Community Brag Posts

Cookie Serving Box Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:52

The cookie tray. I added two rows as we get a lot of treats gifted throughout the season. It is sitting on one of the buffets from the site as well. I cannot wait to try it everything in one spot and out of the way but easy to get into! - Danielle Arthur on Facebook

Seasonal And Holiday

Double Wide Modern Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:34

I have made several things from Ana White plans. This time it was the Double Wide Chicken coop. It was a pretty easy build. Added lots of my own things. I added roosting bars on the inside, a board to keep shavings in and a vinyl floor. (Sorry didn’t take photo) Also an auto door and some lights. Still plan to add 2 windows and an exhaust fan. Monique Curry Facebook Community

Built from Plan(s)

Farmhouse Bed with Storage and Bookshelf footboard

Submitted by rbgreene04 on Sat, 05/21/2016 - 15:50

I altered the plans just a bit so that I could make use of the drawer closest to the headboard, while using bedside tables as well (not the ugly ones in the pictures, but some that only exist in my mind as of now). With the plan as is, I didn't think that first drawer would be able to open if you have a nightstand. So I left about a 17" gap that can be used as an open shelf for storage, and still had room for 3 drawers. I also wanted to include a bookshelf as the footboard to make it multifunctional. We have a ton of books and no place to store them (fear not, a large bookshelf/media center is coming soon!) I also altered the top of the headboard just a bit to give it more texture and visual appeal (hopefully, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder so I've been told). Lastly, I did not put the 1/4" plywood backing on the drawer carcasses. They were pretty sturdy as is, and only got more sturdy as they were attached to the headboard and footboard; I'm not worried about racking at all. Leaving the back off also allows me to pull the drawers out and access some hidden storage in between the two drawer carcasses. 

I wanted a simple finish, so I rubbed it with dark walnut Danish oil. Super simple finish and I think it'll hold up as the bed is not like a desk that needs poly or something. 

Estimated Cost
Cost? Great question! I build things, but don't keep track of receipts. Whoops! It's a major flaw of mine, and I'm working on it. I'd estimate just shy of $300.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I sanded to 120 and then lathered on Dark walnut Danish oil. I let it soak into the wood, and boy was the wood thirsty. Then reapplied after about 30 minutes and wiped off the excess, which there wasn't much excess--did I mention the wood was thirsty?
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ciara5545

Sun, 08/28/2016 - 19:50

This bed turned out amazing.  I love the modifications and agree the first drawer will be more usable.

Outdoor Garbage Can Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/08/2023 - 08:45

Chose the small firewood shed project as a "template" if you will .. built this to house our garbage cans and eventually put a gate on it to "help deter" the Florida black bears (we do multiple things to keep them at bay) but this will also just be a nicer looking way to keep the cans outside.

I modified the floor since the firewood shed had a floor that was suitable for, well, firewood but not so much for rolling garbage cans. Had to leave the one slat off the back for the depth of the can which I didn't completely account for in the beginning. Overall, still need to paint it and water seal it but happy with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)

Double-wide Chicken Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/12/2020 - 10:13

This was a fun build, though it took me quite a while because I decided to paint the interior. I ended up making it twice as wide to accommodate our six chickens. It took some planning but in the end I had essentially two coops side by side with no dividing wall between them. I also doubled the size of the run.

I cheaped out on the plywood and went with 1/2" - there was a big difference in cost as plywood was hard to find at the start of the pandemic. Using 1/2" turned out to be a big mistake. The 1/2" plywood warped quite a bit after I had painted it making it difficult to use the doors. I may have to replace the doors eventually with 3/4".

Overall I'm very happy with the end result. It's been easy to clean and maintain and the girls seems quite happy in it. This is one of the best looking coops I've come across. Thank you for these fantastic plans!

Estimated Cost
$1200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior Benjamin Moore Aura/Regal leftover paint from previous projects.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White Admin

Sun, 09/13/2020 - 11:25

Love the double wide modification plus the extra work on finishing it, is the cherry on top! Thanks for sharing!

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/28/2021 - 22:31

I made a pair of these
and my friends arrive early so they can have one to sit in. The other is mine!

Comments

Modern Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 13:37

My husband and I had worked on this bed together, and we are so happy with it! We went with taller side tables that we purchased, and just stained the wood instead of painting it.

Comments

Farmhouse Loft Bed (Full)

Submitted by Sugarpig1 on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 18:03

HI all!
This is my first project and brag post. I really like this website and reading all the blogs and brag posts. The information is very informative and inspiring.

I really liked DirtSquirt's Loft Bed (Double Mattress), so I decided to give it a try! I contacted DirtSquirt to get a copy of the plans (Full size Farmhouse Bed and How to Build a Loft Bed) and the Google Sketch up. I pretty much followed the plans except I made the area underneath the bed taller (approx 58 inches), I chose to stain, and I did not secure the slats to the side rail as they are pretty were pretty snug. I'll probably go back and secure in the near future for uniformity in the spacing.

To be honest, I think the staining was the hardest part...LOL. I had never stained before so in hindsight I probably should started off with a way smaller project. Eventually, I got the hang of how to putty the holes with wood filler and then stain to get a consistent look and feel without the blotches!

My future plans are to build a desk to create a study area underneath.

Sugarpig1

Estimated Cost
$550-600
Finish Used
Minwax- Dark Walnut
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rdissell

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 20:02

This bed is amazing! It looks so sturdy. I am in love with the farmhouse bed, but I have been looking to build a full size loft bed for my daughter. I just haven't found a design that I'm 100% in love with. This is the perfect melding of a farmhouse bed with another loft design that I really like. Love, love, love it! I'm definitely going to have to design this for her now. Thanks for sharing your work!

lplus10

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 08:17

I have contacted dirtsquirt several times to get the plans for this bed. Did they get back with you right away or did it take them awhile? If you have the plans would you mind emailing them to me? Lplus10 at yahoo dot com

thanks!

gina10151

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 02:00

Not sure if anyone checks this blog post. But I have contacted dirt squirt too and have never been able to get the plans.

Please send me the plans you used to build this bed... I am dying to build it. Similar to yours with the bottom wood there, as it is for boys. But this is my first time building anything and I need plans....

Juniperlily217

Mon, 08/26/2019 - 19:25

Has anyone ever been able to get dirtsquirt’s original plans for the loft house full sized bed? I’m in desperate search of them!!! Please, PLEASE, please message me and I’ll provide you with my email! PLEASE and thanks. :)

Fancy Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Sun, 11/11/2012 - 17:37

12/16/14 UPDATE:  Posted a plan for this project, linked in this brag post

This is a variation of the Easy Jewelry Box plan. The completed measurement is 11” wide, 14 ½” high, and 7 ½” deep. This one has a center “tower” with 5 drawers 5 ½” wide, and a wide overhang on the top and bottom, which covers the 2 side doors that open out for hanging necklaces. The drawers are lined with embossed felt, and the drawer bottoms and insides of doors are covered with sticky-back felt. The 2 removable ring drawer inserts are some scraps of 1” foam, covered with scraps of the sticky-back felt, with slits cut into the foam with a utility knife (cut the slits into the felt first, attach it to the foam, then cut the slits into the foam). Cost breakdown: antique brass knobs: $28, sticky back & embossed felt: $14, hooks: $15, wood: $35, hinges: $7, paint: $5. (already on hand: finish nails, glue, sandpaper, left over stain & poly) . I worked on this a few hours a day over a long weekend, probably about 12 hours total. Finishing took most of this time, the build was actually only a couple of hours.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$104
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Box and doors: 3 coats Benjamin Moore “Harmony”, sanded between coats, and 1 coat Minwax water based wipe on poly. Top and drawer fronts: 1 coat Minwax Express Color in Walnut, and 1 coat Minwax water based wipe on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jgg2006

Tue, 12/16/2014 - 00:43

Hello,

Can you please email these plans even if it is just a sketch up drawing

Table Saw Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 09:20

thanks for the idea. This is what I make from it. - Erik Baetens / Antwerp- Belgium

Comments

zillarunner

Thu, 12/26/2024 - 14:03

Erik,
Your saw bench is fantastic! Thank you for sharing it. I had to modify my bench to fit my saw like yours. (not as nice though). How did you get the miter slots in at the top?
What are you using for dust collection?
Thank you,
Jim

Shoe Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 08:26

We used the shoe dresser instructions with some modifications to make it longer

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Stain, polyerthane, chalk paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Headboard based on PB Oxford Storage Bed

Although I didn't build this from a plan I wanted to be sure and share it as it is because of my experience building from Ana's plans that I felt comfortable giving this a shot.

My in-laws were just updated their lake cabin and wanted a storage headboard as space is a premium and it will be the only furniture in the guest rooms. It is unique as it has shelves on either side which can pull out to function as a small night stand, perfect for cell phones, books etc. The back of the piece is tongue and groove knotty pine which for the more rustic look they wanted.

I will probably do things a little different when I build the next headboard but overall I am satisfied with the end result. I chose not to do a lower storage area, mainly to keep the cost down. It could be done very easily but this piece is already very heavy and that there is plenty of storage.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Special Walnut stain with semi-gloss Polycrylic. All of the wood was sanded and then I applied wood conditioner. One coat of the stain and three coats of the semi-gloss. I live in Minnesota and build it in my garage so I had to wait until this week when temperatures finally were warm enough to apply the finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Chicken Run

Submitted by Kdline on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 06:36

We built this coop from an existing playhouse and used Ana's plans to build the run!  So easy and turned out perfectly!

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

Comments

Farm House Table and Benches

Submitted by markelll on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:28

I wanted a big rustic farm table, didn't want to drop thousands on one from a store, so I decided to make my own!

I built it in the (formerly empty) dining room, with tarp on the floor and plastic to seal the doorways.

Was a big project and my first project so I started with the benches as this site and users recommended.

I used the farm house bench plan - just shortened the dimensions so that I could have two benches on either side of the table. Then I merged the two table plans so that I could have the top with the bread boards but legs that attached underneath (like the rustic table) so that they could be removed when we move. I'll work to upload my plans too.

Used Minwax Wood Stain in "english chestnut" and Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer (instead of a Polyurethane).

Estimated Cost
approximately $300 (for wood, finish, sand paper, stain, screws..)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax "English Chestnut" and
Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer to finish.

I prepped the wood by sanding it down to 220 (could have done an even better job sanding, and sanded the table and bench tops even finer).
Used a sponge brush to apply the wood stain, wiped off rather quickly (only a few minutes on the wood).
Used brush to apply Deft Sating Wood Brushing Lacquer. Used spray can of Deft when I ran out of liquid. Didn't go on as thick. Although using a brush is more of a hassle, it had a better coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:18

Your use of short benches makes the set more family and guest friendly. I usually hand rub my finish, I think i want to build this and probably use 0ak 2X12's (know it will be heavy).

Suggestions?

I will use it on a Florida roofed concrete deck for an outdoor dining area. Typically more formal dinners. Deck overlooks beautiful cove.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 11:00

Can you explain how you merged the plans to add the bread boards? I would love to do the same!

Jeff (not verified)

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:09

This is exactly what I am looking for in a table to build. We want bread boards on the end and we don't want stretchers on the bottom. How did you combine the two to do this. Can you send me a copy of your plan? [email protected]

Kimberly Dassel (not verified)

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:35

Could you please send me the plans for this table? I love it and would love to attempy making it. Thanks so much!

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 15:53

Your farm table and benches were exactly what I was looking for. Please send me the plans if they are available. Thanks

Faye Sawatzky (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 19:23

I would love a copy of the plans for this gorgeous table you made. I am inspired.

Kelly Lucas (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 15:26

Would love, love the plans for this project if you are willing to share. Many thanks! :)

danno2084

Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:57

I'm sure you've heard this a hundred times already, but we've been looking for a very long time for a table like this. We would also love the plans if you're sharing. Thanks for the great blog!

jsh2001

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 07:47

Getting ready to build my own and now you have me thinking I prefer this design with no stretchers on the bottom. Looks great!!!

Mammavof3

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 20:12

Can I please please please have the plans? I have a very narrow dining area and this table is PERFECT. Thanks

PorkyPok

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 13:30

I too would really love/need these plans. PLEASE. Thanks :)

Cbreck21

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 14:30

I would REALLY like the plans for his version as well. I am going to combine them. Can someone ask him to post or his he sending via email? If so, [email protected]

Thank you SO much!!!

wendykeeler

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 09:48

just bought a cabin and need all sorts of furniture. I love what you did and would sure love to have your plans and how you merged the two----both for the table and especially for the benches. Trying to do a 10' table for huge family gatherings. Thanks so much! You rock!

Sarina88

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 14:28

This table and bench set is exactly what I am looking for. You did such a great job!

Do you have plans that you wouldnt mind sending to my email? [email protected]

KailuaGirl

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 14:25

Hi There!
It seems like there are no replies to the many requests for the merged plans.
I'm guessing he used the top of one set of plans and the bottom portion of the other set of plans?? I will attempt to tweak myself..
Good Luck!

markelll

Fri, 01/09/2015 - 19:54

Hi everyone,
Well I didn't see all these comments! Sorry to have ignored your requests for plans!

This is the bench I made (I did four of these, and adjusted the measurements so they were each about 40" long)
http://ana-white.com/2011/01/farmhouse-bench

I was going to do this table, because it matches the benches, but decided I wanted a table with removable legs so it would be more maneuverable when we move!
http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html

I ended up using more of this plan in terms of how I assembled it, but adjusted the plans to have the tabletop include breadboards (the plank on top perpendicular to the long tabletop planks) and I used 4x4s for legs, plus the top was from 2x8s not 1x10s. I put in the optional cross supports too, and additional supports under the breadboard to connect it to the table frame and table top slats.. this is more info than you need, all to say, plans are flexible and you can do what you want!
http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-very-rustic-table-and-cool.html

Sorry I don't have detailed notes. I was very picky about the dimensions (based on space) and how high I wanted the table (about 1.5" taller than a normal table). I also measure the distance between the underside of the table and the tops of the benches so I could cross my legs under the table (an odd requirement).

Happy Building!

brentlbg

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 15:10

I like the english chestnut stain. That works so well with this type of lumber. Great job. I plan to use the same stain on the Tryde coffee table I am building. Thanks for sharing your work!!!

Dog Bunk Bed

We’ve been looking around for some plans for a doggy bunk bed for a while now, but couldn’t find anything that we liked so I decided to build it from scratch. This is a huge bunk bed that was built based on the size of our larger dog’s bed which is 44 x 35. This was pretty simple to build although the stairs we’re quite challenging as I have never done them before so if I can make it, anybody can.

I must stress that before I found Ana’s website about 6 months ago I could barely cut a piece of wood straight. Over this time I have made several things based on the easy to follow plans on this website which ultimately gave me the confidence to go it alone and build this bunk bed. Friends and family are shocked at some of the furniture I’ve made and some don’t even believe I made them and think I’ve bought them from IKEA. My wife has got a list of furniture she wants to make now including a TV console, an armoire and a twin bed for one our daughters. Every spare second I have now is spent is making furniture and I LOVE it.

For anybody who has never built anything and is apprehensive to do so I would just say, do it. Grab what you need and dive right in. You may get frustrated and scream a bit at first, but the reward at the end is well worth it and each project you do will get easier and easier. Be warned though. The better you get, the more people will pester you to make things for them.

Thank you, Ana.

This was made using cheap 1 x 3 and 1 x 4 furring strips for the railings and bed slats, 2 x 4s for the posts and 1 x 10 board for the stairs.

Estimated Cost
$75 - $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I haven't sanded or finished this yet as we are still deciding on what to do with it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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