28/2013 - 18:38

This is our 2nd project - we liked building the bookshelf so much, we decided we're gonna keep going and need a good workbench. Got these plans from the Family Handyman Website (http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Woodworking/Workbenches/how-…). They claim the cost to be $50, but it was closer to $80 for us - still a GREAT project and easy to put together with the nail gun.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Drop-Down Door Hutch Desk

Submitted by danicarby on Thu, 05/14/2015 - 13:47

I designed this desk from another desk I built. With this one, I wanted the overall foot-print smaller but still something that was able to organize all our office stuff and be able to close everything to keep it clutter-free. We have a small apartment, and although this desk is about the size of an up-right piano, it works perfectly into our living space!

I made it out of raw hardwood (Ash) and because I knew just the wood alone would make this desk heavy/bulky to move I made the top hutch removable. It's held in place by wood pegs (dominos). All the shelves are adjustable and the drawers are full-extension (something I've never had - wahoo)! The drop-down door is help up by 2 pull-out boards on each side (my first desk had chains). I spend a lot of money on this desk because I knew it was a chance in a lifetime to make and wanted it to be perfect and something that would last generations.

I built the main carcass off of plans/measurements I designed, but then all the insides, drawers, shelves, doors, etc where made as I built (because just a millimeter difference in building changes everything)!

If you want more pictures/descriptions of the building process I wrote about it in a 4-part series on my blog.

Estimated Cost
$1,000 for all wood & supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
To achieve the ash gray color I used "General Finishes" brand water-based stains (equal mixtures of Walnut, Antique Oak & Whitewash) with 1/2 ratio of Pre-Stain Conditioner (bought from Woodcraft). I did 2-3 coats stain, lightly sanded and sprayed 2 coats of Ceramithane clearcoat using HVLP sprayer (sanding with 550 grit paper in between).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wardrobe

Submitted by MERCMAN on Mon, 03/05/2018 - 08:44

Made from Mirroed Door Wardrobe Plans. Built from pine shelf boards at a cost of approx $7.00 per board. Light grey cabinet paint, primed with Bins primer as it also seals the knots. Used a kreg jig and glue to attach boards to each other to get then wide enough. No ply-wood was used. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bins Primer and Cabinet paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Drop Down Hutch Desk

Submitted by danicarby on Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:05

I designed this desk and created a building plan using Google Sketchup. It has 2 file drawers, 2 smaller drawers, 2 large adjustable shelves and a pullout shelf in the bottom, 4 small adjustable shelves on the top and a large space for a computer monitor. The large door drops open for a large work space. When you're done, put the door up and you have a beautiful piece of furniture!

I consider myself an advanced-beginner when it comes to building. I have just enough knowledge to get me by. If you have time, patience and the right tools you can build this too! It took me 10 days to build, working as much as my kids would allow.

It took me countless hours to perfect the building plan - probably just as much work to design it as it was to build it :)

I really scrounged around to build this desk. I used a large beam my friend cut up into 2x2's for the main posts/legs, pine furring strips for the side boards and around the top for moulding (lots of scraps I already had), 3/4" plywood for the inside dividers/panels & desktop, 1/2" plywood for the drawer boxes, drop-down door & top, 1/4" plywood for drawer bottoms & backing-board. I used 3/4" pine boards for the drawer faces and small doors on the bottom. I used drawer slides from an old dresser I found by our dumpster and vintage knobs I bought online. The other black hardware (hinges, pull handle, and clasps for door) I bought from a big box store and is categorized as gate hardware.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did one coat of Mixwax Whitewash Pickling on the main desk frame and doors. Be careful because it dries fast and you need to do sections and wipe off every minute (especially on plywood). I did Minwax Jacobean Stain on the shelves, drawer boxes and inside parts of the top/back panels. I used Minwax Polycrylic* for all visible surfaces. I sanded with 220 in between all layers.

*After using the desk for a year I wish I would have used a more durable/lasting clearcoat. The Minwax Polycrylic stained very easily (my kids love drawing on things with Crayola markers & pens) and was hard to wipe off and make it look clean. Invest in a nice clearcoat.. you won't regret it (try Ceramithane)!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 15:33

Beautiful and unique build. Just a shame you are in a sense advertising it to sell on a site that offers plans free.

Joni

Sat, 08/31/2013 - 08:22

Your attention to detail is amazing! I see that every little detail matters to you, right down to the stain selection for the interior. This is a beautiful design. I only wish I had a place to use it so I could make it!

American Girl Dollhouse with Farmhouse Bed, Bunk Bed, and Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 08:46

I've been building Ana White American Girl doll furniture for my two daughters for the last three years, culminating with my biggest build of all - a modified version of Ana's dollhouse.

My wife kept telling me it would end up being huge, and she was right.  The great news is that it doubles as storage when the girls aren't playing!  2 Bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and upstairs bonus room for dance and gymnastics.  78" tall x 76" wide, mounted to the wall studs for safety.   Lots of joy in our home on Christmas day.  Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ladder Tote Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:21

storage for totes - can be made to accommodate any size totes - just adjust the measurements basically it is "ladders " 2x4s for legs 2x2s for "runs" 2x4s across the bottom & top this is in a basement with short ceilings so if you have a taller space you can go taller or you can go shorter.

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